My Perth Sunday

The family attended our usual 10.30am service at the church of subi. I was surprised to walk into an almost full congregation. The population has at least doubled in the past one year! How encouraging.

After the service. We drove to William Street for Vietnamese. I had a large bowl of beef rice noodles and shared those really healthy and yummy fresh paper spring rolls with the family. It was SO good!

Mum, Marian (my mother and sister in law) and I headed off to Subi markets after lunch. We were on the hunt for cheap funky earrings. I bought myself a pair of bright red and pale green earrings. And a delicious multi coloured (epoxy) beaded necklace.

I LOVE shopping at the markets. You are almost guaranteed to find something you'll like and at bargain prices!

After our conquests, we settled down for a nice cool cup of ice tea and had one of those deep and meaningful conversation about life. It is such a blessing to be able to do that with members of your adopted family. And coming from a single child family, it is a really nice thing to have.

That pretty much sums up my first Sunday in Perth.

Next week. Work will see me off to a gold mine located in the heart of outback Kargoolie where I'll be thrown into a boys club crew of miners and mechanical engineers. That will be interesting......

My Perth Saturday - One

Today's destination. Subiaco. A suburb I have grown very fond of since my uni days... (sighs)....

I love it for several reasons. It houses all the usual attractions that make a location trendy and chic. Rich café culture, relaxed ambience, cosy clubs and funky bars, weekend markets and fashion savvy boutiques. AND my wonderful perform magic hair stylist Angelina – Oyster Hairdressing, Shenton Park [02 9382 2488].

As much as I would like to think myself as someone who is open to changes and new challenges. I have never been comfortable with the idea of experimenting when it comes to my hair. So when I find someone good. I stick with them for life.

I wanted a "funky and provocative but not loud" look. So what I got was layerings (to give my hair some much needed volume) and a luscious (mid night blue) black with contrasting bright but subtle red strips.

I walked out of the salon 3 hours later absolutely in love with the results. ok. So it doesn't look like much in the picture, but trust me... it's hot!

Naturally. I had to show off my new hairdo to the world! So. I made a quick stop to The Colonnade to flaunt my new flock and also cash in on some good buys. hehe..

I enjoy browsing around at the colonnade. It houses some of my favourite W.A. designers like Songs of Tang, Elise Jeans, Zanthus, lesserlantern and Coercion. I am a strong believer of supporting the local talents. =)

My buy of the day was a cool barramundi skinned bracelet. Groovy!

Later that night, I was over at Marian and Will's ( my sister and brother in law) for dinner. I had a lovely time (as always) catching up with them over rosemary chicken and the best Pecan Pie I have ever tasted. Yum!

After playing with their 2 lovely cats. I suddenly miss Salem heaps.

Hmm. I wonder if he misses me too…
oh... and I miss my hubby too.... eepp!!

A nostalgic moment

I will be off to Perth this Friday for 2 weekends.

The trip is for work but I will be staying with my in laws so that makes it better. In my almost 2 weeks in Perth, one will be spent out in bushland Kalgoorlie on site a Gold Mine (not too sure what to expect out of that one). And the other back in Perth with the in-laws.

Perth is like a second home to me. It is in Perth that I met and fell in love with the man of my dreams [now husband]. And a place where I had a chance to rediscovery myself and developed into who I am today. It is also in Perth where I found my passion for the open sea and vast blue sky.

So I simply cannot wait to set foot on her sole again and visit my beloved Cottosole beach. Breathing in the salty beach air, watching fishermen with their long rods and dogs chasing after sticks.

Just one more day to go…. yippi!

WBS retreat

It is always nice to have a weekend away. Even if it is just a drive down to a not too distant suburban town.

The country air was crisp and fresh. Our minds were allowed to wander. We were feeling happy and relaxed. The views on our drive down south were stunning.

We arrived at Nowra close to midnight. Our car carried most of the food supplies for the weekend, so we were welcomed with open arms by the early arrivals.

I have never been to a church camp or retreat before. So I was ready for the 2 days of learning and investigating the bible.

The topic we were to discuss is Wisdom. God’s wisdom.

We used the book of Genesis in our exploration, and paraphrased that to passages of the New Testaments. We looked at God’s order of creation, Adam and Eve, the fall of mankind and our new hope through the one man we call Jesus.

Through the investigation and discussions. We learnt that creation was not mastered up by a random combustion of events. Instead, every action and history led to a purpose. Like a game of chess well played. With every move well thought of and executed.

I was humbled and challenged.

Though the world came to sin by one man. The world was saved and given salvation by one appointed other. We are not just restored to the beginning of time like the circle of life. But are heading towards a better world, a better time. Through his Son, who paid the ultimate price for all mankind. We will have inheritance to a world where sin, fear, pain will rein no more.

A powerful and reassuring certainty so freely given, yet so hardly grasp.
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Besides bible studies. We took time out for walks in the lush bush land of Shoalhaven River.

I love bush walking. The stimulation of both sights and senses are invigorating. It must be because I am such a city pumpkin. So rarely in touch with nature and her gifts.

The start of the 4km bush walk is through 2 huge boulders. We finished the walk in just under 2 hours stopping several times to take pictures (as all asians do!) and playing silly "I spot with my little eye something that begins with..... something something something" games. It was refreshing and I managed to catch up with lots of friends that I only get to meet once a week so that was great.

I was in charge of our meals and here was the menu I put together..

Breakfast
American Breakfast – Bacon, Honey Baked Ham, Eggs, Toast, and Mel's famous Love Pancakes! (don't ask... )
Cereal, Fruits
Coffee & Tea
Lunch
Spaghetti Bolognese with Toasted Garlic Bread
Tea Break
Biscuits with Tea & Coffee
Dinner
Wanton with Mee Goreng or Chicken Noodle Soup
Dessert
Red Bean Soup

Not bad for a mere budget of $10 / person!!

I had 6 beautiful and 1 hunky [my husband of course] assistant chiefs. And a large [almost professional looking] kitchen to show off my culinary skill.

We had so much fun cooking, eating, playing table tennis, shooting pool, and intriguing bible studies. The retreat in short, was a success!

AND. Mel’s love pancakes were such a hit!!

Thunder stealer.... !!!!!

ps: Incidently. WBS stands for Workers Bible Study.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures guys!

Weekend getaway

We are going away for the weekend. Nowra, just under 2 hours drive south of Sydney. Probably better known as the gateway to Jervis Bay. It is close to attractions like Huskisson, Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Shoalhaven River.

We will be staying in a huge guesthouse with 13 other friends from church.

This giant wood panel cottage apparently comes with 8 twin rooms, 3 bunkrooms, 6 showers, 5 toilets, a large kitchen, dinning and lounge room [with a cosy fire place]. AND a games room equipped with a pool table, table tennis table and a juke box!

I cannot WAIT for today to end.

See you all next week!
Have a great weekend.

A slow start

I had an early rise today. Thought I’d give myself more time to laze around the house before going to work.

My cat is usually especially affectionate in the morning. I love his whiney morning meow greets and his loud purrs. It's such a pleasant start to the day. =)

He followed me around the house as I get ready for work. Playing with anything he could find. Sticking up his head for a pat or two. And (of course) purring away. So cute.


Today, I treated myself to a nice warm cup of tea (which I usually have at work) and spent some time in my balcony soaking in the warmth of the beaming morning sun. oh. and the picture are 2 roses I cut from my (finally) booming iceburg.

After a quick news preview on the tele. I showered and got ready for work. With my little companion by my side.

What a pleasant start to a mid week morning!! *Smiles*

Gion Festival

I received an email today from my childhood friend who is now living in Japan. She attached pictures she took in a matsuri currently celebrated in Kyoto.

Gion Festival, one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Japan is no stranger to having an audience of over a thousand people joining in the celebration.

Every summer, the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto （京都） is taken back in time to the 9th century by Yasaka shrine ( 八阪神社 ) where
Japanese girls attend the festivities wearing Yukata – summer kimono (浴衣) and Geta (木屐). Streets are lined with vendors selling traditional sweets and savoury snacks of all sorts.

Gion festival started in 869 A.D when a bad plague spread through Kyoto devasting the economy leaving many poor and desolute. In the very first festival, young men would carry wooden floats to signify divine intervention in hope to end the plague. The plague eventually did end, and since than, this event became a popular celebration of triumph.

The highlights of the celebration are Yoi-yama (宵山祭) held on the 16th and Yamahoko-junko （山牟巡行）held on the 17th of July.

At Yoi-yama, people open the doors of their houses to show their treasured old folding screens. Yamahoko-junko is the parade of colorful floats （彩车） through downtown Kyoto. The floats are pulled through the streets by teams of men dressed in traditional costumes. Each of these large floats will carry an orchestral of musicians!

There are mainly two kinds of floats: yama （山） and hook （牟）.
Yama are smaller floats (weight: 1.2 ton - 1.6 ton, height: about 6m) and are carried by people on their shoulders. Hoko on the flip side of the coin, are giant floats (weight: 4.8 ton - 12 ton, height: about 25m) on large wooden wheels and pulled by people. There are usually 32 floats in the parade: 25 yama floats and 7 hoko floats.

Quite a celebration to usher in summer!!!

I am SO wishing I were there to witness it all now!!! SOOO envious!

It's a steal...!!

Winter sales has began! Display windows of shops around the city has been painted the shopaholics dream come true word of bright red screaming out "SALES" "SALES".

Everything is at an amazing 40%, 50%, 70% off! Spring and summer clothes are already starting to make their debut but are quickly pushed aside by the entourage of disillusional women rampaging through the shelves snapping up anything in sight.

I of course got right into the action. *BEAM*
Here is one of my 2 gorgeous [Custo Barcelona] tops that I found hanging precariously on a changing room rack marked down from a ridiculous price of $250 to $80!!

I'm just sooo sublimely happy .... can u tell??

Heart stopping moment

Went for my weekday climb today.

I was all pumped up and ready for a challenge. I always climb well on a weekday. It must be because of all the experienced climbers around me. They could teach you so much.

My dream man was there [shameless but true, I have someone I like to drool over on the side when I'm having a rest]. We spotted him on our 2nd visit. He has all the usual drop dead combinations. Dreamy eyes, mid length hair, European looks. AND a very good body. Not those musculi ones whose hands never meet body type. Just a well toned, well defined body.

I sat quietly watching him from the corner of my eye. Shamelessly having a private gar gar moment.

Anyhow. I learnt how to "smear” tonight. It is standing with one foot in a foothold, and the other next to it on the wall. Than using the support from both feet, lodge yourself upwards.

I scraped myself on the arm while falling down. My very first climbing injury!
So proud.

Mandarin classes

Melvin attended his first Mandarin class today (yes, he may look Asian but I assure you. He's a perfect specimen for the term Banana). I was happy that he finally decided to do it.

He came home all excited about what he learnt. Like a kid back home from his first day at school. So cute.

I was very impressed at the no of characters he could write. Not bad for the first day!

It will be interesting to see his development as the lessons progresses. Gone will be the days where I could openly sneak secret conversations pass him.

Better make the best of it while I still can! ha ha..

Yum Cha and Paddys Market

We met up with the family for Yum Cha in Chinatown.

You could always tell if a restaurant serves good or bad food. The unmistakable sign of the long snake queue that marks its reputation and worth of your time.

It is amazing how long people, mainly us Asians, will wait for a good chao! I personally couldn't give a stuff. But lucky for us, auntie has already managed to secure a table prior so we were spared of the agony.

We walked pass the lines of restless but determined patrons feeling absolutely privileged. They gave us dirty looks in return.

After lunch, the family decided to wonder through Paddys Market in search for fresh fruits and veges.

The few times I visited Paddys are usually the eve of flying back to Singapore. Paddys is good for picking up simple souvenirs like kiddie aussie [made in china] T-shirts, nougats, nuts of all sorts, turkish delights, Kangaroos and Koala [again made in china] stuff toys, dried fruits, and those great little Koala clip ons.

This time round, it was just veges and fruits for the week. And those mouth watering sugar coated almond nuts.

Sugar coated almond nut….. arr [whatever sounds Homer makes]…..

Chocolate fondue

A couple of our friends invited us over to dinner.

Milt and Suz are great hosts, so I knew it was going to be a night of good conversations and fabulous food.

[The picture is a result of me mucking around with the camera at home before I left.]

She still has the roast cooking away in the oven when we arrived. The aromas that ozzes out from your host's kitchen always feels so warm and inviting!

Dinner was great as usual. We had cheeze twists, broccoli soup and chicken wrapped in bacon.







For dessert. Chocolate fondue with strawberries and bananas, pear pie and lemon cake. yum

I am so stuffed! And soooo chocolate out.

Obsession

My cat has recently developed an obsession with my potted plants.

For the past 2 months. We have been trying in vain to stop him from digging up our lime tree, chilli plants and succulents. AND eating the chives.

We tried everything. Cut limes, sprays, citrus jelly, metal racks. Nothing seems to work!

I come home everyday to find my poor plants uprooted and laying helplessly around the balcony. My chives have never grown taller than 1cm!

We already lost 2 chilli plants. And if I have to sweep the balcony one more time! Grr

Does anyone have any handy tips I could use???? Help!!!

London Terror

Something really tragic happened today.

The world has once again come face to face with the terror of extreme activists.

It was only 3 years ago that we were all stocked by the horrific acts of terrorism. Thousands perished, thousands wounded, millions in shock and anguish.

Today, the attacks were directed to Great Britain. Central London.

Today is also the commencement of G8 Summit.

Several bombs were released in the tub at rush hour. A bus was blown open at Tavistock Square. Hundred suffered superficial wounds, tens in serious conditions, already 36 deaths, millions in shock and anguish.

The death toll will go up. The injured are still pouring in.

My prayers go out to families in grief.

May God strengthened and give comfort to those in need.
To deliver us from despair and grieve.
May He guide us through toils and trails.
That there be love despite all the hate.

May we stand steadfast admits the mess.
Learn to have faith. Trust that He is our mast.
For we are not alone, discarded or forgotten.
But so treasured, precious and begotten.

God of Justice, Peace and Love.
Hear our prayers for these to cease.
All creations do our part.
To quicken the coming of our Lord’s path.

That there be no more sufferings and pains.
Persecutions, tyranny or oppression.
Back to the beginning we shall go.
How we were created from dust to gold.

In Christ we pray. Amen.

Thursday Blues

I am soooo ready for the weekend. It is one of those days where you simply cannot be bordered to climb out of bed, get dressed and drive to work.

I wasted some time hanging around the balcony. Trimmed my roses. Played with the cat. Watered the plants. Ran my finger on the barbeque.

Went into the kitchen. Washed last nights left over plates. Fed the cat. Made lunch. Talked to the cat. Ran my fingers on the kitchen bench.

Ohh…. I am soooo in need of a holiday.

Bouldering

I finally made a breakthrough with climbing today. It has been over 2 months since I got back into serious bouldering. A break way too long in the world of bouldering. Apparently you loose finger muscles after just one week of non-activity!

Before my trip to Japan, I was slowing graduating onto the 3s and 4s routes [which translate to intermediate]. It had taken me about 2 – 3 months of hard sweat, lots of grunting, pains, and perseverance to get there.

Now, I’ll be laughing if I could finish a 1! [yes... for beginners]. Arrgg.

So a week ago, I told myself. It is either the hard way or the high way. I have been working my ass off for the past few weeks and today, I actually [with the help of some new found friends] made a break through and managed a 2 relatively comfortably! Hey! I’m SO proud. *BEAM*

I got light headed and thought I may just be able to take on a [sometimes extremely challenging] 3!

Ooohh Maannn, what a mistake. I dangled. I heaved. I panted. I grunted. It was not a pretty sight.

I sat in front of tele later that night groaning and whinging away at my sore body. The finals of the State of Origins was on and I could literally feel every single tackle. Oouuucchhh….

I am SO going to pay for it tomorrow.

My Lab

Today is the grand opening of my Innovation Centre lab. I have been preparing for this day for months [setting up my lab, making sure the displays made conceptual sense, twigging it around so it looks professional and intriguing, engaging graphics designers to make up photo motage of my products], so you could imagine the relief I felt after it was all over.

I was beaming with pride as they brought the VIPS around. My boss felt our lab was the best looking one on the block. It even got a few nods of approval from the visitors!

Tony Abbot was the guest of honour. The media was present and everyone made sure they didn't accidently stumble upon the prying lenses of the cameras. We just hung around the pheripheral and waited for lunch to commence.

I could have posted some pictures of the event but I was too busy stuffing my face with food and watching out for the cameras to take any pictures…. =P

ABC

ABC – Asian Bible Church.

ABC is a church / ministry started by a Pastor named Andrew Lim and his wife Lucy. The church falls under the jurisdiction of the larger and prominent St Andrew's Cathedral located in the heart of Sydney city. It is designed to reach out to (predominately) Asians living within and around the CBD, and aims at equipping people with sound knowledge of the word of the bible.

Melvin and I have become active members in ABC and are serving in both the service and the Workers Bible Study group. One of my duties include leading new comers in our Sunday Bible Studies in teaching [Christians and non-Christians] the fundamentals of christianity through 2 ways to live.

We get quite a few new comers coming through every week. People from all parts of Asia [mainly Japan, Korea, China and Indonesia] and sometimes the world [Italy, Spain].

It is really encouraging to see the number of people that are seeking out the truths and not allowing barrier such as differences in languages and culture stand in their way.

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to contribute to the kingdom of God and his works. Even if it means playing a small role in the big scheme of His plans. =)

Japanese Curry

I was browsing through the Asian aisle at Coles Supermarket on my usual grocery shopping Thursday nights, and spotted Japanese Curry Paste.

I've always been a firm believer of cooking curry from scratch. Yes. I'm talking about the pain staking task of making the paste from blanding the different curry powder and spices, using herbs as flavoring and chilli for color and punch. In short. The jazz.

I blame this ridiculars obession (despite the knowledge of great packed paste I know I could get from the supermarkets these days) on my mum who views anything remotely canned or in sachets as evil and cheats in the world of culinary skills.

Anyhow. I thought it was time to throw away this urban myth and give this harmless looking paste a go.

We had seconds that night.

There is no going back baby!!!