Simplicity...

Forgetful

2008-07-18T17:55:00.004+10:00

Either we are forgetful or we are pushing our luck? ...

Just like little kids playing with candle lights... when the light accidentally burned their cute tinny little finger... Ok, they know it's painful and they might not wanna play with candles anymore...

Next day, they may still remember the pain...
Ok, better find something else to play...

Few days later, feeling bored? ...

Hey, what's on the table? ...Candle lights!!
Wait a minute, it's painful if I get burned...
But that was the other day...
Maybe today would be different? ...

.....................................................................

Anyway, I don't think there's any "right" or "wrong" about this...
It all depends on your "wisdom" - to choose to be forgetful or not...
As all situation is different...

Interesting Sites for the Day...

2008-07-18T12:02:00.006+10:00

1. Buddhism as an Education - A path to Enlightenment

2. Mellen-Thomas Benedict's - near death experience to the light & back

Tips 1

2008-07-11T12:24:00.007+10:00

1. When little kids offer you some lollies/food, do accept and take it...
--> If the parents always ask the kids to keep the lollies (because they love their children of course!) and refuse to take them... the kids may one day grow up and stop "offering" things to their parents because they "thought" their parents would refuse to take things from them like usual anyway...

2. Even if you have conflicts or problems with your "In-Law", always tell others that your "In-Law" is wonderful.
--> This would prevent any further problems or may as well "solved" the issues between both of you, because knowing you are not complaining to everyone, but praising her/him, she'd feel not only good but also can't complain about you as well... Perhaps you two may soon make peace due to that!

3. Every parents / elderly should owned a Light & Warm Down Jacket (羽绒服) during cold season.
--> Keeping them warm and light enough to wear... Trust me, when we gets older, clothing that is thick and HEAVY could be a burden / problem... To conserve energy for the elderly and to help them walk around without too much "weight"... Light-weight-warm-down-jacket is a must!
(Note: How to choose down jacket (1) (2)...

4. House Design... things you may consider cos you'll grow old one fine day...
--> Higher Toilet Seat - When you gets older, it's harder to "get up" from seats that's too low.
--> Double Doors for all entries (house/rooms) - Easy access for the wheelchairs or furnitures.
--> Timber / Concrete Floor (less carpet the better!) - No need to vacuums/Less bacteria!
--> Open Living Design - more space and easy access for everybody.
--> Lotsa compartments for wardrobe (around waist height).
--> Probably more but haven't thought of them yet... hmm!!

Ripples...

2008-07-10T17:36:00.006+10:00

Be aware of what we do...
Be aware of how we carry out ourselves...
Be aware of what we say...

Read an Article about sometimes we influenced or affect people in an unconscious way...

Just like standing at the traffic light and you look up the sky and stare for 5mins...
Everyone around you would follow you to check out the sky as well...
Though it only affected them for just a few seconds...
But the point is... it did kinda "influenced" the others...

So... even the smallest thing that we do in our lives...
It does influence or have some sort of impact to someone, something, somehow... We just didn't notice only...

20th July Food Fair @ Fremantle

2008-07-09T19:31:00.006+10:00

Hello People in PERTH!!

Cyclone Nargis in Burma has left a population of injured, sick, homeless and hungry, especially children, needing our urgent attention.

Consequently the Buddhist Council of WA, the Australia Burma Buddhist Association and other Buddhist groups have organized a Food Fair Fundraiser...

Bring friends and family to enjoy a family day on Sunday at Fremantle Esplanade and do some good cause for the people in Burma...

FREMANTLE ESPLANADE FOOD FAIR
SUNDAY 20th JULY
10.00am – 4pm

Visitors

2008-07-06T18:09:00.004+10:00

A lot of loving, kind, caring people would love to visit me...
They care a lot, that's why they want to do so, so much...

I can see their love and care and they wished to help and show support...
I want to accept and make them feel happy for doing something nice for me...
Yet I don't know how to handle the other part...

Which is... their worries, helpless feeling as they know they could only do so much...
And seeing me also hurts them inside and worries them...
And I'll start to feel terrible and would start to cry...
Because I don't want them to feel this way at all...

I still don't know yet how to deal with this...
Hmmm...

Ready?

2008-07-05T16:30:00.006+10:00

I think I am ready... if my time is going to come soon...
I somehow do wish my time would come sooner than later...
So that I would leave more peacefully without having to deal with more...
I know now is just the "beginning" of the long journey as there will be tougher time ahead... that's why part of me wished that if I could leave now, it would be great...

Then I started to think about maybe I could do something to make it happens more faster? Like taking my own control (yeah back to the "control" self again!)...

But then I slowly reaslised that... I should not "wished" anything or "expected" anything... Should wake up and feel thankful that I'm alive everyday, and make the fullest of the day... Instead of wishing that I could leave soon just to avoid suffering...

If my time has came naturally, and if it could end all suffering (myself and people around me)... that would be absolutely wonderful...

But If I were meant to go through more tougher journey ahead, I should also deal with it because it was meant to be...

Now, I could still give, and contribute and do more good things here...
I am still learning... I could still practice to be a better person...
I still have things that I could do to lighten up some responsibilities of people around me...
I could still help... I could still offer... I could still do so many things...

I feel better today! =)

Give Them A Chance

2008-07-04T19:56:00.004+10:00

I think I was a "Control Freak"...
I like things to be under my control (who doesn't?)...

But sometimes, we do need to stop taking control...
We have to stop thinking we are always right and take away the rights from others..

Sometimes, we do need to let others taking control and decide...
So that they get the chance to show what they are thinking and feeling too...

Without the chance...
They are not able to express and show it...

Not Afraid to Accept Help

2008-07-01T19:22:00.005+10:00

I used to deal with things myself and sort them out myself... I thought that would make me "independent" and "tough" and "strong"...

Nobody likes to be "weak" and "incapable"... Getting help from others would make us feel that way, I guess??

I have learned to see things differently after talking to mum...

She said, sometimes we have to allow others to "help" us when we needed... We have to "let" people care about us and "give" us the support they could... By allowing others to help us, their day would be more meaningful and that would make them happy too... and they'll have good karma next time...

Just a different perspective for you to consider when you're feeling down... or need any support or help... you know if you reach out your hands... someone will always be there...

A friend (Chuan) emailed this little piece of story that relates to the above:

"一天，佛陀在托钵时，一婆罗门来找佛陀辩论，声称为何僧团不自吃其力，没有耕种，而要去托钵。

佛陀答曰，我所讲的法就是播种，把善法种在众生的八识田中，我让众生种福田，就是在帮忙灌溉，点醒众生的迷惑，就是得到的收成，那我不也是自吃其力吗? 把佛法传给四周围的人，叫做法布施。

当我们制造机会给被人行善时，我们也是在布施。
我们在增长他们的慈悲心，增长他们的体悟和福报，识可而止，不然就会变成贪得无厌。"

DESK - 2

2008-07-01T19:18:00.003+10:00

Hope you had some thoughts after reading my previous post... hehe
Hope the answer also sorta make a little sense to you...

"All that we are is the result of what he have thought;
it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts."

DESK

2008-06-30T16:36:00.006+10:00

Up for a challenge?

Imagine you're sitting in front of a beautiful DESK which is made by wood..
So we called that thing a DESK yeah?

Okay, now... if we dismantle the DESK into pieces of wood...
Do we still call it/them a DESK?
What is it then if it no longer a DESK?
So DESK doesn't actually exist, or does it?

Imagine all the things around us...
Do they actually exist and how?

That's your homework tonight... *muahahaha*...

Journey

2008-06-29T18:34:00.005+10:00

I have always been troubled by why things haven't actually "kicked in"...
I mean, look at Lance Armstrong, Oliver Newton John and others who actually done so much after THAT experience... They are doing more "meaningful" things and their life changed totally...

Mine was different... I was troubled and always questioned myself why nothing "kicks in" yet... Why everything still "the same"... Why I was still "no aims" in my life.... and I was still so "Easy-Go-Lucky"? ....

Finally this time it did... a BIG one too!

That's why I am glad that I'm able to go through this so called "journey" to "grow"... to "improve"... to "realise" things I never did... to "see" things I never saw before... to "deal" with things that I ignored... to "regret" the things that I have done... to "learn" the things that I thought I knew but I didn't... and lots and lots... A whole new learning curve and journey and perspective...

Anyway, I'm thankful and grateful that I am giving the chance to deal with all the difficult things in order to experience LIFE in this journey... I am given the chance to "learn" and to "grow" and that's quite important to me because I think it's "worth" living in this way... Wisdom usually grows from "living" and "learning" to deal with things... =)

Hey, do I sound like I'm SMARTER now? ...
(NOT!!! ...I'm still confused as...!!)
I know I know... my blog has been a bit SERIOUS lately... =)

Well, I'm going through this so-called "JOURNEY" now... It's your choice of freedom to read or not to read... but I thought I should be opened and be honest to my feelings and hence I share my experience and feelings here with you all... that simple only...

Slowing Down...

2008-06-28T12:37:00.005+10:00

Feeling very confused today...
It has been a ROLLER COASTER ride the past few weeks...

I think I tried to fit too much into my brain and trying to learn as much as I could during the short period of time... and I think I started to have a bit of "side effects" now... I'm actually forgetting things that I should do during my day (at times!)... Things that I have read, I knew I have read them and understood them while I was reading, but they still look so "new" to me when I read them again NOW... as if the feeling of "Ahh, I knew this but now it all made sense again"...

I need to slow down now...
I need to take my time...
I need to let myself rest...
I need to relax...
I need to have my own space...
I need to have my own peacefulness...

We always rush through our days... everyday...
Never slow down to give ourselves some Private Time to BREATH...

So how's your day TODAY? ...
Did you do something that worth you saying you have fully lived "today"? ................

Law of Attraction & Buddism

2008-06-27T20:41:00.004+10:00

Somehow... Some reason...
I felt that there's some kinda "connection" between the two...
Anyway, both helped me through my tough times!

I think Law of Attractions do make sense yet doesn't go any further to "explain" more about the things "behind" its reason...

And Buddhism has the answer to it all....

Everyone believes in KARMA... but how many actually believes in it and start practicing and learning more? ...Very few... Why are we so ignorant???

No Expectation leads to Appreciation

2008-06-25T18:06:00.002+10:00

[backdated post - 27/6/08]

I was given some HOPE...
When there was HOPE, there comes EXPECTATIONS...

So I expected people around me doing the RIGHT thing to meet my EXPECTATION... The RIGHT thing is based on MY own measurement of course...

Well, people around me seems to do everything as NORMAL but not putting any MORE... They doesn't seem to participate much on what I wanted to ACHIEVE... I started to feel disappointed because I thought they care about these too that's why they are here? ...And I started to be UNHAPPY because they are not helping/putting any more effort at all...

Sound so familiar...?
I'm sure everyone has this experience all the times...
I was in the same shoes the other day...

I let go of my "Expectation" straight away...
Don't expect anyone to help me...
Don't expect anyone to put anymore extra effort...
Don't expect anyone to do more than they already have...
Don't expect any HOPE that is so vague...

If there's no Expectations...

When people are not helping you... You won't mind...
When people not putting any extra effort... You won't care...
When people not doing more than they already have... You relax...
When Expectation is not there... You don't even try to "measure" how much the others is putting in....

If there's no Expectations...

When people offer to help... You will feel grateful...
When people are putting normal effort... You'd feel thankful...
When people are putting more than already have...

When Expectation is not there... It will only leads to Appreciation...

One Day...

2008-06-24T20:26:00.006+10:00

I friend read my blog and said I have a lot to WHINE nowadays...
Hmmm... Does all my posts these days sound like a "whine" to you all?
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like that at all...

Well, for a change...
Here's something to share without much blah-blah-blah from me...
(Note: the below is actually from a forwarded email I received today).

Be nice to
others because . . .

Time will make a
difference!

One day, you may not be the "Big Dog"!!

...but just the old dog...

Just Do It...

2008-06-23T19:50:00.004+10:00

I have met so many beautiful, kind, generous, and helpful people these days... Their support and help is not something a "thank you" could express/repay... I truly don't know how to thank them enough... it'll never be enough... ever...

Anyway, something about me you should know about...

I was "numb" about my life for so long... I didn't have a purpose in life... I didn't have a direction to where / what I wanna be... I always thought what's the fuss with life and everything when we will be left "nothing" when we die anyway? ...So I just live my life daily "to the fullest" without any plans, without any purpose as I thought that was THE WAY of "living life to the FULLEST"...

Yet there's a little voice in me always remind me that... I could only find my "purpose of life" if I LIVE for someone else... I know I was "numb" about my life because I didn't know how to live for myself... I didn't know what I want..... and I didn't know what I wanna be... and hence I didn't know how to live for myself... but if I have someone (be it a baby, a lover or husband, elderly people, etc) whom I wanna commit to care for, I will then have a purpose (or something like that I guess)... I always knew that in me... I always knew there's part of me wanna go out there to care for others and contribute and help...

What stop me from making it happen? ...LAZINESS....

Now I am getting all these helps/support from these people who actually contribute their TIME, their profession, their strength and their love to care for the needs... I feel so bad and ashamed of myself whenever I see them because it reminds me of my own LAZINESS in the past...

Because of LAZINESS, I didn't get to help others in the past at all (eventhough I had the thoughts of being a social worker or do some charity work, but without true "action", it's still mean NOTHING at all... even the "thoughts" couldn't be taking into consideration)... Shame on me!!!

So friends... If you have thought of doing something special for others...
Take action and JUST DO IT...
Don't let LAZINESS drag you to nowhere land...

What Should I Do?

2008-06-22T20:13:00.003+10:00

What should I do when others are complaining about work and people?
I didn't know what to do...

I mean, I wanted to tell them not to get too stressed and complain about things, and try to see the positive side of all and enjoy life instead of dwell on the problems... and we have "control" on our own happiness (if only we remember we CAN actually make decision and it's not always the case of "we don't have any choices"... We do have choices, but we are "too afraid" to "take control" and "make the decision ourselves" at most time and therefore we "blame" others and "complains" about our work/life sux!)...

Anyway, as others were complaining and complaining... I was thinking what should I do? ...Should I say something (but I wasn't unable to because it' would take a long time for me to explain my thoughts... and at the moment I don't have that luxury to do so due to shortness of breath)...

So I sat there and listen to all the stories (okay, there were times I got carried away too while listening and responded [laughed/smiled] to all those stories... and that may also "encourage" the talker to complain more)... which I then realised I should show LESS "response" to "discourage" the talker (maybe that way she wouldn't keep on complaining and go on and on?)... hmmm...

Well, after hours of listening to non-stop complaining from someone... I noticed my "impatience" feeling started to resurface again (which I mentioned in my previous blog)... I acknowledge it and I managed to get rid of it by appreciating someone actually visiting me and sharing their feelings with me... That simply and that easy...

But in the mean time... another question aroused...
Why do I always feel "impatience"? ...What is my "rush"? ...Why can't I get rid of it once and for all and be perfect? ...Is there a way at all?

BEAUTY In ALL of us....

2008-06-21T18:00:00.004+10:00

There's an old Chinese saying, "人之初, 性本善"... meaning "Human is born with pure and good nature"... I'm sure the pure and good nature is still living deep down inside all of us...

But as we grow older, we are "polluted" by all the temptations in this world... and we started to develop more bad habits, imperfect personality & character, and frame of mind...

Therefore, contemplation of our own thoughts, feelings, and self-examination is a very important process if we want to become a "better person" or "reach back to our pure/good nature"...

...............

This morning, I have planned how I would spend my morning before I even got up from bed... and as I was having my breakfast, mom joined me and she started to talk to me and share some of her stories with me... As I was listening to her, I started to think about my own plans too (because I wanted to do other things)... and then I started to feel a little "impatience"... and just as the "feeling of impatience" surfaced, I straight away have "AWARENESS" that I am actually placing "MYSELF" first before others... as it's all about "ME, ME, ME"...

Being "Me Me Me" or "being Selfish" will always bring out the imperfection of us... Like I was thinking about "Myself" today and I BECAME "impatient"... and being "impatience" will certainly lead to other feelings or actions (ie. started to feel "unhappy" and may start to say some "unpleasant" things to stop the others from talking more, or etc? ...i don't know??)

Anyway, I am glad that I have been in touch with my AWARENESS of my own actions and feelings these days, and I reflected myself and my feelings and my actions daily...

I am glad that I was able to acknowledge the "impatient feeling" I had, and able to reflect myself immediately... and straight away I was feeling great and start to APPRECIATE and TREASURE the special moment with mum... and listen and be part of her experiences... just because I know I will put her before me... =)

..................

So friends, take some time to reflect yourself from time to time...
To understand and to improve yourself...

TO GIVE (布施)

2008-06-20T11:32:00.003+10:00

I'm sure everyone of us have done a lot of DONATIONS ($$$) previously to help others... That is one type of "GIVING"...
Feel great when we know we are doing some good things to help others, isn't it??

Well, in everyday life... We should also learn to GIVE whenever there's a chance...
We don't have to always donate money to be able to HELP others at all...
We only need to always "PUT OTHERS BEFORE YOU"...

For example...
...Help your family doing some house works, or grocery shopping...
...Working hard not for your own status/bank balance, but for the benefits of the company & society...
...Sharing your experience/knowledge with others (ie, cooking, reading)...
...Be there for those who is sad, or who needs someone to listen to...
...Help the elderly carrying things...
...Do some extra work for your colleagues or friends...
...

I'm sure there's other things that you are able to GIVE in your daily lives....
Please do GIVE when you can, and put others before you always....

般若波罗蜜多心经

2008-06-19T14:01:00.002+10:00

观自在菩萨，行深般若波罗蜜多时，照见五蕴皆空，度一切苦厄。
舍利子，色不异空，空不异色。色即是空，空即是色。
受、想、行、识，亦复如是。
舍利子，是诸法空相，不生不灭，不垢不净，不增不减。
是故空中无色，无受、想、行、识；无眼、耳、鼻、舌、身、意；无色、声、香、味、触、法；
无眼界，乃至无意识界；无无明，亦无无明尽，乃至无老死，亦无老死尽；
无苦、集、灭、道；无智亦无得。
以无所得故，菩提萨埵，依般若波罗蜜多故，心无挂碍。
无挂碍故，无有恐怖，远离颠倒梦想，究竟涅槃。
三世诸佛，依般若波罗蜜多故，得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
故知般若波罗蜜多，是大神咒，是大明咒，是无上咒，是无等等咒，能除一切苦，真实不虚。

故说般若波罗蜜多咒，即说咒曰：
揭谛揭谛，波罗揭谛，波罗僧揭谛，菩提萨婆诃

GIVE

2008-06-19T11:39:00.004+10:00

Since young, I have always knew that... We all will die one day, and nothing is "REAL" in this world... That kinda "thoughts" lead me to become a person who is so CAREFREE and doesn't bother to take life that seriously (ie. educations, career, life and etc)... I was thinking WHY take it so seriously when $$$, career and states would mean nothing when we die someday?

Well, I think I was wrong... Yes nothing will last when we die... but that doesn't mean we should live our life routinely... and meaninglessly... (wake up, work, entertaining, eat, sleep and repeats)...

Yes, we cannot bring anything over after we die... but we will still leave our "footsteps" for the others... We still can give LOVE and HELP and contribute some time to help the poor and the people who needs your help... It'll make a difference ... Even plant a TREE during the weekend would benefits the future...

So have you thought of contributing tiny bit of your time, to do something GOOD tand MEANINGFUL to add onto your routine life? ...Remember, your tiny contribution may be someone else' great relief or you might be able to save life (ie. blood donation or etc)... There's lots of ways to help and give... find your own comfortable ways.... =)

Yes we cannot bring nothing when we die... but we can LEAVE something good in this world for the others... that's the very least we could do, I guess? ....

TIME

2008-06-18T10:49:00.005+10:00

How much TIME have you wasted everyday on things that didn't matter?
How much TIME have you wasted when you felt a bit LAZY and not doing anything?
How much TIME have you wasted in the past, which perhaps may have brought you a better "now" or "tomorrow"? (ie. you didn't wanna contribute some time to exercise for 30mins each day to keep you fit and healthy in the future)...

TIME is something I realised I don't have enough of...
And I regret that I wasted so much TIME on unnecessary things...
And I regret being LAZY and always DRAG things till "next time"...
And I regret not fully utilized the TIME I had before to do the things that I should have done...
TIME will passes by today if you do not use them TODAY...

I guess you all already know and always says life is short and should enjoy our life to the FULLEST... and I'm sure everyone has their own ways to find happiness and how to enjoy life to the fullest... but please "stop" and think about whether the "enjoyment" is meaningful?

How many people actually "WASTED TIME" on enjoyment that is meaningless?
Have they thought about the REAL MEANING of LIFE and know "How To Enjoy Life with the Purpose of your Life"...

THANK YOU & SORRY.. from the bottom of my heart

2008-06-17T18:04:00.004+10:00

Thank you for all the support and love from all of you...
I'm sorry I haven't taken care of myself well enough and made you all worry about me...

Please forgive me, and please accept my sincere apology...
I have received so much love, help, and care from everyone of you...
But I have not done much for any of you at all during all these years...
I sincerely wished I had done more and give more to all of you...

I didn't plan my life well...
I have wasted awful lot of times on the things that's NOT important...
I complained about small things and people whom I should be thankful of...
I was lazy and I didn't ACTION on the things that I knew I should do...
I hurt people who loves me and brought them troubles...
I was ignorant... I was selfish... and I was stupid...
I hope you would NOT follow my footsteps...

Most important I realised... is...
FAMILY is the ONLY ones who will be there NO MATTER WHAT...
LOVE your family dearly...
Treat your PARENTS well and respect them...

Anyway, please do take some time to reflect your life now, and...
Try to figure out WHAT exactly is YOUR purpose of life...
Look around you, the friends and your family... love them...

Well, enough for today for now... =)

Love you all,
Mandy

Another Option

2008-05-26T19:28:00.003+10:00

[ secret garden ] song from secret garden

I reached work at 10am because I had trouble breathing in the morning and everything I did have to be slooooow motion... Pushed myself to go to work because I wanted to hand in my resignation letter...

Anyway, it turns out that I'll be taking 2 months off from work instead of resigning.
I'll concentrate on my treatment once it started next week.

Company doesn't want me to worry too much about work at the moment and offered to let me take as long leave as I needed... Very supportive and kind of them...

Initially planned to leave work at 2pm after that's been settled.. but I ended up leaving work at 530pm due to too many things to handover to others and etc... Didn't even manage to talk to a few close colleagues from other Dept regarding my sudden "leave" (even though it's not a good-bye at all)...

It's a relief that I don't have to think about work for now...

Body Over Mind

2008-05-25T19:00:00.007+10:00

[ secret garden ] swan

It's not easy to keep a positive and strong mind when the body is not listening... Sometimes I was able to use my mind to make my body feels better... But lately, I haven't been able to calm myself down when I get shortness of breath (getting very severe these days)...

Please understand that I won't be able to pick up any phone calls, because it's getting difficult for me to speak (as I need to catch my breath)... and please forgive me if you haven't heard from me for a long time... because I do not know what to tell when there's not so many good news to share.

Anyway, I'll be resigning tomorrow, and starting new treatment next month... So hope all will be well and better!!

Teary at Work

2008-05-22T21:24:00.007+10:00

[ system of a down ] chop suey

*** NOTE ***
This blog was posted a while ago, and today (17/6/08) I would like to add some thoughts to it... My manager has been extremely supportive all those times... He is very understanding and he has a very kind heart... but when it comes to work, he will "make" anything happens no matter what... So sometimes that gives us a lot of pressure... but anyway, I am thankful for having a manager like him... at least I have one less thing need not to worry for the moment - work and my job... Due to my sudden leave from work, I'm sure I have brought so much troubles for my team and department and the company... yet they all are still very supportive... I feel very guilty of course for putting everyone through more tough time... but their thoughts and kindness surely have been noted and I wish all of them well and good and the best... I have learnt so much working in this company, and all the people there... I thank them from the bottom of my heart.... everyone....
************

This is what happened when all the stress and pressure accumulates at work over the weeks...

Just as I was about to pack up and leave office, he came to give me another job to chase as this is another "Urgent" job... OMG!! ...I have done SO BLOODY MANY urgent jobs in the past two weeks, I think I have been soooo burnt with the amount of stress and pressure I had to put up with... not to mention there's still a few "urgent" jobs that I still haven't got back from supplier (cos supplier started to get quite annoyed and unhappy as well due to the last minute "rush" and the amount of pressure from us too) - STRESSED!!!

Just as I was half way explaining to him the whole situation hoping that he would understand and let this so called "Urgent" job a missed (it is meant to due back from supplier next Monday, but he wants it tomorrow!) ...I found myself getting even more frustrated when he doesn't seem to want to "listen/understand" what's the problems but had this look on his face as if telling to "get over it, make this happen and get this urgent job back tomorrow" no matter what!! ...

What happened next? ...Well, I got all teary and I guess that was WHEN he stopped and started to tone down a little... Never had I thought I would ever shed any tears for "work related stuff" in the office at all... Geez!! ...But I guess it was his "attitude and his tone" that triggered it because I absolutely could cope with the the pressure, frustration and the stress...

Anyway, the solution is HE will contact the supplier himself and talk to them and make every FAIRY TALES happens! ...I'll let him deal with the Supplier cos he is the manager and no doubt he is more POWERFUL than a TINY employee like me!!

Part Time to Begin With...

2008-05-20T20:43:00.005+10:00

[ secret garden ] nocturne

The past 6 weeks I have been trying to learn as much as I could... I have been working on my plans... and I have been planning a lot of things... Every week I had been progressing well... and I look forward to my plans... but I started to feel a bit lost because things haven't been happening... and planning for the future takes over the present to such an extend that the present becomes unreal... and I started to lose my center the past 2 weeks...

It's time to ACTION... yes...
I told my manager I'm going to work Part-Time from June...
All is good now... changes is good... for me anyway...

Work has been really stressful lately due to all sorts of reasons... And I'm actually thought of resigning... but that wasn't part of my initial plan, so I didn't go to the extreme... There's actually another door opened for me recently when I least expected... but I'll have to wait and see carefully first...

Vitas

2008-05-12T22:21:00.002+10:00

[ vista ] ave maria

I have never heard of Vitas until recently...
"Opera 2" and the 5th Element Diva's song "Lucia di Lamermoor"...

Brainwaves Do Travel...

2008-05-10T21:17:00.000+10:00

[ vitas ] opera 2

Remember I always "claimed" that I have some special gift? ...hehe...

The past few weeks I have been busy tidying and I have been reading my old diaries and browsing through all the photos... There's friends I thought of and wonder how they have been up to lately... and I guess my brainwaves at that time must be very strong as they do travel far to reach my friends... cos I suddenly hear from them one after another recently... Cool isn't it?

Brianwaves do travel hey?! ...Telepathy does exists, I'm sure...
So maybe there's a bit of truth in Law of Attractions then? ...cos thought has energy that attracts like energy? ...Hmm...

There's even a BrainBall game exists (check out the Video below!)...

Bye Bye to Yarns

2008-05-09T21:20:00.001+10:00

[ vista ] lucia di lammermoor

I was into knitting scarfs few years ago, and I have bought so many yarns back then... Some of the yarns still not yet get to be transformed into beautiful scarfs yet... and I must admit it is actually tougher for me to give away the beautiful yarns than to shred my dairies/photos...

Anyway, I have given away a bag full of yarns but there's this two types/colors of yarn which I find it hard to let go of... And the only way to save the yarn from going to Salvation Army, is to start knitting and transform them into beautiful scarf for myself to wear since the weather has started to turn cold!! ...

Yes, this whole week I have been spending all my nights knitting two scarfs... I was using size-10 big needles to knit the scarfs so that I could get them done sooner... And they are now done and I absolutely love them!! ...I will not simply buy yarns to keep anymore unless I make sure I'll knit them immediately instead of letting them sitting around and become a burden...

Anyway, my next task is Desktop/Art & Design mags...

Just so you wonder... I need to sort out all the things in my room and things that I need to keep (to very minimal) and get them organized before I could START a new page... It has to be different to the way I used to do things... It's like I need to "detox" before I could start a new... that kinda feeling... (or IF I lose my battle, at least I don't leave too many messy things behind for my family)...

It works both ways I guess... but I'm more focus on my NEW START and to fulfill MY DREAM than the negative thoughts...

Bye Bye to Photos

2008-05-04T19:51:00.001+10:00

[ nelly furtado ] all good things

I spent my day sorting my old photo albums and also the photos that I have developed over the years (which didn't placed in the albums properly)... I think everyone knows I love taking photos and thank goodness digital camera came into our lives earlier or else I think there would be even more photos pilling up in my room for me to sort and shred today!

Well, to make it simple for me to decide which to keep and to shred... I only keep my own photos in my albums... Of course I also selected some memorable photos that I have taken with friends too while traveling together or during some special occasions...

Yup! I have shredded two big boxes of photos for recycling and I'm yet to slowly sort out my photo album as per time line/dates... I am also still yet to print out some selected digital photos to add onto the photo album to COMPLETE my very own photo album!! =)

Anyway, though diaries and photos were the living proof of my life and journey in the past, I guess I don't need them anymore, because most of the memories and pictures have already been stored in my mind and heart...

So, my photo albums is quite simple and very selective now... cos I only choose the most beautiful and most photogenic of mine to keep!! ... HAHAHAA...

Bye Bye to My Old Diaries

2008-05-03T17:38:00.003+10:00

[ johnathan myers ] this time

I used to write diaries when I was young (teenager). My first diary was given by Vivian as a birthday gift in 1990 and that's how I started writing diary... Over the years I have about about 5 - 6 diaries and I always wonder whether should I keep them or should I destroy them (as I don't want anybody to read it! ...Actually I think my mum probably has read it secretly- just as most mums does anyway!!!)...

Anyway, I have been tidying my room the past weeks and it's hard not to start asking myself again whether I should keep these diaries or destroy them forever... Instead of making the big decision, I started to read my diaries instead... They surely brought back lots and lots of memories which I vividly remember and also some that I do not even recall... It's like a flashback of my life...

I must say I'm quite surprised about my Chinese writing ability... Yes I used to love writing and I used to dream of becoming an author (just one of those dreams that I have never continue to pursue!)... Anyway, some spot-on and beautiful words that I was using and the way how I wrote, I don't think I could do it now... Boy, I HAD talent! ...haha!!

Well, as I finished reading a page, I tore them out and fed them to the new shredder I bought from Officeworks... and yes it took me nearly the whole day to shred ALL my diaries because I was taking my time walking down the memory lanes while enjoying my last read...

Tomorrow... I'll have to sort my photos albums... Another big tasks!!

Agentine Tango

2008-04-28T19:36:00.002+10:00

[ gotan project ] santa maria

Which ballroom dancing do you enjoy watching?
If you were to pick a ballroom dance to learn, which one would you learn?

Check out this couple (the lady with white strip on her dress) at 3:00 min on this video... *amazing*... Great legs huh!! ... =))

I actually missed out on their "One Night In Buenos Aires Stage Show" in Melbourne... If only I knew earlier, I would go and watch it... Heard it was awesome! ...

Room Full of Junks

2008-04-26T14:03:00.005+10:00

[ trans-siberian orchestra ] requiem

Just taking a short break from tidying my room... Phew! ...I have spent the whole morning sorting through all the books, magazines, old text books, notes that I have collected all those years... and it's time to say good-bye to them...

I always dreamt of having a home library like Prof. Higgins in "My Fair Lady"... but since I don't have a big house and places to keep all the National Geographic and New Scientists and other books I have kept over the years... I guess the best way is to donate them to Salvation Army or library rather than have them sitting in my room collecting dusts... (Note: I still have lotsa Desktop Mags and other books that I needed to sort through before I decide whether to throw or to keep... sigh!)

Next task is to tidy up my DESK... and my WARDROBE too... Ahhh... Thinking about tidying up the wardrobe already giving me massive headache...

I guess I just have to keep reminding myself to :-
1 - Throw anything that I haven't touched/used for 6 months.
2 - Keep my room simply, clean and as empty as possible.
3 - Do not ever collect things thinking that it might be useful one day.
4 - Do not buy things that is not necessary ever!!

Yes, my Saturday and Sunday will be spent on tidying my room!

Office Affairs Continues

2008-04-24T19:05:00.002+10:00

[ harry connick jr ] hear me in the harmony

*** NOTE ***
The following blog was posted a while ago, but I would like to add something today (17-June-08) ...I actually would like to THANK her for all her support and care, as she's the "primary" contact between me and work during my sickness days... She has organized cards from work, and present and visited me at hospital, and it's really kind of her... Anyway, I wished I didn't complain abt her, but I don't have intention to delete the blog, because I didn't wanna hide my mistakes... I just wished I could be more forgiving and not complaining too much and not being so fussy and particular... I sincerely thank her from the bottom of my heart...
*************

Just as I thought we (she and I) had a talk about a week ago, and we would be able to work together normally, but something happened again not long later...

The stupid bitch got offended just because I wrote a post-on note on a document to "remind" any of us to do something (just in case we forget due to the workloads!). She said she doesn't like me putting post-on note on the document because that makes her looks bad or stupid, and that she knows what she was doing and she will do them without anyone "reminding her"...

Ridiculous thing was that those documents was on my desk and it was obvious enough that those post-on note was also for me to remind myself to "follow up" just in case she forgets... Trust me, she always forget or mess up some steps when she starts to "multi-task"...

Anyway, I didn't keep quiet this time round and I explained my reasons and they are all valid, I'm sure she knows it by her heart... but due to her EGO and whatever reason, she turned around and started typing so loud like she wanted to kill the keyboards... and as usual she's not speaking to me again for another day! ...

Maybe it's a SIGN for me to let go or work less hour to put more focus on myself and my health nowadays... only if my income won't get affected if I work less hours... Hmmm...

Affortable Art Show 08

2008-04-20T20:56:00.003+10:00

[ nelly furtado ] all good things

It's been a very stressed week at work.
Many things happened but very little improvements.
I was looking forward to weekends! ...

I had appointment on Saturday morning... then went to check out some prices at some Chinese herbal and supplement shops... Came home to rest for 2 hours before heading out to my colleague's place for dinner as one of the ex-colleague will be flying back to HK for good. The dinner was great and we all had a great time that night.

On Sunday, I was meant to go to this New Age Festival at Frankston because one of my colleague is taking up some lesson to do all those Healing for Body and Soul thingy... and she was going to intro me to someone whom she thinks may help me in some way...

Anyway, I didn't end up going because I was feeling tired in the morning and to drive down to Frankston takes probably nearly 2hrs from my place. So I decided to give it a missed... and decided to go to the Affortable Art Show at Old Exhibition instead.

I thought I would missed out this year's Affortable Art Show because of my full schedule this weekend... I'm glad I didn't miss it... I know there's a lot of Artworks have already been sold on Friday and Saturday... but browsing and walking around on the final day of exhibition still inspire me a lot and made me wanna paint again... soon...

Slowly... because if the WHY is big enough, the HOW will be shown to me...

Unprofessional Attitude in Workplace

2008-04-07T20:41:00.003+10:00

[ richard carlson ] dont sweat the small stuff

Reached office and say "good morning" to her and she didn't even care to respond - how childish and immature huh??

Asked if she has received some documents because a provider was on the phone wanted to confirm, and she turned around and gave me the "extremely annoying and cranky what-now-look", and replied "unwillingly" with her usual bitchy and sharp sarcastic tone saying, "I don't know, need to check later because I'm busy." And the whole day she didn't even update me regarding...

I just do things as usual and pass her documents without holding any grudges, but it is written on her whole face and it shows on her body languages too that she's going to be like this towards me for WHO-KNOWS-HOW-LONG!

It makes it extremely difficult for me to work with her now as a team... because she doesn't place any records on system hence the only way for me to find out if we have received those documentations is to ask her directly... With her kinda attitude towards me now, asking her anything would only make her even more hostile towards me.

I don't quite know what to do now... I do wish to talk to her in person nicely, but with her still holding so much grudges and anger, there's no way we could "communicate" at all because she'd get even more hostile and I'll get upset because of her reactions.

The last resort is to talk to my manager regarding the situation but this is really something I wanna avoid... I mean, I see myself as an adult and I really do think that this sorta tiny problems should be solved between ourselves instead of getting OUR MANAGER involved. It is getting stupid and silly and very unprofessional...

It's really hard working with immature and unprofessional people... *sigh*

First Acupuncture

2008-04-06T10:06:00.005+10:00

[ rococo quartet ] por una cabeza

After missing many exits from the Freeways (I missed the exit at Tullamarine Freeway to my brother's place, and we missed the exit at Western Freeway and went all the way to Bacchus Marsh before making a U-turn)... All in all, we arrived to Melton Clinic about 40mins late!

My first impression of Nelson is that he is a bit too young (probably in his early 30s) and he is a Filipino (I think maybe it might just be me being unfair to question a non-Chinese's ability in practicing Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture?)... I must admit I had my doubts before the consultation session starts.

I have seen a lot of Doctors in these past few years and the more experience the Doctor is, the more he care less about you as a person (it's just like a truck driver, the longer he has been driving the truck, the reckless he'd become just because he is "used" to it)... Experienced Doctors only see us as just "numbers" and "patients" who come and go... They are lack of "passion" and they are just doing their job that is to give "symptomatic care" only...

I always wanted more from my Doctors but I haven't yet met a Doctor who makes me feel that they treat me as a real person instead of just a "number"... And when I met Nelson, I knew he is probably "the one" whom I could trust (at least in the mind and spirit kinda way)... We had a long talk (to understand each other and to confirm we are working towards the same directions)...

A person's eyes would not lie... A person's body language reveals a lot... We have similar mind-sets and I haven't met any person who actually "speak" my mind... I am feeling very comfortable talking to him... He might be young but I believe young people have more "passionate" in what they are doing and they'll put more effort in it (before they started to get bored or started to fall into the trap of doing things "routinely")...

I'll give him try and see what I could get out from it... I am actually very interested in seeing how he could work me up on the "Mind and Spirit" and what challenges he would give me to work on to incorporate with his treatment plans (Herbal & Acupuncture)...

My first Acupuncture was okay... No dramas, No pain... Piece of cake... Whether it was "effective" or not, I could not tell at all... My next appointment is 2 weeks later...
Looking forward to it!

Workplace Problems - HER again

2008-04-04T22:16:00.001+11:00

[ rococo quartet ] por una cabeza

I have been in quite a lot of stressed these few days at work... and I felt that I'm stucked at the situation where a lot of "communication" is required, yet I have analysed every possible steps/ways but I still could not foresee any "win-win" case to solve the issues...

I always fix her mistakes quietly instead of pointing those mistakes or wrong doing out to let her acknowledge her own mistakes and to give her room of improvements... She is spoilt because of me... and nobody will find out about how incapable she is... I don't think it would do me any good if I told my new manager the honest truth because he would probably think I am just trying to say bad words about her to protect my own job...

YES, my manager thought of changing my job role just because he thinks that I have to battle with cancer and I may bring the team down if I were to take more days off in the future... In a way I understand his point of view, yet I do not think that arrangement works... He wanted me to train her up so that she could take over my role... and I know very well that she's incapable of taking up this role because of her laziness and poor organizational skills...

Now, if that really happens, I would think I'd be in the situation where... If I were to train her up, and if she couldn't pick things up (cos she isn't that smart really), they all may think it's ME who didn't teach her well probably because I wanted her to fail as I wasn't willing to hand her the role (especially IF I told my new manager now, that she isn't quite right for this role?)...

It's complicated... and I haven't slept well the past few days... and it sort of created a bit of "tension" between her and myself these few days...

Well, the other morning she took a correspondence away from my desk and told me she's going to follow up with that (because she is "prepared" to learn and take on my role)... I wasn't impressed because she doesn't keep things in file and keep records of what she does and if ONE DAY someone asks me about what's going on with that job, I will have no records of it and I will look terrible... IF this was her tasks to take care of these correspondence, I couldn't care less... but these are MY responsibility and she should have known she shouldn't have crossed it especially I am back to WORK now... it's not like I'm still in the hospital...

So I questioned her if she has finished her own stuffs and if she is now up to date with her filings/photocopying and etc (because she has been crying the previous day complaining to everyone that she's so stressed and overloaded with things that she has so many things to apply and to follow up)... If she already has so many things to do and follow up, how could she NOT trying to finish her own shit first? ...Is she a bit too eager and impatience or is she trying to proof something there? ...

I was quite annoyed and she was also offended by the way I questioned her... She knew she has crossed it and she just wasn't happy that for the first time I questioned her in this kinda way I guess... We haven't really spoken for 2 days... Let's hope after the weekend things would improve...

Complicated... but it certainly has given me a chance to think about the whole situations, the reality of this world, human behavior, my true feelings and thoughts, to re-evaluate and reflect my own actions and to check if I am actually being fair or naive and etc... Anyway, I am sure I'll find my way to deal with it... Life is all about learning how to deal with problems, isn't it?

Finally Met after 11yrs

2008-04-01T23:29:00.005+11:00

[ 古巨基 ] 劲歌金曲2 - 情歌王

Sunday night I finally met up with a good friend whom I have known for 11 long years... I'm very happy to have finally met him in person after all those years... Though it was the first time we met in person, but we felt as if we have known each other for ages and it was great and we can chat non-stop if time wasn't the limit.

I was actually meant to meet up with him on Monday night after his D&D but my body was not up for it as I was still not fully recovered and I was feeling very weak and tired after my first day back to work... It's a pity...

Anyway, I managed to meet up with him for a quick dinner today after work, and sent him off to airport for him to catch his flight back to Perth... Thank goodness he managed to catch his flight on time (cos we were kinda running a little late)...

Well, hopefully we shall meet again someday soon...

Hmmm... who else I haven't met in person after all these years?
...Jason & Kenneth!

Earth Hour @ Melbourne

2008-03-29T22:41:00.006+11:00

[ 古巨基 ] 劲歌金曲2 - 情歌王

Did you participate on EARTH HOUR?
Shame on you if you didn't!!

Pointless Action

2008-03-28T19:31:00.005+11:00

[ 古巨基 ] 劲歌金曲2 - 情歌王

I received this email when I came back from the white cells yesterday...

I sincerely apologize for contacting you. I was genuinely concern.
I did not mean to transgress and impose on your space.
This email will be the last time I communicate with you.
I wish you health, happiness and all the best in your endeavors.

Farewell.
Yours sincerely,
XXX

Is it even necessary to write someone such an email? ...Exactly WHAT were the POINTS the sender is trying to make? ...To "apologize" yet trying to play a bit of "reverse psychology" hoping to make the reader feel little "sorry" and "guilty" cos this is the "last time" the sender will communicate with the recipient?

Here's the full story...

I was in the hospital the past few days and I received an sms from a friend who asked if I wanted to go to the Zoo. I told him I couldn't make it as I was admitted to hospital due to fever. I appreciated his concerned but he was a little "over-reacted"... Anyway, I reassured him that I'm FINE and will be out of hospital once my temperature is down... and I will sms him when I'm out of the hospital because mobile phone is NOT ALLOWED in hospital.

A day later, this friend CALLED me on my mobile while I was still in the hospital. I was extremely annoyed because I felt like he is intruding my space... Look, I do not think it is even appropriate to CALL someone when you knew they're in the hospital... The least you could do is to drop them an SMS (not to disturb them directly and give them plenty of time to rest and to reply whenever they are able to)... Most importantly, I have already made my point CLEAR to him that I could not use the phone in the hospital previously...

I didn't pick up his call of course... I replied him and told him I am doing fine and won't die any soon and I will sms everyone when I have been discharged from hospital, but until then do not CALL me as my phone is for emergency use in the hospital.

Anyway, I guess after that SMS he then sent me the above email to BOTH my email addresses (as if he was afraid that I didn't read it or missed out on it)...

Well, you could say I'm mean and cold blooded and cruel, but I get really annoyed when people don't give me enough space to breath... and I get even more annoyed when people sending me such email to apologize and wanted to give me space by making a BIG SCENE of "farewell"...

Is he a drama king or what? ... =)
I guess he has long sensed that I am trying to keep a distance from him since a few weeks ago...

Discharged from White Cell

2008-03-27T20:44:00.005+11:00

[ 古巨基 ] 劲歌金曲2 - 情歌王

Just being discharged from the white cell at 9East, Room8 since Sunday night... Right hand is full of needle holes yet there's no finding of origin of the my on-and-off fever... 4 nights of living in the room wasn't too easy, yet it wasn't too tough as well (as there's Pay TV to entertain me, as well as magazines which family brought for me)...

It wasn't fear of death that got to me... it was actually the torment of "not knowing why" that hit me hard... I couldn't understand why my temperature going up and down like a roller coaster (which prevent me from going home to sleep on my own bed and having real food - hospital food sucks!)...

Hospital nurses are very kinda and caring, and I felt terrible to always have to push the "call" button to ask them to serve me (bring me water, bring me towel/changing clothes for shower, and etc)... It's way out of my comfort zone to request HELP from others especially with things that I was able to do it myself if I wasn't in this state... I dislike being taken care of like a weak... But I greatly appreciate the patience and the kindness of all the nurses as they are like angels to me...

My health is deteriorated due to this fever... but I hope my body will recover soon as I still have a long battle to confront... I still have a few things that I need to do before I'm willing to leave... I'll list them out so that they are not being overlooked nor missed out....

Anyway, I'm glad that I'm out of the white cell...
Sorry to have made my family and a few friends and many colleagues of mine worried these few days... I'll take great care of myself... and thanks for all your concerned... I'm getting better each day now!!

Quest for Documentaries Online

2008-03-15T21:34:00.003+11:00

[ sarah mclachlan] adia

Few years ago I came across a Documentary by Graham Hancock on TV while I was flipping channels during commercial break... and I only managed to watch the last 30mins of that documentary but I have remembered it since... and I found this documentary online by chance few days ago - "Quest of the Lost Civilization"... Love it! ...

I also found another documentary "Atlantis Reborn" which oppose Hancock's idea about his findings... It is quite interesting to watch as well... and the mystery of the Lost Civilization still remain unsolved... =)

There's all other interesting Documentaries (ie. Engineering an Empire, Lost Civilization Maya, In Search of Ancient Mysteries, Ancient Apocalypse, Rome Arena of Death, and etc) that I have watched over the past few days and I'm still browsing for more... =) ...

Anyway, was also wondering why they are not showing "Unexplained Mysteries - The Unreal World" in Oz...

Betrayal

2008-03-11T22:28:00.000+11:00

[ 徐佳瑩 ] 身騎白馬抒情版

Would you consider this is an action of betrayal if your partner told you there's "nothing" between him/her with a close friend/colleague and they are not even "possible" no matter what... but once both of you and your partner is seperated, he/she started to date/seeing that particular friend/colleague straight away?

When I said "nothing" and "impossible" with that particular someone... I always mean it... and I won't end up seeing/dating them no matter what... I'll keep my word...

But to the others... they might have meant what they said "at that time"... but don't be fooled as that is not a "promise" that valid til forever... cos whatever they have said to you earlier, would have been thrown out of the windows once you walked out from their lives...

Brother's Wedding

2008-03-09T10:23:00.006+11:00

[ ronan keating ] when you say nothing at all

After 7-8yrs of being together, Bro and Winnie has finally signed the paper and declared to friends and family that they are now a married couple!

Wishing them all the best and happily ever after!

(Note: this photo was taken by Elias... ain't this a beautiful shot?)...

Tasmania Trip (1st - 7th March)

2008-03-07T20:02:00.007+11:00

[ fergie ] clumsy

Thanks to Rabbit for organizing the whole Tasmania trip... from booking both of our airfares to car rental and making reservations for our accommodations at Hobart and Cradle Mountain and etc... She's not only good in organizing trip, but she's also the greatest travel companion (and very safe driver too!)

1st March
Arrived Hobart and checking into City View Motel... Had Seafood buffet at Cove Restaurant at Hotel Grand Chancellor... The food there wasn't too bad but I didn't quite like the idea that they didn't place any ICE underneath/around the Salmon Sashimi and Fresh Oyster to keep the fresh and cold...

2nd March
Breakfast at Maldini Restaurant at Salamanca Place and checking out the young cute bikie (and also the cute friendly waiter who looks a bit like Matthew Broderick - Thanks to Rabbit for reminding me!)... hehe... It's a pity that we missed out on the Saturday Salamanca Market... Oh well, there's always next time, I guess?! ...We walked and shopped around in Hobart City before heading to Barilla Bay Restaurant for our seafood lunch!! Again, I didn't know there's a Farm Tours & Tasting at Barilla Bay or else I definitely won't missed it... Anyway, the Oyster and food at Barilla Bay is absolutely beauuuuuutiful...

We then headed to Richmond and start to take lotsa photos... And we also stopped by at Eaglehawk Neck to check out the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Blowhole before we headed to Port Arthur for our Ghost Tour at night!

I didn't do enough homework before I came to Tasmania, and I absolutely didn't know Port Arthur historical site is soooo big and it's absolutely worth visiting during the day... We arrived in the evening to join The Ghost Tour only, which was quite alright (thank goodness we didn't see anything scary stuff)... Rabbit is funny cos she deleted or refused to take any photos to avoid capturing any scary/unexpected stuff... lolx...

By the time we finished the Ghost Tour at Port Arthur and drove back to Hobart, it was nearly midnight and I think I had trouble sleeping that night... I kept hearing THINGS!!!!!

3rd March
Rabbit went to Cadbury Factory by herself in the morning while I was still dreaming in bed as I'm not a chocolate lover... hehe... After her visit to Cadbury Factory, we then checked-out from the City View Motel and headed to Cradle Mountain by pass Hamilton where there's this Glen Clyde House that offers the most yummy Cheese Chicken Scone... it was so yummy we even take-away two scones! ...

Lake St Clair National Park was the next stop and everyone over there carrying big backpacks (I think they all go there to camp and trek for days!)... We only stopped by for a short while before headed to Queenstown under the rain... The winding road near Queenstown was unforgettable as it was raining and I could see how high we were as I was driving uphill and downhill (there's no trees on road side at all cos it's a mining area)...

Anyway, I think we might have stopped at Rosebery or Tullah before reaching Cradle Mountain.... Ahhh.... Cradle Mountain Lodge is such a beautiful, warm and cozy place to stay... I still could smell the wood fire as I recall it now as I'm typing this... ahhhhhh =))

We had dinner at the Tavern Bar & Bistro at Cradle Mountain Lodge... It was quite crowded there and I think we headed back to our lodge and soaked in our own spa for a while before we called it a night...

4th March
Complimentary Buffet Breakfast at Highland Restaurant... OMG!!! ...I ate sooooo much because the breaky was sooooooooo yummy... The smoked salmon, the different types of Danish, mushrooms and scramble egg, the super beautiful porridge... and it's ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET BREAKY!!! ...I think we went for so many rounds we were so full at the end and didn't even feel hungry during lunch!

Ohhh... All I could think of now is the Fabulous Breakfast and I don't remember what did we do on the 4th March... lolx... I think we went for Enchanted Stroll, and then booked our Spa for next day, and checking out Tasmania Devils at the conservation park near the Lodge... and had a cuppa at the Cradle Mountain Cafe where we checked out the Helicopter ride (4 pax $190 each - 2 pax $330 each)... Too expensive to even take it... =((

We then went back to our Lodge and took the Kings Billy Track... It was kinda exhausted for me cos we had to walk uphill but when we reached to the top, the view was beautiful and we could see Cradle Mountain from there... After that, I think we went to The Waldheim Alpine Spa where we met the BITCH who see us as her enemies just because her boyfriend smiled at us politely when he entered the spa... Anyway, we went for Tavern for dinner again before we went back to our lodge to rest before joining for Native Animal Night Viewing Tour... We saw lotsa cute wombats, possums and pademelon and also two Tasmania Devils in the wild!!! ...Lucky hey?!

5th March
Again, the highlight in the morning was the complimentary buffet Breakfast... hehehe... We ate so much and so full again before checking out The Waterfalls Walk (Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls) to burn some energy since we had been eating so much! ...It didn't take us too long to finish the walk and went back to our lodge to wait till 130pm for our Canoe Tour at Dove Lake...

As I was taking a short nap, the Canoe Tour guide came to knock on our door and delivered the bad news... Canoe Tour has been cancelled due blizzard wind at Dove Lake... So we decided to join the Quad Bike Tour at 230pm!! ...

It's my first time on manual Quad Bike! ...So much fun driving my own!!! ...I was a bit worried because it's a bit different to riding a motorbike (and I haven't ridden a motorbike for more than 10yrs and I think I have only rode it not more than 3 times!??)... but it didn't take me too long to master the Quad Bike... I didn't ride as quick as the guys but hey, safety is more important ok!! ...hehe

After the Quad Bike tour, we then headed back to our lodge... Rabbit decided to do some laundry and took a relaxing Spa in our lodge, while I headed to the Tourist Center to catch the shutter bus at 520pm to Cradle Mountain National Park to check out Dove Lake by myself!

First arrived Dove Lake and it was beauuuuutiful... The lake was so peaceful and calm and Cradle Mountain was just right behind... I walked around the track (eventhough there's signs saying I should not walk by myself?)... Yeah, imagine if the Tasmanian Tiger appear infront of me and attack me yeah?! ...But it would be worth it if I get to see it (which thought to have became extinct now). Anyway, I missed the 630pm shutter bus to leave the National Park and had to sit there for 45mins for the next one... I didn't have a watch nor my mobile phone with me and I thought I have missed the last bus!! ...A bit PANIC at first until I found out I haven't missed the last shutter bus at 730pm... *phew*!!! ...

I think I got back to the Lodge nearly 8pm and quickly get changed to have dinner at Highland Restaurant for our 2 course meals! ...I had beef and Rabbit had salmon fish again... I think the whole trip she ate Salmon nearly everyday!!

6th March
I don't think we would ever get sick of the Buffet Breakfast at all... Ate so much again before checking out from Cradle Mountain to go to Tasmazia Maze near Sheffield... then headed to Sheffield the murals town... We met the very very cute and adorable Pablo... Isn't he a cutie?? ...Pablo's owner insisted that I have "Indian" blood in me and he described me a "handsome" lady... Hmmmm!!!!?? ...

Anyway, we reached Launceston in the evening and found a cheap hotel (can't remember which one!) and the room stink (people who stayed in the room previously probably smoked in the room?)... Oh well, it was just one night so we didn't bother to request for changing room...

Went for a drive at Tamar Valley and came back to Launceston... and it was a Thursday and there's no late night shopping... We went to catch the movie "10,000BC" instead... It was good enough to kill some time... but I still think Apocalypto is much better... =P

I guess I didn't enjoy my stay in Launceston as much as I expected... because I really really missed Cradle Mountain a lot... It was a great place to relax and stay away from city life and in touch with beautiful wilderness...

7th March
Woke up and strolled around the city of Launceston... Found the Coco Bean and tried their Tea Chocolate (cos a friend told me I must try it?)... but it failed to excite me... Perhaps we went to the wrong Chocolate shop hey??! ...

Had simple lunch at a food court and headed to Launceston Airport to catch the flight back to Melb....

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaap! ...Our trip ended just like that....
I still miss Cradle Mountain very much... I can still picture the yummy breakfast and the wilderness and peacefulness at Cradle Mountain Lodge and walkabout...

Perhaps next trip shall visit Cradle Mountain during Winter time!? ...Would be cool staying at the beautiful cozy lodge overlooking the snowy mountain.... The view must be very very beautiful.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... I want more holidaysssssssssss....

Anyway, for more photos... check here

Shopping with Mum

2008-02-16T22:01:00.000+11:00

[ 齊秦 ] 袖手旁觀

Initially I planned to shop for my dress for my bro's wedding... but I ended up shopping with mum at Malvern... Anyway, it was quite a driving distance from my place to Malvern, but having mum filling me in with all the news regarding my relatives in Msia, made the journey a little interesting...

Malvern has lotsa boutiques that's a little different... Mostly a bit mature for me, but mum was quite happy to find those shops which are different to the shops in Shopping Centres (High-Point or Chadstone).

Anyway, I bought a nice charcoal colour knee length pants which can be worn for office or leisure... I nearly bought the red bag too from the same shop, but I thought I shall look for my dress instead of buying more accessories... hehe...

Well, I think I spent quality time with mum today and found out lotsa details regarding my relatives in msia... Sometimes I would wonder why there's conflicts between the siblings when it comes to inherit the land/$$$... Well, I wouldn't mind if my parents give all their $$$ to my brother at all... I guess if you love your siblings enough, you wouldn't even be that calculative, yeah?? ...Hmm... but I'm sure every family has their own stories behind closed doors that I know not of...

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T21:44:00.000+11:00

[ verve ] drugs don't work

Did you have a great Valentine's Day? ...
I didn't even feel it at all... but I did have an unusual Valentine's Day...

Drugs don't work... as more lesions found...
They said I'm still young and they'll absolutely help me find a drugs that works... I was devastated by the news as I thought there'd be good news... But not...

Didn't get any Valentine's flowers this year... My dearest gay friend has gone back to Msia for holidays... Normally he would give me flowers which he arranged during Valentine's... He is such a talented person as he could transform anything into beautiful things (flowers, paintings, drawings, and food!)...

Anyway, I have cancelled my plans for May as I thought I would be able to have a short holidays in Msia and HK/China... Oh well, until I have found the suitable drugs... I don't think I'd go anywhere...

Suzuki Night Market @ Queen Victoria Market

2008-02-13T15:12:00.003+11:00

[ misia ] any love

I didn't think my Wednesday would be any different to the other Wednesday, but today was a little unusual... as it was a last minute decision to visit Suzuki Night Market at Queen Victoria Market.

Every year, I would make an effort to visit this Wednesday night market because I just love it there. There's so many arty stuff and a lot of home made and unique designs available... There's also hawker food stalls around as well as live performances for free... I guess it is also quite special as it is the ONLY night market in Melbourne and they only have it during Summer...

Anyway, I bought an Relaxation Pillow for eyes (filled with Lavender, Chamomile, rose and Millet filling) as well as a Moon Bag for neck&shoulder (filled with Lavender, Ginger, Sandlewood and wheat filling) which can be heated up in the Microwave for 2 mins, and it's good for aches, pains and tense muscles... They cost me Aud$40... hmmm... A little expensive but I really like it...

Also, I bought a Neckerchief from a stall called "The Girl Can't Help It" for my colleague as it was her birthday... The neckerchief is soooooooooooooooo pretty I really wanted one for myself too... but they don't have the one which I wanted (cos they no longer has the antique fabric or buckle for that particular patterns)... What a pity!!! ...But I still think they are really really pretty.... Love it!

I guess I'm into scarf and all these sort nowadays cos not only I could use them as hair bands, they also looks pretty when wrapping around the neck... I guess I feel more comfy with them than wearing necklace, eventhough I do like necklace too (edgy and unique ones only!) but rarely had the chance to wear them...

Anyway, my next stop next time would be:-
(1) Lost and Found market
(2) Rose Street Market

Chinese New Year in Melb

2008-02-10T20:59:00.004+11:00

[ 恭喜恭喜 ]

I remember last year I went to almost every Chinese New Year celebrations in Melb (ie. Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond, Crown, Chinatown, except Footscray). This year I only went to Chinatown and Crown just to feel the atmosphere...

Anyway, Chinatown (Little Burke Street) was soooooo crowded I felt as if I was still walking at the same spot... Thankfully the weather wasn't that hot at all... Anyway, there were one dragon waiting in the middle of the road for the right time to perform... and at least 5 lion dances along Swanston Walk and Little Burke Street...

We had to get out of Chinatown because it was too crowded and we went the long way to Russell Street just to check out the stalls to see what they were offering this year... As usual, all those hawker stalls and bright red decorations for Chinese New Year... We bought a slice of yummy 肉干 (sorry, I don't really know what's the English name for this!) and slowly walked to Crown Casino as there's more along Yarra River...

Personally I prefer the Chinese New Year Celebration at Crown along the riverside... probably because it's more spacious and it's a nicer view along the river? ...Bought so many food to eat (Curry Fish Balls, "Apong Balik"), 豆腐花, and Green Tea Drinks)... If I hadn't have lunch earlier, I think I would have bought more food (ie. 猪肠粉, Satay, and PoPiah) ...Hmm... Actually the food there wasn't that great, it's just the atmosphere makes you wanna buy and eat (especially I miss those food as well).... =))

Anyway, such a tiring day... but that's my Chinese New Year during the weekend...
We already had our family dinner on Wed and Thursday night (Chinese New Year Eve and 1st day of Chinese New Year)...

Well, I hope you all have a Wonderful Chinese New Year 2008!!

2nd Saturday

2008-02-03T22:41:00.000+11:00

[ one republic ] stop & stare

I have spent a few hours on Thur night to design a Birthday invitation card for my colleague as she's holding a 40th birthday celebration coming March... Love doing all these little project for people around me... (No, I didn't get to design my brother's wedding invitation... grrrr!!)

Saturday morning I received an sms "Movie today?" from him... Pissed me off again due to that sms for some reason... Look, if that sms was little longer and little nicer / polite, perhaps I would think about it... Even when I ask friends out, I would ask nicely with a longer sms to invite them to catch up or NOT to give them a sense of "just-want-to-kill-time-cos-Im-so-bored" kinda-thing! ...Well, Let's not talk about this cos I could blah-blah-blah the whole day...

Anyway, my weekend was quite nice... Though I didn't get to watch "Sweeney Todd" but we bought a new cordless phone with answering machine (to keep away those annoying telemarketing calls)... hehehe... We went shopping at High-Point because we need to find nice outfit for Bro's wedding!

I saw a pretty summer dress which is nice enough for the wedding, but I still need to shop a little bit more before I lock it in... =) ... Let's hope the pretty dress would still be available if I couldn't find any nice dress by mid Feb!! ....

Long Weekend

2008-01-28T19:02:00.001+11:00

[ 楊宗緯 ] 洋蔥

I hope you have a great long weekend... cos mine was very boring... =/
Two long lost friends sms me this weekend as if they knew I'm free this weekend? ... but I have been VERY anti-social mood lately and I choose not to go out... and I spent my long weekend watching "3rd Rock from The Sun"...

I shall go for Summer Zoo Twilight next week and watch Sweedney Todds too as Rabbit highly recommended it!! ...(Oh come on! ...It will be good as it's Johnny Depp!!!)...

Half & Half

2008-01-27T22:08:00.000+11:00

[ 蕭煌奇 ] 一半一半

I was just browsing around and came across this song...
The lyric is beautiful...

白天一半　晚上一半　善良一半　邪惡一半
男人一半　女人一半　真的一半　假的一半
白天一半　晚上一半　善良一半　邪惡一半
男人一半　女人一半　真的一半　假的一半

佛的世界一半　魔的世界也一半
你一半　我一半
這個世間　誰也無法統一另一半

努力好的一半　壞的一半自然減少
接受美好的一半　包容短缺的一半
努力好的一半　壞的一半自然減少
接受美好的一半　包容短缺的一半
才能擁有全面的人生

1st Saturday...

2008-01-26T20:25:00.000+11:00

[ 盧巧音 & 王力宏 ] 好心分手

My 1st very own Saturday... on Australia Day...

I spent the day with a good friend whom I last seen since last November... to catch up, to bitch about the ups and downs in our lives (he blah-blah-blah more than I did!!), to eat and drink like people who hasn't eaten for ages, and to comfort each other! Though it was just a few hours in the afternoon, but it was still one great step to keep myself occupied...

Bro's family is home for dinner and I was busy playing with Russell (the doggy) with the tennis ball... I was meant to throw the tennis ball very hard on the floor so that it would bounce back in the air, and Russell could jump and catch it.... and I accidentally hit Russell's eyes with the tennis ball!!! ...I knew it was very painful because I hit it hard... Poor Russell was in pain and I felt terrible!!!! ...Thankfully after a few minutes of short rest, he was active and running about again.... *phew*... but I still feel terrible for hitting him... Poor Russell, I buy you pig's ears next time... =)

At the moment, I'm kinda at my anti-social mood... I wish not to meet anyone nor talk to anyone about anything... It's still very uncomfortable (with mixed feelings)... but I promise I'll come out and play when I have enough rest... Looking forward to March for my Tassie trip with Rabbit and my brother's wedding...

I'll spend some time working on my next project... I'll have more time now...

看清

2008-01-12T22:27:00.000+11:00

[ 輕鬆玩樂團 ] 看清

He is not that into you... if he always walk ahead and leave you behind...
He is not that into you... if he doesn't reply your sms soon enough...
He is not that into you... if he doesn't share or include you in his life...
He is not that into you... if he is not willing to hold your hand in public...
He is not that into you... if he doesn't let anybody knows he is seeing you...
He is not that into you... if he says he is not ready for a relationship...

He is not that into you...
...if he doesn't even try to stop you from leaving him...

He is just not that into you...

No Need to Argue

2008-01-08T18:25:00.001+11:00

[ dolores o'riordan ] loser

I used to question when I didn't understand why...
I used to confront when I knew something didn't add up...
I used to probe for an answer when I knew I won't get one...

I don't question now... I don't confront now...
And I certainly do not probe anymore...
Because if I did...
...the answers would still be unacceptable...
...more lies will be made to cover the trail...
...& communication won't work when one started to get defensive...

Funeral

2008-01-07T22:14:00.001+11:00

[ the pretenders ] i'll stand by you

4 of us took 2hrs off to attend her mom's funeral today...
It was well presented and well organized... and the service was full of people... It was difficult for the family and it's not easy for us too to see the family grieve like that...

After the service, I went to say good-bye to her, and tears just started to build up & overflow... I think we kissed each other's lips instead of cheeks (unsure if it was accidental or not?)

Boundaries

2008-01-05T22:11:00.000+11:00

[ santana feat chad kroeger ] into the night

I know enough now to start setting boundaries...
I see no reason for me to "let it be" when things just will not be...

Hobby & Interest

2008-01-04T22:36:00.000+11:00

[ matchbox 20 ] how far we have come

I have never thought of what's the difference between hobby and interest... I always thought a hobby is something that we enjoy doing regularly, and interest is something that we like to do but may not get to do as often as a hobby?? (I think my guess was pretty close to the definition... kekeke... Yeah, whatever!)

So, does day-dreaming, sleep, food and surfing net considered as a hobby?

Be Strong

2008-01-03T20:57:00.000+11:00

[ one republic ] apologize

I jumped into her car and wishing her Happy New Year, and asked how was her holidays... and her tears started to pour down from her beautiful eyes... Her mom has just passed away during the holidays due to heart attack.

I was so in shocked... her mom looked so healthy and great the last time I saw her... I didn't know what to say nor how to react, and all I could do was just putting my hand on her shoulder to show my support and comfort as she tried to tell me what happened while she was driving...

Later in the afternoon, I received another bad news... and I just couldn't contained myself... I thought I handled it well, but 15mins later, things just HIT me and I just had to let some tears out...

Anyway, such to start 2008... Let's hope the year will only gets better... It has to be...

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-02T19:26:00.000+11:00

[ one republic ] say all i need

Bye-Bye 2007... and Hello 2008!!

I have been moody and easily get agitated... I guess I was just a little scared, a little unsure, a little angry, a little confused, and a little upset especially as it gets closer for me to start my battle again ... So bear with me if I have been a little bitchy, mean, and short-fused recently... and may I apologize, if you happened to be the victim... =/

Back To Basic

2007-11-24T23:54:00.000+11:00

[ 蔡健雅 ] 如果你愛我

Because of Cup Cakes and Krispy Kreme... I missed out all the ACTIONS... I also missed out getting it re-touched... I suppose there's always next time? ...Maybe I shall also do that as birthday present for myself... hehe... Anyway, I had a great day at St Kilda for lunch, at South Melb for Tea Pot hunt, and sang like a Superstar with PS3... FUN!

End of the day, I suggested "back to basic"... I don't really know why I did that when I had such a wonderful day... I guess I know the question will still come back to me if I avoided it tonight...

Anyway, I know I have done my part more than enough and it's not my problem anymore... Maybe it's just like Tanya's lyric...

總是全力以赴保持日復一日的溫度
多少有幫助
繞過愛你的路就讓回憶模糊
關上車窗再加速
需要的我比你清楚

如果你愛著我而我也愛著你
結果還是有段跨不過的距離
這時離開還依然美麗

如果說我愛著你而你卻比較愛自己
我想那就不是我的問題
那不過是現代人的愛情

Undelivered Messages

2007-11-19T22:15:00.000+11:00

[ massive attack ] teardrop

I remember the "right feeling".... I remember the "right ways"...
I know how things should have been if it was "right"...
I don't feel "right"... not now at all...
I wouldn't have missed them if things were truly "right".... would I?

There's so many things I wanted to know... typed them out without sending them out... they then get deleted - yet not forgotten... They are still the unsolved mysteries and unspeakable issues..

Teardrop

2007-11-19T21:42:00.000+11:00

[ massive attack ] teardrop

Love... Love is a verb... Love is a doing thing...
Teardrop in my eyes... most faithful my love...

空白格

2007-11-18T10:57:00.000+11:00

[ 蔡健雅 ] 空白格

我们之间的空白格是何时形成的?

其实很简单其实很自然两个人的爱由两人分担
其实并不难是你太悲观隔著一道墙不跟说分享
不想让你为难
你不再需要给我个答案

我想你是爱我的我猜你也舍不得
但是怎么说总觉得
我们之间留了太多空白格
也许你不是我的爱你却又该割舍
分开或许是选择
但它也可能是我们的缘分

Restricted

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

[ george michael ] kissing a fool

Love... and Passion...
...being restricted and contained...

Sum It Up

2007-09-28T21:24:00.000+10:00

[ sting ] dessert rose

The previous week has been soooooooooooo busy I don't remember what exactly I was doing or how did i even spend the weekend and etc...

I think there were Food, IKEA, colleague's house for dinner, and Melbourne Show!!! Then there were nights where I slept under the bright glowing stars...

Time passes by too fast and I'm too tired to blog them now... zZzzzzZzzZzzz

Shall We Dance?

2007-09-19T23:45:00.000+10:00

[ skye ] feel good inc.

Had an appointment and had to drive to work today...
He said if I have any concerns, I shall give him a call anytime...
If any...................................................... and I hope not...

The whole day I wasn't feeling quite myself because there was something that bothers me... but I couldn't pin point what exactly... I guess I probably didn't feel "right" to see him again too soon...

Anyway, after I finished my appointment... I received an sms requesting "a sunflower"... that actually put a smile on my face... Yes... Sunflower makes me smile... and I like the idea of getting a sunflower...

So I started my sunflower hunt in the afternoon... Didn't have any luck at all... Perhaps if I have had gone to the florist outside Melb Town Hall, I'd be able to get Sunflowers because they always have Sunflowers there... perhaps... Most of the florists told me Sunflowers weren't in season... so I ended up with two bunches of Yellow Tulips... They are quite beautiful...

Whats for dinner? ...Homemade pizza and homemade garlic bread...
Watched "Shall We Dance" for the first time... Very nice... I like!!!!!!

I've Never Been To Me

2007-09-18T20:52:00.000+10:00

[ charlene ] i've never been to me

Hey lady, you lady, cursing at your life
You're a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I've no doubt you dream about the things you'll never do
But, I wish someone had talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you.....

Oh, I've been to Georgia and California and anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man and we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces because I had to be free
I've been to paradise but I've never been to me

Please lady, please lady, don't just walk away
'Cause I have this need to tell you why I'm all alone today
I can see so much of me still living in your eyes
Won't you share a part of a weary heart that has lived million lies....

Oh, I've been to Niece and the Isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht
I've moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo and showed 'em what I've got
I've been undressed by kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me

[spoken]
Hey, you know what paradise is?
It's a lie, a fantasy we create about people and places as we'd like them to be
But you know what truth is?
It's that little baby you're holding, it's that man you fought with this morning
The same one you're going to make love with tonight
That's truth, that's love......

Sometimes I've been to crying for unborn children that might have made me complete
But I took the sweet life, I never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet
I've spent my life exploring the subtle whoring that costs too much to be free
Hey lady......
I've been to paradise, (I've been to paradise)
But I've never been to me

Wildlife Documentaries

2007-09-15T23:04:00.000+10:00

[ skye ] feeling good inc.

Ever since I have done one of the right thing on Wednesday... it was as if I have placed my white stone firmly on the Go-chess board to shape the game a little... but it's still a new game... So much space and the black and white stones still haven't formed a shape and they certainly have not showed their true colors as yet... The board is still filled with many uncertainties and unpredictable moves...

I since have been trying to analyze and trying to predict the future's moves but I guess it was something that I shouldn't have done because it only troubles me more especially when I could not find any answer... I guess I have to remind myself not to worry nor think too much as it's actually the JOURNEY that counts after all...

Anyway, we had lunch at a Korean restaurant called 7 & 7 at Carnegie... I think the "Hot Pot not Hot" Korean restaurant in the city is slightly better... =) ...Went to Safeway to get a bit of stuff and watched Apocolypto together... I think this was the 3rd time I've watched this movie but still find myself enjoying it very very much...

Well, guess what? ...I received yet another gift!!! ...A whole set of Wildlife documentaries which he started collecting about 2 weeks ago (one by one from Herald Sun Newspaper everyday)... That effort kinda touched me a little (or maybe a lot?!)...

Was it just coincidence or was the timing so perfect that Herald Sun came up with such documentaries for him to collect? ...Unbelievable... Why is it seems so easy for him to do something so sweet and beautiful?

I don't know what to do in return... I am a little unsure... I still could not analyze how this board game would turn out...

Timing is such a vital thing in life, isn't it? ...
Is this my turn to place the white stone on the board now? ...and if so, where shall I land my next white stone? ...and are you sure you wanna land your black stone there or shall you just hold and think before you put it down?

hmmm... Maybe we shall play "Tell The Truth" instead??

Nutella Peanut Butter Sandwich @ Botanical Garden

2007-09-12T10:12:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] lady

Almost every Tuesday, the color I noticed were moody and grey...

Anyway, it's Wednesday and I hope the cloud would clear up a little... perhaps a walk would help... though it wasn't very Sunny but it's good enough to take a walk at the Botanical Garden...

Peanut Butter + Nutella Sandwich... YUM!! ...My 2nd day of quiting Peanut Butter in the morning and I was already back on eating Peanut Butter again during lunch today... but Peanut Butter + Nutella are very compatible and they absolutely compliment each other... How to resist?!?

Be brave OoKi... be strong OoKi! ...Nothing out there that I could not over come with... esp if it was the right thing to do...

And I have finally got piece of information out of my system... and what a relief... Guilt free now I suppose...

Another surprise again... I was given a gift again which I was instructed not to open immediately... Well, at the end I only opened the gift hours later as I was extremely busy at work (mid month and end of month is my busiest day!)...

As I opened the gift, I could not believe it... I always wanted to own a copy of this book but it has since stopped printing ages ago... and he found it just like that?!?! ...Unbelievable... Why does he make thing looks so easy and simple???

I was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day... THIS is THE book that changed my perspectives and helped me get through one stage of my life and make sense of the journey for me without having to put much effort...

Red Red Flowers

2007-09-10T22:52:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] on the radio

What a tiring Monday after a cool weekend... What a surprise to receive a bouquet of flowers in the office... Everyone was asking me if I knew who sent it... Everyone was curious to find out who that guy is... As usual, I returned them with a cheeky smile and got away without revealing... I'm such a secretive person, aren't I?

It's quite sweet receiving flowers... but I don't quite like receiving flowers in the office because I don't like the attention... It makes me feel a little uncomfortable especially when people started to ask me questions which I don't want to answer....

Anyway, receiving this bouquet of flowers comes with a problem which I wasn't quire prepared to deal with, but I guess I'll have to find a way or chance to deal with it soon because conscience has started to catch up with me now... =\

Up Up and Away...

2007-09-09T09:42:00.000+10:00

[ jack johnson ] gone going gone

Had lunch at a Malaysian restaurant called KotaRaya at Elsternwick... I'm quite impressed with their Hainan Chicken Rice... Quite yummy...

Actually it wasn't my first time here at Kota Raya restaurant... During my ex-classmate Kevin's last visit... We all went there for dinner with my family... The best dish I could remember was their fish (which you have to pre-order when you make reservations).

Anyway, it was a beautiful day... The clay making classes wasn't opened until school holidays (initially we were planning to take up the sunday fun class)... Looking at the Melway, no idea where shall we go... I decided to buy a kite and fly it...

Flying Kite has always been one of the activity that I wanna do... and I was a little jealous that Rabbit has done it but I hasn't... hehehe... So off we went to hunt for a KITE!! ...It didn't take us too long to find the KITE at Game Shop at Southland Shopping Centre...

We then drove to the park nearby (that showed on the Melway)... as there's this beautiful Lake and the wind was strong enough... Pulled out my picnic mat and brought out our picnic junk food (leftover from yesterday - muahahhaha!!)... and we started to fly the Kite! ...

It took me a few good attempts before I got the hang of it... The 2 strings (controllers) kite ain't easy at first but I found it quite fun to fly than the normal one string kite... I think I was the smart one here too cos it took my friend agesssssssss to manage how to fly it... =P

Anyway, it was quite tiring running around after a while and we started to pack up and get some dinner... Picked up a DVD "Sunshine" and a pizza and garlic bread and off we went to have our movie session.... (I thought the movie was ok at the beginning... and it started to go downhill when Hiroyuki Sanada is no longer appear in the movie!!!!) ....hahahaha

I must say I think Hiroyuki Sanada is sooooooooooooooooooooo damn handsome... I was so excited when I saw him appearing in Sunshine (cos I didn't really know who casts in this movie).... Anyway, enough enough... Maybe I shall start watching some Japanese Series that he made last time... hohohoho!!!

So the night ended with me thinking about Kiroyuki Sanada smiling..... He's so MAN isn't he??!!! ....hahahaha...

Shortest Picnic @ Warrandyte

2007-09-08T21:18:00.000+10:00

[ cass elliot & the mamas and the papas ] dream a little dream of me

It's been ages I have not been to Warrandyte... It's only about 30mins away from Melbourne. A little township that offers lots of food and arty stuffs... and there's this pathway where you could walk around the river and see people kayaking or canoeing...

The last time I went was probably at least 4 to 5 yrs ago... and I always wanted to try Kayaking there because the river is quite calm - would be suitable for beginner I guess...

Anyway, the place has developed a lot since... The walking path along the river has been upgraded and there's so many people walking around there now then before... We were walking there to search for a picnic spot, but we couldn't find any as it's either too bushy or too wet and sandy)! ...

By the time we finished walking and drove to a nearby park and set up our picnic area... It was already quite late... We only sat there for probably 30mins and decided to pack up and leave... The wind is getting COLD and shadows of the trees were growing longer and bigger as the sun started to set...

Well, on our way back to the city, I suddenly remember Sutdley Park Boathouse at Yarra Bend Park... Another beautiful area just right outside the city and some part of the hill could overlook the city night lights (a substitute to Mt.Dandenong if you don't wanna drive too far)... Unfortunately, the beautiful Boathouse (fine dining) was not opened until 6pm or 7pm... and I think we could only hire the boat or canoe to row along the river in the morning or early arvo... Perhaps I shall come back again next time, cos it's such a lovely place!! ... =)

(Sorry Rabbit... I forgot about this place while you were here... Perhaps during your next trip? ...come to Melb again!! =)

At night we went to a Vietnamese Restaurant along Richmond and we tried out the Vietnamese Pancake and I'm very impressed because I like it! ...All you need to do is to use the Lettuce to wrap the pancake... The Pancake is egg based and has meat and prawn and lots of beansprout on it)...

Then we were searching for a Lounge or Cafe... Drove to Chapel Street to have Cheesecake at Cafe Greco (can't go wrong with their strawberries cheesecake)... and we walked along before we headed home and end the night...

Little Project

2007-09-07T19:40:00.000+10:00

[ michael buble's songs]

It's been a while since I last painted anything on the canvas...

Today I took out the dusty brushes and acrylic tubes which have been hibernating for almost 1yr+ and started to give them a squeeze... Even though it was just a 15cm x 15cm project, but it brought serenity and peacefulness when I was in focus... It's almost like meditation... I was in my own world...

The concept of SPRING has been in my mind for a while but nothing motivate me to JUST-DO-IT... Anyway, sometimes I do need a kick to be motivated and get things started again...

SUMMER's concept has already settled in my mind but I'm unsure if I should DO-IT-NOW or wait till Summer comes... (Wouldn't it be more meaningful if it was done during Summer?)... Or shall I start thinking about AUTUMN and WINTER now too??

I need to search for more 15cm x 15cm canvas now cos they are just right for me especially I'm still new to Acrylics! ...

Proper Date with Shoya

2007-09-02T22:04:00.000+10:00

[ michael buble ] dream a little dream

For the past few weeks... It was always "wherever you go I'd tag along" kinda thingy... and today I received an sms in the morning for a "proper date" at 4pm... and I was instructed to wear something "pretty" or wear a dress? ...*panic*...I don't have any dress to wear because I'm not a girly-dressed-person... I love my jeans, my khaki, my wide leg pants and my cargo pants...

Anyway, it was all due to I was undecided what to wear and had too many "fashion shows" in front of my mirror at home until I was an hour late... (Yeah!! ...Never ever asked me to dress up "pretty" cos I'll certainly end up being late!)... and guess what? ...I rocked up in jeans at the end... lolx!!!!

By the time I parked my car at Crown Casino, it was about 510pm... *faint*... I thought I was soooo in trouble (even though I had already notified that I'll be late... but that wouldn't make me feel any better for being late)... Hmm... The idea of making a "U-turn" and go home actually crossed my mind cos I was afraid I might get scolded... hahaha...

Well, we walked around Crown Casino's shopping area for around (totally because I haven't been there for ages and there's many changes!)... and we started to walk towards the city... Went to Gin Palace to have a sip before we headed to Shoya Restaurant (which located next to Flower Drum)...

We had the Smokeless BBQ "Yakiniku" Special Set Menu (Seafood)... Very interesting place... and the Wagyu Beef was soooooooooooooooo nice... We also ordered Yuni-Yakko (Fresh tofu topped with fresh Sea Urchin)... Ohhhhhhhhh... I think this appetizer is sooooooooooooooooo yummy and it was my first time trying Sea Urchin too!! ...It's absolutely delicious....

I think it's either the food was toooooooooooooooo yummy or I was a little tired that I didn't talk too much at all during the night... But it was a good night, yet walking back to Crown Casino after dinner was extremely cold!!! ...

Anyway, I used to think Sozai was the best Japanese restaurant in Melb... but I changed my mind now as Shoya beats it!!! ... =) ...Absolutely in love with food in Shoya...

(Rabbit, come to melb again and we shall go Shoya and try out all the interesting dishes!!!)

Real Cherry Ripe Ice Cream Finally

2007-09-01T20:58:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] on the radio

We had 6-inches each at Subway around 1pm near Elsternwick... Initially I planned to visit another Maze which I found on the Melway (directory at the back)... but he asked me to drive a little further (a few blocks away from Subway) and wanted me to wait at the carpark for 10mins and he went to get something? ...Anyway, I thought he left something at work and went to pick it up...

When he came back, he was holding this paper tray full of cookies in many varieties which he just bought from this famous shop called Aviv Cakes & Bagels at Glen Huntly Road... He insisted that I must eat the fruit tarts (I don't think that's the proper name but alas!)... I think that was yummy especially the custard in the middle (ewwww... how to lose weight like that??)... And then he kept asking me to try the cookies... I tried 2 different type of chocolate cookies and that's it... Too full!!!

Just as I was about to start our day trip (I wanted to go to the Maze!)... He asked me to drive to Glenferrie Road at Malvern... So I did as he tried to navigate... Parked the car and we started to walk along Glenferrie Road to find his shop... And he surprised me by bringing me to this Ice-Cream shop called Cold Rock.

Well, he was trying to make up to me because I was disappointed last week when he told me there was Cherry Ripe Ice Cream in supermarket, but it turned out to be a Turkish Delight Ice Cream... Tsk! ...Anyway, I picked Coconut Ice Cream and had them mixed the Cherry Ripe chocolate for me in the Ice Cream... Yummy!!! ...He had Rum & Raisin Ice Cream + TimTam... Quite cool... but again I was TOO FULL and was struggling to finish the ice-cream....

We then headed down to Frankston listening to my mp3 songs (2003) in the car and chatting away... Didn't really do much at Frankston at all... We went to the shopping mall just to use their washroom... haha... and then we headed back to Melb again...

On our way back to Melb I was driving along The Esplanade... the houses were absolutely beautiful... but the sun glazed was pretty bad (it was nearly sun-set)... Anyway, I drove to Williamstown via Port Melb...

We didn't manage to walk around Williamstown because it was VERY COLD and already dark... We had Mexican food at Viva Zapatas. The food tonight was alright but pretty filling (I can't remember the names of the food we ordered, sorry!!)

We then went to Breizoz to have Apple & Calvados Crêpes and a hot drink... I love the courtyard area... Most of the big paintings still the same... =) ...Love them!!

Anyway, we left around 11pm and before he got off my car, he gave me another little surprise - a tiny little pressie... I didn't open it until I reached home (cos I'm a cinderella, remember? ...Had to rush home before 12am or else I'd get nagged!)

A Saturday full of little surprises... eventhough we didn't make it to the maze as planned...

Family Karaoke Night

2007-08-31T22:00:00.000+10:00

[ gloria gaynor ] i will survive

What a night!! ...Karaoke with my family!! ...How cool is that hey?!

Anyway, it was my idea to go Karaoke for brother's birthday initially, but nobody supported my idea at that time... Few day later, mum and I were talking about singing thingy and she started to like the idea especially they (mum & dad) haven't been to any Karaoke in Melb before... So we all decided we'll have a family Karaoke on Friday night!! ...Woohoo!!

We all met up after work at 630pm and had dinner at Ghin Khao Thai restaurant at Swanston Street... The food was fantastic!!! ...but the servicing was a little chaotic... we had to wait for a long time for all the dishes to come out... other than that, we all pretty satisfied with the food there... yummmm....

We then walked to the Karaoke (I can't remember the name) near Little Burke Street. Many youngsters there and we could hear people singing their heart out when we walked to our private room... We all sort of laughed too when we heard someone next door trying to scream out loud in hoping to reach the higher notes? ...It was sooooooo funny...

Anyway, I knew brother's girlfriend and my parents might be a little shy at the begining... So brother picked a song for me to sing first... Brother and I sang together too to warm up and brother started to pick lotsa Chinese oldies for parents to sing...

Wow!! ...Dad can sing well but his voice is a little soft... Brother can sing very well too but I think he is a little shy in front of parents... hehehe... And the songs tonight didn't suit me as most of them were too high for me to reach (yeah! blame the song instead! ...haha) ...

The first song I attempted was a little out of tune especially when I tried to reach the high note ... They all laughed at me... How embarrassing!! ...hehehehe... But I guess that probably inflated my brother's girlfriend's confidence seeing me singing so out of tune at times... and she started to sing solo too!!! ...Big Big applaud to her... =)) ...(cos she doesn't sing at all)

The night ended around 1130pm as dad has to work the next day... Oh well... I guess everyone was a little tired too as towards the end, nobody wanted to sing anymore... My parents actually prefer to watch the MTV than singing... haha... Cos they kept asking me to turn on the singer's volume instead... hahaha... (I guess they were trying to tell me I couldn't sing in a nice way!! =)

Oh well, I would love to go Karaoke again if anyone out there willing to lend me their ears... hahahah... =))))

Cherry Ripe = Turkish Delights???

2007-08-26T19:22:00.000+10:00

[ melly goeslaw & eric ] ada apa dengan cinta

Visited the Highline Tattoo Parlour at St Kilda just to check out the Flute Dancing Couple again... They still look soooo irresistibly cute!! ...I will redesign them and perhaps when I am happy and satisfy one day, I would have another one... (don't think it would be any sooner at all... hehe!)

Anyway, the Tattoo Artist is Simon Wilson, and I seriously admirer his Traditional Tribal designs... They're not only complicatedly beautiful, they are also extremely challenging to work on (esp those that covers the whole limbs)... No wonder he won the Awards for those!!

Lunch was at Nyonya Restaurant at Glen Waverley... Woah!!! ...Laksa sedapnya!! ...We had some kuih too... and I bought 1/4 of the Cakes Lapis (cost $15!! ...So expensive for a 10cm x 10cm cake!)...

Well, I was hoping to buy my brother a birthday present, but there wasn't much at The Glen Shopping Mall... so we went to Chadstone Shopping Mall yet it was already 4pm and there wasn't much time left to shop at all... We ended up reading books in Borders Bookshop instead...

At night I went home and sorta celebrate Brother's birthday with the Cake Lapis... I think I like Russel a little bit more nowadays... that's probably becos he likes me!? ...hahaha...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyway, the highlights of the day wasn't the food I had nor the places I went this time... it was:-

(1) My friend told me he sold his bicycle and gave away his helmet which he has worn for 1yr... I found it really funny because I thought people would get their own helmet instead of using a 2nd-hand helmet? ...Imagine the SWEAT from the previous owner... Ewww... I mean, I thought helmet is like underwear or socks, you don't buy 2nd-hand's to wear??

(2) My friend told me there's Cherry Ripe Ice Cream and we can buy from Coles / Safeway!? ...I love Cherry Ripe and I was so excited and when we went to check it out.... ALAMAK!!? ...It wasn't Cherry Ripe Ice Cream at all... It is a Turkish Delight Ice Cream... and he insisted they taste the SAME?? ...and force me to try the Turkish Delight Ice Cream even though I kept telling him I KNOW the difference between Turkish Delight and Cherry Ripe.... lolx... Mana boleh?!

Garfield Pillow

2007-08-23T21:48:00.000+10:00

[ thisty merc ] 20 good reasons

Garfield Pillow enters my life since 1994... It was given to me by a friend who shaved his hair to be bald...

He isn't great a good looking guy but he has personality and even though the shape of his head wasn't as round and perfect as African's.... He still shows confidence wearing no hair... and I guess that what makes him attractive? ...Confidence...

I think my liking for bald / extremely short hair guys started from there... (I think!)... or maybe it was dated back even earlier? ...hehe... Don't remember!!

Mysterious Flute Playing Symbol Unfold

2007-08-19T12:22:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] fidelity

A blue and a red couple playing flute and dancing...

For the past 10+ years, I have never knew what this symbol means, which I have always ALWAYS fond of... I first saw it at a Tattoo Parlour which located around St Kilda. I fell in love with them...

At that time I was still young and I wasn't quite sure if I should get a tattoo (even though I always wanted one)... but my love for these flute playing couple have never ceased... I actually visited the Tattoo Parlour a few times just to look at it whenever I thought I was ready for a tattoo (that's before I was inked last year)...

Well, even though now that I have a tattoo on my ankle... I still constantly remember that flute playing dancing couple because I know that is what I truly like... After all, I have liked it for over 10yrs and it is still THE only tattoo that I have seen that I could not forget and could not stop loving...

Well, I have no idea what's the name of the symbol nor it's meaning... I thought it was just a design... until... He said he always wanted to have this Flute Playing man tattoo... I didn't think much of it until this morning when I woke up, I had this funny feeling that the symbol he was talking about could be the same one which I like?? ...(Even though the one I liked is a couple, he could be talking about the male one I saw??) ... It's such a strange feelings (yeah! I know I am sloooooooow sometimes... haha)....

I didn't know there's even a name for this symbol and I did a google search after I asked him what was it called... and OMG!!!! ...That's the one I like!!? ...I could not expressed how surprised I was... a little freaky too... because I have never told anyone... I have only showed Li-Joo once cos at that time we went to that Tattoo Parlour just to browse for some designs...

Of all the designs and tattoos available out there, I have never thought I would meet someone who knew the name of the symbol and love it as much as I do too? ...

Creepy, Freaky, Bizarre, Unbelievable... maybe just a beautiful coincident...

@ndy The Great Visiting Melb

2007-08-19T11:11:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] lady

Guess what? ...I went to Laksa King again... haha... This is all because a Sydney sider just arrived in town and what is more important than to show off one of the best Malaysian food in Melbourne? ...hehe...

Anyway, I had Laksa and Plain Roti Canai this time round, and he had Har-Mee... Not only he finished the Har-Mee, he also finished drinking the soup... OMG!!! =)

After that we headed to the City and walk around... He bought so many stuff from Manchester United shop at Melb Central... Anyway, we then headed to the Section 8 Container Cafe near Chinatown...

Next stop was Dockland... It was pretty quiet there as it's still quite early... We actually walked to Dockland from Queen street as we missed two trams... =/ ...It was quite cold and the red rashes started to show on my face... Well, at least it is not itchy anymore... =)

By the time we came back to the city by tram, it was nearly dinner time... and we went to this Korean Restaurant which I last had Hot Pot with another friend not too long ago... *ahem*... I don't really know what is the name of the Restaurant because I didn't really pay attention to the name of this restaurant)... Anyway, if you still don't know me yet, I am very very bad in remembering names (street names, people's name, name of attractions and etc)...

Anyway, the reason why I came back to this Korean Restaurant is totally because I wanted to try out the Noodle with Black Bean Sauce. I couldn't remember what my friend ordered but that dish was pretty nice as well... We also ordered the Sizzling Octopus but we didn't try the HOT POT this time round... hehe... I was extremely full after the dinner... wooosh!

There's seriously NO WAY for me to lose a few kilos any sooner at all... Imagine if going out with friends mean EATING... and if staying at home means EATING (peanut butters) too... How could I possibly lose any weight? ...Hmmmmmmmm...!!!!

Getting To Know You via Food

2007-08-18T20:54:00.000+10:00

[ 阿木 ] 有一种爱叫做放手

I was waken by an SMS from a friend at 730am!! ...He wrote, "Any plans today? It will be a boring day for me if I don't do anything. Help me cure my boredom please :)"... And for some reason I thought he was asking me to go out and I replied, "You're not working? I'm free 2day. Time & Place?"... and then I realized that maybe he just wanted to SMS to kill some time and had no intention to meet up today? ...haha... So Pai-Seh... Anyway, we ended up meeting at the end (probably because I left no choice for him to turn me down, I guess)... haha...

Anyway, I picked him up from his workplace at noon and head to Laksa King... Woohooo... I had Assam Laksa and he had Curry Laksa & Ice Kacang... We also ordered Plain Roti Canai as side dish... *YUM*YUM*!!

After the very satisfying lunch... We headed down to Melb Central's Hoyts for movie... We had free tickets and Mr. Brooks was the only movie that seems interesting... and we found out it was showing at Halfpipe Cinema (Bean Bags)... How cool is that? ...I always wanted to watch movie at Halfpipe Cinema!!! ...

Anyway, the bean bags are actually big enough for 3 people to sit/lay on... it's as comfortable as sofa bed! ...I think they are more like soft comfortable cushions than bean bags (because it's not filled with beans at all)... and seriously, it's the BEST experience watching movie in Halfpipe Cinema... BEST!!! ...I think I'd prefer watching movies only at Halfpipe Cinema in the future... hehehe...

Anyway, we went to Brunswick Street at Fitzroy for a walk and have light dinner at this VEGGIE BAR... Didn't order main dishes because we weren't that hungry at all... We shared a Pizza and the absolutely yummy Stuffed Mushroom side dish and have healthy mixed juices...

The night life at Brunswick Street was quite happening but we didn't stay there long at all... I do wish to jump into the pub/lounge for live band performance but it was kinda crowded... So we headed to Stoker for coffee and crepes instead... He has Rum & Banana Crepes (with Walnuts), and I have Spicy Apple Crepes... I think going to Stoker during Winter is the best... cos the wood fire in the middle and the beautiful old relaxing music and dim lights created this very warm and cozy feeling...

Well Well... When I do blog... it's all about FOOD, haven't you noticed? ...HAHAHAHA...

Puppy Love...

2007-08-16T21:28:00.000+10:00

[ james morrison ] you give me something

Him - someone I have forgotten for so long, suddenly creeps into my mind... I remember how he purposely blocked my way at the corridor at school one day, and that's when I noticed his existence... One of the tallest guy (my senior) in our school during those days...

Our path crossed a few times over the decades...
1999 - Young and innocent, but we had our best time together...
1991 - He came back into my life after he graduated for 2yrs...
1993 - He found me (via the Oz phone book) after I migrated to Melb.
1994 - I went back for holidays and... hmm.

Wow... that was looooooong time ago!! ...
We do move on with our own lives, don't we?

I wonder if he'd still remember me or would ever think of me these few days... Normally when I suddenly remember someone, I'd hear from them (meaning they were thinking about me too at the same time!?)...

Anyway, listening to 张信哲 and 潘美辰's old songs would reminded me of him... and so is the cartoon "Little Mermaid"... Sweet!

Peanut Butter Iced Chockie

2007-08-04T19:02:00.000+10:00

[ 南拳妈妈 ] 笑着流泪

While I was driving down to city today, I saw some tiny little yellow flowers along the freeway... it's the sign of Spring... the beautiful tiny little flowers... How do they know Spring is coming especially when the weather is still so cold?? ...Interesting huh?~

Saw him right in front of Ex-Nike and I quietly walked and sat next to him for a few seconds and he was a little shocked to find me sitting next to him without him noticing... hehe... Anyway, we went to this new Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown (cos both of us haven't been there before)...

Our verdict is... The Popiah wasn't good at all... My mom makes better Popiah!! ...The recommended (by the Waiter) Goreng Nasi Kampung tasted just like normal Chinese fried rice with some spicy sauce... BUT the Laksa was quite good... Worth the try =)

Next stop was Melb Central's Max Brenner... OMG!!! ...You must try their Peanut Butter Iced Chockie!!! ...It was absolutely heavenly beautiful!!! ...I think I'm a Peanutholic no doubt... cos soon as I saw "Peanut Butter" on the menu, my mind were made up eventhough I wasn't that into COLD drinks especially during cold Winter...

Driving home alone listening to my CD in the car... Thinking about the very few outings we've had in the past before he went back to Msia... We only knew each other for a short few months before he went back to Msia... and we'd never really met up ever since he came back to Melb again since last year... So to sum it up, we don't really know each other THAT well, but we do have a lot to talk about...

Just in case any of you started to wonder... No No... I think he is taken... and I have also just found my new love too -----> Peanut Butter Iced Chockie!!

Hot Pot Not Hot

2007-07-28T23:49:00.000+10:00

[ michael bublé ] everything

Met up with a friend to have lunch and he suggested to have Korean food... I didn't mind Korean food as I haven't had it for quite a long time... I do miss Kim-Chi and I love those complimentary appetizers most Korean restaurants would offer...

Anyway, that Korean restaurant is hidden at one of the alley off Victoria Parade near Exhibition Street... Such an old double story brick dwelling surrounded by tall offices and service apartments... Hidden treasure for the Koreans I believe... cos most of the customers there are Korean and most of them ordered the black bean noodles... It must be very yummy!! ...

Well, we ordered a spicy Octopus dish (which turned out that some Octopus wasn't fully cook) and Mushroom Hot Pot... The dishes came pretty quick and they placed the Hot Pot on the mini stove which was attached to our table and let it boiled slowly... So much to talk about with my friend as it's been a while we haven't met up... and we were also busy eating the free appetizers while waiting for the Hot Pot to boil...

As we finished our appetizers, we both decided to dig in even though the Hot Pot hasn't fully boiled... The soup was warm but it wasn't boiling and we both actually thought it was normal?? ...It didn't occur to us to even check the stove underneath at all (both of us were not fully switched on that day I guess)... hehe...

Anyway, I think when we both have eaten 2/3 of the Hot Pot... I don't know what came to me that I suddenly realized something wasn't right about the Hot Pot (finally)... No, don't get me wrong... The Hot Pot tasted absolutely FABULOUS... I was just wondering why it still wasn't boiling when there was so little soup left in the Hot Pot?? ...I then checked the stove control and check the stove... ALAS!!! ...NO FIRE at all!!! ...NO MORE GAS in the mini stove!!! ...

How funny?! ... Both of us had been sitting there wondering why our Hot Pot wasn't boiling yet it didn't occur to us to check the stove during all those times... And we finished eating a Hot Pot which was not boiling HOT?! ...I started to worry whether we'd get tummy ache because we were eating the un-cook and un-hot Hot Pot... ISH?!!?! ...Silly us!!! ...

I don't think I'd go back to eat at that place anymore... cos I sorta went pass the kitchen and boy, it was a MESS... I was even more worried after seeing the messy kitchen because we have eaten the whole Hot Pot which wasn't boiling hot... hmmmm...

Where's the TIGER in me? - Part 2

2007-07-27T23:54:00.000+10:00

[ 左光平 ] 心里有鬼

Guess what? ...We had morning tea this morning (every Friday only in our department) and our manager took the chance to remind everybody to work harder as it's end of the month and CSO (Customer Service Officer) shall do their best to get any outstanding documents for me to push the job forward... (*ahem*... I didn't tell the manager what happened yesterday at all)...

So I guess MH (the rude CSO I mentioned yesterday) started to worry whether our manager knew what happened yesterday and so she started to defend herself in front of everyone... I couldn't be bothered saying anything because I'm sure everyone knows by now (if they didn't hear what she said to me yesterday, they would have noticed the excuses she had today was obviously lame)...

Anyway, the whole day she didn't dare to pass me any documents nor files... She passed them to my Admin Support instead... And also, she started to update me regarding those documents which I was after without me reminding her (I won't constantly remind her in the future anymore because my manager told me that wasn't my responsibility especially the CSO have received a weekly outstanding list from me beginning of the week... It was their responsibility to follow up themselves and update me regarding)...

So... sometimes eventhough the cunning fox is lucky enough to escape from the hibernating TIGER... She still couldn't escape from getting caught... hiak hiak...

Where's the TIGER in me?

2007-07-26T18:46:00.000+10:00

[ 金莎 ] 不可思议

Hmmm... The more I think about what happened today at work... the more I wonder why I let her get out of that situation that easily... hmmmph!!!! ...

What happened was... the past few days I've been chasing this documents from this CSO (Customer Service Officer) as it's nearly end of the month... I have tried Email, but no use at all cos she just doesn't respond (I even cc to our manager)... I have tried to remind her the past 2 days (once in the morning and once in the afternoon)... She would pretend to write it down on a Post-It note and tell me she'll chase later and get on with her works... Today, I went to chase for the documents again 4 times and on the 4th time, she said, "yap, keep chasing until I remember" and get back to her work again...

I seriously have never dealt with this kinda people before... Though I was unhappy and felt like saying something back to her, but I didn't due to it was an open office and considering we'd still have to work together as a team in the future, I just let it go...

Half an hour later, she made a loud phone call to leave a voice message to the Developer (to show that she has chased the documents)... and then she came to me, and said she has chased it and left a message... So I told her to continue follow up and chase the document cos the other CSO already either received the documents or got some sorta feedback from the Developer... She then said, "Keep reminding me all the times, until I'm sick of it and I'll chase it." ...

Woah... What kinda attitude that was? ...How rude huh?!?! ...I didn't even look at her and care to reply because I don't like to deal with this kinda people... and also I was a little in shocked (cos I've never had anyone so rude to me in open before)... and I didn't wanna say anything because I was worried I would raise my voice to match hers and we'd end up arguing...

If only we weren't in the same team, and if only I didn't have to deal with her anymore in the future, I think the TIGER in me will come out and bite her head off... bitch!!!

Obviously Full

2007-07-25T20:05:00.000+10:00

[ 林俊杰 ] 杀手

Today my colleague came to talk to me about something... and then she looked at me and asked me, "Have you put on weight? ...cos your face looks kinda full now?" ...

I must admit that I haven't limit my food intake at all these few weeks... Jar after jar of peanut butter... I love spreading generous amount of peanut butter on the biscuits or bread... and I love to eat spoon full of peanut butter before I go to bed too...

Anyway, I have noticed lately that I often accidentally bite my inner cheek especially when I was chewing something... I have also noticed lately that when I try to smile, my cheeks feel a little tight or "heavy"... I think I noticed I have put on some weight... but I thought it wasn't NOTICEABLE?! ...Obviously I was in denial....

...until my colleague CONFIRMED it with that simple and direct question... =/ ...

NO MORE peanut butter for me anymore!!!! ...*sob*sob*sob*...

Freezing Winter

2007-07-22T14:40:00.000+10:00

[ brothers four ] try to remember

The past few weeks... Melb has been soooooooooo cold... That explains why I haven't been blogging nor being on MSN lately at all... (Not willing to go anywhere nor do anything when it's too cold)...

I took this photo not far from my office... The freezing strong wind tensed up every inch of my muscles and I wished I could walk faster to get into my office every morning... but the wet weather slowed me down because I didn't wanna dirty my long pants nor shoes...

Anyway, this was the exact color of my world the past few weeks...

Perfect = Me

2007-07-04T19:21:00.000+10:00

[ regina spektor ] lady

I'm sure everyone has heard this saying...

"When you point one finger at someone...
...remember that 3 fingers are pointing back at you"

How many people actually understand the true meaning of it? ...
How many people care to take the time to reflect their own action first?

Funny... how we like to point our finger at someone to inflate ourselves...
(*ahem*... I'm using "we" here, so I'm not just pointing fingers at you, but also myself too, ok?!)

Ballooning Highway

2007-07-03T22:42:00.000+10:00

[ michael bublé ] everything

One of the morning when I was driving to work, I saw 5 hot air balloons flying quite low and very near...

Without second thoughts, I took out my phone and risking not only my life but also others' to take this photo... Seriously... Don't ever try taking photo while driving at 100kmh on a highway... I was stupid!!

Anyway, there was once I saw a rainbow colored hot air balloon taking off between two buildings (with very little gaps in between) and I didn't take a snap... and I regretted it until now... cos it was such a bizarre sight!! ...

More 80s Cartoons cos Nostalgia Bug bites?

2007-07-01T19:48:00.000+10:00

[ michael buble ] everything

OMG... According to Variety.com...
Warners Bro is going to make a CGI animated movie of ThunderCats?!! ...
(Hmmm... as long as they don't look like Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats"!!)

Also Voltron is due to release in 2008!?? ...

And He-Man is on the move to the big screen in 2009?? ...
(as long as She-Ra is not coming along... hehe...)

And Smurfs may be visiting 2008!!! ...hohoho...
(and it's a triology too!!)

Anymore 80s Cartoons in the making?? ...hmmm...

Transformers

2007-07-01T00:34:00.000+10:00

[ Soda Green ] 小情歌

Months ago I gave 2 free Village tickets to my parents and my parents still haven't used the tickets which valid until yesterday (last day of June)... What a waste, I thought... =/

In the afternoon, a friend (who hasn't been in contact for monthssss) called to share some good news, and asked if I wanna watch Transfomers?... I said yes and told him I have free tickets... so he suggested to watch at High Point's Cinemas cos it's just 5mins away from his place...

I went online to check the movie session times and found out that the cinema at High-Point is Hoyts, and I only have Village free tickets... There's Village Cinemas near his place but I remember he said he doesn't like the Village Cinemas at Sunshine because there's a lot of weird people there... so I SMS him a few movie sessions times and we decided to meet at 830pm at Hoyts... and I didn't bother telling him that we have to pay for the movies tonight... (and that's probably the start of near disaster)...

While I was doing my own things and enjoying my relaxed and quiet afternoon... my brother called up and said they wanna come over... I've always missed my brother since he moved out... and when he said he wanna come over, I actually wondered if I should call my friend to cancel our movie watching tonight... But it was nearly 6pm and I'd felt guilty for such short notice... So I told my brother that I wouldn't be at home... and so he decided to come over another time (unsure if this is another SIGN of not meant to go to movie tonight?!! =/...

Well, as usual I left home a little late and my friend has reached Hoyts at 750pm while I was still on my way... He sms me and said there's a long queue and he'll buy ticket first... and I thought that's a great idea to get our tickets first... Few minutes later he sms me again saying that he has bought HIS ticket... OMG!!! ...WHAT ABOUT MY TICKET??? ...He actually thought I have my free ticket and so he only bought his own?? ...What the!?! ...

So I quickly asked him to get a ticket for me... but he said he couldn't cos he was on the other long queue to get into the cinema (to get a good seat!!) and he kept asking me to HURRY cos ticket box's queue is really long too!!?... I was so close to YELL at him for that stupid reason... I nearly told him off and said, "EITHER you watch the damn Transformers with a good seat WITHOUT ME, or GET OFF the damn queue now to buy me the ticket before it sold out?!"... Ma Ma Miaaaaaa...

Seriously, if I were him, I wouldn't mind whether I'd get a good seat to watch the movie... I'd be more concerned if my friend couldn't get a ticket to watch the movie with me... Perhaps I over estimated myself huh!!! ...Cos obviously a good seat is MUCH MORE important than securing a seat for me!!! ...So go figure how I nearly made a U-turn and go home!! ...

Anyway, when I have finally found parking space and reached the cinema, I found my friend and he asked if I bought my ticket in a very sterned expression? ...I was really going to punch his ugly face... Dammit!!! ...

So I quickly queue up to get my ticket and thankfully 830pm session still hasn't sold out yet... Just as I joined the queue with my friend, the gate opened - just in time to get into the cinema without talking to each other much... I think both of us were pissed off with each other... hehehehe... We were probably at the "transition" moments at that time too... As we sat down, we started to talk like normal again and all the frustrated/unhappy feelings were gone... We both agreed that there's some mis-understanding and mis-communications and we were both very relief that at the end, things ironed out and timing were perfect... *phew*!!

Yeah... that's all the add-on wonderful Transformers movie watching experience... lolx

So, have you watched Transformers? ...I didn't watch the cartoon when I was little... I wasn't that into robotic/autobots cartoon at all... but this movie is quite entertaining and cool... "Bumblebee" is so cute and Optimus Prime is so macho and cool... =) ...Other than this two, I do not recognized any of the other autobots at all... hehehhe... They all look the same to me... =P

Now that they have made most of the cartoons into movies (like Transformers, Fantastic 4, Superman, Spider man, Incredible Hulk, X-men and etc)... I wonder if they were going to make movies of Smurfs, Thunder Cats, Silverhawks... hehehe... I used to watch Smurfs and Thunder Cats a lot when I was little... =P ...

So which other cartoons did you watch when you were little?!

Miss. Neat & Organized VS Miss. Messy & Lazy

2007-06-29T10:27:00.000+10:00

[ 林俊杰 & 金莎 ] 被风吹过的夏天

What a happening and tiring week... and thank goodness it's finally weekend!!! ...I need to start learning meditation soon... to relax the body and mind!

Our company has been restructuring the past weeks and the renovation has completed during last weekend... We all came on Wednesday in casual comfy clothing because we had to move into our own Team... I am in "The Nitro" North Team... Hohohoo... I am quite happy to be in the North Team because those people that I found it hard to work with are in either South or West team... *Hiak Hiak Hiak*...

Anyway, I was busy cleaning up my South Jobs (that I have been working on for the past 6months) to have them ready to pass it on to South Team... In the mean time, I have to start follow up with the North Jobs which is yet to hand over to me next week... It's hard enough to take over jobs that I am not familiar with... and it is even more frustrating to find out that particular someone (who have been working on North jobs) is so unorganized and she doesn't journal things that she's done on the system (so I have no idea what she has done, and what she hasn't!!).... I get frustrated when I have to take over messy stuffs... #@$@$%...

Talking about messy... my only supporting admin (who will do all the paperworks) is a very very messy girl... Her desk is forever messy (papers can pile up here and there and I don't know how she could work in such a messy desk)... Anyway, the past few days I have picked up so many missing documents in the file that she's been doing... She has never improved the past 2yrs... and I find it hard to have her supporting me because I am such a neat and organized freak and when I told her nicely that some documents are not in the file (cos she forgot to photocopy them, or photocopy not enough copies), she'd become sooo damn defensive (she used to slam the files loudly on the desk and stormed off to photocopy more documents for me)... =/...

Seriously, to those people who always find short-cuts, who is not responsible, who is lazy and messy and not organized and ended up not able to perform their job well... Do they really not knowing they haven't done things correctly?? ...Doesn't conscience catching up with them at all? ...

Anyway, enough of that... Gotta relax and enjoy my weekend for not doing anything!!!!

Food Food Food...

2007-06-26T18:07:00.000+10:00

[ howl j ] perhaps love

I think I'm craving for all the unhealthy food again... like KFC's crispy skin... Hungry Jack's juicy burger... rich creamy sauce pasta... pizza full of salty anchovy & olives... hot and spicy kimchi... tasty fries... chili lobsters or crabs... and everything that is very rich and tasty...

So far I'm still trying to be healthy conscious, but it's darn hard... Imagine a week of eating tasteless food or congee (due to haven't been feeling well for the past week)... Anything that's salty and spicy would excite me... The thought of those food already makes my drool now...

I don't think I could ever give up food just to lose a few kilos... It's terribly hard to give up food for health (but I'll TRY my best now... very very hard!!)...

Anyway, this morning I was looking forward to lunch time cos I felt like eating something else (other than my packed lunch)... and when I finally bought something from a take-away shop that I thought I might enjoy... it didn't taste ANY closer to what I had imagined it would taste like... Perhaps I expected too much and I craved too much for great food that I was so disappointed when it wasn't even that nice at all... URGH!!! ...

I can't tolerate food that is not nice... We shall only eat those food that we enjoy eating... especially having a meal now would only means that we have one less meal in this world to enjoy... heeeeeee...

[宮] 野蛮王妃

2007-06-24T23:49:00.000+10:00

[ howl j ] perhaps love

I have just finished watching this Korean drama called "宮"...

All the background & deco are so beautiful... All the fancy dresses and outfits are so pretty... and of course, all the casts are so lovely and beautiful...

I wish the original casts would make a sequal...
Can't get enough of it... muahahahahhaha...

Mobile phone calls or SMS?

2007-06-23T21:54:00.000+10:00

[ moulin rouge ost ] el tango de roxanne

Do you prefer phone call or sms?
I personally prefer SMS especially when there's nothing that urgent...

When there's nothing urgent... I guess an SMS would be more appropriate due to we'd never know if the other party were available to pick up your call or not... At least an SMS would seems more appropriate especially if you wanna respect their privacy... That's what I thought anyway...

Sometimes my phone would ring at the wrong time... and they would ring again an hour later when they didn't hear from me... Would it be that hard to even send me an SMS if it was that urgent which they had to call back an hour later? ...Am I obliged to return a phone call just because I had a missed call?

I guess I'm a little weird in some ways because I think constantly calling people's mobile phone and not leaving any SMS or msg was rude...

If you truly care, leave an SMS because there's time when I am not feeling too well to pick up the phone...