A Dose of Sunshine

Last Sunday afternoon, I decided to do something different for this week: abstain from my social media accounts and focus on me. It's my second day and I feel like I've gone cold turkey. I still find myself crying from time to time and itching to open my Facebook and Instagram accounts, but I'm proud to say I never did. I hope it will stay that way until the end of the week.

My beautiful friends keep telling me to explore the city but it's really hard to enjoy it when you're alone and short of cash (read: still a bum). Fortunately I have driving lessons to keep me out of the house for an hour. I had my first session yesterday and it was a bit daunting because I had to get rid of my old Filo driving habits and adapt to the Aussie way which was to be extra defensive! For example, the instructor kept reminding me to check my rear view mirror first before stepping on the brakes or signalling a turn. Back in CDO, I cared less about anyone behind me! Anyway it was challenging and since I booked one session, I let him know that I needed more time and reserved an appointment the soonest time which was next Wednesday. Bummer! Good thing I found another driving instructor who was available tomorrow. Hoping she'll be as good as the other one.

Since today's weather forecast was pleasant, my uncle and I agreed to drive to a park for some cardio. He walked the dog, Rumbu, while I went ahead and jogged. I was sooo happy to be out under the sun! We started past 7:45 but the sun still didn't hurt. Although locals consider 20 degrees warm, I still had to layer some basics so that I'd sweat a bit, and sweat I did! My face was dry though - not a bead of sweat in sight. I guess it's been a while since my jogging days so I was pretty much breathless the entire time. Nonetheless, the fact that I was moving was essential. I was motivated to jog there everyday (or as long as my uncle agrees to come with so that someone can drive me! hehe).  At this point, you're wondering why THERE. I must say that the view is pretty. It calms me while I'm huffing and puffing away. Allow me to show you....

Rubber ducky, you're the one!

If my mommy friends were here, they would love this place because of the nearby playground for their kids.

The lake is a haven for ducks

That building behind the fountains is a cafe. Haven't eaten there yet.

Aside from joggers, dog-owners also love to come here.

Cool down

I'm glad my uncle and I enjoyed the exercise. No surprise, we'll be back tomorrow and hopefully, days after that!

Lost in Transition

As I'm typing this, it's 10:58pm Melbourne time and all I can see is a blur. Tomorrow morning my parents will fly out to the Philippines, leaving me behind. What I would give just to buy a ticket home! Only time will tell as to when I will see them again. Oh, and my siblings. And my cat, my friends, my city. And of course, the one I gave my heart to. Yup, here come the waterworks again. Excuse me while I cry a bucket or two.

The last two weeks have been heaps of fun. My family had a mini reunion to celebrate my cousin's wedding here in Melbourne. Daily trips to the city and countryside exhausted everyone but hey, no one complained! Then at the end of the first week, relatives started saying goodbye until my parents and grandfather were the only ones left. During their last few days, it felt like the spotlight was on me because the biggest concern now is finding me an employer. Within three months. You read that right, I have a deadline to find a job. You see, my visa allows me to enter Australia for how many times in one year, as long as the duration of each visit does not exceed three months. So if I will still be unemployed by January 2013, I have to go home. Wish come true, yes? Then I will carry on job hunting whilst in my beloved country, waiting for opportunities. And if I do get a job before my 3 months expires, my visa will be converted to a different one, which is another story. Anyhoo, the other day, we had a consultation with one agency who promised to assist me in getting an employer to sponsor my working visa. The services included CV editing and prepping for an interview. Sounds really promising to me and my family but it came with a price. But then again these people do the hunting for me. Another thing my parents and relatives did was call/talk to just about any Filipino they can think of: cousins, friends of cousins, sister of my uncle, even the lady who owned the Filipino store! Yes, my dad even asked her if she knew of anyone who was willing to hire little ol' me!

As for me, I was lost in my own bubble. I DO miss home but a part of me (like 5%) wants to find that employer. Earlier upon waking up, it felt so surreal organizing my closet. My favorite clothes, from back home but now they're kept in a new closet, to be used in a different place. Reality just bitchslapped me right there. I'm just caught up with the changes and uncertainty. It feels like so many things are happening at the same time and I dont know what to do. It's bad enough that I'm living with my aunt and uncle which makes me feel like I'm their adopted daughter after their own two have moved out years ago.

I know I can always call on my cousins but some of them are married and with kids. I have always preferred the comfort of my friends which is, unfortunately, thousands of miles away! So if any of my lovely friends are reading this, please feel free to comment or better yet, Skype or Viber away! Talk to me about anything... anything just to keep me sane!

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Testing, testing... Is this thing on?
After a long mental tug-of-war, I finally gave in. I'm now officially part of the blogosphere. Lord knows how long I can keep this up, but if it's therapeutic to me, then I'm all in!