Greens

I got a surprise.

A pot and a small packet of seeds.

Oh well, this will be my fist potted plant that I seeded myself. A proud one. Oh, I have no idea what the plant is. It's a surprise. So I'll keep update on what flower it will turn out to be.
I never knew I had it in me, cooking and planting. I guess it's because I am too bored over here. But Hey! Look at the outcome: I cook and I garden.

From this little small thing....

To this big... in just 4 days or so.

And NO I am not a housewife material. I dun think I fit in that category.. yet. But hey! I am proud of myself. Never knew I had it in me. Oh well. I bought a couple more seeds and pots. I will start to plant herbs such as basil and shallots. :D

Muffin

Muffin, anyone??

My first home-made chocolate muffin with almond flake and choc chip. I have not taste it though. I bet it should be good.

爱心饭盒

*AhEm*

Lunch Box

Down Memory Lane

Did I mention that Cyndi was in town?


Cyndi was my team girl in SQ. We were team girls for two years during my flying years. She was in Brisbane two weeks ago. We manage to meet up for the afternoon while she was here.

We were somewhat close to each other. We use to bunk in alot and had some pretty crazy time (drinking and all sorts). Frankly, she did not change much. She is still the Cyndi I knew. She is still flying and still shop like crazy.

I caught up with the lotsa new news of my ex-team mates. The updated information of our groups, what's hip and happening in the gossip column in SQ. Mind you, Cyndi is sometimes quite bitchy and do look bit bitchy too (although she is real nice once you get to know her... just don't step on her tail... it will be pretty ugly...). She knows the ups and downs around SQ. She was my gateway to gossips in SQ last time. Keke. We also talked about the past. Gosh, she do have pretty good memory. There are some stuff I pratically forgotten and we did have a couple of good laughs reminicing about the past.

Somehow I do miss the flying years. After we hugged and said goodbye, I head back. I can't help but wondered what I will become if I am still flying? Have I changed alot since then?

One thing for sure, I am damn glad I moved on...

Photo taken using PC camera in Hilton Hotel, 25 Mar 08

Steamboat

Influenced much by dear San and Eli, I love Steamboat immensely.




Of coz, I can't help it and always like to ask friends to come over and had steamboat especially since its getting colder this few days.

We had a blast. The food was good, the people is great and most important, everyone is having a good time. After the steamboat, we had Ice Cream with home-made choc cake for dessert (nah, I din manage to get any steamboat pix, too carried away eating... as usual...).


We continue the night with some normal games such as Connect Four and Jenga with a bit of liqour and lots of laughter.

Until...it kinda get bit carried away. We started playing card games and whoever loses will be punished.

Punishment?? *kEKe*

The End Is Just The Beginning

Oh well,
I wanna mark this day. CKL got married this very day. Not to me. Heck no.



How I felt?
I was rather emo when I heard the news but frankly I got over it. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. My heart broked and healed ages ago. I couldn't forget the past to face a new future with him. I chosen my path and never regretted my rejection on his request before I started my new life here.

And I am glad I did.

I guess his marriage with the gal just put a finalization of the 'what if?'. A total closure. Period.

Green Tea

I found myself constantly having a hot cuppa green tea with me.

The weather is getting cold. I can't help it and start sipping on something hot. Green Tea is my solution.

It's just that I found out that Green Tea do contain caffiene though lesser then coffee. Yes, there are like millions of goodness drinking Green Tea. Weighing the odds I will continue my cuppa. O.. I have craving for this particular biscuit, been eating it day in and out. I got it from one of the Korean Store. It's yummy to the tummy especially good to nibble on it with a good book. Haha.. This is good. I have eaten loads. A box a day.

Unbelievable??

Ha...

Obviously, most of you all would not believe my cooking eh! MuahHaha..
Anyway, to keep you updated I am cooking today.

Dinner Menu:

• Lotus, peanut with pork soup
• Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce
• Greens with carrots

MuAhahhAHhahaa..

The weather is getting colder by day. The weather itself is quite unpredictable with cloudy sky and cold wind. I was rather reluctant to cycle around the city due to the cold wind and bad clouds. Nah! I dun wana get caught in the rain.

Yey! I manage to finish a couple of assignments YEY!!!

Commitments

Gosh. There is seriously quite a huge number of couples getting married this year. At least on those I know.

I wish them well and all the happiness in the world.

Although I wish to have that courage. The courage to commit to another person for a lifetime. The courage to face the future. I do not just mean the commitment to another person, even a thing, a pet or even a property. I think I have commitment phobia, if there is such thing. I cannot bind myself to something that is serious. Looking at my life, there is not a single thing that I can commit for long. I got scared. I withdraw. Leaving me hanging there... just following where the wind blows me.

I willing commit my duty as a filial daughter. I have no doubt on my parents neverending love to me. I am willing to commit to my family. The only thing that I would give the world for them.

I wonder when will I have to courage to commit. An act of adulthood that I refrain myself to engage myself in. What was my problem? Where does the problem started?

I just love to live free... living in my fantasy world.

Ha...

My Cooking

Since I am here, I might add that my cooking skills improved immensely although some will doubt this statement but it is true.

Haha... who would have thought me able to cook. :D

Let me introduce my Udon Noodles with beef sauce with Chix Drumstick.

Ha.. want more proof? I'll try to take more pix before I manage to resist to eat it.

ps. drop your glasses leh??

My two wheel commute

There! My bicycle... and am real proud of it. It brings me to lotsa places and lotsa nice sceneries, much much better compared to my jogs which gives me limited scenery.

Life is Beautiful

It's tuesday.

Boy! Does the long weekend past by before I manage to grab it.

I had such a wonderful weekend. The best moment I had happened yesterday evening.

I went for a ride on my new bicycle alone. Some solitary moment of myself and my iPod. I find myself cycle along the river heading towards QUT and to SouthBank crossing the goodwill bridge. Such a breeze it was that day. The evening breeze was wonderful. I enjoyed each and every moment. I rested and lie down beside the SouthBank man-made sea-pool and gaze at the big blue sky. Sounds of children shouting and laughter to be heard from the pool.

At that very moment, my iPod was playing 'Life is Beautiful' by Vega 4. It just make it more amazing. The lyrics and the music just suits the ambience that I felt.

This very lyrics took my heart " Life is beautiful, but it's complicated, we barely make it.We don't need to understand,There are miracles, miracles".

I guess life itself is a miracle and every issues that arises has different perspective. It just depends on how one wants to see it. The sun will continue to shine, the sky that I am staring at the very moment was total blue without a speck of clouds to be seen. I believe that Life is Trully Beautiful and there is no other way round to it.

After the ride, I went back home and get ready for another gathering at our house. There are leftovers from the BBQ yesterday in Roma Street Park. Quite a big group it was, around 20 of us hang about in the park for food, chats, laughter and games in the evening. The remains of the food was with us and decided to finish it. Seven of us gathered again and had a blast. Pizzas, chicken wings, paties , breads and Mei's lovley cream puff and a few glasses of booze. This is how my weekend ended.

A blast.

Easter Week

Easter break is here. I got a whole week holiday from classes, which technically means : Time to catch up on the studies and assignments.

I never knew Easter is such a big thing. Everything is close on Friday and restaurants usually have 15% surcharge on that day. In Malaysia, it was just another day. Some schools will apply for hols some continue as per norm.

Given this long weekend, a bunch of us decided to go Mount Warning at New South Wales, the central core of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest extinct shield volcano. It is also named "Wollumbin", meaning "cloud catcher", by the Bundjalung people who inhabited the region before European settlement, it is the first place on Australia’s mainland to be touched by the morning sun.

In total of 4 cars (14 of us), drove down South at 8 am. Thomson, the organiser and our driver of the day did all the arrangements while I am in charge of sandwiches and snacks for 3 person.

The climb was the best I had in ages. I must add it's so much more then I expected. It also proof my level of fitness which surpass my expectation. :D. I walked all the way to the top nonstop. The most difficult part is on the chain ladder. The rock is rather steep and the chain is needed to reach to the top.

What I find harder is heading downhill. My knee-joint hurts. My old injury strikes back. The torture walk down hill was hell. The effect was unbearable. The total journey took a rough 5 hours including rest on the peak. Had a great day that ended with a big full dinner in Sunnybank before heading home to rest.

In total, the trip was rewarding and would definitely head there again.

Advise: water is essential along with some snacks (sugar for energy), comfy attire (no jeans) and a good pair of shoes.

Shao Yi

I miss my beloved niece too much for me to bare.I have her photo on my mobile, on my desk, on my dairy.

I miss her smile. Gosh! Her mischevious smile is just to adorable.

I miss her sneaking up on me.

I miss her way sleeping without a care in the world.

I miss her clinging on to me when she is tired.

I miss her tickling and her anticipation on my tickle.

I miss her every move and every gesture.

I miss her singing.

I miss her dancing.

Most of all,

I miss her calling me " AHhhh Gu Gu".
Which I have no idea where the "aHhhh" comes from as 'gu gu' means aunty. It just make my heart melt.

Bicycle

I am a proud owner.

I have decided to get one since December.
Gosh. I must say bicycles in Australia is really damn expensive. Gosh! A normal one cost around $200 equivalent to RM600 and that does not even guarantee good condition for long term usage.

A good quality racer could cost up to $11,000. Crazy ain't it. Around a price of a car. dammit.

I had been looking for one eversince I arrived back Brisbane. On Saturday, it seems to be an all stock 20% off on Riders. I took the opportunity and get one good deal. I got a really cool leisure bike costing $319 (my mum will kill me spending that amount for one damn bike). Anyway, along with it I had to buy a ridiculous looking helmet for protection, front & back light and a chain lock. I'll be cyclying to uni. It's around 3 km ride. That is when I am able to master the skill perfectly safe to cycle on the roads.

Well, not that I do not know how to cycle. But it's been ages since I cycle or even owe a bike. Ha! My bike got two gears, font and back. The back has up to gear 7 and the front have up tp gear 3. I need some practicing on shifting gear. The place I live has loads of bicycle pathway that made it pretty easy and convenient for me to cycle. I'll be cycling away.... RinG RIng!

CookiEs YuMYum

Guess I am so so slacking on updating the blog.Was really lazy. Definitely need to be more frequent on the blog. Promise.

Guess what I have been doing eh?

Made cookies... my favorite cookies of all times: Choc Chip Cookies

My first attempt was not as good though. Too sweet. I followed exactly on the recipe which I got it from the net. Believe me, why bother buy a cook book when it's everything there is to know for recipe on the net. Anyway my first attempt was not bad, though a lil too sweet for my taste.

Will need to cut out half of the sugar on the next attempt.

I'll try to bake every weekend as I spent some money on the mixer. Definitely need to make full use of it. My second attempt was good. I enjoyed the cookies immensely. So does Onnie and Thomson :D Haha.. the two are my guinea pigs for food taster.

I have no idea what I will do next but promise to blog more on my bakings. KekE. The other day, I was msn-ing with Shirley. Who would have thought us two girls exchanging infor on cooking. We never did any cooking during our SQ days. Wait. If you count cooking instant noodles as cooking, that's about what we do cook. :D Ha! Pretty amazing really. We talk almost like anything to everything as we are like 'the buddies' but never on cooking. I guess it's not necessary to cook back then. We changed.. hopefully in the good way. I am sure Shirley is. I am real proud of her.

First trip to uni for 2008

Been back to Brisbane since Sunday and I manage to drag it till Friday. Not a bad start.

It's definitely hot for a start. Too freaking hot for me even for the walk to take the bus. A rough 5 minute walk seems like an hour. The waiting for bus was even worse. The sun is shining directly at the bus stop, leaving me a tiny spot under a tree for shed.

I arrived the uni. Nothing change much. Everything is the same. I am back. I sorta miss it. Not that I have much fond memories but I really do miss it. It sure is busy though. The beginning of the semester.

I manage to head to the student centre for part-time work application visa and manage to get more information on the stuff I have enquiries on. I had to walk from one side of the uni to another. Gosh! The walk was suffocating under the sun. Arggh.. I was swearing away on the walk. I come to realize, I use to complain that the previous uni I attended (utar) was rather small and here I am complaining UQ was too big. One won't ever get satisfied.

Oh well. I finally manage to get things done. That's most important.

Chap Goh Meh

Hahah... Another meal with total satisfaction.

It's Chap Goh Meh. Kok Chiang korkor invited Onn and I to their house for dinner. Food was superb. How lucky am I to have relatives in Brisbane... Oh well, sorta relative. My sisinlaw's bro. The best part was SauSau (KokChiang's wife) gave me Chili Belacan. A small bottle of it. I am so so so happy. YEy!! I must say that the chili belacan is the best. We also had ribs, noodles, fish, chix, greens and keropok. *YuMmY*

Past few days was also a bliss. Onn's parents is here. Naturally, we went out to had our meals plus I did not have time to do grocery, there is not even a handful of rice in the house. I will just have to wait till weekends to do the shopping. I ate loads of good food. Japanese, Seafood, Steak, Thai. MuAHhAha.

It'S All So YumMmy To My TummY!

ps. I got a bit of problem here.. nothing serious. Just that I frequented the toilet for poopoo usually past midnight. Sighz.. wat is wrong with me.

Can't stand it. Poo Poo time.
Ciao

Old

Old Folks Home. Retirement Home.

Throughout my life, I never though about my old age. That is until recently.

My grandma. She is getting rather forgetful and along with that comes with disputes within daughterinlaws and her childrens that I do not want to ponder into. My aunt came back from England and set out a few options for my grandma's life and one of them was retirement home.

My visits to various old folks home was an eye opener to me. Some homes are terrible. Some are clean and proper. Some are just for money making institute. I come to see a few good ones though, which frankly, I dun mind to live there on my own when I am old ( it might be to soon to make judgement on that anyway).

I started to think of my older days. How and what will I become of? There is still much more things that I have not do. There is still so many phases of life that I have not face. I guess, fate and my destiny will take into control on that.

Back in Brisbane

Yup!
Am back.

Gosh! I will miss my family SO SO SO MUCH.
I know I have said it a thousand and millions and zillions time but they are trully the best that one could ask for.

I will miss them.

They drove me from Ipoh to the airport just to say goodbye. I felt heavy. I wanted them to be with me always. forever. I gulped my tears and walk towards the immigration with full gratitude of what they have given me.

CJ 7 and lotsa wishes fulfilled

Ha.. Watch it before I left for Brisbane.

On high request. I ask my mum out for a date to the movie :D I must say this is the best movie from Stephen Chow. It's totally my type of movie. Full laughter and teenyweeny tear, most important part: Happy Ending.

The movie was superb. The kid was marvelous. The alien is amazingly adorable too. Ha.. I wish I can watch it all over again.

Of coz, my mum fulfilled me loads of wishes before I left to Brissie for the year. She specifically bring me for dimsum, ate my favorite noodles, head to Italiamia and bake choc walnut cake. Dad, he ordered loads of yummy food, make sure I was all prepared and all the small stuff that makes my heart melt. Hooi Ling, my ahSou, she cooked petai! Yey!! All my dear dear friends and relatives... Am so blessed :D It's not so much on the wishes but the tiny stuff they made me that touched my heart.

Aweee.... I will miss them so much

New Laptop

Ha! I nearly forgot I am a proud owner of a new Laptop. Dell.

I have been contemplating about getting a new laptop. Been eyeing / drooling on a MacBook for ages. Heck! It's expensive. Decided to go low and get a Dell instead. Thanks to my kor. He ordered it for me.. definitely din pay for it.

As for MacBook, it will have to wait till I start earning my own money.
:D
As for my new lappie! It is so cool. My kor ordered a bigger batt, along with it have media direct ( you can straightaway use the media w/o logging in to Windows. The coolest is the fingerprint scanner. HehE.. Nope I haved not use it. It apparently cannot read my figer. Oh well, am damn proud of it.

My old Toshiba that I have use for .. err.. 4 years was left back to Ipoh. Bit old and cranky.. making lotsa weird sounds need a re-do. My dad will send it for repay. MuaKz.

New Year

When I was young, the first thing comes in mind during Chinese New Year is Angpow. Of coz, along with food, new cloths, relatives, soda, mandarins and lots more.

Now.

It's totally different. The meaning of Chinese New Year is different.

I find myself gettting more and more embaressed getting angpow as years pass by. Gosh! I rather not recieve any angpow. It's like a bell ringing. TiMesUp!!! Relatives will start asking when are you getting married, etc etc. Gosh! Goodness Sake, I rather not get any angpow if that follows with such question.

New Year means lotsa work. Getting ready for the food. Heck no. It's not that simple. It's stressful. Oh well, maybe only to me. No! I did not cook. I am just a helper. Doing odds and ends but it's more than enough for me to handle.

New Year does not mean new cloths anymore. When I was young, I was always eagerly anticipating for the first new year so I can wear my beatiful NEW cloths. Not so anymore. I do not have the eagerness on new cloths.

New Year brought a different meaning to me now. Focusing more towards spending time with the families and relatives. Heck! I was so freaking tired during the day, I seldom go out to meet my friends at night. I can say that I can't even find time to meet my friends much. I was either too tired or too occupied with my family. As I mentioned on my earlier post, as long as my parents are happy. I am happy. fullstop.

Sometimes I just wish I have a bit more time to spend with my friends though. I miss them. I did not see enough of them. Heck. I'll be leaving on Sunday. Heck.

There is one thing that will not change on new year.
FOOD!
Oh food. New Year means lots of good food. Gosh. I was so sad as two days before the New Year, my teeth was in pain everytime I bite/chew/grunch (the dentist work of torture). So on the New Year's eve, my mum took me to a govt dentist (first time) as all the other dentist was close on eve. I must say I am quite impress. The govt dentist did a good job. He re-did the infill of my teeth and all was well again. I can eat with full force. Boy! Am I glad.

FOOD is GOOD during new year.

YuMmy

Ha! I just had a bowl of Laksa.

The best!

Because:

• HooiLing's mum specially ask HooiLing to bring back some for me
• The soup is thick
• The flavor is just nice. Sourish and Spicy to trigger my taste bud to the max
• The noodles fantastic
• The onions and cucumber at the right portion

I have not manage to try a good bowl of Laksa this trip. Haha! As if aunty read my mind for my craving of Laksa before I head back to Brisbane. HAhAha... Seriously, the thought of me already made it taste Super Duper Yummy but the truth is it's really really really yummy for my tummy.

Although I had to share some out to my family. Not that I mind, good food is for sharing. Just for my family though. Gosh! All knows I dun like to share when it comes to food unless there is more then enough. Onnie should know better.

I remembered the time when my mum ask Hpei to bring a few pieces of 'Chu Loong Beng' to Brisbane for me. A type of cookie that was eaten during Mooncake festival. Oh well, I like the chewy and the fragance of the biscuit. I actually did not even offer to him and he knows. He keep pestering me just for the sake of it. I had my stand. What's mine IS mine when it comes to my favorite food.

Oh well. I had a good bowl of Laksa. Satisfaction. Fulfilment.
As usual, all the yummy food is bad for my weak tummy. I have a gastric background, taking things too spicy and sour will weaken my tummy and now I am in pain.

Heck NO! I will never have enough of it. Gimme more Laksa! I will bear the tummy ache with open arms!

Thanks to Aunty (Hooiling's mum)

7 More Days

It's been 3 months.
Another 7 more days I'll be back to Brisbane.

I have to admit that as much as I am looking forward to go back, I am reluctant to go. I already miss my family. I know, I have been doing some complaining even got real upset on certain issues. But that is what makes up a family,eh?What kind of family that does not have it?

I wanted to stayput. I wanted to help out more, especially on my parents. They are getting older by the year and they are still so hard working, day in and out without fail. Their drive of life always amazes me. I wanted to help out. Although sumtimes I am angry and throw my temper with my family (which I am trying to control, seriously), I hold on to my stand " If you are happy, I am happy" and it really works. In the end, that is what really matters. If my parents are happy, I'll do it. Even if there are certain views and issues that I does not agree on. I'll do it. I can feel that this few months even with the moving house and preparation of CNY they really are happy and cheerful (mostly). That counts eh! Plus with my presence!! *kEKE*

Gosh! I will miss them so so so so much.

Mum Dad Kor SouSou ShaoYi QiTao

Freedom?

I love Zoo.

A thought ponder to me on animals in the wild and in Zoo.

We do tend to think that animals in wild are ‘happy’ because they are ‘free’. Imagining wild animals roaming around catch a feed and laze under the roaring sun. Their life was presumed simple, noble and meaningful. Their supposed ‘happiness’ were doomed when caged. Issit so?

Instead living in the wild should project fear. Within an unforgiving social hierarchy where supply of food had to be sought is low and where territory must be defended an animal strive for survival each and everyday. Living is constant fear being attacked.

Given the anonymity and suspense in each and every corner, a man with the most intelligence, would not wander around from places to places and chose to be in a familiar comfort place, naming it our home. Why would an animal do it if given the choice.

It's rather an open topic for no rights and wrongs to this issue.

However I for one, think that the worlds most dangerous creature on earth is human themselves. For instance, each animal have own small territory to protect, human takes the whole globe and marked its territory, taking charge of every thing existed on earth and fight for their 'rights' on it.

WAR-drobe

Arggh... been dragging the day.

I am now half way clearing up my wardrobe. Seriously, I hate it. It is definitely a chore but very much needed.

Cloths I never wore, cloths I never knew I bought, cloths that I've forgotten, cloths that was lost, cloths that went out of fashion, cloths that don't fit, cloths , cloths, cloths and cloths. However, it does bring back some memories. For instance, I still have my Kebaya uniform, I still have a top that was like 12 years ago (a ShinChan face printed on it) that I loved, the 5Ws and 1How all goes together with the item of clothing in hand. *hEhE*

It gives me headache to organize the cloths. It's really mindblowing puzzle trying to fit heaps of clothing in a small tiny wardrobe plus loads that is still wearable (for the time-being, I am still the same size *keeping my fingers cross*).

Point to note: STOP buying cloths

Oops.

My Bad. Just remembered that I bought 3 tops and 1 gym short yesterday for just below RM100.HEY! Not my fault! It's really cheap. It's from World Of Cartoons. How could a resist a RM26 gym shorts and adorable prints of Mickey Mouse and Tweety Bird that cost around RM19 - 25. Worth it. Totally.

Argghh.. back to my war of between me and my wardrobe.

High Schoolers

I was wandering around town in Ipoh doing some errands.

I can't help but notice the youngsters still the same. Nothing change. They still like to 'lepak'. I mean, 10 years ago, lepaking was rather popular. Teens wearing school uniform sitting by the streets, parks and shopping malls. I guess, some things never change. Teens will always be teens doing what teens do.

I miss it. The carefree, worryfree days.

Mum's Bday

It's Mum's Bday. Celebrate at home, a small celebration with loads of laughter and warmth. Nope, ain't telling on her age. Won't tell. What's important is everyone is here!! Each and everyone in the family.
My kor's family officially moved back to Ipoh. The renovation of the new house is almost done (left with the garden). Anyway, the best day to move in was set on 15 Jan. One day before mum's bday. We had a simple chinese ritual, rolling apple, pear and orange into the house. It's said to bring peace, prosperity and wealth. Of coz, not forgetting the red cloth on the main door, boiling water and green bean desert as well as 'tong yuen'. *kEkkE* Oh well, my parents is really happy and seeing them happy makes me happy.

YEY!!

Runner

That's what I am in Ipoh.

I have been my families back and call. Haha.. helping out abit of everything to ease their work load. My kor is shifting back to Ipoh. Everybody is busy and everybody has been sick. My dad and Kor getting more skinnier then ever. At least I am here to help out... a teeny weeny bit.

I have been doing bits of everything, from babysit, driver, carpenter (Ikea), cleaner, usherer, shopper, company, bringing granny for medical check up... etc etc. Mind me, I ain't complaining. I miss my family.

Argh.. Just got scolded by my dad a couple seconds ago.
aRRGGH... It's not even my fault. Why is everything my fault. This not good enough. That not good enough. FINE. DENG. I am not a mind reader and worse, he dun seem to appreciate and din even notice that I am trying my very best. He is so different from what I once knew. I love my dad loads. I always tried to please him but my dad is rather cold towards me nowadays. The only time he talks to me is either when he's scolding me or telling me what I did wrong. Arggh. I want my daddy that I used to know, the daddy that I am so familiar with, the daddy that I always look up to. He seems different now. I wish I knew what I did wrong. He seems different after establishing AuAsia. I wish I have the old daddy I am so fond of a few years back.

Just need this space to let loose. Mind me, please.

Counting the days...

Hanoi (2)

The amazing view of Sapa

Halong Bay

Upnorth of Vietnam, the natives, Flower Mong

Me in Post Office writing postcard to post it back home

Hanoi

The 2008 begins with a trip to Vietnam.

Truth be told, I have never been to a 3rd world country or should I put it, a developing country for holiday. I mean holiday and not during my stay when I was in SQ. This is my very first time.

I had a great experience there. I manage to visit Hanoi city, Halong Bay and Sapa during my 7 days stay. Onnie and I were on our own sightseeing around the city and organize two tours for the Halong Bay and Sapa trip once we arrive there.

Vietnam is really an eye opener for me. It's culture is strongly influenced by neighbouring China as historically puts on its evidence. Foreign cultures such as french and American is also visible there. Ruled under a single-party goverment, a republic society, Vietnam is blooming extensively during this few years.

Food is superb there. Vietnamese cuisine uses little oil and many vegetables. It's very clear and definitely healthier too. To spice it ups its flavors, it added a lot is herbs and spices such as lime, mint, basil, spring onions and serano peppers, not forgetting fish sauce too. Their main carb is rice and noodles. Oh, I never once see MacDonalds there too.

I totally enjoyed it however, I must add that this will also be my first and last trip.

*more blogs about Vietnam to be continued soon*

Flashback of 2007

Times flies. Seriously.
Although I must add that sometimes it's kinda pause awhile especially when mending a broken heart and times do heals a broken soul.

Heck. Time flies. Lotsa things happen in 2007, at least for me. Somehow, a turning point of my path of life.

I graduated and attended my graduation ceremony. I must add that my parents sure am proud of me. After all, I am the oldest among my peers to graduate and the oldest of all in my tutorial classes. What I felt most honored is knowing a bunch of great friends. Seriously, no one can ask for a better classmates. Penny, Grace, Janelle, Jasmine, Simpson, Kuan Mei, Deb, Bebe and the whole lot in Tutorial 1 is a blast. Heck, I might not be able to graduate without the help of them. Muakz and KudoZ for them. Come to think of it, I kinda miss the mamak at Utar (especially the drumstick chix) and the lunches we had while 'discussing' on our assignments. The library in Utar is one of its kind but heck, we did spend some of the napping time there. O, the lecturers... er,well, a thanks to them. Nothing much to be said there.

Marcus Evans. I worked there exactly 3 months. Just after my probation month ended. I had a wonderful working environment because of my colleagues. Fullstop. Bern, PengPheng, Cindy, Kelly and AmMee made the difference and the only drive for me to wake up every weekday at 7am. Bern is super duper good as my supervisor. Flexible and understanding with certain strictness suits me just fine. I feel the pressure to do the best yet with full motivation. It's definitely my first nine to five job other then my internship and my flying career. The fallback of it is the equipment in the office.

Life was good but not fulfilled. I still felt empty and unmotivated. I decided to get a change and head to Brisbane. I am blessed and thankful that I can chose the path I felt best for me. I do count my blessings. I head to pursue my Master in the same field as my degree. The new life suit me well. As the McD's theme, I'm Lovin' It.

Qi Tao, my nephew came to greet us with a loud cry of welcome. Yey!! I am a proud auntie of two wonderful and amazing kid. They are just adorable and lovable.

Onnie. The best guy ever. I can't believe that I have such a fantastic guy beside me during my ups and downs. I can't complain but that does not mean I can't throw my temper. *BlEkZ*

In total, all I can sum up is I am really blessed having such incredible people around me. I am nothing without them. I consider myself the luckiest person as having such people around me. Friends and families of mine are one of a kind and the best then one can ask for.

Hugz to them.

Hectic

It's been really busy busy busy.

Juggling between friends and families is tough. My mum's constant craving of attention and rather difficult to please really reach my limits to the max. I think I should skip this issue over here. It's a never ending story.

Ipoh is as usual. Nothing changed, even if there is, it is really minor. Ipoh. I felt that Ipoh is in between a fine line of love and hate, full of fond memories yet there are definitely things I wish to forget - forever.

Finding myself wanting to head back to Brisbane. More peace and quiet and ofcoz, more freedom. It's weird. When I am in Brisbane, I miss M'sia but when I am back, I can't wait to be in Brisbane.

Torturing Drink

"Chaum Bing"

Since I am back Malaysia. I definitely have to fulfill my craving of foods and drinks.

One drink I could not resist is "Chaum Bing" or rather Mix Ice. A mixture of ice tea and coffee with milk.

I love it so much. The rich and creamy taste when mixed together. However, everytime I drank it... I have some stomach ache problem that eventually leads to potty prob. Worse, I will have my heart beat pumping faster. I think its the caffiene kicking. I can actually feel the heart beat pumping lil bit faster... that is when I drank more than one glass. Finally, if I drink the drink in the afternoon, I won't be able to sleep at night... till FIVE in the morning. My eyes will be widely open eventhough I am physically and mentally tired. It's a total torture.

1) Stomach discomfort followed by potty prob
2) Faster heart beat
3) Can't sleep

Do I still drink it?
Yes. I just had two of it with my Dried Curry BeeHoon.

After Exam

I am free.


After a 3 weeks of constant torture of assignments and exams, I am alas free. I delayed my flight back for a week and half to get some time of my own and rest.


What I did?? Oil Paint. I started it after SherPhy's persuasion to pick up this hobbie.

Not that I am good at it... Heck, I never even tried it before.


So I went online did some research, went Borders to find out more and got a book on Oil Painting and it's paint technic ( just for $10) , learnt on the oil medium, color mixing and brush strokes.


The next thing, I bought elementary set of oil paint kit. It's not expensive at all. The total cost spend is less then $50.


Luv it too bits.


My first drawing :

Not bad eh! Hahha...

Market

I have not been to the Saturday Market for ages.

Since it's my last week in Brisbane for the year. I definitely wanted to head there. Oh well, the market is definitely more crowded and bigger.

I finally manage to eat the Turkish Garlic bread. The q aint that long this time. I took the opportuinity to order one and WOW!! Gosh it's so yummy and tasty. I love it to bits. Not forgetting with a cuppa.

Why I love the Market so much:

1) Yummy breakie

2) Vegetables, meats and lots of stuff (cheap!!)

3) Perfect ambience

4) Live music of all sorts

5) Pet dogs everywhere

6) The best Turkish Bread made fresh

A perfect start of the weekend : Saturday Market at West End.

The making of the bread

The singer with ppl sitting by while eating breakie/brunch

The Coffee stand just next to it :D

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

This song is really amazing.
Both Sides Now is a song by Joni Mitchell. Her first recording of the song appeared on the album, Clouds, way way back before I was born, 1969.

In year 2000, she resang this song, with a more deep, mature, enchanting voice. It's beautiful. Her voice have a mystery to it. A blend of maturity, sadness and enchanting singing the meaningful song.

The cd is one that grows on you and penetrates the heart with every layer of listening.

Ain't she??

I miss my dear lil Niece so So Much!

GIkSei

Arrggghhh...

I was trying to make myself wee bit happier and looking forward to the Spanish Restaurant

UNTIL

Bin msn me!

*SniFf*SniFF*

I want to go Skybar with them. GIK SEI NGOR LARRR....

What I am doing

I am suppose to concentrate on my studies. Oh well guess not. First of all, I wonder why I am such a lazy person. I like to daydream. I love to do nothing and just lie on the bed eventhough I am already wide awake. I love to sleep. I love to eat too. I love to go online too.

Anyway, I also realize that how lame I am. I am so engross in Facebook and started to play online Yahoo games. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.I realize that now. If this is what Brisbane is making me. Gosh! I am so glad that I will be back to Malaysia and get a life.

Oh!! Did I ever mention, I speak more english in KL than in Brisbane. Gosh!!! Seriously! I myself find it weird. I speak cantonese most of the time. My unimates that I am close with are from HK, my housemates from Ipoh, my group of friends are basically from Malaysia, HK, China and Taiwan whom all speaks Cantonese. I seriously need to find a partime job next semester.

My time spent online just proof how pathetic I am and also my reluctancy to study for exams. Mind you! Seriously...Iam usually online more before exam time. I feel bad if I head out before exams... making me no choice to stay home, yet in need of some entertainment, I go online.

What I do:

I started to play a game called "Plant Tycoon" (from Yahoo! game) and only playing for the second time within 24 hours, my plants are all dead. It seems very obvious I am not a good gardener at all.. I totally sucks at it. I gave up as I have no more money to buy any more soil, plants or seed. I can't even try to heal my existing plant.. am doom!

I frequented facebook like every 2-3 hours ( Arggghhh... Why whY!!)




To the rescue : Heading out for Spanish food!! It's Fer's Birthday!!! Am outta here..

*pHew*

A week before the exams 2

Gosh...

Gossips do perk my mood up.
Thanks to Miss Jasmine - the rebelious gal, fill me up with the newest news.

MuAhHAha.... Me lovin' GoSSips and every part of it.

O and and.. SmS from Penny! HehEe.. What a dear!!

Hugz Hugz

Birds

What does uni and Parks have in common??

BIRDS!! And they are everyway.

I love parks... I really do but as usual, every likings there sure is a down part of it. For me, it's birds. I literally, do hate birds... or more precisely I am scared of birds.

I was in the uni, having my cuppa flat white at the cafe. I was enjoying the weather and the surroundings while reading my notes (preparing for exams). I suddenly felt that there is a pair of eyes staring at my direction viciously. I felt uncomfortable and look up. A pigeon is staring right at me, either that or at my direction. The pigeon slowly shifted the angle and tried to have a better look by coming towards me and using one eye to give extra focus.

GOSH! It scares the hell out of me. I pick up my stuff and head back in to the library.

I like outdoors. I love the wind blowing and the trees wishy-weshing. Gives a sense of change and the wondrous of nature. But HECK the birds is the trouble. The birds are everyway.

I dislike ...Correction. I hate them immensely. I dun like the feathers, their claws and definitely hate their eyes. I hate their gaze, I hate their long, vicious gaze the most. Heck, even describing it gives me the eery.

My hatred on birds started from my nightmares that I have during teens. I was in a big field, right at the slope of a mountain peak. I was enjoying or playing ( can't remember much on the details). Suddenly there is a flock of birds emerging out of no where, their wings and pecks is all that I felt. As usually dreams do, the memory was hazy but the feelings and emotion that you encounter in dreams are so intense that it could haunt you the rest of your life. That is what the birds do to me now, it haunts me.

A week before exams

My Weather

Brisbane
Max 29
Shower or storm

KualaLumpur
Max 25
Rain

What the heck… another reason I am homesick. The weather!!!

I am really counting the days heading back Malaysia. I am missing family and friends terribly especially around the exam time.

I was moody for the past week due to assignment pressure I was reluctant to phone back home as ringing them will just make me burst into tears. So I refrain from calling.

Guess what perks me up today? A simple sms from my dear friends. It lighten up my face and brought a smile all throughout the afternoon.

Roma St Park - BBQ

It's Spring and it's freaking hot and dry. Yet it does not stop us to hang out and have loads and loads of fun. It's James Birthday, make it more the reason to spend the Saturday afternoon in the park... having sausages, chix wings and booze!!

After the BBQ, we head out to Manly. There is a Haloween Parade. Pix!?Nah... I am lazy to post it up. Actually I have not even transfer it to file. All I have is the group photo, which was sent to me in MSN messenger. So there you go:

That's all for now. :P

The Thirteenth Tale

I fell.

I fell in real deep.

The book " The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield.

I bought the book in Kinokuniya, KL in May. Unread, I sent it over to Australia by post. The post finally arrived after a few months of shipping from KL to Sydney and went through the Australia custom before arriving to Brisbane. I unpacked the parcel and saw the book again. The wrapper was still intact. I made a promise to read it once I am done with the current read of 31 Dream Street by Lisa Jewell then.

On Tuesday night, frustrated with my assignments, I decided to release my anger and started to read. The first page, the very first page, I already knew that I am going to love the story. From the very beginning, the story was a page turner. It's rare.

The book is full of suspense, surprise and satisfaction. I was so caught into the tale itself. It mesmerize me and I fell deep into the story. The whole atmosphere of the book is powerful and sweeping. Intriguing, daring and even downright heart-pounding at times, I still continue patiently to read page by page as it takes my mind away deep into the story.

I won't be bothered to mention the content of the book. I am just trully happy to read this book. A total joy. Highly Recommended. This book will be in my All-time-Favorites along with The Time Travellers Wife.

I definitely will re-read this book again and again.

This book is a MUST read.
Point to note: Dun take this book to bed. It will be sunrise, before you know it.

AmAZingly Creative

Gosh... this is totally GOOD! It's worth the watch.

This Kiwi animation is not the original one but the music with it makes it more meaningful, Gary Jules - Mad World.

Luv it to bits!!!

Spring / Summer

The weather...

it's HOT! The heat... Gosh... winter come and go... spring zooming cross... I can't even imagine how will the summer feels like... Oh wait, I won't. I'll be back in Malaysia. Lucky me. I can't stand the heat.. *HAhHA*

I was in the seminar class the other day. Anne, our lecturer was talking about culture adaption. She mention that when one heads off to another country or city, he or she normally will take at least 2 years to adapt and accept the culture at the new environment. That's just a rough figure of year in most research based study. It does not matter if it's heading back to your hometown and going away. It takes a around 2 years.

If that is really the case. My life must be hell messy and Gosh! Please, people, mind my moodswings! *KEkE*

O by the by, there are things I do not understand Australians:

why they like to go bare foot walking around the streets and lecture halls?

Arrival of the Parcels

Gosh.. I have been waiting for the arrival of the parcel since I am in Brisbane.

The two parcels are basically sent to Brissie the day of my departure to Brisbane. It's sent through by Post Malaysia. Heck, It's cheap even by shipment. Costing only RM120 for around 37 kg (two parcels). It's definitely the cheapest.

The parcels actually consist of shoes, books, accesories and odds and pieces (photo frame, post-it, pens etc etc). Nothing important or urgent. I mean, I have it and not using it will be a waste since I am in Brissie. I figure, rather than buying over again, why not sent it over.

It took a rough 3 months plus to arrive.

Everything is in tact. I got all my shoes!! I must say my room is becoming more and more 'me'. HhAhA.. Yey!!

Although, there is a broken frame :'( I am just happy that it finally arrives.

Walking in the Rain

I get out of the boring seminar.

Practically, the lecturer read word to word from the given notes with his monotonous tone. I could fall asleep with his slow and dull voice.

Okay, I admit that I love Indian style of speaking English.... I find it very very SexY! HEhE.. I fell in love with the tone when I first watch "Heroes". The very beginning of the first episode when Mohinder Suresh starting the very beginning of the fantastic TV series. The deep indian tone still strong with perfect english speaking accent.... *WooHooooOO*

Unfortunately, the lecturer's accent is a another story all together.

I left around 6pm and decided to take CityCat. On the way to the pier, the thunder and lighting take over the sky. I sighed... what bad luck. The rain started to pour down heavily. I started to hasten my walk.

At least the wait for the ferry ain't that long.

Not long after, I get off at my stop. Others have umbrellas! I don't. I wonder if they check the weather forecast everyday or just happen to bring umbrellas. I walk pretty fast heading back towards my apartment.

I am already half wet.

What surprise me... is that I kinda enjoyed it. Walking under the rain. Haha... It's like 'you dun give a damn anymore'. Letting it be.

:D

Sometimes, things turns out pretty much alrite... just how you are willing to see it.

ps. I went home and straight for a shower.

Tow Patrol to the Rescue

AMazingly...
The car I have been driving... BROKE DOWN!

Location: Right in the middle of the freeway.

I was heading back Toowong after lunch-ing in the city. *SighX* Shoulda just stay back home and cook instead.

Anyway... it's kinda scary. As the cars driving is pretty fast.. I can actually feel the vibration everytime a car pass by. That's pretty freaking scary. I dun think it's advisable to get out in the middle of the freeway either. I sit still and wait for help. I keep on looking at the hind mirror just to check if the car at the back notice me. I have this image that keep coming to my mind - a Bang from the back crashing me to bits... Argghh. The only thing left is to wait for help.

Not long after,, a police came to the rescue. He was really kind. He helped me to push the car to the divider. It's much much safer.

In like another 10 minutes, the freeway patrol guy came and start to direct the traffic with his truck guiding them to keep left. I was RESCUED. He was really nice, asking me I need water, or if I wanted to hop into his truck (aircon).

I need to wait for the tow-away truck. It is FREE. Consider that the car broke down in the middle of freeway. It's free.. otherwise, I will have to bear a tow charge fee. Weird eh. Not that bad luck after all.

While waiting, there is an accident in front of my spot. Gosh! I hope that my car does not have anything to do with it. I duno.. some distraction?? Anyway, it cause very very heavy traffic. Of coz, the arrival of the tow truck was delayed.

Oh well, once arrived, they are O so kind enough, they tow the car and brought me back to Toowong, my apmt. Their actual duty was just to tow away the car and bring me to somewhere safe. Since my place is not that far, they brought me straight back to my place.
O about the car, there is a garage car repair just opposite my apmt. So no worries there too. What an experience.. what a day.
I am really thankful for the rescue and they are helpful too.. :D Cheers to them.

While I was waiting for help

Safe and Sound in the tow-truck while the rescuer attaching the car to the truck

Almost done...

Yey!! Back to my apartment

Lamington Park

On a Saturday,I got up pretty early to head towards Lamington Park :D

Breakie at Sunnybank. My favorite : Sticky Rice and Soy Milk

Regret

Been rather busy for the past few weeks.

Moving to the new apartment, party, dinners and moutain track walk (last weekend)! O not forgetting the horrendous task : assignments.

I am starting to regret getting back to Uni. Seriously. Why one need to SUFFER and PAY for the freaking expensive tuition fees (plus with the exchange rate!). Is it a test of one's capability and management in pursue of another certificate that in the end will end up in some old box somewhere in the corner of the house. Worse, will it be applicable in the real life or will one use the stuff taught in class.