Out of the Blue

2007-02-10T22:49:00.000+11:00

Chinese New Year's approaching
The folks will be here in a week's time
Mom's Indon has arrived
I've been working insane hours
My knee's still crappy from my soccer injury since NY Eve
Batbabe was attacked by a snatch thief
I went for my first game of laser wars at Crown yesterday night - I was bad
I also got hit by the laser gun right on the lips and tooth - the lips swell for a couple of hours although not visible from the outside
I've got a mental block
I'm tired and sleepy ATM
St Kilda festival ends tomorrow
I will be a qualified Senior First Aid Officer after my 2-day course on 15-16th of March

Merry Christmas and let's rock the boat!

2006-12-15T06:24:00.000+11:00

This year's Xmas Function was on the Magic Charter cruise boat. Weather was almost perfect. We could have had a better view of the bay without the haze but oh well, at least it wasn't hailing or somethin'. Most of the guys came in jeans (very dissapointing indeed especially when I was told they actually dressed up in the prior year - safari gear and all) whereas a couple of girls rocked up with a change of clothes.

We wrapped up at 5 on the dot and headed down to Pier 35 half an hour later. We managed to have a few Kodak moments before boarding the boat and then the party began. Food was plentiful. We had shrimp, oysters, bread rolls, (not so great) sweet chilli mussel salad and (fake) crab meat salad, fried calamari, an array of BBQ-ed stuffs and dessert. I stuck to the seafood. Lots of mingling around with a quick quirky prize presentation session in between it all. It was nice and serene up in the deck. All in all, it has been a great night and a great four-months @ my current workplace.

Somewhere and somehow

2006-12-03T19:31:00.000+11:00

Somewhere out there, there's someone like me
Someone who shares my deep thoughts
Someone who has my flaws

Somewhere out there, there will be someone who will love me
Unconditionally
Someone who will make me feel whole
Someone who will hold my hand and together, want to grow old

Great Expectations

2006-11-26T12:36:00.000+11:00

I have come to a conclusion that other people's expectations have suddenly (or maybe not so sudden) become a major driving force in forming one's own life decisions. People expect your little girl to grow up a pretty lil ballerina and if she doesn't, a kind friend may remind you to do something 'coz your daughter's getting a lil too tomboy. Mom used to dread going for my PTAs because year after year and without fail, the only comment they'd say is that I talk too much. Thanks. They could have also added the fact that when I grow up, I'd be sociable and outgoing. Does it really matter if I didn't fit into their expectation of a star student who would only speak when asked and when they did, spoke very sweetly, did all their homework neatly and always sat with their legs together in and outside of class.

I read an article some weeks ago on late pregnancies. People would either judge you for not trying to have a baby earlier when your body was at its peak and in best fit, or people would show empathy because they think they know all about how much you've tried to conceive and wow! you've finally done it! but then again, in your 30s or 40s, you'd probably be too old to enjoy motherhood (or fatherhood) the way you could have some 10-15 years earlier.

So society in general, expect us to not go into a relationship too early (preferably after graduation is what most parents wouold say) because what do we kids know about puppy love? And things change once we hit the work force and we shouldn't limit ourselves. Ok. I have to admit - there is some truth to it all. I've seen and heard far too many "we went out for 8 years and broke up" stories. At the same time, we are expected to have our first child before 30. And because a mere degree isn't much of a deal and people expect you to be more qualified than that these days, you spend another 18 months or so to obtain your post grad. Assuming you are 24 by the time you complete your post grad - that leaves you 5 years (29 to get fertilized and 9 months of incubation leaves you at 30 before it pops) to find a partner and have a child. So in that 5 years, you have to date, date, date. If you're lukcy, the first one that comes along is the guy of your dreams. Courtship of 1 year leads to a marriage proposal and then another 9 months to prepare for the wedding and before you know it, you're married by 26 or 27. Two years of honey moon and then bam! You get your baby and a great life.

But hang on, I've forgotten to add to the fact that we're expected to also become ambitious with our career. We have to work really, really hard during the first few years so make our presence known within the workplace and (hopefully) industry. So if we revise the above a little .... graduation 24 + 2 years of working real hard and casual dating because we just can't commit at the moment + 1 year of permanent courtship + proposal and 9 months of wedding preparation = we get hitched at 28. 1 year to enjoy married life without kids ... not too bad. But we are on a tight schedule here.

So what if we just can't find the right guy along the way? Does that mean we've failed in our lives because we haven't found someone (whoever that may be), haven't started a family for our body's sake and our eager-to-be-grandparents Mom and Dad, dissapointed the government for not adding to the country's population, sadly been added to the selfish-females-who-only-cares-about-their-career satistics? It's funny that most parents would tell you to be less picky. Friends would tell you that you can't have everything so work lesser and make time to meet people. Apparently, there are people out there waiting for you to make a difference in their lives. Unfortunately, these people appear sporadically and don't stay put at the one spot - so finding them, is worse than a treasure hunt - 'coz there isn't a map to find them!

So what do we do? Go adopt a dog, be a parent to a child who would love you unconditionally, be a grandparent when they have their pups and live happily ever after.

2006-11-25T10:19:00.001+11:00

So the birthday has come and gone. It's either age is slowing down all the excitement surrounding the day or everything else that's been happening this year has suppressed all emotions. Whatever it is, a big thanks to everyone who's made an effort wish me via email, sms, phone call, birthday cards and the presents too.

And I'm pretty sure one of the most frequently used phrase in the coming weeks would be "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S DECEMBER/X'MAS/EOY already?? HOW QUICK IS THAT??". Yeah. It's quick alright. This year's like a quick quickie. Invitation. Enjoyment. The big bang. The end. And we shall wait to dry up and start afresh (in the next year). :P

During this time of the year, there are two schools of thoughts for those on a budget. You either go out, shop and get whatever you need at a discounted price (hence savings in a way) or you just stay home and stay away from the shops because the moment you step out, it's SALES everywhere. At the rate I am going, Boxing Day sales will not apply to me because I ain't going to have the moolah for my annual shopping carnival. My annual Boxing Day mate - Chew - will just have to do it without me. But may I tempt you all with the following:

Country Road's currently having a Spend $200 and get $50 off your purchase or Spend $300 and get $100 off your purchase deal at the moment. The only thing with Country Road is that their cutting is so large, you'd have to get in there early so that very limited size 4s are still available.
Arthur Gallan (AG)'s on 25% off store wide. EVERYTHING. Sadly, there aren't any petite sizes left for their dresses. You can still get tops in 8s.
For more sales around town - check out http://www.missyconfidential.com.au/melbourne.php

And just to note, I've noticed that most of Country Road's stuffs are made in China now. So if I were you, I'd double check where the fabric's coming from. To be frank, it doesn't bother me that it's made in China as long as the stitching is still OK and the fabric's coming from elsewhere, like Italian yarn or imported from Japan, you get the drift.

Exams are in less than a weeks' time - wish me luck everyone! Lunch @ my place on 3rd of December (Sunday).I'd be cooking but you guys will have to arrange to bring drinks/dessert/entertainment, please. Call / send me an email @ work to RSVP, please.

Life's like ...

2006-11-12T18:13:00.000+11:00

a jigsaw puzzle.

If you insist on fitting a piece into the wrong place, you'd always end up with a missing piece when the right spot eventually turns up. It may take a long time to put the right pieces together, but at least you know when you do, it'll be completely perfect.

Quick Update

2006-10-14T18:40:00.000+10:00

Melbourne International Arts Festival has begun. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have the time to go for anything since I've got my two assignment deadlines to rush for.

Rule of thumb, for my fellow mates out there, is never commit to anything without putting much thought into something.

I've done myself proud by signing up for pilates at Matrix Pilates, which is located at the corner of Swanston and Bourke - just above Politix. It's a small but cozy little studio. Am keeping my fingers crossed that I'm gonna be keeping up with my (so far) twice a week lunch time pilates on Tuesdays and Thursdays and HOPEFULLY, I'll fit in a session on Saturdays too. Mind you, my body's already aching from all the stretching, rolling, breathing and squeezing.

Back to the much dreaded assignments ...

Skirts or Hats for the week?

2006-10-08T14:28:00.000+10:00

It's going to be a mix of windy and sunny days. Mind you,it's going to be a much dreaded max of 31 and 30 on Wednesday and Thursday. I reckon keep the hats and skirts in (unless you wanna impersonate Marilyn MOnroe) and bring the open toe pumps and sandals out. :)

Imagine if we're already hitting the 30 degrees mark now, how much warmer is it going to be in a few weeks' time?? Or worse, middle of December?? *wails*

Shoes

2006-10-01T16:07:00.000+10:00

So I had thought that buying cheaper shoes would be the ideal way to go for work. I love my shoes. Having said that, I don't have that many great shoes 'coz they are either:
1) Hard to come by
or
2) Too expensive to pay for

Back to where I began, cheaper shoes. Some 4 months ago, I bought a pair of reasonably priced heels for work. It only lasted me 4 months. It still looks fine. Wearable. But the heels are crapped out. And the leather, although supposedly "genuine" looks weird and frankly, not that genuine looking. So it's time to get another pair of reasonably priced heel but it has proved to be almost impossible. Everything that I've seen in that price range looks too funky for my liking - either has some weird strap sticking out of nowhere or a chunky button which looks ridiculous. Or worse, it looks cheap. Note: The aim here is to buy something cheap that in NO WAY looks cheap - it has proved to be an impossible task.

In a nutshell, I'm sticking with Italian shoes. Although more expensive, it looks better, feels better and I reckon it'll last me longer too. Also, the fact that I'm paying so much more for them, there's more of an incentive to treat them better and get them fixed when something goes wrong. Right now, I'm just going to chuck out that crappy ol' pair that I've been talking about. Ended up paying a lot more than what I had intended to spend today, but I'm happy with my two new pairs.

Check out some of my favourite stores; Alberto Piazza and Edward Meller for some great and still affordable European shoes. David Jones also stocks up on some pretty fancy shoes. Myer is catching up with their European shoes these days.

2006-09-27T20:10:00.000+10:00

The Fringe Festival is starting tomorrow. So let's kick start the cabarets, dancing, singing, brass bands and have the time of your life! We're going to watch Kunst Ist Scheisse on Tuesday the 3rd of October. Details per below:

Venue:
Festival Hub - Lithuanian Club, The Ballroom
44 Errol St
North Melbourne

Time:
10.15 pm - runs for approximately 45 minutes

Tightarse Tuesday means we're only paying $10 for it.

So those who has confirmed with me, I'll be getting your tix tomorrow. Anyone else who's interested, let me know a.s.a.p!!

It ain't cheap to be healthy

2006-09-24T15:38:00.000+10:00

The best way to save money is probably to grow my own produce. Seriously. Those who doesn't know my buying and eating habits - I try to eat organic as much as I can. Probably 2/3 of my monthly food budget goes to organic produce and gourmet bread. I bought 2 teeny weeny eggplants, 3 tomatoes and a lil bag of mandarins for $14 today. I've paid $3 for 1/2 pack of red beans, which will normally cost $0.50 from your local Asian grocer. It costs $6 for a loaf of organic wheat bread v $3 from Brumby's. I pay $2 more for free-range eggs (I know it's not the same as organic). You get the drill. So for once, I'm glad I'm living on my own because if you have a family of 4, you'll probaly have to think twice about going organic at the the price tag that comes along with being healthier.

"Why pay so much more for organic?", one may ask. Do a search on "Benefits of Organic Food" and you'd get heap loads of return. This site states that organic food has "63% higher in calcium, 73% higher in iron, 118% higher in magnesium, 178% higher in molybdenum, 91% higher in phosphorus, 125% higher in potassium and 60% higher in zinc. The organic food averaged 29% lower in mercury than the conventionally raised food". So in a way, you're just paying a little more in return for more nutrients from your food source. Even antioxidants are apparently higher in organic food. That's why I buy organic green tea and white tea! As you go through that article, it also states that "the use of synthetic chemicals as preservatives, colourings, antioxidants etc are prohibited" in organic food. --- In a nutshell, it's just healthier. Period. Also, read this article for more insights.

You can by organic stuffs rather easily these days. Unfortunately, we don't have the infamous Whole Foods here in Melbourne. But we sure have lots of other places to go to - there are a couple of stores at the Sth Melbourne market that sells organic produce and health food including breads, biscuits, teas, you name it. Many health stores now have an organic section that sells teas, snack bars and organic chocolates. Even Coles has an organic aisle, although I have to admit that it's a sad selection of items on offer. If you prefer, you can hop onto the Green Line website and place your order online and have your stuffs home delivered. Other stores include Macro Whole Foods(Richmond and at The Glen), and Organic Wholefoods.

2006-09-24T08:59:00.000+10:00

Part I
Things contrary to what we expect to happen in life, happens all the time. Personally, I give a lot more weighting to making the best out of everything than finding the best for everything. We can go on and on trying to search for the best; the perfect job, partner, whatever it may be and end up missing out on everything else the world has to offer.

Part II
Before I went to bed last night, I decided that I ought to dedicate my whole morning & afternoon to reading my notes for next week. I have a double lecture on Monday and although Wednesday's a normal one, my notes for that day is probably thicker than the former. *bleah* Instead of doing as planned, I've spent my last hour checking emails, reading blogs, and completing this:

Dating Strengths	Dating Weaknesses
1. Independence - 85.7% 2. Varied Interests - 85.7% 3. Financial Situation - 84.6% 4. Appearance - 75% 5. Adventurousness - 75%	1. Humorlessness - 62.5% 2. Vanity - 58.3%

Dating Strengths Explained
Independence - Your strong sense of independence comes in handy while dating. You are not held back or tied down; you are free to pursue your interests. Varied Interests - You don't limit yourself, and that's a dating asset. Your varied interests make you available and interesting to a wider range of guys. Financial Situation - You've got your financial situation under control, which is a very desirable quality. Be careful to avoid guys who are only interested in your money. Appearance - Despite what some will say, appearance matters in dating. You get high marks on appearance. Just make sure you balance it out with other qualities. Adventurousness - You are willing to try new things and be spontaneous. You want to get out there and really live, and you will attract people with a similar love of life.
Dating Weaknesses Explained
Humorlessness - You need to learn how to take a joke, or better yet how to tell a good one. A well-developed sense of humor is high on the list of desired traits for daters. Vanity - Learn to put a lower priority on looks. Appearance is, of course, important, but vanity is undesireable. The only people you will attract are the superficial.
Dating Strengths and Weaknesses Quiz by Dating Diversions

Apparently I'm humorless and I'm vain.

Part III
I rang home ot talk to the folks last night. Only three things occupies Dad's mind now that he's semi-retired; Taiwanese politics, apartment hunting and travel searching. So Dad was saying he might be going to Macau during Raya, then maybe to Melbourne during CNY, or maybe Taiwan sometime this year with Mom. I mentioned that I'm planning to go to Europe sometime after mid-07 for about 3 weeks. I'm either going with my Sis if her schedule allows, or I might join the NGV Art tour which will be incredible, or I'd just travel on my own throughout those three weeks. And that freaked my Dad out. He was telling me how important accomodation is, yada yada yada. Frankly, I wouldn't have the luxury I once when I used to travel with the folks. I'd rather spend 200 Euros on anything and everything than a night in a hotel. Long gone were the days of Sheratons and Shangri-Las ... I reckon 2 star would have to do it ... Chill, Dad.

It's great to be at the CBD

2006-09-19T21:47:00.000+10:00

Many people told me about how great it is to be working within the CBD - access to a greater variety of food, get to run your errands easily, after work shopping, yada yada yada. But frankly, to me, it's how close the gallery is to work.

Being at the Cnr of Collins and Elizabeth, it only takes me a mere 5 minute walk to the Ian Potter and 10 minutes to the NGV main gallery. Feeling a lil crap and moody today, I had the pleasure of browsing through Charles Blackman's Alice in Wonderland series during my lunch hour. It was great especially when I was in time for the free guided tour. The exhibition in itself is not free: it's $10/adult, $7/Concession and $5/NGV members - a pretty reasonable price to pay for.

A Lil Culture for the day

2006-09-17T19:46:00.000+10:00

Renew your NGV membership before end of September and get your free copy of From Paris with Love catalogue !

Also, the Melbourne Fringe Festival beings on 27/09 till 15/10. Due to the overwhelming response calling for volunteers --- those who were looking forward to do so but have yet to submit in an application (like myself), you'll have to go on their waiting list.

Those who are interested in Cabaret, Music, Performance and Special Events, let me know!!

Life Choices and Consequences

2006-09-11T01:53:00.000+10:00

I believe everyone has choices, decisions and ultimately, is responsible for the way their lives turn out to be at the end of the day. I won't go to the extent of arguing that our lives are not affected by what God has planned out for us from the very begining. I can't explain why some people who are born with a golden spoon in their mouth while some others are made to bear the lives of a war torn country. What I'm saying is that for whatever circumstances we were put into from the start, it's the choices and decisions that we subsequently make that moulds our lives.

We could decide to drown in our sorrows or pick up and begin a new chapter in our lives, continue to be trapped in a web of wrongdoings or learn from those mistakes, be too over cautious in life and miss all the fun and excitement that comes along with being bold, live for the past or embrace the future, it's all up to us and the decision lies in our own hands.

Everyone who has touched and left footprints in my life - I thank them for it. Good memories - I'd cherish them. Not so great ones - I'd learn from them. People who has not failed to be by my side throughout, I'd treasure them. There's a lot to live for. Though at times I feel doomed for who I am and the way people think how strong I am and therefore could do without certain things in life, I'm glad I am who I am. I don't think there's really a negative side of being positive in life.

Any plans for September thru October?

2006-09-10T15:45:00.000+10:00

If your answer is no then I've got plans for you --- go watch The Butterfly Lovers presented by Dama Orchestra at the KLPAC, Sentul. It should be a fantastic musical since my sister's stage managing it. *winks*

Dates

September: 27 - 30th
October: 1st, 4-8th
(all shows on the above dates are @ 8.30pm)
Matinee: 1st and 8th October @ 3pm

Tickets

are priced at RM62 / RM92 / RM122 / RM152 / RM182 / RM222
can be purchased at The Actors Studio Bangsar (3rd floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Ph: 03-2094-0400) and at The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (Sentul West, Jln Strachan, Off Jln Ipoh, Ph: 03-4034-9000 / 9003 / 9005 ).

Enquiries

Call Dama Orchestra directly at 03-6201-9107 / 9108

I (try to) love fastfood

2006-09-09T21:02:00.000+10:00

I was back at work till about 6 this evening and thought that McDonalds would be a (good change) quick and easy dinner to pick up on the way home. Great! I did as I liked, drove thru, ordered and was amazed that McD now has those flat screens at the "speaker box" that shows you your order info, paid, picked up my brown bag and headed home. I did like what most of us would do; casually picking up a couple of tasty french fry and eating them as I drove home.

I got home, opened up the bag and started eating my McOz burger. YUM YUM YUM! My taste buds delivered happy messages to my brains (or the other way around) whilst my stomach resented my choice of food. Finally, my stomach won the battle. I chucked out EVERYTHING within an hour. Within 2 hours, I had signs of diarhoea. It ain't pretty. It ain't enjoyable. No more McDonalds for another 12 months I reckon.

In temporary hiatus

2006-09-03T17:05:00.000+10:00

I've been busy with the new job - hence, the hiatus mode. Officially, I'm suppose to start at 0800 hrs and end at 1700 hrs. So far, my unofficial hours have been anywhere between 0730 - 1845. It's not all that bad. Work's been keeping me busy and making sure my mind's active and sane. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed that all the hard work and effort will bring me somewhere, somehow, in the future. There's very little we can do in life to ensure that all our efforts aren't frivolous. Life isn't fair. That's a fact which applies throughout - work, play, r'ships, everything.

2006-08-19T21:43:00.000+10:00

Clouded nights
Perfect life in disguise
It's a pity
Because that's what we call - life

I need a truck load of $$$ to live a life in KL

2006-08-12T15:44:00.000+10:00

In conclusion, I don't think I can survive living in KL - money wise that is.

Being back in KL for a week has made me realize how expensive living a life here can be. No doubt if I move back to KL I'd save on things like:

Rental
Utility bills
Car maintenance (Dad's more than willing to be my personal chauffeur too)
Health insurance

BUT if you consider prices of things dollar-for-dollar and without converting it back to AUD, things are just SO expensive.

Case Study: Expected Salary of $3,000 (irregardless of the currency it is denominated in)

MAC Eye liners : Melbourne 1% vs KL 1.9%
Upon conversion, it is priced at 2/3 of what I would pay in Melbourne. But hang on, you're talking about paying RM57 for one eye liner?

Dior Ultra Shine Lipstick : Melbourne 1.16% vs KL 2.5%
One Dior Ultra Shine costs AUD35 or AUD31.50 @ the Duty Free. It's RM75 here. That's approx 2.5% of a RM3k salary.
Hallmark Cards : Melbourne 0.17% vs KL 0.73%
Dad's birthday was on the 11th. My Sis and I went to B'sar Village to get him a card from Hallmark. I thought I heard the cashier wrongly when she said RM22. RM22 for a CARD? I don't know about you guys, but a RM22 card for someone who earns RM3.50/hr @ KFC is a lot of money. That's more than 6 hours of work.

Coffee : Melbourne 4% vs KL 10.67%
I am a coffee addict. Surprisingly, I managed to function pretty well without a drop of coffee this week. Maybe because I didn't really have to use much of my brains during my trip back. It's AUD3 for a cup of cappucino. Here, it's at least RM8. I take two cups of coffee per business day. Back in KL, coffee consumption will take up close to 10% of my monthly salary.

Clothing : Melbourne 5.00% vs KL 8.33%
I feel the pinch when I pay AUD150 for a Satch or AUD180 for a MCM shirt. It's RM249 for a good one @ Zara (and quite frankly, I wouldn't go elsewhere if you intend to get something cheaper). When my Sis told me that Banana Republic will be opening their first store in Singapore shortly, I got excited. I got even more thrilled when she said they may be opening one here in KL. Uno Secondo! I used to pay at least USD80 for an ordinary business shirt. I'm assuming they are expecting to charge something like >RM350 per shirt. That's quite a bit of money for a shirt if you're earning in local currency.

So in conclusion, even with FAMA's subsidies on rental, car and etc, I don't really think I can afford living in KL.

Dad's birthday

2006-08-11T22:42:00.000+10:00

Night out @ Oasis

2006-08-10T20:30:00.000+10:00

Central Market w/Mom & Sis

2006-08-10T11:00:00.000+10:00

It's been a long, long time since I had an Orangina!

Back in KL

2006-08-07T11:34:00.000+10:00

... for a short one week.

It's been 26 hours since I've been back and it's been good. I can choose to list a couple of things which I'm not over the moon about, but no ... I shall concentrate on things that matter more.

A couple of admin stuffs to start of with:

I've got my pre-paid local number. It's not my policy to announce my contact details here - so those who have my msn ID, go check out my contact. Otherwise, send me a quick email.
I'll be heading back to Melbourne on Saturday evening. I have to apologize to those whom I will not be able to meet up with this time around - it's a constant battle between spending time at home with the family and going out at night with friends.

All those aside, I've already managed to double my calory intake. Sadly, I haven't found a way to also double my metabolic rate. Trust me, I already feel physically sluggish - if you get what I mean. Nasi Lemak first thing in the morning - as much as Sui Lin usually makes me crave for them in the morning - I do not recommend having Nasi Lemak as your first meal unless you want to have the sensation of an erupting volcano in your tummy for the next couple of hours! *urgh* I've had my sotong balls, sugar cane drink, peanut pancake and putu pirring (still sitting in the fridge) from Pasar Malam. *burp* I still long for my Roti Canai w/fish curry - breakfast anyone ?? (I do realize it'll have the same effect as having nasi lemak in the morning, thanks)

What's up for the rest of the day is nothing but shopping ... and more food. Mom's bringing me to the up and happening One Utama - extended version. So, if One Utama is the mall to go these days, can someone enlighten me and tell me why are there still so many mad people rushing around at Mid Valley on a Sunday night? *shakes my head in disbelief*

Any suggestions for cheap O2s or HP pda phones, anyone? More updates to come ...

The Relatives

2006-08-06T17:30:00.000+10:00

Yum Cha w/the Family (I think it was @ the Swiss Garden)

2006-08-06T12:30:00.000+10:00

Welcome Home, with a BIG QUESTION MARK

2006-08-06T08:00:00.000+10:00

Upon arrival, my Sister made it quite clear to me that my room no longer belongs to me.

It is officially her warehouse/storeroom/office.

Long awaited update

2006-08-02T12:08:00.000+10:00

No - I have not forgotten my Blogspot login
No - My life has not exactly been stagnate
Yes - Due to the circumstances I was in, I could not blog most of them
Yes - I do feel awful for leaving my friends in the dark

In a nutshell:

I've recently switched jobs. I, as expected, was escorted out of work on Tuesday morning upon handing in my resignation letter. I will be starting my new job on the 14th of August with another Bank in the City. So no more driving into work like what I've been doing in the past (city parking's out of the question). Instead, I'd be taking the #109 Port Melbourne tram into the City, which is pretty good to be honest. 2 minutes drive to the tram stop whereby parking's always guanrateed plus, it only takes me another 15 minutes get into the City. And the best part is, the tram stops right infront of my new office. Although it is sad to leave the NAB, I am definitely looking foward to the new role and responsibilities I'd be undertaking.

I'd be sitting for my exam on Friday - so wish me luck everyone! And then I'd be making a quick dash back to KL for the week. I keep telling everyone that Mom's on the verge of disowning me purely because I haven't been back for > 2.5 years. Given the fact that I'd be back for only 7 days, I may not be able to catch up with everyone so if I end up missing out on anyone, you've got to forgive me! It's going to be a constant juggle between wanting to catch up with friends whom I haven't seen in ages with spending time with my family and worse of all, the possibility of having to meet relatives which I'd rather give it a skip.

That's it from me for now ... catch up with you guys & girls when I get back rom KL.

2006-05-19T06:20:00.000+10:00

First night out at the Kitten Club

Arthurs Seat Maze
We were meant to be pointing at the cows on the hill
Birthday breakfast @ Cafe Sweethearts, Sth Melbourne
Tram Ride into the City

Late lunch at the Dumpling place in Chinatown
Grandma Kimchi, Carnegie
She got way too excited when it came to the cake

My long weekend at Philip Island/Mornington Peninsula

2006-05-17T20:58:00.000+10:00

The girl has came and gone. The past week was definitely a fun-filled, food-filled, adventurous, although a lil tiring but still enjoyable and memorable experience with my yet-to-be-officially-confirmed-possibly-maybe-cousin, Constance.

Our lil road trip started with breakfast at South Melbourne. She had her scrambled eggs w/smoked salmon, Weng Yu had his egg(s) benedict while I had my Spanish poached eggs w/tomatoes. *yum* The weather definitely didn't start off too well as it showered throughout our breakfast & drive to Philip Island. Thanks to our lucky stars that the rain settled down by the time we went to catch the Penguin Parade. Some advise to those who are looking forward to see penguins at Philip Island:

You are there to see Fairy Penguins, which happen to be the smallest penguins around. So if you're expecting to see Emperor Penguins, either get yourself a ticket to the Antartica or to watch March of the Penguins to prevent dissapointment
PLEASE pay an extra $10 for the premium entry - I promise you it's worth every cent!
For just an extra $10, you'd pretty much get to see most of the penguins that come onshore. Should you decide to be thrifty, then don't complain about just seeing one or two penguins 'coz those couple of penguins are the "wonderers" which decides to go astray from the rest

We headed to Mornington Peninsula the next day - down to somewhere I can't remember where it's called, then to a market, and then to Arthurs Seat before heading to Red Hill. The highlight: Arthurs Seat Maze.

Came Monday, it was the girl's birthday. Breakfast at Cafe Sweetheards, Sth Melbourne. A visit to the Melbourne Aquarium (it was dissapointingly small). A ride on the tram into the City. Late lunch at the dodgy dumpling place in Chinatown (it's cheap, so we shouldn't complain too much). Went to Allans to settle my piano (nope. It's not here yete ... somewhere on some ship in some ocean at the moment). Home. Dinner @ Kim Chi and MI3 @ Chadstone.

Tuesday: I finally tried dim sum @ the Red Emperor, Southgate. It was pretty good. Not spectacular. But I'd say a lil better than average if only I wasn't feeling that constipated. Trust me when I say I'm "over food"!! The egg tarts were brilliant though. If you're a big egg tart fan, don't miss going to the Red Emperor although Dad insisted that the best egg tarts he ever had was at Taipan, Doncaster. That was pretty much the time I had to spend with Constance & Weng Yu 'coz my tummy just wouldn't permit me to have anymore food intake. :(

I hope she did have the time of her life here (I have to admit that I am a rather poor tour guide). Have a pleasant flight back to KL & the UK !!! ... Photos to be up soon ...

After 7.5 years ...

2006-05-07T16:50:00.000+10:00

I am finally ready to put my foot down and say "I think I'm ready to settle down here" and hence, explains the purchase of my piano today. Mom offered to ship mine over from home but 1) it's too much of a hassle, 2) I doubt Dad will allow it. He says that the piano is a piece of furniture that fits into our home back in KL and 3) I think my piano at home is crapped out 'coz Mom refuse to listen to my pleas to have it tuned. I haven't touched my piano in KL for awhile now ... it's really out of tune.

I was going to buy a Yamaha U-series but it was going to set me back too much and I don't want to settle for the C-series as it's assembled in Indonesia. Call me a bias, but even if it's going to be a third the price, I don't want it. It took me half an hour to toss between buying what I got - an upright Kawai K-60E or the Kawai Baby Grand (which was surprisingly cheaper than the upright). Due to space and lift constraints (flashback: my Freedom 3-seater couch episode), I bought the upright. *whoaho* I'm excited!

The bad side is, I'm not too sure if I can still read and play as well as I used to. *covers my face*

Egg-ed out

2006-05-03T20:02:00.000+10:00

I'm officially egg-ed out - two rounds of seafood souffle in less than seven days .... anyone would !

On a different note, Varekai opens in Melbourne April 19th next year. Tickets will be on sale May 8th (Monday) so be quick before the good seats are gone, everyone!

The first footy match ...

2006-04-29T18:12:00.001+10:00

After spending close to 7.5 years in Melbourne, I finally went for my first AFL match yesterday. It was at the MCG. And yes, it was my first time being at the MCG after being here for 7.5 years. And come to think of it, it's actually the first time I really knew where it's situated. *blush* I still don't know much about the game (and quite frankly, I still think soccer's way better) but I managed to gather the following from my 3 hours there:

Last night's match was between Carlton FC a.k.a. The Blues and Richmond Tigers
The match was held at the MCG and attracted 54,815 fanatics
There are 4 quarters to each footy match
Matches are either played at the Telstra Dome or the MCG
It's best to eat before heading to the venue. Otherwise, you'd probably be having either pies or oily chips for dinner
The Blues, currently ranked #13 is supposedly my team
It's 6 points if the ball goes between the two main poles/posts/whatever you want to call it
If it's between 1 tall and 1 short pole/post/whatever you want to call it, that's 1 point
And obviously anything other than as listed above, you get nothing

Thank God the weather yesterday was pretty good. Unlike today, all I felt like doing was sleep. It's been gloomy since morning and the much needed ironing may have to wait for another week. *bah* A couple of friends from work are coming over for lunch tomorrow. So much of today was spent grocery shopping, preparation and the likes. So far, it's going to be Pineapple Fried Rice (yes, Lola .. it's pineapple fried rice again), Seafood Souffle (better pray that it'll rise nicely tomorrow) and Chocolate Brulee if I manage to get some nice and cheap espresso cups.

I can't believe that we only have one more day till April ends ... and only 1 more day till we start the fifth month of the year ...

My Thoughts on this Night

2006-04-25T21:22:00.000+10:00

You may try to hold your breath,
Hoping that for a moment in your life,
The clock would stop ticking.
But despite how long you hold it,
Every day passes by without a fuss.
The wind blows, the bees buzz
People continue to fall in and out of love.

Life's full of uncertainties
Without hindsight,
People can never know for sure which steps should or shouldn't be taken
Never under-estimate the distinction between the statement of
Whatever has been done has been worth doing versus the question of would the next step be worth taking?

Finally a day of sunshine ...

2006-04-25T20:26:00.000+10:00

and how glad I am that it's a public holiday as well. It's ANZAC DAY to those who aren't here in Aussieland. And please hold your horses and don't start the questions rolling because I haven't got a clue what Anzac Day is all about, apart from the fact that it's about saluting those who fought during the War.

My Anzac Day started off with ...
8.30am: Yackity yackity yack with Constance who's coming to visit in about 2 weeks' time. *weeeeeeeeeeee*
- - - It's sad to say that I couldn't take more time off to be with her during her upcoming visit so yes! I am under pressure to ensure we will have a ball during the long weekend I have with her. We'll be heading off to Philip Island to see the penguins on Saturday and will be taking the ferry over to the Mornington Peninsula on Sunday. Vineyards, fruit orchards (although I have to admit that it's not the right time of the year to go fruit picking), lavender farm ... we'll play it by ear, babes!

- - - Mental Note: Have pho, lounge/bar hopping, gelati!!!

9.20am: Breakfast at Cafe Sweethearts on Coventry Rd
- - - they've got really good pancakes. I had the banana and pecan this morning. There's also the pistachio and pear, blueberry, strawberry, savoury ones .. YUM!

10.30am: Rolled out the picnic rug and read on the grass at Albert Park.
- - - I love Melbourne for this. You can just pick a park, sit and read, if the weather permits.
- - - Inspired by the good weather today, I managed to sit under the trees and sunshine for more than 2 hours, alternating between my book and contemplating about what I want to do with my life. Action, Get Set and Go shall be my motto for now.

01.00pm: The Avenue on Dundas Place
- - - is this lovely bookstore just 5 minutes from my shell. Despite the fact that I don't read a great deal, bookstores are my favourite hotspots particularly the small ones. Readings on Bay Street, Port Melbourne and the Brunswick Bookstore, Fitzroy have really good ambience. It may be just all in the head but weirdly, I reckon these bookstores release some sort of inspirational zest.

- - - This is what I got today: Wish me luck with them!

Souffle by Sara Lewis

Chocolate Obsessions by Recchiuti & Gage

3.34 pm onwards : Unknown activities - shall remain impromptu