It's that time of the year again when I really wish you were here. I wish you can be here to see what is going on in each of our lifes. I know you are here with us, but I wish you were physically here. I wish you were here to meet our aunty, uncle and Amy from San Franciso who are here on a holiday. Today, I looked back at our last family holiday pictures in 2000. We went to LA, visited Universal Studios, Disneyland, Canada and San Franciso. It was the happiest holiday ever! We were so happy as a family and it's brought tears in my eyes.
The smiles in our photos are so happy. The photos of when you hug mum are so sweet. Photos with the four of us are gold. Precious moments of us with reunited with direct and extended family members are special.
I really really miss you.
Revolves around a sparkling world of small to big things that happen and love sharing the way I think with the people who are in my life. I believe laughter and eating yummy desserts is the best tool for stress relief.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Roll through it
Life is like a rollercoaster, can life be plain and simple?
Why do things appear so difficult?
Will I ever see light at the end of the tunnel?
Why do things appear so difficult?
Will I ever see light at the end of the tunnel?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dessert Suprise
I feel very spoilt by Roy :)
I love looking and eating desserts. They make me so happy. I'm so easily satisfied. They bring me big smiles :)
I love looking and eating desserts. They make me so happy. I'm so easily satisfied. They bring me big smiles :)
Sean's Kitchen
In celebration for Roy's performance review at work, we decided to go to Sean's Kitchen. It's such a lovely restaurant :)
We had a really great & happy night. I can once again confirm nothing beats great company, lot's of laughter, smiles and great conversations.
After dinner, we spoilt ourselves by going for a massage. It was sooo good!!!
We had a really great & happy night. I can once again confirm nothing beats great company, lot's of laughter, smiles and great conversations.
After dinner, we spoilt ourselves by going for a massage. It was sooo good!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
What I will remember about 2008
0. My decision to move back from Hong Kong back home.
1. Going on a holiday to Taiwan with my mum and close family friends.
2. Meeting my boyfriend, Roy.
3. The start of my career with ANZ.
4. The ASX dropping over 50% in a year. What goes up, sometimes comes down.. and will eventually go up again!!
5. The global phenomenon of bank nationalisation - it happened all so quick!!
6. The Australian dollar dropping close to 40% in a matter of weeks!!
7. Being with Latte and being able to spend a full year with him.
8. Learning how to be patient (more patient than I already am) with work, relationships and family.
9. To be very forgiving in certain situations.
10. Looking at ANZ's restructuring and making over 800 people redundant.
11. Dealt with the MOST difficult, horrible, annoying, not understanding, not listening, un co-operative client ever. One of my collegues said that we usually only meet one of these clients in 5-6 years. I hope I don't get another one of these clients until then!!
12. I joined the gym - however, I have been extremely lazy in the last 2-3 months. I need to motivate myself, and YES!! It's going to be on the list of my New Year Resolutions!!
13. Tuesdays at rockclimbing - which is now a sport that Roy and I do, as well as Addy, who climbs abit later.
14. Plenty of new lovely restaurants i've been indulging myself to: Maitre Karl, Lucio's, Bilsons, Waqu, Criniti's.. the list goes on and on and on :)
mm... what else? Plenty more delightful memories but it's so hard to write each down every one of them down. Here's my top 10, with an extra 4 !! :)
1. Going on a holiday to Taiwan with my mum and close family friends.
2. Meeting my boyfriend, Roy.
3. The start of my career with ANZ.
4. The ASX dropping over 50% in a year. What goes up, sometimes comes down.. and will eventually go up again!!
5. The global phenomenon of bank nationalisation - it happened all so quick!!
6. The Australian dollar dropping close to 40% in a matter of weeks!!
7. Being with Latte and being able to spend a full year with him.
8. Learning how to be patient (more patient than I already am) with work, relationships and family.
9. To be very forgiving in certain situations.
10. Looking at ANZ's restructuring and making over 800 people redundant.
11. Dealt with the MOST difficult, horrible, annoying, not understanding, not listening, un co-operative client ever. One of my collegues said that we usually only meet one of these clients in 5-6 years. I hope I don't get another one of these clients until then!!
12. I joined the gym - however, I have been extremely lazy in the last 2-3 months. I need to motivate myself, and YES!! It's going to be on the list of my New Year Resolutions!!
13. Tuesdays at rockclimbing - which is now a sport that Roy and I do, as well as Addy, who climbs abit later.
14. Plenty of new lovely restaurants i've been indulging myself to: Maitre Karl, Lucio's, Bilsons, Waqu, Criniti's.. the list goes on and on and on :)
mm... what else? Plenty more delightful memories but it's so hard to write each down every one of them down. Here's my top 10, with an extra 4 !! :)
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Financial Crisis
This is the worst crisis i've seen and experienced. Today I was reading a newspaper article about ANZ cutting another 400 staff. In the past 2 weeks, I've seen 4 people in my team get made redundant. Senior to middle management level. 4 very extrememly hard working and loyal staff. Staff who has put their whole hearts into their jobs. Made sacrafices with their families for their jobs. Ones that have been with the bank for 20 or so years.
A good friend of mine in Private Bank have also been asked to leave in a very harsh and mean way. Another 3 people from Business Bank, who I speak to on a day to day basis, whether it's just a greeting when we're walking past each other, or bumping into each other in the kitchen, or just sitting around talking about our weekends.
In the past 5 months I've been at ANZ, I've met alot of very nice collegues. Collegues who I would like going to work to, seeing and chatting to. Smart, talented, cheerful and ones not afraid to share their successes and experiences. People who I can call "Quality". People who knows the ins and outs of the bank. People who are just one phone call away and can answer any questions I have within 5 seconds. It's very sad to hear that they need to leave. Seeing them in tears and packing their personal belongings and having work related items sent back into Martin Place through internal mail is a very heartbreaking experience.
I was told my position was safe, but I am curious. With certain merges that are happening within Business Bank, I'm curious as to how safe my job is. I guess I just need to keep my head down and just keep working.
A good friend of mine in Private Bank have also been asked to leave in a very harsh and mean way. Another 3 people from Business Bank, who I speak to on a day to day basis, whether it's just a greeting when we're walking past each other, or bumping into each other in the kitchen, or just sitting around talking about our weekends.
In the past 5 months I've been at ANZ, I've met alot of very nice collegues. Collegues who I would like going to work to, seeing and chatting to. Smart, talented, cheerful and ones not afraid to share their successes and experiences. People who I can call "Quality". People who knows the ins and outs of the bank. People who are just one phone call away and can answer any questions I have within 5 seconds. It's very sad to hear that they need to leave. Seeing them in tears and packing their personal belongings and having work related items sent back into Martin Place through internal mail is a very heartbreaking experience.
I was told my position was safe, but I am curious. With certain merges that are happening within Business Bank, I'm curious as to how safe my job is. I guess I just need to keep my head down and just keep working.
Monday, November 24, 2008
A moment of reflection
I've been slacking off blogging alot - facebook. It seems like i'm updating my most recent pics and what's going on in my life on facebook so i've been very lazy.
Last week was a very busy week for me. With lots of appointments, along with a new risk system training, our PD day, and our award and recognition night at Hilton (our early Christmas party).
In our PD day, there was lots to learn. One speaker that attended, which I felt was really really good is a guy who talked about success. He then flipped up a slide and told us to spend 5 mins to answer these questions and share it with the person next to you. It made me think...
Take a moment to have a think. You'd be suprised at what you come out with and happy that you spared that 5 mins just to have a think and jot some notes down.
What crossroads are you faced with at this point in time?
What promise am I prepared to make that constitutes a risk for me?
What price and I willing to pay to keep my committment... or fail in my committments?
What declaration of possibility can you make that has the power to inspire you, your collegues and your clients?
Last week was a very busy week for me. With lots of appointments, along with a new risk system training, our PD day, and our award and recognition night at Hilton (our early Christmas party).
In our PD day, there was lots to learn. One speaker that attended, which I felt was really really good is a guy who talked about success. He then flipped up a slide and told us to spend 5 mins to answer these questions and share it with the person next to you. It made me think...
Take a moment to have a think. You'd be suprised at what you come out with and happy that you spared that 5 mins just to have a think and jot some notes down.
What crossroads are you faced with at this point in time?
What promise am I prepared to make that constitutes a risk for me?
What price and I willing to pay to keep my committment... or fail in my committments?
What declaration of possibility can you make that has the power to inspire you, your collegues and your clients?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
好眼淚壞眼淚 good tears bad tears
A very touching and sad song..
我曾 認真 深愛著一個人 他給我幸福的可能
我等 我問 未來何時發生 他只是給我一個吻
快樂 我哭 是因為你的手 曾答應帶我向前走
難過 我哭 是因為我的手 找不到你說的以後
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只不過 在你不再愛我了以後 剩壞的眼淚慢慢流
快樂 我哭 是因為我付出 得到你溫柔的答覆
難過 我哭 是因為我認輸 你的心永遠留不住
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只希望 在我不再想你了之後 有好的眼淚慢慢流
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只希望 在我不再想你了之後
有好的眼淚慢慢流 有好的笑容陪著我
我曾 認真 深愛著一個人 他給我幸福的可能
我等 我問 未來何時發生 他只是給我一個吻
快樂 我哭 是因為你的手 曾答應帶我向前走
難過 我哭 是因為我的手 找不到你說的以後
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只不過 在你不再愛我了以後 剩壞的眼淚慢慢流
快樂 我哭 是因為我付出 得到你溫柔的答覆
難過 我哭 是因為我認輸 你的心永遠留不住
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只希望 在我不再想你了之後 有好的眼淚慢慢流
好眼淚 壞眼淚 我都曾為你流 感動和悲傷都是理由
只希望 在我不再想你了之後
有好的眼淚慢慢流 有好的笑容陪著我
Monday, October 06, 2008
Floriade long weekend
Roy and I went to the Floriade this weekend. It was very relaxing for the both of us.
Pink & Purple tulips is my favourite =)
Pink & Purple tulips is my favourite =)
This is my second favourite!!
hehe.. when we were leaving the Floriade to go and pick up our car..
With my favourite yellow tulips :-P
After we finished at the Floriade, we went to C & T's place to stay the night. T had planned to take us to a couple of different places and show Roy and I around Canberra. It was such a beautiful day. I like Canberra. There's so much greenery and the lakes are so pretty. I don't think I would mind living there =)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday@balmoral
Roy and I had a very happy day today. We went to Balmoral for lunch. We were starving when we got there. We ordered a fishermans basket to share. Took it away and ate along the beach but after we finished it, we still weren't full, so we went back to the Fish & Chip shop ordered a crumbed fish with chips. We were pretty much holding our tummy's when we finished it. ;P
Trying to be artistic..hehe
Trying to be artistic..hehe
After spending the day at Balmoral, we went back to my place. Took my car for a wash at a self - serve carwash up in Dural. Then came back, had dinner, and I did a facial for Roy, using my Jurlique Mask. Now his skin is super soft :)
Today was a super nice and relaxing day!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Fly me to the moon
Last night, Roy and I went to watch the Imax movie "Fly me to the Moon". It's such a cute and funny movie, and a movie that will make me think twice when trying to kill or smack a fly :P
Recommended to watch: FLYMETOTHEMOON
I had a pretty stressful morning at work and watching it just made me laugh and relax and forget everything that's happened in the morning. =)
Thanks Hunnie ~
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A little boo boo
Today was a very funny day =)
Roy had booked tickets to watch "Fly me to the Moon" at IMAX. I thought it was booked for today, the 16th. I told Roy it was for the 16th, and he put that into his calendar. Roy didn't check the date on the tickets, assumed it was today. When we got to IMAX for a 6pm movie, the guy at the counter told us it was for the 23rd, next Tuesday. We both couldn't stop smiling how we made such a boo boo hehe
We ended up sitting in Darling Harbour, chatting and watching the sky go from light to dark. From Darling Harbour, we walked to Argyle Hotel. It was a really nice and pleasant walk as well as building up our appetites for a yummy dinner.
It's the first time I've been to Argyle Hotel. It's very nice and cosy and has very comfy & relaxing lounges. We had dinner there and Roy recommended the 1kg pot of spicy chicken wings and their deep fried prawn ceasar salad. It was yummmm. The spicy chicken wings were freshly fried, crunchy, juicy and steaming hot.
The ceasar salad was yumm tooo ~ Great recommendations Roy =)
After our dinner, we had 3 options. Walk back to Sussex Street to pick up our car, bus it, or cab it. We decided to cab it, but we saw a bus, it dropped us off outside World Square, so we quickly jumped on the bus. It's the first time Roy and I caught the bus together. It felt like we were doing a tour of the city =)
It was such a great night !!
And yes, I did bring my camera this time, and yes, it was charged too :P
Roy had booked tickets to watch "Fly me to the Moon" at IMAX. I thought it was booked for today, the 16th. I told Roy it was for the 16th, and he put that into his calendar. Roy didn't check the date on the tickets, assumed it was today. When we got to IMAX for a 6pm movie, the guy at the counter told us it was for the 23rd, next Tuesday. We both couldn't stop smiling how we made such a boo boo hehe
We ended up sitting in Darling Harbour, chatting and watching the sky go from light to dark. From Darling Harbour, we walked to Argyle Hotel. It was a really nice and pleasant walk as well as building up our appetites for a yummy dinner.
It's the first time I've been to Argyle Hotel. It's very nice and cosy and has very comfy & relaxing lounges. We had dinner there and Roy recommended the 1kg pot of spicy chicken wings and their deep fried prawn ceasar salad. It was yummmm. The spicy chicken wings were freshly fried, crunchy, juicy and steaming hot.
The ceasar salad was yumm tooo ~ Great recommendations Roy =)
After our dinner, we had 3 options. Walk back to Sussex Street to pick up our car, bus it, or cab it. We decided to cab it, but we saw a bus, it dropped us off outside World Square, so we quickly jumped on the bus. It's the first time Roy and I caught the bus together. It felt like we were doing a tour of the city =)
It was such a great night !!
And yes, I did bring my camera this time, and yes, it was charged too :P
Our yummy prawn ceasar salad
mmh.. does this pot look like a mussell pot?? Abit misleading hey? hehe
Ta-da !!! Yummmmy chicken wings - Better than wicked wings, I'd say :P
Friday, September 05, 2008
Satisfaction
I had a meeting with my boss yesterday afternoon. I was very happy because:
1. He was very happy with my performance and praised me for my efforts.
2. He mentioned a possible promotion in March 09.
3. I have met my quarterly targets & in bonus territory now.
I feel a high level of satisfaction in my job.
I feel happy when I am able to help people with their finances.
I'm happy when I can help them protect themselves and their families.
I'm happy when I can help them with Estate Planning so it would give them a peace of mind that everything is under control.
I'm happy when I can help clients work towards achieving a desired target at retirement.
I'm happy when I help clients with their investments.
I'm happy when I can train and educate my staff to understand more about Financial Planning.
The greatest reward is getting praises from collegues who pass on their clients to me to meet, from my boss and most importantly, my own clients.
1. He was very happy with my performance and praised me for my efforts.
2. He mentioned a possible promotion in March 09.
3. I have met my quarterly targets & in bonus territory now.
I feel a high level of satisfaction in my job.
I feel happy when I am able to help people with their finances.
I'm happy when I can help them protect themselves and their families.
I'm happy when I can help them with Estate Planning so it would give them a peace of mind that everything is under control.
I'm happy when I can help clients work towards achieving a desired target at retirement.
I'm happy when I help clients with their investments.
I'm happy when I can train and educate my staff to understand more about Financial Planning.
The greatest reward is getting praises from collegues who pass on their clients to me to meet, from my boss and most importantly, my own clients.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
6 months back in Sydney
I was reminded by Roy that I haven't blogged in a while... and yes, it has been a couple of weeks. He suggested that perhaps I was happy, that's why I haven't blogged. When he first said that, I thought ".. no, I would blog when I'm happy.." but then I realised what he said was partly true.
I have been feeling quite happy lately. I've been back to Sydney for 6 months now. I've settled very well. Sometimes it feel's like I haven't left. I feel like i'm back into routine... back into climbing (with Roy climbing with me too!), i've joined the gym, which i've been trying my very best to go 2-3 times a week. Works very smooth **touchwood**, of course, it has it up and downs but generally it's very smooth.
Sometimes I do miss Hong Kong... miss it alot. I miss the eating and shopping and my friends there. Sometimes, I feel like going back , I miss my freedom and living on my own. But I know I won't. =)
I feel like i'm working hard and enjoying life at the same time. Going to movies, spending time with Roy, our families and friends. Going to see musicals, nice romantic dinners and watching plays.
On Saturday night, we watched Saturn's Return. A very nice play. Very different, yet very enjoyable. Roy booked dinner at The Wharf Restaurant. It was such a nice restaurant, that over looks the water and the harbour bridge. We had white wine mussells and salt and pepper squid. It was very nice!! We also had a passionfruit creme caramel, tangy and soury, and a chocolate hazelnut mud cake with ice cream. The mud cake was yumm..it was warm, and melted as it touched your tongue. Unfortunately, Roy forgot his camera, I remembered to bring mine, but it had no battery, so we didn't take any pics. I'll have to remember to keep my camera charged all the time =)
I have been feeling quite happy lately. I've been back to Sydney for 6 months now. I've settled very well. Sometimes it feel's like I haven't left. I feel like i'm back into routine... back into climbing (with Roy climbing with me too!), i've joined the gym, which i've been trying my very best to go 2-3 times a week. Works very smooth **touchwood**, of course, it has it up and downs but generally it's very smooth.
Sometimes I do miss Hong Kong... miss it alot. I miss the eating and shopping and my friends there. Sometimes, I feel like going back , I miss my freedom and living on my own. But I know I won't. =)
I feel like i'm working hard and enjoying life at the same time. Going to movies, spending time with Roy, our families and friends. Going to see musicals, nice romantic dinners and watching plays.
On Saturday night, we watched Saturn's Return. A very nice play. Very different, yet very enjoyable. Roy booked dinner at The Wharf Restaurant. It was such a nice restaurant, that over looks the water and the harbour bridge. We had white wine mussells and salt and pepper squid. It was very nice!! We also had a passionfruit creme caramel, tangy and soury, and a chocolate hazelnut mud cake with ice cream. The mud cake was yumm..it was warm, and melted as it touched your tongue. Unfortunately, Roy forgot his camera, I remembered to bring mine, but it had no battery, so we didn't take any pics. I'll have to remember to keep my camera charged all the time =)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Family Fun
Today is a super happy special day for me.
Today my mum, Mike & I went to the gym together at Fitness First. We went on the treadmill next to each other. Mike on one side of me and my mum on the other side. I was in the middle. The feeling of family happiness and family warmth, family togetherness made me feel so happy.
As my brother ran, I couldn't stop smiling. He would look over at me and smile and ask me what I was smiling at. For the whole 30 mins, I couldn't help but smile. I had a silly smile pasted on my face the whole time I was on the treadmill. hehe =)
Afterwards, we went for a sauna and we had the whole room to ourselves. Talking and laughing and sweating heaps. It was sooo much fun. =)
I wish we can do this more often!!!! I am super happy today!!
Today my mum, Mike & I went to the gym together at Fitness First. We went on the treadmill next to each other. Mike on one side of me and my mum on the other side. I was in the middle. The feeling of family happiness and family warmth, family togetherness made me feel so happy.
As my brother ran, I couldn't stop smiling. He would look over at me and smile and ask me what I was smiling at. For the whole 30 mins, I couldn't help but smile. I had a silly smile pasted on my face the whole time I was on the treadmill. hehe =)
Afterwards, we went for a sauna and we had the whole room to ourselves. Talking and laughing and sweating heaps. It was sooo much fun. =)
I wish we can do this more often!!!! I am super happy today!!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Pineapples!!!
I LOVE PINEAPPLES!!!
But they are so hard to find!! I've been subtly looking for them everywhere I go. I remember loving them in highschool and early uni days but nowadays they seem so hard to find. I used to be able to get a big bag whenever I go to watch movies because they only sold them in the candy bar there. Now, they only have fake ones. You really need to be a fan to distinguish the difference between them. The fake ones are not "Allens" and are really plasticy.
Today I walked past a Candy store in Epping and found them. I was so happy and excited !!
These ones are real and when I was talking to the boss about the fake ones - he totally agreed with me. We were on the same level. We were on the same page.
He told me that there are suppliers who have approached him to sell the fake ones at a cheaper price but after he tasted them, he felt it tasted like plastic. EXACTLY the same as me!! =)
Nothing beats real pineapples. They are just too good =)
But they are so hard to find!! I've been subtly looking for them everywhere I go. I remember loving them in highschool and early uni days but nowadays they seem so hard to find. I used to be able to get a big bag whenever I go to watch movies because they only sold them in the candy bar there. Now, they only have fake ones. You really need to be a fan to distinguish the difference between them. The fake ones are not "Allens" and are really plasticy.
Today I walked past a Candy store in Epping and found them. I was so happy and excited !!
These ones are real and when I was talking to the boss about the fake ones - he totally agreed with me. We were on the same level. We were on the same page.
He told me that there are suppliers who have approached him to sell the fake ones at a cheaper price but after he tasted them, he felt it tasted like plastic. EXACTLY the same as me!! =)
Nothing beats real pineapples. They are just too good =)
Phantom of the Opera
Roy and I went to watch Phantom of the Opera. We watched an 8pm session on 8/8/08. The show was fantastic and we both enjoyed it alot.
Before the show, we went to Pyrmont's Steak & Seafood Restaurant for dinner, which is just above the Lyric Theatre. I had a salmon, Roy had chicken and we both had a mango mousse dessert. YUMMM =)
It was a really really great night. =)
Before the show, we went to Pyrmont's Steak & Seafood Restaurant for dinner, which is just above the Lyric Theatre. I had a salmon, Roy had chicken and we both had a mango mousse dessert. YUMMM =)
It was a really really great night. =)Tuesday, July 29, 2008
First day of being a year older
I had a pretty happy birthday this year.
Most importantly, I'd like to thank my friends for all their birthday wishes - those who called, sms'ed, left facebook messages and the special ones who called from overseas.
The Saturday leading up to my birthday, RL came over and made me a very yummy lentil & vegetable soup for dinner & an almond & mascapone dessert. =)
Sunday, had a very nice Peking dinner with my family at Mr Chows Peking Restaurant in Kent St. They are famous for their siw long bau's and their salted egg yolk kind prawns. We also tried their salted egg yolk soft shell crab. That was scrumptious tooo =)
I felt really really happy today because this year is the first year my brother has "officially" bought me a birthday present with his own hard earnt money. My super sweet brother bought me a 60 second fix hand treatment from Crabtree & Evelyn. It's not the receiving the present that makes my heart smile. It's the thought of my baby brother, going into Crabtree & Evelyn, wanting to buy handcream for his sister, only to realise their was sooo many to choose from when the sales assistant showed him his choices. When he said "man.. I didn't realise there was so many types of handcreams to choose from.. it was quite embaressing because I didn't really know much about them".. just made me giggle. How cutee!!
Monday* went to work and RL took me to my favourite Italian Restaurant. Criniti's. =)
This time, instead of having the apple crumble pizza for dessert, we had the banana pizza. It was yumm... pictures to follow because it was taken on RL's camera.
Today, Andrew and I had dinner at Maitre Karl. A french restaurant that I really like as well in Willoughby. Their food is divine. We had a pinenut & pumpkin salad, Tartee Flambee with swiss mushrooms, parmesan & truffle oil and Nurnberg pork sausages with mash potato, sauerkraut, flamed grapes in red wine. To top it off, I had my favourite Espresso Creme Brulee and Andrew had a baked poached pear with ice cream for dessert. soooo satisfied!!!
ooh... and I also splurged on 3 pairs of new shoes today!!! hehehe
Most importantly, I'd like to thank my friends for all their birthday wishes - those who called, sms'ed, left facebook messages and the special ones who called from overseas.
The Saturday leading up to my birthday, RL came over and made me a very yummy lentil & vegetable soup for dinner & an almond & mascapone dessert. =)
Sunday, had a very nice Peking dinner with my family at Mr Chows Peking Restaurant in Kent St. They are famous for their siw long bau's and their salted egg yolk kind prawns. We also tried their salted egg yolk soft shell crab. That was scrumptious tooo =)
I felt really really happy today because this year is the first year my brother has "officially" bought me a birthday present with his own hard earnt money. My super sweet brother bought me a 60 second fix hand treatment from Crabtree & Evelyn. It's not the receiving the present that makes my heart smile. It's the thought of my baby brother, going into Crabtree & Evelyn, wanting to buy handcream for his sister, only to realise their was sooo many to choose from when the sales assistant showed him his choices. When he said "man.. I didn't realise there was so many types of handcreams to choose from.. it was quite embaressing because I didn't really know much about them".. just made me giggle. How cutee!!
Monday* went to work and RL took me to my favourite Italian Restaurant. Criniti's. =)
This time, instead of having the apple crumble pizza for dessert, we had the banana pizza. It was yumm... pictures to follow because it was taken on RL's camera.
Today, Andrew and I had dinner at Maitre Karl. A french restaurant that I really like as well in Willoughby. Their food is divine. We had a pinenut & pumpkin salad, Tartee Flambee with swiss mushrooms, parmesan & truffle oil and Nurnberg pork sausages with mash potato, sauerkraut, flamed grapes in red wine. To top it off, I had my favourite Espresso Creme Brulee and Andrew had a baked poached pear with ice cream for dessert. soooo satisfied!!!
ooh... and I also splurged on 3 pairs of new shoes today!!! hehehe
Thursday, July 24, 2008
"Take 2" ??
Have you ever done something that you've regretted? Something that you wished that you have never done? Or wished you found out abit more before you've done something?
Well, I have. And now I really really regret it.
I feel ultra crap... and now I feel like i'm going to lose a friend too.
Well, I have. And now I really really regret it.
I feel ultra crap... and now I feel like i'm going to lose a friend too.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A relaxing Sunday at Manly
RL and I had a very spoilt Sunday!! It was well deserved for both of us. A very very busy week for me at work, and RL studying very hard for his exam, which he did very well in and passed yesterday.
We had a nice, relaxing and yummy brunch on the beach at Narabeen, looking out into the water, watching kids run and play. The quality time that we spent together was the best. Then for afternoon tea, we went to Max Brenner at Manly. RL had a hot chocolate with waffle balls and I had the hot chocolate with marshmellows - plus a waffle with strawberries, banana and vanilla ice cream to share. yummmmmm =)
We had a nice, relaxing and yummy brunch on the beach at Narabeen, looking out into the water, watching kids run and play. The quality time that we spent together was the best. Then for afternoon tea, we went to Max Brenner at Manly. RL had a hot chocolate with waffle balls and I had the hot chocolate with marshmellows - plus a waffle with strawberries, banana and vanilla ice cream to share. yummmmmm =)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Friends
Great friends are hard to find and hard to keep.
I'm thankful for the efforts we make to keep our friendship close and deep.
The long emails that we write to keep each other up to date, even though we're ultra busy at work and there's probably 10 other emails that need to be replied.
The support that we get even though we're in different countries and the special bonding we have even though we haven't seen each other in months - doesn't seem like much filling in needs to be done because we're pretty much up to date with each others latest goss =)
I'm thankful for the efforts we make to keep our friendship close and deep.
The long emails that we write to keep each other up to date, even though we're ultra busy at work and there's probably 10 other emails that need to be replied.
The support that we get even though we're in different countries and the special bonding we have even though we haven't seen each other in months - doesn't seem like much filling in needs to be done because we're pretty much up to date with each others latest goss =)
People who don't listen
I absolutely find it extrememly annoying working with people who don't listen. How many times do I need to tell the BDM of Asteron that a ppxt file won't work on my computer. I told him 4 times, in which he did reply my email - which means, he did read & recieve it.. but he comes to our office, puts in his usb drive and the presentation file is still a ppxt file.
I can't stand people who are unorganised, who don't read properly and don't register what other people are saying. Being in a management role, listening is such a crucial task - some people obviously simply can't master it.
What was even more annoying was that he didn't even bother to make some hard copies. Never again would I ask him to do a presentation for us. Nor would I put any of my clients through Asteron. My first impression of them wasn't great. Now it's at zero.
I can't stand people who are unorganised, who don't read properly and don't register what other people are saying. Being in a management role, listening is such a crucial task - some people obviously simply can't master it.
What was even more annoying was that he didn't even bother to make some hard copies. Never again would I ask him to do a presentation for us. Nor would I put any of my clients through Asteron. My first impression of them wasn't great. Now it's at zero.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Detoxing
I have finally and have promised myself that the 10th of July is the date I will start my detox program for 15 days. I will not procrastinate any longer. I really will not.
Happy as I have been, I've finally joined the gym. It's been something i've been meaning to do since I laid my foot in HK, but no, it didn't happen. Now back in Sydney, I've finally motivated myself to join. T challenged me and don't believe that I will go. Now i've got his voice ringing in my head saying "yeh right, as if you'd go".... I've promised T, that I will be going 4 times a week for the next 4 weeks. Let's see how I go. The first week starts next week =)
He's placed a bet on me. I better not lose!!
I've already printed class timetables, highlighted them and have them stuck on my wall !! I can't wait to start!!
Happy as I have been, I've finally joined the gym. It's been something i've been meaning to do since I laid my foot in HK, but no, it didn't happen. Now back in Sydney, I've finally motivated myself to join. T challenged me and don't believe that I will go. Now i've got his voice ringing in my head saying "yeh right, as if you'd go".... I've promised T, that I will be going 4 times a week for the next 4 weeks. Let's see how I go. The first week starts next week =)
He's placed a bet on me. I better not lose!!
I've already printed class timetables, highlighted them and have them stuck on my wall !! I can't wait to start!!
Criniti's
Thinking of dinner at Criniti's make me smile. One of my favourite restuarants - famous to me for their yummy pizza desserts. Ones that I loved is the nutella pizza (nutella melted on pizza with vanilla sugar icing) and the banana pizza (topped with fresh banana's, 3 big scoops of vanilla gelato and snothered with hot caramel syrup).
On Tuesday night, RL and I were "supposed" to go climbing, but we didn't end up going so he came over to Parra to have dinner with me. Where did we go? RL wanted soup & pie - we pretty much walked the whole heart of Parramatta and the only restaurant/cafe that served soup & pie was City Extra. I remember it was years and years ago, uni days, when City Extra used to be our hang out place because it was open 24 hours. I was never keen with their dinners, drinks were ok, desserts were average.
Hence, we ended up going to Criniti's!! We ordered a arena woodfired calzone which had prosciutto, ricotta, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and eggplant. We then ordered a apple crumble delight pizza for dessert. It was soooo yummy. now.. read this.. freshly sliced apples, smothered with vanilla syrup and biscuit crumble, oven baked, served with 3 big scoops of vanilla gelato... is it making you drool ??
This is what our apple crumble pizza looked like - half eaten!! hehe =)
On Tuesday night, RL and I were "supposed" to go climbing, but we didn't end up going so he came over to Parra to have dinner with me. Where did we go? RL wanted soup & pie - we pretty much walked the whole heart of Parramatta and the only restaurant/cafe that served soup & pie was City Extra. I remember it was years and years ago, uni days, when City Extra used to be our hang out place because it was open 24 hours. I was never keen with their dinners, drinks were ok, desserts were average.
Hence, we ended up going to Criniti's!! We ordered a arena woodfired calzone which had prosciutto, ricotta, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and eggplant. We then ordered a apple crumble delight pizza for dessert. It was soooo yummy. now.. read this.. freshly sliced apples, smothered with vanilla syrup and biscuit crumble, oven baked, served with 3 big scoops of vanilla gelato... is it making you drool ??
This is what our apple crumble pizza looked like - half eaten!! hehe =)
We had a really great night and left Criniti's holding our stomachs with plans to go again for afternoon tea just for pizza desserts!! (no dinner plus a walk after to burn off the dessert hehe)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Yummy petite dessert ~
We were at St Ives today and bought this yummy petite dessert platter.. lemon tarts, honey - caramel and chocolate profiteroles, fruit tarts and mini chocolates. =)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Asthma. Exercising. Competition
I'm not the type of person who needs peoples approval for things that my health allows and don't allow me to do. I don't need people to say, it's not my fault I can't do certain sports and it's ok.
Asthma has been part of my life and it's never been something that has bothered me. I've grown to accept it when I was a little kid, and aware of what sports I need to stay away from, which sports will trigger a shortness of breath, which sports I can do, but slower.
I don't compare myself to others in sports and I really don't care less if people are better than me. To me, sport is a leisure activity I enjoy doing with my friends who also enjoy the sport. It's not something competitive and it's definitely not showing off to see who's better. Of course, the more often you do it, the better you get at it, but it's not a competition. We don't count scores. We don't race each other. Someone has previously said to my friends and I " You guys play badmington like you're catching butterflies!!" - and this is something I enjoy. Having a good laugh, chat and play.
I don't like competing with people. I don't need to compete with my friends. I'm not a competitive person. I don't need to be the best and i've never had the "want" to be the best.
I've never gotten upset nor depressed with having Asthma. I don't need peoples empathy. I certainly don't need people to acknowledge that they accept it because I really don't care what other people think. There's no big deal. My friends who know have just accepted it. E.g. they know that there are certain air fragrances in their car that are very strong so before they come to pick me up, they take it out and open all the windows. They don't mention anything, and they don't need to, but I know and I appreciate it.
Some things don't need to be said. Actions are more valuable than words.
Asthma has been part of my life and it's never been something that has bothered me. I've grown to accept it when I was a little kid, and aware of what sports I need to stay away from, which sports will trigger a shortness of breath, which sports I can do, but slower.
I don't compare myself to others in sports and I really don't care less if people are better than me. To me, sport is a leisure activity I enjoy doing with my friends who also enjoy the sport. It's not something competitive and it's definitely not showing off to see who's better. Of course, the more often you do it, the better you get at it, but it's not a competition. We don't count scores. We don't race each other. Someone has previously said to my friends and I " You guys play badmington like you're catching butterflies!!" - and this is something I enjoy. Having a good laugh, chat and play.
I don't like competing with people. I don't need to compete with my friends. I'm not a competitive person. I don't need to be the best and i've never had the "want" to be the best.
I've never gotten upset nor depressed with having Asthma. I don't need peoples empathy. I certainly don't need people to acknowledge that they accept it because I really don't care what other people think. There's no big deal. My friends who know have just accepted it. E.g. they know that there are certain air fragrances in their car that are very strong so before they come to pick me up, they take it out and open all the windows. They don't mention anything, and they don't need to, but I know and I appreciate it.
Some things don't need to be said. Actions are more valuable than words.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Happy. Loved.
I realise that very often, I write when I want to express anger, sad feelings and emotion. Very often, I forget to write about the happy times. The times when I'm feeling up in the air. The times I feel content. The times I feel loved. Like now.
Right now, I'm feeling happy. Happy because i'm feeling very satisfied with what I have. Happy with the people who are surrounding me. Happy with the flexibility of my job and learning something new everyday. Happy x "2" being able to spend quality time with RL and having a personal mandarin teacher who won't laugh when my tones are not correct and will encourage me to try again and again and again. =)
Right now, I'm feeling happy. Happy because i'm feeling very satisfied with what I have. Happy with the people who are surrounding me. Happy with the flexibility of my job and learning something new everyday. Happy x "2" being able to spend quality time with RL and having a personal mandarin teacher who won't laugh when my tones are not correct and will encourage me to try again and again and again. =)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
My work desk
After 3 weeks, I finally managed to get my docking station at work set up - with my 22" screen too!! If only I can take it home to use .. heheee
Fantastic service
When I was in HK, I had doubts about buying a Dell. I had doubts buying a computer online, especially since I was going to be bringing it back to Sydney. What if this or that didn't work? What if there were problems? I had so many "what if .." questions.
In the last 2-3 months, there has been some "cooking", "boiling" noise coming out from my laptop. I rang the technical services helpdesk line and they did some checks for me while I was on the phone to test my laptop. After the test, there was still noise. I rang the helpdesk again and they organised to send someone out to my workplace to fix it up.
The Dell technician called in their specified timeframe, 24-48 hrs. He was not only on time, he called in advance and confirmed time. He was very well mannered and very friendly. He was very efficient. He rang in the morning again to say he would be at my office between 9.30am - 10.30am and he got here 9.30am on the dot.
None of this waiting past 10.30am business - which reminds me of the time my lounge delivery in Hong Kong.
I was told my lounge delivery time was going to be 7pm-10pm - I waited and waited, no call. By the time it was 10.30pm, I realised that these people weren't going to come. I was going to ring the shop but then they were closed. At 12 midnight, the guy calls and said he's on his way and he'll be at my place at 12.30am. He asked "Is that ok?" and I just said " err.. can it be not ok?"
I figured that even if it was re-scheduled, chances of me waiting till midnight again was highly possible so I just told them to come. I was pretty annoyed but I guess that's how things are in Hong Kong. I did get my lounge eventually. =)
Anyways, back to Dell. I am very very impressed with Dell's service and now my laptops fixed. So happy! =)
In the last 2-3 months, there has been some "cooking", "boiling" noise coming out from my laptop. I rang the technical services helpdesk line and they did some checks for me while I was on the phone to test my laptop. After the test, there was still noise. I rang the helpdesk again and they organised to send someone out to my workplace to fix it up.
The Dell technician called in their specified timeframe, 24-48 hrs. He was not only on time, he called in advance and confirmed time. He was very well mannered and very friendly. He was very efficient. He rang in the morning again to say he would be at my office between 9.30am - 10.30am and he got here 9.30am on the dot.
None of this waiting past 10.30am business - which reminds me of the time my lounge delivery in Hong Kong.
I was told my lounge delivery time was going to be 7pm-10pm - I waited and waited, no call. By the time it was 10.30pm, I realised that these people weren't going to come. I was going to ring the shop but then they were closed. At 12 midnight, the guy calls and said he's on his way and he'll be at my place at 12.30am. He asked "Is that ok?" and I just said " err.. can it be not ok?"
I figured that even if it was re-scheduled, chances of me waiting till midnight again was highly possible so I just told them to come. I was pretty annoyed but I guess that's how things are in Hong Kong. I did get my lounge eventually. =)
Anyways, back to Dell. I am very very impressed with Dell's service and now my laptops fixed. So happy! =)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I'm thinking of you
It's one of the couple times in the year when I will just sit down and feel emotionally sad. I hear people say that "time will heal" and I thought that this year that it would be better than the last.
I remember thinking, this time last year, the same thing.
Certain things happened in the last couple of month. I felt that certain barriers could of been knocked down. I felt that the thick brick wall would of disappeared. I thought that I would be able to write this year and say that I knocked it down. I don't feel that I can yet.
I'm glad with certain situations in the last month, K stopped me. I offered happily but was refused. I felt abit upset at the time, but now I know why. It seems K knows me better than myself. =)
I remember previous years, there was build ups of sadness and depression. From 2 weeks before, to 1.5 weeks before, to 1 week before. Time gradually decreases... to now.. 1 day before. The pain and memories are still there.
At times like this, I want to be by myself. I don't want to paste a smile on my face and pretend it's just a normal day. It makes me feel awful afterwards. I feel fake. I don't feel i'm myself.
I wish one day the pain will go and the memories stay in my heart.
I remember thinking, this time last year, the same thing.
Certain things happened in the last couple of month. I felt that certain barriers could of been knocked down. I felt that the thick brick wall would of disappeared. I thought that I would be able to write this year and say that I knocked it down. I don't feel that I can yet.
I'm glad with certain situations in the last month, K stopped me. I offered happily but was refused. I felt abit upset at the time, but now I know why. It seems K knows me better than myself. =)
I remember previous years, there was build ups of sadness and depression. From 2 weeks before, to 1.5 weeks before, to 1 week before. Time gradually decreases... to now.. 1 day before. The pain and memories are still there.
At times like this, I want to be by myself. I don't want to paste a smile on my face and pretend it's just a normal day. It makes me feel awful afterwards. I feel fake. I don't feel i'm myself.
I wish one day the pain will go and the memories stay in my heart.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Our 1 month
Today is our one month anniversary today. My super sweet RL bought me this bunch of very beautiful and pretty flowers. It was sitting on my desk and even with a slightly blocked nose, I can still smell the whiff of fresh tulips.I feel very very happy today. Happy to have met RL. Happy to have spent so many happy days together. Happy to have such a caring boyfriend =)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Roy's birthday weekend
It was Roy's birthday on Friday night and we went to a vegetarian restaurant in Newtown. It was the second time to that restaurant for me, and this time, we could order more dishes since there was about 14 people. After dinner, we went K at Greenbox Plus. I feel like an "old biscuit" because I haven't been to half the new K's that have opened. My excuse - I was in HK last year, how do I know? hehe =)
On Saturday night - we went to Lucio's in Paddington and had their degustation menu. Click HERE to view the menu. The atmosphere was very nice, lots of paintings on the walls. The food was fantastic. I think it's the best degustation meals I've had so far =) ** Thanks to Mike who highly recommended it **
On Saturday night - we went to Lucio's in Paddington and had their degustation menu. Click HERE to view the menu. The atmosphere was very nice, lots of paintings on the walls. The food was fantastic. I think it's the best degustation meals I've had so far =) ** Thanks to Mike who highly recommended it **
Sunday, went to a vegetarian yumcha with Roy's family near St Mary's Cathedral. I was there a ^*little* early so I went into St Mary's Cathedral. It's been a while since I've been in there, and when I went in, I felt like I was in somewhere warm and safe. No words can describe how calm and peaceful I felt. I sat there and looked at the alter. I knelt down and said some prayers. I looked on the left hand side and there were candles. I went over to light a candle, closed my eyes to say another prayer, and flashbacks of when my brother and I were young came across my mind. I nearly laughed out loud, but trust me, I had a huge smile on my face.
Reason? I remember we were at St Joan of Arc Church in Haberfield. It was a Sunday Mass. My brother, being around 4 or 5 years old at the time - while it was communion time, ran to the candles, sang Happy Birthday very loudly and tried to blow the candles on tippy toes. Everyone looked over and my dad had to go and pick him up and bring him to his seat. This a memory I cannot forget =)
After I sat at St Mary's Cathedral for a while, I went outside and walked around the gardens. I saw some flowers that reminded me of someone very special. One that would make me smile just looking at it. Someones favourite. They were so pretty, I had to capture it =)
Arn't they prettttttty ??? =)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Clock to tick
I'm sitting here in the office, waiting for 5.15pm so I can shutdown & leave the office. I've finally finished my 6 week training in the City. I have to say, the 6 week training was very unorganised and somewhat boring. The only good thing about being in the city is that ;
1. I don't need to drive
2. I get to have lunch with my friends that work in the city too =)
Now i'm back in the suburbs, I'll have to look for nice places to have lunch.
I've already booked client appointments for next week and I'm very happy with my "flexible" hours. A 11.30 am appointment in Blacktown, means I can wake up at 9.30am... or even 10am on Monday morning. How good is that ??
So far, I like everything about my new job but having to drive.
I'm not looking forward to having drive alot, but i'm sure going to be learning alot more new roads and suburbs. On Tuesday, I went with a collegue to Winmalee, 20 minutes away from Penrith, Wednesday I went to Windsor. It was the first time I went to both those suburbs. I'm sure going to be going out of my comfort zone with driving to places I don't know, especially on my own.
I wish I never told them I had a car, then instead of driving, I could just get cab charges to go everywhere I need to hehehe =)
mmhh..... or maybe I can get a driver =) ** i think i'm dreaming here !! **
1. I don't need to drive
2. I get to have lunch with my friends that work in the city too =)
Now i'm back in the suburbs, I'll have to look for nice places to have lunch.
I've already booked client appointments for next week and I'm very happy with my "flexible" hours. A 11.30 am appointment in Blacktown, means I can wake up at 9.30am... or even 10am on Monday morning. How good is that ??
So far, I like everything about my new job but having to drive.
I'm not looking forward to having drive alot, but i'm sure going to be learning alot more new roads and suburbs. On Tuesday, I went with a collegue to Winmalee, 20 minutes away from Penrith, Wednesday I went to Windsor. It was the first time I went to both those suburbs. I'm sure going to be going out of my comfort zone with driving to places I don't know, especially on my own.
I wish I never told them I had a car, then instead of driving, I could just get cab charges to go everywhere I need to hehehe =)
mmhh..... or maybe I can get a driver =) ** i think i'm dreaming here !! **
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Buddhist Seminar 佛
My aunty hosted a Buddhist Seminar at her house this weekend. Being a good niece & daughter, I had promised that I would attend, even though I do not follow the Buddhism religion. The good thing was: the main speaker spoke in mandarin & there was a cantonese translater.
The first couple of morning sessions were pretty interesting. I learnt values of life. The sacrafices and the love our parents give to us. How much pain our mothers suffered while they were carrying us. How to be a better person. How to appreciate those around you. Not to be greedy. The value of a brand new $20 note is the same as a old and tacky $20 note.. but why do some people want a brand new one?
The afternoon sessions got abit "deep" so I stayed out.
After lunch, we experienced something very amazing. Something I have never seen before. It must sound weird when you read this, but trust me, it feels weird typing it too. We experienced a spirit going into a lady's body and coming in talking to us. The spirit was the 佛. ( thanks to pt. for msning me the chinese word!! hehe )
We also saw the lady collapse after the 佛 left her body - while her spirit was placed back. Sounds silly ey? But it's true.
I don't know why, but when I saw the lady, my heart pounded hard and fast. So fast that it nearly popped out. It was like that for 2 hours. I felt very uncomfortable. I felt that I shouldn't of been there. It wasn't the right place for me.
I spoke to one of the preachers there who follows Buddhism after and both Mike and I threw questions at him and he explained how the 佛 went into the lady's body.
He gave me an overview on his beliefs and he told me that the lady has followed the 佛 to heaven and hell. Apparently there are 11 levels in heaven and depending on how good of a person you are, you're ranked. The highest level - 11, is the most luxurious. But funny enough, when he gave me an example, he said level 11 in heaven gives you the peace of being with God. I was shocked when he said that.
He then told me hell was extremely scary. Even before you reach there, the sounds and the noise is already very scary.
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Arrgh.. this is so weird. I'm trying to write down and share my experiences but I'm having alot of difficulty and I don't feel I am making any sense and something just doesn't sound very right.. i think i'll just stop and leave it as is.
The first couple of morning sessions were pretty interesting. I learnt values of life. The sacrafices and the love our parents give to us. How much pain our mothers suffered while they were carrying us. How to be a better person. How to appreciate those around you. Not to be greedy. The value of a brand new $20 note is the same as a old and tacky $20 note.. but why do some people want a brand new one?
The afternoon sessions got abit "deep" so I stayed out.
After lunch, we experienced something very amazing. Something I have never seen before. It must sound weird when you read this, but trust me, it feels weird typing it too. We experienced a spirit going into a lady's body and coming in talking to us. The spirit was the 佛. ( thanks to pt. for msning me the chinese word!! hehe )
We also saw the lady collapse after the 佛 left her body - while her spirit was placed back. Sounds silly ey? But it's true.
I don't know why, but when I saw the lady, my heart pounded hard and fast. So fast that it nearly popped out. It was like that for 2 hours. I felt very uncomfortable. I felt that I shouldn't of been there. It wasn't the right place for me.
I spoke to one of the preachers there who follows Buddhism after and both Mike and I threw questions at him and he explained how the 佛 went into the lady's body.
He gave me an overview on his beliefs and he told me that the lady has followed the 佛 to heaven and hell. Apparently there are 11 levels in heaven and depending on how good of a person you are, you're ranked. The highest level - 11, is the most luxurious. But funny enough, when he gave me an example, he said level 11 in heaven gives you the peace of being with God. I was shocked when he said that.
He then told me hell was extremely scary. Even before you reach there, the sounds and the noise is already very scary.
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Arrgh.. this is so weird. I'm trying to write down and share my experiences but I'm having alot of difficulty and I don't feel I am making any sense and something just doesn't sound very right.. i think i'll just stop and leave it as is.
From someone very special =)
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