SONA 2

On Tuesday, we will be celebrating our second Oz anniversary! I can't believe we have been here that long! The funny thing is, I still feel like I'm just visiting, that I am an outsider, observing everything that is going on around me. Last year I made a list of achievements that we had attained in the one year we had been here, more as encouragement for ourselves because we were feeling so down. This year, we are still feeling just as down, maybe even more, so, all the more reason that I should write this entry again!

1) I got the job that I wanted, and a permanent position at that! After I got in, I talked to other people who told me that it is not very easy to get into my job. Other migrants had to study again to be able to get a job here. Others had to pass through several rounds of temporary appointments before they got a permanent position. So now that I am starting to loathe my job, I think twice, thrice, a hundred times, because in spite of the actual job responsibilities, it is a very good job to land! (Did that make sense?)

2) Edge got his NSW Public School accreditation, which is no mean feat! He had to take an English test consisting of 4 parts, including an on-the-spot simulated classroom situation. Of course, he passed with flying colors. Then he had to go through a practicum of sorts at a nearby public high school, which is a huge challenge in itself, given the behaviour and attitudes of teenagers in this country. He survived that too and got good reviews from the principal and students. Then, not long after, he got offered a job at a private Catholic high school for two terms. Again, an extraordinary feat because an overseas trained teacher usually has to do casual teaching at many different schools before he or she is offered a full time position. We are now praying that Edge gets either another temporary appointment for the whole year next year, or a permanent position.

3) Edge and I bought one laptop each! One of our dreams fulfilled! I love my laptop! Love it! Love it! Love it!

4) We finally got broadband! Yipeeeee! Ang sarap mag-download! Now you guys can call and we just might answer the phone!

5) I completed my 8 week training course for work. Some of my batchmates did not make it to the end, because they resigned for one reason or another. Of course, I passed all 3 assessments that I had to do.

6) Edge and Diego were able to go to the US last April to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Edge's parents. I'm so glad we were able to afford that! That would have been difficult if we were still living in Manila.

7)I have prepared several documents for court for my job! I am starting to get the hang of the language. I like seeing the finished product printed out, then bringing it to the court house to get it stamped. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment, just like when I see my laundry drying on the clothesline!

8) My hair is really long now! (Wala na akong maisip!) It hasn't been this long since 15 years ago, when I first met Edge! I feel so feminine with long hair, even if I usually tie it up anyway because it is just so hot these days!

9) Diego has learned to do quite a few chores around the house. Every morning, he fixes his bed, as well as Luis' bed. I must say, he fixes it really neatly when he is not in a hurry. He also sets and clears the table (but not always), he helps me put the washed clothes in the dryer, helps me take the lint out of the filter of the dryer, and he helps me put clothes in the proper closets. He also fixes the kalat in the play room, his room and the sala, when his Mama and Dada start making threats!

10) Luis has attained many self-help skills already. He dresses himself in the morning, he clears his plate after he eats, he also helps put his clean clothes in his closet. So now I have two little helpers in the house (especially if I use bribes, threats or blackmail)

So yes, our lives are moving on, ever so slowly, but we are not lying still. We're getting there, where there is, I still don't know!

Happy Oz anniversary to us!