Revisiting Hunter Valley

It is a different feel each time we get here.
But the wines don't disappoint. Maybe, I am too alcoholic !

We arrived to our first stop.
The Briar Rose. It is a small winery and I liked it because there is not much tourist in the vicinity. Quiet and relaxing , though they don't have much area to ran around, it was a good warm up visit.

Chuck must be very busy chasing the little one, and besides he couldn't consume as much as we can given he is our only driver. Sorry, love.

I remember they have beautiful bougainvilleas around the garden. Reminds me of home.

To break the alcohol---and the many kinds of wine we had to taste, how about a quick choc fix?

But this winery is a must visit when you come over!

Apart from the lovely wines, is the beautiful landscape, you will relax here! We've bought most of our wines from here! plus the mini copper opportunity!

And what I like most about this place is I get to sat down with Chuck and enjoyed the experience because the kids can have their own agenda!

We were blessed with a beautiful weather to fully enjoy this experience!



The next day, Hunter Valley Gardens.
This little one in action trying to get more eggs!

I wonder why she hasn't been smiling in all our photos :-)

All green, lovely and beautiful Hunter Valley!


And a lot of interesting things for the kids!











Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. But he didn't fall.

Look who's watchin' closely to bunny?

My girls, not too fast please! Of course, Kylene not paying attention :-)



( March 2016. Easter weekend holiday)

51 kg in July 2010

Just so I know I have a point of reference.

I was 2 kg lighter 6 years ago based from my current weight which is 53kg. And 5 years ago, my ideal weight was 50 kg because according to FB, I tried to get rid of that 1kg excess.

Zoom! Fast forward, post - Aussie move, end of 2015, I was at 57kg. Worked hard in the beginning of this year with a target of 52kg. I am currently 1 kg away from it. I have put so much effort for the last few months but not anymore. I know what fitness feels. Weight actually becomes secondary, it doesn't become an indicator of health.

My drive to work out comes from the fact that - emotionally, I am in a better state.  I used to be very grumpy, stressed out and irritable before.  I have some mood swings that makes me annoyed sometimes.

So here's what worked so far---

controlled lunch
a happy healthy breakfast
a rice controlled dinner but No, i don't survive without rice in a day!
twice a week gym visit

My journey in the process. I would really like to keep this part of my lifestyle. If I don't have time to go to gym, I will spend some time walking just trying to be active! Yes, no slacking!

Dalai Lama's surprise.

When I stumbled into this photo, I can't help but get attached to it. It was like an affirmation of the things that I have been doing with my life lately.   Did you see my heart skipped? Ah, i love those moments when I feel my heart beats faster out of Joy!

I know my intention was to live life with a grateful Heart. And now, I have come this far. And God, thank you!

The making of Baquial Bunk Bed

So, when the supplier offered us an AUD80 price to install this bed, I smiled and said we have mastered this skill from IKEA. I thought this should be just a piece of cake for Chuck and whilst it is easy compared to what we have assembled in the past, this was most especially challenging because Kylene refused to take her nap. 

And so be it. Let the fun begins!

Personally, I do not recommend IKEA for stuffs like beds and mattresses. They don't last :-(
So, for this new place--we are using stuff from Sleeping Giant. Their bed frames are from Indonesia. Too soon to see if it is going to last.  Something to keep an eye on.  I don't want to spend so much in furniture anymore!

our Gloucester experience

is so far the most relaxing and most natural we had. We were surrounded with green scenery and the sound of mooooohhhs is not rare.  Yes, I meant cow. But after not back to the road for quite some time, the trip provides a fresh perspective about traveling, being with friends and just EAT.

How exciting I was to see all these in its purest. Who doesn't love cows???

They do get juicy on our plates!

The road to Barrington Tops wasn't easy but a very lovely one. Actually, it was very exciting because the second car wasn't ready for this big reveal! 

7 of this kind is tough for a sedan!

But there are loveliness such as this!

and we actually arrived but we decided not to go further as the clouds were looming and the rain threatened its grand entrance. So, maybe a snap would do !

Road to Mograni Retreat ( our accommodation) This is few seconds after we turn Right to Mograni creek. This view excites me!

And our accommodation after what it seemed like endless driving!How photogenic this place is!

And walking with my bestest! I am too excited, my smiles are over the photos!

I like how our teamwork thrived these years. Given we have different persona and temperaments. Sometimes, I can't stand him and he couldn't take me. 

But we stick to it! and we suck it up, hell yeah! We are so good at it! 

I love our memories and the family we have.

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!