T.r.a.n.s.f.o.r.m.e.d.

I had the weekend off so I thought I'd head up to the snow with Jon for the day. Wanted to brush up on my boarding skills before heading to NZ in August! Well, I wanted to board, instead of ski this year, so I thought, if this is what I want to do, I better get good at it before NZ so I won't miss out on the most scenic parts of the mountains! I guarantee you, they're not on the green runs!!

My new board and bindings :)

But unfortunately, I had a long shift on Friday, and got home late. Was supposed to hit the sack early, but we ended up watching the tribute to Michael Jackson on tele - The Life and Death of MJ.

It was actually quite captivating, and I know it's kinda freaky that I'm saying this... but we kinda felt sad for him. It was as if, his fame was also his downfall. He shielded himself from the world, he did all these weird things that nobody understand.

I feel as if he's left this world, misunderstood and alone. Nobody was really there for him. Yes, he has a gazillion fans, but at the end of the day, I don't think anybody really knew him. Not inside out. He didn't have a partner. He didn't have family *yes yes, I know he had 3 kids, but they don't count*

Anyways, I digress.... Bottom line was, we couldn't wake up to hit the slopes.

SO.

We ended up doing some shopping and watched 'Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen' instead.

Transformers 2 was awesome!! There was good amount of humour in it, but the action scenes were just "WOW!" I love the funky green Autobot! He's so funny!! There was this scene where they were in Egypt, in the desert... and he was trying to tell the rest that they needed to blend with the environment! And he was bright green, and trying to walk tippy-toed! Hilarious!!

SOOOOO gonna buy the blu ray disc when it comes out!

By half time, I wasn't leaning against my seat anymore! I was like sooo excited, I kept leaning forward more and more! Hahahaha... bet I looked quite funny if you saw me!

And Megan Fox was sizzling hot!!! As soon as she appeared on screen, you could just hear the guys in the cinema going "OoOohhhHh"

We caught the night session at Rivoli's near our place. For those who haven't been there, Rivoli's is an old theatre along Camberwell Road, refurbished to be Village Cinema. Alot of the interior are still very "grand" and theatrical like. I love this place... Just makes you feel like you're not just in any cinema...

Ok. You might think I'm weird.

Snapping some shots of the cinema we were in before the show started. We were quite early. The decor on both sides of the wall, doesn't it just exude class? I reckon it makes the whole place look very maestic... with chandeliers on the ceiling and all.

The seats were very steep, which was great cause I'm so short! I hate it when I have to sit super upright to avoid heads in front of me!

Camwhoring. The iPhone's not great for dark places... cause it doesn't flash. Pic came out kinda grainy I reckon. Not the best quality! Does wonders during the day / good lighting condition though, I must give it credit. Hehehehe....

Jon and his choctop.

He thought I went a little overboard with buying food. We came after already eaten dinner, and I bought 2 choc tops, and a medium combo from the counter before the movie started. We (or I) ended up finishing them though, so no wastage there! =) =)

Well, the weekend's been good so far! I love relaxing weekends...

Hopefully, we'll have some good snow by next weekend. Otherwise, I'm thinking of watching the ballet maybe?? Hehe. What do you reckon??

With much love

The Western Australia trip recently was awesome. Perth is quite a beautiful city, albeit a little too quiet for me. I do enjoy the greenery though. I reckon it'll be a nice place to live in, given I have my family and friends with me.

I don't need alot of night life nowadays anyway. Growing up and growing old, I suppose. It is alot less congested, and I don't see as much traffic jams! People are generally nicer :) Drivers are less impatient hehehe. And I suppose the best part is, it's on the same time zone as Malaysia, and the flight home is only 4 hours?

The view of Perth CBD, from King's Park - on a calm, winter night. I loveeeeee....

I spent one great week with the family, on a road trip around Western Australia, starting our journey from Perth, and heading down south towards Albany to catch a sight of the whales - and then making our way back up to Perth via the coast, through Walpole, Pemberton, Margaret River and Busselton.

The family on board a sail boat in Albany - on a whale watching tour.

The one week spent with them really enforced our love for each other, allowed us to be closer to each other, and made me realise, how much they complete my life, eventhough they are physically so far away for most parts of the year.

How we always make family trips together every year - be in the usual flying back to KL, or them coming to Melbourne, or us, meeting at an agreed destination (namely Perth this time around). How we never fail to make effort to spend time together as a family despite the busy schedule. Dad has interstate consulting, Funny has deadlines and I have my night shifts - things we dread but can't escape from. But we take a pause from our mundane everyday life - to be a part of this family.

I will always love you guys,

Cause we can always be ourselves,

and not in disguise.

Through thick and thin,

Be it sunshine, or rainy days.

We always find our ways...

To each other's heart.

To be there, for real... to stay.

A family's a "family" because we come together, under one 'roof' - with each other, for each other.

Thank you, and love you guys to bits! I had a great time...

I won't blog about the whole trip as my sister's blogged about the trip in detail *here*

Coffee Goodness

The weekend's been particularly cold for me because I have been feeling a little under the weather. The so-called common cold has taken alot out of me. I have done nothing but stayed at home, in bed the whole of Friday and Saturday.

I was actually ordered to come home on Thursday afternoon because I was looking so crap at work! Yes, I was croaking, and half the time, I couldn't even get my voice out. I now understand how difficult it is, not being able to talk, and verbally express what you want to say!

So anyways, I have been directed to recouperate at home. Jon's dad bought cold and flu tablets for me, and Jon bought me Panadol and Strepsils. I felt like shit so I measured my temperature, cause my head just feels like it's spinning, and really heavy!

I was 37.8 - I didn't believe it. I did it again!

37.9

37.7

Ok~!! I officially have a fever!

I felt a little better today, and I didn't really want to mope at home, so Jon and I went out for coffee locally. We thought it was a good idea to bring Remy out for a little walk as well :)

We had afternoon tea at a nearby cafe called ChocLatte - on Burke Road. This quaint little place is situated at the rear of Burke Road, near the new Coles Parking :) I have seen it a couple of times, but never really made it in there, cause we almost always end up at Koko Black for drinks.

But this place is even better! They are dog friendly, with drink bowls outside, and they have more stuff to eat~! They also serve some pretty yummy chocolate drinks, and Cacao chocolates. Also some delicious pastries and little delicacies! Little treasure! I'm definitely going to frequent this place more often now, to try all the different pastries! hehehe.

I ordered the Vanilla cupcake - so I could share it with my little Remy boy, and Jon had the lemon meringue.

Remy was one happy boy, cause he got to eat some delicious cupcake with frostings!!

He looks kinda little in this photo because of the angle, but I just brushed him today, so he's actually quite puffed up! Someone actually came over and exclaimed "He's like a sheep!" and we all laughed.

Their hot chocolates come in huge hug mugs like in Max Brenner - and quite reasonably priced too. $5 dollars for a cuppa, that filled me up quite well.

I look really happy in this photo, because I got out of the house! I don't feel 100% yet, but getting out of the house was a start for me! Although we didn't really go anywhere far away, but being able to breathe some fresh air, felt really good.

And besides, it's the weekend! What's the point of having a weekend, if you can't do anything exciting?? Hopefully, this coming week is going to be better for me...

Otherwise, you'll be seeing a few more posts from me! Haha. I have the Western Australia trip to blog about, and some other photos from my recent outings... :)

I. am. so. slow.

Blerghhhh :(

Down and out.

There's something about Victoria that I absolutely hate. 

I wonder if it's the air or something...

But every winter, without fail, I'll fall sick! 

Sometimes, mild... sometimes more severe. 

Yes, I am down and out. 

I thought I was going quite well, 

Until a few days ago, 

my throat started to tickle...

Then I got a cough. 

And then my head started feeling congested....

and today, was the icing on the cake~!

I lost my voice and am running a temperature!!

I really miss my mom now!! 

I want some TLC.... 

MOMMY, if you're reading this... please come and give me some loveeeeeee~!

And no! I do NOT have swine flu~! At least I hope not... 

The joys of night shift...

Oh.... I absolutely love night shifts... NOT! 

It's anti-social lifestyle to the max! You do not get to see anyone, or do anything exciting. 

Because the night shift hours are so long, you spend the remaining 6-8 hours sleeping, and the next thing you know, you're up and getting ready for work again! :( 

Imagine doing that 7 nights in a row.... then you'll know what depression and isolation is. 

Anyways, whinging aside... I'm down to my last night shift tonight (for this month)... 

Thank GOD!! 

Haven't had much time to cook dinner and all for the past week, so we've been eating out alot... And the good thing about it is, I rediscovered this dish! 

Something that I don't eat very often - mainly because there are not many places in Melbourne that sells it! 

In fact, I've ever only seen it here - @ Penang Coffee House in Hawthorn 

Fried white radish :) *or fried carrot cakes at some places*

It sounds funny, I know... but it's actually a really yummy Malaysian dish! I always have it whenever I am back in KL. Mom likes to buy it from the morning market. The man's stall is mainly open on weekends, and his fried carrot cakes really sell like hot cakes!!! 

BTW, 

The other thing that I enjoy most about night shift, is the post nights time-off!! Yes~!!!! 

Tonight is my last night, and tomorrow, I'll be on a plane, leaving to Perth for the Queen's birthday long weekend with the family. 

SOOOO can't wait to have some time off! I'm sooo over this stupid night shift! 

It's not so bad if you have one or two good nights in the midst of all the chaos! But it's just my luck that I've had really busy nights!!! 

Just last night, we did 3 caesareans and an instrumental delivery! *faints* This is not counting all the other normal births, and the stupid admissions for women who are not really in labour, and subsequently sent home! :( :( 

Attempting to have some fun last night.... Snapping photos with my iPhone. 

Post Caesarean Section 2 - after delivering a 4.3 kg baby! OMG.... 

Speaking of Caesars, it also seems to be my luck that we get all the large babies who obstructs! And ends up being a helluva difficult caesar! Last night, we had a 4.3 kg baby, and the night before, we had a 4.9 kg baby!! 

What are pregnant ladies eating nowadays?!!!! Technically, your newborn baby's not meant to be more than 4kg~!!! Tsk tsk tsk.... the obese population is taking over the world, I tell ya! 

Anyways, I gotta run now... time to get to work again :( 

I'm all excited................................NOT, as you can so tell... 

Have a good long weekend, everyone... I won't be updating for the next couple of days, but will definitely fill you guys in when I return from Western Australia... Take care :) 

Daddy poo and remy poo, love you guys!

Weekend of Happiness...

This weekend is more precious to me than any other weekends I get off, because it was time for us to celebrate Remy's birthday, and also because I'm returning to night shift after this :( :( So I gotta make sure I put it to good use! Spend quality time with the family... tee hee hee.

We slept in on Saturday. Woke up at about 10'ish... and by the time we ate breakfast, and got ready at a relaxing speed, we made our way to Chadstone for lunch so Jon could collect his suit pants from SABA. 

Mei sporting her favourite Mimco scarf, and the interesting, refreshingTEA. We went for yumcha at the Tea House, at the gourmet food section in Chadstone. 

They have like a hundred different types of teas in this place! I like it! You get to choose from a vast selection of hot, or cold teas, to match the weather, or your mood.... whatever you feel like really! 

Jon demonstrating how to drink this tea from their special glass. The crysanthemum and wolfberries are infused in a separate compartment in the tea. When you want to drink it, all you need to do is lift the compartment up, and it automatically "strains" or filters the things out so all that remains in the glass, is nothing but fully flavoured, aromatised tea. 

If the taste is not strong enough, you can dunk it back in, and leave it in for longer - and keep them in there till the taste suits you. 

I lurve lurve lurve yumcha on a weekend :) Somehow, going for yumcha on a weekday *on my days off, of course* just doesn't seem quite right! Hahaha... Don't ask me why!

After lunch, we dropped by the Apple store so I could get my iPhone. As I walked into the store, I was shocked by how many people's actually in there!!! OMG! *faints* 

The Apple store never used to be soooo packed! There was hardly anyone there when I bought my Macbook years ago! Now, it seems like everyone has an iPod and an iPhone.... I don't think the majority of people are using Macs at home yet, but they are surely catching up! I don't feel so special anymore!! :( boohoo... eheheheh.

Crowded!!! 

And they now have people dressed in different colour codes - to provide you with different levels of help / assistance that you need. The black t-shirt guys are just general sales assistants, the orange t-shirt guys have some technical knowledge, and are mostly Mac users themselves, but are not formally technically trained. Lastly, the blue t-shirt guys are the ones you should approach if you have some technical questions.... You are just wasting your time if you asked someone else... 

We found it out the hard way. 

Jon wanting to enquire about the Leopard package. 

More surprise in the Apple store!!!

They now run workshops to teach people how to use Macs and iPhones!!! There was a class running when we were there! I was veryyyyy impressed!! With video camera and all that gadjet! 

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We celebrated Remy's birthday in the evening by rewarding him with not one, but two of his favourite cupcakes!! It's not quite his ultimate favourite (which is chocolate) but we couldn't risk giving him 2 chocolate cupcakes!! He might just drop dead! 

Daddy and Remypoo, the boy who just turned 2~!!!

Mommy's favourite boy, Remy poo. He was too busy staring at the cupcakes, to look at the camera! 

The boy, all happy after having his cupcakes :) Note the smile on his face? hehehehe...

Remy's not quite a puppy anymore! With a blink of an eye, he's already 2 years old! He's still my little boy though, no matter how old he gets! 

Oh, a little digression, I watched Marley and Me, again - and cried buckets both times!! I couldn't bare the thought of our beloved doggy leaving us! I couldn't stand the fact that he's going to grow old, and eventually die!

Happified Remy - trying to climb over to Mommy's side of the couch. Heehee... Please ignore my pink socks. It was cold ok??? I obviously don't wear them out! They're my home socks... and oh, my ultimate must-have in the plane too :) 

We were playing with him after that... Chasing him around, playing ball, playing with his toys. He absolutely hates it when other people touches his toys. When you pick up toy A, he'd want to run to you and play with Toy A. When you pick up toys B,C or D - he'll do the same! And when you leave them alone, he ignores them! 

My boy's just so spoilt and possessive over his toys! That's how we get him to run around, by playing with his toys, so he'll wanna come and snatch them away from us! Hahahhaa...

This... is... Remy... by... the... end... of... the... night. 

KNACKERED~!!

I surely hope he had a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Mommy loves you, Remy poo... although sometimes, you poo at the wrong spots!! Arghhhh!

p/s: OMG... autumn is officially over, and tomorrow, it's officially winter! Time surely flies...

Just a random little update...

I suppose everyone knows that Remy is the apple of my eye... The other day, Jon sneakily snapped a photo of us... I thought it was quite funny, as it captured Remy in his element! Hahaha...

I was having a piece of honey dew after dinner, and Remy just wouldn't let his eyes off it! He was climbing onto me, and was trying to stand up to "beg" and grab my attention so I would give him a piece... 

Oh, how could you resist this cutie pie?? 

Up next, my favourite new Mimco scarf! :) 

You can't really see it in this pic, but Jon bought me a Mimco scarf with part of his stimulus money :) It was similar to the tie-dye scarf I wanted from Oroton, but it was 200 dollars, and then I saw the Mimco one for half the price! So I thought, I'll get it on my days off, but Jon bought it for me over the weekend! 

Thank you baby! *muah muah*

You'll see more of the scarf in my other posts, I'm sure... it's my current favourite! :) 

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On a separate note, I met up with Bhav for dinner the other day. 

Haven't seen this girl since 2000! That's almost a decade! And of all places to bump into her, we saw each other at work, in the ward on a night shift! I thought I was too tired.... and was seeing things! But she shouted "Mei!!" and I was like... "Ohhh.... I'm not dreaming! I'm really seeing you!" Hhahahahah....

We spent a good few hours in the empty, and possibly haunted hospital cafeteria, catching up on each other's life over the past 9 years...

Mei and Bhaveen :) 

We've grown so much from the college days. We've lost touch and went our separate ways... flew off to different countries and pursued different things in life. But the irony is... after all these years.... we ended up at the same place, with the same company, doing the same thing! Hahahaha. I suppose some things are just meant to be? 

We talked, and talked, and talked some more. It was certainly good to have someone who knows you from ages ago. And apparently, she said I haven't changed! I don't know if that's meant to be a compliment, or not... 

I'm back on night shifts again tomorrow night. I'll probably have the opportunity to catch up with her again! :) Seems to be the "in" thing to do at work, if time allows...

Oh btw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY REMY!!!! YOU'RE 2 NOW! 

Next up, Remy poo's birthday post! 

My Little Bit

The road in front of us, is never clear... That's just part of life. You learn as you go along, and you make decisions when you approach the junction. 

I may not know entirely what's going on, 

You may not want to tell me to burden me,

You may want to keep it from me to not offend me... 

I suppose change is exciting...

Yet it can be really scary at the same time. 

I am always here if you need to talk, 

Or just a pair of listening ears. 

I only want to see you carve a smile on your face.

Stimulated yeah~!!!

Man, I must be like the last person in Australia to receive the stimulus package!! I only got my cheque like 2 days before the cut-off day, and only managed to find time to bank in the cheque on Friday itself! :) 

But oh, I suppose better late than never~! :P hehehehe... But then again, I've already spent the money before I even got it. Bought a handbag ( yes, another one. And yes I know I have too many bags and wayyy too many pairs of shoes!) and a snowboard!!

I don't know what got into me, but I decided to take the plunge and bought myself a snowboard! hahahaha.... Hopefully, I'm not gonna fall on my ass too many times when I head to the snow. Can't wait for New Zealand in August! 

Speaking of holidays, I am going to meet the family again in June :) Sort of at the "in between" point for us. We're going to Perth over the Queen's Birthday weekend... My colleague, Ling has agreed to cover a half day shift for me so I could spend an extra day in Perth before coming back on a midnight flight :( Blergh... and then returning to work in the arvo! That will be fun **sarcasm maximus**

Besides that, nothing much is new... Life's been pretty much the same. Jon's on his week off, so he's been doing some work around the house, tiding up, cleaning, even cooking!! Who would have thought?? He made soup the other day, and grilled some pies in the oven today... No masterchef, but I'm still impressed! 

He's been bonding with the boy heaps... so Remy seems to like him abit more now! Yeah, you can sense the jealousy huh? Everyone competes for Remy's love which is really quite funny! Uncle Peter will always brag about how Remy is really close to him and stuff! **He bribes him with yummy treats all the time!!** 

Work's been abit of a bitch! I've been working for 9 days straight now... This is only Day 9 of 12. And, only ONE day off after that! Damn it! So, do forgive me for the lack of updates! I have been pretty good on my days off previously... 

Oh, and we're having hotpot at home this weekend :) YUMMMM.... Wanna come? Tee hee hee...

WINTER GOODNESS

I know I know!! It's officially autumn, but it surely feels like winter to me! I'm not one who likes the heat, so I normally pray for the weather to be cold. But geez, not THIS cold!!!

Everything's been sort of odd lately. I wonder what mother nature's been up to. It's only May, but it has started snowing already!!! (Did you miss the part where I said I went up to the snow field? hehehe) How weird is that? Normally, we'd be lucky if there's snow in July! 

Anyways, it was time for us to dig out all those winter clothes that have been sitting in boxes, and the wardrobe in the spare room. Time to rug up, and crank up the heaters! 

Hot tea to soothe my frozen soul, fingers and toes :) Kekekeke... I loveeee hot tea and hot chocolate in winter... Sipping on it just reminds me of scenes from romantic movies. Just, nostalgic... I don't know why!

Jon and I went out for brunch @ Bread and Butter. I had hearty hot soup, while he had his usual bacon and eggs on toast! Yummooo... 

Sorry no pics of the food cause we were too hungry!

After walking around for abit, we decided that it was most comfortable being at home, in front of the heater! So we got home, and relaxed for a little...

Time to spend some family time, just the three of us.

Remy kept snuggling up to us, it was soooo cute! We thought he felt a little cold too, so we decided to dress him up in some clothes! 

Ain't my boy just the cutest thing in the world?!! 

"Yo, yo wuzzup?!" 

Mommy loves you heaps, Remy poo! Too bad daddy couldn't be in the photo cause he had a hoodie on too **he was the photographer!** 

I lurveeeee winter boots and jackets, I *heart* the snow, but totally hate that it gets dark at 5pm now :( sighhh... I guess you can never have everything you want, huh?? It's soooo depressing to get off work, and it'll all dark! You feel as if you've been at work for more than 12 hours! Crazee!!

Winter sucks bad in that sense!!

On a lighter note, we went to try on snowboarding stuff the other day! I am waiting for K. Ruddy's stimulus money to help me subsidise this purchase!

Taken with Jonny boy's iPhone. Was a "fooling around" shot that turned out quite nice. I like the colourful boards on the background! Please ignore the dress and try to imagine me in snowboarding attire :) 

So can't wait to go to the snow!! Apparently, the forecasts said it's gonna snow sometime next week... and the snow season's gonna be awesome this year. Well, if it's crap, we're still going to NZ in August... so fret not! :) 

Oops, I keep forgetting it's only autumn now! Gosh!

Change...

Do people really change?

Or really, is it merely the circumstances surrounding them?

The Irony...

It's funny how people gets placed into different categories, 

Whether it's from first impression, or after getting to know them better.

how everyone gets stereotyped... Whether you like it or not. 

She's the cool one, she's the fashionable one, 

She's the smart all rounder, she's the nerdy book-worm,

She's the single career woman. She's the married stay home mom. 

Someone told me yesterday that he doesn't want to fall into any one category. 

He doesn't want to be able to be boxed. 

He wants to be a little bit of everything, 

To enjoy every little bit of life :) 

I never thought it was possible. 

Everyone gets categorised into boxes. 

"The one you wanna aspire to be" winners.

"The one that you want your kids to stay away from" losers.

I don't believe in having everything in life. 

Purely because you gotta make sacrifices,

To achieve things that you perceive as important, as essential.

Nothing comes for free after all, huh?

You win some, you lose some they always say.

But after hearing about a friend's engagement, 

How she's sooo over the moon with the new bling on her flinger, 

Made me wonder...

Can you really have everything??

Career, wealth, recognition... and now she's even found love.

I am truly happy for her.

But I couldn't help but wonder, 

Is this really possible??

Or am I really writing about this because I'm envious.

Because she's one of the few who's found it all...

Of old friends and good times

Ming Yen made a road trip up from Adelaide last week. As you all know, he's reallyyyyy into photography now! He even bought himself a new lens with Ruddy's stimulus money, which btw, I'm still waiting for damnit!!! 

He spent the weekend in Melbourne, just catching up with some old friends like us, and also to snap some nice pictures from all around Melbourne. They drove all the way out to the Great Ocean Road, went to the Melbourne Zoo, and just snapped heaps of random photos everywhere. I have to admit that he's pretty good though, coming from someone who had no lessons what so ever!

Ming Yen and I caught up on Sunday for brunch before he left for Adelaide. We went to Chaddy cause it's one of the few places that he knows how to get to out here in the East. Hehehe. We went to Jones the Grocer for some organic food :) 

The rest of them went out for dinner on Saturday, but I was up in the snow so I couldn't make it. Told him to come and join us @ Mt Buller, but he was too tired from all the driving around. 

"Tsk tsk tsk, you would have gotten some pretty pictures of the snow!" 

Thank you Ming Yen, for showing us your new "wife" and for snapping this pretty pic for us! I like it.... it looks so much better than the "press and snap" photos that I take! Hahahaha... 

It was good seeing you again, knowing that you're doing okay most days. I'm sure everyone will have their down days, thinking about things that are still so fresh in your head. I know it came way too early, but perhaps God had bigger plans for him, and for you... Only time will tell :) 

But yeah, always remember that we're here for you.

Speaking of old friends, Fiona is here in Melbourne for a short holiday! And we managed to catch up a little over coffee. I was post nights, and was super zonked out, but I thought, if I didn't go and see her, I'll never see her again for years! At least I get to see Monica once in awhile, but I don't think I've seen Fiona since high school. 

The last time I bumped into her was like.... maybe 7-8 years ago, @ Dome in Bangsar! I remember that, cause we managed to snap a photo together! Hahahaha.... 

The BB girls - Fiona, Mon and Mei

Mon's a married woman now, but she still acts like we were still in school~! It was certainly good to have a great laugh over coffee! We live in the same city, but I hardly get to see this girl. Mainly, we'd just bump into each other at shopping complexes or restaurants! Haha. 

Mon's branching out from clinicals for a better lifestyle. I applaud her for taking this bold step. Makes me feel like I need to seriously consider my life as well. I don't wanna wake up one day, when I'm 35 - and end up hating my job for the lack of work-life balance. 

Fiona's still the same sweet girl that she was~! The one that laughs with no sound. Kekekeke... Oh the good ol' times. The rebellious times in the prefectorial board. The JWong bitchin' and so much more...

And now, everyone's grown up and getting married, starting a family. Moving on to the next phase in life...

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On a separate note, I did mention that Melbourne's been sooooo freaking cold lately, it's been snowing yeah??

We went up to the snow the other day!! But because it's only early, and the coverage ain't too great at the moment... they only opened the lift to the beginner's run! 

I got bored after like an hour cruising on my ski's so I decided to take a lesson in snowboarding! Yes, I boarded for the first time ever!!! Not bad according to my instructor! He claims I'm one of the best first-timers on a board, but hell!! I felt like an idiot!

Here's a not-so-cool picture of me on the board! Yeah yeah... laugh your heads off if you want!

It's no fun being the noob again!! Going where the slope takes me! Felt like hard work going down a beginner's slope, I tell ya!! I was soooo tired from all the "falling over and pulling myself up again" that I was sweating!! OMG! Need to practise so I can be versatile - on ski's and on the board! Woohooo...

Can't wait for my annual leave! NZ here I come~! 

Tao's Foodie Review

Jon and I went to Doncaster Westfield for some "dating" time over the Anzac Weekend. Although I see him everyday (well, with the exceptions on night shifts), but we're both usually busy with work, or... we're basically too tired to do anything after work. So we took this opportunity to go out and spend some time, doing things that couples do :) hehehe.

Watched the new Fast and Furious on VMax - which was awesome! It was so good, that we got home, and watched The fast and the Furious - Tokyo Drift after that~!

Coindidentally, we also bumped into Richard and Karen in Westfield! And since we didn't really have anything planned out for the day, we decided to join them for dinner. Karen recommended this fusion restaurant named Tao's along Bulleen Road.

The ambience was really quite nice at the place. We were seated at a quiet corner, which was perfect for conversation, because the main seating area was really quite crowded and noisy! We were actually lucky to get a table, because they were almost fully booked that night!

This was the appetiser which was rather weird if you asked me. We were served a piece of blood tomato, with some sauce that tasted alcoholic (blek!), scallop with a slice of potato chip (which was quite yummy) and rash with sardines (which was not bad as well).

This place offers "set meals". You have a few options of starters, mains, desserts etc. But everyone kinda has to order the whole "set" for $48.80 per pax.

Mei with Karen and Richard - I haven't seen them in months!! They've just returned to civilisation after med regging in Bendigo for the first quarter. Richard's getting used to driving his new manual car, and Karen's starting to get used to living alone **cough**addy**cough**

My 'Japanese style oysters' came soon after. It was rather yummy! Needless to say, I finished them in 3 slurps, whereas the rest of them were still enjoying their starters... hehehe. Felt a little like a glutton there :) Yes, I'm sure you guys know I lurve fresh oysters! Yummmm....

Jon ordered the 'Ice age sashimi' which was pretty good, but I suppose - nothing to shout about. It was like any other Japanese place that serves sashimi...

Jon and Mei. Jonny boy decked in his new pair of D&G glasses. And Mei, aherm.... has perfect eye sight, still :) After all these years of studying under poor lighting condition, and being a nerd. Kekeke... good genes, I tell ya!

Next on the menu was the mushroom skewer. Grilled mushroom, with capsicum, avocado and cucumber if I remember correctly, topped with some herbs and gravy. This was delishhh~! :) MmMmMm...

Richard recommended the teapot bonnito - He claims it's the best soup in town!! I just decided to go along with it, cause I didn't know what it was. When the soup arrived, I realised that I've had it before in Malaysia, at the posh restaurant @ Jaya 33.

Basically, it's a clear soup, with fish base? if I'm not wrong, and mushrooms. Very delicious! I can understand why Richard's a big fan! This serving was a little smaller than the one I tried previously, but a little less salty (perfect!). I would recommend this to anyone who's planning to diner at Tao's.

Next on were the mains! Richard had the chicken pancake, which came looking very healthy! A little too healthy for me, it looked like chicken salad! Hehehe...

Jon ordered the hot stone steak - which he gobbled down within like 10 minutes! Apparently, the portion was too small for him!

Karen and I had the rockling in miso cream. The fish was good, but I got kinda sick of it after awhile because of the miso cream. I reckon I would have liked it alot better if it was clear miso gravy. Not so "jelak". But none the less, it was still good...

Jonny boy's creme brulee - nothing out of the ordinary. 

Richard opted for the green tea panna cota - and enjoyed it :) 

My mango ice cream cheered me up, as it came with a smiley face frosting! Hahaha. the ice-cream was smooth, and yummy.... 

The four of us after dinner - all smiles :) 

Dinner was very satisfying, the company was entertaining... It would have been perfect if the place wasn't so packed that day, that the waiters were sorta rushing to serve us every dish, and trying to make sure that we cleared the table in time for them to have another seating. Oh well... I couldn't be bothered. I just took my time anyhow~! Hhahahah... 

I would recommend this place if you had some time to spend over dinner. Because they only serve set-meals... and so you gotta sit through the whole seating. Unlike the usual "grab a bite before rushing off to work" kinda dinner. 

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More updates to come~! Melbourne's snowing in autumn!!

Trip out to Mornington Peninsula... yes again!

As you all know, I drew the short straw to work over the Easter weekend... but it's okay, since I got paid PH rates, and got the weekend off the following week :D So, making the most of whatever remaining sunny days we Victorians get, we decided to go for a round of golf down Mornington Peninsula. 

Happified Mei and Jonathan. 

It was a rather chilly, windy day by the bay, so we made sure we rugged up :) When we got to Eagle Ridge, it was kinda cloudy, so I got a little worried, but thank God, the weather picked up, and the sun was once again shining down on us! 

Mei, waiting for the group in front of us - which seemed to be the agenda of the day! We had a social group in front of us, who were really slow!! Initially, I thought we'd be okay, cause perhaps, them being slow gives me abit more time to concentrate on my shots, my rather.... it just made me kinda annoyed! 

Jonny boy - in his element! Oh, on a side note, did I tell you that Jon got himself the new iPhone 3G 16Gig, and downloaded like a million apps onto it?? Oh gosh, he's morphed into an anti-social geek... And yeah, this golf game was amongst one of them. 

It's like, when he can't get out to the playing field, he plays it virtually! This is what we call... addiction! Kekekeke...

Picturesque... Doesn't it exude peace and calamity? Just by being out there, soaking the sun and the crisp wind already made me feel healthier! 

It was my first time playing at Eagle Ridge. Didn't do too well, lost about 3, or 4 balls the whole day which was reallyyyyyy annoying! Cause I don't normally lose balls! Ok, maybe 1 if I were to be unlucky! But that day was far out!!! 

Oh well, time to get some new balls I suppose? Kekekeke.... 

The little gazebo in between hole 1 and hole 10 :) A quaint little place most suitable for outdoor events, it's pweetyyyy!

I was having a great time on the course until.....

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I saw this!!!

On the right bottom corner (of the pic) is the ladies' tee-off! The guy's tee is wayyy back! 

Needless to say, I needed to dig myself outta the bunker(s)! 

But Jon, just landed on the green with one shot! (-.-)" What the ?!.....

Tells self "Can't compare... can't compare with someone who plays comps"

Little Things

Sometimes I find myself sitting back and reminiscing

Especially when I have to watch other people kissin'

And I remember when you started calling me your missus

All the play fighting, all the flirtatious disses.

I'd tell you sad stories about my childhood

I don't know why I trusted you, but I knew that I could

We'd spend the whole weekend lying in our own dirt

I was just so happy in your boxers and your t-shirt

Dreams, dreams, 

Of when we had just started things

Dreams of you and me

And it seems, it seems

That I can't shake those memories

I wonder if you have the same dreams too.

The littlest things that take me there

I know it sounds lame but it's so true

I know it's not right and it seems unfair 

The things are reminding me of you.

Sometimes I wish we could just pretend, 

Even if only for one weekend,

So come on, tell me

Is this the end?

Drinking tea in bed, watching DVD's

When I discovered all your dirty grotty magazines

You take me out shopping, and all we'd buy is trainers

As if we ever needed anything to entertain us.

The first time that you introduced me to your friends

And you could tell that I was nervous so you held my hand 

When I was feeling down, you made that face you do

There's no one in the world who could replace you

Dreams, dreams, 

Of when we had just started things

Dreams of me and you

And it seems, it seems

That I can't shake those memories

I wonder if you have the same dreams too

The littlest things that take me there

I know it sounds lame but it's so true

I know it's not right but it seems unfair 

That things are reminding me of you.

Sometimes I wish we could just pretend, 

Even if only for one weekend,

So come on, tell me

Is this the end?

What makes ME Happy.

Someone asked me not too long ago, when we were looking back and re-evaluating our lives... About what we've done, what we haven't, what we've given up, to achieve what we want to achieve, and of course, where we have ended up today... 

"What makes you happy?" 

It was a very simple question but behind it, carries alot of meaning, alot of hidden agenda. 

To someone, it could mean, having all the wealth in the world. 

To someone, it could mean having the power and respect of others. 

To someone, it could mean being close to your family and loved ones. 

To someone, it could mean having the freedom doing his / her own things in his / her time. 

To someone, it could mean enjoying life, and reaping the fruits of his success. 

Of course, I want all of the above as well... (Don't get me wrong! Whoever said he / she doesn't... is lying!) 

But one simple thing that makes me happy (in the short term kinda sense)... 

Doesn't involve money. Or power. 

I don't need to have another branded handbag, or another designer pair of shoes. 

I don't need another dress in my wardrobe. 

All that makes me smile when I return from a longgg day of work, 

Is seeing my little doggie, 

Welcoming me home! 

Wagging his tail, and jumping up on me. 

Because doggies don't lie. 

Doggies don't pretend! 

He gives you back what you give him...

and that's Happiness!

My little Remy poo - loved by everybody! 

Remy boy accompanying me in bed - I was trying to take a short nap before heading out on a friday night. 

This.... is.... cute~!

He was offering his favourite toy to me! His smelly doggie!!! 

SOOOOO cute! This is now my phone's wallpaper. 

To remind me that you can buy alot of things with money, 

But you can't buy LOVE.

p/s: You need to do something everyday (or at least regularly) that keeps you sane, and keeps you happy. Work, Money, and Power ain't everything in life. Do they really mean that much, if it means sacrificing your happiness?

Just a random thought... :P 

Back at work

It takes alot to get back into the swing of work when you've had such a good holiday! And besides, 2 weeks feels wayyy too short when you're enjoying yourself. 

So yeap, I've been back for a week now... And having to work long hours over the easter weekend, didn't help either! Thank God I had yesterday off... The weather was great, so Jon and I brought Remy to this newly discovered DIY doggie wash place and gave Remy a good wash!! The boy's all white and fluffy again now... ehehe. 

Things have been great the past week... I'm feeling abit more refreshed and rejuvenated after the holidays, and am actually enjoying work again! Previously, I lacked motivation, and was really looking forward to some good time off! But I feel better now. :) Jon contributed by making breakfast over the weekend (my favourite bacon and eggs!) and we walked around Chapel St. and did some shopping... Bought a tie for Jon's interview today. I hope it went well for you, baby. 

On a separate note, I really need to tone up! Am seriously considering joining body pump classes at the local gym or something! Should be fun! Will go and check it out one of these days! I hate doing stuff on my own, and running on the treadmill is not really my thing. I'd very much rather be jogging on the beach or something, but the weather just wouldn't permit it. Soon enough, it'll be dark by the time I leave work at 5pm. Oh how depressing. :)

How did you spend your Easter? Did the Easter bunny visit you? Hope you didn't have to work like me! 

Adult love?

When I was younger, 

I always thought love was physical attraction, 

Those butterflies in your stomach, 

Coupled with sweet words, and romantic thoughts and deeds. 

But in truth, I have come to realise, 

That great love is, 

To look beyond those infatuations, 

Supporting him fully,

Sacrificing unconditionally.

To make the other person happy,

Even if you may not be in the equation. 

Have I lost, or truly... Have I gained?

As most of you know, I have lived and worked in Melbourne for many years. I live a happy life with my boyfriend, and a super cute dog named Remy. Melbourne is like my second home, with Jon's parents always being so supportive, and a handful of great friends who are always there when you need them. Friends that I might not ring, or ring me everyday, but when help is needed, they never fail to be my pillar of support. 

I absolutely love the food and fashion, have grown used to the culture, speak the lingo and now, even drive in Melbourne city! I have been driving for 3 years now... and for those who know me, knows that I am not a big fan of driving! I have survived for many years in KL without knowing how to drive... but hey, now I can negotiate hook turns in the city k?? Amazing huh??

I go back to KL, let's say... once a year? Generally that's the case... and everytime I go home, I feel like I've left a part of me in Malaysia. Needless to say, I always leave with a heavy heart, when I travel down the escalator in KLIA, lugging my hand carry towards the autogate. I must say though, that I have learnt to hold back my tears quite well when I turn back and bid farewell to them...

Mei and Funny having herbal jelly. 

The last trip home was no different. I left feeling incomplete, with many loose ends untied, with many regrets, still with an extremely heavy heart. 

I've grown closer to my sister as we grew older, funnily! I never used to tell her intimate things about my life, my aspirations. But the times we spent studying together in Melbourne, really brought us together as a family, as best friends. She is tough, unbiased, supportive, and most importantly, non-judgemental when providing advice. 

Now that she's working back in Malaysia, being apart from her, really saddens me. 

You can choose your friends, and if your friendship falls apart, you can always get new friends. But family is different. Blood is always thicker than water. She's my one and only sister - and the bond we share, only she will understand. 

Grandma had cardiac stents done this time around. I have been spending some time with her at home. She had been feeling rather weak, so we didn't go out. Mainly just chatted... 

She was quite proud that I drove to her place, braced the Malaysian traffic to see her! **for those of you who drive or live in Malaysia, you know how horrible the traffic in KL is!**

She's aged notably this time around. Since the passing on of granddad earlier on in the year, I don't think she's slept well at all for a night. My heart aches seeing her like that. A big part of me feels like I'm not doing enough for the person who raised me up. Who cooked for us, and dressed us when mom and dad were at work. 

Sometimes, it scares me that she will not be around the next time I come home... Not having any solution, I brush that thought off with denial that age is catching up on us. Buy a little bit more time is all I can do.

Mei and mom and dad in Penang 

Mom is retired now, and dad is semi-retired but he still travels every week to consult for a pharmaceutical company. Mom was home alot this time around, which made a difference to my trip. I don't feel so alone anymore during the day. I used to spend the days alone when mom and dad, and all my friends were at work. And the only time I get to see them is for dinner, or drinks at night. 

I got to savour home cooked meals quite abit this time! I really felt like I was missing out on the family time. Precious time that money can't buy... Times that I never got to enjoy much when mom was working full time, and was living away from home most days of the month due to the nature of her job. 

Li Ling and Mei @ La Bodega, Bangsar

I have known this girl for almost 2 decades now. We were inseparable in primary school, did everything together, joined the same clubs, took the public bus for the first time together. I shared alot of my childhood with her - good things, naughty things, good times, bad times, good boyfriend stories, bad break-up stories. We had our disagreements and fights, but never fails to reconcile - and the bond of our friendship only grows stronger. 

As time goes by, the need to talk on the phone everyday decreases. Growing up, they call it~!Hehe... We went our separate ways after school, but somewhat managed to keep in touch... and when we get together, we can always catch up from where we left off the last time around. It's almost as if I never left. 

Thanks girl, for always being a pair of listening ears, even when there's no solution. 

*YOU* & Mei @ La Bodega

For the longest time, you were addressed as *you* on my blog. I feared that someone would know who I was talking about, and what I had done. For the longest time, I believed I deserve to suffer, and for the longest time, I denied myself all reasons to smile and be happy. 

But like you said, time heals all wounds. And even if it doesn't heal, it lessens the evidence of the scars. I hope, when you look back, it's the good times that remains forever in your heart. Forgiveness might be easy, but forgetting could take a lifetime. 

Thank you for giving me another chance to be your friend despite what happened in the past. I am sure your friends would have advised you otherwise. I cannot thank you enough, and am beyond grateful that we are what we are today. 

If it wasn't for you, I would still be that young, inconsiderate girl. Thanks for making me grow up, although it was a painful, difficult process. 

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So dear all, each and every one of you have made my trip home sooo much more memorable. And your presence, even for this short period of time, have reinstated how important you guys are in my life. I may only have you for a season, but the memories linger for a lifetime. 

The fact that I can't have you guys all the time, only makes it soooo much more tangible when I do.