Friday, December 31, 2010

My 2010

Every year, I say the next year will be a better year. In 2009, I said that it will finally be my year. It wasn't a great year but at least, I pulled myself out of my depression. But I stayed in audit till October amidst some hoo haas and that took a lot out of me. After three months of 'self proclaims holiday' aka unemployment and enjoying every single second of it till the end of 2009, 2010 arrived.

I figured, with a new job and a new beginning, maybe 2010 will be a really new year for me. A happier year. A better year. But instead of better, I started out on a wrong footing, did some stupid mistakes not mentionable here but I think back now, it has made the me of today.

I think it's good for us to take some time to reflect and ponder how and what 2010 was like, what went well and what didn't, just like how we do at work after each job assignment. With that, we can hopefully learn from our mistakes and strengthen our good points and not hopefully, but with a certainty, make the following year a better one, if not awesome!

I would say 2010 was a journey for me. It wasn't an awesome year as I started the year badly but hopefully ended it on a better note. 2010 was definitely a journey of learning what I was capable of and learning to climb out of the deep holes that I had dug for myself. It was also about learning to make decisions despite other's reservations and one's own uncertainties.

First quarter of the year...
I ushered the new year with my petbrother and dentist friend in Penang. In January, I started my second job in a bank. I didn't like my work but I definitely liked two colleagues that made work bearable- Sai Fai and GV! At least, I was no longer in audit. Yeah sure, there were some good times but I just wasn't cut out for it.


Bank colleagues having a farewell steamboat for me! =)

Besides work, like I said, I made some bad moves. You'd never think that I was capable of such things, neither did I, but things happened and I was in a mess somewhat. My mum and I had heated arguments over my so-called-self-destructive behaviour and I almost walked out of home. My love life was headed to the rocks in a way. I was frustrated. I was confused.

Bur fret not, of course when one makes mistakes, we think it's the end of the world, your world. We wonder how we'll ever come out of it unscathed and unmarred. And that's just it. You don't. The scars are there to remind you what you went through, to forge on and like a warrior, the scars represents the battles you've valiantly fought.

So, despite my confusion and mistakes, I realised that 2010 was a year to learn that falling in love is not all about find the perfect person 'cos lets face it, there is NO such thing as a perfect person. It was a year about learning to love an imperfect person perfectly. And that imperfect person is Mr. C. =)

Not forgetting, I went for a friend's mother's funeral in March. It was a good reminder to appreciate my parents whilst they are around despite how they drive me insane with their mind games.

Second quarter of 2010...
I resigned from my job and left for Brisbane in May. And I finally made it to Skytrex with Gill before I left and it was torturous but GOOD! Although I made a choice, it wasn't easy moving on and letting go certain things. Worries plagued me. I was uncertain and I hate not being sure of myself. I was getting shoot at left and right by relatives and sometimes, I just want to ask them to bugger off and let me live my life. It felt as if they wanted to mould me to follow their paths but at the end, I know it's because they cared, hence, their concern.

At the same time, I liked that I didn't have to wake up early every morning to trudge to work- a job that I dislike. I woke up when I want to and slept whenever. Did whatever and whenever. It was liberating to be away from home, work, obligations, for once. But after awhile, reality sinks in.

Adapting to Aussie life...

I realised I may have enjoyed everyday doing nothing of importance but life was passing me by. Not forgetting, I somehow got hives and till now, I still have them although not as bad but it still itches if I don't eat my meds. For the life of me, we can't figure out what am I allergic to and I hope *looks to the high heavens for some intervention* it'll go away in 2011.

In June, Watched the World Cup with korean housemates at home and also in the city. for the Korea vs Greece match. No points for guessing which team we rooted for. *hehe* Went travelling with Mr. C to Sunshine Coast, Eumundi Market and Noosa Heads on top of other places after my grumbling that he didn't bring me anywhere on my previous trips to Brisbane. =p

Dabbled in cooking and finally got around to making Konyaku Jelly!

Although the good life, I missed home and friends.

Third quarter towards the end...
Hence, I was super ecstatic to go back home to sweet Malaysia for two months holiday! Before that, I had a haircut for AUD19! And the hairstylist gave me bangs, again! Initially, I hated it but then, it grew and looked better. I met the plurk gang at William's for dinner, watched movie on Wednesday for only RM6 and tried out the Geylang Frog Porrige at SS2! Wasn't with Mr. C for his birthday but hid his present for him to find.


Tuesday dinner at Vintry with the Sis.

I was always out- mornings were dedicated for my mother and evenings for friends. I had Tueday dinner dates with my sister. Went on a girls outing with The Sues. Had family outing to Perak's Clearwater Sanctuary and Cameron Highlands. Too much of something is never good and with overload of family, I made a last minute turnabout decision and went to Redang with one of the Sues and her friends (though I never did blogged about it.hmmm... another topic to blog about in future) .



Redang 2010 with new friends!

Heng dais planning on how to 'save' the bride.

September came and Mr. C came back, we hang out with his friends and celebrated his brother's wedding. Then, whilst his brother went on his honeymoon, we made a family trip on Mr. C's side to the land of smiles- Thailand!
Interesting, original floating market at Bangkok.

Last quarter of the year...
And so, all good things must come to an end- Mr. C and I flew back to Brissie. On his off days, he would cook for me. Yum! When I got back, I thought I had everything under control but there were still questions, uncertainties and for awhile, I really thought that they would never go away. And so, I prayed in my heart that God would answer them and give me a sign- He gave me two. And I made the final decision.

To top it off, I was homesick.

Besides that, I did an About Me challege for a few weeks and it was a good exercise. When I get a sign for something, something else crops up to test my faith, yet again.

November was a month filled with special occasions - birthdays and anniversaries. I had my own special moment besides my birthday but I won't disclose it just yet. =) I put my heart on my sleeves for an answer but till now, I haven't received it and I probably never will but it's alright. I've moved on. I really have and till now, I haven't regretted making that choice. I am happy with my life here with Mr. C though it would be even better if I had my friends here.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... I went to Jason Derulo's concert!!

So, I've started wedding planning somewhat and let me tell you, all I feel like doing is running and hiding from anything wedding related. Part of me says,"let's just elope and not have any fancy ceremony" and the other half fights for a wedding of pretty gowns and tons of headaches! Received several quotes and OMG I wished I had the budget for them. =( Oh well...

Anyways, that's my almost detailed recounting of 2010. Clicked on the coloured words for the links to the related post. =) All I can say is, 2010 wasn't perfect, wasn't awesome, wasn't exactly great. It started off bad but well, I would say the ending of they year is way better than my other years have been.

But come 2011, I am not sitting on my laurels, hoping for it to be a great year because this time, I am going to make sure it will BE a great and awesome year!

So, join me and make 2011 not just a good or great year for yourself but an AWESOME one! =)

Happy 2011 peeps !!!

Ke$ha's Tik Tok different version


I don't know to laugh or to applaud.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Beaten and robbed by Malaysian cops over expired road tax

Apparently the Malaysian Chinese businessman in the below clip was beaten up and ROBBED by our awesome upholding-justice-Malaysian-stupid-Malay-policemen.

He was initially puller over for an expired road tax. He then told the policeman he was sorry and asked the policeman to issue the summon. Unfortunately, as he took his IC out for the policeman, the greedy, corrupted policeman saw the stack of money in his wallet and started hinting for bribe.

Summary is that the guy refused to pay bribe and was beaten up and threatened to be framed by our policemen.

Read about it HERE and also at The Star.

Such absurdity continues on in Malaysia making one wonder if we will ever truly see justice? If our country will ever be free of corruption...



Look at the Mongolian model, Atlantuya case. Everyone knows the real culprit isn't behind bars. If you believe that the case is close with the two men in jail, boy, are you gullible. It's always the small farts that take the fall and sure, why not, especially if their families are going to be looked after forever by the real culprit.

Another is the Anwar debacle. All and sundry knows that Anwar was set up. Whether he really does practice sodomy is his own business. My friend, who studied law were required to study his case and stated that it was blatantly obvious he was set up. Well, even Saiful's accusation seems doubtful and yet...

I am not for Anwar as the next Prime Minister of Malaysia but I just want justice to be served. I want to be proud of Malaysia and not feel scorn for those who 'lead' and 'guard' us. I don't want people to have to be afraid that they might be the next victim as the above Chinese guy.

Why is it that a man like Raja Petra has to go into hiding? Did he murder anyone? Hit anyone? Steal anything? Robbed somebody? Bribed or received bribes? Take the people's money and built mansions? Nope. He did none of the above. All he did was tell us, the rakyat (Malay for people) the truth.

How many cases like the above youtube clip has gone unreported? How many have been abused? Made to disappear?

A plurk friend plurked that he was issued a saman (Malay word for summon/fine) for driving in the emergency lane when it was obvious that he wasn't. He refused to acknowledge or sign off on a summon that wasn't even valid in the first place!

I read bloggers' recount their experience of intimidation by policemen with the intention to extort bribe. I, myself was a victim.

It's ridiculous that instead of feeling safe when we see a policemen, we get worried and feel the opposite. We are apprehensive that we'll be another victim of corruption.

If you ever encounter a stupid policemen, make sure you get his name and remember his police ID no. (badge no.) and please, don't pay bribes.

If there is no demand, there will be no supply.

You speed, you pay. You run a red light, you pay. For being an idiot and making a mistake, own up, be a man and PAY THE *TOOT* SUMMON!

Don't be selfish. Do that for a better future for your children and their children.

ps: I told Mr. C that I am blogging and angsty post again on Malaysia's policemen etc... so, if I disappear, you'll know why. Then again, I am not that popular like Raja Petra or Timothy Tiah or XiaXue etc. =p

Kooky Pics #395 Boobies !!

Beach Club, Carindale Mall.

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Away in a manger

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
ISAIAH 9:6

To many, Christmas is celebrated even by those who aren't Christians. To some, it's about Christmas turkey, party with friends, giving and receiving gifts. If not, to the little ones, it's all about Santa and the reindeer and what they're going to get this Christmas.

From young, I knew that there weren't any Santas. Heck, I get the heebeegeebees seeing them in the malls with kids on their laps eagerly awaiting their pictures to be taken. Mr. C gets a kick of dragging me towards the mall Santas. I knew Rudolf was just make believe. I never get to pick my gifts every year 'cos I never received any (not that I can recall).

I was brought up knowing that Christmas was all about the birth of Jesus. Some of you may ask who is He? Who is this little babe that caused such a season to come about. If you don't believe in Jesus, you probably know Him through the swearing you hear in Hollywood movies and maybe, that's all you know about.

But Jesus is real to many. He has healed many, physically and mentally. But in these past years, with Christmas getting commercialised, many start to forget the meaning of Christmas. We get so caught up in the 'Christmas mood' that we forget why it's celebrated in the first place.

Well, it's not about Santa, his little helpers of reindeers. It's not about turkey and parties. It's not just about gifts.

It's about a precious gift from God- a little baby boy, His only son, borne into the world, for us.

So, Feliz Navidad and may God's blessings be upon you and your families this special season and as we usher in the new year. May 2011 be a better year for all of you! Well, here's hoping it'll be so for me. =)

PEACE OUT!
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Kooky Pics #392 Silent Night

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Friday, December 24, 2010

Ribbets Fine Food in Brisbane

My aunt has been raving about this place called Ribbets for like ages. It seems that they have an all you eat offer like a buffet, serving ribs, pastas and pizzas.

Yup. ALL you can eat. Definitely a good deal for big eaters. Hence, in July before I went back Malaysia for my holidays, Mr. C and I along with Ah Lih and Jay made our way there.

From the outside, it's not really impressive. Nothing fantastic to shout about. It's a pretty small shack, or so it looks.

Instead of the all you can eat buffet for AUD30, you can opt for their ala carte. Check out their menu and prices HERE.

Whoa. AUD99 just to eat their metre pizza? No thanks. I'd rather just have the all you can eat deal and eat as many different tasting pizzas as I like. =p


This is the inside part of the shack. If I am right, it probably only has about 10 tables, each serving 4-8 people depending on table size.

We were given complimentary fries as we browsed through the menu and placed our orders.


There were lamb ribs, pork ribs and beef ribs. We had a plate of each to try and loved all three. I think the lamb was the best where else Mr. C preferred the pork. Then again, he and Ah Lih are super crazy pork lovers. They want to have bak kut teh for Christmas eve dinner tonight!!! Urgh!! And if you know me, you'd know how I detest BKT!!



Simple and quirky deco

I looove the carbonara. It's not amazing but I was craving for some pasta.

Awesome idea. Freeze some water in plastic cups and it works as ice! Genius!

yummy Pizza! Dang! I forgot what's it called...


Overall, ambiance was just average, a 3/5. Service is also 3/5, the person who served us was friendly but we had to wait for a bit for our ribs to come out. Food taste wise, I would give it a 4/5. It's not like the best food ever but for the price you pay, bring an empty stomach ie skip lunch and you'll have a value for your money dinner!!

Mr. C's friend totally regretted not coming citing that AUD30 was pricey initially but after he saw my posted pictures on FB, he declared that he regretted not coming along and he'll definitely join us the next time we go! Haha.

Ribbets Fine Foods
3846 3333
167 Annerley Road Dutton park,
4102 Queensland,
Australia

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Kooky Pics #391 Noel

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

DIY : How to Make a Wedding Bridal Bouquet



Here's another DIY hand bouquet clip. Enjoy!

DIY : How To Make a Hand-Tied Rose Bouquet

Being in Brisbane with no job, hence, no spending money, I resort to DIY on youtube clips. One of the topic I 'youtubed' is on making one's own bouquet.

Check out the clips below. After that, is the result of my following the clips.







So, after watching the clips, I decided to try out and see if it's really that easy to follow and do and it is! You be the judge for yourself and let me know what you think.

Step #1 - Buy two different kinds of flowers to add some colour and variety. It cost me AUD10 for each bundle from Woolies as there weren't any specials that day. I was hoping to buy red roses but the ones left back were slightly damaged with withering looks and there really wasn't much choiced. Usually I can get AUD5 bundles that are pretty and looking healthy.

Step #2- Don't forget to purchase some ribbons. This will be used to wrap around the stems. Make sure that the colour goes with your flowers. I wasn't 100% sure which would look better so I bought both of two different width. AUD2 for each from Sacks.

Step #3- Separate the thorns and leaves from the stems' of the flowers. This is to ensure the holder of the bouquet don't get poked by the thorns. =p At first, i tried leaving some leaves in but it ended up looking messy, so I removed all.


Step #4- Arrange the flowers accordingly. It really depends on what kind of flowers you buy. I can't remember but refer back to the above clips, it does mention whether to put the bigger, bloomed flowers on the outer or the inner of the bouquet. My roses surrounds the red flowers. I put one rose in between every green stem where the flower hasn't bloomed. It takes awhile to arrange, and rearrange, maneuvering till the bouquet looks right.

If you watched the clips, they will ask you to tape the stems with a green tape as you arrange the flowers. But as I am a noob and wasn't sure the outcome of my flowers, plus my bouquet is rather small, I arrange the flowers to my satisfaction first, then only sealed them.

Step #5- Once the flower is arranged to your satisfaction, bind them with tape. Then, use a ribbon and wrap it around the flowers from top to bottom. There are several ways to do this. If you don't like your stems to be protruding, you can bind the ribbons all the way down or you can wrap a nice paper around the stems first, then only wrap the ribbons around it.

Step #6- I didn't have glue, so I tuck the end of the ribbon inside the bottom of the last ribbon line. I felt that it looked rather plain, hence, I added a bow to finish it off.

and voila... perhaps, I can do the flowers for my bridesmaids and groomsmen. But that will probably turned me into a crazy, tired out bridezilla. Let's review our budget again in 6 months time.

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