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! :)

Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo (Mark 2)

My Colleagues and I went to the shopping centre during our lunch break today. I had my regular serve of fried rice with stir-fried chicken and veggies. :)

While at the shopping centre, I took advantage of the opportunity and bought the Sony 8 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo at Dick Smith.

I'm so excited to take lots and lots of shots without having to worry if I'll be running out of memory. Yipee! :)

Chinese Dumplings

A Chinese Colleague of mine, Minnie, came to work this morning with a platter full of Chinese dumplings. They were sooo yummy! Check them out.

She made these dumplings from scratch - even the wrapper! Hopefully one day I will be able to put together dumplings as yummy as these. 

Thanks Minnie! :)

Stress + Sadness = Shopaholic

I had a very stressful day at work today (I almost went home before noon), and when I'm stressed (and sad at the same time), the shopaholic in me gains more power.

I actually didn't do too bad this evening (I consulted with Hubby first as well as Becks), I only made one purchase online. Plus it gave me free postage because the item was over $99 and also gave me a free pair of thongs since my purchase was over $80. Yipee, great deal! :)

Of course, you will see the post when the goods arrive. I just looove the feeling of getting a pressie in the mail.

Excited! :D

(Becks, I ditched the bag. I felt bad coz Art kept on reminding me to spend wisely. Sad, but happy I saved a bit.)

Project in Effect

A good friend of mine, Mike, has joined a team of talented people at Project in Effect.

If you need any kind of branding, web development, design, advertising or similar services no matter what medium, do check out their profile. They have accomplished some AWESOME projects!

For further information please contact Mike Mamaril.