November Life Lessons

1. Not everyone aspires to be nice or likes being nice.

2. Haters will always hate, no matter what.

3. And some people can never be contented nor pleased. They will always have to find something to complain or whinge about.

4. Don't give up, don't lose hope, change takes time.

5. I can't change people, only God can.

6. Every 'not-so-nice' person has something good about them. Maybe you just have to dig deep, deep, deep down. But it's there. Somewhere.

7. Sad truth : people are more selfish and inward thinking these days.

8. Or maybe it is just the people around me. Best not to engage nor input such toxin.

8. Don't react, keep cool and stay calm.

9. Inhale and exhale. Count to 10.

10. Plaster a smile on your face and all will be ok because God's on my side.

Emotional Yo-Yo

Something is just not right with me lately. And no, I am not preggers.

Last week, for no particular reason, I felt so low, so down for a couple of days. And on Friday, on my way to work, I realised the gloom lifted and I don't feel the heavy sadness on my chest anymore.

I've been feeling frustrated, sensitive, upset, really sad, naggy (and I hate being naggy and obviously being negative) and the list goes on. Oh ya, and today towards the end of Body Attack, I felt mad and I felt like punching someone. Anyone. Even poor Brandon, the instructor for choreographing a routine that hurts my arch and makes my heart beat so fast it threatens to burst out of my chest.

Maybe my emotional yo-yo-ness is because of the several incidences that have occurred simultaneously around that special time of my month in the past month. Maybe it's because of lack of exercise as I've been skipping gym off and on for the past 6 months. Or maybe, just maybe it's all the chocolates that I unhealthily input because I succumb to my cravings.

All I know is I am not on any medication, never been on contraceptive pills whatsoever and am pretty much sure I am not with child.

So, why all this emotional roller coaster?

The frustrated me

It is frustrating:

#1 - When things have legs and move themselves from where I placed them

#2 - I can't do certain things in the order I had planned to do so

#3 - When I feel pressured to make decisions because of #2

#4 - I want to do things at my pace, my way

#5 - That I feel frustrated especially knowing it was all done with good intentions

#6 - When my head and my heart won't sync

#7 - Because it affects my other relationships

#8 - When people do not choose to communicate

#9 - That people can be selfish and SO inward thinking

#10 - When I miss my family and friends but am so far from them

On my mind

1. Public or Private

2. Blue or Green

3. Fridge, washing machine, dryer, lawn mower, couch, Eames dining table and chairs ?????

4. Ikea or Malaysia?

5. Obtain quotes to rid the jungle that has a life of its own

6. To organise cleaners

7. Update location of humble abode

8. Hmmmm.. what do I want to do for my birthday

8. What else do I have to pack?

9. I SO want a dog but I just want to play and not do anything else. Golden retrievers are SO adorable despite their fur that flies everywhere.

10. Will bathing and washing my hair during confinement period really affect me in my old age?

11. How to make more money?

12. What if everything doesn't turn out the way I imagine it in my head???

13. Breath, Esther, breathe.

14. Can't wait for everything to be finalised by early December 2014.

15. Looking forward to February 2015 but not looking forward to the work leading up to leaving.

16. 2015 is going to be a year of weddings. What if I get preggers???

17. How to convince a certain someone to let me go for a certain someone's wedding?

18. How to keep flying back for all the weddings happening in 2015 and bound to happen in 2016???

19. Why am I so tubby?? Why isn't there a quick fix?? Lol

20. What else is on my mind??

Selective hearing

It's amazing how we only hear what we want to hear. I mentioned to H the other day that Dami Im had a new song titled ' Silhoutte' and was surprised that she hasn't heard it as it has been playing on her radio in office every day.

One day, on the way home from work, the song was playing on the radio and I mentioned to Mr. C about my conversation with H. Mr. C politely corrected me that the song is called 'Gladiator'.

True enough, I mentioned it H the next day at work and that song, she's heard before. I thought the song was titled 'Silhoutte' because I vaguely recollect the word being sung a couple of times maybe during the chorus.

The funny part, I googled the lyrics and in the whole song, 'Silhoutte' is only sung twice.

#malubetul #iamsuchadoofus

Office prank

{backdated}

My fellow colleague, J from Engineering Department was away on holidays for two weeks. In the past few months, this Malaysian uncle in his 50's have been getting very cheeky with me. He says that I am the office punching bag which is a good thing because it means people like me. 

Say what??!

Hahahahahahaha.... I never knew being a punching bag is a compliment. 

With him being away, I had this awesome brainy idea to prank him - actually his desk. Sort of a way to show how much he is missed in office.

You see, I've received this office email prank in the past where the monitor, keyboard, pen, pencils, mouse were all foil wrapped! There were other crazier ideas such as toilet papering the whole work station and so on. 

I googled some pictures for you to have an idea what was racing in my mind. And the last picture you see would be what I did in the end which is probably a good thing because I wasn't too sure how sporting my colleague would be.

What others did...

What I did...

I was supposed to come in to office earlier but I overslept. How typical of me. And so, plan B was put in motion mid morning when Uncle J goes for his morning tea time with the other senior colleagues.

You would think the other guys (4 Malaysians and 2 Chinese from Estimating and Engineering Department) in my office would be siao (crazy) and join in the fun right? But nope. Straight as sticks, party poopers, that's what they are.

Chinese colleague even commented what a waste making me feel bad that I stopped after foil wrapping four items - spectacles, mouse, calculator and a pen. Gee... I had my mind set on wrapping the monitor and keyboard, too.

Anyways, it was all in the name of fun and J had a good laugh. And I was under the impression that anything worst then that might not have been so well received.

Lol.

10 things to do in 2014

Too many interests leads me to having a thousand and one things I wish to pursue. At this point of time, some of the things listed below has been on the to do list like forever. Perhaps when I reach the end of 2014, I can proudly say I crossed off at least half the list, if not all!

So, here goes...

1) A day barista course - to know how to make ang moh coffee the right way. I have this silly dream in my head to purchase a proper coffee machine for my own home in the future and make awesome coffee for myself, family and visiting friends! Who knows? It might come in handy when I need a second job or when friends finally open their dream cafes.

2) Piano lessons - I have had piano lessons and passed my Grade 8 in theory and practical training under the Trinicty College program. However, my sight reading is atrocious (I only sight read C major well. Only those who know music knows how pathetic that is, especially for a Grade 8 #lol) and I cannot really play by ear. Maybe if I spent hours on the piano just listening to one song and keep playing to get all the notes right, I just might be able to. However, time is limited and I need all the help I can get.

3) Vocal training - I am not tone death but neither do I have a powerful singing voice people would brag about or praise. This is my issue, I seem to be a jack of all trades and master of none person. Sang my vows but was a bit embarrassed by my lackluster performance looking back at my wedding clip - was super pitchy and shaky. I was extremely nervous (more so than saying "I do") especially as I am not a stage nor public performer. It isn't exactly a no.1 priority but I would love to have a stronger voice. I thought of surprising a friend by singing a song at her wedding but put off the idea as I doubt my lack of talent was worthy to grace her momentous occasion. 

4) Tandem Sky Diving - Sometimes, I think I have a bit more testosterone than I should as a woman. Lol. Am a adrenalin junkie as opposed to the hubby. And I really have to do this before I get pregnant, hubby's decree. Once I have a baby, he will not allow me to fly in the sky.

5) Join a cell group - This is my fourth year in Melbourne and I still haven't join a cell group! Malu betul. To be fair, I've never been a part of a cell group growing up. But I thought this would be a good step to get to know more people (normal church service is just too huge to get to know anyone!) and mainly to improve my knowledge about my faith and to grow in my walk with God which tends to dwindle off the path needing redirection.

6) Feel and taste snow (including making snow angels) - This has been on my bucket list like forever! Heard about the awesome, fluffy snow in Queenstown, New Zealand and initially planned a trip for September but had to bow out due to commitments. However, I really hope to at least make it to one of Melbourne's many snowy mountains this year.

7) Cook and master Char Koay Teow and creme brulee - Ok. It doesn't necessarily have to be those two dishes but I reckon I should learn at least one new dish a month! Or to be realistic, two a year. Lol.

8) Lose weight to 60kg (at least. this is me being realistic) - People who know me are probably sick of this so-called resolution of mine. Yes, I have been uttering this for years. And no, I still haven't lost to my desired weight. I did, however lose 3kgs from last year. And you know what? I am not going to give up and I am going to keep trying till I reach at least 60kg somehow. Losing more would be a bonus! This is how I see it, if I don't lose the weight now, when I do get pregnant (and we know all ladies put on ample weight), I'll forever be a fatty. :(

9) Learn to use Photoshop or Light room and also improve on Photography skills - Photography is also one of my many passions. But just like all my other passions, I tire of it especially when my growth is stagnant and when technical knowledge is involved. Need to work on this.

10) Find a home to call and make my own - Who doesn't dream a home of their own? One that you can have pets and hang stuff on the walls. To decorate and make it all cosy, just the way you like it. A place to look forward to after a hard day's work. A refuge. A happy place.

Home karaoke

It's been awhile since I sang at karaoke. Firstly, I don't have karaoke kaki here and secondly, it's not as cheap as it is back home. 

So, I sing... at home! I sing to YouTube ktv version. Improves my mandarine somewhat. Lol.

With my Jay... oh, Jay. *swoons*

 

 

Gloomy Monday

Pic taken from Google

It's interesting how the weather can affect one's mental state of mind. Last week, I was feeling gloomy except Wednesday and Thursday when the sun was out shining brightly.

Then again, I would credit God for taking my gloom away.

I was tired of feeling blue (when do I not?) and did say a quick prayer in the morning on the way to work. I asked God to take away all my blue Eeyore feelings and just fill me with happiness and positivity and I did feel lighter and happier.

But Mondays... well, it's hard to be all chirpy on a Monday. Especially when the gloomy grey skies greet you in the morning. And especially when I slept late last night. Read a book and was so engrossed that I lost track of time. Thinking it was only 12am when it was half past 12! Bah!

Anyhow, here's to a great week ahead for all of us!

My week in words

I thought with the hubby missing in action, I could go gallivanting after work or weekend. But nope... after Moomba Festival on Saturday in the city with YC, I was a goner for the rest of the week.

Fri night
Picked up a friend from Glen Waverley train station. Had dinner at Papa Rich. Had long chats. Went home after a couple of hours. Had more looooong girly chats. Slept late.

Sat 
Woke up. Throat was ticklish. Took the train to the city. Had brunch at 1000 Pound Bend 'cos the queue at Harward Societe was just insane. Parted ways with my friend. Traipsed about Melbourne Central. Throat started to hurt. Had bubble tea. Fixed my wonky Sammie 2.

Met up YC and later on his friend. Walked to Federation Square and along the river. Moomba Festival was alright but would have been more entertaining if one played the games and be part of the event. Bask in the sun. Drank frozen coke. Thirst still not quench. Heat was insane. Head started to hurt. Throat was killing me.

Had dinner at Sambal Kampung and my Brissie friend joined us. YC dropped us off at Glen Waverley where my car was parked. Drove home. Bathed. Said 'nite' to my friend and died in my bed.

The head kept me up. Did not have a deep, healing sleep. Throat was dry and hot despite gulping gallons of water.

I was already infected. Smart.

Sun
Throat was on fire. Head was on fire. But I had to take my Brissie friend for lunch and drop her off at the train station so she could catch a ride to the airport to catch her plane back to the sunny state. I went home and slept.

All I had was neurofen. Helped a bit but that was it.
Washed clothes. Made porridge. Burnt the bottom and ate the top.

Bathed. Then, I slept and slept.

Mon
Throat was in pain. Head was pounding. Back was aching. Miserable. Alone to fend for myself. Slept some more. Slept and slept and slept. Or at least I tried to. In the heat. Showered and back to bed.

Tues
Went to work. Was asked to go home. Not sure out of concern for my health or other fellow worker's future health. Lols. Prolly both. My cough was insanely phlegmy. All stuck in my throat stubbornly refusing to dislodge.

Drove home. On the way, stopped by the pharmacy and got some cold & flu meds along with cough syrup. Had the expected dosage and slept. Felt so much better. Weather was cooler despite previous weather forecast.

Slept and slept like a Snow White & Cinderella. Only, my dry throat, incessant drinking of water and the need to go to the loo woke me up. Not my Prince Charming, unfortunately. Then again, wouldn't want to spread my germs to him.

Wed
Woke up. Had my meds. Went back to bed.
Noon time. Woke up. Had biscuit and tea. Then, my meds. Shower and back to bed.
Watched My Kitchen Rules. Had my meds then sleep and sleep.

Thurs

Woke up. Had my meds. Went back to bed.

Noon time. Woke up. Had biscuit and tea. Then, my meds. Shower and back to bed.

Watched My Kitchen Rules. Had my meds then slept and slept.

Pretty tedious right?

Fri

Woke up. Showered. Had some food, meds.

Did some work and emailed it off to my Director. Surf the net a bit.

And now, here I am, wondering what to do? What to eat? Where to go.

Brain says I shouldn't go out and infect other people. Overdue library books says otherwise. Sick of water, honey and bland food. Not that I can taste much with all this mucus clogging up my senses. Hmmm... and no one to call to hang out. Sad eh.

Guess library it is then home.

Trendy me

I bought a studded bag from DFO Southwharf a few weeks ago before it became a trend... or at least, before I knew it was the trend. Pretty awesome trendy me. Lols.

Hiatus in my happy place

These days, time passes by pretty quickly.

Hours to days to weeks and before you know it, a month has gone by. And the next thing you know, it's mid December! A blink and we'll be saying goodbye to 2012 and hello 2013.

Unless you're one of the believers that the end of the world is here.

I know I've said I'll be more diligent in my blog posts but it seems that I've been re-missed.

I guess,  you can say it is sort of a good thing. It means that I am keeping myself SUPER occupied! Or rather, I have just gotten plain lazy. ;p

So much has happened in this second half of the year.

I finally gained a full time job and have been working happily for slightly more than a month.

Besides that, I moved house.

And 10 days ago, I hosted my first ever Christmas Party with Mr. C.

In between, we've been traipsing about to plays, soirée and eateries.

All I can report to you, dear readers, that right now, I am in my happy place.

Lol. That and also my uploading picture quota via Picasa has reached its limits. So, whilst I rectify the problem. It'll just be pictureless entries.

Bummer though 'cos I've come to rely on pictures to do all my talking for me.

So much to write about; food places, activities and what not. Stay tuned for backdated posts on places I've been and what I've been up to.

I really will try my best to be more consistent with my updates.

Hives attack

10.28pm

I hate it when I feel itchy and what more to say itchy AND pained! It means my hives are back! Am currently waiting for the Zyrtec my hubby made me consumed to kick into effect and sooth my itch away.

Firstly, what are hives aka urticaria? It's a type of allergic reaction that looks blotchy and red and raised areas of skin as if bitten by gazillion mozzies! Then again, how hives look varies. Apparently, it can move around; appearing and disappearing at different parts of our bodies. Dang! Playing hide and seek game ain't fun!

In 2010 when I was living in Brisbane, the hives first made their appearance. I probably blogged about it before, so check out archives around May or June 2010 to read about it.

I don't like eating medicine, if I can help it. After 'tahan'ing my itch and pain for a few weeks, I gave in to Zyrtec and lived on it (an anti-histamine) for the next half of 2010. I'll eat it every morning before any itchiness appears 'cos better to have it before the hives appear.

That and I just got plain sick and tired of being itchy and pained every single day.

Once I moved to Melbourne, it miraculously stopped. I reckoned it was some pollen where I lived that was causing the hives. And now, it's made a come back. Drat that!

I still think it's pollens. 'Cos this all started about 2 weeks back when we went jogging. Since then, I've had hives attack about 3 times now. This is just SO annoying. I had to take sick leave last week  due to swelling of my eyes.

Anyways, Mr. C is making an appointment for me with a doctor (I'll call him Dr. Saviour if he can provide a definite answer to the cause of my allergies) who specialises in allergies. He gets really worked up when I break out in hives and today's hives were really naughty having a gala time on my tummy, lower back, thighs and back of calves.

Thanks to K, my colleague for providing a list of allergy doctors to check out.

Let's hope Dr. Saviour will truly save me from more hive appearances!

10.41pm

Hey... guess what?? Zyrtec pulled through. No longer in pain and the swelling has subsided. Phew....

My Childhood

Be strong and forge on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is me

 

 

Spring is here!

Malaysia's climate is mainly hot, humid and the occasional rain. And the past 27 years of my life was just acclimated to those weather. I wear jeans all year round. I wear shorts and short skirts all year round.

Despite it's erratic four seasons in a day weather, Mr. C and I love the cold in Melbourne. We prefer cold over heat, anytime. Autumn's just nice; not too cold and wet like winter and sunny but not too warm and hot like summer. 

Migrating to Australia and living in Australia with it's four seasons have been fascinating. It's something I've only watched in the movies for most part of my life. There's spring time where flowers come to life and shine in all their glory.

And you have summer time, where the girls bask under the hot sun in bikinis for a healthy or not-so-healthy tan giving guys an eyeful and equally not to be outdone, guys in shorts showing off their abs playing beach games or whatnot.

Then there's autumn and winter where the leggings, boots, jackets, scarves and shawls make their annual appearance. Not forgetting burets and beanies to keep ones head and ears warm. 

On our way out yesterday, I quickly pulled on my beanie 'cos I thought I looked cute wearing it. Guess what Mr. C had to say? 

"Why are you wearing a condom cover?" 

My first reaction was to find hilarity in that comment and then -_-" 'cos what on earth is a condom cover and how does one actually look like? Lols. That's Mr. C humour for you.

Me in beanie


Beautiful flowers at the neighbours

Us, at our backyard

Stalking the little furry fellas

Attempts at nice self portraits

As I lay on my picnic mat and stare up into the clear, blue skies

 

Self doubt and anxiousness

I hate this gan cheong feeling coupled with self doubt. It gnaws away the little self esteem I have. Ridiculous much? I know and yet, the feelings are there. At the end of the day, you can't really reveal much about yourself or the freaking whole truth when people aren't exactly there for it. 

Especially interviews. They ask you questions to profile who and what you are. But do they really want the real you? Besides, people who talks better (not necessarily work better) tends to land the job.

From the advises people throw my way, they'll say " 'beautify' your resume", lie.. but that's just not me. I guess, I am too honest for my own good and a tad too straight. Straight in a non street smart way.

Just a random ramblings. The wind is strong outside and I just wished it'll carry me away from what may be in store today later on or well, my future. 

Aahh.. I know pessimism gets you no where but it follows me like a hawk, shadowing me.

Time to start making better choices eh.

 

10 random facts about me

1. Sometimes, I really hate myself.

2. I will never be too old to enjoy cake batter.

3. I wished I could fly; metaphorically and literally.

4. I love blue. Whee....

5. Every episode of 2 Broke Girls never fail to etch a smile on my face.

6. I wished I was taller. Thinner. Or maybe chestier.

7. I can't seem to remember nuts. Hence, understanding nuts.

8. I am my own worst enemy and critic.

9. I never know which to pour my heart, soul and mind into whilst clamouring to do all at once but mastering none.

10. I know it sounds insane but IF I could, I would re-do the whole wedding ceremony and reception again and get it right this time!

2012 Pics #15 Constant companion

Yellow elephant...