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Hi all!

I know that some of you are finding it hard to leave comments on my blog. Well. I've edited my settings to allow everyone (yes, even non-members) to have your say!

Just click on Comments, than check Others when leaving your comments and click on Publish Your Comment.

Otherwise. Email works for me as well.

Thanks for the feedback!

Cheers!

Lord of the Rings

Mel bought the box set for Lord of the Rings. The EXTENDED version.

Boy is it long.

The Fellowship of the Ring has 48mins added on to its already long 3hrs.

I am not going to mention how long the other 2 are.

It took me almost 5 days to complete the 3 series.

I sat till my bums were sore. And it was STILL going!

Don’t think I’ll be watching it again anytime soon.

hmmm…. Salem does look awfully a lot like Gollum. eekk!

Japan journal - Published at last!

It is finally done! My Japan Journey!

Whilst my holiday in Japan (April / May of this year), I have kept a dairy of the things I got up to in the 2 & 1/2 weeks while traveling around Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. I wanted to capture the vibe and the moods of the places I visited, and also the thoughts and emotions that occupied my mind than. I wrote in placed like palaces, museums, cafes, on trains, restaurants, markets, even along side walks! All in hope to capture every precious moment of my unforgettable holiday.

It was a bit of a nightmare trying to decipher (weeks later) what I had scrabbled onto my tiny note pad (I have disgracefully huge handwriting that gets smaller and more illegible when I get excited) but writing these snippets has brought me back to my wonderful journey once more, so I am happy for the 2nd ride.

The result - a 1 & 1/2 month blog fully dedicated to my trip in mystical Japan (which you will find on my March and April archives).

I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I have writing them.

Happy exploring!

Don't let the cat out of the bag

My little cat has a HUGE fetish for paper bags.









The minute the contents of the bag are cleared. He will be right in there.

Jumping in. Leaping out. Pulling and chasing it around. AND his little tug of war with the strings.

I managed to get a couple of shots of his silly little contented face. Growling away at his victory.

How cute.

Back home

The flight back to Sydney was really quick. It only took us 3 & ½ hrs instead of the usual 4 & ½. Don’t you just love the tail winds.

I took a picture of the right wing and finished reading my book. The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon.

Mel was at the airport waiting for me. I miss his smile.

I was so looking forward to climb into my warm and comfy bed. There is nothing quite like sleeping on your own bed now is there…..

Boy did it feel good.

Singapore National Day

Today is the national day of Singapore.

Yearly celebrations alternate between venues like the Padang and the National Stadium. This year it is to be held at the scenic grounds of the foreshore of Padang.



I miss the fire works, the cheers of camaraderie, the feeling of celebrating together as one nation.

To all my friends back home. Happy National Day to you’all.

Happy 40th birthday Singapore.

Fish and Chips

Tonight’s dinner was the old good fish and chips. I have not had them for a while. Forgotten how good they taste!

The beer battered deep fried fillets, the $2 bag of chips, the lemon slices. Wrapped up neatly in crisp brown paper sheets.

I especially love the smell of freshly fried chips oozing through the paper. Makes your mouth water.

Yuummm.

If only Mel was with me. I miss our fish and chips take outs and eating them at the foreshore with the sun setting before our eyes. What good memories we have around fish and chips. sigh....

My Perth Saturday - Two

I'm back in Perth! YAY! I met up with a friend that I have not seen for a long while over breakfast.

Just a quick insight: I enjoy catching up over breakfast for the following reasons:

1) It forces you to get out of bed early.
2) I would have never eaten more than a bowl of cereal or a slice of bread at home.
3) I get to eat a hearty meal and not worry about what to eat for lunch.
4) The morning air is lots fresher.
5) I love café style cooked poached eggs!
6) And you still have the rest of the day in front of you. Thus a nice fuzzy accomplished good feeling. Yah!

My [only other Singaporean friend] Sarah and I met at Cottesloe Beach for morning tea at John’s St Café.

It’s a lovely unassuming little café on a pleasant residential street with bright blue walls. I have a picture of it [the blue café] in my wedding album with me and my 2 bride’s maid spinning around with our skirts spread out wide. It was a lovely shot.

Anyway. Very popular stop for morning joggers and local residents. I love now suburban it feels to eat there.

I always enjoy our yearly catch-ups. It was nice to be able to practise my rapidly diminishing “Singlish”[Got to love the “lahs” and “lors”. Oh and of course the “leis”.] And also talk about old times.

After 2 hours of laughs, giggles, and gossips. I bid her farewell at noon and headed off to the beach.

Took some pictures of Indiana tea house [and myself…. very sad.]. And started reminiscing about my good old uni days when I used to frequent the beach during Sundays at sunset to write in my diary.

Sigh. It sure feels a lot different now.

I decided to drive to Fremantle for a quick visit. It has been years since I have been there.

I always enjoy the drive along Stirling hwy. The view of the ocean. The sun in my face. It feels so good.

Apparently Fremantle is THE birthplace to many young aspiring WA designers. So besides taking in the sights and the beautiful weather. My eyes were on the look out for good cheap buys.

Got myself a skirt priced down from $260 to $80! And a pair of bronzy gold ring earrings to go with. Yay!

I know what I will be wearing to the dinner party tonight. hehehe..

Darlot Gold Mine

Thought I'd post some of the pictures I took at the mine.

Kalgoorlie

I was to spend 4 days and 3 nights in a Gold Mine out in the rich desert grounds of outback Kalgoorlie. I have not even boarded the 18-seater passenger plane and already I am feeling home sick.

We were to conduct training to a group of electricians on how to joint and terminate a cable. The electrical superintendent of the mine received us at the airport [which basically is a dirt runway]. And packed into a pick up truck like sardines. We were whisked off to the campsite.

I was very impressed with the living quarters. I actually had my own room and ensuite bathroom!

After unpacking my things [electric blanket, pillow covers, fashion magazines, a good book, chocolate biscuits and Pringles bought by my sweet sister-in-law]. The bucker suddenly appears livable after all.

The camp is very well equipped. It has facilities like a gym, a dinning mast, bar, games room, a cable TV room, mini movie theatre. AND unlimited Internet access! Not bad considering we ARE in the middle of nowhere.

We were given a quick tour around the mine site. It is quite amazing looking at the open pit where miners actually go down to dig for gold. And the huge machinery on the ground. Impressive.

Dinner was all you can eat buffet. I was expecting big chunks of meat, slabs of greasy sausages, bread rolls and a mountain pile of creamy mash potato. Instead, we had a selection of roast beef, boiled carrots, broccoli, a salad bar [with the usual pasta, egg, and green salad. Cheeze platter!], bread and yes, the creamy mash. AND my favourite bread pudding with custard sauce for dessert. Ice cream, cakes and fruits.

Apparently, you get your eggs cooked in whatever ways you want for breakfast! It is not gourmet. But I am liking it.

Working hours at the mines are from 6am to 6pm. So after dinner. Most of us retreated back to our rooms for an early shuteye.

Walking back to my room. I ran into a Kangaroo, a little rabbit running its cute furry ass off, and goats.

That I think, is good enough reason for me to hang around for another 3 days.

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..