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!!!

End of the month

It is the end of June.

Half way into 2005.

6 more months till 2006.

6 more months till the big “30”!

Put on another 0.5kg!

It is time for big measures.

I am going to clean every inch of my house this weekend!!

There is just something about Men and cars.

There is just something about Men and cars.

I suppose it is like us with our designer clothing, make-up, shoes and bags. But only at a fraction of the price.

Today. I am suddenly a co-owner of a black MX5.

Not at all impressed!

GGGRrrrr!!!!

Rainy days and Mondays always makes me sad

It has been pouring for the past 2 weeks.

Winter is always quite miserable. Rain, overcast sky, cold, short days….

The news tells us that we are in the worst drought since the 70’s. We need as much rain as we can get. Sunday services have been ending with prayers for rain. Rain is everywhere around me!

Sigh…

Well, at least I get to snuggle in with my hot chocolate and write in my blog.

Robo Dog

There was a robotic dog on TV today.

It is programmed to do everything. From asking for affection, to listening to commands, to even needing discipline from time to time.

It’s amazing!

To get one of these cool state of the art pet. You will need a cooler AU$3590.

Shopping Haven

We always have a ball in Melbourne. So when a couple of our friends suggested we took advantage of the long weekend to fly to Melbourne. We jumped at it.

Shopping in Melbourne is great. It is just something about the grided city, the proximity of the shops, the accessibility, the style in which boutiques are fashioned, and the friendly sales assistance that makes shopping in Melbourne so rewarding and enjoyable.

I always make an effort to eye out things I could not find in Sydney.

Here are a few I love:

Hannii – Her pieces have a good fusion of orient with provocative modernism. I bought myself a lovely over- the- need-length skirt and a couple of tops from her Melbourne Central boutique. The fabrics used are tweed and beautiful china silk. The same team flowed through with her tops and coats. Very chic.

Metalicus – They have stockist in Sydney. However, the boutique is the only one that carries the full range. Perfect for layering and under jacket camisole.

GPO Melbourne – Be prepared to do some serious shopping. This mall house high end fashion labels like Belinda, Fat, Karen Miller, Harrolds, Akira, Zimmermann, Lisa Ho and the likes. Very very pricy.

Cactus Jam – Located in the heart of the QV mall has collections from designers like Willow, Karen Miller, Indigo and _____. Beautiful fabrics, soft drapes, luxurious and timeless pieces.

Snag – You will find very independent and unique pieces in here. The buyer goes round the world collecting buys that fancies her and it really gives the shop a sense of individuality. Perfect for little finds. It’s located in the heart of the city.

My first ticket

Tamworth, the capital of country music of NSW.

We were there for an Energy Safety Solution trade show hosted by one of our largest customer, Country Energy.

On the last day, we decided to take our chances with the kangaroos and hit the road after the closing ceremony.

I tore down the highway eager to get as much mileage as I can before sun set. We did well for about an hour before I got pulled over by a police patrol.

My heart was racing. My colleague just couldn’t stop swearing!

The officer was really polite. He pre-warned me that everything we say will be caught on video. I hope I fail the cut for “Crime Stoppers”.

In that instant, I lost over $200. Grrrr

The passing trays

We attended a friend’s 30th Birthday party bash. It was held at the Harbour View Hotel down at The Rocks.

I am a fan of cocktail food. I love to bland food of different flavours and texture in my mouth. The contrast of sweet and savoury, crisp and chewy, hot and sour. Just thinking about me makes me salivate!

There were waitresses walking around with trays of noodles in little take away chinese boxes, kebab sticks, tiny drumsticks, oysters, spring rolls, cocktail sausages. You know. Party food.

The trick is in finding a strategic spot in a heart of the passing trays route. Once planted in, stand steadfast and do not budge till you have had your fill. Very tricky…

Visitors from home

Marian and Will [my sister and brother-in-law] have been making frequent trips to Sydney. It is always great to have the family come round, even if it’s for a short visit.

They have flown in for a 4 days holiday and the whole family met up for dinner to catch up. Indian [Planet Bollywood @ Double Bay] was the cusine of the night and we ordered their famous "banquet meal".

Boy was it a real banquet. The food just kept coming and coming. It was great as you get to sample everything on the menu! But by the 5th entrée, I was absolutely stuffed to the brim!

Of the lot, the extra hot beef vindaloo was the best. I was quite impressed at Will's (who's a Brit by birth) chilli tolerance. And quite embarrassed at myself for being the only one that kept reaching out for the jug of water.

Marian is a great person to get shopping tips from. She is always out there discovering new designers and has a really good eye for fashion. Nelson Molloy was the latest discovery. I cannot wait to get my hands on one of those Obi belts!

Goodbye to wisdom

9:00am : Woke up.

10:30am : Took a shower and got ready to go to the dentist.

11:00am : Laid down on the reclined chair. There was an over-head TV screen attached to it.

11:30am : Completely numb face!

12:15pm : Wisdom tooth on metal tray. They are huge!

12:17pm : Wondered into the shops to get Cleo, Shop till you drop and Cosmopolitan. Oh and a DVD, “How to lose a guy in 10 days”. Thought I needed some mindless pampering.

12:20pm : Gave Mel a call to pick me up

01:00pm : Changed gauze

01:30pm : Had my “MEL-MADE” vegetable soup. Yummy….

02:00pm : Popped on the DVD. Boy was it a silly moive... I love it.. hehe..

03:00pm : Whimper a sympathy whinge

03:30pm : Changed gauze

04:00pm : Slept

06:00pm : Anaesthetic faded. Panicked!

07:00pm : Changed gauze.

08:00pm : Another bowl of hot piping vege soup…yummm…

09:00pm : Let out another whimper

10:30pm : Read my mags and fell asleep.

Crushes

It is a well known fact that no matter now old we are. We gals are still impervious to that occasional cloud 9, juvenile, mind-dazzling, and quite embarrassing frenzy world of shameless crushes.

For me, it is the one and only bashful, dashing, and delicious new heart trope of Korea, Kim Jae Won.

It all started after [out of sear curiosity] watching a love drama series called My Love Patzzi. To set the record straight. I am not into the lovely dovely idealistic fairytale of boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy gets girl dream world. However, for some unexplainable paradox. I am completely and utterly head over heels over JW!

It is soooo embarrassing. Suddenly all those years of training those silly speechlessness of “oug oug gar gar”, sudden need to bot out of sight, and those uncontrollable flashes of red all washed spectacularly down the drain, together with whatever conviction I have as a smart & independent new age woman.

And the really sad thing is, my new found sweet heart is not even real!!! Well, at least in flesh he isn’t. Which in a way, is a real relief. Who knows what sort of irreversible damage I could have done to myself, and worse, my dignity!

Sigh… I guess I will have to resolve to distant admiration and foolish secret daze at my TV screen for now….. "sigh"….

Dental care

I am not a person that is squeamish about going to the dentist. However, it has been years since I have been to one.

Feeling guilty. I finally have myself booked in for a routine check up and cleaning.

The consultation went well. The doctor was pretty impressed at how clean I have kept my pride and joys. However, it was time to remove my wisdom tooth.

AHHH!!!!!!!!