Tears

Massive Eggplant

Mama did her regular grocery shopping this afternoon, nothing special - except for this massive eggplant!

I took the photo of this eggplant beside a regular potato, to prove that the eggplant was indeed massive. It was with numerous other massive eggplants, but this one in particular proved to be the largest of them all.  :)

Just thought I'd share this with you. lol :p

Let's Go Rafa, Let's Go!

A night to remember.  The match between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco was absolutely awesome!  Considering the heat wave Melbourne has been experiencing, these two gentlemen played as if the heat had no impact on them - very focused, very determined to grab a spot in the Final with Roger Federer.

Last night's match was officially the longest recorded match in Australian Open History - five hours and fourteen minutes.

Here are some shots from last night's game (sorry, the images are somewhat biased. lol) :

[images to be posted]

My heart was skipping beats, uber nervous for Rafa.  I wanted Rafa to win.  Badly.  And I'm really glad he did. Fernando kept Rafa on his toes, and this prompted Rafa to work even harder than he normally would.  But it's alright, it all worked out perfectly in the end.  I was finally able to breathe after Rafa achieved his match point.  :D

[image to be posted]

And tomorrow, the match I have been waiting for - Rafa versus Roger.  Two of my top three favourites (with Andy Roddick), playing each other in the Australian Open for the first time.  I'm spewing I won't be watching their game live  tomorrow.

I hope that next year, I will be able to witness the Mens Finals match.  My dream match - Rafa vs Roger.  Live.  :D

Sizzling, Boiling, Cooking, Scorching, Melting

This week is no fun at all.

All terminologies to describe "hot" can be used for the weather that we have been experiencing this week. Even if the airconditioning is on and you are wearing the skimpiest outfit at home (or outside), it is still terribly and uncomfortably hot.

Yesterday (and last night) proved to be the hottest (so far). We bought a portable airconditioner and three boxes of Frosty Fruits to assist us with the icky weather.

I have also had numerous kinds of "icy" things to help me cope.

- Ice Cream (Cornetto)
- Icy Poles (Frosty Fruit)
- Frozen Fanta (from Maccas)
- Frozen Fruits (cubes of fruit, and also grapes, placed in the freezer)
- Iced Water
- ICE

The above icy things have assisted in keeping me cool. However, I have to watch out for one thing - a sore throat. I easily get a sore throat, so I'm kinda expecting one to arrive. But at the moment, it's the last thing on my mind as the heat is very draining.

Anyway, enough with the whinging. Life goes on. lol :p

Hottest Week this Century

Victoria, prepare to melt.  :p

It has been declared that Victoria will experience in a century, with temperatures set to reach 40C (eek).

Victorians (and everyone else in Australia), don't forget to SLIP SLOP SLAP!  :D

Carer's Leave

I took the day off once again to accompany Papa to his follow up at the RVEEH. We had an appointment set, but we ended up waiting more than 2 hours before being called in by the specialist.


While waiting for our turn, I played my ever loyal DS, continuing my Pokemon game. Haha.


And to my luck, the telly at the hospital was tuned to the Australian Open, with the Roddick-Djokovic match.






































Fortunate for Roddick, Djokovic retired during set four due to the terrible heat. I felt a little bad for Djokovic as he was unable to fully defend his title.


Anyway, back to Papa's case.


The specialist said there has been a little improvement, but she was hoping for a more rapid recovery. And also, apparently, we weren't placing the drops in the correct area of his eye. With that, she increased the strength of one of Papa's drops. He has another checkup on Friday - sadly, I don't think I will be able to take leave from work.


Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Monday Errands

I accompanied Mama and Papa to the shopping centre to do their errands.  We didn't take long, as Papa can't stay out for a long period of time because it gets painful for his eye. After doing the grocery, we headed for the car already.

When we were loading up the shopping into the car, I glanced at the Ted's Camera Store catalogue that Papa took from the shop and eyed this Monkey Grip Flexible Mini Tripod.  I showed Papa and he said to buy it.  He has been meaning to buy me a tripod but hadn't had the chance.  So I power walked to Ted's Camera Store and bought the monkey tripod.

Here it is.  :)

I thought I should give it a dry run so I know how to use it when the time comes.  I found that it wasn't very difficult to use this thing.  Haha.

This is a perfect little gadget for my travel to the Philippines, and for any other future travels my hubby and my family may have.  An absolutely fabulous find.  :)

Noblesse Oblige Award

Thanks sis Jigi for this award.  Thanks for thinking of me. :)

This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:

1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.

2. The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.

3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.

4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.

5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.


The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.

2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.

3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older Post to support.

4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.

5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

This blog is still a baby, only been up and running for less than three months.  The aim of which is to share my life with others (and more so myself, having an account of the occurrences in my life).  I rarely let others know of what I feel and what I experience, so I thought this blog would overcome that. Honestly, I didn't think this blog would last this long, as I normally neglect writing about myself and things that happen to and around me.  However, for some unknown reason, this blog has lasted more than any of my other blogs have.  I have actually fallen in love with "Thea's Bits and Pieces".

I can say that I have already achieved the purpose of this blog.  This is with the help and support of my hubby and of my dear sisters Jigi, Leah, Iris, Eds, Era, and many more.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! :)

Happy Australia Day!

To all my fellow Aussies,

Happy Australia Day!

Aussie Aussie Aussie!  Oi Oi Oi !

Enjoy your day off.  :)

Gong Xi Fa Cai

I was reminded of this event as I can hear fireworks being set off as we speak. Fireworks aren't allowed to the general public, so a special permit needs to be obtained before you are allowed to do so.

Chinese New Year 2009 is the year of the Ox.

Here is some information regarding the year of the Ox from the 123 Chinese New Year website:

Chinese have a unique way of representing the New Year through animals. They have 12 different animals to represent each year of the 12 year -cycle and the order remains the same throughout with the year of the rat beginning the cycle and the year of the boar/ pig ending the same. As the Chinese year 2008 was signified as the year of the rat, the following year, 2009, is going to be the year of the ox. Chinese New Year of OX, 2009 will fall on January 26th and will mark the 15 day long festivities beginning on the said date and going on till the 9th February.

Preparations for the Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 will begin months in advance so that the celebrations be observed in the highest magnitude and splendor. As the different years of the 12 year cycle are characterized by different animals, people born on the different years also feature different traits and characters and most often then not, they are believed to be influenced and inspired by the animals of the particular year they are born in. With this article on Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 we strive to hold forth the interesting characteristics and features of the Ox and how babies born in this year can be expected to display similar traits.

All years ending in an odd number are Yin and the ones with an even number ending are considered to be the Yang forms according to the Chinese methods of the calender cycle. Therefore the Ox year 2009 will have Yin forms along with the character of the Ox. Ox characterizes a dependable, patient, methodical and calm, hardworking, materialistic as well as an ambitious character. The Ox years so far have been 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and now 2009 followed by 2021 (according to the 12 year cycle).

People born in the Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 will preponderantly have the below mentioned traits in their character: Leadership qualities, dependable, great organizers, loyal, patient as well as strong and responsible. They are also some of the best people one can have as colleagues in the work place as they are believed to posses strong work ethics and display their creative side as well, especially when it comes to decorating their home.

Since the people born in the Ox year are also trusted to be reliable and logical, people generally turn towards them for suggestions and guidance. Their honesty and eye for details also helps them to prove their worth both in the workplace as well as in their personal lives.

However there are a few negative traits associated with the character of the Ox that also is reflected through the people born in the ox years. Attributes like being narrow minded, stubborn, with low public relations skills and also very far from being emotional are generally associated with people born in this year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to all my dear friends!  :)

Shopping with Mama

On Sundays, Papa normally drives us to the shopping centre.  Since his eye is still unwell, it was just Mama and myself today - I drove.  :)  It was somewhat pleasant, as we didn't have the boys (Papa, brothers, and hubby) to think of while we shop.  Coz normally they are outside the shops while we search for our finds. Heehee.

[By the way, it's my first weeksary of driving. I'm quite proud actually. Yesterday, I drove Papa's giant Mazda Tribute! Well, the Tribute is a giant compared to my baby Mazda 2. LOL]

Mama bought a wallet from Nine West, a blouse from Katies, and a skirt from Suzanne Gray.

I didn't do too bad.  Not that much damage today [relief for hubby].  :)

Mimco white summer hat with a large bow, from Mimco.

Billabong triangle bikinis, from Ozmosis.

(I didn't upload the bottom half coz it looked way weird)

For some reason, I am interested in summery stuff at the moment.  Not that it's hot all the time where we're located (except for the odd high 30s we experience every now and then).  Maybe it's because I am getting just a LITTLE bit excited about my trip to the Philippines.  Hehe. :D

And this is me in my new found hat.  :p

(This photo is for you love.  Heehee.  :D  Mwahugz!)

Chinese New Years Eve

After mass our family had yum cha brunch at Gold Leaf Chinese Restaurant.  I guess we somewhat joined our Chinese friends celebrate Chinese New Year. :)

I wasn't able to take pictures of the many dim sums we had because we were basically starving and just gobbled the food. We even had trouble waiting for the special fried rice - we just kept ordering and munching as the trollies walked by. However, I did manage to capture two photos.  Hehe. :)

One of our favourites - fried calamari.  Yumo!

Fruit Salad Tarts for dessert.

Of course, we were stuffed by the end of our massive brunch.  :D

Congratulations Mr. President

The inauguration (before, during, and after) was all over the media - television, newspapers, radio, the internet.  

I cannot blame them, because this event was definitely something worth following.  President Barack Obama has made an impact on me, mainly because he reminded me of the Presidents in Hollywood television series and movies.  Why? Because he speaks with so much confidence, he speaks as if he is so sure, he speaks as if everything is attainable.

I am very excited and interested to see and witness what President Obama has to offer the United States, and what he has to offer the world.

Congratulations and All the Best, President Obama!

Errands

Since Papa's eye is still recovering, I had to do some errands for him today (I took the day off to care for him and do his Monday errands).  Did some driving to get to places - damn proud of myself.  Hahaha.  I'd done more driving today than I have in months (or maybe years).  :)

Before I headed back home, I walked past Jetty Surf.  I couldn't resist the big SALE sign, of course.  I came out with this Billabong dress.  Another perfect piece of clothing for summer and for when I visit the Philippines.

A Day at RVEEH - Nurse Thea [long post]

Papa's eye has been red and hurting for a week, so we took him to see our family GP today.  After a few minutes with our GP, he gave us a referral - advised my Papa to see an eye specialist immediately.  He said that there was no point in delaying the visit to the specialist.

So my brother Paolo took Papa and I to RVEEH so we can see the eye specialist.  We started waiting for Papa's name to be called at around 2PM.  A couple of hours had passed, and we were still waiting.  Good thing I had my DS with me, so that kept me occupied for a bit.  Another hour had passed and we were still waiting, so I purchased some snacks from the nearby vending machine (a packet of Burger Rings and a bottle of Pepsi, then a packet of Cheetos and a bottle of Nestea Peach later).

We paid attention to the people going in and out of the hospital, with the attempt of "diagnosing" the patients.  It kept us busy for a little bit.

By 6PM we were still in the waiting area (quite exhausted from waiting), so we decided to leave.  On our way out of the waiting area, we decided to ask the desk where we are in the queue.  Luckily, we were next in line.  So we went back to our seats and waited once more.

Around 6:30PM we were called by Dr. R to proceed to his office.  After a few minutes, Dr. R had diagnosed Papa.  The pupil needed to be dilated so Dr. R placed some drops in his eyes (he had to put quite a few coz the pupil won't dilate).  After an hour or so, the pupil still won't dilate so Dr. R had to place an eye heater to help.  Time had passed and it was time to remove the eye heater - no luck, the pupil was still the same.  So Dr. R said that the pupil had to be injected - ouch.

I stayed outside the office while Dr. R injected Papa's eye.  I knew it was painful coz I can hear Papa from outside, but I just couldn't bear to watch.  When it was done, Dr. R called me into the office and I stayed beside Papa (it was quite scary coz he had chills right after).  I was surprised by how brave I was, considering that I am a wimp.  I guess the sight of someone you love in pain gives you the extra courage you need to help ease your loved one's pain.

Papa was on the bed for more than an hour, allowing the injection to takes it effect.  When Dr. R checked on Papa's eye again, the pupil had dilated (not much, but enough).  Relief poured over me.

Papa was given two sets of drops for his eye - one needs to be dropped three times a day, and the other one needs to be dropped EVERY HOUR!  We were then sent home, with the instruction to return for a follow up on Tuesday.

We were home a little bit past 10PM - exhausted and starving.  Luckily, we had nilagang lechon waiting for us at home.  Not only that, but we had family and relatives waiting at home for Papa's arrival.  It was very heartwarming.

The 10 hours at the hospital?  Definitely worth it.  I'm glad that a specialist was able to see Papa, and I'm also glad that Dr. R was very nice.

The next 24 hours or so will be tiring, because we will have to put the drops in Papa's eye (even throughout the entire evening).  But since it will help Papa, I am willing to do it.

I will be Nurse Thea for a few days.  :)

Happy 50th Birthday Tita Baby!

We celebrated Tita Baby's 50th Birthday at Fuji Teppanyaki.  

It was a great night - full of fun, laughter, and of course, sumptuous Japanese food!

Here are some highlights of our evening.

Chef Kent cooking our Chicken Teriyaki and Crispy Prawns (like crablets).

Chef Kent cooking the Special Fried Rice.

Dessert (my favourite part) - Fried Ice Cream.

The main purpose for uploading all these images, is so that hubby can also be part of our celebration.  We (especially me) would have loved to have Arthur there with us.

Westfield Doncaster

After work we (Tita Baby, Tita Nene, Tita Arlene and I) accompanied my cousin from the Philippines, Ayra, to Westfield Doncaster.  This was also my first time to witness this newly renovated shopping centre.  I was also excited coz this shopping centre had a physical store of Sass & Bide, which I'd never been in.  I'd always purchased Sass & Bide online or at the warehouse sale.

So here she is:

I was a little disappointed, coz they didn't have much stock in store.  Then I thought maybe coz they were having a sale.

We had dinner at T. G. I. Friday's.  We all shared the full serve of the Loaded Potato Skins, then had a two course meal - Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Chocolate Fudge with Ice Cream.  I was sooo stuffed!

I left the shopping centre with this little souvenir.  I thought this would be a great piece for this summer, and for when I go to visit the Philippines.

Westfiled Doncaster is a beautiful place with stunning architecture.  Their light fixtures and furniture were WOW.  Even if you have no intention of buying anything, this is still a nice place to relax and unwind.

The atmosphere is very pleasant, even as we were heading home around 9PM.

Definitely a place worth visiting.

Patience is a Virtue

I did my daily routine of checking my emails when I got home.  Today, numerous notifications from Facebook informing me of new messages as well as new friends.

I had been hoping to receive an email from this particular "sender" these past few days, and I never thought of how I'd feel when I did. Nonetheless, my anticipation did not prepare me for this.

My heart raced.

I eyed our first bit of correspondence from the Embassy today - to acknowledge the receipt of hubby's application.  

Then my heart stopped.

I had learned that applications may take 4-6 months. Boooooo.

So I read further down the letter, and held on to the tiniest hope, that we would be classified under the "however" category.  The category where all the criteria was met, the category where the medical examination was clear - the category where we didn't have to wait four months for the approval.

No matter how anxious I feel at this very moment, I am grateful that the Embassy communicated with us without delay.

The waiting game continues.

Freebie Lunch

I went to lunch at Pancake Parlour with my Colleagues Kevin and Dilan.  Kevin just came back from his trip to Indonesia, so he decided he would treat us today.

I had a Short Stack - two buttermilk pancake stacks with maple-flavoured syrup, served with ice-cream.

Perfect for this weather.  :)

Hottest Day this Summer (So Far)

It. Is. Scorching. Hot.

Bureau of Meteorology predicted it would be 37 degrees celsius today.  However, we reached a maximum of 38 degrees!  (15 degrees above average)  And currently, it is 37 degrees. 

Mother Nature has been extremely kind this summer, blessing us with rain and cool weather.  I guess it was about time to experience the real summer, considering we are in the middle of the season already.

The forecast for tomorrow is maximum 39, with a minimum of 27.  Great.

Mama's Spaghetti Bolognese

Yes, I cooked dinner tonight (with Mama behind my shoulder).  She gets quite impatient when I cook, coz she says I cook too slow.  But today, it went quite well actually.

I requested Mama to teach me how to cook her spaghetti bolognese, since this is a recipe that may come in handy (numerous times) in the future.  A recipe for any occasion - a recipe for adults as well as kids.

Of course, there is still room for improvement.  However, I was happy with tonight's result. 

Not bad for a first attempt. :)

Generations of Shopaholics

After mass this morning we made a brief trip to Highpoint with Papa and Mama.  While I was there, I headed to Rebel Sport with Papa to see if I can find something for Papa Joey (my Father-in-Law).  I know Papa Joey loves golf, so here is what we came out with.

My Papa got him the golf scorer and I got him the Callaway gloves.  :)

After Highpoint, Papa, Mama, Nanay (my Paternal Grandmother), Tita Baby (my Papa's sister) and I went to Brand Junction (about a twenty-minute ride via the freeway).  Brand Junction is a new factory outlet which Tita Baby discovered last week.  She told Mama and Nanay that there is a shop full of Planet Shoes there.  Planet Shoes is Mama and Nanay's favourite brand of shoes, because it's very comfortable.  It is about the only brand Mama wears.  So we headed for Brand Junction, with the intention of only visiting Planet Shoes (yeah right, fat chance).  Here is a picture of myself, quite excited to witness this new factory outlet.

Brand Junction is a beautiful place, not many people have discovered this place yet, so I could probably count the number of customers that were there with two hands.

First stop, was of course, Planet Shoes.  Did we go gaga or what.  Mama bought five pairs of shoes!  Actually, five pairs for herself, and one pair for Mama Vicky (my Mother-in-Law).  Nanay bought two pairs for herself, while I bought a pair for me and a pair for Mama Vicky.

I was really happy to be there coz I was able to complete my "pasalubongs" for my new family (Hubby's side), as well as for my Godson. :)

After two hours, this is what we ended up with.

I thought to myself, it's not entirely my fault that I am a shopaholic.  It was obvious that this "shopaholic" thing has been running for three generations straight.  Hahaha. :D

Here is a breakdown of my purchases.

Bratz Dolls for Mia (Hubby's Niece), a Barbie for Louie (Arthur's Niece) and another Barbie for Angela (Arthur's other Niece).

I didn't buy these at Brand Junction.  I thought I'd include the pics so Hubby can see my purchases elsewhere.  :)

MNG shirts for Ate Jo and Lorraine (my Sister-in-Laws), as well as Ate Ann (a dear family friend).

Mama is giving the brown tee to Ate Jo and the green one to Lorraine.

Octane shirt for David (my Brother-in-Law).

Keds shoes for my two year old Godson, Marcus.

(I totally adore kids stuff)

Planet Shoes for Mama Vicky.

Planet Shoes for me.  :)

I was quite a good girl today, making minimal purchases for myself.  Haha.  :D

My shopping is done for my pasalubongs.

Mission accomplished for me.