Thank you 2009!

I can only describe my 2009 as one big package full of surprises. Exciting, fabulous, at times confusing, but most of all, LIFE-CHANGING.

If 2009 were a dance, it would be like the Cha Cha for me--stepping forward and backward, to the sides, and then there's the turn--as I had a myriad of questions that needed answers, decisions that needed timely resolutions. Decisions that needed me to step forward and take risks. Decisions that needed me take a few steps backward in order to have a better perspective. Decisions that told my guts to just dance to the music playing in my heart, mind and soul. Decisions that mattered in my present but holds consequences not only to my future but also my family's. Decisions that will forever change my life.

With all the charmed experiences, challenges and decisions made this year, I'm eternally grateful for the special people, events and things in my 2009:

Thank you for giving me a devoted Husband who never fails to make me happy each and every day, for being my partner and bestfriend, for taking good care of me and for being my eternal source of sunshine. Thank you for giving us a chance to grow together everyday.

Thank you for the gift of time spent with family and relatives. My Parents coming over to visit. My Auntie from America visiting as well. Times spent with them are always priceless. I'm happy to have shared a piece of our life here in Sydney with them.

Thank you for the love of my In-laws. Not only do they love me like their own daughter, they are also great friends with my parents. Their love and friendship means a lot to me.

Thank you for relatives who are always concerned and who are always there for our family.

Thank you for the gift of friends, old and new. This year, friendship takes on a new meaning for me as the truest of true friends went beyond extra miles just to show their love for us. I may not have siblings by blood, but God made sure I have friends who will stand by me no matter what. My friends are the food to my soul.

Thank you for the gift of being part of Australia. This year, I'm officially a citizen of this country who has been good to me.

Thank you for blessing in disguises. Meeting people who served as my guardian angels. Circumstances that seemed unkind but in time turned out to be learning experiences.

Thank you for the gift of life. I am blessed me to be healed and here I am, good as new, alive and healthy once again. Thank you for giving me another chance to live.

Thank you for the gift of a home that is welcoming and cheerful, one that is almost always full of laughter and good vibes. Thank you for the beautiful sunsets that greet us every time we arrive home.

Thank you for the gift of surprises and unexpected gifts. Friends visiting Sydney. My Husband giving me a car on my birthday. News that my Parents will be coming over. A written reflection of mine to be published in a book! And some other things that made my day extraordinary with the surprise blessings that came my way.

Thank you for the gift of travel. With each place explored, I learn more and I share more.

Thank you for the gift of photography and writing. Two passions of mine that has become a blessing for me as I meet friends who share the same passion as mine. I'm grateful to all the inspiring responses from people who appreciate my photographs and articles.

Thank you for a stable and not-so-hectic career. There are days when work was so demanding but it was always worth it because work also gave me back days-off that I could enjoy and a flexible time so I'm able accomplish my personal goals. I will always be grateful that the career I have now gives me more time to be a Wifey than a careerwoman.

Thank you for the gift of inner peace and faith. That even if there are uncertainties at times, I am able to sleep well knowing that tomorrow will be a better day and that God will always be faithful to me.


Thank you for all the memories, big and small, good and not-so-good. They made me who I am today and has made me cherish every moment that I'm alive.

As I say goodbye to 2009, I feel that with all the things I've gone thru, I say hello to 2010 a stronger, bigger and better person.


For 2010, let's positively believe that the year will bring great, happy things for all of us. As we look forward, may we always focus on the good things about to happen.


I wish everyone a kinder and more blessed year ahead. A sparkling and bright 2010 to all! Cheers!

Last Sunset Photo for 2009

As if 2009 is bidding adieu, yesterday we another spectacular sunset.

I'm not so sure if we'll have a great sunset today. When I woke up it's gloomy, cloudy and as if it's going to rain. Oh noes! I hope later in the day, there won't be any rain. I'm very much looking forward to the Sydney new year fireworks. Husband and I have decided to stay in this year but we will be glued to the telly watching what Sydney does best during festivities.

I'm excited to welcome 2010 and I'm proud to say that we (Australia, together with New Zealand) will be the first ones to say hello to another great year.

One Last Coffee Date at Starbucks Before 2009 Ends

Went to see some friends this afternoon and on our way home, I told the Husband I'll treat him Starbucks. My ulterior motive was to have a cup of Toffee Nut Latte as I've been craving for weeks now. The last time I had Toffee Nut was on the last day of November. I feel like I haven't fully maximized drinking Toffee Nut this year coz I've been on house arrest (due to my recuperation chuva) for three weeks. And also, I wanted us to celebrate coz we finished one big project (a family portrait shoot) we've been working on for the past few days.

So here we are at Starbucks.

I had a Toffee Nut Latte...

while the Husband had Mocha Frapuccino.

We brought our cameras with us and played a bit.

We also talked about the things that we want to happen for us next year--family goals and personal goals. As the new year unfolds, we have this kind of talk always. As partners, we think it's important that we know what each of us wants/needs to happen, places we'd like to go to, projects we'd like to be a part of and things we want to buy. It doesn't have to be concrete. The important thing is we have made each other aware of our goals so that for the big things, we can plan accordingly. So far, our 2010 looks very promising.

Wedding Ninang at 32 :)

Here I am, three days before 2010 and I've just attended a civil wedding of a friend.

The best part was, she asked me to become a witness, as in I-signed-on their-wedding-certificate kind of witness. If this happened in the Phils, I'm a "Ninang". I couldn't be happier. I can't believe I would be a wedding ninang this early but I don't mind being one to friend. It's actually an honor. And wouldn't it be nice to travel the world of married life with my "inaanaks"?

The wedding was the simplest of all weddings I've attended. But it was the most pure, unpretentious and beautiful wedding I've been a part of. Very rarely that I cry during weddings, but with this one, I admit that I was teary-eyed during the exchange of vows.

It was a very private ceremony so I cannot share any other photos such as this cheeky photo of mine here. Maybe someday I will. For now, I'm just happy to share with you one of the happiest moments of my life.

Christmas Gastronomic Favorites and Discoveries

The season of Christmas will never ever be complete without food on the table. It is usually at this time that I get to eat my favorite holiday treats and also get to discovery new gastronomic delights.

Let's start with Noche Buena/Birthday dinner of my Tita Bess. Part of our family's tradition is having dinner on the 24th at their place coz other than celebrating her birthday, it is also where our clan and our clan's friends gather around to wish everyone a merry Christmas. It is at this event that the buffet table overflows with sooooo much food because every family brings a dish or two to share with everyone. This year, Chris and I brought Creamy Baked Potato and Brownies.

Christmas ain't Christmas without my Tita Bess' famous Ham. She usually cooks this whenever they have birthday parties at home and everytime that happens, this delicious home-cooked Ham of hers always make me remember of Christmas. This is my best favorite of all the Christmas treats--tender, moist, just the right sweetness.

This year, my Grandma cooked one of my Christmas favorites---the Hamonado!!!! It's been awhile since I've had this for Christmas. Hamonado is a favorite of mine because this dish reminds me of Christmas spent in our Taytay home. My mom and my Grandma cooks the perfect Hamonado ever.

Two gastronomic discoveries on the 24th were the Baked Salmon in Tomato and Sansrival.

The Baked Salmon in Tomato dish is perfect for parties--delicious, healthy and very easy to prepare.

One of our family friends brought this massive Sansrival cake that measures about 15x4 inches. A very different Sansrival as it was made in merengue, hence, the thickness. Made by a Filipino pastry chef, this dessert is a wonderful treat to guests--sweet, buttery, crunchy and nuttty.

After the party at my tita's place, we went home and invited our friends to join us for Noche Buena.


This year, my Husband and I had a more simple Christmas table at home when the clock struck midnight. We decided to cook Penne Boscaiola (a pasta dish, Husband requested for white pasta) and bake Brownies for dessert and that was it. I made sure that we had Champange (not wine)--I wanted bubblies this year--more festive and celebratory. Very different from last year's buffet table. The reason being was that our Christmas calendar's busy--we had been invited to a couple of parties and so it is only at home that we get to rest our tummies from all the eating.

Christmas day, we attended a birthday party and just look at buffet table! It is at this party that I got to eat Morcon and Lechon!!!! Yummy to the max. No photos of the Lechon though, Husband and I were so busy eating.

Post-Christmas:

On Sunday, we attended another party at Mounties--a great buffet discovery!!! This is so far the best buffet (a.k.a. All-you-can-eat) we've eaten. Wide range of selection, delicious food, good presentation and ambience.

Yesterday's visit at our friends' home, we were served a pasta dish called Festive Fusili and cheese called Halloumi Bites. A great discovery because it is not only delicious but very easy to prepare. Our host told us too that the Festive Fusili had Vodka (yes, the alcoholic drink) as an ingredient and all I said was "You got me at Vodka!" hehehe. And the Halloumi Bites, which went well with the Festive Fusili, is cheese so that's enough reason for me to love it.

What about you? What Christmas gastronomic favorites and discoveries have you eaten this season?

With all the eating, I'm gaining pounds by the second! But then, happiness is eating and sharing food with loved ones during this season, isn't it?

Personal note: To everyone who greeted (via phone, snail mail, email and messages thru FB, twitter, plurk and multiply) and gave gifts, thank you very much!!!! May the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts, not just this season but everday and always.

Season's Greetings from the Sanchezes

Related Post: Season's Greeting from the Sanchezes 2008

Max Brenner's Chocolate Souffle

Happy holidays from Max Brenner!

The Husband took me to the mall last night to do the last bit of our Christmas shopping (and just because I wanted to go out) and before we went home, he treated me to dessert at Max Brenner. He made me try their moan-enducing Chocolate Souffle.

Their Chocolate Souffle is to-die-for with its centre oozing with melted chocolate. It's like mud cake on the outside but chocolate mousse on the inside. I love how this chocolate cake tasted, feathery-light with the right amount of richness, such a heavenly effect on the taste buds.

If you haven't tried this yet, I highly recommend that you do so on your next visit.

Note: Only a Sony point & shoot camera was used to take these photos.

Movie: Avatar

"Avatar" is my best movie for the year 2009. A two-and-a-half-hour epic by James Cameron, a long movie yes, but with his storytelling prowess and the visuals and special effects a masterpiece, you wouldn't notice the time at all.

* A story of a man given a new life and mission: to save a civilization. The lead character Jake Sully is brought to another planet called Pandora which is inhabited by a primitive race called the Na’vi. He was tasked to learn their ways and convince them to relocate so that humans can take over. However, the tables turned when Jake falls inlove with Neytiri (daughter of the Na'vi clan leaders) and the life of the Na'vis. He had to make a choice between two races he is part of.


* The most visually entertaining movie I've ever seen. The special effects will astonish you as James Cameron uses them to weave a beautiful story as effortlessly as possible.


* Entertaining and awesome but I believe there are also lessons to learn from the movie. I was very taken with the scene where the whole community of Na'vi people came together and joined their hands to save the life of Grace (the scientist played by Sigourney Weaver)--that was a powerful scene. I am one person who believes in the power of the universe, that each one of us has an energy that contributes to the beauty (or destruction) of the world and for me, that scene depicts all of that.


If you haven't seen the film, I suggest you do. It's worth it.

The Only Christmasy Stuff I Bought This Year

This was the only Christmasy stuff I bought this year...a tea towel from holySheet!.

Last year, we bought a few Christmas decors since it was our first Christmas together at a place of our own. Husband and I had fun rummaging thru loads of Christmas decors at Myer, it brought out the kid in us.

This year, I told the Husband that we should give ourselves a break from buying Christmas stuff this year. He asked me if I wanted us to have a Christmas tree (the big green one) but I declined. The logical side of me doesn't want to engage in putting up a Christmas tree only to bring it down after four weeks. I'd rather we spend our money and time unto something more practical. Anyway, what's important is family togetherness in honor of the birth of Christ and thanksgiving for the year that happened than any trimmings one could find. Maybe some other time we would have a Christmas tree, but not this year.

For this year, I'm just going to bring out our year-old decors. I believe that is enough as the Christmas spirit is in our hearts anyway--sparkly, bright and very very festive.

35th, The Month Before The 3rd

Our wedding monthsary is today but we had an early celebration on Friday night because we just want to stay home all day before I go back to work tomorrow.

We also realized that this month is also the "celebration" of our 7th syota-nniversary (7 years ago we became a boyfriend-girlfriend). How time flies, aye? Sometimes we still can't believe how things fell into place for us. Everyday, we are just grateful that we are together thru thick and thin.

This monthsary is but a fitting celebration for what we have gone thru in terms of my health condition. I am eternally blessed to have a husband who instead of running scared since we learned about my health dilemma in August, turned out to be my greatest source of strength--the one who embraced the biggest challenge in our marriage with open arms. Even if I never wanted him to experience my health concerns, he made sure he was simply there. What we've gone thru in the past months is not the end of challenges in our married life, we're sure there will be more. But today I'm more than at peace with the thought that my Husband and I are really a team even in our most darkest days. Thank you God, thank you Universe for bringing us together.

Now, let's talk about celebrations. Since I've been bored at home and I needed some cheering up as well, Husband took the liberty of making me feel like a queen. He arrived on Friday afternoon with loots from Mango. Then took me to dinner at one of our favorite restos that serve yummy Pad Thai (Noodle extra).

After dinner, we went around the mall to look for clothes. The rest of the year, we seldom buy clothes but since it's Christmas time and there are parties to attend to, I told him this is a great excuse for us to buy new clothes--you know, so we'd look presentable hehe. However, we went home empty-handed. We went back Saturday afternoon though and it was then that we bought a few items.

The movie "Avatar" was scheduled at 9PM so we decided to have coffee at Coffee Culture. I was kind of sleepy already anyway.

I had my usual Choffee and it kept me awake the whole night.

The movie was great! I love it. I will share my thoughts about it later.

Monthsary gifts, dinner, shopping, coffee and a movie. Indeed, a LOVEly way to celebrate a monthsary.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

MNG Sale

Selected items at Mango on sale!

Since I can't go to the city this week, the Husband left work early Friday afternoon and dropped by the Mango store at The Galleries Victoria to buy me a couple of shirts. Thank goodness for the technology of video call--that saved both of us a lot of time from figuring out what I wanted (I'm very choosy when it comes to colors). Thanks Husby for the monthsary gifts :).

Cashew Nut Sugee Cookies

Got this biscuits from Singapore as pasalubong from my tito and tita (thank you!). It's called Cashew Nut Sugee Cookies (Kampong Asia Delights).

Not a lot of people know but I'm actually a biscuits person. I'm especially fond of butter cookies and these biscuits from Singapore deliciously tastes like butter cookies only these were made from cashew nuts which all the more makes me love it (because cashew nuts are a favorite of mine). This is indeed a great pasalubong.

Next time I pass by Singapore, I'm definitely buying hoarding these.

I Embrace Boredom

That was my mantra yesterday. I've been off work for two weeks and as much as I'm grateful that I'm given a chance to recuperate in peace (no calls from the office about work), I miss being productive and on-the-go.

How do you know when I'm bored at home? I practice putting make-up. And that's what I did yesterday.

 

During school holidays (high school and college), when I'm bored at home, putting make-up on is one of my past times. Yesterday, I guess I was really bored. For the first time in a long while I practiced putting eyeliner on top of my eyelids. I was trying to achieve the smoky look. I'm not sure I achieved that...but one thing I found out is that dark gray eyeliners make my eyes browner. Sorry about the photo, poor lighting inside our room and I haven't cleaned mirrors for some time (that's the white blotches). I just realized now that I should've just used the point & shoot camera.

In the afternoon, I had this for afternoon tea.

Cheese and olives. Nilagay ko pa sa toothpick eh pwede ko namang kainin straight from wherever they came from. That's how bored I was hehe.

Today's my last day on sick leave. Next week, I start work. I'm having mixed feelings about it. I'm really grateful I was given time off to recuperate (with pay hehe) but a part of me miss being "me". I'm afraid to admit that I miss work but I do miss it. And I miss going out!!!!

Husband's coming home early from work today and he's taking me to see "Avatar" as a reward for being a good girl. Yay!

She's Getting Married

She's one of my best friends in the world. We've been friends since she "stalked" me during our sophomore year in college. The better word really was she reached out to me and I'm lucky she did. She was and is always a breath of fresh air when I'm need of a better perspective.

I remember days when we didn't have school. My parents would drop me off at her place in the wee hours of the morning (they were on their way to work). I'd go straight to her room and she'd still be asleep so I'd lie beside her and sleep too. When we wake up, we'd talk for an hour or two (we never seem to run out of things to talk to) and dial numbers on the phone, inviting our other friends to hang out with us. Sometimes, we get up right away if we feel like going to the mall and shop. Simple, uncomplicated times of our lives.

I remember days and nights we'd talk of boys and love and how it affects our lives. Sometimes, there were tears. Oftentimes, we'd laugh it off as we recall some of the silly things we'd do for the sake of saving love. Now that we're grown-ups, we know that things happen for a reason...and that things happen for the better.

I remember her following her dreams to Australia and a few months after she arrived here, I visited her. Best times of our lives. Because of her, living in Sydney seemed less intimidating. I believe that one of the reasons why my migration materialized was because we were meant to be in one place. We are sisters and we are to look after each other.

I remember that we are always just a phone call or email away and we will come running just to be there for each other.

I remember that we always celebrate our happy milestones. She taught me that even the tiniest achievement should be celebrated and so we do.

I remember that before one of us goes out of the country, we make time to see each other. It's one of our rituals and we have no plans of breaking it. That's why last Saturday, I had to see her and bid her a happy and safe travel.

I remember receiving her email saying that the love of her life proposed! I am one of the happiest persons to know that she's getting married. My bestfriend's getting married. And I couldn't be happier for her.