Thursday, January 31, 2013

One of my all time favourites

Just wanted to share an old video,
made by one of my favourite production trio. 
On something close to heart...

And I think alot of you would relate to it too. 

Enjoy...


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Count your blessings...

It's been a long time since I wrote anything. Most of my friends in the blogging world don't even blog anymore. I guess, as time goes by, people slowly drop off the bandwagon cause it soon became uncool... it wasn't the 'in' thing to do anymore as everyone hopped onto the Facebook and Twitter bandwagon. As for some, they felt like blogging for them, has lost its true meaning. They began to feel like they were blogging for an audience, as opposed to for themselves.

As for me... I have always told myself that I am not blogging for anyone else but me. That this little space has been my little online diary. A little space that I share with myself, and my closest friends... about the ups and downs of my life.

Every now and then, I still hop on... and re-read my oldest entries... to reflect, and reminisce. It never fails to tug heartstrings for me. As every single entry holds its own meaning... even the shortest ones that nobody else would understand. Those entries are the ones that more often than not, most significant and most important to me.

So here I am once again, caught the nostalgic bug... after 'speaking' to one of my old friends. Someone who was once a very important person in my life, way before I even started this blog. And yes, those who have been following me knows why I started blogging, and whom my posts were referring to at the beginning. But this, this precedes that. This friend was from a time way before that. This was my first serious relationship.

Getting back in touch with him (over FB) was a little reminder of what my life used to be like. How high school was for me... Those were my carefree days. As I was chatting with him, and uploading photos from my recent trip to KL for one of my oldest friend's wedding....

I got to thinking...

Of how much I've grown.
Of how much my life has changed (for better or worse).
Of how much I've missed out being abroad.
On old friendships... those that were fostered decades ago.
Those people who were once so important to me.
Have some, drifted... and have merely been reduced to being platonic friends.
Facebook friends whom you don't really talk to anymore.
Strangers even...

But then,
There are also some,
That no matter how far apart you are,
Or how seldom you see each other,
Would always remain important to you,
For your lives have once crossed, entwined.
For you have made memories...
Memories that would last you a lifetime.

These memories are like your favourite old song.
You forget the word sometimes...
But the tune lingers.
And when you play it again, the words just come back.

And it fills your heart...





Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Withdrawals

Perhaps being away from home has finally taken its toll on me. That, or the fact that I have been working the past 9 days in a row, (and 5 nights on call) and more to come... I am just completely exhausted.

Coupled with annoying hospital politics, and some people that I would very much rather not see. People with unrealistic expectations who think that I can perform multiple tasks at once, or be in multiple places at once...

I am just so over it. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

At this very moment, I hate my life. I hate feeling like I sold my soul to my job. I hate feeling like I can't be there for the ones I love and care about.

I just want to go home.
Home to comfort.
Home to familiarity.
Home to love.
Home to support (each other).
Just home, to where the heart is.



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Not entirely forgotten

It's been a long time since I wrote anything. Perhaps it's because my life has been so busy recently, or perhaps, I just didn't know where to start cause I've kinda left this little space for such a long time... it's like, bumping into a friend after a long time, and not knowing what to say. And for a split second, you wonder to yourself, should I even say hi? But as you do, you may just realise that you've rekindled a beautiful friendship...

So here I am, feeling a little melancholic tonight... as I lie in bed alone, my thought pre-occupied with a thousand things... I decided to pen something down.

I have been living away from home the past couple of months. I am doing my rural stint now for my specialist training, and have been in a country town the past 4 months. The learning experience here is awesome, and the people are all so wonderful~! But the one thing that I really miss, is home. My boys at home.

I initially thought that the 6 months would go by real quick, and before I know it, I'd be reunited with my family. But instead, time has gone by so slowly... Some days, it feels like all I do is work, work, work. I almost never get to have my half day off, due to the lack of registrars. But more importantly, it feels like I have not spent quality time with my man for some time.

It's tough juggling work and family life, especially when I'm not at home. Some days, I feel like I'm failing as a wife. It's been ages since I made a meal for the family. Some days, I am so tired I don't even feel like making dinner for myself!

It feels like it's been forever since I last gave him a cuddle and a kiss, or received one myself (although it's really only been a fortnight - but it feels like eternity). I know he's been having it tough as work recently, as it's peak period now for the company, yet I feel so helpless cause I'm hours away.

There are moments where I feel like just jumping into the car, and driving home - just for that one special moment, where I will be standing at the door, waiting for him to come home, to be able to see that surprise on his face. And I have done it before, but age is catching up... and the long drive back, early in the morning, really gets me down.

I don't know if I will have any solution for it, except to whether the storm, and wait till the stint ends here (because it's really not all bad. The experience is priceless!). My head knows the logic, but sometimes, the mind feels so different. Some days, it does indeed feel like we're living separate lives. I may be on call the whole night after a whole day at work, and may not get to speak to him at all.

But I just want to let you know, dear... that I miss you too, just as you do. It is difficult for me too, being away from you. Sometimes, I miss 'us' so much that I cry myself to sleep, not knowing what to do.

It ain't easy, but I believe that what doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger. We've been through much worse before... and we've emerged from it all, stronger than before. I keep telling myself, that I'm on the home stretch now... and if we can get through this, we won't have to be apart anymore.

And coming home to be reunited again, would be sweeter than ever.

I. Miss. You......


So so much.




Thursday, January 26, 2012

Loved and Lost

Kidney bean, I miss you...

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Mrs Lee

Time certainly has flown.... It's been two months since my last post~! *gasps*
I am still alive, I promise.

As you might know, I've been really busy. Barely have time to breathe... what more to blog!

But with the two weddings over, I am back in Melbourne... resuming life...
As. Mrs. Lee :)

So this is my first post, as my new self (yet still the same me!)

Hello there~! :))


Hope you guys have been well. 

Will attempt to blog more regularly once things settle down... and we resume our routines. 

Much love, 

Mei

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

6 years

I almost forgot I had this space...
Without realising it, I have been blogging for 6 years now.
I know I haven't been the most diligent in penning down my thoughts recently.
It's just that, some days, I feel like I hardly have time to fill my tummy,
or just sit down and have a cuppa.

But today, over dinner with some friends,
Jon reminded me that I was once a 'popular blogger'.
OMG~! I can't believe that he even remembers that.
That all seems ages ago.
Those were the days when I used to blog almost everyday,
and had traffic to my blog, and followers leaving comments.
Gone are those days...

But what he really reminded me is that,
I will always have this little safe space,
for me to vent my frustrations,
for me to voice my emotions when I can't,
for me to pen down my thoughts....

So that in time to come,
on a day such as this,
I can read back on all my old posts,
and reminisce...
Some posts still echo in my heart.
Some still sting to the core,
And some, warm my soul and carve a smile on my face.

Reflect...
On all the good times, and bad.
The ups and downs on my roller coaster ride of life...

To remind myself, to continue writing.

Not for him, or her, or them...
But for me.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

The day I lost my good friend, or perhaps... gained one.

I am on my run of night shift again. Sigh, the dreaded time of the month... a whole week of being on night duty, and sleeping during the day. A whole week of social isolation. The only thing to look forward to during this time, is of course.... the week off following the run of nights~! :) 6 down, 1 to go.... wheeeeeee~!

But that morning, I got an SMS from a good friend of mine, saying
" I got a training spot :) but it's in Sydney :( "

Took me awhile to register what that was about, because I was in the middle of my dream in lala-land when my phone beeped. And then I realised that my good friend got a position in the training program of her choice, after having a rather disappointing time. She had made some difficult, life changing decisions following the initial outcome. Some really brave decisions, I thought. I don't know if I would have the courage to do the same if I were in her shoes.

Ecstatic seeing the SMS, I immediately replied, asking " This is an exciting big step for you! You going? Whereabouts? Is XX relocating with you??"

Although only half awake, I had 20 million questions for her! I had so many things I wanted to know... How did she hear about the news the second time round? How is she feeling? What is she gonna do? When  is she leaving etc??

But it was only the day that I felt that, I was losing a good friend of mine... to the state of NSW :(

We went through med school together.
Did our internship together.
Went to our first country rotation together.
Went on trips together.
Decided to get into the same specialty.
Did our specialty diploma exams together.
Went for our training interview together...
And now, she will finally be in the same training program as me! :)
Together.... but not quite.

It's like... so close, yet so far...

I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. This good friend of mine, will no longer be "just around the corner".
I will not be able to ring her on a random day and go "Hey~! Whatcha doing? Let's go have lunch!"
"Hey, where are you? Come help me choose my wedding gown".

I will no longer have my pillar of strength. The person who drove all the way to my house, and brought me food when I was at my lowest. When I went through a rough patch with Jon, and felt like life wasn't worth living - she was there.

She was there for me when I didn't believe in myself. She was there for me to share the joy when I got accepted into training. She was there to share my joy when I got engaged. She was.... always there! Always have been.

That day that she told me she was taking up the position, and will be leaving the state, was the day that I felt like I've lost a good friend...

But then I sat down and got to thinking,

That I haven't actually lost her.

Because I'm truly happy for her.

I am happy that this position came to her after the intial disappointment. I am happy that she finally got what she deserves after having worked hard for it! I am happy that she has a supportive partner who is willing to move across the globe to be with her, to support her.

I am happy that she will have this opportunity to start a new life, and build a new home with him. I am excited for her, to embark in this adventure into the land of the unfamiliar.

Short term pain, for long term gain, my dear...

Ironically, it was only then... that I realised, that I haven't lost a friend, I have indeed gained one. Because I realised that I truly care about her, as a good friend.

And I guess, what I wanna say is that, no matter what decision she makes, I will be there for her, to support her every step of the way. We may not be able to just 'hang' on our off days, but I will always be there.

After all, I am only a phone call away, and if we're very lucky.... an hour plane ride on a $50 discount ticket.
:)


"Just follow your heart dear. There is no right or wrong decisions in the matter."

Friday, September 16, 2011

Countdown

6 weeks to go and counting~!!!
Crank the heat up, baybehhh...

Monday, August 15, 2011

Not all that reflects is glass

Tonight, as the night stars shine,
As I drown out the echoes from work,
The night appeared still, and knowing.
The silence... thought provoking.

I took this time alone at home...
To reflect on my life,
where I was a year ago,
and how far I have come since.

I learn that my past have made me strong.
I learn that everything happens for a reason.
I learn that from the bad, there is always something good.
That despite my weaknesses, I still have strength within,
That despite all my wrongs, I have done something right.
That despite all the darkness, I found a glimmer of light.

But most importantly,
I learnt the gift of giving...
Not only to others, but also to myself.
The gift of forgiveness.

Tonight, I told myself,
"It really doesn't matter if the person who hurt you deserves to be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself."

And just like that,
I found peace within me...
Knowing that I still have so much to give.




Thursday, July 14, 2011

Swooninggg

Why wasn't this out yet when I bought my Speedy??


I am loving the long shoulder strap on the new Speedy Bandoulière :) 
Gives it such versatility~! And it's spacious in the bag too for practicality...


The only problem is, if I get it... I'll have too many bags that look similar... sigh. 
 Can't believe it only took them sooooo long to design this though~!

Oh well....

Just 'looking'. Can't afford to buy anything this year anyway, until the wedding's over... 

Can't. Blow. The. Budget. 


But oohhh, ain't it just so pretty??

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Thanks

Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness and love, could mean the world to the person on the receiving end. After all. Life isn't about doing huge extraordinary things, but it's about doing little ordinary things everyday, extraordinarily...

Well, it was just another day for me. Been doing quite alot of planning and stuff recently because of the wedding, but really, most of the other things were pretty routine. Did the laundry, made dinner, and after that... Was just sitting in front of the tele, chilling and eating some cherries.

Out of the blue, he mentioned "You're the best. You're amazing".

That really caught me off guard that I went "huh??"

And he repeated himself, saying "You're amazing baby".

AaWwwWw... I was touched. I guess it was because I didn't feel like I was doing anything extra nice, or extra special today. It was just another ordinary day for me...

But I guess, the little things I did made it just abit more extraordinary for him... And him showing his appreciation when I least expected it, just made it a tad more extraordinary for me.

Thank you papa bear. You're the best too! *muah*

Monday, July 11, 2011

Million Paws Walk 2011

We were at Albert Park a couple of weeks ago (actually, it's almost 2 months now!) for the annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk.

Since I had the weekend off this year, I decided to give it a go, since my friends have always raved about it! And besides, it's a walk for a good cause anyway... 

I invited Steph & Wilmund to join us... The more the merrier they say! I actually invited Kit and Nam as well since they just got themselves a puppy - but Kit pulled out last minute, fearing that her new puppy might be overwhelmed with the amount of people and doggies there!

Fair enough, there were soooo many doggies there, it was pretty havoc! But surprisingly, when the walk commenced, it slowly became organised chaos. Everyone was walking the same direction, and most owners controlled their dogs really well. They were all very well behaved, I have to admit...

I was very impressed!

Not only with the organisation, but also because my little Remy actually managed to complete the whole 5 km's without fainting or falling over! Hahahhaa.

Pic above: 4km down, 1 more to go boy!! Mommy's sooo proud of you! My little boy posing with grandma and granddad :)

See the crowd behind us?? It was a pretty cold morning to start with, but then the sun came out to play. It was quite a beautiful day at Albert Park. The sun was shining, the sky was clear blue, the doggies happily walking, there were people sailing... Basically, everyone was enjoying :)

Cute Steph with her gumboots~! One of the smartest decisions ever!! I soooo should have wore mine too! But I thought I'd be more comfortable in my Ugg boots! But she was so much more clever!! Prevented herself from getting dirty with all the mud and stuff...

And her doggy, Coffee - was still so energetic!! 

My Remy did so well too!! Look at his smiley face! He was thoroughly enjoying himself! Hahaha...
My sister said his hands and feet looked really muddy! And then Jon teased her and said "I didn't know Remy had hands and feet?" Hahahhahaah....

I guess sometimes, we forget that he's a doggy, because he's our son, and so much a part of the family.

Remy, I know this is a little late, but mommy just wanted to let you know that she's really proud of you! *hearts*

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Bersih 2.0 Rally

Those of you who know me, knows that I don't like to meddle in politics. International, national, or merely at the work place. I know I haven't really been home for many years... and being away, I don't actually read the local papers online like my sister does... And quite honestly, I have always been one of those people who didn't really care - so long it didn't affect me. Selfish is what some people call it.

I know I'm not the only one, but I am ashamed to say that I have never registered to vote in my home country. I always had excuses like "What difference does one vote make anyway?" "It's too hard! I've never been in Malaysia long enough since I turned 21(legal age)". "What paperwork is involved anyway??". "I'm not really in the country, so how would it affect me?"

Right??
WRONG!!

Seeing all the photos and write up in the media really saddened me. More than I would have imagined, really. As I read those posts, and looked at those photos from the Bersih 2.0 Rally on 9/7/11, tears started to roll down my cheeks.

I am unsure of this emotion I'm feeling. Partially sad that the people of Malaysia was so ill treated by the police force - the body that was supposed to protect the people, were harming them instead.

Partially ashamed that I have not been doing my part for so many years, watching my country sink into the depth of discrimination and corruption. Ashamed that I never really cared enough, for I had an escape route. That I was fortunate enough to have parents who worked hard, who could afford to send me away from the ugliness of it all, so I could have my chance at a free and fair life.

But a part of me, was also proud. Proud that there are so many Malaysians out there, who were well aware that they could be arrested, but still risked their health and life - to rally for a cause they believe in. Not to change the world in a day, but merely to be heard. To be made aware that the people are not happy, and are wanting an explanation, a solution for an ongoing, worsening problem.

I think we've all had enough.
Enough of corrupted politicians.
Enough of ignorant leaders, who really need to wake up and smell reality!
Enough of biased, government controlled media who doesnt report the whole truth.
Enough of authorities trying to use violence to induce fear in the 'rakyat'.
Enough of leaders sitting on their high horses, while the country is experiencing the biggest brain drain ever...

I've had enough of sitting around,
making up excuses why I can't do something.
Enough of turning a blind eye on the whole situation.

I may not live in Malaysia,
but I am still Malaysian...
and perhaps, this is my wake up call to play my part,
and do something for my country for once.


I know I'm not the only one...
I am sure this rally has touched Malaysians all around the world.
There were many Malaysians, living abroad, who were also decked in yellow -
gathered all around the world to support their fellow Malaysians from afar.
Perhaps, it is YOUR time to do something too?
To feel somewhat proud to be a Malaysian?

"Ask not what your country has done for you, but what you can do for your country"



ps: I am not usually the patriotic kind, but this has inspired me. Are YOU registered to vote??

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Wedding Prep Frenzy

Hello all,

I am actually blogging from my iPhone at the moment. My car is being serviced so I am roaming the streets aimlessly while trying to plan a wedding and attempt multi-tasking.

The last few weeks have been a little frantic. Been working 9 night in a row, and they are 13 hours nights too! Felt like I was gonna die at the end. I was sooo over it! 
And on my days off, have been trying hard to sort out wedding stuff.

As you guys know, I am not really the bridezilla kind. I have just kinda let things slide, hoping they will slowly fall into place by themselves. But asthe day draws closer, I can't help but start to freak out!

Thank God I found a photographer for my KL wedding! Was such a pain looking for the one as they are mostly booked out, or I don't quite like their work. Paid for my wedding dress, finalizing the invitation designs, and have got an appointment with the cake maker in a fortnight. Phew~!

Now all I need to do is actually find our wedding bands!! And in between, study for a few O&G courses... OMG!! I need more time in a day!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

So Touching

As you guys may have known, I spent some time working in NICU last year. 2010 was a big year for me, in more ways than one - both career and personal life.

Working in NICU has changed my perception on certain things in life. Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology - we sometimes take for granted the long term consequences of some of the babies born, because we simply don't see them long enough to know what happens to them. Not unless you get slapped with a lawsuit several years down the road, that's when you realised something happened to that baby. Otherwise, most times, we assume that everyone's happy after the birth of a baby.

But being in NICU is a different story. You see the smallest, sickest babies around. You sometimes wonder, is it worth continuing all these aggressive treatment? Is he / she going to have a good quality of life in the future? Will he / she live to see another day?

But being there, you foster relationships with some of your long term babies. You get close to their parents, whether you realise it or not. And seeing their little baby finally go home, after not having given up on a tremendously difficult battle, is one of the most amazing feelings ever!

This is a fine example of one of my personal stories.

Tatum & Paul

Tatum and Paul Mitchell's wedding day tinged with sadness
Paul and Tobey Mitchell
Paul Mitchell with his son Tobey before marrying Tatum. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun
Tatum and Tobey Mitchell
Tatum Mitchell was hoping to have Tobey at her wedding. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun
IT was a painfully poignant moment when this young Victorian couple had to tie the knot without their sick son.
One of the biggest days of Tatum and Paul Mitchell's lives was filled with a touch of sadness because they were unable to share it with their two beautiful boys.

Their first born, Zachary, passed away when he was just 12 days old.

Second son Tobey, who has not left hospital since he was born premature last May, also was unable to witness the wedding ceremony.

The little boy has tracheobronchomalacia, or floppy airways, and his parents were worried that his weak immune system would put him at risk of picking up an infection.
But nothing could stop them doing everything in their power to make their precious baby boy part of their special day.

The pair made separate visits to the 13-month-old baby's bedside at Monash Children's Newborn Services yesterday morning to ensure that they kept to the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride in her wedding gown.

Tobey was dressed in a pint-sized tuxedo.

Hidden beneath his suit, was a pair of Hawthorn footy socks, courtesy of the husband-to-be.
When the bride walked down the hospital aisle, it was one of the first things she noticed.

"I packed his Essendon socks," she exclaimed.

The couple took turns holding their little boy close to their chests.

"I can't believe it, we are getting married and he's not going to be there," Mrs Mitchell said.

"He's our little boy and he should be there, but he can't be, so we'll bring the wedding to him."

A necklace featuring two butterflies was hung around her neck to symbolise the presence of her two beautiful sons.

"Zachary is watching over Tobey, and Tatum has them with her on her special day," her mother, Charmaine Michael said.

Even Tobey joined in on the action, clapping his hands.

In a bittersweet twist, Tobey will finally be discharged from hospital this week.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tatum gave me the news, alongside a big hug the other day. I was ecstatic for her! Finally tying the knot after such a trying time...

And seeing her so happy, so elegantly beautiful in her wedding dress, just confirmed my affirmations that they are indeed, beautiful both on the outside, and inside. It's like... Cinderella's dream is finally going to come true.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Where there is joy, there is sorrow

They say that God is fair in all ways.
When He gives you something, He takes away something from you.
Today was certainly a tough day at work.
Interesting is a very optimistic way of putting it, I'd say.
My day started really well, as I performed my first laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.
Yes, as the primary surgeon :)

But then, things took a downturn from then on.

The other week, I had someone name her baby after me :)

Today, the team at work lost a baby to God.
The paediatrics team performed CPR on the baby for more than half an hour,
Then wheeled the mom, who just woke up from general anaesthetics,
and the rest of the immediate family to be in the room,
Before they finally decided to cease resuscitation and withdraw treatment.

It was a sad, sad day, filled with many teary eyes.

I know I have seen much worse,
but it doesn't make it any easier.

I just have to face the fact that,
while my job is rewarding, and most times, it's happy and joyous,
There will be sad times as well.
As the world goes round,
and like they said... What goes up, must come down.

As sad as it was for me, I can't imagine how it would be for the parents.

May they stay strong, and help each other through this tough time.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Why I love my job :)

My fiance thinks I work like a machine...
I get home at 9pm after a long day at labour ward, have dinner, and snug into bed.
And then I'm up again by 5.30 - 6am the next day, for a full day in theatre.
It's exhausting, I admit...

But the learning experience is so awesome.
Everytime you get to do something different, something new...
Something rewarding...

Just the other day,
One of the most amazing things happened to me.

One of my patients thanked me for delivering her baby girl.
She had a successful vaginal birth after having a caesarean section in the past!

And the best part was...
She named her baby girl after me~!!!

Best. thank. you. gift. EVER!

And that, is only one of the reasons why I love my job.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Friday, May 20, 2011

Slacker~!!

I have been way too slack with my blog, but that's only because I've been busy with my life :P
Yeah, what a good excuse, right? hehehe.

Dad's been on my back a little about wedding planning, and how slow I'm going :P Well, most of the big stuff are ready anyway. It's about time to get our wedding invitations done though. Sigh... and the ultimate wedding bands hunting!

Well, May has been pretty much a busy busy time for me. From attending surgical courses, to family gatherings, to catching up with friends...

We went to Tao Tao House for Mother's Day Dinner. Tao Tao House is owned by Jon's high school friend and his dad - who used to work as the dumpling chef in Flower Drum.

They have been getting some pretty good reviews in The Age - so we decided to try it out the other day, also to give Jon the opportunity to say hello to Eric, and of course, to congratulate him on his success!

Food was super yummy, and the dumplings were to die for. Soft, silky skin... YUMS~! Nothing short of my expectation.

Uncle Peter was saying how lucky he is, to be able to tag along for these yummy meals. First Yarra Vallley for aunty's birthday, and now another meal for Mother's Day.

Of course we weren't just gonna leave you out! Silly...

The week after, Xian Lee graced us with his presence from Brisbane. Think he was on his week off or something, that he decided to drop by and explore Melbourne a little. But too bad though, he was here on a bad week. He was greeted by the highly unpredictable Melbourne weather, and all he got all week, was rain and wind :(

So, out goes the window his plans to go sight-seeing and stuff.

But that provided us with the opportunity to catch up over warm cups of coffee, and nice cozy dinners though. Hehehe.

He was also giving us an update on the special girl in his life at the moment :) NICE~! Good to see him happy.


I brought Xian Lee along to our BBGS catch up brunch as well. Went to our regular hang out, Snow Pony in Balwyn. Gotta love their breakfast menu there! Super yums!! Caught up with my favourite girls, both recently married :) Hehehe. Good to have someone who can give me tips, you know? :P

The three musketeers from the previous night, reunited again ;) This time, rise and shine, bright and early for brunch. (Those who know me, knows that I'm not a morning person!)

Was so good catching up with Kit, hearing her Europe escapade stories~! Oh how I would love to take time off to travel the world.... but still have my bank account topped up! Taking time off is such a scary thought, because no matter how much savings you have, seeing your bank account amount dwindle by the month, is really quite a nerve wrecking thing! I only lasted 3 months, before I felt like I needed to go back to work again.

Guess it's also because I'm subconsciously 'kiasu'. Seeing all my friends getting into specialty programs, and sitting for exams, made me feel a little left out. So yups, back to work I went... sigh. Looking back now, I wish I had taken a longer time off, just for myself... because you just don't know when you will have the courage to do it again!

Anyways, I digress.... haha.


You know winter's just around the corner when everyone's dressed in grey and black! In my defence though, I was wearing green. It was only my scarf that was grey and black. But hey, gotta love this photo of my girls - all colour-coordinated! :)

Till next post, take good care and stay warm peeps!

More photos to come from the Million Paws Walk. Whee~!!!

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Yarra Valley Day Trip

We planned to make a trip to Yarra Valley over the Easter long weekend for a little getaway. Seems like the whole of Melbourne was heading that way too! OMG! The city and suburban roads were completely empty, but there was a jam heading to Yarra Valley!! I almost couldn't believe my eyes! It was busier than the ski season. Almost bumper to bumper.... but I guess, the consolation was, we were still travelling at a decent speed...

Thank God the view was worth it :) and the drive wasn't too longggg.. tee hee hee. 

We finally got to Chateau Yering, where Jon booked lunch for us, and also to celebrate his mom's belated birthday. 

The weather, fortunately, was kind to us when we arrived. It was raining minutes before, but the sun came out for a little peek when we got there :) 

We headed into the restaurant, and was directed to the lounge for a seat, while waiting to be seated at the main dining hall :) Such a quaint little place, with red wood decor and a beautiful fireplace. Very vintage.

Happy and beaming after more than 30 years of marriage... 

Thank you for booking lunch and driving us there :) *muah*

The food was pretty good too :) My scallops with pastries entree was yummilicious~! :P MmMm mMmMmM....

Jon's main was really good too. He ordered some lamb dish with peas. It was really tender and juicy. I don't quite remember the full name of the dish, but it was pretty yummy!

 
Such pretty autumn colours :) I will always love autumn because of this. 

After lunch, we headed over to the cellar door for some wine tasting... and a walkabout to burn off the calories we've just piled on. 

Yering Station is pretty, ain't it?? It's such a massive place!! It was full house that day we went though, cause I guess everyone wanted a short escape from the big smog :)

Jon found a little water feature with some coins in it, and got a tad excited :P There was a notice saying that all the money in there will be donated to the leukaemia foundation at the Royal Children's Hospital, so he wanted to play his part as well...

He got some coins out of his pocket, and starting throwing coins into it, the Trevi Fountain style! hehehe... Coin on the right hand, over the left shoulder, and make a wish!! :) Can you spot the coin??

I had a good time that day, just having a chilled day... and enjoying the long Easter weekend :) Nothing too fancy, just some family and friends time. 

I hope you guys had a good Easter too. That's if anyone's still reading... after not having updates for so long :( Oopss!

More updates soon :) I'm trying to revive my blogging mojo that has been missing for more than a month or so... hahaha.




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