Happy Feet

Lastly, our movie to end our movie marathon was wrapped up with Happy Feet, though it wasn't ideal. Movie wasn't too great although the characters are voiced by great actors and actresses ie Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy and Hugo Weaving. I reckon it won the best animated movie award because Shrek (1, 2, 3) wasn't produced in the same year. I give this a 6/10.

Pursuit of Happyness

Our next movie was Pursuit of Happyness. It is a totally inspiring movie based on the true-life story of Chris Gardner. I missed the point initially however as I was waiting for the climax of the story where Chris Gardner (Will Smith in the movie) becomes succesful, like most unrealistic Hong Kong movies. But this is truly the opposite. It stressed on the downs of his journey, and how he was always striving and rushing around to make ends meet, all for the sake of his son. Of course, he eventually became successful and wealthy businessman but it was really the down to earth and surreal journey he went through that should be the focus here.

Truly awesome acting by Will Smith and his son, Jaden. I give this a 9/10.

Curse of the Golden Flower

One of the best things about living where we are now is Civic Video, a movie rental store located just down the street. Wednesday at 6 - 8pm is Happy Hour, where all new releases are only $1.95 for either over night or 3 nights hire. We thought of watching some movies, so hired several new releases. The first which we watched was "Curse of the Golden Flower". Didn't really know anything about this movie, not much publicity, but we thought, hey it's Chow Yuen Fatt and Gong Li, how bad can the movie be. Plus, the DVD cover looks quite sophisticated.

The movie started off ok, however, first turn-off was the part when it was first revealed that Empress actually has an affair with her stepson, the Emperor's eldest son by the Emperor's first wife. Initial reaction was disgust, but slowly realized that in the Imperial palace, every other male is an eunuch except for the royal family. After all, it's just a movie, we continued watching. Second turn-off, the over-exposed boobs were just too much to bear considering that it's an asian setting. Finally, I really disagree with the casting of Prince Jie, the Empress' eldest son, who was acted by Jay Chou. His acting was a little awkward and in the making interview, he explained he was actually quite scared and nervous while acting alongside Gong Li that he dared not look into her eyes. What a funny chap!

I must say though that the costumes are stunning and lavish and all the colours used in the setting are just amazing and beautiful. All in all, the main message of the movie is that, when it comes to a powerful and strong ruling, what is seemingly beautiful on the outside can be squirmingly ugly on the inside.

Visit the official webpage of the movie and you will see how beautiful cinematography is. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.

Hoard Not!

It's Sunday again and we encountered something SIMILAR as before after driving home from church. We parked our car at our usual spot. It was not long before hubby and I both noticed a nice couch sitting just opposite our place. I wasn't expecting anything but my first thought was, the tenants living opposite our flat must be doing spring cleaning and perhaps, leaving their couch out to dry after cleaning or something like that. Then hubby suggested we take a walk at the park to get some sunlight. As we walked past the couch, hubby saw a posted paper on couch saying "It's FREE and yes, you can take it!". I was absolutely stunned and excited. Not again, I thought to myself. I gave hubby a look and immediately hubby knew what I was thinking about. But hubby disproved of the idea and shooked his head, saying we have no more room at home.I was pretty adamant about it, but hubby pulled me towards the park and say let's take a walk first and come back to see if it's still there, and then we will wait for another day and if it's still there, then we shall consider taking it. Of course, that meant "no, you silly girl".

We came back from the stroll and the couch was still there (of course, it was still there, it was only 5-10 minutes later). Hubby tried to dissuade me but I just couldn't listen. I tried lifting the couch to figure if both of us can lift the couch. We tried and tried, but unfortunately, it was no good. I couldn't help hubby to carry the couch up to our flat. Hubby even hurt his fingers while trying to carry it. So then, I decided to just let go of the couch for several reasons:

1. We don't really have any room for another couch in the flat.
2. We can't move the couch by ourselves.
3. Because of my obstinant, Andrew hurt his finger.
4. Lastly, but probably most important is, I realised, perhaps the couch wasn't meant for us, and we have to learn to say enough. Even the bible says so in Matthew 6: 19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Perhaps, I was being greedy by trying to hoard all these "free gifts" which I would like to think of it as God's blessings. But we have to ask ourselves one question before we become misled and the question is "Are we in need of a couch?". The answer for now is clearly NO. However, I do consider for the future sake just in case we move to a bigger place and we can have the couch as a spare! Wait, hang on. I just said spare, didn't I? I won't really use that couch as my main couch in the living room and I'm thinking of its usage more of a spare. Ok, I guess hubby is totally right then and I should listen to him and I must let it go.

Just in case you wonder what sort of couch am I talking about, here's a picture of it.



See, see what I mean, isn't it a reasonably good and nice sofa? (I keep looking out from the balcony to see if it's there and it's still there *sigh*)

Ok, Lord, hoard not, hoard not.

A new endeavour

I mentioned before that there was a beads and such warehouse near where I stay. I have always loved arts and crafts and I love making things because I have a somewhat creative hands. So, knitting is being put on hold and this time, I am an accomplisher. So there's no unfinished projects, a dire habit which I used to have ie never finish a project which I started. Lately, I'm quite enthused with jewellery making, even more so after I discovered the warehouse. I am also trying to design my own label because I intend to sell them, just for fun since I won't be able to wear all the jewelleries. I am kicking off with earrings, and thus far, I've finished making 30 earrings. I started wearing earrings to work (which I almost never did) just to promote them and hoping my colleagues will notice them without me actually promoting them (I'm not a natural sales person). True enough they did notice and were astonished when I said I made them. Some even offered to buy. I am so excited about it. To be honest, at the back of my mind I do hope I will achieve some side income from this.. for the thrill of it. =) Tada, here's to share with you my first piece(s) of work.

We are moving lab soon!

We are moving to a new lab soon, probably in a month's time. Yesterday, my boss took some of us to the new lab for a tour round the building. I must say, I am very impressed with the new building's design. The new lab will be at least 3 times larger than our current lab now. I am so honoured to be able to go to the new lab to give some input on the move and the arrangement of equipments and etc. What impressed on me was that my boss and senior scientist ask for my advise and my opinion actually counts. Lately, we are short of staff and the lab only has my senior scientist and myself to mend the lab. Although so, all test are pretty much up to date and there aren't any outstanding samples so far. I have only started my role about 2 months ago, and it seems I am learning and coping really well. Because there weren't enough staff, I had to learn as much as I can to help out with the lab. So, in that sense, it's actually an advantage to me. I'm so excited and happy with where I am now. Although I can just be contented with where I am now, somehow deep in me, I know that this is not it. I can't wait to discover more of God's plans for me. I will take some pics of my lab and post it soon.

Sharing

Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor~ Benjamin Franklin

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy~ Cynthia Nelms

No particular reason in sharing these two quotes, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

On another note, just came back from a bible study member's birthday party, which he celebrated alongside his daughter's 3rd birthday. Was chatting with some people in the party, and I do pray that God plans for this meeting regarding mission trip and babies =) . I personally felt as if God was speaking to me indirectly through these people. WIth regards to the first, harvest are bountiful, opportunities are plenty. We don't have to wait to be called, if we can offer our time and money to help contribute in God's work. As for babies, we spoke to some mature christians, who was indirectly helping to advise hubby on having kids earlier rather than later.

Anyway, all was good, and as we were chatting, I had a good amount of sun exposure which left me feeling great afterwards. Great day for a party. Now, I'm just rushing to go out for a walk while the sun is still shining bright. How I yearn for sun nowadays.

Also another update. My best friend just gave birth to a healthy baby boy on September 13, and they named him Zachariah Low Yong-ern. I can't wait to see him soon.

I have to stop being complacent about my health!

Went to the chiropractor last Saturday to do a scan on my spinal condition. Was not feeling my best of late hence the decision to see a chiropractor. Got back the results on Monday and to my amazement though not entirely shocking, there were a few problems. The major problem lies on my atlas and cervical vertebrae which explains why I haven't been sleeping well which I believe that was since Form 6 (HSC) days, migraine and sinus. The chiropractor said it's not surprising because most students who study alot tend to have that problem. The report also said it was 120% loss of normal cervical curve ie reversal of neck curvation, which also explains well why I have rapid eye movement and dreams when I sleep. The vertebrae actually touches my part of my brain and causes me to be alert. I am just trying to explain it in lay man's term and trying to make sense all of it.

Then the second problem is, I have minor scoliosis ie dextroscoliosis ie scoliosis with convexity to the right side. This however, is congenital and inheritance, so can't do much about it. Although so, I do think I have an early signs of osteoporosis and it's all because I never got enough sun in my whole life. I used to be known as "puteri lilin (candle princess)", who likes to stay in dark (shadow). Nowadays, due to work, I don't really see much sun at all. How I yearn to be under the sun these days.

Thirdly, my lumbar curve is slightly bent forward causing a slight pelvic tilt.

So, unless I exercise regularly and go for chiropractic treatment, I am sure in the long run, there will be detrimental effects to my health. The latter reportedly has had anecdotal success, so I don't think I want to waste money on that plus it's not cheap. I need to go for 6 visits initially, twice a week, each visit cost me AUD50 (an hour). That's me, I'm a little stingy.

I have since started doing pilates every night for 10 minutes for some stretching. Hopefully I will feel better after a while. Please please, pray for me. =)

Birthday Celebration

Yes yes, it's my birthday and it was truly one of the best birthday I've had. Thanks to the APEC summit in Sydney, Friday was a public holiday. Therefore we had a long weekend to celebrate my birthday, which is today!

It all started on Friday, we had Italian lunch at the Sapore by the Fountain, in Leichhardt Forum. I had Salmon Fettucini and Andrew had Spaghetti with Mussels. Lunch was absolutely stuffing. We couldn't even finish our portion, so we ate up the more expensive food ie salmon and mussels and left some of the spaghetti and fettucini.

Then on Saturday, we met up with some friends we knew from OCF (Overseas Christian Fellowship) and had Chinese dinner. It was perfect as we really felt at home eating those food plus all the catching up. Had a really enjoyable time. Then we managed to slot in a movie whereby we watched The Bourne Ultimatum in the cinema. Movie was excellent with action-packed adrenaline rush. Love it! Great way to end the day, I feel.

Then on Sunday, fetched Andrew to church early as he is involved with worship this week. Our church had to change venue due to the APEC summit. We are not complaining because it's just about 5 minutes drive from our place. If only church is within that distance every week.

Then evening came, met up with a good friend of Andrew and his family for dinner. We had Japanese at Sushi Samurai, Pyrmont. Food was great, value for money, small place but with nice ambience. It was a thorough pleasure! Of course not forgetting my birthday cake which we came back to our place for it.

That was my whole birthday venture. Now, I am feeling really happy and contented and am counting my blessings, and naming them one by one which God has done for me. Thank you, Lord and thank you, darling for such wonderful and memorable day.

Oh, I almost forgot. Received a birthday present from hubby a week earlier and I absolutely love it because I have been buying all sorts of cheap watches for 10, 20 bucks, well I'm a very stingy person. What's annoying is they don't last at all. So, hubby bought a good one and we do believe it will last a long time for me. Here's to share with you the photo of the watch and our photo as of September 9, 2007.

It's about them, not you!

It's been 18 months since I got married. Doesn't sound like it's been too long, but it seems forever to me. Probably because we are so used to each other now, that the thought of having to start another relationship all over again sounds scary not to mention tiring. We are still growing as a couple, much to learn from and about each other. When we first got married, I asked hubby when should we have kids. He said, probably in 2-3 years time. I must admit, at the back of my mind I feel that it's a long wait. But as all wives should, I submit to husband's wish. Of course, every now and then, I tried to talk him into it, but he was adamant. Hence, I've decided to just leave it all to God. I don't want to take matters into my own hand. I want things to happen when we both are in agreement to have kids, and God shall intervene when the right time comes.

Today, I must say I am grateful that I did not pursue the matter and did not deliberately try to have babies. I truly enjoyed all the times we had together. We went places and enjoyed each other's company immensely. As our relationship grew stronger, I began to question myself why did I want babies so much? The only reaons I can come up with, it feels great to have a baby, everyone wants to have a glimpse of my baby, everyone wants to hold the baby, and I of course get to hold and cuddle and kiss my baby every minute I want, unlike other people's babies where there are restrictions and boundaries with their babies. After all, their babies are their "property". Then throughout the 9 months of carrying the baby, everyone will be asking about you and the baby, and everyone who come across the news of you having a baby seems to be so thrilled and happy for you. What a proud and nice feeling it must be.

Then one day, as I was on the way to work, listening to Kyle and Jackie'O show on MixFM, they mentioned about a scenario whereby there was this couple trying to have a baby, but were devastated with the news that the wife was diagnosed with cancer and has only about 2 years to live. The question was whether or not, the couple should continue trying for a baby knowing that the child may not have a mother. Kyle, being the practical one disagreed with the couple trying to conceive and he said this which really struck me "having a child is not about you, it's about them".

All these while, I have been wanting babies for my own sake, not even thinking on behalf of the child. I have been very foolish to think that we will sort things out when the baby comes, need not worry for now. However, this realization really hit me hard in the head. Having kids is all about them, everything revolves around the kids. Everything we do is for the child's sake. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but this is reality. It's not about giving birth too, it's all about parenthood.

With regards to the scenario given, conceiving and givng birth to the baby is easy. They may feel contented and absolutely joyful for a while, but will it last? The mother may not live long enough to see the child grow, and what if the husband finds someone else, and have their own children. What will happen to this child then? The child will be the one to bear all the consequences and live with it for the rest of his/her life as a result of his/her parent's decision in bringing him/her into this world.

Having said all these, I still think children completes a family. My point is that being parents is not an easy task and it takes everything to bring up your children, but if the couple is not ready, they should be given all the time to prepare themselves, otherwise it will be unfair to the child. I shall end here with a very cute photo of a newborn baby, what a beautiful sight of a new life!