Enjoying Life

Life is too precious to waste your time doing something isn't productive, I sometimes do😃. This past month was really a busy, active and productive life for me, that I even have no time to write or photoblog. I have lots to write that was already in my thoughts, but don't know which one topic to start, I'm so behind.(lol) Every night as I relax on my bed, I  always wanted to write but it end up I didn't, lazy me. 

Well, a lot of things happen to me, mostly it's positive because it's all about happiness, God's love, adventure and fun times.  Last week of June my sister and friends went for a camping and roadtrip to Eyre Peninsula, mainly the Port Lincoln and the side of town, photos are coming up soon. I did the general cleaning this weekend, so glad with my accomplishment of doing house chores, it's like magic, seeing around your house clean, tidy and organise.  My pet  goldfish was so happy and feeling fresh when I replace the water 😃😃. 

Life is so unpredictable. One day you wake up and you realise the surprises that you feel and experience. Especially  if I'm feeling great and as if there's no problem in the world,  it's overwhelming. The sadness or worry feeling is fine but I don't welcome them often, if they pop up they doesn't stay very long they're allergic to me (lol).

So lucky to meet lovely people, especially my church family that I didn't think I would be part of  the community, to have some personal support is fantastic. We gather to praise and worship God at the same time I'm enjoying their company and sharing life's experience that will enlighten and enrich my spiritual growth that God is always the center of my/our life/lives. He puts me in this community to be more closer to Him and focus my life on Him, it's weird to think or share this feeling to someone that doesn't know Him, but the reality is? Life is so easy and stress free if God will be the one to lead our life. I wish everyone will feel this kind of feeling I've felt everyday or I can be in one way or another influence or encourage a friend or two to be a follower of Him and share the wonders of His doings, the unconditional love so He sacrifice His life just to save all of us from sin. 

Hope everyone is enjoying life, always smile and be happy, and share your time and help others. Live everyday life as if it's your last!!! 

My Birthday

Last 16th of June was my birthday. I had celebrated it at home with the help of my sister, we cooked a few dishes. I only made spring roll and most food was cooked by my loving sister 🤣🤣, aren't am I lucky to have that kind of sister, who can absorb all my craziness and behavior? 

My very supportive and understanding Sistah

Well, my celebration started during lunch time because some friends can't make it on dinner time, as well as they need to pick up their kids at school at 3pm.

The first batch during lunch time

The others came during late afternoon aftet their work and some came back on dinner time. It's batch by batch (lol) Actually my friends were not all complete because its weekday and a rainy day, so some can't make it. But it's fine because they sincerely have greeted me and wish me a happy birthday. 

The Afternoon Batch

The dinner time batch

I had a blast on my birthday, I've seen most of my friends after all the Covid restriction was lifted. It was really nice to catch up with them, share jokes and never ending laughter.

I'm so thankful and grateful to have these friends who through laughter's and tears are there for me, the friendship that was tested and proven in time, so I will treasure them forever. To all my family and friends back home and to relatives around the country, I miss you and I love you all.

I thank God of course for He never make me feel I'm alone especially in times of sorrow and grief. For the friends and family that always there for me and all the blessings, provision and wonders that God always surprises me in his mysterious ways. 

So, yeah I'm 42 years old now, but sometimes I act like 10 yrs old only (hahaha). I'm happy and contented, single and ready to mingle (lol)

Solar Panel, Feed-in Tarriff

First of July is the end contract of my electricity provider, few months ago when I had the solar panel installed in the house, I'd found out my provider was the lowest feed-in tariff offer on most other electricity provider I had compared, not unless you will buy or get the solar panel with them. I had a chat with them if they can increase the feed-in tariff but they said that's all they can give. End of the month of May, I have received an email from them to renew the contract, if they don't hear anything from me but still stay with them, they have set of standard plan to both electricity and gas.  When I have opened the attachment the fees and charges were higher compare to my current plan, so I was alarmed, this isn't right.

So I contact my friend, who always advise and help me or recommend better options about this kind of matter, since I don't have much knowledge about it, he's very clever and smart. We actually have the same solar panel company which he also recommended to me.  So I've told my friend that my contract to the current provider will end this month of June. Click Energy is his current provider that is offering a good feed-in tariff and plan inclusions, he's been telling me ages ago to switch.  So on that night, on the spot I switch to Click Energy while my friend was available or have time to help me how to sign up and chose the right plan. It's good at least I've signed before the contract end.

But the other day, I have a phone call from my current provider, regarding the reason of termination of contract because the Click Energy contact then in regards to disconnection and reconnection process. So I told my reason, about low feed-in tariff offer, then the lady encourage me to stay and offer me higher feed-in tariff and ask how many cents per kilowatts I was offered, so I told her "I can't tell you". She is trying to convince me to stay and give some discounts as well, but I told her, I can't just suddenly change my mind because you are offering me a higher tariff, I've asked before but I was declined, now that I'm leaving, why offer the higher tariff. I don't know if it sound nasty but I told her "I've already signed up and make a commitment to the new provider, I need to protect my credibility and integrity."😃😃

The lesson is, not because I was offered a higher tariff I will change my mind straight away and stay with them. Its about commitment and having a word of honour is what I stand for.

Motivated and Inspired

Last night, I was looking for my travel and camping photos while waiting for my cousins to online on facebook messenger because we are going to have video chat. I will blog about my cousins next time 😃😃😃

One of the screenshot photo during our video chat few days ago

 I have posted one of our last camping before Covid-19 at Butlers Beach, Marion Bay. If you want to check out some of  my camping, roadtrip, travel, walks and hikes photos you can visit my other site The World is My Playground. I will try to make time everyday or during evening to post each places that I have visited. So stay tune, I still need to compile some photos and find my usb as my laptop hard drive gave up and can't be restored anymore. Lucky I had Usb back up, I just need to find them and for now I will use  some photos on my mobile phone gallery.

So yea, it's a matter of time and effort only to write and photoblog and not be destructed, but I'm always destructed by Netfix and video chat with cousins (lol).  I stop blogging last 2016, so really I need to keep up (lol). I actually miss blogging as what I used to do like 8 years ago? Participating on daily photo memes where all bloggers around the world are sharing and posting stories of their amazing and beautiful photos as if I already know their lives and as if I have travelled around the world seeing all their photos.

I'm excited to post more of my camping and travel photos soon, it maybe a late post but it's better than not posting them at all.

30 days Steps Challenge

Qantas Wellbeing

Started last June 1st, one of my good friend Era from Brisbane, challenged each other to reach 7,500 steps daily for 30 days. We both are member of Qantas Frequent Flyer and were trying to collect more points so we download the apps called Qantas Well Being, it's about health and fitness. If you want to get thousands of bonus points, they encourage you to purchase Health Insurance but it's not compulsory. You can still use the app and earn points through walking, sleep  and compete with a friend challenge activity.  You only earn very little points daily  but if you do it everyday you can build up to add to your existing points and you have nothing to lose but gain.

Anyway, my friend and I accepted the challenge of 7,500 steps daily. So I have invited her for the 30 days steps challenge and so she will be visible to my account. My friend works in the office, so she don't get much walk on working hours but she said, she walk around the block most days. While I am working in retail so I'm confident enough that I can get most of the steps, if not I will continue around the house only (haha)

On our first day challenge, June 1st was Monday and I'm working whole day, so I don't worry about my steps, but Tuesday was my day off, what did I do? Ahhh, we went to my doctor and shopping in harbourtown so I've made some steps there plus some walks around the house. But some days if I have short shift and sometimes I forgot that I need to incur more steps, I ask my manager if he wants me to do something and I realise, the job he wants me to do is cutting cheeses, so I will just stay on one place, I end up telling him if it's ok that I will just keep serving customer so I can walk here and there(haha) but if no customer and I cut cheeses but I still manage to step from side ways or just steady steps, isn't it a clever idea? My workmates were wondering what I was doing (haha), so I explain to them, even myself was laughing with what I'm doing too. If my shift has finished, I just continue walking around the house and my sister was laughing at me, that sometimes I realise I'm walking without my phone in my pocket, so I waste hundreds of steps already (haha).

While my friend's update, was a funny one too. If she can't complete the steps and she's tired walking around her house, she bargain and ask her son to walk in behalf of her, the reward is, no chores for her son to do.(haha) and as well, what my friend does, while watching tv, she just stand up and do a steady steps. 

This is the first week challenge and I've completed all the steps. I still have 3 weeks left to stay active and keep walking. I enjoy it actually, since I love walking, it also motivates me to go out and walk, it's good for my health, it feels good, it keeps me fit and energetic.

Dream, It Possible

Yesterday, was a busy and long day. The day to make decision and commitment, to focus on my priority in life and not waste time doing something that is isn't helpful and not productive.

To wish something which I don't know if it will become reality. I have patiently waiting for along time and I ask God why it didn't happen? Now, I will put my time and extra effort to it, I hope it's part of God's plan in my life so I will have the hope even just a little bit. I have never really wished a serious one before, but this time on my birthday I'm humbly wishing to God about it, but if it wont come true I will not get disappointed. I will leave it up to Him and trust His works because He knows what's best for me and for now I will just do my part. God knows whats my wish and whats my heart desire. I think its not bad to ask, to wish or to dream of something I want for my life. There's nothing impossible to God, so I will keep dreaming....

 Yesterday's bible verse is up on the photo. Will He grant my wish? Am I good and deserving  enough to receive the wish I'm asking for? I will just wait and see if its according to His Will. Please God,  I wish that my Wish will be your command.😃

Thank you God, for making me strong and courageous to face and overcome life's challenges and decisions. I've became matured enough to handle every challenge and situation I've faced everyday and I don't worry much or get disappointed because if it doesn't turn the way I want to be, because  I know if its Your Will it will Be Done. 

Alone but not lonely

Today was a lovely day, though it was cold but it doesn't feel like if you are busy. It's beautiful day, feeling great knowing you make someone happy and feel she's cared of. After my doctor's appointment this morning, we went to MIL house to pick her up to visit her cardiologist. She was surprised I was standing in front door when my sister arrives on her place, she thought I was working today. Last week, she ask favour to my sister if she can drive her to the doctor because lately it's hard for her to walk if she drive and park her car somewhere. We are actually almost the same time of appointment but luckily I called my doctor the day before if I can reschedule the time a bit early and its good there's a vacant time for me. She was happy that sister and I accompany her, she felt like she had a family, especially at her age, she's 81, alone but not lonely as she always said, but I doubt it, you can see on her eyes that sometimes she's lonely. 

While waiting for her turn to see the doctor, I've asked her if she don't mind if we take her out to dinner on Vietnamese Restaurant near Central Market. She happily replied yes, I don't even expect it, as she always wants everything planned but knowing us being spontaneous and not planning this sort of stuff, she get used already. After Covid it's our first time to visit this favourite Vietnamese Restaurant again, the name is Thahn Thahn. We are the first customer and were glad we've got to dine in again 😃. She was thankful that we take her out, if we don't do it, she just stay home most of the time. She was grateful indeed, that even my late  husband is gone, sister and I were still there for her.

Here's the food we ordered:

Another Day Has Gone

I'm still all alone, how could this be? You're not here with  me, you never said goodbye? Someone tell me why? Why you have to go and leave my world so cold. Every night I sit and ask myself why did love slip away (You go Away). Someone whispers in my ear and say. "You are not alone, for I am here with you". Though w'e're far away, I'm here to stay, though we're far apart, you're always in my heart".

This morning, when I was driving to work and turned on my car radio, that song played. "You are not Alone" by Michael Jackson. Before, everytime some emotional song related to a lost  of love one or love songs that plays on radio, I really breakdown and cry while driving, so I don't turn on the radio when I'm driving. Especially when his favourite songs will randomly play, out of expectation, I can just feel his spirit and told my sister "Si" is here.

But now, if random songs will play, I take it as positive and not emotionally affected about it. I just think that he is out there, my guardian angel, looking after me and guiding me, letting me know he is around and he never leaves me.

Though sometimes it's hard, but I'm strong enough to face the reality that there is more life than to dwell on something that will never come back and not permanent.

Life must go on and I keep on moving everyday, knowing there's more happiness that is coming my way. I just need to wait and look forward for the better future ahead of me.

I'm happy and contented of the life I have now, through our God that strenghtens me and never leave me in my darkest days.

Into the Woods

Last Saturday,  we went for a short roadtrip to Adelaide Hills, from Flagstaff hill, Chandlers hill, Clarendon to Meadows was a beautiful scenic drive until we reached Kuitpo Forest Reserve where we are going to walk/hike. The weather forecast was 80% raining in the afternoon but it doesn't stop us to go, once we agreed to go, there's no buts, it's rather do or die or now or never 😃😃

The afternoon was really beautiful, the sun is out and not promising to rain. We arrived in the forest, it looks a bit busy with many cars on parking. More bike riders were present on the entrance getting ready for the bike trail. The forest were planted with tall pine trees everywhere. Some has experienced bush fires during the hot summer days. As we keep walking we saw some wild mushrooms scattered in every part of the forest trail, was amazed to see the red color with white dots mushroom, I only saw this color on a decorative mushroom ornament but these ones are real.

 

The forest was peaceful and quite but a bit spooky if it's dark and your alone walking 😃😃.  There's left and right turn trail but there's no sign or direction where it is heading. As we keep walking we found some trail heading to a lookout, what a beautiful view, there's also a trail going down to reach the campground. We stayed there for a while to enjoy the view while listening to music and other friends were dancing on the beat.

We tried to head back down because the sky is getting so dramatic and dark, signal that rain is slowly starting to pour. I think another 45 mins to go back, we are concern that we will catch the rain but not worrying much if we get wet 😃😃

It was very windy and cold, we can see the pine trees were swaying sideways thinking it will break. We are closer to the ground when we saw some small branches of pine tree fell on the ground, and one tree is about to break and bending so we are alarmed to walk faster, but our friend Lemon don't care and still dancing as he walks.

The trail had finished and as we arrive in the carpark, the rain just litterally pour and we are so lucky not to get caught by the rain while we are still walking.

It was fun and another adventurous day for us. 

Winter Blues

When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do, is take a look at you then I'm not so blue.😃😃 

Are you feeling confused, sad, complicated or lonely? That' not me (haha) before I used to but not now, sometimes I admit I still feel those kinds of emotions, but I'm very good to handle those feelings as I know they're just negative thoughts that will make me really feel blue, as in bluer than blue.😃😃😃 I just share about my feelings, or talk to a good friend about it, then I'm fine, sometimes it's matter of inhale and exhale is the solution (lol). Those are the feelings that shouldn't last in a persons heart or mind because it affects our health, ability to deal the situation and we can't do much activities. 

So that's why if your feeling blue, make it green (lol) my fave color. Divert your mind and heart to something useful, cheerful and productive. Like catch up your friends, go for a walk, do some gardening, watch movies, karaoke, play sports, actually those are the things I do, except for cooking 😃😃 or do the hobbies you like.

I thought I feel sad today, maybe sad and maybe not (haha) see I'm making you all confused, but I just realise I'm just lazy (lol) to get up on bed and be productive. I did end up jumping out of bed but very  late afternoon already, and I have been to the shop to get something, got more potting mix for planting more succulents and hanging plants, I've cooked chorizo for dinner, it's pan fry only so it's easy one (lol) while chatting to my mum and her friend on messenger. Sort of productive day as well, isn't it?

Anyway, hope you all had a lovely weekend and keeping warm on this cold weather.

Just sharing photos of my Daisy flowers and succulent arrangement.

A Walk to Remember

With my very close friend. Have we known each other since 2009? I can't remember the actual months, I'm just even guessing the year. We've met on my workplace 🤔 Since day one you've been nice to me, invite me to your house and have a meal, your a good listener, easy going, a walking buddy. You're one of the few friends that is very loyal, can be trusted, and was always there present for me from day one that I've known you. You go out all the way even sometimes your tired from work or still make time before going to work to be present on special occasion. 

You're there especially when I'm at my saddest day and downfall moments of my life when I infact don't expect it. I'm so grateful for you and your husband, and of course the other friends not to mention, because this blog is for You. 

I didn't expect you will go down all the way to be there for me to get me through that couple days. What else I can ask for? God gave me this kind of friend whom I can heartily and openly share everything from all my craziness, happiness especially the sadness, from personal, emotional and spiritual aspect of my life we get along. 

We had a very nice walk yesterday, it's coincidence that our days off are the same, again your there to listen to me in any concern, that I may not able to share to other friends but your  ear is always ready to absurb all my silly and funny stories especially to the many changes in my life that I'm facing, you give me some piece of advice and word of wisdom. 

Thanks so much for being you, for being there for me. And for the lunch treat yesterday because I purposely left my purse in your car because I don't want to carry while we're walking. The meal we ordered looks weird and we were confused how it looks like, but it was tasty and delicious, we've tried something new. 

We did a very long and slow walking yesterday because of our interesting chats. Next time it's my treat.. 🤣🤣

I don't know what little things I contribute in your life, but I'm just letting you know I'm always here if you need me, we are like a crying ladies sometimes but one time I've realised you cried easily compare to me. 🤣🤣🤣

Lablab you, 

Romina

Fear Not for I'm With You

Yes, I have lots of fear and scary moment within myself. I have fear in heights, under water, fear to cross the road with no traffic lights, fear to turn right when driving especially there's no arrow sign, easily get jumpy or nervous when the light changed from green to yellow 😊

I'm lucky, I motivate myself to learn how to drive, since I have phobia when I'm on the road. Just a beep or horn of a car I get startled, you got to laugh sometimes. I don't like a sudden noise if it's all quite. My sister and I sometimes just laugh when it's very quite at home especially when I'm by myself and suddenly she will appear in front me, I easily get startled and tell her off why she just appear without a warning, I'm contagious that if I shout, she will shout as well then we both laugh. 😂😂😂 Now writing this makes me laugh alone like crazy...

What else? There's still random scary stuff that I feel sometimes 😂, funny isn't it? Do you have fear in your life too or get scared of? I hope not the same as mine because it doesn't feel right haha.

The good thing is I've learnt how to conquer most of my fear. With motivation and encouragement of myself and people around me I slowly overcome them. 

The fear of heights was the one I've overcome. Few years ago, I ride on 800 meters zip line and this year January  I did underwater  helmet diving. I feel so nervous and scare, with me having negative thoughts that I might fall in the water and get drown and I will die because I don't know how to swim hahaha just acting like a child, but then I have the motivation to do it, thinking "If Others Can Do, Why Can't I" that's the spirit😊 and then I've made it and it's fun, adventurous and  beautiful experience that I may say one day, I did it.

All I can say is that the more you have stronger faith in God, the more you become fearless and let it go of the negative thoughts,  you are in God's hand, He will protect you and not harm you, just surrender all your burdens to Him and accept him as your Saviour and He will be with You in all you do. 

Now I'm happily living life with less worry, less fear and less stress. I just enjoy life as if it's always my last day. 😊

So Many Questions but the Answers are too Few.

It's been 13 months. Is it the right time to move on and keep moving? Does it need to have length of time to find a new love again? Can I just treasure all the memories and put aside the past experience? Can I create a new memories again with You? Am I deserved to be happy again? To love and be loved again? Do I need to compare? Of course not. Will there is someone out there that will make my heart beat again? Will there be someone who can accept me for who I am?

All I know is that I think, it's time for me to move on and welcome someone to come into my life. I don't know if I'm ready but I'm willing to make a new life, create new memories and hope to find someone I can share my life with. They said "Love is more sweeter the second time around". I know he will be happy for me in any situation of my life, no matter what it is or who it is I will be sharing my life with.

It's a big changed and adjustment but I know I can handle it as long as I will always use my heart wisely and allow it to share with the man I may meet along the way.

I just hope that whoever you Are, You will accept me and understand the life experience I've been through. Now I'm opening my heart to you, I'm ready to fall inlove again 😊. I will be more careful and loving person. I've learnt a very good lesson in life in relationship matter after all I've overcome the situation I am in.

I'm here now, Where are You? 

The World is Changing

The world is in crisis right now. Many people have suffered and died from the pandemic cause of Corona Virus. A very infectious and deadly disease that spread everywhere, anywhere and infect the lives of human. No one knows who will get it, it maybe you or maybe me. It's very scary and sad to think that the world is experiencing this unprecedented event. Who would believe it's really happening right now? 

The government are doing their best to solve the problem, but it will only stop with the help and cooperation of all the people in every nation. It was very tough situation the whole world is dealing right now. Our nation made a decision to lock down borders especially overseas travelling. All public places that people gather together were closed, you name it.  People were restricted to stay home if possible and be vigilant of what's happening in the surrounding. No party or events, people panicking like it's the end of the world. There's a sudden hysteria in supermarkets regarding toilet paper, I wonder why 😃 It's like your watching a horror or an Outbreak movie the way people act and react with the situation. We can't blame them though. 

But with all of this restriction, It's our time to reflect about what kind of life ahead of us after all of this experiences. We are able to spend quality time with our families, it's time to focus on what's important in life that we can live by just mostly staying at home, no going out, no dining in restaurant, no going to pubs and clubs or do some outdoor sports. 

It's been a month or two now since it's started. I'm praying and let us all pray that God will hear all our prayers and one day, very soon everything will come back to normal, let us be patient because He can do it in His time and we can live more happily after everything we've been through. As long as we have strong faith in God, we don't really need to worry, we will understand His Plan and He will make the world a better place. No medicine can cure no matter what if His purpose is to renew us, it's only Him, no one is more powerful than God but if we all surrender our burdens, our life and call on His name, He can make miracles and restore all the broken,  we will just be surprised, His already working in mysterious ways. He will our Land, it's worth waiting.

Time is important so let's all spend it wisely. Love one another because God is Love.

Panna Cotta Dessert

Last Tuesday March 24, is the birthday of my Brother In-law at the same time the tragic day of my late husband. The day before, the government announced the restriction of going out to dine-in, in a restaurant and other food chains so we ended  up having to celebrate at home. My mother inlaw suggest we will only order take away pizza so I don't need to prepare something but I mentioned to her "we often eat pizza" 😄😄 so I told her I will cook an easy meal. So I cooked lemon and herb Salmon steaks and some mix vegetable on the side.

But our highlight for the day is her delicious dessert that she brought.  I love the panna cotta topped with passion fruit and plus her traditional pavlova dessert with blueberry, raspberry and peaches topping was very yummy as well. I didn't post a photo of them together with us just to protect their privacy, they're shy on camera😃😃