It's raining Sunday morning, Taylor and I went to Apple Store. Initially headed north to Chermside but landed in Carindale. I've always thought it was that direction. What happened to my knowledge of Geography? Unless, I've forgotten my orientation of where is North, South, East, and West! Got in to Australia Post and browsed in the Yellow Pages for Chermside Shopping Mall. Lost finding Gympie Road due to new roadworks at the airport. Decided to go south instead to Robina after driving for about 35 kilometers.
After 55 minutes driving south, finally arrived at around 11am after missing the left turn to my usual entrance, Kmart parking side. Taylor and I had brunch first.
After we fed the hungry worms inside us, went to Apple Store. Wow! All these people queued in for a chance to try on the new toy on the block. Didn't take us more than 5 minutes though, Taylor and I had one each to scrutinise it.
As I was walking around the store, one of the sales person apparently the store manager approached. I asked him if possible to cancel my online order. He replied that he can't cancel in my behalf, only I can do the cancellation; however, online store is closed for the weekends. Apparently, they have stocks on WiFI + 3G, 64 GB only which I sought for. The manager said if online store will not cancel my order, I can return the iPad within two weeks. He said Apple Online will no doubt cancel it as it happened before.
I bought my iPad. Okay, I spent a bit more for the added one year insurance, not that I ever use it but just in the safe side...you never know!
I suppose I didn't care what others say. I love new toys and this thing is so wonderful.
When we left, the que was back again, right out the door!
Got home, unpacked, activated and registered the unit. Synced all my Apps even the ones for iPhones except my Contacts. Rearranged the icons by grouping accordingly. Added photos, music, videos and audibooks. All that 64GB only left me of 48.12Gb free space: Audio 509.2MB, Photos 8.55GB, Apps 1.60GB, iBooks 3.3MB, and Other 4.14MB.
Oh, well...I'd better get to business and devour this iPad to discover its limits.
What is success really? How do we measure success?
Success comes in different forms, it can be academically, in sports, in human relations, contentment within.
Success academically, is just a journey in life. It's not a destination. It's certainly one of the many ways of fulfilling oneself, one's dream...
My son, Alexander, who's currently in Year 9, finally found his way to a journey that will only be a start in fulfilling his dream. There will be obstacles ahead but that's what make the fruit in the end sweet.
On 28 July 2009, Alexander received his very first Cum Laude Award. He didn't realised he's a recipient. He had to read the Headmaster's Letter for him to believe.
Taylor Tamowicz, with the John Paul College Munchkin Maestros under Ms Gundi Kariks.
He started learning to play the violin in Sept 2008, 2 weeks before Term 4. He initially wanted to learn the piano but couldn't get teacher. Then one day came home from school and said he wanted to learn violin in Yr 3. However, there's a teacher available for violin so he took that on first.
When the schoolyear started this end of Jan 2009, he was joined into the JPC Munchkin Maestros.
It’s his first performance on 30 April 2009. He wasn't happy though because his older brother Alexander wasn't there to watch him due to school assignments. The same group will be performing again during Mayfair next Friday.
A public performance at SeaWorld Gold Coast with an overnight stay coming up by the end of the year which all the kids are excited about it.
ANZAC Day 2009 (w/ 202 Squadron of AAFC) The Video
Foto slideshow
Alexander Tamowicz with 202 Squadron of Australian Air Force Cadet during the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corpse) Day Ceremony on 25 April 2009.
It was the first time the said squadron's involvement at Springwood Park, in this very historical event.
It's the day commemorating what these fine men (Australians and New Zealanders) fought together in 1917 at Gallipoli, gave up their lives to have our young Australians FREEDOM which we all enjoy to this day. These same young Australians - the would be leaders of TODAY...TOMORROW!
Last summer, I happened to have a quick conversation with a stranger in a Kmart checkout, quoted 'that it’s far more expensive keeping kids at home than at school'. Put my breaks on and into a deep thought analyzing what just been said.
And then tonight I perused into a blogand quote: ‘I probably didn't notice because I have all FIVE of my kids home ALL DAY LONG for Spring break. Two weeks. fourteen days. Lots and lots of hours. Not that I don't love my kids, lo...’
'Not that we don’t love our kids around us…' Over and over again, the same line as for everyone.
Right! How do we keep our kids away from boredom during their school break whether it is a week, 2 weeks, or summer? It is every parents predicament for whatever situation they’re in. There’s no race, color, marital status under this condition.
My 13-year-old son and 8-year-old son had been to the movies (Monster vs. Aliens) on their 2nd day of Term 1 break.During the week, had a friend slept over and they went to the bowling alley and watched the movie ‘Paul Blatt’.Playing the Xbox, laptop, bike ride, and watching DVDs at home wasn’t enough to keep them away from the number one killer of all time - BOREDOM.
Alexander
Camping in the Family Room, playing the XBox.
I managed to get my 13-year-old son to re-do his Maths contract in preparation for his upcoming exams in Term 2 while my 8-year-old son into reading his borrowed books from the school library and practice his multiplication.
Some days, the three of us went for 1 1/2 walk to the forest and less than an hour in the oval (which hopefully can do it during school time.) Correction! My 13-year-old rode his bike in which my 8-year-old felt left out or more so felt incapable in riding his bike. Though he can...it's more of me scared of him going downhill. I can't help being over-protective because he's so prone to accidents when he was younger. My 13-year-old been riding a 26' bike since he was 5 1/2 years old...in downhill... Unlike my 8-year-old, just confidently rode his bike over a year ago.
The second week of the term break brought my 13-year-old friend again for another sleep over. This time they were contented to stay at home playing on their school laptop, Xbox, played hide-and-seek, and watched DVD ‘Australia’. It was raining outside that hindered them to go for a bike ride.
But the deal before having the friend around was for my 13-year-old to vacuum the house and his bedroom, cook breakfast/dinner (he loves doing it) though hopeless in keeping the kitchen clean after use as you can see...
while my 8-year-old to clean up his bedroom.
Bottom line I suppose, as long as we’re there to keep them safe and happy, can’t ask for more. The Term break is coming to an end in 4 days time, and we all survived it.
I had to work on Alexander really hard to make him finally agree to join Australian Air Force Cadet (though been planting the seed since he was in Yr 4). A bit of the battle cause he claimed his friends get to say what they want to do and not to do. On top of that:
Alexander: "Mom, you're not exactly a perfect mother." A typical shock on my part.
I replied: "Okay, why?"
Alexander replied: "Well, you make me do things that I don't want to do. My friends get to say what want to do and not want to do."
I replied: "Were you exactly a doting son who follows everything without complains? Did you make it easy for me so I can fulfill the role of a perfect mother?."
I added on: "Fair enough, did it make you a lesser person for doing things you claim you don't like? Cause the rewards in the end as you know was all for your benefit: Autralian Youth Choir International Tours twice to Europe; Vienna Boys Choir for a whole school Term missed; McDonald's Youngstar Award Achiever; being able to swim 900km due to your Junior Squad Swim training; joined Nippers, Tennis, Basketball...by the way the trips especially were the things you liked to do."
Alexander: "Yeah, I did things I want to do...BUT.."
I said: "This is the only way I can help you for your future. Your father is not exactly fit and we're old already. Do you want to graduate without a job security? And, it will develop your character, personality, discipline, intitiativeness."
"However, in my case...I see him saying 'NO' to something he hasn't tried yet and not knowing well the pros/cons."I put him to AAFC basically for discipline, initiativeness, leadership, obedience/recognition of authority, and other aspects of personality development, ...the CAREER OPPORTUNITY was just an added bonus that I found out later on.
It is a very important stage that he gets through this AAFC until graduation to/after UNI and enjoying it.
Like any parent who only wish the best for thier children. As for me, this was the only way I envisage on helping him curve his future...the rest is up to him to whether to follow that path or not.And the rest is history....hoping to God Alexander will do the right thing.
As of now, can't say...it is still in the process of TRIALS...
Alexander with the Australian Youth Choir in Manly Retirement Home in 2005 under Mrs Elizabeth Thomas, sang Any Dream Will Do, from Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Alexander during this period was at Training Level 2 but also at Recital Choir.
Another school year has come to an end. It is not really the end though… it’s just another route to another great adventure.
2008, was a year filled with laughters, celebrations, and heartaches or even headaches. I suppose life won’t mean a thing if everything stays the same. Imagine not having any challenges. All these things make life colorful and very expressive. It’s like you try to put it in an easel with your paint and brush.
So, let’s wait and see for the upcoming arrival of another year…
Alexander's 13th birthday today, 25 November 2008, Tuesday. We celebrated it at Hogsbreath Cafe for dinner after Taylor's swimming lessons at Chandler.
Wishing my wonderful Alexander will treasure everything he has...
What is a birthday? How many of us get to celebrate 100th birthday? Is it another milestone in life?
Emma Wolff celebrated her 100th birthday at Yurana Home for the Aged last 6 October 2008. She had seen the formation of history... from World War II to first Hobart Yacht Race to Indigenous Australian rights, etc... a wonderful lady.
It was a great honour for Alexander indeed, became a part in this grandeous celebration. He performed for Emma and sang an Elvis Presley song, 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You', and Emma's favourite, 'Amazing Grace.'
This year, Taylor joined the school's schoolchoir; though, he's not too keen in following his big brother's footsteps - joining the Australian Youth Choir. He thought he will have to go to Germany and speak German... like Alexander did with the Vienna Boys Choir.
Who knows though it may change in the future....
Taylor during performance of John Paul College Yr 2 Choir during Grandparents Day, 12 Sept 2008
Taylor at John Paul College Yr 2 Choir, 21 May 2008
Taylor during Yr 2 Choir at Mayfair 2008 performance
Alexander during performance at the Yurana Home for the Aged one Saturday afternoon on 13 September 2008.
He sang Amazing Grace and Panis Angelicus. Surprisingly, the residents joined in singing Amazing Grace. It must have been their favourite.
There were 14 other performers: pianists and soloists from John Paul College under the instruction of Mrs Sophie Allen.
After the performance, Pauline Williams who managed the place, asked Alexander to perform in celebration of the 100th birthday of Emma Wolff. She loved Alexander's performance.
It was a lovely musical treat of entertainment for the elderly residents because a lot of them feel sad being in such a place. Some of them rarely had relatives/visitors to come and see them.
The kids enjoyed being part of it... giving life through music...!
Since my Dad’s eldest sister passed away in 2000 (I knew it would never be the same), I have looked after and supported my Dad’s two other sisters: Auntie Cora (passed away in 2006 at the age of 73 years old) and Auntie Bitang who is currently aged 86 years old, without a single cent from anyone (from Auntie Vicky, unmarried, been in America since 1969; Uncle Tony, married with 2 daughters, been in America since 1969; Auntie Pacing, married with 4 sons, in Paniqui; Uncle Toming, unmarried, very sick though, migrated to America in 1985)… in the house that was left to me in Manila. I knew that once she’s gone… bundled with it were billions of family problems that she used to carry in her shoulders, which I was shielded from it when she was alive.
My Auntie Delang was a doctor and she raised me and sent me to a Catholic private school and to university. My own father didn’t spend a cent for my education. I actually grew up with my Auntie Delang and my grandmother since I was two years old. I barely saw my mother… only saw her once in Manila as she can’t travel very far. My Dad came to Manila every month until I was in Uni.
When I was nine years old, she formally adopted me. Her reason behind it was the allowance allowed for taxation. She told me this at that time. However, as I was growing up she told me: “Do study very well because one day the things you see now will no longer be there. And the only thing in this world that no one can take it away from you – your knowledge.” Being young and carefree, I never understood the latter part.
This was the reason I burnt my eyebrows. Part of it was to prove to them that I was different from my brothers and sisters who were hanged up on inheritance, and I had a different outlook in life. I’ve always put my best foot forward. I never answered back (otherwise, I'll be deemed as ungrateful and disrespectful) to my Auntie Delang or other aunts/uncles whenever I get a dressing down. I just bowed my head and took it all in with tears covering my eyes. I only left the room when told so.
Now, even to this day especially from Auntie Vicky, it seemed to her that whatever I did it wasn’t good enough. When she came to visit me here in Brisbane in 2006, I treated her to lunch and dinner, drove her everywhere – Byron Bay, Currumbin Sanctuary, Tamborine Mountains, Noosa, Gold Coast, and Southbank. I said to her when she said I am spending a lot on her. I replied to her: That it’s nothing. I'm just happy you're here. It was my way of saying Thank You to all the things you’ve done for me." And one night while I was washing the dishes, she said to me: “I regret you being adopted.” I just dispensed what she said and pretended that I didn’t hear. But when she went back to Manila, she told everyone that I was a show off, lazy for not cooking because I took her out a lot, that she was sorry for my boys because I didn’t know how to look after them, that I was spoiling them, and that bragged about it was just right for me to treat her and make her stay free.
Honestly, I felt I don’t have a place anywhere. In Manila, being where I am in status, my unfortunate brothers and sisters would be relying on me. Just like now, thanks to Auntie Bitang during her interference, I actually supporting my two sisters. They’re living in the apartment for free since 2004. They claimed that they aren’t making any money from student bedspacers. I didn’t want them in there because I didn’t want to have a fight with them about money... but I couldn't do anything then. Auntie Bitang accused me then of being selfish.
How on earth I've been selfish? In fact, I brought: Koyang Fred in 1988, tomboy Ate Cita in 1989, Koyang Celes in 1990- to Melbourne, tomboy Ate Lita in 1993 in Brisbane, tomboy Ate Cita in 1996 in Indonesia.... I paid all their airfares and allowances.
Then, when Auntie Vicky comes back for a holiday, she claimed she owns the house and she made repairs to the house and asked for reimbursement. Whenever she's in Manila, she stayed in the house free of charge because I paid for the maid, electricity, food allowance, etc. She complained about trusting my maid, Rose. The bottom line: How can you be comfortable working for someone if you know they don't trust you???
Rose had been with me since 1997 before I left her in 2002 to care for my Auntie Delang, Auntie Cora, and Auntie Bitang. The thing was Rose gets paid 2500 pesos a month (never had an increase since 2002), a live-in maid who did eveything and including babysitting my boys when we were in Manila (bathing, cooking, feeding). She was so great with my boys and had put up with my nagger Auntie Bitang. Mind you, she wasn't allowed to watch the television when I wasn't there....
What about here in Brisbane? Nobody seemed to understand that I have this pressure of how my two boys will be. In our culture, I will be blame for the outcome of my two boys because I was the adult who was supposedly had the input in their lives. Their father is always away working overseas.
I just don't understand people. I just don't understand the life we evolve in. Everywhere I turn it seems this neverending problems and woes of life.
People seem in such a disbelief when I say: 'My life is full of problems. '
They don't seem to see through me, all these burden I am carrying. How I tried so desperately to live as normal as I can. I suppose I had been living my life in a fascade since time immemorial.
Do you know when was that? I tell you. I had been living in my cocoon since I was 5 years old. It was the best escape for me for survival. I had several other ways of escape and stop thinking that I am missing something. And now it seems catching up on me and it started since my Auntie Delang died in January 2000. Since then everything had dramatiically changed in my life.
Alexander, born on 25 November 1995... throughout these years, never in our imagination - our Singing Nightingale...
The above video was a Vocal Performance on March 2008. Alexander sang "When You Wish Upon A Star". It was to perform out there to close families and friends...
******* The following 3 videos below were taken on 24 May 2008, during the rehearsal with the accompanist Kim.
The competition was Alexander's first time to be in it. Didn't have any idea about what's happening on this competition. It was nervy and not knowing what to expect.
Aside from the 3 videos below, Alexander also sang during the competition: Vocal Solo Pop - One Voice by Billy Gilman. He didn't get any reward but got 92% for his performance. He held back unlike the others who had actions and more of stage presence though the adjudicator Rosemary Arthas wrote: "What a great song! Love it! Great words and your singing grew on the song went on. Great! In time all the way! Good. Do you like this song? I (And the audience) want to feel you do...Good to hear a different style of singing too. Great job!"
And the Vocal Solo Musical Theatre-When You Wish Upon A Star, got 92% and HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD, a purple ribbon... the other contenders performed like broadway musical sytle and were great! Though the adjudicator Rosemary Arthars wrote: "You break my heart everytime... When you grow up-I know you'll be a lovely man. GREAT facial expressions and lovely feelings out to us. Good boy-keep the tone even and it will grow and grow. FAB. Well done."
The actual competition was June 2-3, 2008 at Redlands Performing Arts Center in Cleveland, Queensland, Australia.
Still, a wonderful experience for Alexander... bringing the 3 trophies unexpectedly knowing all the contenders were great.
A wonderful thanks to his lovely/beautiful vocal teacher, Mrs Sophie Allen, who believed in him and decided to join him in this competition... more so her patience.
And, thanks to Kim, who initially rehearsed with him... to Peter Crane, who was the accompanist during the competition and intially gave Alexander techniques during the rehearsal...
And, thanks to adjudicator Rosemary Arthas...for her wonderful, encouraging comments...
Vocal Solo Folksong - Amazing Grace, First Place 96%
from Rosemary Arthas: "How Sweet the sound! Lovely long phrases...well done! Good strong last verse! Very moving Alexander. I thought you did a great job! Beautiful Boy!"
Vocal Solo Unrestricted - How Beautiful Are The Feet The Messiah, Second Place 95%
from Rosemary Arthas: "Lovely face! Smile? What a lovely pure voice! Keep strong in breath and support. Good diction and musicality. Well done Alexander!"
Vocal Solo Sacred - Panis Angelicus, Second Place 95%
from Rosemary Arthas: "Smile Alexander, if you can-I know you're nervous! Such a lovely sweet voice-and the top notes pure and ringing. Support those lower notes as much as the high notes. Gorgeous voice. Good fellow!"
Below more videos but during the rehearsal on 30 May 2008 with accompanist for the Redlands Eisteddfod, Mr Peter Crane...
How many of us had been anywhere aside from our comfort zone? Well, one thing I do perhaps will definitely suggest – go on a trip with your family and with your most trusted friends or close family relations.
This year 3 families went on a most awaited trip to Phuket and Bangkok namely: Cooper family (Ian/Debbie with children Lauren, Brendan, Matthew, and Nicole), Pomeroy family (Colin/Karen with daughter Simone), and yours truly Tamowicz family (Alex/Myself with sons Alexander and Taylor). As I can recall it was all out of the blue came up with the idea to go to Thailand last July 2007.
We went together before to Vanuatu in January 2006 (plus the Francis family: Rob and Jane with twins Brett and Megan), stayed at Le Lagon for a week. It had kids club and the kids enjoyed themselves as well as the adults got together. There was kayaking, tennis, golf, table tennis, sailing, etc.
On 29 March 2008 (Saturday) at around 7:30pm Debbie together with Brendan and Matthew picked us up, Ian with Lauren and Nicole, Colin with Karen and Simone, drove to Brisbane International Airport. Colin and Debbie drove their cars to Eagle Farm then went back to the airport with Ian while he parked his car at the airport. We flew to Phuket at midnight. Since it was early morning we all went to sleep which I believe except for Debbie who was unsure of flying (mind you, she’s been on the plane several times in her life).
We arrived at Bangkok early morning of Sunday and met Alex (he flew from Guinea) and caught another flight for Phuket. Since Alex had a business class ticket we swapped so he can stay with the boys. We arrived at around lunchtime.
We stayed at Phuket Hilton Arcadia Resort with free buffet breakfast. The Pomeroys stayed in 1 room, Coopers in 3 rooms, while we had 2 rooms. All of us had a wonderful view of the ocean in Kerong Beach. The children were so delighted when they saw the waterfall slide at the pool and in fact the hotel had 3 pools all in all. The resort also had steam spa, spa and massage in which we ladies and the girls indulged ourselves, games room, tennis, kids club, etc.
We just lazed around the pool on this day while we planned the tours we wanted to do. We had buffet dinner and watched the traditional dance after dinner.
Monday morning, had our first buffet breakfast which they catered for everyone: Japanese, Korean, Continental Breakfast, Thais, you name it! We hired a van and took us to Festival Mall. We thought we could buy something at a bargain price but in disappointment so we decided to go to Patong Beach instead. The beach was so busy and shops everywhere. You can buy Billabong, Ripcurl shirts for BHT199 equivalent to around AU$8, and also imitation watches.
It was a very tiring and a hot day. Back to the resort and plunged into the pool until we met at 6:30pm for dinner together (which we did every night except for one night as we were exhausted).
We went to Phi Phi Island. It was an all day trip to the 3 islands. We snorkelled and saw lots of beautiful fishes. We went to Monkey Island where the tour guide fed them with bananas. Came back to the resort and met up for dinner again.
We watched 2 shows: Fantasea where they had show elephants and traditional dances. It also had a story about a little boy with a magic elephant who saved the kingdom. We had buffet dinner and the dining room I believe can accommodate around 4000 people.
The other show was called Simon Cabaret. The performers here were transvestite. They were so lovely and wouldn’t be able to tell the difference until they opened their mouths. They sang and danced beautifully and lipsang singers like Tine Turner, Both shows were entertaining.
We also went to James Bond Island where Roger Moore in 1982 apparently filmed his movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. On the way to the island, we went kayaking first at Newfern Island. It was only during low tide that you can access these beautiful caves and inside was like another room. We had lunch at a floating village of Newfern before headed off to James Bond Island.
On 7 April 2008 (Monday), left very early at around 5:00am for Bangkok. We arrived Bangkok at around 9:00am. We stayed at Royal Orchid Sheraton and those of us who had several rooms had adjoining rooms and a view of the Bangkok river. We also had free buffet breakfast.
We went to Phantik, a mall with several floors selling electronics, and MBK jewelries, clothings, bags, electronics, etc at a bargain price.
We went to tour The Grand Palace where the royalties lived. It was magnificent and a huge place. The paintings on the wall depicted a legend believed by Thais were exquisite.
We also got on the ferry serviced by Hilton then caught the Skytrain and walked a few kilometers to MBK. The Skytrain cost BHT30 one way and airconditioned.
As always, dined together for dinner and on our last night we all boarded the ferry to watch Bangkok river at night after our dinner at the Italian Restaurant.
On early Thursday morning of 10 April at around 4am, we got up as we flew back to Brisbane at 8:30am. We arrived Brisbane at around midnight and home in bed early morning of Friday. Poor Debbie had to drive us back home!
On the first 2-3 days, for some reason Taylor and Nicole were not well. Taylor threw up and Nicole had tummy pain.
But above all, it was an exhausting though exhilarating and memorable trip.
PS: Once at home, had all these videos and photos to convert into a movie. Quite interesting! Took me a week and thanks to Windows which gave me a nightmare anything over 20 minutes o f videos. Never trust Windows Moviemaker!
Another year has come to an end without us knowing how time flies so quickly. It was certainly an amazingly interesting heart throbbing event in our lives. This whole year was just incomprehensible for simple minds like mine.
For so many of us who were in the throes of wanting to do exciting and different just for once in their lives. How often we were trapped for the day to come for us to be able to have done it; and when it did, we’re left dumbfounded for no reason at all. Words wouldn’t come out to express everything we were going through.
Fotos 2007 in Review, was the answer to all of these. It depicted the events that transpired in our lives but perhaps mainly in the lives of my two boys, Alexander & Taylor... filled with joys and tears that were worth remembering and perhaps most especially... for Alexander.
And to all who had been involved and been part of it... thank you.
And, we would like you to join us and share it... Life Is Like A Rollercoaster!
Got hooked on technology especially with this machine that sits right in front of you. I wanted to become a computer programmer in 1985 and studied Cobol Programming. That’s when I found out that the computer is not exactly smarter..
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