Returning Blogger

I have been absent from the blogging world for too long.

I missed blogging about the significant events in my life.

I missed blogging about my shopping finds.

Most of all, I missed all of my blog sisters! :)

Fingers crossed that I will be able to continue my blogging like I did before I went on holiday.

I am Home

Many things have happened the past six weeks - majority I have failed to blog.

Among the many wonderful things that happened during that time, I would say one event was a miracle.

My husband got his migration visa approved!

We had always wanted to come back home to Melbourne together, for good. However we really weren't expecting our prayer to be granted.

At precisely 2:03PM Manila time on the 20th of April, a very important letter arrived in my husband's email inbox. The letter which would change our lives forever - the approval letter.

I was in the Philippines visiting my husband during this time, and this letter was received five days before my flight back to Melbourne. Upon receipt of the approval letter, we tried all channels to be able to grab a seat for my husband, so that he could fly home with me.

Once again, with God's help, the day before I was due to leave, we were able to secure a seat for my husband on the same flight as me.

Thank you all for your wonderful support, most especially for your prayers.

It is true that whatever is meant for you will be given to you - when you least expect it, at the perfect time.

Now, My husband is here with me.

Now, I am finally home. :)

Another Step Forward

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to once again email the Australian Embassy. I thought this was the perfect time to contact them (while I'm in the Philippines), in case they wanted to see the both of us during my stay here. As per routine, I received an auto-response from them acknowledging my email.

This afternoon, on our way back home (in the car) from Laguna, Arthur received a phone call from his older sister Joanna. She informed Arthur that the Australian Embassy rang the home phone requesting for him. Since Arthur was out, Ate Joanna gave Arthur's mobile number.

What we felt during that moment - 50% nervousness and 50% excitement.

After a couple of minutes Arthur's mobile rang again (3:04PM Manila time). On this instance, it was the call we were eager to receive.

It was our Case Officer. She discussed with us the two outstanding requirements:

1. Single Status Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages of my State.

2. A question on the Form 47SP which we missed.

That was it. That is all that she is asking for!

We were very happy to hear that there were no major requirements. The things they are requesting for are quite easy to achieve. Once we obtain these documents and lodge them, I'm sure it won't be long before Arthur gets his visa.

Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Thank You for being our source of faith and strength.

Apologies Fellow Bloggers

Hi everyone! I just want to apologise for not being able to blog and answer/accept your tags. I have been overseas on holiday (and I still am overseas) and I haven't had time to post. Hopefully when I get back to reality, I will be able to get back into the blogging world.

Miss you much sisses! Mwahugz! :)

News from the Department of Immigration

On Sunday, I had a brief conversation with my cousin Lyn (who just recently migrated to Australia). She was asking about the progress of our application for hubby's migration. I informed her that the application is just about to click to two months, and we haven't heard anything as yet. Lyn advised me to email my Case Officer and ask if she requires any additional information.

With that in mind, I finally decided to email our Case Officer. I was a little hesitant at first, as I felt that I would once again get unuseful information. But then I thought again, and figured I won't lose anything anyway.

So yesterday at 1:35PM Melbourne time, I emailed our Case Officer, with the hope of receiving a favourable response.

I was shocked to see a response by 1:44PM, only to find out that it was only a system-generated message to acknowledge the receipt of my email. It was depressing to see that I have to wait upto 5 business days before I receive a response from the department.

After reading that acknowledgement message, I went to lunch knowing I won't receive a response (but still hopeful).

When I got back from lunch, I had a few minutes to spare so I checked my emails again.

I was VERY surprised to see another email from the department at 2:11PM.

I clicked the email with much excitement (and nervousness, I admit).

"Thank you for your email..."

I read on.

"... we have received your documents and they have been forwarded to the Health Operations Centre in Sydney for medical opinion of our Medical Officers of the Commonwealth"

WE ARE PROGRESSING! YIPEE! :D

The email didn't come from our Case Officer, but it didn't really matter. It was a relief to find out that our application is actually moving. I'm hoping now that the Medical Officer would check and approve hubby's medical results as soon as he/she can so that we can have hubby's visa approved before I come back to Melbourne.

Thank you for the prayers everyone! Please help us to continue to pray for the speedy release of hubby's visa. :)

Coffee Break 1.49

Yay, sis Jan has started her Coffee Breaks again! :)

Here is the question for Coffee Break 1.49:

How does one have a vavavoom body this beach season?

I can't really relate to this Coffee Break as I pretty much consume whatever I feel like eating. Hopefully when hubby and I are together we can arrange some sort of healthy arrangement/s.

But if you ask me, I'd say:

1. Exercise

2. Healthy Eating

3. Confidence

I'd like to emphasize point number 3 - confidence plays a major role in having a vavavoom body this season (and for any other season for that matter). You may not have the "perfect" or "ideal" body, but keep in mind that most people don't (guys and girls alike).

So, ladies (and gents) - keep healthy, chin up, and feel great! :)

Twilight Special Edition DVD

Today, I have secured myself a copy of the Twilight 2-Disc Special Edition DVD! Yipee!

I pre-ordered the DVD at the Borders website. I'm such a happy Twilight fan! Haha. :P

It will be released at Borders on the 22nd of April, so my DVD will be waiting for me to collect upon my return from my holiday.

Go TEAM EDWARD!!! lol :D

Uhmm.. More Shopping

Getting through more shopping for family and close friends in the Philippines. And of course, I couldn't resist. I simply had to shop for myself too. Haha.

Here are my finds last Monday.

Ojay spaghetti top (gotta have the basic black spag).

Roxy wallet.

Esprit messenger bag.

Rip Curl mini makeup kit (which I won't use for makeup).

Quiksilver half-cap for my dear hubby. :)

Arrival of Cossies

It has been sooo hectic this week that I haven't even been able to blog about the happenings in my life. Boo. I miss blogging. Anyway, I gotta blog quick coz I have heaps of things to do.

My cossies and my thongs from Surf Stitch arrived before lunch on Monday. Yay!

Here they are.

Billabong flip flops.

















Tigerlily swimwear.











I'm super happy about the fast delivery. Makes online shopping from Surf Stitch even more tempting. Hahaha. :P

Shopping for Hubby and Becks

After mass, our family went to the shopping centre for lunch and more shopping for my trip to the Philippines (which is fast approaching).

I'm really happy because I was able to buy 2 things today - one for Hubby and one for Becks (bestfriend April). The one for Becks is my pasalubong and the one for Hubby is my first year wedding anniversary present for him. Too bad I can't post the images coz they are readers of this blog and I don't want them to see yet. Hehe.

Anyway, I bought a couple of things for myself as well. Just a sleeveless top from Esprit and a Roxy paper hat from Jetty Surf.

[pictures to be posted]

Can't wait to go home and see my Hubby, Becks and all my Pinas relatives and friends! :)