…a brief glance…

After a frustrating day…yet another. The afternoon has been good. After preparing and getting ready for this STUPID interview that JERK WONDER decided to cancel half an hour before it began on Monday, I arrived there after an hour on the bus (3 buses later) at Paddington only to be told by Manners Challenged Boy Wonder that he couldn’t do the interview. I was so close to punching him in the face and not feel any qualms about it. I was warned of RUDENESS in this place but that was UNBELIEVABLE. He held no remorse for the huge INCONVENIENCE. I was overwhelmed with

“Oh why I oughta…” before punching him in the face. GRRRRR!!!!

Anyways…I went back to the dorm where Eileen from reception pretty much got as wound up as I did when I told her about it. (I am in and out of that place so often that I have gotten familiarized with the staff) So I went back upstairs and got changed out of my ‘proper clothes’ and into my unironed (don’t tell my mother) cargo pants, shirt and jacket and headed for Leicester Square with every intention of making the day better by wtaching a play that I really wanted to see called Oleanna. I went to Leicester Square and lined up in one of those half price places and got a really good seat for half the price. I was syked. So after my Happy Meal (which I was craving for) I headed over to a CHEAPO internet cafe to check my e-mail for details on upcoming interviews….I have two tomorrow.

I digress…the play was AWESOME. Julia Stiles was really good and I loved it enough to look for the play at a book store once I have finished My Life – Bill Clinton which I am over half way to finishing. Seeing the play kind of reminded me of why I’m here. To see and do things, I can’t necessarily do if I am back home. I have plenty of others I want to see. Like We will rock you, Fame, When Harry met Sally, Phantom (again), Mamma Mia (again) and the girls want to see Les Mis but I don’t know if I can justify seeing it for like the fourth time. Twice in Sydney, and once in Broadway. We’ll see how the budget is.

I had a phone interview today which I am currently waiting it’s results. I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket during the play and I missed it…obviously!

In the last couple of days. The last 24hours in particular I have began to question whether or not I could really do this, and I gotta tell you, some days are so frustrating that I think packing it up, traveling the remaining days may be a good idea. But I decided I’m not ready to accept defeat just yet. I am however looking into checkking out France for a weekend just to get a taste of traveling. I have to make a decision by next week. If nothing looks promising, I may just jump on a train and travel with what I got. Then come back and try it all over again. We’ll see.

Well, tomorrow is another day. I have another interview with another Recruitment Agency, hopefully they’re a lot more helpful than the last one, instead of just being a bunch of snooty people. Then afterwards I have an interview with a Marketing Campaign, which sounds interesting…we’ll see what that entails.

Thanks for reading my babbles and what not. Hope all is well with everyone.

Take care and Love much…

Greetings and Hi de ho…

Week three of London. The weather, still bites, but you know. You make do with what you got. After if-ing and ahh-ing about whether or not I should venture out on Saturday, because of the lovely weather, Christina and I bravely ventured out after lunch. We headed for the ever famous Portobello Markets in Notting Hill. I was so syked, I get to see where they shot Notting Hill. I was experiencing flaskbacks of Julia Roberts standing in front of Hugh Grant,

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy. Asking him to lover her…”

Was repeating itself over and over again in my head. After a log bus ride there we finally arrived. We walked up and down, to no avail. Finally we asked and I was devastated to find out that not only does the famous Travel Bookshop NOT EXIST. They had three locations to shoot the one scene. It totally killed it for me. We got to stand in front of the blue door, which is now black. Needless to say I felt a little jipped by the experience, but oh well… HOLLYWOOD right?

After we headed home, cooked dinner and got ready to go out. My first night out in London. Christina and I met with a couple of her Italian friends and we ended up at a club in Camden. The music wasn’t bad, and it was a pretty good couple of hours. The trek home was an experience to remember. There was no direct buses back to our end of London…of course. So after a lot of walking trying to look for a suitable bus stop to get us home, we finally got there. We arrived just before 3am.

Sunday was spent reading and pretty much just bumming out. I had a migraine so I was trying to sleep it off. That evening I went to Hillsong London which was pretty cool. It made me miss my IPOD more because I didn’t have access to my Hillsong stuff.

Monday turned out to be a GARFIELD ‘I hate Mondays’ day. The interview sort of flopped. They were after someone with UK experience, blah blah. The second interview decided to postpone it half an hour before it started…I was so NOT happy!

I quickly went home, got changed, and tried to make it for the 5:30pm Mass at Westminister Cathedral. I barely made it. Afterwards I went to Ate Fe and Kuya Dodie’s for my mail. Where I was fed and sent home with a full tummy.

Today was laundry day. So that pretty much killed my morning, but its always good to have clean clothes…hehe…This afternoon I’ve gone back to job hunting and so forth. I’ll be looking at a flat in Chelsea this afternoon, so we’ll see.

Anyways, that’s about it for me. Hope everyone is well. Peace out! Nanu nanu!

Today I had not much planned. If anything I just wanted to stay in teh dorm, read, sleep, and laze about. I was waiting for phone calls for interviews and have finally reached the not caring stage. Well, the less STRESSED out stage. After my Mom’s phone call this morning, instead of getting ready to go out, I went back to bed and read, played with my faithful gameboy, (which I know my Ate Nelle, Ate Sol and Kuya Jet are missing – more than they’re missing me) I received a text message from Trisha aka Bot-Bot, who’s my childhood friend. She was in London, just arrived yesterday from Malta and she is only here for a week or so. Anyways…we agreed to meet for an early lunch at Leicester Square (I swear everytime I am anywhere somewhat familiar I feel like I am playing Monopoly)…I digress…Well after messaging her back I uncharacteristically fell asleep again. Oooops!! By the time I woke up it was like 10:40 and we were meeting at 11:30am. After a quick shower and three bus changes later I made it. She looked EXACTLY the same. She was EXACTLY the same. It was good. We talked like no time had passed. Even if it has been about 7 years since we had last seen each other. It was so nice to have a familiar face.

Trish was one of my very first friends. We are family friends. When we arrived in Asutralia, they arrived shortly after. Her family, mine and another (Aimee’s) spent almost every weekend together for the next decade. Our families know each other’s family dramas. It was like growing up with extra cousins, and as I look back on our childhood, the fun times includes sleepovers, dancing around in front of the TV while Trish introduced us to the latest dance moves of YTT! SAD!!! The mention of Martika will always make me chuckle.

Anyways after lunch we walked about for a little while and headed off to Oxford Street for some window shopping. When I said that I hadn’t even been to Harrods, we headed for Knightsbridge…so I have not only seen Harrods, I also got to check out the ring that Dodi got Diana.

We headed for home afterwards and agreed to keep in touch via text messages. As well as spending a good day out I received a few calls regarding job interviews so I am looking forward to those. I have one tomorrow and two on Monday. This weekend I hope to look for places to live.

Hmmm…London is definitely growing on me. I’m loving it. I hope all is well with everyone. I still miss you all very much. Take care and Love much… MWAH!!!

At 1:30 early this morning, we were rudely awakened by an LOUD, ANNOYING alarm. For a moment I thought I was back home and I had set my alarm for an ungodly hour wake up call to finish deadline, or assignment. Despite how along ago I had graduated. The noise was constant, and irritating. I reluctantly ducked my head out of my door to find Christina and Isabel’s head hanging out to with the same confused and dumbfounded expression as I had on mine. As other doors flew open in annoyance, we glanced at each other and decided to head downstairs. There could be a fire. As we headed down however people were headed up, so we went back to the rooms only to be advised to leave the building immediately. I looked down at my flattering attire of 3/4 pyjama pants and old T-shirt, shrugged followed with a sigh. I picked up my jacket and headed down the stairs with the girls. As soon as we got outside I felt the breeze and realised I was somewhat under dressed for the summer evening. WELCOME to LONDON!!! Grrr!!! Of course when one is dressed ever so daggy, with her hair standing up in so many directions, she runs into good looking tenants of the dorm, whom she never runs into when she’s dressed and looking somewhat presentable. *sigh* Isn’t that always the case. So we stood around for a little while, socialised with neighbours we have never met, nor known existed. If we weren’t so tired and in shock, the three fire trucks waiting outside the building would have been alarming. But it seems all it was, was a FALSE ALARM…well that’s what they said last night, but today we found out that someone had accidently set fire (a small one) on the fifth floor. Comforting isn’t it? After the dramas we were able to go back upstairs, and needless to say, I could no longer sleep. GRRR!!!

Today was a pretty laid back day. I headed for the Job Centre again, and though the systems were up and running, it was packed and they had no staff to assist. So I left, dropped off applications and headed for the dorm. Upon arriving I made my lunch, read and had it. Now I’m here, in yet another Internet Cafe, surfing for accomodation and Jobs. After over an hour my eyes are becoming blurry so I thought I’d post last night’s festivities.

Tonight shall be a quiet night. As usual Christina, Isabel and I will be making our low budget meals for dinner, and having it in the communal kitchen.

Hopefully tomorrow I will hear back from some of these people I keep e-mailing. Tomorrow I’ll be spending the day in the phone booth ringing around for accomodation. What fun! Anyways…hope todays post brought a chuckle. It certainly was an interesting night last night.

PEACE OUT!

I have come to the conclusion that I am having a BRANTLEY FOSTER series of moments. In saying that I realise my sister would probably be the only one who will realise what I am rambling about…If she remembers…at the tender age of 31 she’s getting to be more and more forgetful.

Brantley Foster was the leading character in one of my most favourite movies of all time…The Secret of my Success. Brantley goes to NY to test out the big city and is hit with a series of dead ends. But in the end, he succeeds. I WILL TOO!

As frustrating as it is trying to go from one agency to another, it’s okay. I am beginning to enjoy London. My new found friends at the dorm make the small confined space a more liveable place to be.

Christina is Italian and Isabel is French, while I am the Filipino/Australian. We make an interesting bunch. They’re great to be with and because we are all away from our homes, we sort of make each other feel homey. We eat dinner together and makes plans for the following days.

London is beginning to be less scary, even exciting. So I am getting there…yesterday we attempted to brave the crowds for the F1 parade, my brother would be proud but after being squashed for almost an hour with no hopes of seeing anything, we called it quits and headed for home, where we hoped Isabel would be since she got separated.

Anyways…that’s all for me. I have to run for an interview. Hope all is good with everyone.

Well today started of with such high hopes of accomplishing many things. Opening a bank account, doing laundry, mailing my Ipod, etc etc.

Instead I have accomplished NOTHING! I left the dorm later than usual after having a great talk with Val. My Mom called this morning as per usual and miraculousy no tears were involved. My Ats and I tried to connect but my credits run out. But I spoke to her last night anyway.

Anyways…I left the dorm feeling a lot better. London didn’t seem as scary anymore, now that I knew which buses to take, where to take connecting buses and so forth. I was ready to Open my bank account. I had all the necessary paperwork, etc etc. So I get to Victoria and the lady says that my supporting documents are fine, however the letter verifying my address needed to be formatted, so I called Kuya Dodie and asked if I could go there and get it fixed. So I hopped on two buses to get to Chelsea, disturbed him, got him to reformat the letter as requested and take another two buses back. I got back close to 1-ish and they informed me after all that, that one of the supporting documents were outdated, therefore I need to go back and get another one, or ask Ate Fe to write another letter, this time only under her name. Unfortunately Ate Fe was at work and won’t be home till after 6 tonight. Fine dealt with that I will just come back later.

Now after mailing my Ipod and returning home, I realised I shouldn’t have mailed my IPOD under normal mail. I know I know, brain flew out the window. So after talking to my sis, it was decided that I should just take the mail back. Which luckily enough you could do here. I called the people, and they were willing to hold it for me. So here I am rushing out the dorm room again…to catch the mail people. When I get to Victoria I realise that I got off a few stops before because I forgot I walked around for ages. GRRRR!!!! So here I finally am at the mail store thingy and they let me take back my Ipod. No refund therefore I got myself another (because I had bought one earlier) book of international stamps, and one hour internet as equivalent to the mailing amount. Give or take. So here I am, trying to consume it.

I am EXHAUSTED, FRUSTRATED and what not. I wasted £10 and a day. I realise I may have just saved myself the $400 I paid for my Ipod but after all the drama of the day it just sucks! Not to mention it sucks that the stupid thing just died for no reason.

Anyways….on the UP SIDE, and yes it was hard to find one… London isn’t so scary anymore and little by little my nerves are settling down. I’m still worried about the job hunt and accomodation. I miss my family like mad, but I’m getting there.

Also today I went pass a recruitment agency and signed up, not to mention I dropped in an application form to a prestigious hotel. I’m hoping they’re looking for admin clerical staff. If I get something around here in Victoria it’d be great, since this is around the area I would like to find a permanent place at.

Yesterday I went and met Kuya Jay’s sister Ate Fe, and she and Kuya Dodie were great. They were way helpful. They also reassured me. It’s not the same, but at least I don’t feel quite as ALONE anymore.

When I got back to the dorm last night a few of us girls hung out at the kitchen just chatting and what not, I got back to the room after 10 which is an achievement from someone who was in bed by 7:30pm last week.

I don’t think London will ever be HOME, but I am slowly getting excited at the possibilities. If only I could get a job already.

On Saturday Alison, my new friend from Adelaide, and I went to Heaver, to visit Henry VIII’s castle. That turned out to be fun. Especially the train ride, for it had a very Hogwarts Express feel to it.

Anyways, I think that is my hour almost up. Imagine £4 for one hour of internet use. Talk about RIP OFF…especially when you’re x by 3.

Signing off… take care and God Bless to all..

Love and Missin much,

d’cookster

Well, today is a little brighter than yesterday. Though it sort of didn’t feel like it started out that way when I spoke with my Mom on the phone and was in uncontrollable tears.

I made it to my 1st Contact orientation and got all the info I need for Banking and all that. It was extremely helpful, and once I have a permanent residency I can open my bank account.

Also today while killing time at an internet cafe I met a girl who was in a similar position as to myself. We’re meeting up later for coffee or whatever. It makes me feel better to have met someone. Though we live at opposite ends of London at the moment, it’s still nice to know I’ve met a potential friend and buddy.

Though I am still pining for HOME in a major way, and still could burst into tears for no apparent reason, today’s a better day.

Greetings from LONDON! I’m finally here. After so many years of planning and what not, here I am. I would love to say that I am instantly in love with the place and that I’m all excited, but… I’m HOMESICK. I miss my family! It dawned on me as I boarded the plane in the Philippines that I wasn’t headed for home as I would normally be after such a trip. Instead I was going to an unknown country where I know no one. I FREAKED OUT. When we got to Bangkok for refuelling, all I wanted to do was jump on the plane headed for home. At the age of 25, I never wanted my MOMMY more. After a long and crowded flight to Frankfurt, my nerves did not ease and the urge to burst into tears every 2 seconds stayed. When I finally arrived in London and was in one of those cool Black Cabs, I felt a little excited. Much to my relief the dorm room was clean and secure enough. However the dawning of ALONE-ness remained and once again the tears began. Talking to my At’s for ages made me feel a little better, but I couldn’t shake my homesick-ness. My sis was quick to point out that I was still jet lagged, and that my emotions still on a rollercoaster because of the chaotic four weeks in the Philippines. I promised to head to bed early in hope to sleep off this mood.

Speaking to my sis early the next morning, I sounded a little better and I had a day planned. EXPLORE, that will surely snap me out of my FUNK. So I visited the awesome St Paul’s Cathedral, and rode the red bus. I would love to say that it made me feel better, it did, but only a little. Mostly I wished that my family were with me as I checked out the cool sceneries. After a few hours I had finally had enough and headed for home. What’s to be my home for the next 3 weeks.

Tired of moping around, not exactly knowing what to do next I decided to walk around the vicinity of the dorm rooms, in hope to find a job. Like it was ever going to be that simple…I walked around, got a few numbers, and at one of my last stops I struck it lucky. Though there were no positions available in that company, I met a lady who was incredibly nice and was nice enough to talk me through a few options. She gave me a few names, and she even called a couple of agencies to ask them for procedures on my behalf. For the first time since I arrived, I thought I was making some headway in my inward battle of being homesick.

I talked to my sis and told her about my discovery for the day, and agreed that it was a good thing. I still felt homesick, and the tears came again while we talked, but I felt better after hanging up the phone. Slowly I am learning to take each day as it comes. That as scary as this is, I can get through it. That as much as I would like to head for home now, I know deep down I’m not ready to go.

That night when my Mom called me, I could speak to her without bursting into tears, which was a biggie!

I knew this was going to be a challenge, I just under-estimated the emotional challenge. I realise just how much I am reliant to those I love. Not just for practical stuff, but for emotional stuff. I miss my sis, mom, and bro’s hugs. I miss being able to hug them and jump all over them, as a youngest always does.

I wanted a place with no safety nets, and I got it. Though I have to say without my sister as my lifeline via phone, I would be on a plane back right now…well maybe not, but it sure is tempting at times.

I know once job security is on hand, a place to stay is definite, and I’ve made a few friends, it will be easier. At this point, each day is getting easier. All I can do is take in one day at a time.

Ann pointed out the reason why I am in such a loss is because I am such a PLANNER, and I have set out in my mind how it should be, and because it isn’t. I’m finding it difficult. It’s true. I assumed because I have wanted this for so long, that I would be excited, and when I wasn’t, I fell apart. I hate that I am not as excited as I wanted to be. That I’m scared more that I am excited.

But only time will tell. I have a committment with myself to stick it out till at least November. Till I have to be home for Mer’s wedding. To give myself those four months to really give it my best shot, and decide from there what to do. Until then I am just praying to survive each day without bursting into tears. It’s disappointing that I am this emotional about it, and that it’s taking ages to shake off, but I guess once I settle down in my own time, I’ll be able to look at this in a more non-emotional kind of way. Hopefully a week from now I can chuckle at my SAD entry.

Must go, look for jobs and accomodation, make new friends. =) I hope everyone is well. You’re all often in my thoughts. I miss you all very much.

Love Much

Lis/Cookster

Greetings all. It’s 5:09am (Philippine Time) and I am sitting here at the hotel, wide awake! (Geez Banan, those bottomless ICED TEA does wonders!)

I’m not quite sure when I last posted, or what I posted. This past week has passed in much of a blur. More time with family, shopping, so on and so forth.

Oh my gosh! Before I forget, my brother, Mom and I experienced something incredibly hillarious on Monday night. We caught a cab to the hotel, which isn’t a biggie, however we managed to get the worst one. When I say worst I am not by any means aiming at the driver or his driving skills, but at his vehicle. The moment our butts hit the seat we thought UH OH! Our worst fears were confirmed by the rattling noise it made as it drove on. It was like it had not only one screw loose, but many. It felt like it was being held together by elastic bands. We honestly did not breathe the whole time. My Kuy and I were messaging each other via phone. Him from the front of the cab and I at the back. (At P1.00 it was doable) The conversation went on as follows.

Kie/Lis: “Um, am I the only one who has major doubts on our making it back in this heap? I’m refraining from breathing in fear it’ll collapse and we would have to walk home.”

Kuy: “I have the same concerns.”

(Meanwhile the cars stops. It makes that sad coughing sounds as he tries to start her up again to no avail. He picks up a screwdriver and starts to head out the door, but attempts one more time. Alleliua it starts. Texting begins again…)

Kie/Lis: “Dammit Kuy! I told you not to breathe!”

Kuy: “Wait till I fart!”

After awhile we finally arrived at the hotel and though the ride only came to P87.00, my mother hands him P200 with the parting words of…

“Have it, have it all…”

We rushed to get out of the cab in fear it would just fall apart as it had come to a halt. It was hillarious, I have to say we were in hysterics for quite some time, and it still cracks us up.

Tonight we had our little get together to say goodbyes. It was pretty much full attendance by the while clan, nieces and nephews included. And no…I didn’t cry. Though I have to say when I was saying goodbye to my Ate Ma, I welled up a little.

Ate Ma, has been my Ate Ma for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up we saw her the most, and I have grown up loving her as my sister. Now she’s married and with kids, it’s still the same. Though we can’t sleep in the same bed any more, I can’t drag her to wherever I am, she’s still my Ate Ma, hence the welling up as we said our goodnight. *sigh*

I can’t believe it’s here. In about 12 hours…since it’s about 5:30, I’ll be inside the airport, ALONE. Unfortunately they don’t allow loitering as they do at Sydney Airport. Which is probably a plus, since I will probably be inconsolable. I have a fresh batch of letters and cards to read. I sorta didn’t really pass the memory book around.

London here I comes! yIKES! I’ll let you guys know how I go once I get there. Till then, take care and Peace out!

PS. I haven’t read emails yet and will do once I get a chance. The best way to get in contact with me, once I leave here (instantenously) is via text. +61410583784

Tuesday 15th June 2004 – 12:15AM

Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIPO!!!! You’d be pleased to know that I have purposely forgotten just how old you are…even though I know what year you were born and all that. That’s my present for you this year. I hope you got my birthday message via text. If not, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My wish for you remains as it was from the first moment we met and that is may nothing but the very best come your way! Your presence in my life has brought much by its mere existence. You have been a vital part of my growth these last few years, your support, encouragement, your annoying errrr endearing psycho analysis for every stage of my progression, or in some cases REGRESSION! This is a mere thank you and reminder of your special place in my life. – Like that scar you get when you hurt yourself, and it’s there to remind you constantly of its annoying existence. Hehe. Just kidding!!!

As previously posted, I stayed the whole week with my cousins in Quezon City, and I had a blast just hanging out with them. EATING, SLEEPING, EATING, SLEEPING!!! A lot of LAUGHING! It was great! Most of my cousins were home therefore we got the chance to hang out. Talking and cracking up during meal times. I was also glad to spend some time with my Tita Mariely.

I missed my Tita Nette, because she was my companion in San Pablo. Not to mention Art, but he got busy….which was alright, I spent the first week with Art so that I have had the time with him. That and I know he has been making sure we actually spend some time together. I am hoping to see him tomorrow.

On Friday I was dropped off at Sta Mesa (thanks for the lift Kuya Jet) to spend time with my other cousins in San Pablo where I got to spend some quality time with my cousins Ate Ma, Ate Cita, and Ate Ella. Not to mention my nieces and nephew. It was so good to spend some time with them. In my trips home, I usually see them the least and I am glad I got the opportunity to spend time with them. My nieces and I were up pretty late on Saturday night just talking, which is one of my favourite memories of this trip. I can’t believe how big they have gotten and how fast time is passing. Excuse the nostalgia. Look the last time I saw them they were flower girls for one of my cousin’s wedding okay! On Sunday they took me with them to Tagaytay to visit their first cousins (on the other side), it was a good day trip. The view was excellent on the drive up (the parts that I saw, because I was admittedly asleep for a good portion of the trip!) After a lot of EATING we went for a drive to explore Tagaytay. We checked out the sights, the kids went to the zoo, then we headed home.

I was dropped off at Quezon City again so that I could pack up my stuff for my move to the hotel the following day with my Mom and Kuy! That night we were all up with my Aunt and Uncle hacking into an extremely LARGE pizza. All my cousins were home, and we sat around the HUGE pizza box stuffing our faces in. I told you guys this trip is like one huge FOOD FEST!

I spent most of Monday lazing around with Jet and Sol till I had to get ready to pick up my Ma and Bro….which I was extremely looking forward to. When we finally got to the airport, it not only rained but it POURED!!! Let’s just say it didn’t do much for my growing reputation of always being followed by rain and thunderstorms. The airport actually lost power at one stage. It was sooo bad! Anyways after an hour of waiting at the airport they finally came. It was great to see them again. We had dinner with Tito Pepe, Tita Mariely, Ate Ma, and Papa Lon at Max’s.

The hotel room fell a lil short on the whole 5 star thing, but it’s alright. The Westin Philippine Plaza was a little disappointing. The service ain’t all that, the fridge keeps dying, and I can swear that I have been bitten by mosquitoes more in this hotel room than anywhere else in my last two weeks and a half.

Today we had lunch with Tita Rory and Co. From there we shopped for the rest of the day before heading over to dinner at the Oconer’s which was fun as always. Now we’re back here at the hotel where both my Mom and brother has passed out from the exhaustion of our day.

Anyways…I’m not far behind so I’ll sign off. I hope to post this later. Till next time. Hope all is good. Take care… Peace out!!!