Monday, December 22, 2008

Australian Conservatoire of Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty

Ticketmaster was offering sale for Christine Walsh's premiere of Sleeping Beauty last Tue & Wed (16th & 17th Dec) and I grab the opportunity to buy tix for my 1st ballet!

I seriously thought I was going to fall asleep like so many others have told me, but turns out, I was more awake trying to absorb everything that was happening on that stage. There were quite a few things going on at once during certain acts. And the facial expressions of the ballerinas & Danseur/ballerinos are fan-tas-tic! I could understand what they said and lip read quite a lot!

I managed to get balcony seats that were 9 rows from the front of the balcony and towards the right side. Here is a photo of the Hamer Hall/Arts Centre where the ballet was shown.

It was a surprisingly lovely experience. The ballet moves and elegance of it is second to none. Thou I think that the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet might not be the best to watch therefore tix went really cheaply. There are quite a numerous occassion that I swear my heart could have stopped hoping the ballerina manage to keep her pose, with shakey hands on her fellow Danseur's arm/hand/shoulder, and not fall over to embarrass the production!! *grasp*

Then again, who am I to say when I've never learnt ballet or seen a ballet till that day. But I gotta say, its hardwork, those ballet moves. Scary.

Now, I can't wait till the production of Firebird and Other Legends from Australian Ballet next March! I've already got tickets! *beams*

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Pollipop Collection

I've been a supporter of "Pollipop" by Grace for a while now and decided I shall mentioned the label today.

The label started with the sale of Bylthe clothing, creating dolly fashion launch seasons, style and lifestyle. Over the years little cushion creation, lavender sachet, babushka dolls, badges, buttons, hair clips and ties are the master works of this "Mistress Grace" who has an eye for colour and fabric.

Hand picked and widely sourced fabrics are her specialties.

So here are some of my collections and how I wear them:
Hair accessories Collection



Badge/brooch Collection - handy to wear with an obi sash or pashmina shawl.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Contentment, Happiness, Gratitude & Respect

A friend forward me one of those circulating e-mails today and the subject heading is "80/20 Rule - Lesson of Love".

I've always understood the concept and apply it to life in general to live in contentment, happiness, gratitude and respect to those who have provided & cared for me. And I agree, people dwell too much in what others have that they don't get, the need to constantly compare, and never contented that they turn into "ugly" souls. They end up miserable, causing unnecessary competitiveness amongst their friends, hurt love ones and miss the bigger picture. There is no stopping anyone from trying to attain more or go for their dreams, but if you let all these comparing cloud your sight and mind, you will either not ever see the dream, or reach there feeling miserable.

So, here's the content of the e-mail. Hopefully, it might help enlighten others to live a more fulfilling life.

Interesting quote from the movie 'Why did I get married?'
In most cases, especially in relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relationship. There is always another person (man or women) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your current relationship.
But the problem is that you will always be tempted to leave that good 80% that you know you have, thinking that you will get something better with the other 20% that you WANT
But as reality has proven, in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had.
Be careful in deciding between what you WANT and NEED in your life.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. 'Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I'm crazy about her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender - so many things that my spouse is not'

Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal. And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did.

Because no wife or husband is perfect. Because a spouse will only have 80% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 20%. Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature .

You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: 'I broke my arm yesterday, Hahahaha . . ...'

Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representative that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt Or because your husband is the quiet
type, your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host.

But wait! That's only 20% of what you don't have.

Don't throw away the 80% that you already have!

That's not all. Add to your spouse's 80% the 100% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjustments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.

But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have.

But I'm not just talking about marriage.

I'm talking about life!

About your jobs.
About your friends.
About your children.
About your lifestyles.

Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing? 'They have got more leg room! Oh my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!'

I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip! Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class -- because they are not riding in a private Lear Jet?

The main message:
If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!

Simone Walsh - handmade silver pieces


As many of my friends know, I love originality, handmade goods, independent/local designers, unique or outstanding styles. Admirable qualities. Today, I will mention Simone Walsh. You can read about her ideas, how she works from her blog.

The link is:
http://www.blog.simonewalsh.com/

She uses mainly "0.5mm sterling silver sheets as it’s her favourite thickness to work with", and she creates wonderful pieces with it, matching up with silk necklaces.

Pieces I fancy are as follow:


You can find her shop at:
http://www.simonewalsh.com/

Alternatively, if you reside in Adelaide, you can find her pieces in selected Adelaide shops.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Happy Events - Double Happiness

After a heavy post with lots of hits and number of comments from people round the world who cares, its time to bring up the numerous Blissful pairings that are happening around me from March 08 to Jun 09! I haven't heard that many news of couples committing their vows in 1 yr!

1. The year started with dear Tracey Conilione (colleague) becoming a Punturere in March.
2. Pauline Wong (PLC) becoming a Ho in August.
3. Mahalia Suhendro (PLC) becoming a Bolung in October.
4. A couple I got to know over the years in December.
5. Candy (PLC) in January 09 in HK, which I'm going to miss out on.
6. Christina in January 09 in S'pore, which I'm arriving back just in time for it.
7. Bessy (PLC) in March 09 in Melb.
8. Yue (PLC) in June 09 in HK, who has invited me as a "sister".

That is 5 high school friends in a span of less than 1 yr... I've also heard a couple other high school mates walked the union path this year too. Maybe its the right age/time for ppl to tie their knots?! Although I'm blissfully at ease with my singlehood, I can't help feeling super happy, they took that leap to spend a lifetime with that special someone found. It must take so much reality checks and love to move forward into that next stage in their lifes.

Together we walk
hand in hand
heart by heart
waiting and pushing
motivating and comforting
the path ahead we leap together


In a world where saddness lives, they move forward to forge lifetime happiness, create families and shine light to brighten the darkness of this world. Hope we shall all have.

Congratulations to all you dear friends!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Rose & Ruby

Lets blog about something a bit more light-hearted...

I visit the rose & ruby website once in a while and check out their collection... They use silk and their collection looks gorgeous! The other label that I like the silk garments of is Little Joe by Gail Elliot. But I much prefer the "victorian" look by rose & ruby. Although both uses silk as base fabric, Little Joe's styles seems to target the everyday simple look and Rose & Ruby the vintage victorian look. AS for price, I find that at times Rose & Ruby can be a little more pricey than Little Joe. Maybe because they use more lace trims which cost much more. Gorrrrrgeousssss...

Some photos of Rose & Ruby winter 08 collection:
My fav piece

Cocktail parties

I think of Nicole Kidman's Chanel #5 ad when I see this... classic.

The greek goddess

Spring parties here I come

Mystery Mistress - I love the lace.


And their website:
http://www.roseandruby.com/

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Yes, we can.


What powerful 3 words - Yes, we can!

Sums up Hope, Faith, and Nothing is Impossible. Am really glad Barack Obama won. He made such a motivating speech that even I a non-American believes. He is so admirable. Yes, there are alliances to mend for them... "I will listen especially when we disagree"... "I may not have your votes... but I hear your voice... and I will be your president too". Quoting historical events. Such a smart man.

Change is here. I look forward to the day I see a female President standing in White House or even in S'pore.

As for Australia, I hope Kevin Rudd does great things too. He seems much better than anyone that came before too. Maybe these are the new lights in these dark ages of cruelty, malice, ungrateful, lack of courtesy, morals & decency in society.

God bless all.

Things I'm looking forward to...

1. Il Divo, "The Promise" album this Nov

2. Another soon to be trip to Dandenongs for scones, Shepard's pie & tea!

3. Another soon to be trip to "Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre" for mouth watering food & wine...

4. Me starting & finishing "Amber Spyglass" soon, the last book of "His Dark Materials" - Philip Pullman

5. Me starting & finishing "Brisingr" soon, the last book of "Inheritance Cycle" - Christopher Paolini

6. Cirque Du Soleil, "Dralion" April 2009, VIP entry here I come! With Lexie, Richie, Chris & Ching...

7. Hopefully Australia Open Jan 2009

8. MY HK/London/Europe trip June 2009! Which consist of Yue's wedding, seeing PLC girls residing in HK, Rhian & Kerry in UK, Wimbledon, Da Vinci Tour, and visiting Gaeta's gorgeous beach and seeing Tomomi again.

9. If I can get tix to Australian Ballet Production of Sleeping Beauty, it will be Sept 2009


I'm going to make my 27th year a memorable one... ;)

God bless everyone.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

A sex society

Bbit sent an article on Asiaone about a gay guy who is HIV-positive and his mother's first reaction is that you got it through sex, therefore its your fault... which, another article of a girl googled about sex caught my eye. She lost her virginity at the age of 12 and has slept with various partners only at the young age of 17. Now she only have sex with her bf as she started learning about STD and insist on protected sex.

It almost seems like people stop themselves from having sex randomly is because of the possibility of contracting something. If HIV, STD etc doesn't exist, is it then OK to be promiscuous? What will the society be like when everyone starts being involved with anyone as and when they feel like it?

If philosophy states that what is right is what the society deems is socially acceptable at that point in time, then will there be a twist in our current society's behaviours now? Most have pre-marital sex, most have more than 1 sexual partner, at least one person you know have had 1 nights. It is so common nowadays and its only the "doctrine" of the last few decades that define the strict roles of men & women that stays on the surface. Will there eventually be a change in what is socially acceptable? What will those who holds and highly regards conservatives views and beliefs do?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

As raw as I get

Ok, so after many years of I don't really want to know, being sick of work, I found the following site and gone ahead and read what it states...
http://www.0800-horoscope.com/birthchart.php

Turns out, damn... It totally ripped me into bits, stating all the raw & not so nice side of me that makes me, me, even sides that I avoided & have tried to stay away from! A lot of it is very me i gotta admit. Those who knows me can try to relate.


BIRTH CHART:
The planets in the signs
The position of the planets in the signs of the Zodiac has an influence on the character of the individual and these influences form a large part of the individual psyche.

Sun in Virgo
She is ingenious, sharp customer, discerning, crafty, diplomatic. To the point and subtle in speech, she is a real diplomat.
Weaknesses: petty and over-critical. Over-attention to detail, nit-picking and fussy.

Moon in Aries
She is autonomous, emancipated, courageous. Self-assured, with energetic activities. She is ambitious and enthusiastic.
Weaknesses: impulsiveness, domination, aggressiveness, great impetuousness. Constant changing of job.

Mercury in Libra
With big ideas, she evaluates and weighs things up. Of good judgement, she expresses herself clearly. Before coming to an opinion on a subject, she listens to the opinions offered by various people and can compare them before making up her own mind.
Weaknesses: she is happy-go-lucky and phlegmatic. The spouse can be unfaithful. Partnerships are unprofitable.

Venus in Scorpio
Sensual and passionate, she likes love, the act of making love. Passionate loves, full of ardor and desire where the partner needs to be able to match her level or else recriminations will follow. While being passionate, she is also jealous and possessive.
Weaknesses: if disappointed or deceived in love, she can become bitter and odious. She hates the person as much as she used to love. Only jealousy can be as strong as hate.

Mars in Leo
Combative strength. She always realizes her schemes. Can undertake big projects, conclude them successfully and receive the deserved rewards. She likes responsibilities and difficulties above all, and imposes herself forcefully.
Weaknesses: Combative force can lead to violence if she thinks it necessary. She is bold, presumptuous, intrepid: she likes to face danger and can naturally have a few hiccups on the way.

Jupiter in Libra
A high liver with a sweet, attractive and sunny disposition. Likes justice, which she trusts. She knows how to forgive completely.
Weaknesses: she can have problems, because she gets involved in doubtful situations through trusting too much.

Saturn in Libra
Recognized for her seriousness, moral qualities. She is respectable, conscientious.
Weaknesses: not open to new ideas.

Uranus in Scorpio
Intelligent and subtle. Adores research, inquiry, investigation. Very sensual.

Neptune in Sagittarius
Likes long voyages, things foreign, water.

Pluto in Libra
Brings changes.


Sign and ascendant
Virgo ascendant Cancer
The planets in the houses
The planetary positions in the houses express the facts relative to destiny.

Sun in III
She has a good education, a solid grasp of facts. Socially successful, she wants to be known. She has a strong influence on her circle.

Moon in IX
Highly imaginative. Prolonged studies, is intuitive. Professionally successful abroad, or in import-export or as a diplomat. Contact with foreigners. Long journeys. Ability to learn foreign languages.

Mercury in IV
Good education, she is cultivated, likes literature, family life and family relationships.

Venus in IV
She is lucky enough to have many happy occasions all through life. Strong friendships which can effect the emotional life. She also makes a good marriage. Happy family life. Good work situation.

Mars in II
She undertakes daring and dangerous enterprises. She has lots of initiative. She works hard for her money, of which she earns a lot. She is a spendthrift, money comes and goes. She is always ready to start from scratch in the event of a setback. Great willingness and enthusiasm.

Jupiter in IV
She likes and believes in justice. She is an optimist and is generous. Professional success is rapid and helped by the family. Family life is very important for her. She likes comfort, well-being at home. She knows how to entertain in style and above all with pleasure: her house is always open to friends.

Saturn in IV
She needs to be dominated. She has a sense of organization and accepts her responsibilities. She achieves her objectives in spite of slow progress, with many hurdles to overcome. She is persevering and patient.

Uranus in V
She is independent, likes even dubious distractions. Her amorous adventures are not only numerous but also very complicated, otherwise they hold no charm.

Neptune in VI
She is more prone than most to the bad influence of alcohol, medicines and drugs. To be avoided at all costs.


The houses in the signs
Ascendant in Cancer
She will certainly have a large family. Indeed, family life, the home, the children will be very important for her.

House II in Leo
Financial success will be very easy thanks to the support of influential people.
Tendency to spend more than what is earned.

House III in Virgo
She pulls everything to pieces, analyzes, critizes. Doesn't take on anything without examining the pro's and the con's. She is very careful, sometimes to a manic extent, taking everything into account even to the slightest detail.

House IV in Libra
The simple life, the small home isn't for her. If the job doesn't pay well or she doesn't marry well financially speaking, she will probably be unhappy. Likes luxury goods to make life comfortable, going out, cocktail parties. Goes round only with refined people, perhaps sometimes a little too affected, and with good jobs.

House V in Scorpio
Gets blinded by and drunk with love: everything revolves around her love. Her passions are angry, exclusive and domestic quarrels are in prospect as a result. Fertile love life.

House VI in Sagittarius
Likes jobs that involve travel, moving about a lot. Weak point: the circulation of the blood.

House VII in Capricorn
A love-and-friendship marriage. Unproblematic, quiet relationship. A few hiccups, but nothing really serious. Faithfulness.

House VIII in Aquarius
An unexpected inheritance.

House IX in Pisces
Likes sea cruises. Sometimes has brilliant ideas that come from nowhere.

House X in Aries
All the leadership qualities are there: authority, energy, initiative, leadership, lots of gung-ho and of course intelligence.

House XI in Taurus
Likes to be surrounded by frank and good-hearted friends. These friendships don't stand on ceremony. Carries out everything she undertakes surely, composedly, calmly until successful.

House XII in Gemini
Anxiety, preoccupation concerning a dear one.


Interplanetary aspects
The interplanetary aspects have a strong influence on the character and disposition of the individual and, consequently, on her destiny.
The conjunction aspect is variable and depends above all on the nature of the conjoint planets.

409 Conjunction Mercury - Jupiter
She is intelligent, has big ideas: she is tolerant and has a strong sense of justice. She has good judgement, good sense and has her feet on the ground. She has the "gift of the gab", and likes to speak, she also likes literature. She is erudite and will normally be successful socially.

270 Conjunction Jupiter - Saturn
She is serious, patient, honest, hard-working, orderly. Her judgement is good and she thinks over things. She pursues her objectives to the bitter end, always knowing when to choose the right moment. She is upright and respects the law.

227 Conjunction Mercury - Saturn
129 Conjunction Mercury - Pluto
She has a great sense of observation and quickly grasps the situation. She is crafty, subtle and critical.

-114 Square Sun - Neptune
Her imagination turns to internal day-dreaming: she is easily influenced, and complicates life unnecessarily. She does not bring plans to a conclusion. The dream-world is enough.

114 Sextile Mars - Saturn
She is energetic and determined. She has strength and resistance, ability and patience: she is tough, and sometimes insensitive, and puts all her energy and talents into overcoming all the obstacles to her success. She is obstinate, calculating, does not take on anything without having thought of all the possible consequences, she can take all the time in the world and never loses patience to achieve her objectives. She is not particularly popular in her circle, but is feared and respected.

-81 Opposition Saturn - Midheaven
She must struggle a lot and work hard to achieve her aims. Although confronted by discouraging circumstances, she knows how to set off again and continue the fight.

72 Trine Moon - Uranus
She is imaginative and has the Moon's intuition complemented by Uranus' independence and originality. Her life is out-of-the-ordinary, with lots of changes and a great knowledge of the world not through reading but through personal experience. She likes the sensational, new things. She acts instinctively, but fortunately has a good sixth sense. She likes to be surrounded by original people, artists.

65 Conjunction Moon - Midheaven
She has a sense of family, profound feelings and especially likes children. If there are changes in her professional life, they are for the better.

58 Trine Mars - Midheaven
She has a good sense of organization. She knows how to take the necessary decisions rapidly, is independent and uses all her energy to succeed socially.

47 Sextile Neptune - Pluto
-35 Opposition Sun - Moon
35 Conjunction Jupiter - Pluto
She likes to direct, is intelligent and is an organizer of the first order.

-31 Opposition Jupiter - Midheave
She likes to vaunt herself too much, is pretentious. Only one thing interests her: herself - and she brings every conversation around to herself. She has highs and lows in her professional life.

-28 Square Saturn - Ascendant
Her life is difficult and cramped. She is a worker, but success takes time in coming. She has problems in being open. She accepts solitude, rather than looks for it. Family problems.

20 Conjunction Venus - Pluto
Her emotional and sex life is powerful and rich. She lives out truly passionate love affairs.

16 Trine Venus - Ascendant
She likes everything beautiful, the Arts, balance and harmony. She is amiable and sociable. She likes entertainment and has a loving nature.

-11 Opposition Mercury - Midheaven
She has no specific aim in life. She frequently changes jobs, is unstable but likes change, which gives her the feeling of living intensely. Lots of activity as far as love is concerned - she has a full sex life.

-2 Square Venus - Mars
While she is passionate, she likes carnal desires and voluptuousness above all. She goes to excess, is unfaithful and often unsatisfied. Serious family quarrels in view.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Proudly 27

I just felt like announcing its my b'day today & i'm 27... hahahahaha... I like the number 27 because my dad used it everywhere!

result of being overworked!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Back - Will try to make more of an attempt to blog

Hi all,

Yes yes... I've disappeared and appeared again...

Since CNY this yr, I've worked in Melb till end April and then jumped on a plane to SG for 2 and half months of day merges night work. Then came back to melbourne for another one & half months of work work work before I put through my leave requests for Snow trip & CNY 2009. Thank God my annual leave for snow trip was reversed as it was "paid in leu" due to my day merges night hours of work I did in SG.

I got excited planning my snow trip to realise that Pauline's (high school fren) wedding falls the weekend I wanted to take leave! So I plan to return the day before the wedding, which I did. Absolutely tired to my bones today as it was so eventful! But I did return with a "whip lash" as well. Will explain when I blog about the trip. Pictures will come, I promise! Just let me find time to upload them 1st.. =p I even bought disney pixar edition of monopoly & scrabble to play coz i miss board games & never really really played one properly!

Every eventful coming up to my big 27! Everyone knows how that attached that number is to me and this yr I'm turning 27! I will find something to do for my b'day... and next yr, I'm heading to HK for Yue's wedding, then to london to meet Kerry & Rhian, France for the oh so cliche Da Vinci tour, and then Gaeta, Italy to see my dearest Tomomi.

So stay tune friends or foes~

*beam* i'm refresh and back to face work... almost nothing can dampen my mood after really having a holiday!

Cheerio,Jhobe

Monday, February 18, 2008

Pictures of food...

Did I mention I really love my camera... hehehe...

I made basil mince pork fried with eggs for dinner... with a little chilli and lemongrass for marinating as well... had my dinner, and there are still enough food for my lunch (in the tupperware) and a small portion for richard just in case he is hungry after touching down in melb.


I also took a photo of my half eaten fruit salad... the colours are so appetising!! I took one with flash:

And one without flash:


Everyone who knows me, knows that i love still cameras... but i gotta say, i love this digi cam as much as I love my still one. The sentimental value is bout the same too. My Nikon is my 1st digi cam and I paid for it myself... My still one - dad bought it and when i asked, he gave it to me... I will treaure both...

I miss my papa...

Sunday, February 17, 2008

I miss home... I want to go home...

I miss home and I want to go home, back home in sg straight away. Dump everything in Melbourne, pack up, and fly straight home. I miss my mom and I miss my dad. Almost had a tear when dad called to say he fixed the leaking sink in the kitchen that mom told me to ask dad to had a look at it.

Did more laundry today and collect the sun smelling sheets hanging on the line from the day before. I miss my mom. She always reminded me of how she love the smell on clothes baked dried in the sun.

I think by me physically being in sg can help mom take her mind off a lot of things that she cope up with and create a barrier between mom n dad, which help ease any tension that is within the house... Yes, I will be going back to face the coldness or the tension... but I guess it might be easier to work it out there than across different time zone and lifestyle here in Melbourne. Mom might be temporary contented that her daughter is finally back by her side and stop feeling all the irrational feelings that is within her... Maybe its a short term ease... but at least I can bring about that ease. Afterall, mom is 60 this yr and Dad is 67, i do not want to feel "the too late to spend time with them" feeling in years to come. I want to look back and tell myself, yes, I've spend enough time with them while I can.

They have given me their time, their hard earn savings, their effort... thou no parents are perfect and they don't always do the right thing, but they try to do things to the best of their abilities and what they feel is right by themselves. And it is only fair that its time soon I return by their side and face everything them that needs facing... plus without them, I wont even be where I am today. They mould u to become who you are today, what you have accomplish, everything that is good and bad in you. And i believe, God or life plan things properly, it is about the right time to return home. I've never really miss home after a couple of years in high school... Its funny how things work itself, I really do miss home now... And from speaking with Regina, I can possibly visualise myself back home in sg. And its not that bad afterall... Plus, most of my friends are not in Melbourne and its nearer to visit them from sg too.

Imagine this painting... i find someone dependable yet helps me stay independent... i marry the person in a weird family situation wedding dinner where i wont know how mom n dad will behave or even attend. it all pulls through... we have a family?? maybe just keep it simple to just the dogs... we travel the world one place by one place... but build a life in sg living with my parents... it might be blissful? the dogs will be happy with a big garden... but they might need to take snobbish attitude from some ignorant singaporeans perhaps. Life is never ideal... What u painted for yourself as a kid is seldom how events reveal themselves out to be.

When u are young, parents talk about priority. When you are a kid, u study... a teenager.. u continue to complete an education. But when that chapter is completed, what then is one's prority or goal? A successful career? Then, to what extend do u stop driving oneself too much in that direction that you loose site of other aspect of one's life and becomes running away from one's life. Taking care of parents? How much time is too little, or is it really too much to devote oneself to them. Starting a family? Do one just have to struggle everything all at once...

I m not sure what i want. I want it all. Afterall I'm an idealist. I'm a virgo. But i know is, i must take care of my parents. I need to sort out a career that will support the roof above my head n the food in my mouth and comfortable living that my parents have forged for me so that I can continue enjoying that luxury they hope I can have. With regards to feeling lonely when the time comes for my parents to depart... ideally a lifetime partner, perhaps i'm too choosey, or I live in my ideals. But I'm very aware of my surroundings, and I like to observe. I like to see how people handle situations, handle their lifes, their decision, family, love ones... And I try to learn. Differences can become attached to oneself, and maybe that is when one can learn to be open and willing to work or live with difference in a spouse. I guess my priority is my parents and my career. If love happens, it happens. A lifetime partner might be in the making, its probably not time yet. There are bigger priorities.

Today, I drove the doggies to the park. They played for 1 and a half hours. Brought them home, sort out the laundry and vaccuum a bit more. They are sleeping outside tonight. I then drove to safeway and do some grocery shopping. I came home to feed the dogs and went about preparing my dinners and lunch for the next few days. I marinated 3 meals worth of meat, chopped up 2 meals worth of veggie. (thank god for those veggie tupperware that really keeps veggie fresh even after cutting without turning them yellow or rot!!) and made a big bowl of fruit salad in 2 hours. I even put everything in boxes, bowls and cling wrap!

The fruit salad is made with half of the quarter of watermelon (so sweet and juicy)... half of the half of the honey dew and rock melon... two slices of pineapple in syrup chopped up as well. I ate 1/3 of the bowl after dinner. I am sooo full! Dinner was 3 slices of pizza and a box of greek salad by the way. Piggie.

Alright, time for bed... 1st day of work tomorrow after the 2 weeks Chinese New Year break. I can face the world with courage from a refreshed me. I'm driving to work on my own tomorrow morning! Next thing, after tomorrow, is I need to do is drive to top up my petrol at a petrol station on my own. Yes, I had for some reason develop a fear of driving when I took up driving lessons again last yr. I'm feeling more confident this year. The break did do me wonders. And I finally miss home.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Happy Chinese New Year All from a refreshed me

Happy CNY all~ Have a Prosperous Rat Year with good health and fulfilling opportunities!

After a two weeks break spending time with family and friends, I can say that my mind is clearer and'I'm more refreshed. In the 1st week, time spent enjoying myself bring Cindy, Jun and CE around gave me a break from everything. It was followed by a certain conversation 'bout an issue that wasn't really an issue but helped me cleared my mind to make up my mind to return home in possibly 2 yrs time. Was feeling unwell (sore throat) for a couple of days. And I bascially spend of the 2nd week with mom and dad, and doing lots of theraputic shopping!! Mom is gonna freak out when she update my bank book to see how much i've spent.

I found a pair of comfortable work heels by hush puppies (surprisingly). It has those foot contours sole which is great considering all my foot and joint problems. (i sound like an old lady, don't i!?) And I bought 4 Raoul work shirts which 3 was tailored for free to fix the sleeves that are too long and even got $50 voucher deducted. Bought a CK cardigan and long sleeves top at 70% sale... found a work skirt, another cardigan and one knited long cardigan/jacket at Mango... I gotta say sometimes Mango's materiak ain't that good and its overpriced in sg. But if its their silk tops, the price is pretty good. Karen, the dress we saw is silk by the way. for 150 its really not too bad, if u are wearing for 2 occassion and have a bit of savings, its not all that bad a deal. I also bought goggles and swimming cap. The best buy of all is my Nikon P5100 digital camera. I absolutely love it! I then bought a screen protector for $8 and a spare battery for $35 at lucky plaza. Perfect! Thanks Karen. and Thank you for the memory card.

In fact, I was so refreshed, even thou i didn't get a wink of sleep on the plane, i came home and showered my 3 Ms, vaccum the whole house, clear the vaccuum bag 3 times and wash it when i was done vaccuum, took off the bed sheets that were protecting the beds from dust and put 2 loads of washing to wash, settle an origin gas billing problem, finally showered and took a nap at 4pm (i got out of the airport at about 11am). Woke up at 7pm to feed the dogs and myself, watch a bit of tv, sort out a bit of my mails, chat with Grace Mooche on msn and finally went to bed please with the amount of things i did throughout the whole day. Today, I did bout 5 loads of washing including floor mats, hand towels, dog towel, own towels, one load of quilt cover remaining from yesterday, and a bit of vaccuuming. It will most likely be wash clothes day tomorrow. ;p And of coz, lunch with Joel. Happy birthday to him tomorrow!

I miss the food back home, the chinese new year goodies and enjoying them with mom and even lunch or dinner with dad. Mom is 60 this yr and dad 67, i want to spend time doing things with them before its too late... that is y I decided 2 yrs. By mid this yr or end of the year, i will have to work out what I wanna focus on in supply chain, and will spend another yr doing it if opportunities arise in pacbrands. If it doesn't another 1 n half years in this role, i should be happy to move back home. I could adapt to the life back home spending time with mom, watching tv with her... dinners with dad... keeping their mind saint from each other.

With my PR... i know there is a clause whereby one needs to stay 2 out of 5 years... i was initially considering returning for a couple of years then return to work in melb for another 2... but then i thought of the dogs, if i bring them back to sg with me, n if i return to melb, its not fair to quarantine them for such a long period of time... so maybe i might not return to extend my PR status... hopefully the law somehow changes! Might enquire into it when the time is nearer.

Here are some of the photos I took with my nikon P5100 in a fast moving taxi in sg and the 3 Ms.

All packed and ready for departure the night before my flight back to melb.

Home Sweet Home


On Cab to town

On cab back from town


I was so silly to rush to airport and forgot to take photos with mommy.. =( now i really do feel unfulfilled!

Daddy driving me to airport

From airport to home in melb

View of Port melbourne on Bolte Bridge

Home with my 3 Ms - Sleeping after their shower while i was cleaning the house

Sleeping while i was watching telly


Have a great yr of the rat (my mommy's year), take good care of yourself and be good!

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Welcome 2008 & the beginning of "acceptance"

I really do not want to start 2008 with a depressing blog but since I haven't been online for so long... and events from 2007 do carry over to the new year, and every little disappointment or hurt feels like it magnifies itself ten fold almost... but it is a new year and I do believe in faith and hope, so I do wish from now forth, only good things may come by...

I would force to accept that avoidance conversation is what I need to do to keep saint with regards to family... driving my mental health...


This is the beginning of the dark days,
I acknowledge my mental state,
I won't impose it on anyone,
I salute the path I walk alone.

To everyone else who comes by this site, friend or foe, I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart, may you find peace and smooth ride in the new year of 2008.

Love, DL