1st anniversary + random stuff

Last August 3 was our first anniversary in Australia (or should I write that as 3 Aug?). It does feel like it's been a year. We arrived here last year with a few bags and one huge box of stuff because I refused to bring my big heavy luggage bag that already weighs 5k by itself. That box was opened at the customs because there were some instant coffee and milo in it which we're apparently not allowed to bring in. The embarrassment with the big box continued as we went on to our accommodation, a backpackers hotel that we've booked for a few days. Raymund had to carry it to the 2nd floor because the lift wasn't working that day. And oh, the bathroom was at the end of the hallway. Needless to say we were so eager to move out and find our own apartment, which we did the next day so we checked out early. :D Our first meal was from McDonalds (or Maccas in Aussie lingo) at the Central Station. Our first dinner was from Pie Face, one of the few stores still open because apparently stores close at 5 and we didn't go out til 7pm. Our first day here was memorable for the wrong reasons but it was alright. I still ended up liking a lot of things Australia, and feel lucky that I got the chance to move here.

We didn't have any sort of celebration because we already had one just a few days ago for Raymund's birthday. We just prepared a simple meal that's inspired by the cooking shows we've been watching. :D

And for some random stuff lately:

Took a pic of this special litte sign that reminds us of our 'humble beginnings' in Australia. Last year, we bought an 'Initial' set of plates and utensils from Target, nothing fancy, with zero design. I feel nostalgic sometimes when I see this on our plates, and Raymund does too. :p

We've been feeding ourselves Asian food for the past couple of days...

Yesterday was exhausting because we went to the Philippine consulate here in Brisbane to apply for new passports - the embassy from Canberra had this mobile epassport service where they go to different cities in Australia to provide new passports etc. Mine expires next month. I would've totally forgotten about it had I not walked to work on Friday. I missed my bus on Friday so I decided to just walk instead of taking the train cos it would take me about the same time to reach the office anyway. And that's when I saw lots of Filipinos outside the consulate, an hour before it opened. Raymund and I had already mailed our form to the embassy at Canberra because then we would be prioritized when we go to the consulate. Still we went there yesterday morning an hour early, but the queue was already very long, as expected. When the consul asked for pre-encoded people like us to go in first, those that weren't were pissed. And I guess I can understand that. But being there reminded me of what's typical among some Pinoys - easily annoyed, and have no problem of showing it. There were these people who kept saying how it's unfair that we got prioritized. I had this urge to say 'no it isn't unfair, if you've read the website you'd know you had that option, we just did our homework'. But it's not like me to confront strangers who think they know better. I was also wondering if these people would have the guts to say that if say, they're in a group of white people and some of them got to go in first because they've done the extra work before coming there. I bet these people would just stay mum. My half day at the consulate reminded me of this yet again: patience is a virtue, and so is cheerfulness. And a virtue is only gained through constant practice. I was talking to my parents about this last night and as my dad said, it's more like a dog-eat-dog world in the Philippines, everyone wants to get ahead. Of course it's not really everyone, but it's not hard to see lots of people having this attitude even in the simplest of things like getting into the MRT. Sometimes when I'm back home, I find myself wishing for some people around me to be just a little less rude. But I'm lucky too that I get to be surrounded by kind-hearted people who are not quick to rant or complain or get annoyed. :) There are still a lot of good people after all...

Okay so that last story kind of drained me so I think I'll have my morning tea right about now. :D More positive posts next time! ;) Though I reckon (still feel weird using that but now it seems like the best word to use!) talking about not-so-positive things can bring out some good. Sort of like learning from your mistakes kind of thing. :) And I'll say it again cos it seems appropriate to: With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. (Desiderata).

Have a great Sunday! :)