Dear Readers of this Blog,
This blog is going through an identity crisis. And the blogger has to picked up from where she left off, from the days where HTML was the only script available for websites. Taking a leaf from TV 12 who stole yours truly's idea of a cartoon website, I have decided to make Yahoo my template. But need to sort out a few garbage on this one, and at 12.48am and the crazy wind howling outside, is not the most favourable of moods for an overhaul.
Soooo... it's Easter break! Haven't done much except for an internal analysis on AirAsia. Went to a church camp at Howqua, 2.5 hours from Melbourne. Met some interesting people, got myself inspired, played some games and was soon propelled to reality.
Was just thinking, if you have no money right now, what would make you happy? Mine will have to be:
1)Talking to my cat
2)Sitting in a vehicle with misty windows
3)Watching another one of those Jamie Oliver's shows (current one: Jamie's School Dinners) and feeling all wanting to make the world a better place
4)Looking at pictures of Montreal and L'ile Des Soeurs, my favourite places to reminisce
Ok, better stop dreaming. Send me some of your ideas of penniless-joys alright?!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Someone is in the Details
Do you think it's possible to bump into someone whom you have not met for 6 months and before you know it, the two of you are rushing to a Christian rally?
I did, met her on the tram. Have been trying to catch up with her, but never had the chance to. And that was after walking aimlessly for 30 mins in the supermarket, wondering what to cook for dinner.
The Franklin Graham rally at the Telstra Dome was pretty great, about 3000 came forth to receive Christ. I was enjoying the performances by The Katinas and Hillsongs. Feeling pretty "unmoved" by the message(expecting more, since he is Billy Graham's son), but apparently it did touched many throughout the 3 days. I knew being a non-Christian herself, she was touched too.
That for me is enough.
Not to mention that the latest discovery is that my new project mate is the flatmate of a good friend here. It's freaky, since another mate of mine took over the room of that similar good friend. Melbourne is just soooo small isn't it?
It has to be that someone is in the details...
Easter is coming soon! Someone died for me.
I did, met her on the tram. Have been trying to catch up with her, but never had the chance to. And that was after walking aimlessly for 30 mins in the supermarket, wondering what to cook for dinner.
The Franklin Graham rally at the Telstra Dome was pretty great, about 3000 came forth to receive Christ. I was enjoying the performances by The Katinas and Hillsongs. Feeling pretty "unmoved" by the message(expecting more, since he is Billy Graham's son), but apparently it did touched many throughout the 3 days. I knew being a non-Christian herself, she was touched too.
That for me is enough.
Not to mention that the latest discovery is that my new project mate is the flatmate of a good friend here. It's freaky, since another mate of mine took over the room of that similar good friend. Melbourne is just soooo small isn't it?
It has to be that someone is in the details...
Easter is coming soon! Someone died for me.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
When was your last time?
Seriously, when was the last time you went hiking?
I don't think I've really had a last time. The ONLY time I went hiking was doing a couple of 1hr walks in Tassie, and that's all there is. Climb a couple of steps, pant a little, look and your watch and wonder if the destination is anywhere near, and then marvel at some lookout.. and reverse the whole sequence again.
It's a long weekend here in Melbourne, and the highlight of it is bushwalking at the Werribee Gorge State Park, an hour and a half's drive away from the city. The circuit we took was a 4hours, 10km route. Just in case you are wondering, I did secretly chart up the possible 'exits' I can take, for good measure. Good thing I didn't have to use it, and was among better hikers. The gorge was pretty, and there was a couple of nice lookouts. We travelled along the river, and it's amazing how I climbed those huge rocks and ambled through the narrow edges of the gorge. Quite frightening sometimes! That again, is one of my greater 'achievements', a going out of your comfort zone mental challenge accomplished.
Clara and I had a great time trying to get a surprise birthday party going for Cindy. Operation Cindy's Bday went in such a clockwork fashion- wenli buys present, shuan gets the cake, clara brings the deco, clara tricks cindy out, mike brings cake over, wenli, mike and shuan decorates the house, clara brings cindy back home, suprise!
When was the last time you had a surprise birthday party??
I don't think I've really had a last time. The ONLY time I went hiking was doing a couple of 1hr walks in Tassie, and that's all there is. Climb a couple of steps, pant a little, look and your watch and wonder if the destination is anywhere near, and then marvel at some lookout.. and reverse the whole sequence again.
It's a long weekend here in Melbourne, and the highlight of it is bushwalking at the Werribee Gorge State Park, an hour and a half's drive away from the city. The circuit we took was a 4hours, 10km route. Just in case you are wondering, I did secretly chart up the possible 'exits' I can take, for good measure. Good thing I didn't have to use it, and was among better hikers. The gorge was pretty, and there was a couple of nice lookouts. We travelled along the river, and it's amazing how I climbed those huge rocks and ambled through the narrow edges of the gorge. Quite frightening sometimes! That again, is one of my greater 'achievements', a going out of your comfort zone mental challenge accomplished.
Clara and I had a great time trying to get a surprise birthday party going for Cindy. Operation Cindy's Bday went in such a clockwork fashion- wenli buys present, shuan gets the cake, clara brings the deco, clara tricks cindy out, mike brings cake over, wenli, mike and shuan decorates the house, clara brings cindy back home, suprise!
When was the last time you had a surprise birthday party??
Monday, March 07, 2005
Closer to...
Closer to Autumm, Winter, Easter, bad weather,
Closer to established friendships, better coffees, busier calendars
Closer to assignments, deadlines, reviews
Closer to Home.
I miss my cat. But I know I'll miss my life here when it's time to say goodbye. I've learnt how little money I have, but also how little money can buy. I marvel the times when you feel broke to the bone, and yet able to miraculously smile, laugh, have fun and sleep well.
Although Autumn has descended and all activities ebbing, things do get a little cosier. Watched Closer after a panting swim. Had a nice vietnamese dinner with the rest and caught Run Lola Run at Arthur and Chet's place till late. The gale came on full force on Saturday but nothing stopped me going for a shopping trip to Chapel Street. Went to Ricky and Caro house to chill out on Sat and Sun.
Listening to the 11909th time- The Blower's Daughter, proving the effect of what an appropriate scored movie can do... or simply put, what a great song can do for a movie.
Damien Rice's "O": featuring the hauntingly surreal song "The Blower's Daughter" in the movie 'Closer'
Closer to established friendships, better coffees, busier calendars
Closer to assignments, deadlines, reviews
Closer to Home.
I miss my cat. But I know I'll miss my life here when it's time to say goodbye. I've learnt how little money I have, but also how little money can buy. I marvel the times when you feel broke to the bone, and yet able to miraculously smile, laugh, have fun and sleep well.
Although Autumn has descended and all activities ebbing, things do get a little cosier. Watched Closer after a panting swim. Had a nice vietnamese dinner with the rest and caught Run Lola Run at Arthur and Chet's place till late. The gale came on full force on Saturday but nothing stopped me going for a shopping trip to Chapel Street. Went to Ricky and Caro house to chill out on Sat and Sun.
Listening to the 11909th time- The Blower's Daughter, proving the effect of what an appropriate scored movie can do... or simply put, what a great song can do for a movie.
Damien Rice's "O": featuring the hauntingly surreal song "The Blower's Daughter" in the movie 'Closer'
Monday, February 28, 2005
Last of the Summer Flings
No, I've haven't got any flings with anybody, but good enough to say that I had good flings with Melbourne. Summer is ending and I got those last precious drops by going to Bendigo, Trentham Falls and Daylesford over the weekend with the church young adults. It was also Wilson's last weekend here, and it was good time spent before he reunites with the Cha Kuey Teows and the Mee Gorengs in Singapore.
Sun afternoon was spent at lovely Williamstown for some really yummy fish and chips. The warm weather was perfect and there was some festival going on at the pier side. Went to the last of the Twillight in the Gardens at Fitzroy Gardens and did a good bit of dancing at the end. It was quite sad to know that I probably won't be here next summer to enjoy the programs and weather again.
So I've better enjoy this while it lasts...
Wilson the chief organizer
Sun afternoon was spent at lovely Williamstown for some really yummy fish and chips. The warm weather was perfect and there was some festival going on at the pier side. Went to the last of the Twillight in the Gardens at Fitzroy Gardens and did a good bit of dancing at the end. It was quite sad to know that I probably won't be here next summer to enjoy the programs and weather again.
So I've better enjoy this while it lasts...
Wilson the chief organizer
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Nocturnal Instincts
Seriously, I have no idea why I'm still awake right now. It's 3 am and I must be suffering from a topsy turvy sleep pattern, reading some other blogs... half-wondering what kind of life others are having.
Realised that it's quite a dark world out there, most blogs transcend pure complaints, and move into the realms of self-questioning and doubt. As if they were in some semi-consciousness.
Told myself to spend this post-exam time thinking about life in the next 12 months. Will I still be here? The foray here hasn't been exactly that bad, and I like the idea of not taking things for granted- the friends you have, the strangers you meet, the cooked dinner on your table... or even the roti prata I just had in Bismi. Singapore and Melbourne, whacha think????
Jocelyn sent me a hand-made Valentine's Day card. Just received it and was moved to near tears. All these years she has been giving me presents, cards and even flowers for V'day... and I haven't really done much for her. Missed her lots, and our weekly jaunts at Siglap.
Time to sleep.
Check out Pat Metheny's One Quiet Night- Ferry Cross the Mersey. Great bedtime music.
Realised that it's quite a dark world out there, most blogs transcend pure complaints, and move into the realms of self-questioning and doubt. As if they were in some semi-consciousness.
Told myself to spend this post-exam time thinking about life in the next 12 months. Will I still be here? The foray here hasn't been exactly that bad, and I like the idea of not taking things for granted- the friends you have, the strangers you meet, the cooked dinner on your table... or even the roti prata I just had in Bismi. Singapore and Melbourne, whacha think????
Jocelyn sent me a hand-made Valentine's Day card. Just received it and was moved to near tears. All these years she has been giving me presents, cards and even flowers for V'day... and I haven't really done much for her. Missed her lots, and our weekly jaunts at Siglap.
Time to sleep.
Check out Pat Metheny's One Quiet Night- Ferry Cross the Mersey. Great bedtime music.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Photography Weekend
It's time to whip out those nifty gadgets again! Wilson gave a lesson on basic photography, after which we headed out to the Docklands for some night photography. Since the Docks was pretty quiet, I fooled around with the camera at a grill-like structure while Mark and John gamely posed for some 'scary' shots for me. The lights was shining from the bottom, giving it a ghastly effect. (Disclaimer: They are however, not as scary as they look, but rather, nice and friendly blokes).
Photography at Docklands
Photography at Docklands
Off to the Yarra Wineries
What better way to celebrate the end of exams than with a round of bubbly?? The last time we finished our exams in Autumn, it was to the white wines of Manchester Lane. This time, we head off to the vines of the Yarra Valley.
We visited Yering Station (the oldest winery in Victoria), the Yarra Valley Dairy, Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli. Sipping our Pinot Noirs and savouring Persian Cheese, we happily bought wine without bringing any glasses nor wine-opener (duh!). But were compensated with a bottle during lunch and lots more at the different cellar doors. Very appropriate since my last movie on Valentine's Day was "Sideways", a show that brought a new appreciation of the Napa Valley Wines (and Pinots in general).
Not to mention, was sleepy on the way back. Clara, was as usual, ridiculously sober. Cindy was the default 'sober-ist'.
Cindy and Clara travelling in STYLE
We visited Yering Station (the oldest winery in Victoria), the Yarra Valley Dairy, Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli. Sipping our Pinot Noirs and savouring Persian Cheese, we happily bought wine without bringing any glasses nor wine-opener (duh!). But were compensated with a bottle during lunch and lots more at the different cellar doors. Very appropriate since my last movie on Valentine's Day was "Sideways", a show that brought a new appreciation of the Napa Valley Wines (and Pinots in general).
Not to mention, was sleepy on the way back. Clara, was as usual, ridiculously sober. Cindy was the default 'sober-ist'.
Cindy and Clara travelling in STYLE
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Cape Getaway!
Hiya! Was supposed to throw in a commentary for this great trip, but was logged out while submitting the post. Anyway, making it up now that exams are over! (Yippppeee!)
Cape Bridgewater is about 5 hours away from Melbourne, 2 hours away in the direction of Great Ocean Road and Port Fairy. Unlike its costal friends, Cape Bridewater boasts of a Petrified Forest (what the world is that?!!) and a fur seal colony. It is less touristy than the 12 Apostles, but if you ask me, its worth a drive!
We stayed in the Cape Bridgewater Luxury Studios, and I highly recommend that! The owners are friendly and the self-contained house has huge windows that lets you look out to the cape and its shinning sea! There is a cosy log fire, as well as DVDs and a nice BBQ set. We had equally unparalleled views of the rolling valleys from the back windows. Cool huh???
In a nutshell, just pack up and go! Especially if you still do not have an easter plan!
Petrified Forest at Cape Bridgewater
Cape Bridgewater is about 5 hours away from Melbourne, 2 hours away in the direction of Great Ocean Road and Port Fairy. Unlike its costal friends, Cape Bridewater boasts of a Petrified Forest (what the world is that?!!) and a fur seal colony. It is less touristy than the 12 Apostles, but if you ask me, its worth a drive!
We stayed in the Cape Bridgewater Luxury Studios, and I highly recommend that! The owners are friendly and the self-contained house has huge windows that lets you look out to the cape and its shinning sea! There is a cosy log fire, as well as DVDs and a nice BBQ set. We had equally unparalleled views of the rolling valleys from the back windows. Cool huh???
In a nutshell, just pack up and go! Especially if you still do not have an easter plan!
Petrified Forest at Cape Bridgewater
