Reminiscing Dreams

Risotto

2009-08-02T22:07:00.005+10:00

We had mussels yesterday and there were much leftover gravy, which is packed full of flavour and hubby thought of making a dish out of it. The only dish he could think of was risotto. I've never tried risotto before simply because any rice of sorts other than Jasmine Rice, would taste, funny, I guess.

Anyway, it turned out not bad. The gravy from mussels was what made the whole dish impeccable. I've opened up my taste bud to a whole new dish, yet again. Oh and this time, I made sure I took a photo of it and the banana bread, from yesterday.

Twas a good day!

2009-08-01T23:31:00.005+10:00

We've been such lazy people for the last few months. We wake up early (not as early as most people) to go to work on weekdays and come home when the sun sets. Everyday's a long day for us, so Saturday is a day where we'll just take the golden opportunity to sleep in. The time that we wake up really varies every week; on a not so tiring week, 9 am and on a superbly stressed week, we'll wake up at 12 just on time for lunch! Guess we are not so grown-up afterall since grownups normally don't sleep till that late.

The culprits, other than work to these sleep-ins are, of course (it's not entirely our fault that we are lazy):
1. We've got the best bed on earth; latex bed!
2. We know there won't be anymore chance to sleep in once baby arrives, so we are trying to sleep as MUCH as we can now!

Anyway, a new colleague of mine recently told me about this grower's market at Pyrmont which he and his housemate go to every month. It's held every first Saturday of the month and it's probably the best organic and local producer markets in Sydney, of course not to mention it's just a stroll away from Darling Harbour, a superb and beautiful location.

It got me interested as I was wanting to check out on some plants to put on our balcony. So, I suggested to hubby to come along with me, since I hate going to these places on my own. At first, he was pretty reluctant because it means only one thing, he has to forgo his beauty Saturday sleep and wake up probably earlier than normal days in order to get a parking spot. But thank God for bank holiday this Monday, so in the end he cheerfully agreed.

It was a beautiful morning, and the market was absolutely unlike any asian markets. They are 'civilized' and 'clean' and 'peaceful'. There's a water bay just beside the market and it was an enjoyable morning. We had latte and pretty much our breakfast there too by sampling on all the food on display.

My only regret was, I forgot my camera. I could have taken some photos but my placental head is taking a toll on me now. I am going through pregnancy ie a scatty period now. So, blame it on the baby.

We bought some strawberry and fig jam, which was absolutely lovely and a kg of fresh mussels for dinner. Hubby cooked mussels provencale pasta and it was absolutely excellent that I had to write down the recipe. Again, my scatty brain forgot to take pictures of the mussels.

Then I attempted my banana bread, the second time since the first turned out, well... not sweet, not soft, not moist... basically it was a flop. And after some research, I managed to find out about the secret recipe on baking a soft and moist banana bread -----> apparently, it's sour cream!

Hubby was a a little apprehensive on using sour cream, cuz somehow he couldn't really imagine how the taste would be and how sour cream helps. Oh well, no harm trying I thought.

After an hour or so of baking, voila, it turned out to be probably the best banana bread we've had, so I quote hubby! Will try to take a photo tomorrow when we have it for tea.

Hah, all in all, it was a good cook day for us. Finally a Saturday went by unwasted except it was a litle tarnished by the movie we watched after dinner; Burn After Reading. I am still flabbergasted with that movie. Watch it if you want, and you'll know what I mean.

Oaahhh..... another early morning tomorrow for church, I'm sooooo not a morning person.

Nothing much lately

2009-07-19T16:33:00.002+10:00

There's nothing much happening in my life lately, apart from the pregnancy stories in my other blog. Work's been usual but I've been more and more incompetent because of my current state. Also because we have new staffs to train, so thank God, I am not needed to do most of the work, I just basically train them and let them do the job! I'm basically taking it easy at work.

However, I'm in a dilemma whether to resign when baby comes. The good thing about Australia is, you get to keep your job for a year although in NSW, you don't get paid maternity leave. But I suppose the baby bonus (about AUD5K) we get for each baby is better than nothing. I cant wait for 2011 when the government will implement paid maternity leave for up to 18 weeks.

Anyway, it's true, nothing much happening although I must blog about my neighbour, Suh who never fails to bring us food whenever we hope for a miracle meal. She's truly like an angel to us. So, we are more than happy to return the favour to her by making food we knew best. The latest being Andrew's famous tiramisu! =) Sorry, no picture this time but just imagine it to be one of the best tiramisu you'll ever taste! =)

In an unrelated matter, I really loathe Sydney's property market, perhaps not just Sydney but everywhere, Sydney being the top 10 most expensive city to live in the world. The housing property has soared sky-high, making it tough for the younger generations to own a property. All because of GREED! All because people want to make money out of properties. In just the last 10 years, properties have doubled, but has our pay doubled?? Well, one can easily do the maths. It's ridiculous, how do they expect the youngters to own a house these days? Oh well, what can we do?

Yummy scones!

2009-06-28T22:08:00.003+10:00

Masterchef Australia has somehow got me excited about cooking/baking, well at least the simplest dish of all. One of them being scones. It looked so easy that I had to try it out. Only difference was I didn't use any lemon zest according to the recipe because the lemon tree in the garden hasn't been producing any good lemons for a while now. I wonder what's wrong with the lemon tree.

Anyway, I'll just share with you the recipe from MasterChef;

Ingredients

150ml-175ml milk
150ml cream
1 egg
3 cups self-raising flour
2 tbs caster sugar
1 cup chopped, dried dates
Finely grated rind 1 lemon
Cream & jam, to serve

Makes 12

Method

1. Preheat oven 200°C fan forced. Line large flat oven tray with baking paper.

2. Whisk 150ml milk, cream and egg together until well combined. Combine flour, sugar, dates and lemon rind in a large bowl. Add milk mixture and stir gently to a soft dough, adding remaining milk if necessary. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until dough comes together.

3. Press dough out to 2cm-thick. Cut scones from dough and place onto tray flat-side up. Press dough together gently and repeat using the remaining dough. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden and well risen. Serve hot with jam and cream.

It is really simple. Do try it out and enjoy your tea time!!

P/S: Do get a really good quality jam and not just any sugar spread, else the sweetness will be an overkill.

The day I embarked on my life journey

2009-06-16T19:47:00.002+10:00

I can still remember the day I was all set to fly to Sydney, to start the next chapter of my life. I have a friend who just left Malaysia for the States to reunite with her boyfriend of many many years, now her fiance. I am so excited and am truly happy for her. I wish her all the happiness she so deserves.

I don't think many people knew I was heading for Australia because no one really said goodbye to me except my uni friends. But that was also because the night I flew was the last day of my final exam for my degree. So I bade farewell to my close friends at Uni and couldn't contain my happiness and joy that I will soon be reuniting with Andrew.

Preparation for Sydney, went by like a breeze. It was like, I was meant to come here. There wasn't any trepidation, for I knew and trusted the person whom I will commit myself to. I wasn't sure what my family were thinking, were they thinking, was that it? To see their beloved daughter leave home for good? That finally, their daughter is all grown up? To me, it was that way. I knew it was for good, I knew I will soon set up my own family and my own life. It will be the next phase of my life.

That day was in March, 2004. It wasn't yesterday nor was it too long ago. Today, indeed I have my own family now, and soon with an addition. Life in Sydney has taught me so many things. I daresay I am not the same person as before. I have grown and changed so much, although still much to learn I hope. God has indeed kept His promises to me. I almost couldn't see a way to come to Sydney, but when God opened the door and showed me the way, I could so far beyond the horizon. That was when God gave me strength and courage to come to Sydney. This is probably one of the best and wisest decision I've ever made in my life.

So, for my friend, Angel, I hope you find that finally, the happiness and joy that you are going to embrace is worth all the wait and will be one of the best thing that ever happen to you, in your life.

Our hot plant

2009-05-16T17:54:00.003+10:00

It's time to harvest our chillies! We collected a whole bag of chillies and have no idea what to do with most of them. Sue has kindly offered to make sambal for us but I guess we have to distribute the chillies to people who likes them.

By the way, did I ever mention that this is the hottest chilli we've ever tasted. Even my aunties who are chilli queens, agreed that this chili variant (bird's eye chili) planted in our landlord's garden is the BEST and the most FIERY!!!

Talking about an instant reply from God!

2009-05-16T17:37:00.003+10:00

I try to pack food for lunch whenever possible. Especially days when hubby cooks, he will try to cook more (as I always tease him, as though he cooks for the whole 'kampung') and I will pack food for lunch the next day. Food at my cafeteria is so boring and not much of a variety. I could go to Macquarie Shopping Centre for lunch but it's too much of a trouble for me to drive there everytime.

So one night, hubby whipped up something really delicious and as predicted, we finished our dinner without any leftover. So, we were wondering what to bring to work the next day.

A few moments later, there was a knock on the door. Sue, my lovely Singaporean lady who lives next door (who married an angmoh, and has 2 beautiful kids) was at the door, holding up a plate of chicken lasagne fresh from the oven!!! We couldn't believe our blessing from the above...bless her soul!

That's when you know, God REALLY provides! The lasagne was absolutely delicious, too!!

Perth trip

2009-05-16T17:11:00.005+10:00

I have been so slack. I did try to update my pregnancy blog but not this blog. So, please forgive me.

My company sent me to Fremantle for a genetics conference 2 weeks ago and although it was a last minute trip for us, it was worth it. Hubby was a little hesitant to go with me but after much persuasion, he gave in. All in all he enjoyed the trip but regretful that he lost his ipod! =(

Fremantle is absolutely beautiful and I can imagine myself living there. Perth as a whole is pretty nice to stay compared to Sydney. Sydney's too congested and fast-paced. If anyone's thinking of retirement, go to Perth.

I've posted heaps of photos in Facebook, so I'm kinda lazy to post it here because I have to resize all the pictures. I could do this through Picasa, but somehow I have been encountering some problems uploading photos in this blog through Picasa.

This trip has been a good experience for me. It was my first time attending a national conference and it was high time my company does something for me since I've been slogging like crazy for this company. It was probably going to be our last holiday together too before the baby comes. =)

Goodbye 'singlehood' and welcome motherhood! I'm so going to miss my sleep..

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:52:00.002+10:00

Happy Easter everyone! It's awesome having a 4-day weekend and thank God for countries that celebrate Easter like Australia. =) It's great having to have another few days of rest even though I just got back from a long break myself.

See those bunnies in the picture? Aren't they cute? They are chocolates inside and I couldn't bear to eat them but they are Lindt chocolate, who can resist!

Anyway, nothing much for today apart from going to church for Easter Sunday service and came to realize that I have been quite distant from God. I have been extremely busy with other stuffs that I haven't been in touch with the Lord. I've shifted my focus without even realizing that I'm forsaking what's most important in life.

I thank the Lord for the baby that I'm carrying, well that reminds me of His faithfulness and His grace to me everyday, anyway. Carrying a baby is a great reminder of God's presence in my life. I have to ask for forgiveness and ask for help to get back on the right track.

Back from holidays!

2009-04-11T12:12:00.003+10:00

Since, being pregnant, I find that I have been plagued by a disease called 'placental brain'. I am not as active as before, I begin to pause longer to find words I want to say and short term memory lost is more imminent than ever.

Anyway, I am glad to have such a long break back home in Malaysia though I hardly meet up with many of my friends. Most of the time, I am just indulging myself with treats and meals that I sorely missed or I will be sleeping because of my tired state.

This time round, my impression of Malaysia is somewhat tainted by the ever-rising cost of living. RM10 nowadays used to be like RM2 in the olden days. It's hard to change my mindset and spend accordingly. Most of the time, I tend to complain and be aloof more and more to the money that I have to keep spending. Guess what, RM2000 is NOT enough to spend for the whole month for the two of us. Apart from spending on food, I only managed to spend on some baby's stuffs. It's ironic!! Oh well, not to mention I have a very 'poor' family whom I have to do 'charity work' by footing bills most of the time.

Hubby was feeling depressed when he came back to Sydney. Upon seeing all my belongings at home and the scent that's so familiar to me, I was overcomed with an overwhelming feeling and thought to myself, I actually miss my 'home' back in Sydney. This is my place with my own space. What a liberation! As much as I miss mum and sister back home, I still love to have my own space and my own life. I don't think I can be away from my home for longer than a month.

We are seriously thinking about moving back to Malaysia. Hubby has had enough with Australia. He simply hates this country because of how they suck money out of you. And I was thinking to myself, as if Malaysia doesn't do it, probably with lesser severity.

Apart from holidays, life has been pretty mundane. I'm back at work with more work than ever. Probably a punishment for having to take maternity leave soon, which I can't wait!

=)

25 random tunes

2009-02-18T22:56:00.002+11:00

Athena tagged me on this and I thought why not.. quite fun to share with you all what's in my iTunes (I actually ran out of ideas for my blog lately, hence thank God for Athena's tagging!)

1. The Impossible Dream - Andy Williams
2. Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
3. Inside Your Heaven - Carrie Underwood
4. Send me a song - Celtic Woman
5. My immortal - Evanescence
6. Big girls don't cry - Fergie
7. The sweet escape - Gwen Stefani
8. Como se cura - Jaci Velasquez
9. Lost in Paradise - Joanna Wong
10. Take a bow - Madonna
11. You'll get through this - Martina McBride
12. La Vie en Rose - Patricia Kaas
13. Tan Qing Shuo Ai - Sally Yeh & Sammi Cheng
14. Who do you think you are - Spice Girls
15. Push the button - Sugababes
16. Broken Vow - Josh Groban
17. She - Elvis Costello
18. If - David Gates
19. When you're gone - Bryan Adams & Melanie C
20. Demi Cinta - Anang & Kris Dayanti
21. Kiss of Heaven - Darlene Zschech
22. The simple things - Vanessa Amorosi
23. Don't give up - Natalie Bassingthwaighte & Shannon Noll
24. Night of my life - Damien Leith
25. True colours - Cyndi Lauper

There you go.. since I don't many fellow bloggers to tag, I'll just tag my sis, jiunnli!

When one loses a dearest

2009-02-03T22:12:00.006+11:00

Wind Beneath My Wings (Piano) - Instrumental

It was a Tuesday night when Andrew and I went over to Jean and Ringo's place to wish our landlady all the best with the operation she was going to undergo. At her age, it isn't a simple operation, it has to be treated as a major operation since we are talking about removing tumour from her kidney.

She looked worried but submitted her fears to our heavenly father. She said one thing, "we just have to play the cards we're dealt with in life". It was only human of her to fear about pain, the post-operation care and particularly infection in one of the oldest hospital in Sydney. Ringo ridiculed her anxiety and assured her, all will be fine. Ringo even said to us that we all leave this place, one day, may be now, may be later.

Both Andrew and I wished her a successful operation and prayed for her. We gave her a warm hug and hoped to see her again. Little did we know, it was going to be the last time, we saw her. She was only in her mid-60s.

The day after the operation, Ringo contacted us saying, the operation went smoothly and all was good. A big tumour was removed and Jean is resting. We were thrilled with the news. We were patient for her to recover and come home so we get to see her again. But on Sunday, Ringo called and I picked up. Ringo briefly mentioned to us, that Jean is on life support. I was speechless and had to gather my thoughts on what to say and feel. Ringo thought I couldn't hear him. Then I said, can we come to the hospital but to which he said no need because there are family members around. Ringo explained further that Jean had an infection and her liver failed to function. Hence the doctor had to put her in ICU on life support.

I couldn't find any words to say. We wanted to comfort him but we were too shocked to do anything. This was also the day Federer lost his 4 consecutive win in Melbourne Open to Nadal.

Soon after, a mutual neighbour came knocking at our door and urged us to go to the hospital to bid farewell just in case Jean doesn't make it. She has just gone to the hospital to see Jean. Immediately we grabbed our car key and drove to the hospital.

I couldn't contain it when I saw Jean. I couldn't hold back my tears. Just days before, she was so alive and well. Now, she's all yellow and bloated. For a human to be in this state, it's unimaginable and incomprehensible. She has been strong all her life and having undergone over 20 operations all her life, she must have had her fair share of pain.

Today, in the afternoon, Andrew called to tell me, Jean didn't make it. Tears just rolled down my cheeks when I thought of Ringo. He has been the best husband to Jean, the most hard working man, a provider and supporter for Jean. He has not left her side since day one of the hospital stay. He checked into the hospital too, if I may say it that way.

We visited Ringo after dinner and he looked busy and tired and obviously distraught. He told us he cried the whole day and has no appetite for any food. Thank goodness, Jean's best friend came and made him some dinner, otherwise we would have offered to cook something for him. Again, as I looked at the familiar house and chair which Jean was always resting, I was literally sobbing. I couldn't bear to think that Ringo is going to be all alone now, without his life companion. As we live just behind them, it makes us feel as though we are family and even more we felt for his loss.

Every other morning, we would hear Jean's laughter in the garden. She was always full of laughter and has a positive perspective of life. One would have much to learn from her.

Rest in peace, Jean. We will miss your smile, your laughter and most of all your presence.

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-23T21:48:00.009+11:00

This year, once again I will be missing Chinese New Year. I've missed it in 2007 and I vowed not to miss it again. Unfortunately, situation is such that it's unavoidable (work's the main culprit, not mine but hubby's!).

I felt it in 2007 and I was depressed the entire time. This year was not an exception. I already felt depressed and almost close to tears at work every time I imagine what my family is doing right at that instance.

Every year, this time of the year is particularly special. Christmas is special too, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but Chinese New Year is the only time when family members get together and put away all differences to have that kindred spirit with one another.

When I was younger, I enjoyed CNY so much until the day I got married. Things were different after marriage since I no longer am able to join my own family for reunion dinner. So, let me reminisce those days when I spent CNY with my family as an unmarried woman.

Every CNY, we would travel to Ipoh (the only shopping mall was Super Kinta then) to shop for clothings and as preparation for the festival. All the children in the family (at that time only my brother and I) got to wear new clothes for CNY. There was one time when I told my mum on the eve that she's forgotten to buy me new shoes. She panicked and without hesitation, she drove me to Bata shop and got me a really beautiful pair of shoes. Even then, I knew my mother truly loved me.

Then my aunties would be back from Brunei and all aunties would gather around making love letter biscuits using the traditional way. The tradition lasted up till today.

When I was about 5-6 years old, I remember my family used to sell flowers and fruits in Kg Koh. Those were the most exciting and happy times. Shops would open till midnight for few nights leading up to the eve of CNY. On the eve of CNY, we would have family reunion dinner and soon after, my uncles would start putting up red fire cracker attached a high point outside the shop. Eventhough I didn’t understand the reason to light fire crackers, it didn’t matter at all because it surely was fun and exciting for me.

The moment the clock hit midnight, the whole village started lighting fire crackers and it went on and on for about half an hour. It was as though, everyone was trying to compete with one another to see whose crackers will last the longest. The streets were filled with passersby and some people were riding around in motorbikes circling villages just to enjoy the happy and merry atmosphere.

Then we moved to a new place when I was seven and things gradually started to change. We no longer felt the merriment in the village. It was only when my family bought a big house and all family members stayed together did some of the good old times came back to us. After the passing of my grandfather, things were different too. The family became larger with more additions to the family. Every year was seemingly the same until I was much older.

The shopping for new clothes still continued and reunion dinner was always the best when women in the family cooked their specialty dish. My mum is particularly good with chau mein ie fried noodles. The skill and recipe was passed down by my grandfather. I can never get it right while practising it in Australia because the noddles are just not the right one. Anyway, my aunties would cook all the other dishes and hence the reunion dinner would start and end with much merriment and laughter.

My brother and I learned how to play cards and soon, it was my sister’s turn. She became really good at it and it was only when all of us were bigger, our uncles and aunties enjoyed our company more. They appreciate us more and value our presence even more than before. We would play cards through the night while waiting to light fire crackers. The card playing would continue for many days and nights after.

As years passed, the fire crackers evolved and became more like fireworks than fire crackers. Although firecrackers were banned by the country, folks still ‘miraculously’ able to obtain fireworks from god-knows who. Although police would drive around town to ‘catch’ and stop people from lighting fireworks, somehow it didn’t stop the fireworks from shooting up the sky. For once, it was sheer liberation to see the community going against the authority (please, I don't encourage that).

Once it was all over, we would all head back home for a good night’s rest.

The next morning, we would put on our finest clothings and the first thing we have to do is to wish our family members well like ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ and a few others which my mum taught us (of course, now I’ve forgotten them all). The dressing up was the best and it was for no apparent reason. We only stayed at home most of the time and probably only go out once in a while for visiting friends and relatives. But mainly, we would stay at home and start playing card games and mah-jong more recently. Then all the children in the family would receive angpows (red-packet) from the married couples and somehow I am always the luckiest as I get more money each year compared to my brother and sister. That’s because I have many god-families. One family took care of me when I was very young, and they treated me like their own until I was older. Another was a more recent god-family where my godparents would give me a bigger angpow than my brother and sister. But my siblings were never envious of me. They knew I was different.

CNY cookies were the best and we would have much junk food to munch throughout the day. We also stock up all sorts of drinks, fizzy drinks and fruit drinks for family members and visitors. As children, we never get a chance to drink Shandy (my favourite) and other fizzy drinks throughout the whole year, and only get to drink it during CNY. Oh, it was such a merry and unforgettable time.

So tell me now, as my families are gathering around, making love-letter biscuits, preparing the house for the festival, having reunion dinner, watching fireworks, giving of angpows (not that I miss this part because I have to give out angpows since I’m married now) and playing card games with family members, how can I not be depressed??

It is not only depressing, but torturing having to endure the thoughts and imagination of all the fun I miss out. Life is pretty confronting as you grow older. But most of them, we make the choices with our own hands. Question is, should we live for the future or the present?

Here’s wishing all of you, Happy Ox Year 2009 and hope that God bless you all abundantly with His riches blessings.

Cold Mountain

2009-01-16T22:35:00.003+11:00

I've always wanted to watch this movie since my sister recommended it many years ago. Somehow I never got a chance to do it. Finally when my sister came to Sydney for a visit, we managed to rent this movie and watch during one of the nights.

I was mesmerized from the start. This is the sort of love story I look for, set in wartime. The ending was somewhat sad but I did appreciate the acting especially by Jude Law. No doubt by now, he is a good actor and I absolutely am crazy over him.

As for Nicole, every movie she acts, she has only style and it's so Nic. Critics were harsh on her, but I thought they should give her a break. People don't like her acting yet they still want to watch her, how weird.

If you haven't watched this show, I recommend it highly if you are a sucker for love story. The music is brilliant too, which sets the mood for the entire movie.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T20:43:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year to all.

What a great ending for 2008 and a great start for 2009. I had an awesome Christmas gift and also took my sister to watch fireworks last night. It was spectacular although I cannot tell you which year is the best cause every year seemed impressive beyond comparison.

They say time pass us by in a blink of an eye, but both my sister and I agreed, it wasn't exactly that fast. Imagine if you were to relive the whole year again starting from January 1, 2008 till last night, would you have thought it to be that fast? Probably not. It wasn't fast, nor was it slow too. But what matters most is that we made use of every minute we have and we are satisfied to have achieved more things in life, than yesteryear.

Today, we invited a good friend over for New Year. We wanted to watch the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but due to unforseen circumstance, we couldn't watch the movie. But thank God, we had a great dinner. Had roast lamb and vegetables accompanied by a nice sparkling wine called Riccadona.

Unfortunately, tomorrow is a working day and how I dread working. Oh well, I'm going to have a long break soon. I just can't wait!

Too preoccupied with something else...

2008-12-29T20:33:00.003+11:00

So sorry for neglecting this blog. After my parents in law left Sydney for Malaysia, my sister came to visit us. She's been really good and she's been so lucky that it's Christmas time. We've got so much events and invitations lining up and it just gave us the opportunity to bring her around.

I wish I can post up some photos soon although I have done so in Facebook, so please if you are keen to view the photos, just add me by searching for my name -> Sarah Cheong. However let me know that you are a regular visitor of my blog, so I can accept you as friend! Many people whom I don't even know added me for the sake of increasing the number of friends in FB. This kind of people, I have only one word for them=> LOSER!

On another note, I have been too pre-occupied with something else that will be taking over my life and also hubby's life for the rest of our lives starting from now. Please visit my new sister blog to find out what is it! Please do not worry, I will never neglect this blog. So, stay tune!

A blessed Christmas time!

2008-12-22T19:40:00.002+11:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a

Happy and a Blessed Christmas time with family and friends...

Will be busy during Christmas so, will blog when I find time soon!

Time flies

2008-12-14T16:45:00.003+11:00

Before we knew it, it's been 6 weeks since my in-laws came to visit. Today, they left for Singapore and thank God there were seats as their seats were based on a waiting list. So, off they went in first class back to Singapore and Malaysia.

Andrew was pretty quiet on the way home. I knew what he was feeling, as I understand what it's like to be away from loved ones. When we don't see them, we have to get on with life, but once we are with them, parting deems difficult. Anyway, he should be alright. That's life.

As for me, I came back to the house, thinking that it doesn't feel like my home at all. We've forgotten how nice and comfortable our latex bed was. As I looked around, we've got so much addition into the house that I barely recognize. Gosh, I'll be having a jolly good time cleaning up again.

But the comforting news is that my sister will be coming to visit. I don't have to clean up the house as hard because I don't need to impress her, so does my mum if she's here. That's how easy I am with my mum and sis. But for everyone else, I am bound to receive judgment based on how my house look and if they were my aunts, it's death penalty if the house doesn't pass their satisfaction.

Although we have more freedom now, suddenly we feel lonely as if there isn't any purpose for us being here in Sydney. Hope we don't fall into depression again, although Big Elf is more prone to it than I am.

Outing Around Sydney

2008-11-30T23:45:00.002+11:00

A day at Church Point

Picnic at Observatory Hill

The Painted Veil

2008-11-17T22:31:00.004+11:00

I watched this movie some time ago and have been wanting to blog about it. First stop, I love Edward Norton since 'The Score'. He has this sex appeal that .. well appeals to me. But he's a little too thin in this movie but still sexy for me.

Not going to write a synopsis about this movie although I think it's a little too fast-paced for the story to be told and the sadness to sink in. One part that caught my attention was when Kitty Fane (Naomi Watts) asked Waddington (played by Toby Jones) a British who lives just next door to the Fanes in China, what is it that his girlfriend (a chinese girl, who looks a little insane to me probably due to too much opium) sees in him that she chose to stay with him. Toby Jones then asked the woman in chinese the same question, and to which she replied albeit to my surprise "because he's a good man". Because he's a good man.. wow, that was powerful, as simple as that!! I had expected the reason to be rich or something along that line since he is no good looking, short, stout well, to be crude, he was just plain ugly.

It then dawned upon me that being a good man, is still an admirable quality yet no one sees that as a priority pre-requisite in choosing a life partner today. Women will always boast about their partner being handsome, rich, talented.. and of course they want to live up to their standard and go all out to choose a man who possess at least one of these criteria. Not many women are willing to choose an ugly, poor and is incapable of any talent although they can be .... just ...plain good man.

I too am guilty of that. I remember rejecting guys who came after me and I judged them by their appearance, some short, some poor family background, some slow and not clever.. but I can tell you that they are all good man! I truly believe that they can make a good husband despite their seemingly unimportant short-comings.

For reasons that I figured out, women want the 3 things I mentioned because:

1. Rich - you don't have to boast that your husband is rich, people can tell from the house you live in, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the handphone he uses and all the latest gadgets that he uses. These are all tell-tale signs that he is well-to-do. Women feel more confident with the fact the their husband is well-off.

2. Physical appearance - again, this doesn't need explanation. People who have eyes can tell your partner is awfully attractive that it makes other women feel intimidated and probably a little ashamed with their 'uglier' partner. Surely, women will feel proud to show-off their partner.

3. Talent - I know many women who are dying to be with talented men; gifted musicians, exceptional singers, great dancers, brilliant artist, commendable sportsmen and etc. They don't have to be famous like superstars, they only need to exhibit those talents among people they know. That is enough to warrant attention. Yet again, these talents speak for themselves. Everyone would be in awe with these talents.. not many people have them and surely women are proud of their other half because of their talent. Surely, they have been swept right off their feet with these talents.

Why then, isn't good man as desirable as the above-mentioned traits? Perhaps, a good man, I feel takes a longer time to 'discover'. Time and effort needs to be taken to truly discern a good man. And if one found a good man, are they truly satisfied? This is when I ask, do you love this man or do you love what he has?

The title is beautiful and is a great illustration of how women ought to look beyond the painted veil to discover what lies beneath a man whom they have no desire for initially.

Beautiful home? Not so!

2008-11-10T22:00:00.009+11:00

It's been a while since I blogged and for obvious reasons (my in-laws are here), I am unable to blog. However, I have been typing serially and save them until I find time to finish blogging a post before posting them.

I've always dreamt of having a beautiful home since young. Well, who doesn't, I'm sure many people do. Personally, the interior matters more, so I don't need a big house, big yard nor a big garden. I like things to be orderly and beautiful placed and of course, clean! Unfortunately, homes like these comes with high price. Interior decors are costly and every little stylish/classy ornaments are expensive. If you know what I'm talking about, organised home needs a little more stuff than normal. With that I mean, nice boxes, drawers, baskets, cabinets, wardrobe and etc. Decorations are important too such as plants (artificial or non-artifical), lamps, picture frame, carpets, cushions and all the other impractical but pretty knick-knacks.

My dream home is to have a set of everything, a theme design and colour which is white and if I had to choose wood, it would be dark (chalet style) wood and not the lighter brown wood. Unfortunately, my husband prefers the latter and hence, you can imagine the conflict we are deemed to have.

Since we don't have a house of our own now, it really doesn't matter as much whether or not I have a beautiful home, as long as I have a clean and comfortable home. We perpetually choose not to have nice furniture as it may not fit our own house one day. We live in a very small flat and although so, I still try my best to make it look beautiful.

Council clean-up day happens twice a year. It was coming up, so I searched high and low for things we do not need, and placed them by the roadside to be picked up by the council. Sometimes, passers-by will pick up things which may be useful for them, like the saying goes, one man's waste is another's treasure. In a sense, we consider this as blessing others.

I did mention before and I believe I have changed my habit to only keep things I need. I have learnt not to hoard things. I tried so hard to de-clutter but I guess, things aren't as easy as I thought. Let me share with you. My in-laws are very shrewd and thrifty people. Perhaps, that is the reason why they are rich for they are good steward of God's money. However, I don't know if this is a good example to follow, being someone who loves to hoard things even when we don't really need it. Perhaps coming from their background and perspective, they do not view things like we do now. They think that we may need it someday, and when we do, isn't it good to have one ever ready for us to use without spending unnecessarily.

For us, particularly myself (since I'm the home minister and hubby is the food minister) I decide what sort of furniture we need and what we don't. Since council clean-up day is around the corner, the whole neighbourhood starts clearing stuffs and you can see there are at least something gathered at the front of every house. Hence, it is a great opportunity for my in-laws to pick up stuffs which 'they' think are useful. Inevitably, they managed to pick up several things, notably an old computer desk (wood in colour) now being used in the laundry area, a 3-drawer bedside table (also wood in colour) now being used to place our broiler at the kitchen and a fruit basket.

Here I was, trying so hard to clear unnecessary things at home, and instead I got a few additional unwanted stuffs at home. It was quite a blow to my effort of keeping the house beautiful and clean. I just totally didn't have the mood to clean up the house anymore because things just looked ugly the very instance I saw the picked-up furnitures.

Well, what can I say? Those furnitures aren't light, and we learnt that my father in-law actually carried them all the way home. It was cruel, unsympathetic and ungrateful to reject the good intention and well-meaning from my in-laws. I just had to take it with a pinch of salt and worry about the furnitures later.

Thank God it's only our rented home, should this be our own and beautiful home, I have no idea how to react to this situation. My dreams of a beautiful home might as well be squashed and trampled on the ground till it no longer exist.

Just so you know, what sort of furnitures I'm talking about..

The computer desk.

The supposedly bedside table.

This was collected by my in-laws last 2 year and no, we haven't done anything with it.

Perhaps, I am just being repugnant, but seriously it just isn't my liking at all. Oh, Lord, help me!

Kindred Atmosphere

2008-11-02T19:56:00.003+11:00

My in-laws arrived on Thursday evening and are comfortably settled in our place. They had a pleasant flight from Singapore to Sydney, well, obviously since their son, Paul was the pilot. They only had praises for Paul throughout the whole journey, commenting about the smooth take-off and landing, how well the announcement was made and how he went to the first class cabin numerous times to make sure his parents are comfortable. I am happy for my in-laws for being so blessed.

Andrew and I arrived at the airport shortly before my in-laws passed the custom check. Praise the Lord that it was a smooth one too. Nothing was confiscated and the custom officer was very kind towards my in-laws. So, no drama at the airport. However, we weren't at the airport earlier to catch Paul before he left the airport. I was told how good he looked in the captain uniform. No doubt about it, I can imagine.

We headed home soon after and gave my in-laws some time to freshen up a little before going out for dinner with Paul. My mother in law was particularly impressed with our humble abode, and commented how clean and well-kept the place is. I was absolutely flattered and happy that it made an impression on her. Soon, it was time for dinner. We expected to meet Paul at the Hurricanes (Darling Harbour). All SIA crews stay in a luxurious hotel, so no need for Paul to crash at our small little flat.

We met up at the restaurant and Paul still looked good for his age. We greeted each other and for the first time, to my surprise, Paul gave me a hug! I wasn't expecting that at all...(I could've worn a better bra, ohh anyways... he's my brother in law, for goodness sake!!!). I think Paul doesnt know I have a blog, and he's somewhat a very private person. So, I think it will cheese him off to find that I blog about him.

Look, girls, there IS someone out there still!! He's handsome, he's a pilot and a captain that is, needless to say he's rich, he's kind, generous and has a heart of gold. The only proverbial downside is that he has very high expectation of a partner. So, it's not going to be easy to fit his criteria. He has another downside but... I believe his good points outweigh the bad ones.

Ok, enough about him.

We proceeded to the restaurant and had one of our favourite meal, pork ribs. Everyone wasn't as famished as I was, so we only had 2 full racks to be shared among 5 people. The treat was on us. After dinner we headed back home to show Paul where we live. We had a good time just catching up with one another and Paul was so kind to help install some useful programs on my laptop. It was really nice to have family members around. It was close to midnight and so we sent Paul back to his hotel and called it a day.

Both Andrew and myself took a day off on Friday. I have no qualms about blogging my day off as my boss knows my in laws are in Sydney. My boss even reminded me, in-laws will never be like family. To what extent it's true, only I myself know. We had planned for yum-cha for brunch and we picked Paul up from the hotel. Went to Marigold for yum cha and my in-laws loved it although they thought it was rather expensive. Paul graciously treated us and soon, we had to part with Paul as he had to fly back to Singapore that afternoon. Sadly, it will probably be another 6 months or 1 year before we see Paul again.

We had a lovely weekend. We went for grocery shopping, had lunch at a Shanghainese restaurant. Andrew and I made sure his parents are comfortable and forbade them from doing anything at all. Our arrangement is such that we will cook on weekends, and they can cook on weekdays if they like. Andrew cooked some nice lamb steak and marinara pasta whereas I made the vietnamese cold dish. They absolutely loved our cooking so far.

That's our weekend. So far, no dramas with my in-laws and I pray pray pray hard that there won't be any for the next 4 weeks. Ok, that's all the update for now.

My loving husband

2008-10-28T21:19:00.006+11:00

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What the???!!!!!

He brought this home from work which was shared among all colleagues. Left one and he took it home (with the big empty box). Oh well, at least he thought of me! I enjoyed it to the very last bit!!!

La Dolce Vita

2008-10-26T17:04:00.006+11:00

We live in a suburb in Sydney best known as "Little Italy". If one should live in Sydney and inner-west to be precise, Leichhardt should be the place. It has everything a little community needs, perhaps even more. Every year round about this time, Leichhardt community will hold an annual event called "Norton Street Italian Festa". Norton Street is the main street in Leichhardt and is most busy on weekends. We don't really follow the events and happenings in Leichhardt as we are too busy working and on weekends, our ideal activity is to stay at home apart from doing grocery shopping. We were on our way to the marketplace but to our surprise, all roads were blocked. Immediately it dawned upon us that it's that time of the year again.

We headed back home to secure our street parking before any car comes along and park on our spot. Then we took a stroll to the park and then the street to check out the festival. It was a great day for such festa but boy, the heat took a toll on me after just 10 minutes. I am never fond of direct heat from the sun. There were stalls of all sorts set up along the streets. There were children's activities in the park. There were throngs and throngs of people wandering the street and feasting on italian food, wine, cheese and etc. It's amazing how people seem to be enjoying themselves still and not seem to have much care about the financial crisis hitting the world. People still spend and continue with their lifestyle as usual. As for us, the 'kiamsiapness' in us still prevail, we have to save money and hope others (who are not affected) spend to help boost the economy. Hence, we didn't have any urge to spend on anything.

Oh did I mention we had to get some groceries, which was our initial plan. So we walked all the way to Coles and got us some essentials like eggs, bread, toilet rolls, etc. That was the only thing we spent on. Had italian sausage for lunch (notice the singular word for sausage, that's because we shared one!) before long and came straight back to our home, sweet home.

Managed to take some shots of the event and I was just thinking, we live in the perfect suburb, perfect location, perfect community, perfect food! What a life!

A view of the park from our balcony.

That's Norton Street right at the end of the road.

They even have an SIA booth promoting A380!

Actually there was a MAS booth nearby, but I didn't bother taking a photo of it.

That's my gym!

She's a real lady!

There's live music, too! It was jazz by the way.

After grocery shopping and on the way home. Thankfully we didn't have the car with us, so that limited us to buying only what we needed!

Big Elf queuing up for sausage roll.

Reminiscing the day!

2008-10-11T23:30:00.004+11:00

I was just reminiscing on our wedding as I was looking at some wedding photos in facebook. I just can't get enough of weddings and each time I see those wedding photos, they are all beautiful beyond words. Oh well, I had my share of photo taking on my wedding day and I guess those were the best photos I've ever taken in my entire life. My really good friend Lilian just celebrated her 2 years of marriage.. it puts a smile on my face knowing that she's blissfully married.. =) Congrats darling and I wish you both "white hair till old".

An Imprint in My Heart

2008-10-07T00:31:00.006+11:00

I was just browsing on facebook since I had some time to spare before I call it a day. The thing I enjoyed most about facebook is that I get to see many photos uploaded by friends. Pictures do tell a thousand stories and you would assume from the photos how your friends have been keeping. Of course, you will never be able to tell the sad side of their lives because everyone only puts on their most beautiful photos on the net for another's pleasure viewing. Nevertheless, I am satisfied to learn that people I know are doing fine judging from their photos.

I then caught a long lost friend of mine through facebook. I asked if my friend has MSN, no was the answer. Why not? I thought. "Dunno" was the reply. What a peculiar answer, I thought. Hm... that leaves me no choice but to chat through FB. I have a slight dislike for chatting through FB. I find the bopping sound whenever a message comes out, annoying. Still, I had wanted so much to chat with my long lost friend that I couldn't care less about chatting through facebook, whatever it takes to get hold of my friend and update myself with stories that I've missed out.

When finally we concluded our conversation, I said to my friend, "You are a good friend, remember that" to which my friend replied, "You left an imprint in my heart, remember that."

I was so taken aback by those words. It was so powerful that it just hit me in an overwhelming way. It's just wonderful and reassuring to know that my presence in this world actually meant something to some people, especially my friends. I also happened to learn from C.S. Lewis that there is apparently 4 kinds of love. With my family, it's storgē, with friends, it's philia. There's eros too which involves physical love and with my husband, it's a combination of philia, eros and agape. After talking to my friend, I'd experience one of the strongest philia I've ever felt for a long time.

Time to time, we do need emotional reinforcement such as this. One of the reasons I don't make many friends is because if I know our friendship is going to be superficial, I'd rather not have one. A strong friendship needs constant nurturing, a mutual understanding shared by both. This however, is not easy once true friendship has been developed and over time, lack of nurturing and distance can add strain to the friendship. Still, it's understandable when life is so demanding, that it's quite difficult to hold the friendship as priority. But I do believe that once true friendship is forged, it will always remain in my heart.

My friend, I cannot thank God enough for making our paths crossed. I haven't been a great friend and I hope you'd forgive me. I wish you all the best in life, from the bottom of my heart.

Special Note

2008-10-05T01:22:00.008+10:00

Hey everyone,

If you noticed my blog's new makeover, you'd grasped that I am trying to find out who have been visiting my blog, be it regulars or not (particularly the latter), or it so happens you chance upon my blog by googling or through another friend's blog. I must say, I am flattered by the number of people visiting my blog. You guys are from everywhere around the world!!! I just feel so....... grateful and touched!

Of course, this is not a blog to promote myself (I have nothing to promote anyway) nor to earn any income, fame or glamour. This is just a very plain blog by a plain lady (but is being accused by one's own husband that she is full of herself when she blogs) who tries to express her feelings and more for discovering the real her in the midst of blogging. This of course is a realization only to be discovered by me and me only in due time.

This blog initially was meant to update my mum and sister about my life, being so far apart from them... but inevitable, the whole world will be updated too! Like I said, I don't have many friends or rather I have a handful of friends, so blogging is a fantastic way of making friends. However, it is only possible if this intention is being reciprocated. I would like to get acquinted with all of you who visits my blog. If it was referred, I thank you for visiting. If it's by chance, it must be a divine plan. I am not desperate but I sincerely hope that you will let me know if you like what you read here, so as to serve as encouragement for me to blog.

I hope that you will drop me a note, a simple hello and a word or two about yourself on the chat box. Or if you'd like to remain discreet, please email me. If you have listed me in your blog, let me know, because I'd love to check out your blog!

Thank you once again, for visiting this very ordinary blog of mine.

City to Surf 2007 II

2008-10-01T14:50:00.005+10:00

Unfortunately, I didn't join the race this year although my company pays for it. Partly because I had no motivation and no company. It is a tough 14km walk/run so finding someone who is fit enough to do it, is quite hard.

Anyway, I am sick today and took a day's leave. Since my in-laws are coming to visit us end of the month, I took the opportunity to clean up the house. Gosh, I have to really clean up every nook and corner of the house as preparation. As I was organising the drawer containing all my mails, I came across this newspaper which I kept since last year. I wanted to keep it forever but I didn't think I'd be able to keep it for that long. It's a special edition on SunHerald which contains the finishing list of all participants for City2Surf 2007, and needless to say, I was one of them (feel so proud of myself).

Thought I'd take some photos and keep it as remembrance!

Bolehland

2008-09-28T20:34:00.005+10:00

I have no idea how to translate the title. It basically refers to Malaysia, the bolehland ie anything is possible in Malaysia. I wish I can be brave and vocal towards Malaysian government, then again, as long as you have ISA (who recently arrested RPK for blogging), you literally have to stay put and be quiet else you'd end up in the detention centre. Scary but true!

As usual, I updated myself with Malaysian news and my oh my... what a hot potato!!! After reading several blogs I am seriously infuriated at what I have known all along. Things are really getting way out of alignment. I really doubt blogging about the government through the perceived "freedom of speech" is going to help at all. Don't get me wrong, I just don't want bloggers to get into trouble. Personally, all I can say is, don't waste your breath, you are dealing with retards. They can hardly think for themselves, all they can do it retaliate physically, by putting you in jail! That would solve their problem, but little do they know, they will be the main sufferers if they don't change their mentality.

Was reading BrisbaneTimes regarding world's most corrupt country and what a shame Malaysia isn't the top 10. I was like...hello.. Malaysia is right there on the map. It' quite visible in the world map you know? Can you see it??? Perhaps you should open your eyes bigger... no?? Still can't see it?? Let me help you la..

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There!!! My verdict of the most corrupt country in the world or at least give it a top 10 la. How can it even be in orange?? Oh by the way, the lower the CPI, the higher the corruption. Malaysia should at least be in red!!!

How do people even do a survey on corruption?? Maybe it's not political corruption but more of social corruption. That is understandable because if it's political, it must be well-guarded. Sorry, I'm not a political science student, so spare me the orthodox understanding.

Anyway, for information sake:

Most corrupt country and CPI score
Somalia: 1.4
Myanmar: 1.4
Iraq: 1.5
Haiti: 1.6
Uzbekistan: 1.7
Tonga: 1.7
Sudan: 1.8
Chad: 1.8
Afghanistan: 1.8
Laos: 1.9

Least corrupt country and CPI score
Norway: 8.7
Denmark: 9.4
Finland: 9.4
New Zealand: 9.4
Singapore: 9.3
Sweden: 9.3
Iceland: 9.2
Netherlands: 9.0
Switzerland: 9.0
Canada: 8.7

Source: http://www.gulfnews.com/world/General/10185179.html

Dedicated to Yi Jien

2008-09-28T14:50:00.001+10:00

We all lose our family and friends one day and sometimes in ways we can never comprehend. Thank you Karcy, I have been following your blog almost everyday for the family's update on Yi Jien. Though my heart didn't feel like letting go, though somehow, I still believe there is hope, I will not question God. I just want to dedicate a song to Yi Jien and Aunty Kim Guat.

Yi Jien, I hope it is not wrong to assume the worst, yet the worst for us, may in fact be for the best, I do not know. Wherever you are, I know God is with you.. and for that I am glad and I know we will meet someday.

Aunty Kim Guat, I know you as a strong woman of God, we all know there's really not much to worry about. We will all be united with the Lord one day and I really look forward to that day. Love you...

HELD by Natalie Grant
Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

Boomp3.com

Recommended viewing

2008-09-27T12:25:00.004+10:00

Watched The Dark Knight last weekend. I didn't watch the first batman movie acted by Christian Bale, but I must admit, he's so good looking!

Movie was excellent, especially the Joker, Heath Ledger, he is an amazing actor. Regretfully, he did not live long enough to enjoy his post-production fame as the best Joker.

However, I have one tiny little problem. I do like Maggie Gyllenhaal and I think she's a good actress. But I just don't see the chemistry there between her and her love interest and Batman. Perhaps that's why she died in the movie (sorry, spoiler for those who haven't watch). Somehow, I didn't think she suited that role.

Anyway, it was a great movie overall. So, go watch it. (I'm pretty sure many have already watch the movie, I am perhaps the last one standing).

I also rented this movie which I came across starring Ralph Fiennes. I liked him since I watched the English Patient. However, he is well-known as a notorious playboy in real life. He is a good actor, I must say. Which was why, I watched the movie, Constant Gardener. Also, highly recommended. Thought it was pretty good.

Love Languages

2008-09-25T22:27:00.005+10:00

I found this at my godbrother's blog and took the quiz. It's based on the five love languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. The questions are quite tricky in a sense, but I guess it's aim is to put into hierarchy the languages of love that means most to you.

I think it's pretty accurate. I always need Big Elf's honest opinion on something, and he always keeps things in perspective by telling me the truth. When I was younger, I always wanted him to sweet talk me, but he can hardly! It was frustrating at times. Well, those were the old childish days when we first met. Nowadays, I appreciate everything he says including negative ones and I accept it with no hard feelings. However him on the other hand is affected when I tell him frankly what I think (is that bad???).

Here are some of the conversations we once had (with some improvisation):

SCENARIO 1:
HIM: Do you think I play basketball well??

HER: (Argh..... thank goodness I wasn't facing him when he asked, I had to gather my thoughts to answer him)Well, dear you always know you are not sports incline one what.. (bad opening!!!!).

HIM: So, I really cannot play one la hor..?

HER: (Realized that he wanted some confirmation to motivate him to exercise) Nola, it takes lots of practice one. Have to keep playing until you are good lor... (slightly better answer I would presume)

HIM: Nola, I think I cannot play one la. I think I'm not good at basketball lah.

HER: (Since I've watched him play before) Your only problem is, you are too lazy to run around for the ball. People run to the ball, you jog to the ball!!! You don't like to exert yourself one... cannot like that one. Have to go all out to play basketball one.

HIM: (Sighed deeply) Nevermind la, I accept the fact that I can never be a good basketballer.

HER: (Felt so remorseful.. after not even trying to encourage husband).........

Tell me now, what kind of wife am I??

SCENARIO 2:

HIM: Dear ar, I think I am quite slow one.

HER: (Without hesitating and wanting to be honest)Yeah, abit la.. it's okay one la.. everyone has their own weaknesses! (Opps, did I just say something wrong??)

HIM: (Startled at my revelation) Where got wife so discouraging one??

HER: Nola, you are fast and good at other stuffs what.

HIM: Like what???

HER: You cook very well, you can be a well-known chef (This is 100% true!).

HIM: Really???

HER: Of course (in all seriousness). You are so creative when it comes to food!!

HIM: But you say I am slow... what if I'm also discouraging towards you??

HER: Say la..I accept everything and anything!

HIM: What if I say, you don't dance well??

HER: I know.... of course I don't dance well. No lesson, no training, no nothing.

HIM: (Not satisfied as he knows I loves dancing) What about you don't blog well??

HER: I know.. I cannot write one.. I never think I blog well.

HIM: (Again, unsatisfied) What about, you are not pretty!

HER: (Ouch, almost hitting the bull's eye he thought) I know, I never say I'm pretty. I'm never pretty!!

HIM: (Pouting)Why you don't feel anything one??

HER: It's because I accept the truth about myself. I don't tell myself things that are not true about myself. I don't lie to myself!! Life still goes on even when you are not NO. 1!!!!

HIM: Hm........ (dumbfounded)

Anyway, that's the sort of person I am with Big Elf. The true self I guess. Somehow, it's harder to be genuinely truthful to other people because I try to guard their feelings from being hurt. We do give each other praises when praises are due. All the more meaningful, I believe.

Anyway, I tried the quiz, and here is my result --->

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Languages are probably Quality Time and Words of Affirmation

My Detailed Results:
Quality Time:	9
Words of Affirmation:	9
Receiving Gifts:	5
Physical Touch:	4
Acts of Service:	3

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!

I would like to tag......
1) Li Lian
2) Jiunn Li
3) Alex Chew SS

Talk about breastfeeding

2008-09-24T19:55:00.006+10:00

Remember that time we had some friends visiting us and stayed with us for 3 weeks? Of course, you don't. How can you remember, unless you are my family members who knows every single thing about me. Anyway, I remember asking my friend unending questions about having a baby, and one of our conversation included breastfeeding. If you know science, and if you are well-informed, you will know that breastmilk IS good for the baby. But I was appalled when she told me how she was discouraged by her family members especially relatives when she breastfeeds for more than a month. But she is a very strong-willed person and is not easily dissuaded. She knows what's best for her baby. When she was here, her little boy was almost 2 years old and she was still breastfeeding! I was amazed as I never knew anyone who breastfed for that long.

Today, I came across this article and thought it was an excellent article. The message was clear and right to the point! I thought I'd reproduce that article as I'm afraid it will be taken down soon.

Yes, actually, breast is best
Linda McIver
September 20, 2008

I didn't set out to be weird. I didn't intend to be strange. It wasn't a deliberate choice to do something so way out, something that was obviously not quite right. Not just bizarre, but frankly rather distasteful. Some even find it disgusting. The thing is, it's OK when you start. People are even supportive initially. But as you keep going, failing to stop at the invisible stop sign, people start to get very edgy. It starts to seem a little perverse.

Apparently there is a rule I didn't know about. You stop breastfeeding by 12 months at the latest. Continue any longer than that and … well, it's a bit twisted, isn't it?

"Will you still be breastfeeding her at her 21st?" It's delivered with a smile - it may be the funniest thing the speaker has said all day, possibly even all year - but, let's face it, this is the 100th time I've been asked the question this week, and it wasn't funny the first time. My mother was the first to say it. I knew she would have a hard time with me "failing" to stop breastfeeding when my daughter, Chloe, was one. She always referred to my friend Ann as "that woman who was still breastfeeding her toddler at your baby shower".

But, to her credit, she came around. When I asked her why it was so wrong, she had no answer, and finally admitted that it was just what she was used to. She could find no reason why I should stop at the magic 12-month mark.

Which is just as well, because I would not have stopped whatever she said. I was happy to keep feeding Chloe, and Chloe was happy to keep feeding, so why stop? When I went back to work when she was 11 months, a feed when I got home on Daddy's day, or when I picked her up from child care, was a nice way to reconnect. It was an excellent behavioural tool - a feed could always calm her when she was hurt or upset. A feed always helped to get her off to sleep (yes, I committed the terrible crime of feeding her to sleep, right from the start. Oh, the shame), and it was brilliant the few times we flew - feeding on take-off and landing made the flying thing a breeze.

Yet despite the fact that breastfeeding was overwhelmingly positive for Chloe and I, and for my second child, Jane, who is still feeding at 18 months, I have received a host of negative responses and comments. Everyone feels qualified to offer an opinion. From the type of social pressure in the joking comments such as the ones above, to the more disturbing pseudo-medical comments. "It's time you gave her own immune system a go" (actually breastfeeding has a host of immune benefits, and helps to strengthen the baby's immune system at least until two years of age - studies haven't been done beyond that age yet, but there's no reason to believe that immunological components of breast milk would disappear at that age). "You're stopping her from getting adequate nutrition from solids" (breast milk is nutritious, and my children eat plenty of solids as well). "It's too draining for you physically." (I'm doing fine, thank you!) "It will make her too dependent on you." (Research in the US by Professor James McKenna of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep lab at the University of Notre Dame suggests that the reverse is true - children who are attachment parented, who tend also to experience sustained breastfeeding, are more confident and independent in the long term.)

Why do people have a problem with it?

The problem seems to be a strong feeling that it is wrong for the child somehow. That it makes the child "unnaturally dependent on his mother" as Dr Spock wrote in the 1950s, or interferes with nutrition or taking up of solid foods. A GP once told me that I should not be feeding my toddler at night, because it "interferes with her daytime nutrition". This is based purely on prejudice - there is no medical reason for it.

It is interesting to challenge our assumptions and instinctive reactions to milk. Apparently it's OK to feed your child cow's milk (or formula made from it) at any age, but continuing to give her your own milk is weird. Possibly even perverted.

At a recent meeting of the Australian Breastfeeding Association someone mentioned that her mother was raised in a village in Eastern Europe, where they would try to ensure that two women got pregnant at similar times, so that they could share working and raising the children. One mother would go to work in the fields, the other would stay home and breastfeed both children. The next day they would swap roles. Almost every woman in the room immediately went "Eeeew! How could you let your child drink someone else's milk?" A very wise breastfeeding counsellor by the name of Shirley Brown smiled at us all and said, "It's funny, it's OK to feed your child an animal's milk, but not another person's!" Until we question our prejudices, we can't detect the ones that are baseless.

Many people object that "it's just for comfort", which raises the question, "What's wrong with comforting my child?" (It's also medically wrong, by the way - as well as the immunological components, there is plenty of nutrition in breast milk.)

It may be that it challenges the notion of parental control - that we should be controlling, almost forcing the child to do what we perceive to be right. Child-led weaning is the antithesis of this - allowing the child to do what feels right seems to be a real source of tension. There is a perception that a child left to wean herself will choose never to wean.

It may be true that they don't "need" it - after all, plenty of children do fine on formula from the start. But even if they can survive without it, that doesn't make it necessary to stop. I can survive without chocolate, too, but I choose not to give it up, even though it has nowhere near the benefits of breast milk.

It is interesting that many people don't simply feel that sustained breastfeeding is not something they could contemplate themselves, but that it is actively wrong for anyone. This may be partly the usual human desire to see others replicate and hence confirm our choices, but it seems to be more than that. Somehow breastfeeding seems to have become tangled up in our strange attitude to the human body, nakedness and sexuality.

Is it about breasts? Certainly feeding a toddler in public increases the chance that a stranger (or worse, a friend!) may inadvertently glimpse your breasts. Yet I can't for the life of me work out why that should be so problematic. Is it the risk of accidentally arousing someone for a moment? Most mothers will not leave their breasts hanging out longer than necessary, and if a brief glimpse of nipple sends someone into a frenzy, I think there are other issues involved (and they're not my issues or my problem). Is it the interaction between child and breast? Particularly if the child is male, there seems to be a fear of sexualisation, that the child will somehow perceive his mother's breasts, hitherto a source of nourishment and comfort, as sexual objects. This, again, says more about the perceptions (and, yes, perversions) of the observers than the child. Anthropologist Kathy Dettwyler points out that the idea of breasts as sexual objects is a largely Western cultural belief, rather than inherent in the breasts themselves.

HOW do we decide what is obscene? It's not fundamental. There is no secret list, or magic criteria. It's a value judgement, based on social norms. Why are breasts obscene (particularly when they're under-age, as in the Bill Henson furore) but violence is not? As a society, we seem to have developed some odd attitudes to nudity, and to breasts. I know parents who go out of their way to make sure their children never see any naked breasts or bottoms, but people beating each other up, blood everywhere, guns and other random violence? No problem. By letting our children see naked flesh, and use breasts for their fundamental purpose, are we setting them up for some dreadful fixations? I can't see it. I don't understand how seeing breasts as a food source translates to sexual perversion. In fact, the recent media story about a model who refused to breast feed because she preferred to reserve her breasts for her husband strikes me as far more perverse than sustained breastfeeding.

Despite the World Health Organisation recommendation that children be breastfed until at least two years of age, a recent long-term study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that at 12 months, 28% of children were breastfeeding; at 18 months, only 9% of children were being breastfed; and at 24 months, the rate was only 5%. In contrast, by about two years of age a third or more of the children in sub-Saharan Africa were still breastfeeding. In five out of seven Asian countries studied, 50% or more were still being breastfed at two years; in Bolivia, Peru and Guatemala 40% of children; and in Indonesia 63% of children are still breastfed at this age.

Rather than asking why people continue to breastfeed, perhaps we should ask why people stop breastfeeding? It is interesting to note that, in the 1880s in the US, 95% of children were still being breastfed at two. By 1990, only 50% were being breastfed at birth. So what has changed? There is the problem of returning to work, plus the powerful marketing strategies of formula companies. That very 1950s idea that anything out of a scientific lab was far superior to anything natural may have played a part. Some women are forced to wean for medical reasons, or because breastfeeding is difficult or painful. Others choose to stop breastfeeding, and there are many possible reasons: wanting to drink alcohol; wanting the "freedom"; wanting their body back; wanting space; working; wanting to go out without needing to express; wanting/needing to go away; being fed up with it.

Sometimes children wean themselves. Some women wean due to the pressure and negativity surrounding sustained breastfeeding. Others become closet feeders, feeding in secret to avoid being judged. Sometimes even medical advice is inaccurate - mothers are put on to medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding, despite a safe alternative being available, or mothers are told they must wean for surgery, instead of expressing for the necessary duration and resuming the breastfeeding relationship when it's safe. Too often I hear stories at breastfeeding association meetings of mothers who visit a doctor because they have health problems and are told "first of all you need to wean" before the problems are even investigated, let alone identified.

I dream of a world where we don't impose our ideas on others, where women are given all the facts on breastfeeding, and none of the myths. Where the decision to wean is left to mother and child, where it belongs. Where we support women and children to continue their breastfeeding relationship as long as they want.
Linda McIver is a Melbourne writer.

I wanted to put a picture to correspond with the blog, and for a second there, I wanted to put a photo of naked breasts!! But nah, I don't want to arouse perverts!

My dislikes II

2008-09-23T20:28:00.004+10:00

Today, I had two encounters which will be added into my aversion list. My first blogging about it was here.

One of the worst thing one can experience in life would definitely have to be stucked in traffic. I must salute those who never think traffic jam as an absurd way of wasting time and how they can endure every minute and every second of it. In Sydney, what makes it worse is the number of traffic lights one has to pass before reaching a destination. When I was still residing in my previous domicile, I literally counted how many sets of traffic lights I pass on the way to work. It was 29!!! It was a freaking 29 sets of lights! No wonder it took me almost an hour for a 15km distance in a bad traffic. Nowadays, I take the freeway which is so much better but still 17 sets of traffic lights. =) So I do appreciate it if people actually geared up to go when the lights turn green. Unfortunately, there are a bunch of people who think they have ample time in the world to do their 'whatever' in the car while waiting for the lights to turn green. So, when the lights says go, they are not vigilant and it has to take a nasty honk or several just to alert them. Inevitably, this will only allow several cars to go and the next few cars in line will have to wait for another couple of minutes. This is one scenario that will cause me to blow!! (Lord, I ask for more patience in me, please.)

Secondly, we had dinner out just today and we were seated next to a group of people which I assume was a couple with 2 kids (a baby and a small kid) and their 3 single friends (from their conversation). Not just on one occasion, but several, the mother drew much attention when she raised her voice at her little boy (probably 2-3 years old). Of course, people tried to be polite and dared not stare, but we were right beside them. Gosh, it was so annoying! Although seemingly, she was trying to discipline her son, but I don't think that sort of treatment is suitable in public. She repeatedly had to raise her voice to tell her son off, "this cannot, that cannot, no this, no that... etc". I really have an issue with mother's trying to proove in public that she's a stern mum!! Especially the tone that this lady used.. is so similar to many of the 'well-educated mothers' I've seen around, as opposed to the not-so-educated ones, of which the latter will simply shout at their kids, slap them around (understandably, this is prohibited in Australia) and ask them to shut up and sit quietly! So, this lady actually tried to show her smart-arse (in hokkien we call it, ke gau) motherly demeanour in public and I absolutely loathe it! Can't they do it at home??? I have seen many children and friends with that kind of mother, and eventually they turn out to either be resentful and/or timid and/or another smart-arse product!! (Lord, please help me to be more accepting and forgiving and not judgmental.)

I know, I am a very judgmental person, no one person in this world can be unison in character and attitude. I just have to learn to accept them as they are. Oh well, I sound very petty and I'm not someone into the deep stuffs, well I do but in seclusion. So, as much as those are meaningful and worthy to be pondered upon, one just need to succumb to the fact that life in itself is hard. I have long accepted that, which is why I don't dwell in the deep stuffs because it just complicates things even more. I want to live life in contentment and in thanksgiving because I know, there's pure joy by just knowing the Lord!!

Ok, I digressed. One minute, I am judgmental and now I'm talking about joy! Hmm... told you I have identity crisis. Oh wait, I was actually talking about pettiness and the deeper stuffs!

Alrighty, enough with that. Before I end, I want to show my mum the dinner we cooked yesterday. We had some thai sweet chili chicken with some salad. Big Elf likes his garden salad with balsamic vinegar whereas I wanted to have a different salad ie silverbeet (mum, that's the name of the vegetable I told you about) with mashed sweet potatoes. No MSG, no salt for the salad. Quick, easy and healthy!

Big Elf's dinner

My dinner

Appleseed

2008-09-21T10:34:00.016+10:00

Yesterday we invited some friends over for dinner. Big Elf loves to be host and he will cook really nice food for his guests! Unfortunately, the food looked too good that I totally didn't bother to snap a photo of it. I am always ravenous when there's prawns!!

The dinner setting

The dishes were:
1. Spicy Black Bean Beef
2. Ma Po Tofu
3. Sambal Tumis Banana Prawns
4. Stir-fry bak choy (I cooked this la, simple and easy).

If you don't already know by now, Big Elf always leave the vegetable dishes to me and he will get his hands on the seemingly more important and substantial dishes ie the meat and seafood.

Calla lilies

Some random shots just to make up for the dishes I didn't photograph. Sorry =( These are calla lilies which I plucked from my landlord's garden. They grow very well towards the end of winter and of course spring time. Soon, there will be hydrangeas in the garden. Can't wait for it to grow!

Candle light holder from Ikea

The dessert!!!

At least I remembered to snap a photo of the dessert while Big Elf was preparing it. It was just a simple cookies and cream ice-cream with strawberries and chocolate topping. Our friends left us with a movie they bought, an anime called Appleseed! We then watched it for the night and it was quite good.. not so much of a Studio Ghibli style movie, you can tell. It was war and bloody... I'm sure you get the gist of it. All in all, it's highly recommended.

Howl's Moving Castle

2008-09-16T22:47:00.007+10:00

I have been watching Studio Ghibli's anime diligently since this year.Many of my friends have probably watched them long long time ago, yet I only started now. Perhaps it's good in a way because I'm sure I wouldn't understand it better than now. I have watched several but didn't think my interest would last this long. Hence, I didn't blog about it. The whole idea behind studio ghibli is something worth respecting from the movie plot they produced. Time and again, they never fail to impress audiences, especially me. Every anime has a good story line and morale in it. However, it may not be suitable for Christian audiences, especially kids as they engage in all these supernatural, magical, gods and goddesses and monsters like theme, overtly non-Christian beliefs. Then again, I am not an extremist and I know who I serve. So, I'm not too worried about watching it and being a fan of Studio Ghibli.

My first Studio Ghibli's anime was Howl's Moving Castle. I was immediately fascinated by it, an animation with such engaging storyline. I was absolutely drawn to the visual effect and I cannot believe, I was totally charmed by it. I never knew about Studio Ghibli before but this was a great start to my venture on watching all Studio Ghibli's production.

Howl's Moving Castle is based on a novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Here's the spoiler for those who haven't watch. But even after reading the plot, it is still worth watching!

The film starts off with the protagonist of Howl’s Moving Castle, Sophie, a timid and unsure 18-year-old girl who works in her late father's hat shop. She has a chance encounter with the mysterious wizard Howl (27 years old), who rescues her from some menacing soldiers. However, by doing so, Howl brings Sophie to the attention of the Witch of the Waste, who visits Sophie and whom Sophie inadvertently offends and puts a curse on her, transforming her into a 90-year-old woman. Unable to tell anyone of the curse, she sets off on her journey to the Waste, to beg Howl to lift the curse. On the way she meets a magically animated scarecrow whom she names Turnip Head. Together they find Howl's moving castle.

Inside the castle, Sophie comes across a fire demon, Calcifer, with whom she makes a deal: He will change Sophie back to her normal age if she can break the contract that binds Calcifer and Howl together. "Grandma" Sophie also meets Markl, Howl's young apprentice; Howl himself appears soon after. Sophie hides her true identity and claims to be a cleaning lady hired by Calcifer to maintain the castle. (However, Howl, like Calcifer, has been able to 'see through' the spell all along.)

Sophie discovers that the front door of the moving castle is magical, allowing transport to four different destinations. She also begins to see Howl's true nature. He shows this when Sophie messes with his potions in the bathroom, accidentally causing his hair to turn red at first, then to black. Howl throws a tantrum, claims 'There's no point in living if I can't be beautiful!', and calls on the Spirits of Darkness.

Time passes, and Howl receives summons from both Porthaven as Wizard Jenkins and Kingsbury as Wizard Pendragon to fight for the King. A war is being fought over the missing Crown Prince Justin. Howl suspects the Kingsbury summons is a trap set by Madame Suliman, Kingsbury's head sorceress and Howl's old mentor. Too cowardly to confront her himself, Howl convinces Sophie to speak to Suliman by posing as his mother, "Mrs. Pendragon."

Sophie runs into the Witch of the Waste while going to the royal castle. In the castle, the Witch of the Waste is captured by Suliman's stronger magic, stripped of her powers, and shrunken into a helpless old lady. Suliman then confronts "Mrs. Pendragon" and demands that Howl become a war magician. Howl comes to her rescue disguised as the King of Ingary, but Suliman sees through his disguise. They escape on a flying machine along with Heen, Suliman's asthmatic errand dog, and the now-helpless Witch of the Waste. Howl stays behind, fighting off the chasing soldiers, while Sophie goes ahead, flying back to the castle. Suliman, however, learns of Sophie's identity. Howl returns in a large birdlike form later that night and Sophie wakes up as her young self again. She confesses her love to him and tells him she wants to help him break his curse. Howl rejects her and flies away. Sophie wakes up to find it was all a dream.

Howl transforms the castle into a larger and more beautiful version of itself as a present for Sophie. Meanwhile, the self-confidence she has gained, along with her developing affection towards Howl, has begun to reverse Sophie's curse, returning her gradually to her true age. Madame Suliman attempts to track Howl down at the hat shop. Howl flies off to defend them; however, each time he transforms into a large birdlike creature to defend himself and his friends, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to revert to human form. Sophie receives a surprise visit from her mother Honey, sharing a brief but emotional reunion. Honey, secretly blackmailed by Madam Suliman, leaves a small bag which turns out to be a spy bug. The Witch of the Waste destroys it by feeding it to Calcifer, but it severely weakens him as a result.

Eventually, Suliman's henchmen swarm the hat shop, forcing Howl and Sophie to retreat. Howl transforms into the bird creature to draw the enemies away, while Sophie moves the castle back to the Wastes. Sophie convinces Calcifer to rescue Howl, but in his weakened state, Calcifer is unable to move the entire castle. Sophie removes Calcifer from his hearth, to reduce the size of the house, but then returns him and uses her own hair as fuel. However, the Witch spies Howl's heart in the ashes — the one thing she had been seeking for ages — and greedily grabs it. The heart sets her aflame, forcing Sophie to throw a bucket of water on her and Calcifer. Calcifer is reduced to a small flame that is unable to control the castle. The castle breaks down even further and they are all thrown off a cliff.

Sophie cries for Howl, thinking he is dead, but then in the rubble, she finds the magical castle portal. She enters to find herself transported into Howl's childhood. She learns of the relationship between Howl and Calcifer, and discovers why Howl is unable to truly love anyone. She returns to the present to find Howl outside the door. Howl is in bird creature form, badly injured and bleeding, but is able to take them back to their friends.

Sophie, Howl and Heen land on the remnants of the castle, and Howl falls unconscious as he transforms back into human shape. Sophie convinces the Witch to give Howl's heart back to him and pushes it into Howl's chest. Calcifer emerges in his true form and shoots off. Without Calcifer powering it, the remnants of the castle give way. Turnip Head sacrifices himself to stop the castle from sliding off a cliff and Sophie thanks him by giving him a kiss. Turnip Head then turns into Crown Prince Justin, who had been transformed by a spell that could only be broken by a kiss by his true love, Sophie. However, when Howl wakes up, Sophie shows she is really in love with Howl, which breaks her own curse. The Witch of the Waste tells the Crown Prince Justin to tell the king to stop the war, resigned, goes back to tell his king to stop the meaningless war. Calcifer returns and decides to stay even though his contract with Howl was broken.

Heen reports all this to Madame Suliman back in Kingsbury through her crystal ball; which showed that Prince Justin was rescued, there is no reason to continue the war. The film ends with Sophie, Howl, the Witch of the Waste, Calcifer, Markl, and Heen traveling in the newly-rebuilt castle and with both Sophie, and Howl kissing — which now flies.

Wikipedia (you mut be kidding if at one point, you thought I wrote the synopsis...hehe )

Caramel

2008-09-14T20:53:00.008+10:00

Welcome to the new look of Sarah's blog. I was thrilled when I finally managed to upload this template after several attempts and initial failures. I looked around just to scout for templates, yet I always end up with the same theme colour ie pink or shades of pink. I was down to a final few choices which were green, purple and pink. Yet, the pink won. But they all have the same kind of design ie floral. I am truly girly!!

Anyway, it was a great weekend. The spring weather was pleasantly cool. We slept in later than usual on Saturday and how we dread for the day when we have to forgo our lovely sleeps (that is when the baby comes). Like any other typical Saturdays, I started cleaning the house. Big Elf was craving for BBQ pork and duck for lunch, but after much contemplation, we decided against it. Big Elf then came up with a really nice and simple lunch ie fried vermicelli. We had a fairly small portion because there will be a good dinner coming our way. We wanted to reserve our stomach for it.

My colleagues (2 are ex-es) wanted to to do something for my birthday. Usually there will be a cake at work and a small party that last for about 15-20 minutes. But because of the politics at work, I thought it was pretty superficial when everyone tries to be nice in that small window of time when there has already been a crack on the glass. Surely, it wasn't easy to mend the hurts, embarrassment, anger and hatred towards one another, still for some reasons unknown to myself, I bought myself a cake and celebrated with everyone. Probably because I was selfish. I didn't want the day to pass without a cake for myself.. it was still a special day to me. So, I just relinquished whatever feelings there were and just be nice to everyone.

Anyway, we had already planned to go out for dinner even before I decide to have the cake at work. So, Saturday was the day we met up and I treated it as the girls' night out, except our partners were only 'tagging' along. We went to the same Japanese restaurant as where I had my birthday last year (We are still not sick of it yet!). We had a really good time, the girls at one end, and the guys at the other. Food was great as usual. I couldn't take photos of the food as everyone started devouring the food as soon as it touches the table. However, I did manage to take some photos of the dessert, nothing fancy but alright. I was so touched with the birthday presents though!

Sunday was raining heavily in the morning and before the evening came, I suddenly remembered I was given 2 tickets for a movie preview. It was apparently a chick flick and I didn't think Big Elf would be interested. Still, I had to be grateful that I was given the free movie pass and if ever I was asked about the movie, I could give an answer. It was unfair to Big Elf should I 'force' him to watch the movie with me. Yet he was so kind that he accompanied me to the movies. I did tell him that should he find the movie boring, he can take the car home and pick me up later. Amazingly, he stayed till the end.

Caramel was the name of the film and it's our first Lebanese movie. It was quite a charming movie with constant humour throughout the movie. For me, it caught my attention, firstly as it was a film by a female director. I haven't seen many movies directed by women and I am quite interested to find out more. Secondly, I wasn't even sure if the language of the film was french or arabic or english. But I figured there will be subtitles since it's a foreign movie. The movie didn't really wow me and I didn't expect it to for a drama. Yet, it was a pretty enjoyable movie. Everyone in the cinema seemed to appreciate it, probably because it was free. I doubt they will have similar reactions should they have paid for the movie, they would have expected much more than just a drama for a film in the cinema. Unfortunately, that's just humans! Everything free IS good! How bizarre!

After the movie, we came home, still managed to pull through a lovely dinner. We prepared them beforehand, so it didn't take us long to have dinner. Again, Big Elf delivers (so, he always proclaim!). He cooked one of the finest curry chicken (his signature dish) that goes with nasi lemak. It was finger-licking good! And if you ask about my role in the kitchen, I'm a great assistant I must say. I cut out the ingredients and prepare whatever's needed. After dinner, I wash up everything, that's my role! If you must say, my role probably needs more hardwork, where as Big Elf's role needed more of skill (something which I lack, unfortunately!). Ultimately, we make a good team in the kitchen.

Oh well, that's our weekend and it's a shame that the weekend only lasted this long. We are so looking forward to next weekend and the next and the next... =)

Fickly Fickle

2008-09-12T22:46:00.007+10:00

I know, the title doesn't make sense. I have been reading some people's blogs.. and I always tend to like their template or layout better than mine. The thing about me is, it's not that I envy, I just tend to get bored with something ever so quickly. I never stick to something for a long time. Of course, this does not apply in every aspect of my life, just things that doesn't have implications, you know? Things that can give me pleasure, just by looking at them.

These are some examples to explain what I mean.

1. I always never stick to a single type of handwriting. My best friend can vouch for that. I love to write differently depending on my mood. But of course, nowadays with technology ruling our lives, we no longer hand write, it's all computer!

2. I am always coming out with ideas to improve the home, I never stick to one position of the furnitures. I love to swap them around and re-arrange them. It just makes the whole environment, different! In a way, it's a great way to clean up the house more thoroughly. There was once, I shifted a bookshelf after a year being in it's solitary confinement, just to find the back of the bookshelf being infested by cockroaches!! It was horrible!! I should have moved it earlier!! Lately, I'm so tempted to buy new curtains for the home. We only have 1 type for the whole house. In fact, we have to thank our landlord for supplying them. It's pretty I must say, a plain curtain in orange and peach colour (my favourite). However, it's been more than 2 years, and I am absolutely sick of them! When it's time to wash them, I have to make sure I wash them early in the morning, so that it will be dry on time before the sun goes down, just so I can hang it up again.

3. My latest desire, is to change my blog template! I've only changed it twice so far, I believe. However, I can assure you, it won't be long before I start to get bored of the new one. I have also saved all my blog entries as backup just in case I lose them. So within the next few days, expect a new template and layout of the blog!

Baby bootie, my first crochet endeavour!

2008-09-11T21:05:00.001+10:00

Japan trip updated... check it out!

I got pretty sick after Taiwan/Japan trip. Even in Taiwan, I was already experiencing shortness of breath. I grew so tired over the weeks and felt claustrophobic!! I was paranoid as I didn't get any better after 2 weeks coming back from holiday. So I went to see a doctor, took an X-ray and blood test. Finally test result came back, everything was normal and perfect (even my cholesterol level, haha and blood count), it turned out to be allergy.. to ..... DUST MITE, AGAIN!!!

I was in shocked!! I was so certain that it was some sort of chest infection. It must be polution.. in Taiwan.. so I mustn't go back there anymore. I'm giving Japan a benefit of a doubt...I can't rule out Japan, I love Japan too much =)

I took 2 days of sick leave and I managed to do something useful. I made a baby bootie on my first attempt!!! I got the idea from Li Lian, my friend who makes beautiful crochet..

Here's to show you first baby bootie... my pride and joy!

I wish I have more time to do more.. which I will once I find time...

Alrighty, adios for now.

Happy Birthday to me!!

2008-09-10T21:55:00.005+10:00

At one point, I thought I was friendless (I mean I don't have many friends)... but after yesterday, I have some friends after all.. I am so touched by everyone who remembers my birthday and all the birthday wishes I received truly made my day. The only thing I dislike is when my birthday falls on weekdays. There's hardly plans for anything. Work being the main hindrance!

I regretted not taking photo of my birthday cake, coffee pecan cake but you can see it here, my all-time favourite!

After work, we had dinner at a nice Japanese restaurant, called Ginza (in Burwood) which we discovered by chance before going to the movie. It turned out to be a lovely restaurant and the soft shell crab was awesome, the best we've ever tasted in Sydney. After dinner, we watched Tropic Thunder.. what a dumb movie!! Still I enjoyed it nevertheless.

I received Vanderwee belgian chocolates for my birthday present (pictured above) and those are really lovely chocolates and the best I've ever tasted.

Where are you?

2008-08-31T19:20:00.009+10:00

I haven't been able to blog recently partly due to work and mainly too pre-occupied with my reading. I have read 2 books since I came back from holiday. In addition, the weather makes it hard to do anything else except wanting to snuggle comfortably under the warm quilt with Big Elf. I'm so glad winter is officially over now. No more freezing cold in the morning. I will inform you all once I finish blogging about my Japan trip. =) Bear with me please...

I have also been deeply saddened by the disappearance of a friend. I received an SMS from my best friend informing me of our ex-classmate from school who went on a solo hike at the Glacier National Park in Montana, US and has not return since. He was due to return a week later as planned but had not contacted the family since. I have mentioned the incident many times and I don't really want to repeat anymore as it causes me to be in distress. However, you can easily follow the news from the link here.

For those who know who I'm talking about, his name is Yi Jien and you can read Yi Jien's mum's response towards the situation.

What I'd really like to blog about is how Yi Jien has been a part of my life. Like so many others, every handshake is planned by God and this I have held on and believed to be true throughout most of my life.

Yi Jien's father, the late Rev. Hwa Chien used to pastor my church and our family came closer to the Lord through him. My family has been one family that was so spiritually fragile at one point and it was a great opportunity to seize to bring us together as a family to know the Lord better and to be held and bonded together in Christ. Rev. Hwa Chien took up the mission and held us under his wings by mentoring us particularly my brother and my dad. His love and concern for us was so strong that when he left Sitiawan to move to Seremban, he entrusted us to another leader of the church and to hold her accountable in order to watch, guide and pray for our vulnerable state. My family was balancing on a brink as one after another family issues emerged and it could either destroy or pull the family together.

We were forever grateful when Pastor Hwa Chien (we used to address him as pastor rather than reverend then) dedicated time for my brother who used to be a rascal at school to mould him and to lead him to the right direction and most importantly to make him feel accepted even to an outsider. I was young then, so that was what I understood from what I saw. Every evening, Pastor Hwa Chien would come to our house, riding his old motorcycle to fetch my brother. We entrusted my brother to him, so none of us questioned my brother what the 'escapade' was about or how it went. I do not know if my brother was a changed person overnight, but I do know that the Lord has a hold on him and His words will remain in my brother through Pastor's help. This I know, because I too experience the same counselling from Pastor albeit briefly.

I lost hope in life at one point, much to the point of ending my life. I caused so much griefs and pain to my family that when Yi Jien went missing, I could totally identify with what his family went through. Only difference is, my family was not as spiritually strong in the Lord as Yi Jien's mum and wife are now. Their strength is admirable, and this is what knowing the Lord does to people. Without knowing the Lord, we have no hope and without hope, there is nothing to hold onto.

For many years, I have been struggling with my past experiences. Although I am still not ready to share every detail of it, I am glad that I have found courage to be able to encourage and help others with my story.

I too, went missing for 15 days. My case was totally different of that with Yi Jien as mine was a choice made solely by myself whereas Yi Jien's missing was all supernatural which is beyond his expectation. For me, it was definitely this experience that shaped who I am today, something ugly which God had turned into something beautiful. My family experience turmoil like never before thinking they have lost me forever. But in hindsight, this commotion set my family to a stronger relationship with the Lord and a better understanding who God is. This is definitely God's grace and mercy divinely shown to us at that juncture of our lives.

In the middle of the ordeal however, I did come back. I was then sent (much to my parents disinclination) to stay with Pastor Hwa Chien, Aunty Kim Guat (whom I dearly love and adore), Yi Jien and his brother and sister in Seremban. My parents trusted Pastor Hwa Chien and his family to look after me and to counsel me like how they did to my brother before. I don't remember how long I stayed with them but I knew it wasn't long. Pastor Hwa Chien and Aunty Kim Guat was not able to watch me 24 hours a day, so understandably, Yi Jien took up the responsibility to accompany me as it was also school holidays then.

I never thought much about Yi Jien throughout school days, except he was more immature than me. As far as I know, he was never a bad boy. More often than not, he was always targeted by bullies in class and I always hated it when the bullies started picking on him. I could never do anything but watch. I felt for him and wished he would stand up for himself. Amazingly, he always managed to deter the bullies from pursuing him. He would take it all and not fight back, perhaps exchanging a word or two, but never more. He knew it was pointless. Yi Jien was very tall even for his age, yet he was so sloppy. Always loved to drag his feet when he walked and he hunched badly. Probably he wanted to be standing equally in height with the rest who were never up to his stature.

So there I was, all messed up as a person and I was entrusted to Yi Jien. He took me to pin bowling, and taught me how to bowl. He was good I must say and we played a game or two. I excused myself in the shopping centre to go to the toilet, and when I came out, he was there waiting for me. He must have followed me to the toilet! He must have thought I will go missing again and he must have listened to Aunty Kim Guat, to not lose sight of me. I doubt he understood what I went through at that point, yet he seemed to be responsible enough for me. He was sensitive enough with my fragile emotions and he didn't ask any question. He was just there as a friend and cheering me up.

For a long time, I couldn't forgive myself for what I did to this family. I ran away from this family and away from my family the second time. My family entrusted me to this family yet, I have caused them to fail my family. Of course, my family knew it wasn't their fault, but they felt responsible for me and were sorry for what happened.

One of my greatest regret today is that I never had a chance to apologize to this family and now that Pastor Hwa Chien has gone to be with the Lord, I wished I was bold enough and mature enough to apologize earlier. I am still waiting for Yi Jien to come out alive, so that I have a chance to apologize to him. The Hwa family may have already forgiven and forgotten about the whole incident, but it meant so much to me to ask for forgiveness. For Pastor Hwa Chien, I will never forget that time, when the whole incident was finally and truly over, he came back to Sitiawan and ministered to me and my family. He knelt down in front of me and asked that I let go of my past and severe all ties to my past. He then prayed with me. I couldn't bear for someone as highly respected as him to be so humble and to go down on his knees with me to ask for forgiveness from our father in heaven. It was heartbreaking to have to go through that. It was totally an overwhelming experience for me. The rest was up to me to allow God to heal and change me.

I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Aunty Kim Guat, for loving me, for forgiving me and for shedding your precious tears for me. I didn't deserve it at all and I want to thank you and your family because you all definitely impacted my life and many others too.

Taiwan/Japan Trip ~ Part 2

2008-08-15T20:24:00.019+10:00

Our next destination was Osaka. We had the one chance of a lifetime to try the Shinkansen ie bullet train. It was a sublime experience! It was easy enough to get on the Shinkansen. From Shinjuku, we had to get to Shinagawa (or Tokyo but Shinagawa was nearer) to board the Shinkansen. Using the JR pass we had, it was easy.We got ourselves some lunch for the journey to Osaka.

We got onto the bullet train and was all settled.. until I almost screamed out, my watch!!!! I last saw my watch in the bathroom near the sink. I didn't pack it because I knew I wanted to wear it the next day!

Drama No. 2: When we checked out of Sunroute, Big Elf was in the bathroom, and I told him to check the bathroom. He lifted the towels but didn't see the watch. Of course, I took it for granted to check again, and sure enough something was left behind, yet again!!

However, I was lucky because we will be spending the last day in Shibuya, which is only 3 stops away from Shinjuku using Yamanote Line and 1 stop away using Shonan-Shinjuku line. So, I can always steal 15 minutes to get back my watch. Only problem is, I only pray the housekeeping lady will be kind enough to keep my watch as lost and found item.

We stayed at the Ramada Hotel in Nakatsu. Very convenient for us because Ramada Hotel is just above the Nakatsu train station. Hotel was not as nice as Sunroute of course as it was slightly cheaper. Next we went to Namba for lunch. Had a very nice set lunch, which I was told very "Kyoto" style. The restaurant was inside a shopping arcade called Donguyasuji.

We then went to Dotonbori which is one of the main shopping district in Osaka. You can actually find some cheap clothings there. I bought 2 tops in particular and several ties as gifts(100% silk). Still no better than the 100yen shop in Harajuku!

For ladies, one particular shop which you can buy lots of skin care product is this shop called Matsumoto KiYoshi. I'm not sure if it's the cheapest around but it definitely has a huge range of local brands. I bought so many skin care products and I just went berserk as they are pretty cheap too for my standard.

Had ramen for dinner (not again!!!) but the ramen shop is also highly recommended. It doesn't look too appealing, but it did taste awesome!We spent quite some time in Dotonbori and enjoyed ourselves very much!

We then took the train to one end of the line to Cosmosquare where the world trade centres are. Unfortunately, it was late and when we arrived there were hardly anyone around. Afraid of being mugged in Japan (although unlikely), we solemnly headed back to our hotel and called it a day.

Next day was dedicated to Kyoto which I was looking forward to as well. Took the JR line to Kyoto and when we arrived, we purchased a whole day ticket (only cost 500yen) for unlimited travel to some major sightseeing area in Kyoto. I was told about Arashiyama but unfortunately, it was out of our ticket covered area, so we had to let that go.

We went to

1) Sanjûsangen-dô Buddhist Temple - more for historical, architectural reasons and probably the garden outside of the temple. The incense inside the temple really triggered my asthma attack. By the way, I started having shortness of breath since Taipei. I dismissed it thinking it was because I was exhausted due to the non-stop walking around.

2) Kiyomizu Temple. The most tiring part was the walk up the hill. However, we were being distracted by the shops along the lane. Apparently, one of the most famous sweets sold in Kyoto is this called Yatsuhashi. One bite of the sweet, sent us wanting more. They have lots of flavours ie strawberry, mango, green tea, black sesame, red bean, peach etc and it was really yummy. They even have it wrapped in a nice box, perfect as gift but be warned, it can only last for a week, 2 at the most.

3) Ginza the geisha district. We expected to see some women in kimonos but to our disappointment, there was almost none, plus it was only noon time. Perhaps, their activities start at dawn. However, we had a fantastic lunch, okonomiyaki! The restaurant was not what we expected at all, and we had to sit on the floor, japanese style. The guys were dreading it, but it was a nice experience I'm sure for everyone. The food was delicious, set lunch too. Had Japanese lemonade, I wish there were more because I was so exhausted! There were a choice of pork, beef and squid okonomiyaki! Nice!

4) Golden Pavilion ~this place is absolutely must-go for great photo taking sceneries! The sceneries were absolutely breathtaking, I'm not sure how much more to stress on the beautiful creation.. but please visit this place when you go to Kyoto! Entry fees was only AUD4!

5) Finally at night, we went back to Ginza for dinner. This time, we could see beautiful women walking along the streets! haha.. And again, the guys felt more comfortable with me around so no one will approach them.

I guess, that's all we could do for only 1 day in Kyoto. It was an amazing place!

Continue..

I think it was a bad idea to leave this post for too long. When I blogged about Japan, all my experiences were still fresh in my mind. Now, I have to rely on the photos to relive those moments again. Oh well, I don't blog for living, so please don't blame my complacency.

Ok, next day after Kyoto (also our last day in Osaka) we visited Osaka Castle, a tourist attraction not to be missed. However, it was so crowded on that particular day. Probably because it was weekend. The heat on that day was full on too. Just a tip, if you purchased a train day pass, remember to use it to get 100 yen off the entry ticket. Inside the castle, it was a great relief to have air-conditioning. There are 7 floors in total, and every floor has a different display mainly (an obviously) on the history of the castle. Somehow, I began to appreciate Japan's history more and my liking for Japan just grew exponentially.

We had to get back to Shibuya on that same afternoon. So we parted with our friends and agreed to met in Shibuya t a said time. Back at Ramada Hotel, we got ready to check out until I started looking for my spectacle's case. My specs are really fragile and I love it enough to not break it, hence I had safe-keep it in the hard case. Yet I couldn't find it. Unpacked almost everything out of the luggage bag just to find it in my handbag!!! I couldn't have been more careful knowing I still need the case, so indeed I didn't pack it away. Time was running out, I had to practically shoved everything (which I so carefully and neatly packed the night before) into the luggage bag and head towards for the train station. Since I lost precious things already by then, I made sure I glanced the WHOLE of the room before I left.

I probably missed the part about calling Sunroute Hotel the first day we arrived at Ramada Hotel. Thank God they found my watch and kept it. It will be in safekeeping until I get it back from them. How nice..... which is why we had to head back to Shibuya earlier than our friends so that there's time to get back my watch.

We arrived Shibuya in the evening and I must say, I was so thrilled with the hotel. Unfortunately we only spent a night there (the truth is, we cannot afford any more than 1 night), else it will be an amazing experience. I was already running out of clothes so I was looking for the last piece of dress I had bought in Taiwan. I checked the first bag... not there, then second bag... not there too! It's not right, I thought. I kept looking until I got frustrated that I literally poured all my stuffs all over the floor!!! Big Elf was really shaking his head at that time..

Drama No. 3: Of course, you would have expected, I didn't find the dress. I have no idea where it was. I was very sure I brought it to Kyoto and I made sure I checked the room before we left. Still, it was no where to be found. Although it only cost me AUD10, still I absolutely LOATHE losing things that I like.. it was frustrating, it was tormenting...bells are tinkling at my ears.. hoarding.. hoarding.. materialistic..materialistic!

I had to make a move, pronto. I had to time to lose as I had to get to Shinjuku and Harajuku, the 100 yen shop for the last time. My slight merriment was when I got back my watch. At least now, I can pompously say I lost 2 things only rather than 3 (sigh, comforting myself here). I also managed to get to 100 yen shop at Harajuku and did my last shopping. I absolutely love this shop, all the more reasons to love Tokyo!

Finally, the "Auld Land Syne" song was played. Time to go. I tugged the bags closely to me and headed the station. When I reached the station, I knew something was wrong amidst lost in translation. I stopped passersby to find out what's happening with the crowd at the station, but I couldn't understand what they were trying to tell me. All I knew was that the train was not going anywhere, I'm not sure for how long and I'm not going to wait. Praise the Lord that Harajuku station was only 1 station away. I decided to take a walk. The good thing was, I knew my ways around better now.

It didn't take me long to reach Shibuya. As I walked up the road nearer to the hotel, I co-incided with our friends who arrived Shibuya. I was surprised as Big Elf expected them since several hours ago. It was almost 10, mind you. My first thought was Big Elf must have been starving!!! Of course, I began to comprehend what the whole train ordeal was all about. There was an accident which caused massive delays! oThroughout our whole trip in Japan, there were at least 3 or 4 accidents that we encountered! Not a very good thing, was it?

I got to the hotel room and Big Elf was out. Part of me was glad that he wasn't starving. Yet, part of me didn't want him to be lonely!! Anyway, he got back half an hour later and took me to the top floor bar, where we enjoyed some cocktail and a beautiful city view. We were highly impressed!! Also, be prepared to spend at least AUD50 for just 2 drinks.. I never spent that much on liquids before!! Goodness me!!
That concludes our final night and our trip in Japan.

To conclude, it was an unforgettable experience. We truly lost with words when describing Japan. Our only advise is to not visit Japan during summer!

p/s: When I transitted in Taiwan on the way back to Sydney, I took the opportunity to email Ramada Hotel asking about the dress, if I left it there. Guess what??? They found the dress!! It was unbelievable man... I am dumbfounded with myself!! No words to describe myself..
They are so kind to agree to keep the dress until I ask them to send it to me. Of course, for a 10 bucks dress, it's not worth it to get it sent here. Thank God, I have a friend going to Japan in Oct, hopefully she will be able to help me collect the dress! I am so glad that throughout the whole time, Big Elf didn't say a word to me about me losing stuffs (what more to say to people like me??).. he just shook his head inexorably!

Taiwan/Japan Trip ~ Part 1

2008-08-04T20:56:00.022+10:00

============== Warning: This blog entry should be ideally read in parallel with all the photos I uploaded in my photo album. ========

We had a wonderful time in Taiwan and Japan. In fact, it was more than an awesome trip. The trip was a revelation to me. We didn't really plan for this trip much earlier than we should, everything was planned and booked in about less than 3 weeks time before we flew. We went with 2 of Andrew's friends, Michael and Sunghoon. Jetstar was on sale, but after much dilly dallying, we missed the sale. However, we were lucky enough to get a pretty cheap flight to Japan with China Airlines and the upside was the flight had to transit in Taiwan (there was a choice between Hong Kong and Taiwan, so I chose Taiwan as I've never been there). Goodie, I thought to myself, we would literally kill 2 birds with one stone.

We flew on Big Elf's birthday. I felt so bad that I "forgot" to inform his friends (you know la, guys don't remember each other's birthday, it's normally a girl's thing), so none of his friends wished him happy birthday. Oh well, he didn't feel anything either, so that was alright. Anyway, flight to Taiwan was really good. I was paranoid and worried throughout the whole journey because I heard and read about China Airlines, being the most "unsafe" airline. Thank God, journey was fine. Food was alright, nothing too unusual nor fancy.

We arrived Taiwan in the evening. We had no idea of how to get to the city and to our hotel. As we walked out of the departure hall, we saw a placard and our hotel's name written on it. So we enquired, and it was roughly TWD1200, which will send us right to the hotel's front door. So, that's only AUD12 each for the 4 of us. We went for it, as the journey was about 45 minutes to the city by car. Finally, as we were waiting outside the airport, we were surprised that our "taxi" was a black Mercedes Benz! Felt so posh for a minute there.

Journey to the hotel wasn't as long as I thought probably because I was engrossed with watching the view along the way. We arrived at the hotel, checked in and quickly got ready for dinner. We stayed at San Want Hotel along Zhongxiao East Road (one of the main street in Taipei). It was almost 10 when we arrived at the nearby dim sum place ( cannot remember the name of the eatery). Nice place and food was nice too, the restaurant was a bit of the pricey side, but we were so anxious about trying genuine foreign food, so throughout the whole trip, we weren't too skimp on money.

One of my favourite, "har gao", Taiwanese/Chinese style. It's nice but I guess, I'm more used to the Hong Kong style dim sum since I grew up with it. After dinner, or rather supper you may call it, we just walked around the streets and into smaller streets. Everywhere is closed though, so there weren't much to do. However, there were lots of little cafes around where people were just merely having drinks and meeting up with friends I guess. This is what you call, the supper culture in asian countries.

On the next day, we had a full itineray lined up for us (of course the guys did most of the plannings). Thank goodness our hotel comes with buffet. Food was alright and I particularly liked the rice congee. There were so many selection of dishes to go with the porridge, pickles mainly and of course, pork floss!! I topped my congee with pork floss, mountain high!! Andrew liked their coffee, I don't know how it compares to the coffee here, but if he says it's good, then it must be good as he's very passionate about coffee. The good thing about the hotel is that it's really convenient. It's just above the Zhongxiao Dunhua train station and along the streets, there were lots of shops and a big shopping mall, one of them being Sogo.

The rail line in Taiwan is apparently one of the best in Asia, and we do admit it's really easy to ride and convenient too. Our first stop is to Dan Shui (as recommended by our hotel's receptionist). Dan Shui is basically the last stop of the train towards the north and basically it's a town by the seaside. It's popular for sunset viewing but we had to go to the night market, as it was our the only night we have left. So, we only managed to walk around some streets in Dan Shui.

The street that we visited.

One of the things I bought was the sunglass (for AUD6, I always lose them, so I don't buy expensive ones after I lost one really good one which my mum bought for me during uni days). Also got myself a nice little brown carry bag..

We had lunch at a traditionally set-up restaurant. Our first ramen, very nice albeit small portion. Also comes in wet form.

Taiwan was also heaven for us, as we are bubble tea fans. We practically drank bubble tea as often as we can find them. It's also cheap for the amount they gave us. It's pretty expensive over here in Sydney and EasyWay being the only shop that sells bubble tea.

Our next stop was Ximen Ting. This is like the must go place if you visit Taipei according to everyone I know. it was good, unfortunately, it didn't do much to me. It was just a very busy place with lots of shopping (yet it's not my kind of shopping and things are pretty expensive too). Just before we left Ximen Ting however, I happened to bump into several shops selling dresses and I quickly grabbed a few dresses (for only about AUD10 each). It made my day!! So, after spending a couple of hours there, we then headed to Shilin night market. I was actually looking forward to the night market more than anything.

We had dinner at the night market (which is a separate area from the shopping area). My taste bud was opened to something delicious which I've never tried before, stinky tofu!! In fact, it wasn't stinky at all to me. However, the first bite, will send you craving for more. It's really nice if you like tofu for a start.
Another famous dish was "o-jien" or oyster pancake. We tried and we didn't like it probably due to Sitiawan's influence. Sitiawan has a nicer "o-jien" I reckon as they are crunchier.

That was all the time we had in Taiwan, short but fun! Food wasn't that impressive, particularly the night market. Such a big place, yet they all sell pretty similar food. Shopping was not bad, although we didn't even have the time to check out the shopping malls on the street where we stayed.

Our flight to Japan was the next day in the afternoon. Flight was only about 3-4 hours. Going to Taiwan wasn't as bad as Japan, because we can speak Mandarin and even Hokkien if we have to, but Japan is a totally different place altogether. Communication would be a big issue as most of them don't really speak English!! All the more we were excited!

Arriving at Narita Intl airport safe and sound. First drama: I realised I left my newly bought sunglass on the plane. I did check the pouch attached to the seat in front of me before leaving the plane, but guess what, I didn't check the floor. It must have fell down on the floor while I was asleep. See, the talent in me has surfaced! I knew something like this will happen, that's why I will never buy anyhing expensive for myself!

Thank God for the guys as they just knew what to do and where to go next. We went to the JR counter to get our passes. The most suitable pass for us was the 7 days unlimited travel on JR line pass. Since our trip was slight more than 7 days in Japan, we had to also get a subway pass. The 7 days pass is really worth it, it also includes travelling on Shinkansen. It cost about AUD300+ but the Shinkansen alone would cost about AUD200+ to and fro Osaka. So, it's really worth it for anything wishing to travel in Tokyo.

We headed to the city. Due to some mix-up at the travel agent's end, we had to stay in Tokyo a day earlier than we planned. So, we picked Ochanomizu, slightly cheaper and also because it was close to Akihabara, which will be our first stop for visit. The journey from the station to the hotel was absolutelly ridiculous!!
It was stairs all the way. We had to carry and drag our luggages and by the time we arrived at the hotel, we were exhausted. The weather didn't help a single bit. It was absolutely hot and humid in Japan. Anyway, I'm glad we tried this hotel called Tokyo Green Hotel Really small, but the toilet design is genius!! Space were used wisely and it felt like being in a luxury train ride with an ensuite bathroom!

So our first night in Ochanomizu, everything's closed, streets were pretty quiet and we managed to find a decent restaurant around where we stayed called "Watamin-chi" which really sounds like Vitamin C! Had some sushi and teriyaki chicken (the gross part of the chicken like giblets) and a nice cocktail drink, after which we all headed back to the hotel for an early night's rest.

Next morning, we walked to Akihabara, which is really about 2-300meters walk. Now, this is where the busy activities are all centralised. Akihabara is the main electronics area and for electronic geeks, this definitely is not to be missed. They have all the latest trend mobile phones and almost everything you can think off. Unfortunately, of course we can't purchase any mobile phones because there would be a 2 year lock-in contract. I guess that explains why the guys chose to stay here. We surveyed every store than we can find on the price of an Ipod Nano 8GB. Apparently one shop sold the cheapest for only 20800 yen (~AUD208), even cheaper than duty-free Sydney. Big Elf couldn't resist it, he had to get one!

We had brunch at a tonkatsu place. A new experience because apparently we have to order firstly by purchasing a ticket for our meal using the ticket machine places outside (sometimes inside) of the shop.

SO, Akihabara was like I said is mainly electronics. It wasn't really for me, but thank goodness I found some places that sells other stuffs like cosmetics and sourvenirs. So, at least I kept myself occupied with these shops.

Our next stop was Shinjuku. This was to be our base for the next 4 days. From Shinjuku station, we got out at the South Exit (or southern terrace exit) to get to the hotel. So, we checked into Sunroute Hotel and much to our delight, it was a better room than the previous one. Although it says 3 star hotel, really that was because they don't have a gym nor swimming pool. The rooms are at least 4 stars. They are great for that amount of money we paid. It was also close to the station and pretty central too. The hotels in Japan and Taiwan probably gives the most amenities to anywhere I've been too. You don't really have to worry about bringing your toothbrush for holiday there, perhaps just your dental floss and mouthwash!

One thing I love about Japan is their state of the art washlet, the bidet style toilet. It is absolutely amazing. There is a control to heat up the toilet rim, there's bidet to wash your private part after the business is done, but of course ultimately you still have to use the toilet rolls yourself, but if only they have a dryer in there too! The toilet cover even opens up by itself when you enter the bathroom! How cool is that?? They basically have it installed in most places in Japan except probably the public toilets in the park and the train station.

Alright, enough with that. After settling down and resting for a little while (I was busy checking out the hotel room that I didn't have time to rest, how suaku ~ coming from a village), the guys were hungry and we spotted a restaurant just a block away from the hotel. Again, ramen (I think our friends are really fond of noodles) but can't blame them because it wasn't easy looking around for places to eat. We were either:
a) wasting too much time walking around or
b) couldn't understand the menu posted in front of the shop or
c) didn't know what the restaurant was serving at all or
d) too expensive.

We only went for the obvious ones like this one, which has noodle pictures splashed on the wall inside the restaurant. Easy enough, we just chose whatever we saw and ordered. The ramen, however turned out to be unbelievably good. Beef and pork was superbly soft and it practically melts in your mouth. It became one of our favourite restaurant instantly.

Oh yeah, back to the hotel. I was relieved and happy to find out that they have a guest lounge with free internet. No other hotels we stayed in Japan has it, in other words we have to pay for internet usage. This hotel, however is free, except you can only hope there isn't anyone there before you when you want to use the internet. There's also free coffee and tea at our dispense. Truly a guest lounge!

We then took a taxi to a nearby town called Harajuku, we were too exhausted hence we had to take a taxi there. If by train it was only 2 stops away. The street which the taxi stopped us took me to a shop which was probably the only shopping place I've ever wanted to go in Japan. It was all so unexpected! I saw the shop from outside and thought, it must be good as there were many people in the shop! I parted with the guys, because we don't have the same shopping interest (It was a good move!). I stepped into the shop and after looking at a few things, I got frustrated.. there were no price tags! I had to resort to asking a lady beside me how much does it say it cost?? (Spoke in English, then translated in Japanese, Sore Ikura deska? ).. Of course thank Goodness she replied in English, "100yen.. evrysing 100yen". I quickly thanked her, and I was all beaming.. I found my shop!! I didn't even keep track of the time but we all did agree to meet in an hour's time. I was taking my time and looked at everything slowly. Unfortunately, the "Auld Land Syne" song came out and my first instinct was, "what?? the shop's closing soon???" and true enough the announcement came. I gushed upstairs to quickly take a peep of what else they have and there were 4 storeys!! Oh no, and I promised myself, I will go back.. I definitely will go back there.

So I met up with the guys, we walked around the streets in Harajuku, and finally sent into a tempura restaurant for dinner or even supper if you may call it. I wasn't particularly hungry but the tempura looked nice. We even tried some local beer, Kirin, but I prefered Asahi.

After taking a stroll down the streets, we decided to go back to Shinjuku and to Kabukicho (kabukicho is just next to Shinjuku, divided by this big shopping building called Lumine). Kabukicho is the red-light district of Tokyo. However, the "activities" weren't too obvious if you are a lady. When our guy friends was walking with us, no one approached them, but when they weren't with us, say a few feet ahead of us, we could see that a man (on several occasion) would approach them and would whisper to them. Afterwards, I was told, they needed my presence in order to walk places like Kabukicho nd Ginza (in Kyoto) in peace!!!Alright, so that concludes the day.

The next few days were mainly visiting places of interest such as the Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, Asakusa and Roppongi Hills. Roppongi Hills is a must go particularly the Mori Building for the Tokyo City View. It is spectular and it's so densely populated. On a clear day, you might be lucky to get a view of the Mount Fuji.

Generally, it was hard to find a cheap and nice sashimi restaurant. So, we took the advise of some ACS forummers and went to the food court of either Takashimaya or Isetan. We went to Takashimaya and the food on display looked so lovely. They do have sashimi in wet market area and it's probably much cheaper than any restaurants. I was later told that salmon, apparently is very expensive in Japan and Japanese prefer tuna than salmon.

On that day we parted with our friends. They went to other places like Odaiba and we went our way. We had whatever we wanted to eat, without the fuss of getting concensus on meals. Had the chance to try out speaking Japanese from the phrasebook (which was God-sent). It was extremely handy to be able to converse a little in Japanese. We also found out the reason why there were no wastebins in Japan. I was told that Japan feared terrorism, hence all wastebins has been discarded and we can actually hand our rubbish to any sales assistant, and they will be more than happy to bin them for us.

The last day in Shinjuku, our friends went to Ginja, we however went back to Ochanomizu because Big Elf found out about a street full of shops selling musical instruments ie mainly guitars. He was excited and "persuaded" me to go with him. Of course, I had to go being the submissive wife. But the plus side was we found a very cheap sushi place. I had a really fair share of my Ikura (Salmon Roe) and Tobiko (Flying fish roe) in Japan!

Oh, we also saw this beautiful church called, Holy Resurrection Cathedral also known as Nicholai-do. Not much of a history there except it's the main orthodox cathedral in Japan.

It was a very productive day for Big Elf I would say because he managed to buy his dream fretless bass guitar, which you can hardly find in Australia. So, this purchase alone made his whole Japan trip! Good on him!

Greetings from Taipei

2008-07-26T15:59:00.002+10:00

I am currently waiting board the plane to Tokyo. Time now is 2pm and time to board should be ..... anytime now as the flight is at 2.20pm.

Had a wonderful time in Taipei. Felt like ages since we went on holiday eventhough it has only been 2 days. We were so exhausted after walking all over for one whole day. To sum it up (since I don't have much time now) ,Taipei is good for shopping, but Big Elf and I are not impressed with the food and the city. It's a very typical chinese place like rural Hong Kong and China. Some parts are very similar to Malaysia, even. There isn't any nice views in the city itself. The food.. gosh.. maybe because of our language inadequacy, we find that there isn't much variety. Well, coming from Malaysia and Sydney, we can't expect Taiwan to have too much of a variety, can we?

Alrighty, can't really blog too much now.. gotta board the plane now!

What an exciting day!

2008-07-24T00:34:00.002+10:00

I am floating in exhilaration.. day started off well. But was a little sorry that my colleague was sick and didn't come to work. I have so much to ask her about my upcoming trip. Anyway, since she wasn't there, I knew I had to work triple pace faster so that I can go home early. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Still, it was ok because the day was immediately highlighted with the delivery of my Ipod Nano... FINALLY!!! I have been waiting for almost a month for it. I didn't have any expectation on the colour, so black is fine with me. It was totally awesome and my other colleague can see me grinning away widely every now and then. I must sincerely thank him of whom he was the reason I got this Ipod Nano. It was a long story..

I am elated because I will be flying off to Japan tomorrow (24 July) via Taiwan. I am sure it will be such a great trip. I will make sure I make full use of all the time I have there, which is not much. I am hoping to bring my laptop as we have free internet in Japan. However, Big Elf is worried that it might be a hassle as we are travelling to so many places ie taiwan, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Oh well, hopefully I will get to blog whilst travelling using public computer.

I promise to take many photos and will post it all up when I'm back. I can't blog much, it's really late now. Oh, I haven't forgotten about the Graves of the Fireflies. This show has really impacted me in such profound way that I never imagined could happen. I will do that when I come back.

Last but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG ELF!!!!!! LOVE YOU!!!!

Graves of the fireflies: The saddest movie ever

2008-07-20T14:20:00.004+10:00

I was persuaded to watch this anime by Big Elf. I wasn't interested because the title didn't really give away much. I had no expectation nor preparation to watch this movie. I simply watched it because I was coerced into it although Big Elf did tell me, it is a sad movie. Well, how sad can it be, I thought to myself. At the most, I will just shed a tear or two like I have in so many other touching movies.
Then, the movie showed. Thanks to Youtube, we can all watch almost any popular movies we want nowadays at our fingertips.

So, I sat comfortable on my bed, with the laptop literally on my lap, with no preparation, none whatsoever. Guess what, just 15 minutes into the movie, I was literally sobbing my heart out!!! I couldn't stop sobbing that Big Elf came rushing into the room, just to check on me. I gave him a good scolding for introducing such movie to me. It was really a painful movie and it touches every cell in my body I must say. It is not only touching and moving, but it is really.... really... sad. I have never watched any sadder war time movie ever in my life.

This is going to be a spoiler for those who hasn't watch the movie. The movie is about a teenage brother named Seita and a young sister, Setsuko(about 4-5 years of age) surviving as orphans during WWII. The part where I sobbed the most were the scenes below:

1. When their mother is dying (could in fact have died) and Setsuko asked to see her mother, but was refused by her brother. The mother was all wrapped up due to the blast of an air raid. She was severely burnt and died from the injuries. The scene where Setsuko just knelt down and sobbed because she can't see her mother, also not knowing that her mother is dead/dying, was so touching. The fact that she did not throw tantrums but just turned away in that sad and forlorn eyes, with a pouted mouth, standing still before knelting and cried, it was a very tearjerking scene.

2. When Setsuko was looking at her mother's ring and asked how come mum doesn't need her ring anymore. Then Seita told her, when mum is healthier, he will bring her to see mum. She just nodded enthusiastically "hm... hm..". That was another tearjerking scene.

3. When their distant aunt took away their mother's kimono to be traded for rice, Setsuko ran and grabbed hold of the aunt's arms to stop her from taking her mother's kimono and yelled, "No.. No.. it's mama's!" Oh, another tearjerking scene.

4. When Seito asked Setsuko what is she doing at one time, and Setsuko replied, she is making a grave, mummmy is in a grave too. That aunty told her mummy died, and she's in a grave now. (She was not meant to know that her mother is dead). Oh, such a heartbreaking line. Another tearjerking scene.

5. When Setsuko (in her pyjama) had to watch her brother being beaten for stealing food in order to feed them both (Seito had to resort to food theft in order survive) and being all alone and scared and not knowing what to do, she just cried out her brother's name, Ni-jan, Ni-jan. At this point, my heart totally went all out for her. Oh no, what if they lock his brother up for stealing food? What is going to happen to Setsuko? She has nobody around for her and for a 4 or 5 year old girl, it is unbearable to watch. She then tail-gated the man and her brother all the way to the police station and waited outside, all alone for her brother. All of me, am all out for her. Immensely saddening.

6. When Setsuko is languishing day by day and she woke up one day only to find her brother wasn't around. She is weak, tired, hungry and thirsty. Then Seito came back from looking for food only to find Setsuko collapsed on the floor. He tried to wake her up (well, at that point, I thought she died, so I really sobbed....) and the first thing she said when she opened her mouth was, "Water.. ". This is totally... not right for a 5 year old girl to have to go through all these. So heartwrenching!

7. When Seito carried the weak and frail Setsuko, and asked her what does she like to eat, to which Setsuko asnwered, "Tempura, Sashimi, Jelly.. ice-cream and also.. fruit drops". (the tin of fruit drops carried a significant meaning throughout the whole movie). I literally was sobbing, so hard I can hardly stop.

8. When Seito withdrew the last penny they have in the bank to buy food for Setsuko. He came home and found that Setsuko was lying on the bed, hallucinating. Setsuko was chewing a marble which she thought was fruit drop. Then, she offered rice balls to Seito, which she made out of mud. Finally, the part which I dread but already anticipated, Setsuko never woke up after that sleep.

My eyes... were badly swollen from crying. I, practically cried throughout the whole movie. Right now, I won't be able to blog my perspective after watching the movie. But I will in the next few days. It's late now, and I've got to sleep. Too exhausted from crying. Even from blogging about the movie, tears just rolled freely down my cheeks.

More organised with junk food

2008-07-19T14:02:00.007+10:00

We are such junkie.. I was looking around my flat only to find all sorts of junk food stored in either in their original plastic wraps or in the plastic lunch box tupperware. They look so messy and so embarrasing should we have visitors come to our place. It's not just the way it's being presented but also portrays what unhealthy eater we are.

This is my tupperware pantry, where all my junk food were previously stored in those ugly lunch boxes. After emptying out all the junk food, I realised I have so many tupperwares.

I was looking for some nice tupperwares and I came across one for sale, 49 pieces of tupperware for only 10bucks! The quality is good too! I only need it to store all my junk food anyway, so long as it's airtight, I'm pleased. Now, we are a more organised junkie!!

Egg Tart

2008-07-14T22:24:00.007+10:00

I got this idea from making apple pie the other day. One of my favourite dim sum dish other than prawn dumpling (har gao) is egg tart (dan tat) (even the thought of it now is making me salivate!). But it's always annoying when I don't get to eat these two dishes whenever I go for yum cha, particularly egg tart. Anyway, since I can make the pastry, I thought it would be great to try making egg tart. I got the recipe from here when I googled up for hong kong egg tart. However, the pastry I used my original recipe for the pie. Here are the ingredients for the egg custard:

135 g white sugar
355 ml water
9 eggs, beaten
1 dash vanilla extract
235 ml canned evaporated milk

These measurement can be scaled down accordingly, depending on how many you want to make. It's simple but it tastes really good although my pastry isn't as flaky as I'd like it to be. Somehow, I cannot get the shape of the tart to be round, I will keep trying to perfect it.

A surprise visit but a pleasant one...

2008-07-08T00:09:00.003+10:00

Yesterday afternoon, I was watching TV when I heard this funny chirping sound at my balcony. It was quite loud and I can feel that it was close to me. I looked over to my side and to my surprise, there was this beautiful parrot sitting on the railing of the balcony. It came twice already and I missed it the first time. So, I was prepared if it comes again. Without wasting any time, I quickly took some snaps of the parrot. But I guess, the parrot sensed my movement and was frightened away. Oh well, perhaps I should give the parrot some food to encourage him or her to come again. =)

My first apple pie!

2008-07-06T20:58:00.007+10:00

A friend of Andrew's named Michael has a lovely and kind mother. They are from China, but very modern and open people. She is one lovely and generous lady. She will invite us every now and then to their home for dinner and such. Hence, we felt that it's necessary to reciprocate such warm hospitality shown to us. So, we also invite them to our home for meals and sometimes we will introduce new places for them to eat out.

Our last visit to their home, Michael's mother gave us a big bag of Granny Smith apples, like virtually 20 of them, I think. They were really huge apples. I almost wanted to decline the offer but thought it would be rude to do so. How were we supposed to finish the apples? I tried to eat an apple a day, but it was really too much to finish, since I was the only one eating the apples without Big Elf's help!

Finally, as I was peeling all the apples to see if the apples gone bad (there were eight left), an idea struck me.... Apple pie! I'm sure there are other things I can make with apples, but apple pie struck my mind. So I googled up for an apple pie recipe and made sure that I have all the ingredients at home before proceeding. So, one in particular matched my criteria.

While Big Elf was preparing dinner, I took the opportunity to make my apple pie.. it wasn't hard to make. The preparation only took place in less than half an hour. Baking time was 45 minutes. Here's to share with you the recipe. Since, I 'stole' this recipe from somewhere I shouldn't take any credit for the pie. Here's the website to the recipe: Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients (serves 8)
260g plain flour
75g self-raising flour
185g unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
75g caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tbs milk
Demerara or caster sugar, to sprinkle

Filling
8 large Granny Smith apples
Juice of 1 lemon
45g unsalted butter
110g caster sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
(the website mentioned clove, but I don't have it)

As a result, the apple pie turned out to be superb! The pastry was really crispy and it looked so nice in it's golden brown colour. It was amazing and even Big Elf loved it. After we had the pie, he said to me that he didn't have any confidence in my apple pie initially (well, because I seldom ever succeed in anything at my first attempt), but he was proven wrong! haha =)

Oh well, enough said, this is what the pie turned out to be.

Too many hobbies.. so little time..

2008-06-28T22:00:00.005+10:00

There are a million things which I want to do but I just don't have the time for it. My day starts at 7am and by the time I come home from work, it's probably around 7pm on typical days. I have to go to gym 3 times a week and unfortunately, laziness ruled on some days and I ended up going to gym only twice a week, which is still not too bad (comforting myself here). By the time I get home from gym, it would be about 8.30pm. Then, we take turns to cook dinner. Sometimes we just eat out. If we cook, it will be about 9.30 -10pm after clearing up and washing up dishes. Then, we will go online just to check our e-mails and catch up with family and friends. That will take at least half an hour, which is archetypical and obligatory. That will leave me with another 1 hour or less to do my hobby. Now, tell me, how is it even possible to do my hobby? Some days I will be so exhausted (most of the days) and I just want to watch movies and not do anything else, not even eat!!

Here are the things I want to do at the moment:

1. I want to do read my books (possible on some days, but so frustrated because I cannot finish reading sooner than I anticipated),

2. I want to make jewelleries and sell them if possible (I am still waiting to have time to set up a website or even seeking some help from friends who won't charge me),

3. I want to study about photo-editting and photo effects (I have to practice and read all the tutorials online),

4. I want to knit (winter's arrived and I only managed to knit a scarve since this year)

5. I want to borrow some Hong Kong TVB's series, gosh I miss those time when I used to follow the 6pm movie in TV2 or TV3 and the 8pm series on Wah Lai Toi (although quite unlikely now due to the money involved to rent),

6. And my latest interest is to play piano, so much so that I want to get a new digital piano. I haven't played the piano since I left home for uni. Come to think of it, it's quite a waste to finish Grade 8 and not play at all now. Pity my parents who had to struggle to pay for my piano lesson fees last time. Perhaps, I should serve in the worship ministry and make full use of this ability. (At this point of blogging, I really feel compelled to serve the Lord). I can sing and dance and play the piano although not excellent but I guess good enough to serve the Lord with what I have.

If only I work nearer to home, right now it can easily take me 3 hours driving to and from work every single day. What a total waste of time!! No wonder days just pass us by just like that. Travelling time really irritates me to the core although I must say, it's the best time to learn patience.

God knows my heart's desire. If He is willing, He will help me by changing my situation now. If not, He probably thinks I can still endure the travelling and not spending my time wisely. This may be too menial an issue for some, but I guess I am feeling tired from all the travelling. Work wise is alright, although the company's not very kind to their staffs. I often wonder, why do people even bother sacrificing so much for this company.

Anyway, I wish I don't have to work so I can do all the things I love to do. Then again, the only such time to happen is when I have a baby. Then again, taking care of a baby is worse, not just an 8 hours job, but a 24 hours, round the clock job!!!

Please don't get me wrong. I am not unhappy with life now. I just have so much excitement in life after having found so many hobbies. I just can't seem to find time to do them. I just pray that God will answer that little prayer of mine in due time.

Cinema at home!

2008-06-27T20:14:00.003+10:00

As usual, we spent some nights at home watching movie. This time, Big Elf made some popcorn. I was so excited to see how the corn popped and puffed up when heated. It's my first time making popcorn and I can't believe how easy it was. Haha. We don't have a popcorn maker, so we just made it using a normal pot and we used honey instead of sugar. I reckon it's healthier that way. Anyway, it was lovely, just like those at the cinema. Over the period of 3 days, we watched 3 movies ie Sweeney Todd, The Pathfinder and National Treasure 2. If you know me, they are not my kind of movie. It's obviously Big Elf's choices. I was given a chance to choose a movie, so I chose Sweeney Todd. Bad choice!!! It was such a boring musical.Since they won some award at the Oscars, I thought they might be good. Gosh, and we've never seen anything so bloody before and I cannot understand why they do what they did. Just too hard for me to comprehend the whole story. The only song, however that caught our attention was this: "I feel you, Jo-an-na... ". It lingers at our ears for days. haha..

By the way, I am so lazy to blog lately. Lots of things to write though, just no mood for it. My apologies to all my loyal readers. I promise I will write something exciting soon, probably another testimony. =)

Cookies Cookies

2008-06-22T00:23:00.004+10:00

I was just clearing up the dry food storage cabinet, and I saw the peanut butter which I bought some time ago when a friend gave me a really simple recipe to make peanut butter cookies. I cannot believe it was that simple hence I decided to give it a try. I didn't have the proper recipe ie the exact amount I should be using, so I just gave it a rough estimate. So, here's to share with you the ingredients:

-->Peanut butter (I think I bought the cheapest for the sake of trying, but do get a better quality peanut butter).
--> Egg
--> Sugar
--> Pinch of ground cinnamon

Beat the eggs and mix everything together. Make a ball of about 2-3 cm in diameter, and then use a fork to press it down. It's really that simple. Bake for about 20 minutes and that's it! =) It's as easy as ABC. I forgot to add that it does taste nice! I hope to make this cooky for CNY with mum and Jlee..

Overstated Opulence

2008-06-19T20:44:00.008+10:00

I started using mobile phones 10 years ago. Don't get me wrong, I really dislike using them especially during those days when my dad will call me for a thousand times a day for no apparent reason. Those were the days when I was still single and available. Now that I'm married, he has accepted the fact that I'm no longer his little girl and he doesn't need to check on me, as my husband has taken over that protective role. Thank goodness, Big Elf doesn't call me often to harass me. I am very excited as I recently got a new mobile phone.. and the BEST part of it all, is it's FREE!! Don't ask me how, it's complicated, but LEGAL!!

I know some people who change phones to keep up with the trend, and it can happen as often as once a year, maybe less. I cannot imagine how some people do that, except for good reasons such as fortuitously losing their phones. Getting a phone is really no different from buying a car. It's just ridiculous to spend so much money on something that depreciates ever so rapidly. Yet, people still find it a sumptuous idea to own chic and high-tech stuffs. I find it annoying, seriously!

I remember once my girlfriends and I were walking towards our car in a parking lot. We walked pass a really cool car, according to one of my girlfriends. She just went all fanatical about it and wished she owns a car like that, a sports car mind you, so surely it's costly. Ironically, I don't even know the name of the car. I looked at the car and I was flabbergasted. Gosh, is she blind (no hard feelings), the car is even smaller than my Toyota Corolla, with just 2 seats!! Who else can sit in the car, other than the driver and obviously his or her partner. In addition, it is also predisposedly bigoted towards people who are really big size, in other words FAT! It's a ludicrious design and a total waste of money because it can't fit everyone. I bet the only reason people buy is to feed their massive ego in them. Period!

Same like clothings, what is the difference between a 100% cotton tee shirt from a cheap store and one from Armani (sorry, I just simply yell out an expensive brand). You still wear them, wash them, dry them and fold them the same way. Oh sorry, of course psychologically when you know it's branded and expensive, you give it special treatments like dry clean them instead of throwing them in the washing machine and hang them up in a hotel-room-type of hangar with all your other expensives clothes. Perhaps I am insensitive to the feel underneath these tee, but seriously, I don't think I can tell the difference between real cottons from different brands. So, stop the nonsense in telling me that there is a difference because there is NO difference, you moron. They are still 100% cotton!

Oh well, I guess I cannot impose on people to buy things that I think are worthwhile. Personally, I wouldn't spend my money on these things unless it's FREE!! I don't deny the fact that having own these luxury make you feel good, but they don't last. If you cannot feel contented with one, you will never feel contented because these things will replace itself and you will have to keep "wasting" money to keep up for the excuse of "feeling good".

Ok ok.. let's go back to my point. I was talking about my new mobile phone and I was reflecting on all the mobile phones I've used in the past.

My first mobile phone. At that time, there was this guy who was totally obsessed with me that he had to buy me this phone in order to talk to me. Well, of course I accepted, it was cheap for him and FREE for me! I did have a phone after this one, but in less than a month, I lost it at.. who knows where. I am hopeless with things. Yet another reason why I don't buy expensive stuffs, because I will lose it, trust me. I'm very good at that!

Leanne my ex-flatmate borrowed me this phone when I came to Sydney. She had an extra phone and bless her for borrowing me this phone when I didn't have money to get a phone. Well, not really I just didn't want to waste money on buying a mobile phone then.

Just after I moved out, I returned the phone to Leanne. Then after I got married, Big Elf and I went scouting for phones. I had a chance to get a really nice phone, yet I wasn't interested. So I settled for the cheapest prepaid phone ie the above for only $69 including $10 credit in calls. Again, my talent showed and I lost it (told ya I'm good at that), only this time I knew where I lost it. I lost it at Coles Supermarket in Leichhardt!! I don't even want to start with this. I left it at the magazine section and there was a camera right above it. Yet, when I spoke to someone there, no one can tell me anything about it, they just gave me empty promises that they will check the recording and then decided not to get back to me.

I was so reluctant to get another phone as I'm tired of losing phones. Yet, Big Elf was genuinely concern should I get into trouble and I'm uncontactable. So, ok, we got me another phone. I went for another of the cheapest phone ie the above for only $79 including $10 credit of calls. Phone is alright, except I hate the monophonic ring tone and the annoying alert sound when you on or off the phone. Just imagine, I simply can't discreetly off my phone say in the middle of watching a movie in the cinema. It's just a totally absurb feature! Thank God, I didn't lose this one. I still have it as a spare.

And alas, my latest phone, Nokia 6300. I must re-iterate the fact that I got this for FREE!!! So, not a single cent wasted. I really pray that I won't lose the phone this time. Arghh, a paranoia which I dread.

I got infected!!!

2008-06-17T19:47:00.003+10:00

With TROJAN VIRUS!!! Goodness me, can you believe it? I can't !! I just cannot comprehend how did I even get infected in the first place. I am always a careful person and I don't simply open any emails or files from people I don't know. I also don't download any porn.. so how did I get it ??? One possible explanation could be through MSN when I was chatting with my couzzie who is only 10 years old and suddenly she sent me some links, which she was totally oblivious of.
I don't know, I'm quite a computer idiot, not to mention I know anything about virus! Can someone please help me clarify if this is at all possible ie to transfer a virus through MSN, in a link which I didn't even open!!!

How filthy and inconsiderate!

2008-06-10T21:53:00.001+10:00

I have been wanting to blog this for a while, but my anguish always never last for the day to be able to blog this in the evening.

This is my question; have you ever, when in such an urgency to pee, rushed to the toilet, only to find that 3 out of 4 the toilet bowls are stained with residual shit!!??

I'm sure when encountering such situation, your first impulse is to go check out the other cubicle hoping you will get a cleaner toilet bowl. And boy, don't you get frustrated when almost all the toilet bowls have shit it them?? I mean, what's wrong with people? How filthy can they be? I think they should be sent to a grooming school with my aunties being the teachers to really drill into them about hygiene.

If it's public toilet, I totally understand. If you try to observe (I had to confirm with a friend about this), alot of toilets around Msia, posh or not, they are so underfunded that they cannot even provide a toilet brush in every toilet. My problem now is with toilets that HAVE toilet brushes at your DISPENSE! It's there to be used... so use it!! You might wonder perhaps people who are more educated may be more hygienic, but you will be surprised that some of these people have no inclination of hygiene AT ALL because you can, apparently find these people in my lab!

What is so hard with cleaning after yourself? So, what if there's a cleaner who comes and clean after you? Still, it reflects on who you are and what sort of a person you are. You may not get caught and be indentified in public, but that only goes to show, what a filthy person you are behind closed doors and you are only putting a fake front!

Oh guess what I do sometimes, if I ever catch someone coming out of the toilet, I will take a quick peep inside the cubicle she just came out from, just to see whether or not she's as "clean" as she looks on the outside!! It's not just shit that I look out for, it's the toilet rim that I look at too. Sometimes, even if it wasn't mine, I have to relent (gosh, it was really difficult!) and clean it up because I fear someone else will pass me the same judgment! Which is why, I try so hard to avoid such toilets. Gosh, I cannot believe how some women can be so appalling..

So the lesson to learn here is ... CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF, PLEASE!!!

Great weekend!

2008-06-09T18:06:00.004+10:00

It was a long weekend because of Queen's birthday. Thank God for the Queen, long live the Queen for we appreciate this holiday. We (the ex-OCFers) made a trip down to Camden on Saturday to visit a couple who are also ex-OCFers. It was a really enjoyable trip. I was contemplating whether or not to go for the trip as I was so looking forward to a quiet weekend at home, just doing nothing but resting. We finally agreed to join the entourage for the visit. There were 9 of us in total and we drove in separate cars. The journey was over before we knew it, and it only took us an hour and abit. It was like a peaceful countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. They live in a farmhouse because the wife is a vet and is doing her placement there. So, that explains why they are there. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the barbeque, cakes and above all, the fellowship we had. I'm glad we went. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos but I'm hoping Leanne will share her photos in Facebook soon. Oh of course, I left the most exciting bit, after the barbeque and several rounds of card games, we all headed to Campbelltown which is 21kms away from the hosts' farmhouse to catch a movie and we watched "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian". It was a great movie!! It's probably on par with LOTR (LOTR fans will definitely shoot me for saying this). Anyway, what a nice way to conclude our day-trip after which we all headed back to Sydney.

Must watch. Better than the first one, probably due to more actions involved. However, it's very LOTR because of the shared elements such as the trees that became alive and the water gushing that swept the enemies away, only it took place as a form of a man probably God himself. Besides drama/romantic films, I love fantasy films, if you don't already know.

Oh, movies again. I watched Babel on Friday. Very intriguing story but may not suit everyone's taste.

Big Elf loves my food!

2008-06-02T22:31:00.007+10:00

I sound like it's such an achievement to me. It IS a big deal to me. I am always happy when Big Elf approves of my cooking. Only it's not so much of a cooking, it was a really simple meal to make. One of the Wednesday nights (as I mentioned before), we went for vietnamese food. I had rice vermicelli with grilled pork. From the description in the menu, it sounded great. But when the food arrived, I was sceptical about the taste, or if the rice vermicelli was even cooked and couldn't help it but wonder how could one eat a cold dish as a main. But we all have to start trying somehow, somewhere. So I added the dipping sauce and mixed all the ingredients. I have no inkling of how the taste with the sauce would turn out to be (if I knew it has lime juice, it would have made the pre-tasting ordeal easier). Anyway to cut the whole story short, I liked it the moment I tasted it. In fact, I fell in love with it almost immediately and vowed to make it that very weekend. I will search for the recipe and simply try it out on my own.

It was really easy to make. I won't take any credit in making it, but you can easily google for the recipe. The only ingredients I missed were beansprout, mint leaves/basil leaves and lemon grass for the pork. Still, to my amazement, Big Elf loved it. He just went "hm" on the first slurp, and "hmm" on the second and again "hmmm" on the third. It didn't take him long to finish the whole bowl. We had a half of the sauce left, and he quickly suggested making it again the next day for dinner.

It was such an accomplishment and liberation to be able to please Big Elf with food! (Grinning widely now....)

My choice of "Chick Flick"

2008-05-29T21:39:00.006+10:00

Wednesday (6-8pm)is the cheap day for new releases. I knew the movies I so wanted to watch are finally out in DVD. I drove like a maniac to the video store because I had wasted 2 precious weeks of not being able to rent movies. Well, hubby took me out for dinner those wednesday nights, so I shouldn't complain ( I think I shall refer to him as Big Elf from now onwards, feels more inherent to me).

Anyway, I watched 2 movies as they are only available for overnight rent ie I had to watch 2 movies within one night (Thank goodness, Big Elf had to work late yesterday). I am a very insatiable viewer when it comes to movies I cannot wait to watch. Nevermind the late night!

My first movie was Lust, Caution by Ang Lee starring Tony Leung, Tang Wei and Joan Chen. I know I am almost half a year late of watching since its first release in January, still I'm glad I watched it. One sentence; It's sooooo my kind of movie. It totally left me feeling satisfied in the end albeit sad but necessary ending. The plot is just amazing and it does fill you in and get you on your toes. I feel like researching this movie and write up all the parts/scripts in this movie. That's how crazy I can be. The only disturbing part for me was that the sex scene is too real but that was the hub of the movie, the seduction and passion behind the phony facade. Perhaps its real, I cannot tell. If it wasn't real, hats off to the casts and director. As I mentioned before, I am not good at story telling, so I'm won't summarize the movie but rather I will share with you my thoughts on the movie. If you want the synopsis, go here. There is a plot summary in wikipedia but its not as accurate as it foretells.

1. Tang Wei is absolutely brilliant, considering this is her first movie. She just basically bypassed having to act in trivial roles before becoming a major movie star. She is as lucky as Zhang Ziyi and Cameron Diaz, if you know what I mean. Having said that, she of course graduated from performing acts course, so she must know how to act. She may not be stunningly beautiful, that is if you judge her through modern standards. However, she would be considered a rare beauty through ancient eyes. That was the very reason why she was chosen out of 10,000 women who auditioned.

2. There is nothing fresh with Tony Leung, but I must give credit to his acting, which is not surprising in this movie. He is an excellent actor, no doubt but his violent and aggresive sex scene just gave me goosebumps. Perhaps I've not seen this side of him.

3. Wang Lee Hom, my.. I must admit, he has this amazingly good looks. Every feature of his seems too perfect to be real and he could be a beautiful woman too if he wants. But let's not speculate on his sexuality, alright. I have no interest in that. I just think he is good looking but nothing more than that.

Anyone who has watched the movie and is as fanatical as I am, feel free to email me to discuss. I would looove to discuss the plot just to satisfy my curiosity. You must think of me as crazy!

This is also another thumbs up from me although it's very tragic. I've come to realized that I am a real sucker for romance, just not any romance, but a romance that has to endure hardship, which is why I am so passionate about love-story during war times. To me, these sort of love has a deep and profound meaning, unlike today's love story whereby it's all too straightforwad, effortless, simple and superficial. You meet someone, go after her (yeah, that's the only probable hardwork), a little bit of separation here and there (probably days or weeks or at the most a year), then proposal and marriage followed by having kids. There you go, what a cliché.

Ok, ok reality check. I'm not living in those days and I cannot be overly immersed with these stories.

Never underestimate Thy God!

2008-05-20T22:01:00.011+10:00

Believe it or not, I have never had a proper CV nor a resume even. All these while, God has blessed me with everything, studies and jobs. It's really like the saying goes, "money" just rained down from heaven to me of which in this case, its not really money but jobs and everything else. I don't think I ever worked hard for it. I was never the brightest student. I am always unlucky with exams, yet I never lose out. I just did what I had to do at the time, and I placed my worries at God's altar. I could really feel God's grace upon me, as underserving as I am, I was never in want.

Coming to Sydney, was like a dream come true. In fact, as long as it's overseas, it was a dream for me. Not in a million chance would I dream that my parents could afford sending me overseas. Hm.. perhaps, I shall save this part of God's testimony for next time.

When I arrived in Sydney, I had no idea how the next 2 years will be for me. I was here to pursue my Masters Degree, and with the help of hubby (then boyfriend), he found me an apartment, and a christian flatmate too. The money I brought with me was only enough for a month's rent ($1360) and a 2 weeks bond ie $680 (split into half with my flatmate). I have no time to spare, I had to find a job as soon as possible. I had to constantly remind myself, I'm not here for holiday. Frankly speaking, I enjoyed the first week here, and then after I had to keep planning and budgeting for my expenses and looking for a job while diligently attending my masters class. I cannot express my gratefulness to my husband who just found himself a job, and has only earned his very first income then. The amount of money then, was menial. It must be difficult for him should I expect him to help me financially. My family isn't going to be able to support me very long with the sky-rocketing rent in Sydney.

I lived a very frugal life, yet it doesnt look frugal at all, looking back at those days. I made simple meals for myself for the first 3 months. Thank God for sending me generous flatmate, who never ceased sharing food with me. Her name is Leanne, and I must give credit to her. "Leanne, if you read this, thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

Meantime, I tried looking for jobs. Went to uni, searched everywhere for job availability and even walked along the main street where I stayed, visited medical centres, hospitals, companies and gave them my scarce resume like a pamphlet (by the way, I lived near uni and a hospital). It was not easy to find a proper job then. A proper job yet doesn't really require much experience. No one would look at my resume twice. Perhaps, I was asking too much.

One day, we came across an angel who gave us the idea of applying for jobs in supermarkets. My coursemate who was a doctor told me about it. He came from India or Sri Lanka or Bangladesh (I cannot re-call) and was working in a supermarket while waiting to finish his course before undertaking a test to qualify him to work as a doctor in Sydney. My eyes was opened to something I've never seen before, the idea of working in a supermarket. Back home, working in supermarket basically means you have no qualification at all. That was the steoreotype given by the society. Sad, but true.

I did not expect a big pay from working in supermarkets, yet I was in desperate need of money. I had to give it a try and forgo all pride and ego in me. So, I applied. Mind you, to my surprise, it wasn't a simple application. First stage, I had to do an online application. Even then, they tested me on IQ!! Can you believe it? Not so that they can reject you if you fail but rather it's informative to them to place you in the appropriate department. Once accepted, the second stage proceeded. I was notified that it was to be a group interview. I was all in the look out for friends who have worked in departmental stores before and asked for advise. I was so nervous and I wanted to do well. Before I knew it, I was all into it. Some kind friends advised me to be myself and make sure I participated in the group discussion. I have to make myself stand out in order to catch the interviewee's attention. It all seemed so difficult for me as I hated public speaking. I never have strong command for attention. I only needed God's strength to help me get through it and most importantly, be selected.

Time came for the group interview. There were at least 3 groups, each group consisted of 6-8 people. I was literally shaking and kept praying to God that when I speak, I shall be heard. Thank God that the interviewee sat right across me in a rectangular table. We were given a case study, and then 10 minutes for open discussion. One of the case study was like, giving promotional ideas. Somehow, I manage to come out with an idea (in fact, an idea even I thought was brilliant). Ultimately, I was heard and I saw the interviewee glanced at my name tag before jotting down something on his notepad. I hit it, I just knew I did.

At the end of the session, we were given a form to fill in. In case we get through, we have to select our choice of supermarket. Of course, I chose several that I know are closest to where I lived. The closest being Broadway. I left the building, never feeling as contented before. I knew, whatever it was, God will look after me.

A week later, I was contacted by the HR of this supermarket, in BROADWAY!!! I got the interview with the deli department of the supermarket. Hang on, that's not the end. There was the third and final stage of interview. The manager was required to interview me before giving me the job. Can you believe that just a supermarket will require such intensive interview?

Anyway, I made it through the last stage of interview. The manager liked me when she first saw me, and I only got to know later on that she was very strict and not so likeable by her staffs. However, with God's grace, I found favour in her. As I was a casual and my visa sub-class re-stricted me to 20 hours of work, I was given the best shift one can ever ask for working in supermarket. I was given the weekend shift (if you know the wages rate in Australia, weekends pay can be at least 20% more than weekdays). I worked from 1pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, a total of 16 hours. Since I have 4 hours of spare, I can be called in to work anytime during weekdays. To be honest, I earned about $1200 a month by just working 2 days a week. Rental was $170 a week, that leaves me with $520 for food and travelling, which was more than sufficient. I also discovered that being a casual and working in supermarkets, the rates are far better off than anywhere else. Should I get the other jobs I initially applied for, it wouldn't be as much as what the supermarket paid me.

After just 3 months of living in Sydney with my family's help, I was on my own until today. How God helped me with my tuition fees is another testimony to give. I shall save that for some other time.

Coming back to my point of sharing, the reason I never got any job in the medical field was because of my inadequate experience. Of course, it's understandable. I remembered when I had to prepare my first resume, it was tough. I tried vehemently to come up with 2 pages, but that was all I can do.

As I was trying to update my resume and to my amazement, it easily went on to 5 pages. Not that I have many a great achievement, still I was amazed and I began to ponder over God's love and grace for me over these years. How He walked with me, every day of my lives here. I couldn't have seen myself where I am now back then. Even my job today, was a blessing from God. Not one which I had to undergo another rigorous interview like the one I did for the supermarket. It was more of a casual chat with a professor and I ended up with this job. Again, that is another testimony to be saved for some other time.

Before blogging, the title was supposed to be "Never underestimate thyself". Now, it seems so inappropriate as it shows self-centeredness and ungratefulness to God. So, I've corrected it and this is how it should be; Never underestimate Thy God!

Best vacuum cleaner

2008-05-18T16:01:00.006+10:00

One can never fathom how much dust there is in the air. I personally do not know how it originated but I learnt that dust consist mainly of human dead skins and of course, not to mention the outdoor contribution to the dust at home. I wonder how people in the olden days clean their house. They sweep and sweep and sweep, yet little do they know, the amount of dust swept is really modest compared to vacuuming.

We only live in a very small flat (don't ask me how big or how small, it's really small) and we used to own a fairly old vacuum cleaner. Despite the weekly vacuuming, I can sense that there are still so much dust around. Thanks to my sensitive nose. I will sneeze non-stop as I'm allergic to dust.

Till one day, the call for a new vac came when ours finally died. It stopped whilst vacuuming and smoke just came out of the filter part, or whatever engineers call it. It freaked me out for a moment. But twas a good thing, I can finally get a bagless vac.

We looked around a few websites and compared different brands and prices, but none caught our eye. Finally we went to The Good Guys, and tested out a few vacs. We narrowed down our choices to a Samsung and Volta. Brand wise, of course Sams are more well-known. Anyway, we finally decided on the Samsung one cause of the better features offered.

We came home, excited with the new vac and hubby couldn't wait to try it on. One interesting feature about this vac is the collection of dust (primarily) in a little cylinder-like case attached to the handle part. The length of the cylinder is about 7inches long and 3 inches in diameter. After vacumming the whole flat, we had to literally empty the cylinder casing not once, not twice but three times!! It was a shock finding. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw the dust. Anyway, that was perhaps the worst time to vacuum because of the breakdown of our old vac. The dust must have accumulated that much after a couple of weeks of not vacuuming the house!

A picture of the Samsung vac.

An empty cylinder just before vacuuming!

Amount of dust after just a week of not vacuuming!!

I strongly recommend this vac for a small home.
Bro ~ check this vac out if you have it there. Rather than checking the floor for dusts using torchlight, here's a simpler solution!!! =)

Special gift

2008-05-17T20:26:00.004+10:00

As I was cleaning up the house (actually, correction: it's a granny flat, not a house =)) today, I decided to dispose of some unused little boxes I keep, for memories sake. I can be very sentimental at times. I like to treasure certain stuffs and until a point when I'm willing to part with them, then I shall discard them.This little box received that fate today. It's a perfume box, which my husband bought me when we re-united in Sydney after 9 months of separation (I know, it's not really that long a separation). But it was so nice of him, and I love the perfume so much that I barely use it, afraid it will finish too quickly. It's been 4 years and I've only used less than a quater of it (there's a picture below to proove it). So, I thought of taking a photo of the box before throwing it away, just to keep a visual memory of it. In my life, only 2 special man bought me perfume. One is my husband and the other is none other than my father. I loved that perfume so much and it lasted me a good 10 years. It was Cool Water by Davidoff. Perhaps, I should get that perfume again as it suited my natural body scent and I love the fragrance.

My usual Saturdays

2008-05-17T19:47:00.009+10:00

I work Monday to Friday, and there are days I really didn't feel like going to work. However, that rarely happens, the only reason for that was because I do like my job unlike school days where almost everyday I didn't feel like going to school. Anyway, without a doubt I always look forward to weekends especially Saturdays because it's the only day I get to sleep in late and wake up say 10-ish. There are days when I do wake up earlier, feeling refreshed, then I would start with the housework or go to gym (the latter happens only recently).

Anyway, my typical Saturdays will always include doing housework such as cleaning, ironing, washing and vacuuming. Thank God for husbands who loves to cook ie my husband. While doing all these "hard" work, he will prepare food for me. We had bible study last night and I thought I've 'trained' my body to take more tanin/caffeine as I've been drinking tea. Actually, not really. Come to think of it, I've been drinking just rooibos tea, which is caffeine free. Sigh, really, nothing's changed. So, during bible study, we were served tea and I drank 2 small cup. Only TWO and I can't believe it affected me the whole night. We came home and I didn't feel sleepy at all. I was wide awake until 3.30am! It's so frustrating.

As a result, I woke up really late ie 11 something. Hubby woke me up to let me know breakfast or brunch (if you like) was ready (where to find such husband??). I woke up to a really nice breakfast served before me (I love the eggs!).

After breakfast/brunch, we normally run some errands and do some shopping. Then if there's time, we will come home and just throw ourselves onto our lovely bed and just snore away. However, if it was after 3pm, we try not to as we would prefer to be able to sleep at night and not disrupt our normal sleeping routine. We didn't take our afternoon nap today, of course, plus I have to do my housework. So, off I went to do my cleaning, washing and vacuuming. Hubby went to play some basketball with friends and he came back to a clean and tidy house, a feeling he always loves!

Soon it was dinner time and our menu for dinner includes sweet and sour prawns. I've been craving for it for so long and was looking forward to it. I made white raddish soup with pork bones and cooked a vegetable dish. Hubby finally cooked my favourite dish and it really tasted as good as it looks!

After dinner, we normally proceed to the couch to watch TV. If there's something on we will watch them, else we will watch a movie instead if we rented them. Or like what I am doing now, I will just blog.

Hence, that conclude my typical Saturdays!

Finally!

2008-05-14T21:00:00.004+10:00

It's so liberating to finally get my driver's licence. I have been driving for almost 4 yearrs in Sydney with my Malaysian's driver's licence and according to the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) of NSW, I have to get a local driver's licence after living for 3 months in the country. Not very law abiding, am I?

Taking the test itself is a nightmare. I failed once, and I was so nervous to re-take the test. Oh, and something happened regarding the driving test and I'm sure if I tell you, you will be mad at me.

My second test was initially scheduled on the 12th of May ie Monday. The night before I was preparing for the test and what to bring; driving test slip, check, driving test book, check, L licence, check, L plates, check, proof of address documentation, check, Malaysian's driver's licence translation, check. All prepared and set, I thought to myself. Next morning, hubby was so nice to accompany me to RTA. Test was on 8.30am and we were on time. Then, just before my name was called, I searched for my wallet.. opened my handbag, and I couldn't see my wallet!! I was frantically searching for it and started panicking. Deep inside, I knew I must have left it on the table when I double-checked my L licence the night before. I was apologizing profusely to the test instructor, and asked if I could quickly rush home to get it. She wouldn't proceed with the test without any proof of ID. So, just imagine the whole ordeal.. I almost felt like killing myself!

Finally, the test instructor (thank God, she's a nice lady) suggested that I re-book my test and discouraged rushing around otherwise, I will mess up all their schedule for the day. That left me with no choice really but to re-book. Hence I have to pay an extra 40 bucks to re-book the test. Then, my next fear was, the waiting period for the next available test. It normally takes about 3 weeks and I was dreading like crazy to drive 'illegally' again prior to the test. But guess what, God is good, praise the Lord. The next available test was the very next day!!! How awesome was that? Even the test instructor said I was lucky! I quickly booked the test for the next day and left RTA with mixed feelings.

I have an amazing husband. He did not utter a single angry word. The only mad person was me. But I remembered the ultimatum he gave me. With slight difficulty, I composed myself and tried not to be so affected by the incident. He noticed and praised me for that. Haha.. isn't that funny? Instead of giving me a piece of his mind, he praised me for keeping calm. So, it worked. I chose not to be affected by my own mistake, and forgave myself. But, having said these, I truly hope it served as good lesson and I will learn from this mistake.

So, the next day I took the test, and it all went smoothly. The test normally takes 45 mins to an hour (under new rules since end of 2007), but it only took me 30 minutes to complete everything. I am so glad that I finally got this chapter of my life closed. Feels so good to drive so freely now!!

The Idea of North

2008-05-11T17:01:00.004+10:00

On Saturday, we had the priviledge of attending a gig/show by a jazz group called The Idea of North. It's a contemporary a cappella group singing mainly jazz, pop and gospel. Eventhough I've never heard of this group, I did enjoyed the show. Plenty of scat singing, however, it wasn't as impressive as I would expect them to be, having since won the best "contemporary acapella group in the country". Many of such musical talent do come from church, as singing and music do play an essential role. Hence, we did have some youths perform such acapella singing in church once, and that wowed me instantly. This group too has a history of coming together because of the same faith and belief, something which I automatically assume since they sing gospel songs. They are pretty good, but I think they can be better should they have awesome composers, especially the world renowned ones. Anyway, go check out their website and listen to some of their singing.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T15:15:00.004+10:00

Today's blogging is dedicated to my mum, Linda Cheong, the best mum on earth. I wish I can be with her everyday of my life. She is someone whom I don't mind living with for the rest of my lives.

She's a strong woman as she's protective over our being yet vulnerable and sensitive to our needs. She's funny as she can never perfect her cooking and baking, yet I love all her cooking. She's everyone's best friend as she emphatizes with you, yet she can be genuinely honest with you. She cries with you and her heart goes out for all who is in need, yet she can chastise you for being a fool. She's open-minded, and would accept anything as long as we are honest with her. She would laugh and cry with us, as a friend would, yet showered us love sacrificially and unconditionally.

She is the most amazing and modern mother, mother-in-law, aunty, sister and grandmother. She is great in every role she plays. No one I know, can play these roles simultaneously with such passion coupled with genuine care and concern.

Love you mum!!

Want to be happy? Don't have kids!

2008-05-10T10:05:00.003+10:00

I am battling within myself over this issue. I've tried to come out with a good, practical and sensible reason to have kids, other than God's ordinance. Not that I have anything against people having kids, nor the kids themselves. In fact, I love kids, correction, I love babies. As I re-visit this issue, I want to confess, there isn't a single day which pass without me giving a good thought about it. Whenever we ask couples who have children, fundamental questions like why have children, almost always we get this answer quite unequivocally; it's very rewarding.

I have personally pondered over this word, "rewarding" over and over again. What does it mean by that? Rewarding in what manner? What will children give us? What will do they for us? This life alone have enough problems by itself, can children alleviate them? I also hear that children bring much joy to us, in what sense?

Finally, an article in the newspaper came to my attention. The headings read exactly like the title of this blog. Harvard University psychology professor Daniel gilbert talked about marriage first, how it was marriage that will make us happy and not money. Then he moved on to state that children will only make us sadder, in fact, the more children we have, the sadder we are likely to be. He continued on by stating that studies in the US and European over the past 10 to 15 years showed people's happiness did spike while they were expecting a baby, but it sharply plummeted after the child was born. It takes another big hit when the child reaches adolescence and finally our happiness will only come back to us when the child grow up and go away. To me, I guess that only happens provided that the child does well in life and does not give the parents any problems or worries.

The one analogy Professor Gilbert gave, somewhat answered my question on the meaning of the word "rewarding". He compared having kids to buying a pair of Armani socks. When people own them, they can't stop teling you they are the best socks, the most amazing socks. Perhaps, the reason for that is because they paid almost a hundred bucks for it. Surely, it must be a good socks, no doubt about it!

So true. You wouldn't want anything bad to occur after your purchase, would you? Especially if it involves so much money! Surely, psychology play a role here. Because you invested so much effort, energy, money, time, attention, blood and tears to have children, surely, they must bring us some joy or happiness. As Professor Gilbert puts it, what kind of idiots would we be to devote all of that to the rearing of our young if they'd didn't bring us some happiness??

In fact, this is a point of no return if we have kids. It's not like purchasing something and keep it if satisfactory. We can undo the making of kids. We have no choice but to accept it for all its worth. If they are good kids, perhaps you'll say it's all worth it. What if they are brats, rascals, disobedient and hopeless bunch of kids? How can they be worth it?

Then when the arguments not winning, people bring in religion. That it's a blessing to have children? What kind of blessing can that be when all your kids give you is nothing but heartache?

Well, perhaps, that satisfy my question of how rewarding can children be? If you think about it, that is actually not the right word to use, especially if their children are a handful. You can only use that word, when you reach an old age, having raised good and successful in their own ways kids. Not when your kids are still crawling. With this, I came to a conclusion that when people say all the good things about their children, it all boils down to this; ownership. This is also the very basic instinct of survivalship.

People made children themselves (with God's help, of course!), so it's quite an achievement to finally own someone of your flesh and blood. You would protect anything that's of your ownership, you would say all sorts of nice things of everything you own. Else, you wouldn't own them. Everything you own, must be good and perfect in your eyes.

Finally, my point of view on how kids affect our happiness, is slightly different than the mentioned article. Happiness is a choice. Kids don't make it worse nor better. I do agree kids can make it worse, if they are little rascals. But if you have good children, they are really to die for. Raising kids is challenging, especially if you want to produce good kids. But hey, what isn't challenging in this life?

Therefore, I shall wait and let God intervene. If He's willing, we will get a child soon. Else, it shouldn't make any difference to our happiness now.

Anger management

2008-05-02T22:32:00.006+10:00

I am an angry person as always dubbed by my husband as 'angry elf'. I'm not sure if I have been this way all my life or has it just gone worse over the years. My problem is I can react or respond aggresively when I'm angry or even sheer annoyance too can cause me behave that way. It seems like I'm a totally different person whenever anger evoked in me. Since I cannot lash out my anger at the problem in public, hence I redirect all my anger to hubby. My anger has in fact gone out of control and is turning destructive, leading to marriage problem. Thank goodness, hubby endured this problem of mine with lots of patience and has confronted me in dealing with anger before it's too late.

What makes me angry? Things such as ruined plans, unco-operative people, traffic jams, losing things of value and etc. I quote this from a website talking about controlling anger.

People who are easily angered generally have what some psychologists call a low
tolerance for frustration, meaning simply that they feel that they should not
have to be subjected to frustration, inconvenience, or annoyance. They can't
take things in stride, and they're particularly infuriated if the situation
seems somehow unjust: for example, being corrected for a minor mistake. What
makes these people this way? A number of things. One cause may be genetic or
physiological: There is evidence that some children are born irritable, touchy,
and easily angered, and that these signs are present from a very early age.
Another may be sociocultural. Anger is often regarded as negative; we're taught
that it's all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions but not to
express anger. As a result, we don't learn how to handle it or channel it
constructively. Research has also found that family background plays a role.
Typically, people who are easily angered come from families that are disruptive,
chaotic, and not skilled at emotional communications.

For my case, it definitely has to be family background, and guess what, my dad is a totally angry person and does not know how to express himself well. Hence, his anger is uncontrollable and often involves violence. Time and again, hubby always remind me of my dad when I'm angry, scary he says. If I don't like the way my dad is when he's angry, hubby can totally identify with that, as I'm placing him in the same situation. Speaking of which, my brother and my sister are all the same too, all angry people.

It's funny that the article also mentioned this:

Logic defeats anger,because anger, even when it's justified, can quickly become
irrational. So use cold hard logic on yourself. Remind yourself that the world
is "not out to get you," you're just experiencing some of the rough spots of
daily life. Do this each time you feel anger getting the best of you, and it'll
help you get a more balanced perspective.

So true! I'm not a good communicator, so when I'm angry, I don't get my reasoning across right. There was once (only once), when I shouted at hubby because I couldn't make him stop advising me. There he was trying to calm me down, and because I couldn't think logically, I just lost it. Whenever things go wrong, I keep telling myself, that God is unfair to me! Exactly the same line of thinking as though the world is out there to get me.

What got me to blog about anger management was something that happened recently until today. I lost my hubby's wedding band. How?? You must be asking, isn't your husband wearing the ring? To give you a little background to that whole ring issue, I will have to go as far back as to our wedding.

We were getting married, so of course every wedding or marriage needs a "symbol" to remind us of our love for each other. So we got the rings. Even then, problems already existed with the whole ring ordeal. Firstly, hubby knew it will be a hard time adjusting to wearing accessory daily. Secondly, we cannot decide on what colour ie gold or white gold. When he gave me the engagement ring, it was in gold because he said he would prefer a gold ring (all his brothers wear gold, so he wants to follow suit!) for the wedding band. Hence, I chose gold for the diamond ring so as to go with the wedding band later on. When the time came to choose the wedding band, we found out that he suits silver colour better ie white gold. I had to accept a white gold to go with my diamond ring so as to have a matching wedding band. An annoyance I had to bear. Thirdly, after the church ceremony, he announced to the world (during dinner reception) that he forgot to wear the wedding ring. Something I forgave easily as we were newly married, surely you are not use to wearing the ring yet. Fourthly, he shows you how 'important' the ring is by simply placing the ring everywhere, even to the extent that he left it on his desk at work. Then, as time passed, it's been 2 years since we got married, and I can count the number of times he wore the ring. Even then, I had to make him wear it. We eventually striked a deal, that I should allow him not to wear it on weekdays, and in return he will wear it on weekends (have you ever known of such couple doing this sort of bargaining?!).

Finally, I have had enough. If he's not wearing it, I will store it away and he will have a hard time looking for it. True enough, my words came to pass. I have since kept it somewhere, even I don't know where I kept it. It's been two days and we were both frantically searching for it but it's no where to be seen. Because of this, I have been moody and angry. I was searching for it, because I still want to keep it as my treasure, but he was searching for it not because of the ring, but knowing that it will cheer me up and make me happy again. He cannot tolerate me being so affected as it affects him deeply as well.

So really, what hubby said was true. In fact, there are many reasons why I didn't have to be angry over this matter. Reasons which I have just explained. I should just have a cognitive restructuring (as proposed by the website) that is to change my thinking over this ring. As much as it's a symbol, it's only still a symbol. What matters more is my husband, as he puts it, well and alive, beside me.

We have been so good for some time now, and he really treasures these happy times. In fact, I'm loving my husband more and more now. I will have to make a conscious effort to control my anger and to remind myself, being angry will not mend things. I wouldn't trade hubby for anyone. He is such a wonderful man. I pray that God will help me deal with my emotions. Please pray for me.

Movie Spree

2008-04-27T21:44:00.009+10:00

Have been on a movie watching spree the whole week. I almost forgot that I do blog about the movies I watched. So, I shouldn't cease doing it, just so I can keep an account of what I've watched in my entire life. I am also amazed at how some dedicated souls out there who uploaded the movies I enjoyed greatly in YouTube for pathetic souls like me who wants to reminisce those days when I used to watch them. Just to name a few from YouTube, they are mainly chinese films like God of Gamblers (starring Chow Yun-Fatt), Treasure Hunt (also starring Chow Yun-Fatt), Shanghai Grand (starring Leslie Cheung), Farewell, My Concubine (Leslie Cheung) and as of this evening, The Joy Luck Club (starring many but not exceedingly well-known actresses and actors, except Vivian Wu and Russell Wong).

The movies that we borrowed from the rental place were as below:
1. Jasmine Women starring Zhang Zhi Yi and Joan Chen.

You can sort know what to expect from Zhang ZhiYi's movie. Her acting is pretty much the same. I'm not saying it's not good, it's brilliant, in fact. I just find it a little lacklustre because all the roles she's played so far, shows the strong-willed, stubborn, independent, vengeful side of her. Any movies you watch of her, it must be one of these character or something similar. Same goes to Joan Chen, although I would prefer her to Zhang ZhiYi. Joan is an amazing actress, and for people who doesnt appreciate the art of acting (like my husband) would mock her movies. In fact, the roles she's been playing thus far, were not all easy roles. They are pretty hard roles to exhibit. But the outcome is the same as Zhang ZhiYi, after a while, you would sort of expect the same look, same stare, and same conceitful facial expression. Unless you are not bored with them yet, then you can watch this movie. It's a story about four generational family saga of which history sort of repeats itself between the mother and daughter in every generation. Not a very fancy movie but alright to watch.

2. Beowulf starring Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winston, Angelina Jolie, Robin Wright Penn and John Malkovich.

This is a motion capture film and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie until it came to the ending. Perhaps, I'm one who always expects a good or at least what I perceive as a reasonable ending, this movie didn't do that for me. It just totally put me off.. well, if you haven't watch the movie, you should. Be forewarned, it is quite gory!

3. The Holiday starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black.

This.. this... is a must watch for all you romantic suckers out there! My, I've been trying so hard to come up with a better word than "suckers" but I don't know any. By the way, I'm trying to be more gentle and demure with the language I use nowadays(anyway, that's a whole new story to tell, next time yea!). It's a pleasant and enjoyable movie and for those who counter this, get a life!! It's just a MOVIE!! Ahem... excuse me.. My reason for liking this movie is mainly because of Jude Law and Cameron Diaz. Jude Law is a heartthrob. This is the sort of guy, you try your utmost not to fall for, knowing he will break your heart eventually, yet you still fall for him. Cameron is good in this show. Not crazy like most other films, at least this one shows a better side of her that is no ugly grins from her huge mouth.
Good ending, just like the way I like it and the setting is in Christmas time, winter time.. my favourite time for a romantic movie!

4. A love song for Bobby Long starring Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta.

Didn't really expect much from the movie except for good acting by SJ and JT. As the movie goes along, the ending is quite expected, very typical asian movie plot.

I guess I have to stop for now. It's getting late and I'm getting sleepy. Goodnite!

Reminiscing the Day!

2008-04-26T22:31:00.004+10:00

I must be so free. I have nothing to do at the moment that I am playing with this site. Husband was amused by it too. Haha.. =) This is to cheer myself up after a long day! As my title goes, reminiscing dreams... that's my leisure pursuit..

Lesson learnt the hard way

2008-04-26T20:47:00.004+10:00

I mentioned I will be having a garage sale. Well, the garage sale was this morning, and I would have to say, it went just ok. Had to wake up early to prepare and set up my "stall". Since I don't really have a garage, I had to bring all my goods to the nearby park and sell it there. I had to abide to the rules that I cannot obstruck pedestrians' pathway, so I tried to set up my stuffs as conveniently as possible on the kerb for pedestrians. Although I think I have lots of items to be sold, to many others, my items are really sap sap sui (literal translation: nothing huge). My items include clothings (lots of them), some cooking utensils, bags, shoes, jewelleries, a bedcover and etc. This is just to give you a rough picture of some of the items I was selling.

So I started out early, went around putting up posters. As this was a community initiative program which the council organised, I didn't have to go around advertising my garage sale. My posters are more for directing people to come to my garage sale. So, after that part's done, I woke hubby up to help me move all the goods to the nearby park. I must say, it was tough for him. Poor hubby, had to wake up early and help me move everything while I set up and arrange the items on the ground. Anyway, to cut the long story short, my position of holding the garage sale wasn't the most strategic. There were barely many people passing by, although a few did come, thanks to the advertisement in the local newspaper.

In all, I am most proud of myself for picking up the courage to hold a garage sale. It involved a lot of work and I was exhausted by the end of it. The preparation leading to the garage sale also took much effort. It wasn't easy doing it, especially all alone. Hubby was good enough to help me but he's not the kind who will meet people and sell them stuffs. I didn't earn as much as I would like. Clothings didn't sell as well as I thought, most probably due to one huge problem; Andrew and I are both small framed. Who would fit into our clothes?? Hence, I will donate all the clothes to Salvation Army.

One valuable lesson I learnt from today is to NEVER collect and/or buy anything that will eventually end up being a clutter. Although it's easier said that done, people will inevitably succumb to temptation. So, I can only try to be extremely aware and careful of what I buy in the future, only things I need, not want. Even if it's a want, I will make sure it's in good use. Otherwise, everything else is a total WASTE of money. Imagine, if I didn't buy and collect all those stuffs, I would have been at least several hundred bucks richer than I am today. A total waste of money and time and effort when we misuse our money in the wrong way.

Feeling domesticated?

2008-04-25T13:33:00.003+10:00

I was craving for curry puffs, and I sort of know how to make it. My aunts showed me how when they came to Sydney to visit me couple of years ago. Somehow, the instructions were quite vague to me now as I have misplaced the recipe. Anyway, I searched for curry puff recipe and hoped it would be a good authentic malaysian curry puff. Thank goodness I found the webpage and noted down the recipe. I was so keen to try it out this long weekend.

It's Friday today and it's the start of the long weekend. In fact, it's ANZAC day and all Australians are supposed to celebrate today. However, it really has nothing to do with me, hence it's a good day to stay at home and make my curry puffs.

Took me the whole morning to make the curry puffs. The photo that came with the recipe looked good. But somehow, mine didn't turn out like that. It was supposed to have some wavy-like pattern on the outside, as the dough consisted of both oil dough and water dough. They were supposed to wrap together with the filling inside. Filling was easy to make but not the dough. If I had the mould for the curry puffs, it would take me much faster to finish the job. So I had to seal the side of the puffs into an scallop design by hand, and of course, it wasn't sealed properly (inexperience) hence, some of the filling came out when I baked it.

Still, I am pleased with myself for attempting to make curry puffs.

On the other hand, Andrew is a much better cook than me. These were our dinners for the past couple of days. I felt that I had to take some pictures to keep the fond memories of him cooking for us..

We had lamb cutlet on Wednesday night and it was really good. Not the best cut of lamb, but it was cooked medium well. The meat was really tender. Doesn't it look professionally served?

We had seafood pasta last night. This is one of his forte as well.

Garage Sale this Saturday!

2008-04-23T21:43:00.003+10:00

I'm having a garage sale this Saturday. Not that I have lots to sell but rather they are all clutters I want to get rid off. They consist of clothes (majority), some old cooking utensils, shoes.. etc. Not alot, but will be selling them at an almost giveaway price.

I once heard over the radio when the host was asking if the co-host is a hoarder or chucker. I pondered over it, and I realized, I have changed. I used to be a hoarder but I am more of a chucker now. My husband, on the other hand is a hoarder, unless I give him good reasons to chuck things away. My mum is a hoarder, a big time hoarder, but gradually I believe she is getting better over these years because she's started donating the unwanted and unused stuffs to people who needs it more, like the saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. I am definitely a chucker now, but having said that, I am quite greedy. I want to make sure I don't lose out. I would like to gain some profit by at least trying to sell them, especially those that still have monetary value. However, I can be generous if I want, although rarely. Am I very business-minded? Or is there another word to describe someone like me? Eeshh.. not a very good trait.. must change, must change..

New resolution albeit a little late

2008-04-16T23:18:00.006+10:00

I have always strived on wanting to keep fit and healthy through exercises and workouts (not through food, unfortunately) . I am paranoid about aging before due time and worse, with all those stiff muscles and loss of body flexibility and agility at young age ie before 40. Perhaps, that's the nature of a dancer to not allow such catastrophe to hit my life. Although food wasn't in my part of giving, I still prefer vegetables and fruits to meat. So, I guess I'm quite alright there.

Recently I joined a fitness club, called Crunch Female Fitness Centre. Like any other gym, it pretty much has all to cater to one's need in general. Apart from the free classes, child-minding service (although it's irrelevant to me at the moment), close to home and has free parking, the very reason I decided to join, was the amount of comfort I feel while working out. The name of the club is a giveaway. It's exclusively for women. I used to go to Fitness First in Malaysia (a couple of times just to work out) and I somehow didn't like it at all. The self-consciousness ruins it all. I wish I couldn't care less about how I look, but with all the men gawking at the women, it just ruins my motivation to exercise.

So, here I am, my new resolution is to work out frequently ie 3 times a week and join the classes at least twice a week. Oh, by the way, all members get a trainer who will design a workout program and we will be assessed every 6 weeks. Good, isn't it?

Just for your information, here's my progress since a fortnight ago but not in consecutive days.

1st visit: Weight 48kg
Body Fat 17%

2nd visit: Weight48.5kg
Body Fat 15%

3rd visit: Weight 48.8kg
Body Fat 14.9%

4th visit: Weight 49.1 kg
Body Fat 14.1%

What a huge difference in body fat. According to my brother, who is a qualified fitness trainer and an elite bodybuilder, told me that weight is not important, but rather it's the body mass and body fat that counts. So I won't worry about getting heavier, but rather focus on reducing my body fat and gaining body mass/muscles.

There, my new resolution... a little late for the year but not too late for my lifetime =D

Some happenings!

2008-04-13T12:52:00.006+10:00

I wanted to blog all these before but have been too busy with my guests at home.

1. Disappointment:

I took a driving test on the 28th of March and I failed! It was shocking, I know after driving for 10 years. (Ahem, to those who doesnt know the background of these, let me explain. I come from Malaysia, and now I'm residing in Sydney. So I have to take my Australian driver's licence as I can no longer drive using my Malaysian's driver's licence. Hence the test.) I'm not saying I'm the best, but I really didn't do anything wrong during the test if you were to apply it in real life. I passed everything else, but the stop sign. I did stop, but not long enough for the tester to claim it's a stop. It turns out to be that we are required to stop for about 3 seconds instead of just 1 second, eventhough there were no cars around. How stupid was that? Now I am a qualified L plater.. congratulations to me!

Anyway, I have gotten over it will retake the test in early May. Bugger, that means I can't really drive without someone with a full licence beside me!!

2. Satisfaction:

We had dinner with our guests at this famous bar and grill called Hurricane's Grill at Bondi Beach. If you love pork rib, this is the only place to go. Nothing beats it, not even Tony Roma's. Value for money although the size of the full rack rib has gone smaller significantly compared to 4 years ago. Still, only go with a hungry stomach, else you may not be able to finish the ribs.

3. More satisfaction:

We prepared dinner for our guests on the last day of their visit in Sydney. After eating out several nights, we thought perhaps, we can try out a Thai cousine. Reason for that was because we harvested so much lemon grass and didn't know what to do with it. So Thai food came to our mind. Hubby prepared lemon grass chicken (2 dishes) and I prepare a steam fish and tom yum soup. The soup was a success, and everyone seems to love it. The steam fish looks really good, but really it wasn't. The sauce was nice, but the fish wasn't fresh. It was quite a disaster, after putting so much effort into it. Anyway, it was a good dinner overall.

Ok, that's a few days of blogging all cramped into one. Enjoy!

If queer is alright, incest will be fine too!

2008-04-09T18:55:00.006+10:00

I came across this news last week about an incestrous relationship between a father and a daughter. To make things worst, they actually had 2 children before. One was born many years ago, but died a few days after because of a congenital heart defect. Something you would expect out of incestrous relationship. That is part of God's ingenous plan by making it known to the world that incest is wrong. Yes, of course God is all good, but surely without God making it right, nothing would turn out to be right, as is the devil's making.

The news made a huge impact across the country. To many, it was disgusting. People were shocked at it. I shall not go dwelling into what they said to the press nor their lifestyle, but it was absolutely sickening. What I find even more appaling is, there's a minority group of people who are starting to sympatize at the amount of anger and disgust lashed at this father and daughter. The media even felt compelled to help them. Compassionate is surely not wrong, but to be compassionate at something which is purely wrong, is intolerable.

Although incest is not as hugely publicised as gays, they were actually recorded to happen around the same time as gays in the book of bible, Genesis, where Lot slept with his daughters, just after they ran away from a horde of gays, trying to rape Lot's guest ie God's angel.

I remember having a discussion in a forum where someone vehemently tried to protect gay's right and laid down her opinions on why she thinks gay relationships ain't wrong. I must say, she is acting liberal, but is it really right? We have many sources from history which is against same sex relationship but to say outright that it's right, isn't right. Who are we to condemn them? Of course we are nobody, but if no one condemns the wrong, the world is doom to be at its end. Because people's compassion and empathy were demonstrated in the wrong ways, gays relationship became as profound as ever, and more widely accepted than 30 years ago.

I can truly forsee that the same will become of incest. Soon, skeletons will come out of the closet. The same cycle as it did for gays, will be repeated all over again for incest. They will gain people's support or empathy or whatever ridiculous term you may apply here. They will be accepted in the society and given as much condonement as the gays. Personally, I will be surprised to see pro-gays condemn incest. Perhaps, you should look into the mirror before you start condemning incest.

My dislikes!

2008-04-06T00:00:00.005+11:00

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before that I am a very judgmental person, especially on people. I know who I like and who I don't like. Meaning to say, I am very selective of whom I would like to befriend with and whom I just want to keep at arm's length. However, it's bizarre that in so many other things, I cannot make up my mind. I can be quite fickle minded too.

Since I've discovered that I am one without any stand of my own, ie I sway to any direction and every direction possible through influences from family and friends, I began to loath this attitude of mine. I really abhor fickle-mindedness. From then onwards, I try to own up to what I stand for and will strive to make my opinions count. As a result, I have mature much. I feel that I have more confidence. This is an admirable quality and I do hope it will be a good influence to others.

This time, I do have a point of blogging. I would like to share my dislikes. I cannot tolerate women who are fickle-minded, far worse, if it's a man. For example, if you go to a restaurant, you are probably expected to make up your mind in the next minute once you are handed the menu. I totally identify with you being unable to decide what to eat in that short period of time, coupled with the urging gesture from the waiter/waitress. But it does get a little exasperating if you still cannot make up your mind in the next 10 minutes or after everyone else have placed their orders.

What I cannot understand is, say for example, a list of cocktails which you have never even heard of, much less try it. I cannot understand the dilly-dallying and the fuss about the decision making. If you don't know any of it, just 'ini mini mani mo' on one. You will only know if you like it or not after you've tried something new. This is one that can really test my patience!

Next, I really have a problem with smart-arse (an informal way of referring to someone trying to be smart when in fact they are quite empty in the head). I like the way my hubby puts it in hokkien dialect, "U he, bo lang ti chu" (translation: Lights are on, but no one is at home).

They say something, and when one counters it, they come up with something so ludicrious that will make you laugh your pants off or sometimes, it will leave you speechless, just to proove they are smarter or perhaps to proove they are not stupid! This really gets to me, deep in my vein. I can feel my blood boiling if I were to deal with people like that. Seeing my anger blow at these situations, hubby then suggested that I go for anger management class. Haha.. what a joke!

Oh well, what to do.. the world is full of them. I will add on to my dislike list as I encounter them in the future!

What is life?

2008-04-02T23:30:00.003+11:00

Gosh.. I sound like I'm facing midlife crisis. Perhaps I am. I cannot help but wonder what life is all about sometimes. If you are searching for happiness, spiritualist will tell you, God is joy.. perhaps I haven't really found it, perhaps I did for a little while, but now I've lost it. Not that I'm doubting God, in fact I know full well God's existence. But who is He really?

If only life is all about what I want, not needing to feel guilty about it in any manner. I cannot explain how I feel exactly. I just feel absolutely restrained. I used to think that life is all about having the things you strive and work so hard for, material things like a house, a car, a stable income, a husband, children, career.. evidently, these are what keep you going in this life, enough to survive in this world..

I don't really have a point for my blogging this time round. Just full of questions, that's all... bear with me..

A new sister blog!

2008-03-23T15:55:00.005+11:00

I recently added a new blog. I initially planned to set up the blog for posting up photos, which I eventually changed my mind. Rather, it's all about books I have recently read and will be reading in the future. Do check it out here.

You can also follow the link - Recent reads on my "Frequent Sites" bar.

Allow me to digress a little. On Thursday, I woke up and felt pain on the heel of my left foot. I am somewhat unable to explain the sort of pain. It's like the pain you feel after a hard stomp on tiling floor. All I can remember is when I woke up in the middle of the night, having gone to the toilet to ease myself, then I knew the pain was coming from my heel, but I didn't expect it to be that painful.

That whole day, I was limping. I couldn't even step on my left foot. I tried massaging it every now and then but I still cannot decipher what caused the pain. I came home, told hubby about it. I thought he would show some concern instead he said " Aiyah, it's nothing one. Sometimes, it happens!!" I thought to myself, oh ok.. perhaps it's normal to most people though abnormal to myself as this is my first time!! Still, I had hoped for the pain to go away and thank God it did gradually subside.

On Saturday, suddenly I looked down at my left heel and saw really dark bruise around my heels. It was on both sides and around the left heel. It was shocking!! I quickly woke hubby up from his afternoon nap (I'm not that cruel, it was about time for him to wake up anyway) and showed him my foot! Sleepily he awoke and his eyes just went wide upon seeing my foot. The next thing I knew, he got so worried and wanted to take me to the doctor!

It was just so funny thinking of his reaction and the very sentence he said to me, "Aiyah, it's nothing one!!" I used it back at him and earned the abashed grin of guilt.

Here's my bruised heel... sob sob.

Water delights at Canada Bay

2008-03-21T18:14:00.003+11:00

We have some friends (a couple and a toddler) visiting us from Malaysia and will be staying till after Easter as their main reason here was to visit the Royal Easter Show in the Olympic Park.

I went to the show in 2007 that is last year, but really to call it merely a show does not represent what it's really like. It's a huge carnival so to speak, one of the biggest event of the year. The part which enthuse me is the showbags. For only $10 or $20, you can get lots of goodies which is of great value. It feels like a Russian matryoshka doll where you'd expect one surprise after another with many goodies inside the showbag.

Anyway, that's not my point of blogging today. It's Easter season and Good Friday today to be specific. To say these words loosely and not ponder on the reason for the season is such a thwart. This is a day of celebration for we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ! AMEN! (I can hear my mum's voice echoing behind my ears!).

Moving on, again that's not my point of blogging although it's of high importance that we remember and give Him countless praise for dying on the cross for us and raising from the dead. This is Jesus Christ's victory over death and his resurrection means we have eternal life because we believe in Him. Coming back to my point of blogging, I am surprisingly pleased to have found a new place to go for picnics in the future. It is only 5 minutes drive away with a beautiful and scenic drive there. It's surrounded by a beautiful bay in a nice suburb known as Canada Bay. I would love to bring my family there next time.

I also had a test drive on my favourite car at the moment, Honda CR-V Luxury. Our friend's sister came to visit her brother who's staying with us now in her new car. I was so thrilled that she allowed me to drive them to the bay. It was a nice and smooth drive, particularly along the bay. It was supreme!

So, that was our outing for the day. A nice place to spend our time as everywhere else is closed for Good Friday.

Favourite HK actresses

2008-03-16T22:03:00.005+11:00

Was watching a movie through Youtube shown in several parts called Sex and the Beauties. I quite enjoyed the movie, I must say although Edison Chen and Cecilia Cheung acted in those. They were not the protagonist, but rather it was because of Carina Lau and Athena Chu that I continued watching. It wasn't anything derogatory, only kissing at the most. I've always loved the maturity and classy look of Carina and the cute beauty of Athena. Here's just to share with you a clip of Athena dueting with a Singaporean actor, Chen Han Wei in a song known as Guan Huai Fang Shi.

Carina also sang a song with Jeff Chang, a song which I like too. Here goes...

Reality or imaginary?

2008-03-15T00:03:00.003+11:00

Sometimes, I really have to smack myself around to wake me up from living in an imaginary world. It does not exist, only in my thoughts. I've always loved to write stories or even do screenwriting. But my language is too poor and I can hardly express myself..

Wasn't it supposed to be TGIF? Part 2

2008-03-09T16:22:00.009+11:00

I am not someone who has a lot of patience. I can choose to be patient on certain things, but at times like these, I can just flip. The next day ie Saturday, I had a wondrous mood to clean up the house. When my mood is affected in that manner, I just loved to clean up the house. Eventually, I not only cleaned the house, I did a makeover too. 2 years living under this roof, same furniture, same arrangement, same way of cleaning. Time for a change I thought. Of course I didn't replace the furnitures but I rearrange some of them. I asked Andrew to leave the house so I can do things my way and my space without hindrance. So, he went out for shopping. 3 hours later, Andrew came home to almost a new and nice place and we were both glad again. It felt like a therapy to me!

So, I spent the later part of the afternoon just surfing the net. It was pretty tiring cleaning up the house, so I wanted to just sit and not move around anymore. I must say, I still cannot get over Lydia Shum's death. For those of you who don't know who she is, she is an entertainer ie actress, comedian and singer from Hong Kong and was much loved by everyone who watches her show. She was in the showbiz for 40 years and most asian chinese know her. She's only 62 and is survived by her only daughter, Joyce. I stumbled upon her blog and read an entry of hers. She's only 21 but she is definitely the most mature 21 year old I've ever known, judging from her manner, and particularly during the memorial service for her mum. Her father was verbally attacked by a close friend of the mother's, asking him what part has he played in the daughter's life all these while. I've attached the video clip below.

Anyway, to cut the whole story short, she was reviewing the movie "Evan Almighty" and wrote that the line which struck her was when Morgan Freeman who played God said “Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”

Wow, it took me a good minute or two to let that phrase sink in and how it applied to the ordeal on Friday. We always ask from God, yet we thought we never receive. But have we ever realized that God actually was wanting to give us what we ask, but in ways we never expect to receive. Hence, people who never learned through the "hard" way, will never have claimed to receive what they asked for. Andrew, being the wise man he is, did try to alleviate my stress by explaining the same analogy to me, just that it didn't hit as hard as I was not thinking straight. So, mum was right too, that we have to thank and praise the Lord at all circumstances. Indeed, Romans 8:28 says,"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God".

Wasn't it supposed to be TGIF? Part 1

2008-03-09T15:28:00.007+11:00

I supposed I could still thank God for it, like what my mum always tells me, in all circumstances, give thanks and praise to the Lord.

Last Friday was not an ideal day for me. We drove to work in the morning, as is every morning. The battery warning light has come out several times, but we couldn't understand why. We filled in water before and serviced our car regularly. It can't be the battery we thought, although I knew something needs attention immediately. I dropped Andrew off and drove to work, which is almost about 45 minutes away depending on traffic. I prayed so hard to God, hoping that the car won't break down. Every sets of traffic lights made me worry more and more. Everytime I stopped the car, it makes a strong vibration. I tried to avoid the long traffic by using a 'safer' route. Just imagine, it was almost 9am, the busiest time of the day. Soon, it was almost 200meters to the workshop. My workplace was closeby too. Just the last sets of traffic lights which I had to endure, and I really prayed that the car will not break down. I stopped for the last time as the lights turned red, and within seconds, the engine went off. It was completely silent!! I almost cried my heart out! I knew I will cause a long queue and people will start cursing me. We didn't even have any insurance that can cover road side assistance. If we were to call for towing service, it will be costly. Well, you can imagine the whole drama. Of course, ultimately money solved the problem. Andrew helped to call for NRMA, waited for 45 minutes, then had a guy to change the battery although he then told me, it wasn't just the battery, it was the alternator. I went, "What's that!!??"

So, explanation was made to me and I sort of got it. I was also told it will last me no more than a couple of days to get the car moving whilst solely relying on battery and I MUST fix the altonator as it's needed to charge the battery. Ok, I thought to myself, I will bring it to the workshop first thing in the morning and no more driving for the rest of the night after getting home from work.

Left work at 5.30pm. Sharks, I should have left earlier to avoid traffic. But work was such that I was only able to leave by then. Traffic was pretty bad. As usual, I had to pick Andrew up from work. Arrived at 6.45pm, parked my car at the kerbside. Within 3 minutes, Andrew got in to the car and he asked, why did you off the engine? Literally, my eyes just went wide open. Not again, I thought to myself. I wasn't even aware that the engine died again. Tried restarting my car several times, but it just wouldn't start. I was absolutely frustrated and stressed out beyond words. Another whole big drama to follow. Andrew reckoned it was the battery again. We tried calling several friends to help us jump start the car. Unfortunately, no one even has a jump cable!

We finally had to resort to calling our landlord for help. He is like one the world's best person!! He agreed to come to the city just to help us. We tried to jump start the car, but it just wouldn't start. We then had to call NRMA again to see what was wrong. 20 minutes later, the NRMA guy came. Tried to jump start, nope, didn't work. Checked the battery and the alternator, and said it was the alternator. He advised us not to drive the car at all even if he can help us start the car. So finally, we had to call for towing service. Thank God, this man was kind enough to give us a contact so we can get a cheaper rate. Soon after, it started drizzling. We waited for almost 1 hour before the towing truck arrived. It was pouring by then, the last thing we needed.

Just imagine the whole ordeal. Our night was spoiled, and my whole DAY was practically ruined!

However, we are most grateful to our landlord who was with us the whole time, eventhough he could have just gone home when it started to rain. He fetched us home after we took the car to the workshop. Really thank God for him. Oh, I must also mention, at the first break down of the car, 2 good samaritans (from some courier company) offered to pushed my car up to the kerb so that I don't jam up traffic. That was exactly what I hoped someone would help me do.

Long break!

2008-03-02T18:23:00.004+11:00

It's been so long since I blogged. Obviously February was a break for me. I was back in Malaysia for chinese new year and it was a good trip home albeit the unfortunate event towards the end of the trip. I caught dengue fever! Thank God it wasn't the serious one, and I was healed in within a week post symptom. So really want to praise the Lord for keeping me well in His hands.

Came back to Sydney and I know it's going to be a long year for me. Work wise was not too good. Lots of outstanding work to catch up, and mind you it's been 2 weeks since I got back and the lab is still catching up with the workload. I can only pray that God will give me strength to go through these day by day.

On a different note, I am thinking of switching my skin care product. In fact, I don't really have one of late except for the gel that I'm currently using called Emprizone by Mannatech. It is fantastic for allergic skin especially when I went home to Malaysia. Somehow, my skin develop serious rash whenever I go back to Malaysia. I've adapted to the weather here that the only thing I dread about going home is the allergic reaction I will have to endure.

By far, I've only tried 2 major brands of skin care products that was Artistry by Amway and Clarins. Both were really good products although Artistry gave me a more notable difference. This time, I would like to try SK-II. Many recommended this brand for skin care and hence I would like to try it out. SO we'll see how it goes and I will definitely let you all know if there is any difference with this brand =). By the way, I'm still scouting around for the cheapest price
possible I can get.

Tough luck!

2008-01-15T17:21:00.000+11:00

What a day.. I am so angry and utterly disappointed!! I had 2 appointments with the sonographer today. One was to do a bone density scan and the other was an abdominal scan.

Firstly, the bone density scan was at 2pm. I arrived at the venue at 1.30pm and thought to myself, I am still very early. I had to park along the street as I knew it is cheaper than parking inside the building (nope, no discounts for patients, dream on! Everywhere is all about money!!!) Then I thought perhaps, I should go into the medical centre 15 minutes earlier. So I waited for 15 minutes in the car as I didn't want to pay for the parking ticket for an hour, as I know the scan will take about 20 minutes. So, I paid for 45 minutes which cost me $2.50. So, I finally went into the centre, got myself registered at the reception and waited....... and waited...... it's 2.20pm, as I looked at the time. Dem, my parking ticket is only until 2.30pm. I thought my appointment was at 2pm (something I learnt instantly, having an appointment at the stated time, does not mean you will get to see the doc/sonographer immediately). So I had to go and re-pay my parking tickets. I had to pay for another hour, as I wasn't sure when it will be my turn. Paid another $3.30 for an hour. Finally, it was my turn, and all in all, it took 30 minutes by the time I got back to the centre. Wasted half an hour's parking fee.

That was still ok. No hassle! Gosh, I was starving by then. I had to fast before the scan, that's why I was starving. I had to rush to another centre for the abdominal scan. I had about 25 minutes to spare. Thank God the next medical centre was in the area I live in. So, since I have the zone parking area sticker, I didn't have to pay. So I got into the centre and registered myself. The receptionist, gave me an awkward look. Then as she was searching for something on her tray, I knew something was wrong. To my disbelief, she told me I didn't have the appointment. A guy came and that guy had the same appointment time and day as me! I was getting furious.. she tried to explain to me, saying somehow my name was not on the appointment list, and perhaps someone called and cancelled my appointment. I just couldn't believe it. I replied "Perhaps it's a muck up at your end!!" I had the card which she wrote for me, which stated my appointment time and date. Then the sonographer intruded and said she can't do anymore and that she has to leave early! I was fuming by then and said "Look, it's not my fault at all and you have to see me today, no matter what!!" I explained further that, I fasted the whole day and took half a day leave, which doesn't really come by often, and now they want me to come back another day!! It was ludicrous!! The receptionist tried to cajole the sonographer to scan me today and then later came back telling me that the sonographer will try to fit me in.. depending on how long it takes to scan other patients. The receptionist was hoping I will come back some other time.

Instead, I used my mum's tactic ie by not giving up and kept ranting and ranting even if it's in public (I know, how embarrasing you may imagine!!). In my mind, I thought if they really don't scan me today, I will take the matter up to the person in charge. Does it take me to be near death, then only they will attend to me? They have an obligation plus I was 101% certain it was their fault (the receptionist) as I recalled. Two weeks ago, I took the doctor's referral to the imaging centre and booked for an appointment. Immediately the receptionist (the very same one) told me swiftly the next available date and time. Then she just wrote the time and date on a card and took my referral letter from me. Wow, I thought to myself, that was very efficient! It was all sorted out in less than 1 minute!! Which I think was where the whole error occured. She forgot to log me into the computer. How dare she come up with the explanation that someone called and cancelled my appointment. Who in the sane mind would do that? Plus are they supposed to cancel if it wasn't the patient who called?

Arrghhh.. what a awful day!!! No wonder my aorta is enlarging. Dealing with all these idiots just stresses me out!! How to be more gracious and take such things in stride? God..help me!

Aging... but gracefully?

2008-01-12T13:16:00.000+11:00

HELP! I was looking into the mirrow after showering, and I saw some stretch mark lookalike around my shoulders! The first thing that came to mind was, I am getting old and aging, bit by bit everyday. Gosh, I can't even believe that I am going to be 27 this year!! I'm getting paranoid now. I don't know what to expect of myself in 5 or 10 or 20 years time (if I'm still alive by then).
First of all, I've got to de-stress, I have to smile in every circumstances and I shall not let anyone or anything affect my mood.

Secondly, I have to eat a balance and healthy diet which I am. I am cutting down on chips (ooh, I love chips, but have to cut down on them, and slowly in total abstinence).

Thirdly, I am also taking vitamins such as C, E and CoQ10 which apparently are anti-aging substance.

A family friend also gave me a valuable advise ie to use sunscreen, especially on the face. I've never known the importance of using sunscreen and now I am absolutely paranoid about getting a dull, dark and full of spots and moles on the face (which reminds me, I have buy some sunscreen for my mum). So, I am putting on the face sunscreen daily. However, having said that, I have to stress on the importance of getting some occasional sunlight which is the best source for vitamin D as vitamin D helps to absorb calcium.

Last but not least, I am doing some exercise by doing some walking and playing games with hubby.

So, there you go, a simple anti-aging plan. Will let you know 5, 10 or 20 years later if it works. hehe =)

Ikea again..

2008-01-06T18:18:00.000+11:00

Hubby loves the meatballs in Ikea and I admit, I quite enjoy it, though it's not my favourite food. We went there for lunch and when we got there, the queue was already quite long. I was already feeling dismayed at the long queue, but we still waited patiently just to get our meatballs. As it was our turn to order, guess what? They said the meatballs are still cooking as they ran out, and we had to wait for 8 minutes! So, what are we supposed to do at the meantime? 8 minutes is quite a wait still. We felt appalled at the attitude of the person serving us and we sort of vowed not to go back there for meatballs. We decided to buy the meatballs in a packet and the sauce to cook at home next time. You see, 10 meatballs (with potatoes as side) cost $6.50. 15 meatballs, cost $7.50 and 20 meatballs, cost $8.50. One packet of meatballs comes in 1 kg, and there's probably about 100 meatballs is $12.95. So, we'd rather cook it ourselves and there's more advantage to it than driving 25 minutes there, enduring the queue and the bad service. Anyway, to cut the story short, we waited and I decided to jump queue, and demanded for my meatballs.

Anyway, we bought something from Ikea, which lightened up my day. I've been eyeing on the rattan/outdoor/patio (whichever it is) chairs since last year, when it was $39 each. We walked Ikea without any intention of buying anything. Just as we were reaching the exit, we saw these chairs on sale. It came down to $29 now! I was ecstatic! Thanks to Andrew who also felt the same and we just grabbed two and proceeded to the checkout! Alas, we have two beautiful chairs for our balcony where we can sit and enjoy the beautiful and serene view of the park with a cup of nice and hot rooboi tea!

Better sleeping

2008-01-02T14:06:00.000+11:00

Got this article from smh.com.au and some of them I thought was rather new to me. I only managed to sleep at 4am last night and I wasn't sure why. Did a checklist of what I ate and did, but ccan't seem to point out the culprit. So, I reckon it was my dad who called me up just when I dozed off. Sigh.. anyway, I thought my mum would be interested as well. So, here's for you too, mum.

1. Eat little and often
Some insomniacs wake with a jolt at about 3am, when blood sugar is low and the body releases adrenaline. "Stabilise your blood sugars during the day by eating every three hours and keep to foods with a low glycaemic index — they take longer to digest," says nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville. "Before bed, have some hot chamomile tea and an oatcake."

2. A new mattress
Use a mattress that supports the body by distributing weight evenly. According to a Swedish study that monitored 23,000 sleepers over eight years, using a specialist mattress resulted in an 83% reduction in tossing and turning.

3. Turn off your mobile
Many people find chatting on mobile phones overstimulating, so switch yours off at 6pm or whenever you get home.

4. Change your breathing pattern
Deep breathing helps calm your mind and it produces relaxing endorphins, says hypnotherapist Georgia Foster. Draw air into your lungs for five seconds, hold for five seconds, release completely, and then hold your lungs empty for a further five seconds. Repeat three times.

5. Start brain-dumping
Keep a pen and paper beside your bed and write down your anxieties, so you don't have to lie awake worrying about them.

6. Eat a potato at bedtime
Starchy foods — such as potatoes and bananas — are full of chemicals called tryptophans that boost levels of serotonin, which promotes sleep.

7. Listen to the voices in your head
CDs are available to aid sleep, offering subliminal messages to send you off. They offer affirmations such as: "Sleep is natural. Sleep is effortless. Sleep is easy. Sleep is good."

8. Drink cherry juice
Tart cherries contain significant quantities of melatonin, the hormone needed for restful sleep.

9. Get into a routine
Going to bed and waking up at about the same times helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Reading a book for 20 minutes can be used as a cornerstone of a peaceful night. Avoid long lie-ins on weekends.

10. Take a cold shower
Long, hot soaks before bed raise your body temperature at a time when it is naturally programmed to fall. Take a cooler bath or shower instead.

11. Skip the gym
Exercising after work increases body temperature and changes your rhythm, making you too alert.

12. Muscle in
If you are being woken by nocturnal muscle twitches, see your doctor or pharmacist for a remedy.

13. Declutter
According to the rules of feng shui, your bedroom should promote a harmonious flow of nourishing and sensual energy. So keep it clear of clutter, banish the TV, computer and fitness gear, and get rid of the boxes and suitcases that may be harbouring negative energy under the bed.

14. Paint it white
Colour therapists recommend that bedrooms be decorated in "skin" colours, from pale pink to rich brown; bright red walls, for example, are too stimulating.

15. Unplug the PlayStation
Teenagers seem to be able to cope with bright flashing screens before falling into bed, but adults seem to become overstimulated, causing their minds to race when they should be resting.

16. Warm feet
Cold feet can be a real sleep-killer. Thermal socks are an easy solution.

17. Try a snore cure
Your partner's snoring — or even your own — could be the root of your sleep problem. Nose-breather strips and drops to keep the throat open are available from pharmacies.

18. Observe the 20-minute rule
If you have been awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and rest elsewhere. Do not return to bed until you feel sleepy.

19. Herbal tips
Valerian has long been associated with sleep. Failing that, there's always warm milk.

20. Onion sandwiches anyone?
The Romans ate onions to cure vision problems, heal dog bites, treat lumbago — and induce sleep.

Bring it on 2008!

2008-01-01T00:20:00.000+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!! We had a spectacular fireworks celebration at the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. Unfortunately, we didn't get to go to the city. Somehow, the crowd in the city didn't really appeal to us. So, we watched the fireworks from our TV instead.

May this year be a great year, a year filled with joy and adventure and prosperity for all of you .. I had some new year resolutions last year.. but didn't really accomplish all of them. So, I think I'll just enjoy riding into 2008 first before I come up with any resolution for the year. I'm more looking forward to Chinese New Year.. and it's the year of the rat.. not that it has any significance to me. Somehow, I have a feeling that 2008 and 2009 will be a very special year for me. Looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Remorseful!

2007-12-30T13:25:00.000+11:00

This shouldn't be how I feel towards the ending of 2007.. but guess what, I killed a lizard. It's like the common lizard at home, only it's black. It certainly does look creepy and I don't want it to come out of nowhere and frighten the hell out of me. Hence, I tried to cover it with a tupperware and then take it out of the house, so that it might live. However, it ran too fast, and I was frantically trying to cover it. I finally got it, but in the next second, I saw some blood and instantly I knew I had hurt it. I took it out of the house, but it think it wasn't moving when I left it beside the tree.. Oh, I feel so bad!!! The lizard looks a little like the picture below, only it's much smaller (probably 3 inches long). We are surrounded by greens ie park, trees, grass etc. So inevitably, some insects/reptiles will come into the house. Ohh... what should I do?

"I think I better take the picture of the lizard off before someone begins to have nightmare, if they keep looking at it (it's probably going to be me). Hehe =) "

Merry Christmas 2007!

2007-12-25T15:30:00.000+11:00

BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

It's the time everyone's been waiting for. A time to be with loved ones, a time to give and receive, a time to share, a time of joy, peace and love. Although we don't have our families here, we are still very much taken care of by God and are very much part of our church and friends circle. Leading up to Christmas has been so busy, unlike last year. We had my in-laws to celebrate Christmas last year and we didn't partake in any church activities nor celebrated with friends. So it was a quiet, peaceful little Christmas.

This year was the total opposite, perhaps more for me. I have been running up and down, buying presents, food, going to and fro church for musical practice and driving everywhere for visiting. Phew, a really busy but merry little Christmas, this year.

Also, it's time to reveal the presents I got for Andrew. I woke up to my surprise this morning, and saw a present wrapped up nicely just for me on my way to the toilet. I was so thrilled, and then it hit me, that it's CHRISTMAS! Thank you my darling...

Here are pictures of our presents!

~ HIS~

~ HERS~

P/S: Since he loves his cooking and especially steak, I thought I should get him a steak pan! And he on the other hand, had to ask a favour from his female colleagues to help him choose the bag for me. How sweet of him and so unexpected. =) Everything I tell him, he does take note and in this instance, I did tell him before that I don't really have a working handbag and I should get one. In addition, white is my favourite colour!

Christmas Space Odyssey First night!

2007-12-21T22:22:00.000+11:00

It was an amazing evening. The show went well, everything was great. The choir, the dance, the actors, the lightings the slideshow.. you name it. Truly, God's presence was amongst us. He is to be glorified through all that we do, else everything we do is meaningless.

I'm still trying to upload the video for the dance, so bear with me. Here are some photos of our dance and rehearsal. Enjoy!

Obsessed with dancing

2007-12-16T20:54:00.001+11:00

I'm loving lyrical dance, which is a combination of ballet and jazz..I hope I will be able to join dancing class next year... =) This duo dance is awesome and I love every move. The choreography is just so beautiful and sweet. This really motivates me to want to dance. I had better do something about my dreams before I get too old.
Dancing is something I truly love, the part I worry is the training. It is not easy. I am also worried that I am too old to start learning. I am quite petite in size and people tend to think I'm still young. So I'm going to use it to my advantage and use it while I can. Enjoy the video clip!

Just in case you would like to know the names of the dancers, they are Amanda Ocampo (7 yrs old) and Clarisse Chavez (17 yrs old).

Christmas Space Odyssey 2007

2007-12-13T17:15:00.000+11:00

Christmas Space Odyssey is near. We only have about a week to practice. Because of time constraint, I'm only doing one dance, which is not so stressed for me. Somehow, I find myself a bit too old to even remember some of the steps.. I feel like fulfilling my own dreams to dance again. Anyway, here's the promo for the musical by our church. Although I am a little worried for the whole production, our pastor seems to be so enthusiastic and confident that it will be a real good musical. I guess that's how our faith differs. I guess I should have more faith in God to make all these turn out well.

It's over but not quite yet..

2007-12-13T17:05:00.000+11:00

It's finally over, the much anticipated moment and the best news is we PASSED! NATA inspection has been good today, and we thought it would take them 2 days to go through all our documents, but to our amazement, they only took half a day. SO it's all good and what a tremendous relief for everyone. My boss let us go for the day at 3pm! How good is that! However, we have another forensic inspection in January the 7. Hopefully it will be as good and easy to pass like this one.

This weeked will be a busy weekend as I have a wedding to attend on Saturday and a Christmas gathering with colleagues on Sunday. It will be a fun and relaxing weekend, I'm sure!

Hectic week!

2007-12-07T23:47:00.000+11:00

No, hectic week is an understatement. It should be hectic month! NATA is next Thursday and everyone is stressing out. My boss didn't go home for 3 days and a colleague of mine didn't go home yesterday. Well, one is married for 30 years and another is single. Of course they can do that. I have a husband at home waiting for me. So, no way I'm sleeping in the office. At least I've done my part and I did as best as I could before going home. Please pray that this week will be over in due time. So tired of the validation we have to do. I don't intend to play the blame game here, but seriously it's all the previous manager's fault for not doing a good job, hence we have to clean up the mess. Anyway, if we have to do it, we have to do it. Just can't wait for this to be over.

On a lighter note, I finally bought a Christmas gift for hubby. I think it's the best gift I've bought for him thus far. Will reveal the gift after Christmas!

All ready for musical

2007-12-02T20:12:00.000+11:00

I finally got my ballet shoes from BLOCH and I'm all set to dance this coming christmas. Gosh, can you imagine getting a ballet shoes at the age of 26? I feel so old for ballet. Even the lady at the shop asked where do I train. It just sounds so funny when I replied, no where!

Anyway, we are doing 2 songs, one of which is Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin. Choreography is finished and we are just fine-tuning the timing and more practice is needed now. I cannot say if I dance well, so you be the judge.. only if I can get my husband to record a video of me dancing. Can't wait for Christmas!

Ever so faithful

2007-11-28T20:57:00.000+11:00

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Psalm 36:5
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Yesterday, God really answered my prayer. I was so overwhelmed by his faithfulness that I cannot stop praising Him. I still cannot believe myself what happened.

Let me explain.

Remember my last holiday back to Malaysia? In January, I took one month leave for Sept-Oct. I knew NATA accreditation was in Oct, but no one knew exactly which date. I couldn't wait till I find out, else I would miss out on the flight sale (see blog on January 24). So I book my leave for 4 weeks. AS NATA date drew closer, we were all so stressed out. One colleague was supposed to go on leave for his wedding just before NATA. Guilt just plagued me when I thought that I would go on leave at such crucial time. Both of us will go on leave, leaving behind just one scientist manning the lab. I didn't commit this anxiety to God instead I took matters into my own hands. I changed my flight and cut short my holiday to 2 weeks. At least I would be able to help out in my lab, I comforted myself.

Then a week before the original NATA date, my boss came in and announced that NATA has been postponed to December. I was thrilled but speechless at the same time. I should have just trusted the Lord to work something out for me. So, I had to bear my own consequence. All was good then, no more stress though I had a short time in Malaysia.

When I came back from Malaysia, the other scientist who was left alone manning the lab told me he's taking leave in Feb (which coincides with CNY). I thought I won't be able to take leave for CNY. To make matters worse, we have another NATA accreditation in February, this time for forensic and also in February. Still, I voiced out to my boss about my intention to go away in February. He however was reluctant to let me go then due to NATA. He asked me to wait before I book my flight so that he can confirm with me. So I waited. This time, I really trusted in God for His plan. I wasn't that worried as I knew He will perform yet another miracle.

True enough, my patience paid off. My boss came in and said he has a bad news for us. The NATA accreditation for forensic was not in February 7, but January 7 and that he has mistaken the dates. My jaw just dropped when I heard the news. I couldn't believe what I heard. Now, tell me, isn't God faithful??

So now, I can peacefully book my flight to go home for CNY. Praise the Lord...

Australian Idol 2007

2007-11-26T22:16:00.002+11:00

I've been following Australian Idol for 4 years now.. that means I have been here for almost 4 years now.. how time flies!

Anyway, was particularly happy when Natalie Gauci won. Not that I don't like Matt Corby but somehow the debut single is important. Whoever sings it well, deserve it. However, the same song may only suit one singer and not the other.. well, it's unfortunate then. Here's the list of Australian Idol since it's opening in 2003 accompanied by their winner's single. Actually this is more like a compilation for myself.

2003 - Guy Sebastian, [Shannon Noll (2nd)] with debut single, Angel's Brought Me Here

2004 - Casey Donovan, [Anthony Callea (2nd)] with debut single, Listen With Your Heart

2005 - Kate DeAraugo, [Emily Williams (2nd)] with debut single, Maybe Tonight

2006 - Damien Leith, [Jessica Mauboy (2nd)] with debut single, Night of My Life

2007 - Natalie Gauci, [Matt Corby (2nd)] with debut single, Here I Am