I have been busy these past two weeks and here's why:

My father, whose work is based in Middle East, arrived on the 9th. My sister (next to me) is getting married last week of this month. There has been a lot of preparation going on in our house (parent's house). I will be singing "The Prayer" but haven't had any practice yet!


There are so many things to do in the office right now. My boss went to UK for some training and will be out for two months. There are just so many reports that need to accomplish each and every day. But, I am happy and I love being busy.

Aside from the wedding, my husband got an offer to work in Dubai. The offer is irresistable but family status is not included. Meaning, husband will get a resident/working visa except me and his son. Therefore, since our priority is the family, we will go where husband is. My son and I will follow to Dubai maybe after two months. Hubby has to settle first and find a good flat for us, and then he can sponsor us to live in Dubai.

So, ladies and gentlemen, to all my readers, I confess, I have been busy researching and asking around about living, working and raising a child in Dubai. This is honestly a big decision and a big move for us. There will be no immediate family there whom I could ask with for suggestion. Unlike here, I have my mom and my mom-in-law plus sisters and close girl-friends. I have been medidating and thinking so damn hard about this thing and there are factors that made me decide to move to Dubai.

A. My family is my priority. I don't want my son to be away from any of his parent. Thus, we have to be close together and should sharingly guide our son growing up.

B. Good opportunity to be independent and away from in-laws. Well, since I live with my in-laws, I know my experience in Dubai will be perfectly different from what I am currently in. I am just thinking, this time, it will just be me and my husband. All decisions will be decided by us. No interventions from anyone.

C. Good work offer. My husband has a great offer and I know I can find a job there because I am an Accountant. There is no tax in Dubai. Meaning, if monthly rate is AED 15,000, that whole amount is yours and no deductions! Every employee will get to experience a diversified environment since almost everyone is an expat.

D. Start as a new life. I could say life in Dubai will be a new beginning in our marriage life. New environment, new people, new employers, new investments, new learnings.

Now above are the things I have in mind but, I am still unsure whether to find a job right away. I just have two options, find work and send my son to daycare everyday while me and my husband are both working or; stay at home and be a work-at-home mom and I'll personally take care of my son. I have been dreaming to write full-time. The last option I think is better but still, things may change and I might end up in Australia!


J


 
 
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I first came to Sydney for a 3-month work from Philippines. I fell in love with the place and now working for my papers to get a Permanent Residency Visa including my hubby and son. Here’s my Top 6 Reasons Why I Fell in Love with Sydney:

 1. Weather – I live in a tropical country and being in Australia is no different when it comes to climate. I love the golden rays of sun.  I love autumn and winter in Sydney! I can definitely grow old in here without suffering from extreme snowy winter like Canada.
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2. Manly and Bondi Beach – I am a beach sucker! I love summer! Bondi is one of the beautiful beaches in Sydney. It is a must–see place if you are in Sydney. Manly Beach is also one of my fave spots. I remember I visited this place every week and listened to the waves while reading my book. I usually pack my things after taking a dip or when the place gets crowded come past 10 in the morning.
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3. Nature – I love nature. I go with friends to climb and camp. So, when I heard about The Three Sisters and Blue Mountain, I didn’t think twice to drive west to see the famous mountain. I remember it was Good Friday when I went down at the bottom of the Three Sisters. I used to climb and reach summit, but here, I must cliff walk to reach the bottom of the mountain.  I also went to Cronulla and went bush walking in the Royal National Park (the oldest national park in the world).
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 4. Taronga Zoo – Everybody loves zoo! You don’t need to be a kid to like a zoo. The park is made for the family. They’ve got a kiddie zoo. They also have shows with sea lions. I wish I could bring my son to this place someday.

 5. Harbors – Sydney has spectacular harbors. The place just makes it welcoming to any visitors in the city. Walking in Circular Quay and feeding your eyes with spectacular views like The Opera House, Harbor Bridge, Luna Park and the North Shore. The place makes you slow and relaxes you. It fades tension away,

 6. Paddington – This is the place where cheap items are sold. I bought some stuff here and at the basement of the market is where the fresh vegetables and fruits are. I actually cook food like I was in my own homeland because I buy my weekly foodies here.
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