2012 Pics #41 Savouring nature

 

Nuffnang Product Talk : Squeeze & Stir Heinz Soup

I like this nice study box with goodies inside!

Yesterday, Mr. C and I decided to have a simple dinner from the usual heavy meals we had been consuming. Since I had received my Heinz Squeeze and Stir pack from NuffnangAU, I decided to give it a go. Hence, this is a  Product Talk by Nuffnang.

It has been awhile since I signed up for a Product Talk. I like how bloggers are given an opportunity to choose whatever products we may like or potentially like to review on our blog. We are not paid or given any incentives to blog about the product other than the product to be reviewed.

 

From the size of the box in the above picture, I was interested to see what could possibly be in it. Goodies inside the box consisted of two sachets of Heinz Squeeze & Stir instant soup, a spoon, a cup to put the soup in and a checked red white cloth (not too sure for what though... line the table to place my soup like a table mat?). 

Oh yeah... not forgetting, there was a USB inside with a Heinz Media Kit enclosed. 

I decided to try the left one.

 

I found the soup relatively average tasting. In fact, it felt like I was drinking Bolognaise sauce. But that's just me. 

I gave it to Mr. C and he loved it! He is more a tomato soup fan than I ever was. In fact, I only ever  have mushroom soup, now that I think about it.

It is nice however to drink a nice, hot soup on a cold night. I find the individual packaging convenient to carry about. The size is handy and you can put it in your bag and bring this thick and rich concentrated paste to work, camping or wherever you go. 

According to the media kit, Heinz Squeeze & Stir real soup is made from fresh ripe tomatoes. It is claimed to be low in fat with no artificial colouring, flavouring and preservatives. Sounds healthy! I will definitely try out my other sachet and perhaps improvised by putting some other ingredients inside such as bacon, onions etc.

Individual Heinz Squeeze & Stir 70g sachets can now be purchased at major supermarkets and independent retaiilers for AUD1.25 (cheaper if it is on special). I saw it in Coles the other day. 

So, what are you waiting for (especially soup lovers)? 

Banana Cake

 

After my Sydney visit, I've been itching to try my hand at baking this banana cake after obtaining the recipe from my sister's friend, Lorna. I've heard my sister rave about her friend's banana cake for awhile now and for my sister to go on and on about it, it's gotta be good. Not because my sister has exquisite food palate nor because she is a food critic but mainly due to her aversion to bananas. 

You see, for the longest time ever I've known my sister, she's never fancied the taste of bananas. When I was at her friend's house in Sydney, I was fortunate to have a taste of this delectable morsel. The cake was moist and heavenly. One piece alone was not enough. And trust me, it was good. Lol.

And I, too dislike banana. So, for both of us to like this cake, it really means it is that good.

So, on my off day, I made yummilicious banana cake. Mr. C enjoyed it more than my Sugi and butter cake. Success! Can't wait to bake this again...

 

 

Happy 12 years together!!

On Friday night, my sister and I enjoyed a movie marathon. We started off with an old musical 'Seven brides for seven brothers'. It was really funny hearing Mr. C as he breaks off singing "blessed your beautiful hide" every once in awhile for the whole night. 

Moving on from a happy musical, we watched 'Sabrina' starring Greg Kinnear and Harrison Ford. This movie is a classic. It isn't 'Sabrina the teenage witch' ya. Sad to say, they don't make movies like this anymore; simple and classy. Instead, movies these days are more about nudity and violence. More skin, kissing and touching scenes. The cruder, the better. More gore and sadism, the best.

It's no wonder people are jaded, cynical and hedonistic. It's no wonder relationships and marriage fall apart. It's no wonder people are superficial. Movies do influence us subtly that we don't even realise it. Oh well, topic for another post.

We ended the night with an old English classic, Sense and Sensibility. Loved the movie. It shows so much of the old English system where women were at such a disadvantage; you don't get to marry for love and if you are of a certain standing in society, it is a disgrace to work for a living despite not having the financial security. It is not the state of women then that I enjoy the movie but rather that it makes one appreciate the opportunities and freedom we have today.

Anyways, after the movie, it was past 12am on Saturday early morning, our 12th years anniversary. Gosh.. we have SO many anniversaries to celebrate.. hmmm, which one should we really be celebrating? After all, we have our 'get together' anniversary in June, our Registration of Marriage in November and our Wedding Reception in December.

Lols. Does it even matter? I'll celebrate ALL three! :)

However, Mr. C isn't exactly a romantic person. He doesn't exude the aura of knight in shining armour and doesn't do sweep-me-off-my-feet gestures in the past 12 years and I didn't see the point where he will start. Maybe Hollywood has ruined all romantic expectations, setting the bar higher than realistic. LOL.

So, when I went to our bedroom to sleep, I was pleasantly surprised by the below; roses and a card with meaningful words written in it. It's nothing grand but the gesture was sweet and unexpected. Husband points for him!!

I definitely didn't see this coming. I mean, yeah sure, some guys are 10 times more romantic than this and probably will have more tricks up their sleeve but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Most importantly, he made an effort. And that is all, I can ask for. ;)

My 'gift' to him, my heart, all litted up

 

All I have to say to you, Mr. C is thank you for accepting and loving me and all my imperfections and mainly, for having such a forgiving heart.

Beachcomber at St. Kilda beach

 

 

The first day of winter, officially and it was a beautiful day by St. Kilda Beach. The mocha I had at Beachcomber tasted beautiful. It was not too chocolatey and neither was the coffee too strong nor bitter. The perfect blend, I must say. Well, the first cup, that is. Second cup was a tad too sweet.

My sister enjoyed her Lattee and Sboy had two cups of Flat White! The coffee must be that good for us to have two helpings. I've never tried the food here but my sister has and she loves almost most of the food she has tried such as the Chicken Parma. So, if you're ever here for a swim at the beach or in the bath house, check out this place, Beachcomber.

After starting work, I feel like I have even less time for anything. I think I have too many interests. Then again, blame it on poor time management and procrastination. Lol. What's new right? Maybe, one day, I'd be able to post about how I rose above this two super HUGE flaws of mine. Till then... you'll have to put up with my moaning and whining about it. ;p

It was good to meet up with Sboy over a cuppa. And on my off day! It's been ages since I last saw him. He was on a long weekend break from Perth. Happening guy; meeting friends after friends over a meal or drinks. We basically talked about life; lost love, relationships, faith... parents.

Walking back to where my car was parked, I walked pass this roller coaster at Luna Park. Somehow, the first thought that entered my mine was 'life really is like a roller coaster; it has its up and it definitely have lots of downs but at the end of the day, it is learning to enjoy the ride especially during the bad times.'

Everyone finds it a breeze to enjoy the good times. However, it is usually the bad times where we tank and fail. We take to doubting God and we question Him on putting is in such a quandary. We question His faithlessness in us and especially for abandoning us.

 

Every experience we have and go through, makes us who we are today. We are always quick to judge and quick to cast blame on others. Sometimes, it is we, ourselves who put ourselves in such a spot.  Whatever it may be, our bad times and how we deal with it defines us and builds our character. 

When we go through hard times, naturally, we feel it is the end of the world. Our world. We feel that there is no turning back. The road we chose cannot be changed. We even wonder. 'why me?'.

However, when we decide to wake up.. to own up to our own mistakes and that we are fallible, when we choose to look at the big picture or try to see the big picture, when we decide to forgive and be forgiven, we will realise that hope is not lost. That all is not lost. 

And that, in life, it is never too late for changes. Hence, the phrase 'better late than never'. The mistakes we make are just that... mistakes. And if we choose to learn from them, to overcome them, we become a better person. A healthier person. A happier person.

If not, we leave ourselves binded in chains. And often is the case where the key to freedom, a happier life is right in our very palms. Perhaps it is stubbornness or pride, but there is always a way out from our circumstances. However, doing the right thing is never easy. And consequences have to be faced. But what doesn't kill you, just makes you stronger.

And that, was my story. 

Loving neighbours

 

I truly and absolutely love flowers and Aunt M spoils me much in that regard. Not that I am complaining. ;p The above beautiful pale purple roses greeted my sister and I when we arrived back from Sydney last weekend. And the above orchids in a unique arrangement arrived on Friday courtesy of The Neighbours. 

And the other day, when my sister was out with the Uncle and Aunt at St Kilda, he bought for me a chocolate baci below from Le Bon Continental Cake Shop, a shop earning 4 stars on Urbanspoon. The thoughtfulness is touching.

Tonight, we were all treated to dinner in Hilton on the Park in the CBD. I had Lamb Shank and Mr. C had a medium rare Scotch Fillet. The food wasn't that great considering Hilton's world wide reputation  but the company was what mattered. It is nice to feel spoilt every once in awhile and have my own personal Santa. Don't you wish you had one too? ;p

 

I want a Charlie!

It has been ages since I last saw Sal. I reckon since J & G's visit here which was in mid March. Gosh! It is really scary how time flies these days. One moment it's a new year, and the next, half the year is gone! And see what happens after two months of NOT seeing her, she went and bought herself a dog! A cutesie King Charles Cavalier named Charlie! 

He is too pretty to be a 'he' that I kept referring to it as a 'she'. LOL.

Mr . C and I have been longing to have a dog as we grew up with a dog each in our own childhood. However, it is not cheap and realistic in our current situation. #1 I don't think my landlord is big on pets on his property especially in the house and #2 I don't have a paying job just yet meaning financially not so feasible and #3 Did you know that buying a dog here can cost AUD600 and even more depending what species. What more to say about vaccination, puppy school and what not.

When your doggie gets sick and takes a ages to get well, you'll have to bring him to a vet and vets here charge a fair bit and guess what? Dogs DON'T have medicare. So, yup, no part payment! In fact, seeing a vet is probably more expensive than a visit to the doctor.

If you go on holidays, you either have to bring your cute little (big) one with you or  put it in the custody of someone trustworthy. And not forgetting, some apartments or units do not allow pets and so do some landlords.

Comparing the dogs here and those in Malaysia, dogs here are generally well behaved. I reckon it is an Aussie culture (or rather a Western Culture) to walk ones dog on a regularly basis. It seems that dogs go for walks everyday and some lucky ones get to go out two to three times a day!

And over here, people don't put their dogs in a cage. I reckon some find it inhuman. However, in Malaysia, most people do so. Over here, dogs are treated more like family than a mere pet. 

Charlie managed to pee twice in the house much to Mr. C's chagrin. Once on the tiles and another time, the carpet. Lol. Wonder if this shows Sal's parenting skills. Cheeky me for pointing that out eh. If it was my own puppy, I would have trained it by smacking it for doing so. Oh well, that's the thing when dog or child does not belong to one, you don't get to train it your way.  

Besides the pee parties, Charlie behaved immaculately well. He was adorable and have the softest fur and the doleful-less eyes that just says love me. As much as we want a dog in our lives, Mr . C and I have decided that we will have one only when we have our own home or when we have children.

Til then... Charlie will have my undivided attention whenever he comes to visit.

Another Wednesday

It's been ages since I last blog. Of late, I seem to have lost the mojo to blog. Perhaps too many not-so-personal posts. I reckon I blog and write better when I am emotional which is usually when life isn't going right. So, I guess it is good that I haven't had 'emo' posts in awhile. Then again, it doesn't mean that all is rosey in Estherville. Lols.

My lunch today from Tasty Trucks AUD5.90 - roast beef with tomatoes, onions, carrots and cucumber with cheese

Had a short walk around the compound which is what Aussies do when the opportunity presents itself

Sat in the beautifully simple pergola and enjoyed the breeze

As I've not been able to secure a full time job, I've volunteered to work part time at a non-profit organisation. Volunteer being the operative word for non-paying. ;p It's not related to my line of work that is accounting but I am alright with it, for now.

SuQ who oversees me is a really lovely lady and has been extremely kind with her praises. This job is an easy transition back to working life. Yeah sure, it is a non paying job but nevertheless, it is work. And over here in Australia, volunteer work is highly looked up upon. Doesn't hurt that it helps with filling up my resume.

I reckon that God really has a plan for me to be here. I can't tell you how I know but I just do. The story of how I came to be in this position is interesting and some people might put it to pure coincidence but I put it as God's hands at work.  So far, despite my struggle to wake up the mornings I have to work, it has been good. I hope I can really be a blessing to those around me as I have been blessed.

Homemade sausage rolls and puffs AND sticky date pudding!!

On a different note, it has come to my attention that packing lunch from home and short walks about one's office compound is part of the Aussie culture. Of course, if one works in the shopping centre or certain offices that is confined, then people don't go for walks. Mr. C and his colleagues do walk occasionally and as far as I know, Sal does, too.

As for lunch pack, half of my current colleagues pack lunch from home and so does Mr. C's colleagues. This really is a way to save money.

Toodles for now.

May has arrived

#1 Ruthie getting a haircut

#2 Home cooked black sauced roast chicken with fried cabbage and baked beans with eggs

#3 Us cooking beef rendang that was delicious!

#4 Ruthie's silent retreat at Campions in Kew

#5 Beautiful lavender with buzzing bees

#6 Mr. C cooked up his own concoction of roast chicken with capsicums and tomatoes

BERSIH 3.0 MELBOURNE

 

Saturday saw me at Federation Square in Melbourne CBD with my sister for the Bersih 3.0 Melbourne. It was a last minute decision to join the rally and definitely no regrets for being there.

Last year, I was upset for missing Bersih 2.0 but this year, I am really glad to have made the effort to be a part of a global movement.

Upon reaching there, I didn't know what to expect. And perhaps, no or less expectations guarantees a good experience. We reached Federation Square by 2pm and there was a crowd. As the hour progressed, the crowd grew mainly made up of Malaysians and a few other bystanders that were probably wondering what the big gathering was all about.

After all, we were congregated right next to the tourist information centre! Hopefully, we weren't obstructing traffic which was good that one of the speakers did mention for those seated and standing around those areas not to block other people's path.

On my left, I heard a few young people wearing the Bersih 3.0 yellow shirt explaining to those that asked what the crowd was all about.

Duduk Bantah 

Compared to the circus went wrong that happened back home in Malaysia, the Melbourne rally was pretty peaceful and eventful. Despite there being no drama, it was a good and heartfelt rally. I felt a sense of patriotism for my home country, Malaysia. It was there at Federation Square on 28th April 2012 that us, Malaysians unite in a foreign country for our own country, for a better future, for a clean and fair election.

 

  

It was said that Melbourne was the biggest overseas BERSIH rally held outside of Malaysia. About 1250 of us were there despite the forecast of rain. To sidetrack, Melbourne is known for it's erratic-four-seasons-in-a-day weather and one has to always check the weather forecast before heading out of home. For a few moments, the sky was pretty doom and gloom bearing bad news. Interestingly enough, Mr. Sun came out and conquered the skies shining ever brightly for us.

Just because we left Malaysia, it did not mean we no longer cared. Just look at the amount of people in the above pictures. And it is not necessarily true that everyone who leaves Malaysia for another country, leaves by choice. Some leave because of parents' wishes or their very own, deeming an overseas education or work and life exposure as beneficial. A smarter decision for a better future. Some just want their kids to have a better life, better opportunities what with the ruckus going on right now in our  beloved Malaysia.

Some people like me, we left to be with our partners. Long distance does crazy things to each individual and as much as we wish it brings out the best in us, often times, sadly, it brings out a side in us we never knew we had.

That being said, whatever the reason may be, we left. But like I said before, just because we left, it doesn't mean we cease to care. Curiously enough, I read up on Malaysia news more than I do of Australia. In fact, leaving Malaysia has made me missed it terribly, the good and the bad. Leaving Malaysia and everything familiar behind helped me appreciate Malaysia even more and even learning Malay! 

 

 

 

And for those who really don't give two hoots anymore about Malaysia, then you should START caring. Even if you and your immediate families are now somewhere 'better' than Malaysia, don't forget, other loved ones are left behind. 

That is what BERSIH 3.0 is all about... asking for a CLEAN and FAIR election in order for us, the citizens of Malaysia to be able to vote with certainty that the next ruling government will be chosen BY the people and FOR the people. 

Is that so much to ask? Is it such a difficult request that our PM, Najib scoffs and says the silly things he says and expects the world to believe? Come on lar.. the people ain't dumb. And it's high time he and the rest of the clowns 'running' the show stop treating us as idiots. Wonder when that day will come though.

I want my right to vote too even if I am living in Malaysia!!

There were a few speakers that day and one of them was Ambiga's own son, Goku! He spoke fairly well and also the guy in dark rimmed specs, think his name is David, engaged and related with the crowd. 

There were 8 demands to be looked into in last year's BERSIH 2.0 rally:

1) Clean the electoral roll

2) Reform postal ballot

3) Use of indelible ink

4) Minimum 21 days campaigning period

5) Free and fair access to media

6) Strengthen public institutions

7) Stop corruption

8) Stop dirty politics

Sad to say, up-to-date, only one demand has been granted: use of indelible ink. And as can be read in cyberspace, a lot of speculations about the BERSIH 3.0 Kuala Lumpur debacle is afloat. What really happened that the peaceful rally spiraled out of control? Fingers are pointing. Claims have been made.

At the end of the day, irregardless ruling party or opposition, the person who is guilty of throwing things, jumping on police cars, starting the riot, all should be held accountable for their actions. Then again, this is reality. So, chances are, these goons will go scot free.

The highlight of this rally for me was when we sang Negaraku, Malaysia's national anthem to conclude the rally. I haven't sang it since graduating high school but the words just came naturally to me. 

Before that, about 3pm after one of the speakers spoke and there were pauses in between, giving me the thoughts that the rally was coming to an end. I don't know why but I shouted across the top of the sitting crowd to my sister's embarrassment "SING NEGARAKU!!". 

Only those around me heard it and turned around to see who was the crazy chick shouting. Lols. Ok. I admit, after doing that impulsively, my cheeks were slightly hot with maluness (embarassment). But oh well, I survived. :)

 

  

I wear yellow because Electoral Commission (EC) is a dirty fellow!!

I'll upload several clips here in another post of that day. I gather other blogs or people can outline the day better and with more details but I am just here to say what the day meant to me and how being here is important to me and it should be for ALL the other Malaysians who weren't here. 

There are SO many  more Malaysians in Melbourne that didn't attend the rally but I guess, shopping, watching movies and what not are better time spent on... sadly. I don't blame them. Sometimes, the feeling that nothing will change is consensus but if we keep thinking that way then, nothing will change.

So, here's to wishing that there will be a change for the better, that there won't be a need for BERSIH 4.0 and even if there is, that at least, half the demands will be met! 

And even if it isn't, then, fellow Malaysians, wherever you are, I implore you to PLEASE, PLEASE know and exercise your right at the next election. Those who have not registered to vote, please do so. Even if you can't vote this round, register so that you can vote at the next election. Every vote counts! 

Tell your family, your friends and their children and grandchildren who are eligible to do so and also educate the younger ones on why it is important to stand up for one's country and what we should do.

Change can only happen when we are united. And change always begin with us, ourselves.