Our Friday morning.

Another sad news of mass shooting. Another day of mourning just few weeks from the Orlando shooting.  

More unexplained circumstances around the globe but you have to take care of the simple questions your kids throw at you.  Cheyenne asks an easy one this morning, or-- maybe not ; why is their poverty? " This is after I thanked over a messy croissant. " oh this croissant is messy but its lovely with butter and Thank you God that we can afford this food. Then her question. I like how spontaneous our mornings are. This girl, she changed me.  I used to be grumpy on mornings, 

I told her there are many circumstances surrounding poverty, it could be that others were not given the opportunity to be educated and therefore couldn't get a job, but although this is common, others surpassed this difficulty and become not poor. Others had to spend so much money to pay for medications and therefore left them poor, others came from war- stricken countries , others are just unlucky and had to thrive a difficult life. But life goes on even when someone is broke.  

And that is why it is important to be kind to each other because you will never know what others are going through, although living a difficult life is not an excuse to be rude. Sometimes people are naturally rude but you can only pray them. That the world will show them the opportunities to celebrate goodness and thanksgiving. 

My point is--- i want to leave a legacy to my children. It is not richness because that cannot make a fulfilling Life. To be kind, forgiving, imploring truth and justice.  Imbibe generosity and gratefulness in each endeavor they do. I pray that i could give them the examples in how I live.  This what matters to me.

I should say we had a very meaningful Friday morning!

The never-easy Journey

Just because at this stage, study is not a priority. Especially when you have a growing family and your priorities are just clashing. I am not an overly organized momma, I have to admit, I sometimes act on instincts. And it worked well for me.  It is not perfect, and I like adding a few drops of excitement and adventure, it is key for me. I can never be too over-organized. It is way too stiff.

 So, the journey started with 6 compulsory subjects that I needed to pass. Last year, I attempted to take 2 subjects in one semester and  I FAILED one. This is the time where I thought I could do 2 subjects in one semester---thinking I was a superhero with my parents around. But it didn't work especially for a very difficult subject that is Financial Risk Management (FRM) definitely an uneventful one.

Luckily, good news came. This year they announced a special program for CPA from Philippines with > 10 years of experience and holding senior role.  The elective subjects are not anymore required which means, I don't need to re-take FRM, I just have to make sure I have the right experience and the managerial position to prove that I passed the program.  I got in the program and I passed the last most time consuming subject to complete.

So, here's the journey.
Lesson learned: That I am not capable of taking 2 subjects in one semester with work, children, moving house in the juggle! What was I thinking?

Looking forward: Such a memorable journey and now waiting for the ceremony finding me as fully pledged CPA here in Australia!

How awesome you are Oh, God!  The overwhelming blessings keep on pouring. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Open my heart God and yes you will see, it blazes with Gratitude!

Blue or Purple

So, I am at that moment in my life again. It is like a crossroad. Like how this photo would represent. I am either a purple or blue. Compelled or Unambitious. In control and Not. Old self, we've meet again.

The drastic weather changes, the weight loss--- I have so much to blame. I can only ask why? where's my passion. I have nothing to blame but the battle within myself. I have won so much of these battles though so, maybe, going away for a while is the answer. No, i am not in Pain. I just need my time, to be back on track. Tranquility, Solemnity and to tell myself that it is darn OK to slow down.

Overjoyed...

The 25th of May 2016.
We got the letter from Our Lady of Mercy- Parramatta that Cheyenne is granted 100% scholarship.
We were ecstatic! I am personally floored of what my daughter could actually achieve. I recalled the moments of my life where I too got milestone news such as this-- like the day I learned I am an FCB scholar to support my college.

This time, I have the perspective of a parent . Of a parent, that will have to be freed from the monthly allocation ensuring there is enough for everyone. Oh, how grateful we are Oh, God for choosing our family to experience this beautiful gift of surprise.  And for the gift of being ENOUGH or should I say that feeling of ABUNDANCE and that there is MORE than ENOUGH.  Alleluiah!

And my Cheyenne, she is impressive!

The Journey.
So, the journey to get this scholarship is not something we have purposely prepared for. We are actually preparing her for the Selective school examination. Selective school is a govt school but only the brightest can enroll to this highly qualified school! Therefore, a tough examination and everyone prepares for it. Heaps of competition.

OLMC- Parramatta
It is a Catholic exclusive for girls school located in Western Sydney which is not far from where we live in Seven Hills.   We told her though that once she get the scholarship, she will definitely go to that school and changed my stand when we got the interview invitation . I told her that regardless of the amount of scholarship we are getting ( 30%, 50%, 100%), for her to get shortlisted is a sign that OLMC is the school for her.

Family Interview.
It was far more than what we expected. We thought we were going to be faced with difficult questions but surprisingly the atmosphere of the interview was very settling, calm and friendly. Cheyenne straight through was so at ease. Her natural self came out, happy, informal and joyful!It was ended a very encouraging interview and we left it with much enthusiasm that definitely she will have a chance.

I have high hopes for her. She will soar high, What an incredible opportunity we were given. To be a mother of Cheyenne. I know that it is a very important role, Lord help me not to fail.

It is important ...

to me that you grow up with the right foundation molding you to be the person that I pray you would be. A person with positive values, with a heart committed to LOVE Life and live it the fullest!

I don't want you to be perfect love. In our family, we continue to make mistakes, but we forgive and LOVE. If mama is harsh sometimes, remember that --- we don't tolerate bad behaviour. In our family, we have to keep each other reminded of that and if a painful truth is required, we insist on that.

You will become a fine lady as you are now. There will be more mistakes along the way. So, don't be afraid to take risks, of commotions, of leaps and turns. I want you to be BRAVE and BOLD, for i never tried enough to achieve that. I wasn't brave enough to try but that doesn't mean I was a failure. There are many opportunities I thought I missed out and didn't give a chance.

Love, we are always here. Always, no matter what.

Hold on for this is going to be an exciting climb!

on the 9th of May

It is the year 1999. I was a struggling,  budding professional residing in Manila with a lost Heart.  I could barely remember the details of how it all started. All I can remember is we made a pact to make it happen , try harder to make it work.

Fast forward 2016. We are having the best time of our life! I can't describe how colorful it is. How LOVE decided to stay and bloomed.  My heart is in the best state and in the best place right now.

The roads were bumpy but the roller coaster ride was all worth it!

Love , I couldn't ask for more. Thank you for making it happen. For the family that we have now and these children----God , you are amazing!

Busy days ahead

and would be life changing.

In particular order;

28 April - Cheyenne's  invitation for scholarship interview. This is the next step after getting high marks in her exam.  We are amazed!

Lord, I am praying for a daughter who is not only academically equipped but someone with a heart so strong to withstand temptation, meek to show compassion, and generous to show kindness and love.

Please guide us in our interview, oh yes- it is a family interview.



24 April - the last huge chunk of my CPA exams.

5th May- citizenship exam

and weeks after this would be waiting. waiting. long waits. exciting waits.

For Cheyenne's scholarship results- we are applying for 2 by the way.
For my exam
For our citizenship oath taking

All these Lord are happening this year and only in your Grace that we are able to take all of these! These opportunities never ceases to amaze us.