A one-live cat’s life

It’s been two months you havent read any updates from this blog.  From July till September.  Okey before October comes this has what has happened.

July 12 - Sri Chinmoy Race @ Dolls point, where my ITBS started

July 19 - Off to Hunter Valley for the Running Festival
-Visited some Vinyards

- Did some Winetasting

-Some Cheese tasting

- Of course some running, worse, hardest 21.1 for me
July 26 - Sutherland to Surf, skipping and resting from Injury.  Was thereto support and cheer and saw this Runaway brides
July 28 - Cousin Sue Ann and Family Arrived to Sydney.  Hosted them at my flat.  And nina got keen doing some fitness with me.

Aug 2- Bay Run, 2nd week of rest, only run where involves owners and dogs
August 9 - City2Surf. After 2 weeks of rest, I ran under the Red Bib, but of slower time than my time last year.
August 14-Company team building(NSN Unite days). Back To School theme and donated some bikes we built to the Smith Family Chariy

Aug 15 - Woodstock Handicap
August 15 - 5KM at Hidden Half Marathon Bankstown, last Silver win on Age Category before I reach 30
August 20 - 30th Birthday Celebration began with Woodstock
August 21 - Jet Ride, and Birthday Drinks with Colleagues at Argyle
August 22 - Birthday treat at the Siebel at Manly

September - 1st week of Spring at the Terrigal beach in Central Coast
September 5 - Watched Avenue Q. Hilariuos!

September 12 - Warm day for beach and tour to Manly.  Ex-Colleague at zed DJ visited Sydney! So Sue, Nina, DJ, Terry and I went to Manly, and Mexican Dinner
September 13 - 28 degrees and went to run Gladesville Bridge to Bridge run. Opposite from last year’s weather of rainy and wet.  Still won my Age category despite of recovery run, hard course and warm weather.
September 13 - Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach, time for kite flying action
September 20 - Sydney Running Festival, did the last 10km of the half marathon
Today, September 22, 2009 - Sydney was given a taste what’s the feeling of living in Mars.  Strong winds caused sand storms, where top-soil from the central and North Australia desert was flown by the wind, where Sydneysiders woke up with bizarre looking morning.  It has cleared just after noon time.

more photos at Gallery from Sunday Telegraph

After a 14 Km run on both bays at Blackwattle and Bay run, had to dock in Lowennbrau, a popular German pub/restaurant at the Rocks in Sydney for some tucker.

We were seated near the stage.  They always have good entertainment here,  of Bavarian dance and music.  And unexpectedly after the 1st number they picked ladeis amongst the crowd to perform with them.  yes I got picked.  Good thing I did not have to do that confusing butt slapping, clapping dance, but We did do the cowbell ringing which was fun.

And an embarassingly chicken dance!

After which heade to church at St. Patricks.

And enough time to go bet for lotto numbers as the jackpot had gone up to 90Million dollars, the biggest in History they say.  Aside from that shopped for jacket I can use this winter on my runs.  Got a good buy from Lululemon at 59 dollars.

Then started to rain and had to sprint to the Movie house to watch Transformers.  Very action packed.  I like it.

Headed home and watched another movie “What Women want.” which was funny.

After starting with a 12KM race at Central coast’s Bay to Bay Run, I agrevated a building cough.  So on Sunday evening I waasn’t feeling well already, and I knew I’m sick by Monday.

Monday I was coughing, dry, asthmatic cough.  I did take a day off not because I was sick but to offset a sick leave on Friday.  I was actually sick.  ANyway, Cough progressed badly and I wasnt feeling too well Wednesday but I just can’t afford not to go to work as there has been lots of mix of things to finish!  One of the periods where everyone wants things to get done.  Even though Nishant is back, I am still overwhelmed and drowned from work which doesnt really help in my conditions.  I wish I could just stay home, I just could not! Embarassingly coughing at the work area and I am afraid they might take it as Swine flu! I am glad it is not just me who is coughing at the work place.

At last Friday, we almost get thing resolved by the end of the week.  It is good to end the week with the company’s “well-being/Work-life balance” Friday Night Drinks which happens every last Friday of the Month.

Views from work's Rooftop friday drinks - new park in Pyrmont

We get a share of the bridge view too

Soon to be International Ferry Terminal :(

However, I really did not get to finish working until 1230 that midnight and continued on till Saturday morning.  That is I wasn’t on call, so with my colleagues Sissi and Paulus. Yet we still tried our best to accomodate the customer’s call!  Got email and was told work continues on Monday.  I got my weekend back.

haven’t updated this blog for sometime, I am just bit busy or overwhelming busy lately just after my first Marathon, projects coming in all at the same time …

what has past …
- my first Marathon - did a sub-4 more than what I have asked for, 3:56:05
- Darling Harbor had its anniversary, went to watch the fireworks at the harbor
- Ran the Sydney Morning Herald’s Half Marathon and did a PB

- did a few fun runs, and did PBs
- Sydney had a good display of lights around the CBD its called [vivid]

- Had a good long weekend Jun 5-8 at South West Rocks and did another Marathon after 6 weeks! - a 1 second PB

- and this week, i Just rested, after having a slight tonsilitis last Friday, I took the day off on Monday and just bummed around ..my colleague Nishant is back from India but It would still be a very busy week the next few weeks and i am not looking foward to it ..

This was my first Easter weekend in Sydney.  Last year I arrived just a week after the long weekend.

Here in Sydney they do give more emphasis more of the reincarnation than the suffering that’s one reason why its is mostly cold Easter weekend, but the during the start of lent the churches did remind the people about the lent, sacrifice, charity and penance just like what I was taught in Philippines.  Ash Wednesday was not popular as well.  We worked on Maunday Thursday but had the days off from Good Friday till Easter Monday.

Went to Central Coast during the Good Friday and just stayed there for the whole four days reading Sissi’s book, which at last I finished hurrah! And The Secret.

Sad ending.  I liked it because the main character likes to run and well yea it was a good plot too.  It will be showing in the cinemas on November of 2009 and Eric Bana will be on it.

The secret is a book bout positiveness, appreciation, gratefulness, love, peace within your self and attracting the good things in life.

Fished for four days at Wyong river and it was on the fourth day I got my first fish.  Compliments from Terry did the casting of my line.

Duck Fishing, I was getting desperate for not getting fish

I caught a fish without the action shot coz left the phone i thought its going to be another catchless day.  But Actually almost got a fish the 2nd day but it swam away before even i can bring my line at the banks :(.  Fishing is a very patience testing sport.

1st catch! a Black breem when you leave your camera thats when the action takes place

It was a bit cold and dark gloomy weekend for Friday and Saturday.  Good easter was a beautiful day.  Had a short Easter run of 6Kms, and a a barbi lunch.  The only not so happy news is hearing that my lola father side is really getting old and she’s more doing bedrest and they had to put her with diapers now.  I was not able to talk to her in the phone but i am glad I was able to speak to the rest of the family.

My easter bunny chocs from Tezza's mom and Mia, classmate from pilates

It was not much of an outdoor weekend but I did appreciate the rest as it is only a week before THE run.

Again while I am eating and reading the papers during the lunch break at work, this article caught my attention.

Shame, We really do not refuse anything that moves and always end up in the frying pan or in the ihawan! Poor fishy!

It has been a busy month and i fail to write updates on my blog.

Weekend March 28-29

Had lunch on the around the corner neighbor new cafe called “Grapes” at Balmain shores.  Just a few steps from my flat.  Ordered pasta (carbo-loading for the Sunday race) which was beautiful.
Went towatchDuplicity at Greater Union at George Street using up my last promo tickets.  Good movie and unexpected twist in the end.

Waking up on my regular Sunday race and did the SriChinmoy Race at Centennial Park.

Planned to go to LePerouse after, but did a stop-over and good picnic at Little Bay.  Then went to Le Perouse and watched a a reptile show after which proceeded to do some sunbasking.  The day was filled with eating ice cream and coffee!

Blue bottle jelly fish

Weekend Apr-4-5

Was working evening shifts as well with my regular day shift lately and Friday was one of the days.  I am glad it is my Taper week before the marathon and no races for the next weekends.  Had sleeped in.

Sunday was the start of the end of Day-light savings and my body clock was still set on the dayloght savings.  Woke up early, had breakfast at Bowan’s bakery walked to and from the house which is crossing the Iron cover bridge maybe which is a kilometer away.  This is where the Woodstock Runners cafe stop after te Saturday runs this is located at Drummoyne.  they absolutely serve the bestest! muffins iv’e ever tasted and good coffee.

Then shopped for fishing rods that we plan to use on Easter weekend.  I bought my first rod, a beginner’s female pink fishing rod.

Went to little Bay, even it was already cold from autumn winds hoping could go snorkling.  It was really cold I tried to snorkle but it was too cold for me even with my rashies.

And on the way home, guess what? found a Filo grocery.  I was told that its already 20 years in that location!  It was Pinoy frenzie food shopping, well for mixes anyway.  Bought sinigang, adobo, karekcare, and palabok mix! So with a hot and spicy nagaraya and salted red eggs.   The red eggs was for dinner and it was not as good as the original red eggs.

Went to chruch and attended the palm Sunday at St. Patrick at Grosvenor road, Sydney.  Palm Sunday was celebrated differently, compared to palms being sold at church doors with very arty and crafted designs, the church gave us palms at the end of the mass which were cut nicely and simply straight from a palm plant.

Tuesday as a gift for having my anniversary, I took myself to te dentist, yea if you think im crazy for thinking it as a gift! I maxed out my 2000AUD dental care! altho they did numb my left side mouth and driven those drills like thousan f1 drivers running around my mouth, I think they are the best Dentists I have been to in my life, seriuosly! The fish tank, and the entertainment where you watch MTVs with the headphones while they treat you. It is so cool.  And it is just at the building where I work so convinient!  I went to Pyrmont Dental Health.

This Sunday also commemorates my anniversary of coming to Sydney as a transfer location on my work.  I remember I left Philippines April 4 and arrived in Sydney, twas an overcasti day i was tired and waking up the following day which was end of Daylight savings, and it was raining.

Its going to be Easter weekend 4 day holiday and be going up central coast to fish, relax maybe to the beach if its not too cold.  its a week more before my first marathon event.

Happy Easter everyone!

Property website

Makati Executive Tower II

• 1 BR Unit; 29th Floor
• 32++ SQM
• 2++ SQM Balcony overlooking Manila sunset bay unobstructed view
• Windows open to open space and good view
• Location: De La Rosa St. Cor Medina near Buendia and Osmena Hiway
• Rent: Fully Furnished PhP 20K
• Semifurnished/Default Setup PhP 14K - aircon, hot/cold shower, bathroom accessories - mirror, shower curtain, counter, exhaust, towel rack; drying rack, range hood, closet, cupboard, with provisioned phone line and cable TV, Light fixtures, blinds
• Fees excluding Dues, Water and Electricity
• Terms: 1 month advance 2 months deposit, 1 year lease renewable, at least 1 month notice cease contract ; 6 month min lease, non residents are required for 2 months advance, 2 months deposit in cash.
• Very accessible to public transpo
• 10-15 mins walking distance to major Makati shopping centers: MCS,Greenbelt, Glorietta, SM Makati, Landmark, Waltermart, Makro
• 10 minute walk to Legazpi park
• 10-15 min walk to Makati CBD
• With amenities: swimming pool + gym + separate male and female sauna + conference room, roof deck/ viewing deck. Children’s playground
• Readily available service within the bldg:salon, spa, mini stop/minimarts, laundry, food shops, internet cafe, water delivery, dentist, church/chapel
• Pets allowed, maximum of 2
• 24/7 Secured Environment
• local and expat community
• A visitor’s monitoring and assistance counter complete with building directory.
• A separate residential entrance is provided for privacy.
• Three elevators will exclusively serve the residential floors.
• Automatic Fire Sprinkler System / Fire Hose Cabinet System / Fire Alarm System.
• Common area facilities are connected to the standby power genset system in case of power interruption.
• Two fire exit stairs equipped with pressurization blowers to minimize the smoke inside the stairwell.
• Public comfort rooms for male and female at the ground floor.
• Dual underground and elevated tank system assures ample water supply for daily consumption and fire reserve.
• Administration office.
• Taxi and driver’s paging system at the pre-departure area.
• Parking levels are equipped with automated 24-hour scanning photocell ramp signaling system.
• Chute and a central garbage storage at the ground floor.
• AFSS / Fire Alarm System
• Emergency Power Back-Up System For Common Area
• Individual Mailbox

Availability date: May 2009

Please send me email: chaiaket@yahoo.com if interested

whole unit mpg.avi

bathroom mpg.avi

Well at last, I am glad that my impression about Australia’s customer service is changed a bit when I received two emails on confirmation of receiving my complaint about a Sydney Bus driver written in my previuos blog.

And this morning I got an appology letter from the Sydney Transit Authority management.

Why am I riding the bus anyway? It is because It is convinient for me from home to work, saves me energy and saves the environment by not adding another car on the road contributing to the CO2.

We hailed this bus Saturday 21/03/09  at Victoria Road near Terry Street Bus Stop around 2-230PM.  He stopped but did not open the doors immediately as he was talking in the intercom/phone/radio.  There were three passengers waiting, Me a friend and an Asian female.

He opened the door telling us he got call that there has been an incident in Gladesville bridge that will affect traffic that he needed to take the call.

We do not have prepaid tickets, three passengers entered, Asian Female went ahead and put her ticket on the machine on the 2nd machine away from the driver while I went to this Driver telling him “2 to the City please, 1 is concession” (friend flashes concession card) I gave him 10 dollars.  Then he charged me 2 adults and 1 concession.

And I corrected him politely, I said “Sorry, I just need 1 adult and he (my friend) has his concession card (where he have to show it again to him).”  He assumed that since I was Asian he counted the female asian in our company yet that female already have dipped her ticket in the machine.  (He should be more alert and aware of his passengers).

Anyway, after that, this driver suddenly blurted out “Oh can you make it clearer, You need to speak English better.”

And from that point on he blurted those words I was offended but did not say anything.  I am of Asian decent, my friend was Australian and he said to the driver he needed not to say anything rude and racist.  And this driver started saying “when I went to the Philippines, I did not expect everyone to understand me as they do not speak English.”

Too bad I am a Filipino and I am more offended on what he said.  I just kept silent and did not say anything as all I wanted to do is go to the city and my friend once again said you need not to say that. And this driver kept on mumbling and saying racial things.

I haven’t felt so angry and mad being treated this way here in Australia.  I did not appreciate what he said yet I still kept calm and quiet.  I don’t think Sydney Buses represent this kind of worker.

He might be having a bad day still he do not have any right to bring it with him to work and he needs to be professional on what he do.  Or maybe driving a bus is not the right job for him.  Driving a bus requires a lot of patience and people skills.  I admit I am not as near perfect English speaker because of my background, yet I believe I wouldn’t be employed and transferred to Australia to serve the Australian people if I do not deserve to be here, considering the company I work for has a good reputation.

I have been working in a very multi-cultural and a global company, yet I havent seen this attitude in the company I am working for in 4 years now.  This is a very sad case that can give bad impression what Australians are.

I do not wish him to be sacked yet I hope that the bus management will do something to correct this kind of attitude of this kind of workers.  And I am hoping not to meet one again.

Bus details: FS9288, Bus 1639, route 515. - a**hole!

Before I moved here, this is one concern my parents have here in Australia, being discriminated as a Filo.  Brown and Asian.  Australians, prove that this impression is wrong.