Since our family just passed our 4th month here in Australia and because it’s Australia Day on the 26th of January, I thought it’s time to share with you some Aussie slangs I’ve learned so far. The list below is not that long yet but I’ll make sure to update it as I learn new terms along the way.
I find it exciting to expound one’s vocabulary. Therefore, I encourage you to hop in with me so that when you set foot on Australia, you won’t have a hard time deciphering what the peeps here are saying.
Here it goes (in alphabetical order):
Barbie – Barbeque
Bottle Shop – Liquor/Beer Shop
Brekkie – Breakfast
Brolly – Umbrella
Chemist – Drugstore
Chips – French Fries
Cuppa – Cup of tea
Docket – Official Receipt
Face Washer – Face Towel
Fairy Floss – Cotton Candy
G’day – Hello! How are you?
Good on ya! – Good job/Well done
Jumper – Pull-on sweater
Lay by – Pay in installment basis
Lippy – Lipstick
Lollies – Candies/Lollipops
Mackers – McDonalds
Mate – Friend
Mum/Mummy – Mom/Mommy
No worries – No problem at all
Pikelet – Small pancake
Prezzies – Presents
Removalists – Movers
Return – Round trip ticket
Rubber – Pencil Eraser
Runners – Athletic Shoes or Rubber Shoes
Scones – Biscuits
Singlet – Tank Top
Sultanas – Raisins
Sunnies – Sunglasses
Swimmers – Bathing Suit/Swim Suit
Tomato Sauce – Catsup (Take note that Tomato is pronounced with short “a”)
Tuckshop – Snack Shop
Ute – Utility Vehicle (pronounced as “yut”)
Interesting right? Go ahead and plan your trip here in Oz. I’m sure you’ll be more confident to talk to the Aussies since you now understand what they’re talking about. But don’t worry, thanks to the word “pardon” because it’s so handy when you’re already terribly clueless.
Yes, it was a different celebration again for our family. We miss the bonding times with our folks and friends and most especially, the grand pollution causing fireworks in the Philippines! But this didn’t stop us from welcoming our spanking 2012. I’m glad that hubby was able to buy sparkles from Woolies. From the Trinidad family, have a Happy, Sparkling and Fantastic Year of the Dragon!
I still can’t believe that 2011 is ending in just a few days. I always say here in my blog that time flies by so fast. Well, because it truly is! So if you don’t stop for a minute and ponder on the things that happened in your life, you might miss the good stuff and miss appreciating the blessings that came and are going to come your way.
So how was my 2011 like? I can say that it is one of the best years of my life! I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Blessings overflowed and words are not enough to describe the happiness, fulfilment and flattery that I felt.
Allow me to summarize the events that left a big mark in my heart this year (it has links to my old blog posts too):
January: Had the chance to represent SME in the Thanksgiving Day celebration of Plantersbank. It was the last time for me to attend this event and I’m glad to see all my colleagues there and bid my farewell.
February: A simple yet special Valentine’s Day with my boys.
March: Oh! This is one of the best! Got a superb birthday blow out from my SME family that I thought it was my debut and not my 33rd birthday! See my related post here: http://chic.akoniya.com/?p=158.
Another thing was seeing my BFF, Ayleen after how many years!
April: Spent lots and lots of bonding time with the family and cherishing every moment of it.
May: Mother’s Day and last outing with my SME family.
June: One of the most emotional month of my 2011! Received a lot of “despedida” treats from my colleagues both from SME and PDB. It was all heart warming and flattering. I didn’t expect that I’d be given such regard by my colleagues and clients. June 30, the day I had to leave the company I worked for, for 11 years and the day I had to give up “Blackie” our Toyota Avanza car!
July: Celebration of Deion’s 7th birthday. Get togethers with SHS, DLSU and Calle Rosa friends. And lastly, leaving Calle Rosa and going back to my in-laws house to spend our remaining days in Pinas.
August: Dominic’s 5th birthday.
More get togethers with good friends.
September: Pahabol meet-ups. The fulfilment of my dream of dancing with my brother who’s a member of Manoeuvres dance group http://chic.akoniya.com/?p=265. And finally…. September 10 (9.10.11) is the day I left Pinas with hubby and 2 little boys and do the big leap to Australia! http://chic.akoniya.com/?p=268
October to November: Starting a new life in Oz and a new career as a stay at home mom.
December: 1st Christmas away from the family and tomorrow… celebrating 11th year of blessed and wonderful union with hubby.
So what insights can I share with you with all these experiences? Let me spill the beans:
Love your job, your colleagues, your clients and the company you work for. Do your best all the time and remember NOT to burn bridges. Offer what you do to the Lord and He will without a doubt, bless you. Be thankful that you were given a chance to be of service to your fellowmen and to your country.
It is not easy to give up on the things you love the most and the things that gave you so much happiness. But you know, in life, you must give up something good in order for something better to come in. Remember that you can’t have it all! You have to make some sacrifices for you to get what you desire. As my dear Daddy always tell us … “No pain… No gain…”
Another good piece of advice from my dad was “Rome was not built in a day.” This is soooo true! All the blessings and happiness that my family and I are experiencing right now was not given in an instant. We had to work hard for it. We had to prepare a lot for it. It was a mixture of hardwork, perseverance, blood, sweat and tears.
If it’s meant for you, it will happen. Stop putting your life in your own hands. You have no full control of it. Yes, you can do your best but you have to know that the Lord also has big plans for you. So always remember to ask for guidance and signs from Him. This way, you are sure that your efforts are going to be all worth it and not put to waste. If the Lord gave you what you prayed for, then it is really meant for you and be grateful. If not, then accept the fact that it will not do you good. Be thankful still and continue to keep an open mind and heart for the things that you truly deserve to come into your life.
Listen to the wisdom of the elders. They’ve been there and done that. So when you take heed of their advice, it’s a sure fire way to success! And if you ignore it, then you already know what will happen. You may get your success but I assure you that you will go through it the hard way.
Cherish your family and your friends. They are God’s gift to you. They’ve contributed a lot and made you where you are now. They are a part of you and have moulded you to what you’ve become. So please don’t ever forget that!
Lastly, recognize the angels in your daily life and be an angel to someone too. I’m referring to people who have helped you even in the simplest and smallest way they can. You have to take notice of these things for you to be reminded how blessed you are. You also have to be an angel to others too. Sometimes, you never know that your simplest act already means a lot to someone. It may be just a simple hello that made someone’s bad day turn good or ringing a friend and asking how he/she is in his/her depressing moment.
There you go! I hope you’ve picked up some good things in my year-end post. And now that I’ve counted my fortunes big and small, I’m oh so ready to face 2012 with much zest and optimism! How about you? Have you thought about your life in 2011? If not, then get that pen and start writing down or turn on that laptop and start typing your life changing experiences! Remember to count your blessings too ok?
Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Cheers!!!
From home-to-home and heart-to-heart, from one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas bring us closer to each other.
To all our families and friends, Merry Christmas!
- From the Trinidads of Queanbeyan, New South Wales
When my kids were still babies and I was still a very busy working mom, all I prayed for was to be given a chance to become a stay at home mom, homemaker, housewife or however you call it. Even if I loved my job back then and loved the institution I worked for, there was this deep longing in me to be at home taking care of my kids, cooking, taking care of hubby, and all those stuff that home mommies do. Maybe because I grew up with my mom being a homemaker too. My mom is my best friend. I admired everything in her and most especially, I admired how she managed our whole family including her in-laws. A woman treated with so much love and respect by her family, relatives, friends and the community. A woman with a very deep faith in the Lord. A woman who has full of wisdom. At the back of my mind, even if I have my own achievements in life, I still wanted to be like her.
And the right time came, and that time is now. After 14 years of being a working girl, I have shifted to a new career; the same career that my mom took – being a full-time homemaker. I know that this may not be permanent, that I might go back to the working world in the near future. But what’s important to me now is the realization that I got what I prayed for. This new job may not be easy but I am very thankful to the Lord for the answered prayer – for being able to fully take care of hubby and my 2 cute, smart and sweet little boys in the most crucial stage of their lives. I am still a neophyte in this field but I will make sure that I’ll excel in this the way I did in my past career. I am not perfect and I will surely stumble along the way, but I will make the most out of this great opportunity given by God. I will savour each moment and each new experience.
You might say that this new career is boring but I say otherwise. You might say that you don’t earn any money out of this but hey our life’s not all about money. The hugs, kisses, everyday cards, laughters, joys, overflowing love, quality time, growing self-confidence of the kids and all the positive changes they are going through now are treasures that no amount of money can ever compensate.
Someday when my hair has turned grey, my skin has wrinkled, and it’s time to get my evaluation in this particular field, I expect to see straight A’s.
Hello from the Trinidads of Queanbeyan, New South Wales! Does it sound majestic? Hahaha!
What’s up with you Mate?! I’m back to tell you the new adventures of the Trinidads in Oz. So how was our 1st month here in Queanbeyan? As for those who don’t know this place, Queanbeyan is very close to Canberra. Just a 5-minute drive and you’ll be in the Australian Capital Territory. To know more about this suburb, click here.
We find Queanbeyan very quiet and peaceful compared to the lively and glamorous Sydney. You can say that we are “probinsyanos” here but we like it. Everything’s accessible. Just a few walks and you’ll be in various groceries like Aldi, Woolsworth and Sam’s Warehouse. Further down is the Riverside Plaza (a shopping center), Queanbeyan Library, The Q Theater, Acquatic Center, Deion’s school which is St. Gregory Primary School and St. Raphael Church. And don’t ask about parks and playgrounds because they’ve got plenty of that here too!
We do a “walkathon” most of the time and sometimes we ride the bus. Their transportation system here is good. You can plan your trips by just looking at the timetable and routes of the buses online.
Anyway, enough about Queanbeyan. Let’s talk about our new life here. Here it goes:
- We’ve established a daily routine and that includes waking up early, hubby going to work, Deion going to school, more bonding time for me and Dominic and more time for me to perfect homemaking. Hehe… This new career of being a homemaker is not easy at all but the rewards are awesome. It may not be in monetary terms but the happy smiles, every second warm hugs and kisses of the kids, a more appreciative and loving partner in crime aka hubby are worth far more than any riches.
- The kids – Oh! Nothing has changed, they still loooveee Australia! They are just simple little peeps who love the parks and playgrounds, the outdoor activities, yummy food, bubble baths, story time, new places, the Australian show in Disney Junior called The Wiggles and more.
- Hubby – 3rd week at work and he’s enjoying it. He said that the atmosphere is still like his company in the Philippines but only this time, he speaks in English and he’s with diverse nationalities. I’m thankful for my partner in crime; we’re like Superman and Wonder Woman here in Oz, ready to battle all the challenges that come our way.
- Me, myself and I – Oh! I think I’m doing better as days go by in my new career of being a stay at home mom. I’m able to manage the kids better now and I think that they are more behaved than ever! That includes doing things on their own and helping in a little way they can – which is really a big help. I’m also improving in the kitchen, trying new recipes every time. The only down side is I’m starting to feel homesick sometimes but I’m still lucky because I’m back in the writing gig for a client. That’ll keep homesickness at bay and will pour out the creative juices in me again. By the way, on another note, I think I lost weight from all the walking which is good but my skin got dark too because the sun’s showing out all its glory!!! Oh well, I’m fine with the losing weight thing but not with my fair skin getting dark! Urgh!
- Angels – Oops! Don’t get me wrong! I’m not referring to the heavenly creatures up above. I’m referring to the good hearted people that we’ve met here in Australia along the way and are surprised on how accommodating and empathetic they all are! Take note, they are not even relatives or very close friends of ours but they extended themselves and helped us in the best way they can. I call them angels because they are God given blessings who helps and guides our family to make our everyday life here easier. I don’t need to mention who they are. I’ll just pray that they’ll be even more blessed in order for them to help more people.
There you go, a month in Queanbeyan and more to come. We can’t wait for our unit to be fully furnished and for us to be mobile and on a road trip again. That’ll come in a few months. Patience and a little sacrifice are the keywords.
Almost a month here in Australia and so far I’m loving it and am being amazed with my new discoveries. Some are just simple ones and some are not. To those who are already staying or living overseas, I know that some of the things that I’ll mention here are ho-hum to you. You might find me shallow but you have to give this to me as I am still a neophyte here. I know that most of my friends and relatives in Pinas would be awestruck too. How I wish we have these things in our home land.
So what can I say about my recent stay here and my discoveries? Read on:
Food
Meat, fruits and veggies are of good quality (or shall I say best?) – guaranteed fresh, clean and big in size. All products should pass the Australian standard.
Found a new brand of chocolate that replaces all my long time favorites – and that chocolate is named Choceur. I’d go for this over Cadbury.
Kids love the different flavors of popcorn that can be bought in the mall.
Another new favorite is the Grandessa Raspberry Jam.
You won’t see much junk food here. Their chips are only either potato or corn and most are baked.
Lots of take-away or prepared foods in the groceries. The types that are not typical in our country. This is for the busy moms who don’t have time to cook anymore.
People
So many beautiful people! Seldom do you see not so good looking ones.
Diverse nationalities. Aside from the Whites and of course Filipinos, you’ll see a lot of Indians, Lebanese and Chinese people here.
Haven’t experienced racial discrimination yet. Well, it’s still too early for that.
Some of the Australians just talk to you out of nowhere and will chat with you for a while. This happens usually in groceries and parks.
Most are health buffs. They encourage healthy eating, exercise and use of natural and organic products.
Places
Lots of popular groceries/department stores – Coles, Aldi, K-Mart, Woolsworth, Myers, Big-W, David and Jones, Toys R Us and the newly opened Costco. By the way, I heard Ikea’s opening very soon too!
Numerous well maintained parks and playgrounds!
Very clean surroundings.
Lots of trees and very colorful flowers.
Shopping
You can buy a lot with your 100 dollars. Strong buying power I shall say.
Toys R Us can be considered the kids’ haven. I find the prices reasonable especially the Lego blocks.
Lots of Sale! And when they say sale, it’s truly a sale.
I think you can buy almost anything through “Lay-By” or what we call in Pinas as “Gives” or “Installments.” But make sure that you don’t default or else your credit rating will go negative in no time.
Transportation
You can plan your trips properly because the bus and train schedules are all online.
Buses and trains are well maintained.
There are concessions for the youth, the aged and families.
Health Care
They all say that Australia has the best health care system. This I have yet to experience. But hey! I got impressed because in just a matter of days, we got our Medicare cards. We’re now eligible to free consultations and other health care subsidies.
You can also get subsidies for prescription medicines.
Other Important Matters
Government Agencies like Centrelink and Medicare – These agencies have websites with accurate and complete information. Most of your government transactions can be done online. They are very organized and systematic.
Banking and other Financial Transactions – Very convenient. You can pay almost everything either online or through debit. No need to bring much cash you know.
Support and Allowances – Oh my! Name it, they have it! From Family Allowances, Youth Allowance, Rent Assistance, First Home Buyer’s Assistance, Child Care, Allowance for the Aged and so on and so forth! Even those without jobs have allowances! And I think, this is the reason why some of them don’t want to work anymore.
Property Rental – This one is impressive! Yes, renting will actually break your wallet but you get what you pay for. Property rentals are handled by real estate agents. They make sure that the units/houses are of tip-top condition. I believe this gives protection both to the owner and renter. When you apply, they’ll screen you first, get all your pertinent information and do background checks. Then they’ll give you a call when you’ve been approved. I find it so orderly and systematic! After contract signing, they’ll hand over the keys to you and a folder that contain everything you need to know about your rent – the Tenancy Agreement, Property Checklist, the agent’s contact details, important reminders and instructions on how to activate electricity, gas, phone lines, cable and Internet. Oh! And I forgot! Almost all of the houses/units comes with oven, microwave and washing machine!
Comfort and convenience at its best – most of the things you need are easily accessible. All you have to do is just pick up that phone and call OR type on the keyboard and click that mouse!
There you go… I’m sure I’ll add more to this list as I go through my Aussie adventure. And maybe you’ll ask, where are the down side or negative aspects? Well, let us just wait until I encounter one and rant about it (hopefully not). In the meantime, I’ll savor each new experience and hope and pray that my loved ones would experience these things too.
September 10, 2011 is the date that I will never ever forget. It is the start of a new chapter in our family’s life. The day that we left Philippines to find a better life in Australia. It was heart breaking. Now I know how it feels to leave your loved ones behind. Early in the morning of September 10, my tears started falling. I can’t control it. I can’t hold it back. Reality sank in. Alex, Russelle, Deion and Dominic are leaving for good and doesn’t have a clue as to when they’ll set foot again in the Philippines. A bigger question is, what will happen to our family in the land of Oz? What will happen to our loved ones who we left behind? Everything seems unclear and uncertain. I’m just entrusting everything to our dear Lord.
8:40pm, flight QF20 bound to Sydney via Qantas Airlines. It was an emotional ride for me. Good thing that the kids were cooperative and did not give much headache to hubby and I during the flight. We arrived Sydney past 7am of September 11. When I saw Tito Caloy and Tita Me-anne at the airport, I felt relieved. Still can’t believe that our family’s now in another country and will soon start a life of our own here!
It was a smooth start. Thank God for giving the Mascarenas family to us!!!! Our family will forever be grateful for the accommodation and support of Tita Me-anne, Tito Caloy and their daughters and son. We are indeed blessed!
Last Monday, Tita Me-anne brought us to the tourist spots here in Sydney. We went to Circular Quay where you can see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Then we went to Darling Harbour. The kids loved the bus and the train ride! Hehehe. What they didn’t like is that they had no choice but to walk and walk and walk and walk.
Today’s our 5th day here in Australia and everything seems fine (except for my uncontrollable tears). The kids love it here! They love the weather (it’s Spring now), the food, the garden and their new found friend, Biscuit – Mascarenas family’s pet dog. This Saturday, we’ll check Canberra to find for a place that we can rent. Once everything’s ok, we can move to Canberra and find our way there. I bet that the challenge starts there. I just hope and pray that we can go through it with enough strength, courage and determination. So help us God!
This is it! I invite you to join the ride as the Trinidads go up and down, left and right and spin here in Australia.
Yeeeeessssss!!!!!! Finally! After much pleading to my Kuya Rene, he agreed to dance with me! And there was a bonus! His son and my nephew, Ceejay also joined us. What a very nice send off gift to me! I can’t ask for more.
I’ve been dreaming of dancing with my brother who has been a member of the all-male dance group Manoeuvres (Gary Valenciano’s dancers) way back in high school. I told myself that since I’m going away already, my dream should come true. So at long last! September 4, 2011, my dream came true! I can’t explain the happiness and fulfillment. Yeah, it’s just a recorded rehearsal and not a stage performance, but nevertheless, it’s still something to cherish and be proud of.
So here it is, presenting the “S-Moves” dancing to Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass:
Ok, so it’s only a month to go before the big leap. What have we done so far? We’re back in my in-laws house, started sorting and packing our things and spending quality time with families and friends. Lately, I’ve been having sleepless nights. Maybe because the emotional roller coaster ride is at its highest level! Aside from that, a lot of things are crossing my mind right now. Well, I know for sure that we’ll be all right there because the good Lord is paving the way.
My goodness! What used to be a vague plan is now a reality. We submitted those documents 2 years ago and now, visas stamped, bags are being packed and we’re ready to go!
I admit that this decision of ours to leave everything behind is not an easy one. You need faith, determination, open mindedness, support of families and friends and a whole lot more!
So what can I share to all of you who are faced with opportunities and needs to make a major decision? Here are some words of wisdom:
When opportunity knocks, grab it! Don’t let it pass! And if in case you fall, at least you gave it your best shot and you won’t have any regrets.
If everything’s smooth and you don’t experience bumpy rides in between, then it only means that it’s meant for you and the Lord is leading you there. Don’t insist if it’s really not for you. Acceptance is the magic word.
If you have a strong faith in Him, you will surely walk in the right direction. He’ll tell you if you need to push through or back out.
Lastly, consult advice from the elders, most especially your parents. Our parents always know what’s best for us. They have the gift of wisdom that no book or encyclopaedia can match. Also seek their blessing. I’ve always proven this ever since I was a child – that when parents give their blessing to your endeavours, it prospers. Without their blessing, you will go nowhere but down.
As for me, all I can say is… hubby and I grabbed the opportunity and have made a decision. Everything’s falling into place and we’re oh so ready to face our new life in Oz! 30 days to go and counting! I will surely update you of the new adventures in the land of koala bears and roos.
By the way…. we’re not staying in Sydney anymore but in Canberra because of an unexpected blessing that came our way.
From the Trinidad family, have a Happy, Sparkling and Fantastic Year of the Dragon!
