Sunday, December 30, 2007
「1リットルの涙」
今日、一日中、日本ドラマの「1リットルの涙」を見た。感動しすぎて、１エピソードの間にティッシュペーパーを平均3枚も使った。私、涙をどのぐらい流したかな？このドラマは泣きたいけど泣き出せないときに見るといいかもね。＾＾
Friday, December 28, 2007
Christmas road trips
These past few days have been fun but exhausting, and I'm glad to be spending this weekend at home.^^
On Christmas Eve I spent the day working hard in the office (^^), then pigged out on all the yummy food and played Wii at a high school friend's party. Although I made a fool of myself on the Wii, it was a good time and the party brought back some good old memories. Both she and I had been overseas, so it's been many years since we last met up here in Oz.
Christmas Day was overcast and unusually cool this year. I picked Mum up from the airport early in the morning. The rest of the family was supposed to join us for brekkie, but just as we were arriving at the place they called to say that they were still at home. Grrr.... So it was just Mum and me. We ended up getting take-away and head for home. We had a bbq party with the extended family at my relos place down the road later that afternoon. Guitar Hero kept the guys entertained for hours before and after the feast. I'm hopeless when it comes to video games so I just watched.^^
The warm, sunny weather was back on Boxing Day when I went on a road trip down the South coast with a bunch of friends. Our first stop was supposed to be Minnamurra Rainforest, but we got a bit lost so decided to head for Kiama, a popular tourist destination about 120km south of Sydney, first. We parked the car and walked along the beach towards the "blowhole" before grabbing some gourmet sandwiches for lunch.
We also picked up some tourist maps at Kiama and made our way to Minnamurra Rainforest where we did the Minnamurra Falls walk. The estimated time was 2-2.5 hours but we made it in 1.5 hours! Though there was a rather steep uphill section, it was a pleasant walk. The clean, crisp air was refreshing. There were some beautiful, humongous trees which would likely be marked as sacred if it were in Japan. The waterfall seen from the top of the hill was also a spectacular sight. I wonder how this compares to the more well-known Daintree Rainforest up in Queensland? I will make my way up there one day.
After the bushwalk, we hit the road again and set off for Shellharbour beach. I didn't think this was a particularly special beach, but it was a nice place to sit, relax and enjoy the ocean view after a long day.
On the way home, we stopped by Brighton le Sands (another beach) for a quick dinner. There were lots of Greek and Italian restaurants but we couldn't decide on where to eat so we just settled on the foodcourt where everyone could order the cuisine they liked. I had a laksa which was surprisingly good.
Click here for Kiama photos.
The following day (27th) was a work day, but I took the day off and went sightseeing with my Taiwanese friend and her colleague instead.^^ We drove out to the Blue Mountains and started off the day with the Katoomba Falls - Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters. Though the recent wet weather made the ground very muddy, it was a nice easy walk with spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and valley. We were lucky the rain held off until we had finished the walk, otherwise we would have been totally drenched as we had left all our wet weather gear in the car.
After a pleasant lunch at the nearby Solitary Kiosk on Mt. Solitary, we set off for Jenolan Caves. The last time I went was on a Year 11 or 12 overnight science excursion, which was a lot of fun. We toured the same cave as we did on the excursion - Lucas, the largest in the Jenolan cave system.
On the way back to Sydney, we drove through a wild thunderstorm. The raindrops suddenly got bigger and heavier. Cars on the road slowed from 80km/h to 10km/h. I could barely see anything besides the lights of the car in front of me. I had not driven in such conditions before and it was quite frightening. Luckily the storm only lasted a few minutes and we all got home safely.^^
Blue Mountains photos here.
On Christmas Eve I spent the day working hard in the office (^^), then pigged out on all the yummy food and played Wii at a high school friend's party. Although I made a fool of myself on the Wii, it was a good time and the party brought back some good old memories. Both she and I had been overseas, so it's been many years since we last met up here in Oz.
Christmas Day was overcast and unusually cool this year. I picked Mum up from the airport early in the morning. The rest of the family was supposed to join us for brekkie, but just as we were arriving at the place they called to say that they were still at home. Grrr.... So it was just Mum and me. We ended up getting take-away and head for home. We had a bbq party with the extended family at my relos place down the road later that afternoon. Guitar Hero kept the guys entertained for hours before and after the feast. I'm hopeless when it comes to video games so I just watched.^^
The warm, sunny weather was back on Boxing Day when I went on a road trip down the South coast with a bunch of friends. Our first stop was supposed to be Minnamurra Rainforest, but we got a bit lost so decided to head for Kiama, a popular tourist destination about 120km south of Sydney, first. We parked the car and walked along the beach towards the "blowhole" before grabbing some gourmet sandwiches for lunch.
We also picked up some tourist maps at Kiama and made our way to Minnamurra Rainforest where we did the Minnamurra Falls walk. The estimated time was 2-2.5 hours but we made it in 1.5 hours! Though there was a rather steep uphill section, it was a pleasant walk. The clean, crisp air was refreshing. There were some beautiful, humongous trees which would likely be marked as sacred if it were in Japan. The waterfall seen from the top of the hill was also a spectacular sight. I wonder how this compares to the more well-known Daintree Rainforest up in Queensland? I will make my way up there one day.
After the bushwalk, we hit the road again and set off for Shellharbour beach. I didn't think this was a particularly special beach, but it was a nice place to sit, relax and enjoy the ocean view after a long day.
On the way home, we stopped by Brighton le Sands (another beach) for a quick dinner. There were lots of Greek and Italian restaurants but we couldn't decide on where to eat so we just settled on the foodcourt where everyone could order the cuisine they liked. I had a laksa which was surprisingly good.
Click here for Kiama photos.
The following day (27th) was a work day, but I took the day off and went sightseeing with my Taiwanese friend and her colleague instead.^^ We drove out to the Blue Mountains and started off the day with the Katoomba Falls - Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters. Though the recent wet weather made the ground very muddy, it was a nice easy walk with spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and valley. We were lucky the rain held off until we had finished the walk, otherwise we would have been totally drenched as we had left all our wet weather gear in the car.
After a pleasant lunch at the nearby Solitary Kiosk on Mt. Solitary, we set off for Jenolan Caves. The last time I went was on a Year 11 or 12 overnight science excursion, which was a lot of fun. We toured the same cave as we did on the excursion - Lucas, the largest in the Jenolan cave system.
On the way back to Sydney, we drove through a wild thunderstorm. The raindrops suddenly got bigger and heavier. Cars on the road slowed from 80km/h to 10km/h. I could barely see anything besides the lights of the car in front of me. I had not driven in such conditions before and it was quite frightening. Luckily the storm only lasted a few minutes and we all got home safely.^^
Blue Mountains photos here.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Party season (^O^)/
Ever since I went to the Chinese doctor/herbalist/acupunture therapist about my ankle, who gave it a painful massage, jabbed my un-injured ankle with acupuncture needles in 2 spots and gave it a smelly herbal treatment, it has been feeling a lot stronger. Or would it be the same with no treatment? I think going back to my weekly Pilates lunchtime class 2 weeks ago, has also helped the healing process. I think I will try to work it a bit more this week...might try the exercise bike and treadmill. I've been feeling so lazy and unfit these couple of weeks! *sigh*
I have been doing plenty of partying though.^^
It's been 4 years since I spent Christmas here in Sydney and it's busier than I remember it ever being.
The JETAA Christmas Party was 2 weekends ago. (Sorry, no photos...) They booked out one section of a hotel bar in Glebe which was quite nice. I spent most of the evening chatting with people I already knew, but I also met 2 nice Japanese girls on working holiday visas whose English was amazing. Too bad I didn't meet them earlier...they're leaving in February. (T~T)
Last weekend, I went to my cousin & cousin-in-law's joint b'day/xmas/graduation/new house party. It was also at a hotel bar, but in Newtown. The private space they booked was an open deck area with a small room attached, and access to a separate bar area. It was just the right size for the number of people who went. The finger food they served was great; there was a cheese platter, a fruit platter, sushi, sausage rolls, spinach and fetta pastries...almost buffet style! A big thumbs up, and congrats!^^
My work end-of-year party was last Monday night. Yes, Monday night. Probably coz it's cheaper and they organised it so late. It was my first work-related end-of-year party with an western company. Very different to the Japanese enkai.^^ I liked the venue, which had a great view of Sydney Harbour. We were lucky it didn't rain; it's been so wet and gloomy these 2 weeks. I wish my mood wasn't so dependent on the weather...(^^;) Anyway, there was quite a big turnout and most people seemed to be having a good time, myself included, despite the disappointing food menu (they served the same 5 or so dishes - which weren't particularly tasty or satisfying - throughout the night!) and LC dragging me out onto the dance floor (jk^^). I like to watch people dancing but I don't like to dance. I guess all those ballet and tap dance classes I took during my primary school years has done nothing for my dancing instincts - I'm too uncoordinated! I wonder if dancing lessons could help me now? Or perhaps it's a confidence thing...
On Saturday (after accompanying my friend to check out a local gym class and half a day of shopping^^) I attended my friend's work party at a German restaurant/bar at the Rocks which she kindly invited me to. Unfortunately I don't think I'm quite cut out for German food. It's a bit too rich and heavy for the likes of me. Though I must admit, the mashed potato was great! The live music was cheerful but it was rather loud, which made it very difficult to keep a conversation going for long. Shouting across the table didn't help my already sore throat. I hope I haven't caught the bad cough my youngest brother has...must get more sleep this week!
Photos here
Today, I tried out the Body Step class at another gym with APFC whoc is shopping around for a gym. It was my first time going to Body Step - it's quite hard core and requires good coordination. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with the moves (T~T). And it didn't help that my quads were sore at half time! I almost slipped off the Step a couple of times which was kinda dangerous. Well hopefully this will motivate me to do some more exercise this week!
I have been doing plenty of partying though.^^
It's been 4 years since I spent Christmas here in Sydney and it's busier than I remember it ever being.
The JETAA Christmas Party was 2 weekends ago. (Sorry, no photos...) They booked out one section of a hotel bar in Glebe which was quite nice. I spent most of the evening chatting with people I already knew, but I also met 2 nice Japanese girls on working holiday visas whose English was amazing. Too bad I didn't meet them earlier...they're leaving in February. (T~T)
Last weekend, I went to my cousin & cousin-in-law's joint b'day/xmas/graduation/new house party. It was also at a hotel bar, but in Newtown. The private space they booked was an open deck area with a small room attached, and access to a separate bar area. It was just the right size for the number of people who went. The finger food they served was great; there was a cheese platter, a fruit platter, sushi, sausage rolls, spinach and fetta pastries...almost buffet style! A big thumbs up, and congrats!^^
My work end-of-year party was last Monday night. Yes, Monday night. Probably coz it's cheaper and they organised it so late. It was my first work-related end-of-year party with an western company. Very different to the Japanese enkai.^^ I liked the venue, which had a great view of Sydney Harbour. We were lucky it didn't rain; it's been so wet and gloomy these 2 weeks. I wish my mood wasn't so dependent on the weather...(^^;) Anyway, there was quite a big turnout and most people seemed to be having a good time, myself included, despite the disappointing food menu (they served the same 5 or so dishes - which weren't particularly tasty or satisfying - throughout the night!) and LC dragging me out onto the dance floor (jk^^). I like to watch people dancing but I don't like to dance. I guess all those ballet and tap dance classes I took during my primary school years has done nothing for my dancing instincts - I'm too uncoordinated! I wonder if dancing lessons could help me now? Or perhaps it's a confidence thing...
On Saturday (after accompanying my friend to check out a local gym class and half a day of shopping^^) I attended my friend's work party at a German restaurant/bar at the Rocks which she kindly invited me to. Unfortunately I don't think I'm quite cut out for German food. It's a bit too rich and heavy for the likes of me. Though I must admit, the mashed potato was great! The live music was cheerful but it was rather loud, which made it very difficult to keep a conversation going for long. Shouting across the table didn't help my already sore throat. I hope I haven't caught the bad cough my youngest brother has...must get more sleep this week!
Photos here
Today, I tried out the Body Step class at another gym with APFC whoc is shopping around for a gym. It was my first time going to Body Step - it's quite hard core and requires good coordination. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with the moves (T~T). And it didn't help that my quads were sore at half time! I almost slipped off the Step a couple of times which was kinda dangerous. Well hopefully this will motivate me to do some more exercise this week!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Hail storm
It was a hot, humid Sunday. I was sitting at home watching a DVD with a friend and all of a sudden it sounded like rocks were being thrown on our roof. We were in the path of a wild summer hail storm, which I haven't experienced in quite a while. It felt like it went on for quite some time, but I think it hailed for just a few minutes (followed by some heavy rain). Some areas seemed to have gotten it bad...the poor families who's housese were damaged.
In a wild storm last year, one of the big pine trees in our backyard fell onto our roof. I wasn't here, but it must've been quite frightening. We were fortunate this time 'round, thank goodness.
Look at our front yard...
...looks like it had snowed. Except that it's summer. And it all melted away within the space of a couple of minutes.
The biggest hail stones that fell in our yard were about 3cm in diameter. Interesting shape, huh.
(Photographer: Dad)
In a wild storm last year, one of the big pine trees in our backyard fell onto our roof. I wasn't here, but it must've been quite frightening. We were fortunate this time 'round, thank goodness.
Look at our front yard...
...looks like it had snowed. Except that it's summer. And it all melted away within the space of a couple of minutes.
The biggest hail stones that fell in our yard were about 3cm in diameter. Interesting shape, huh.
(Photographer: Dad)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
November Update
It's been a busy couple of weeks and I'm terribly behind with my blogging - sorry!
I'm having doubts about the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Over a month has passed since I sprained my ankle, and although I'm back on my feet my ankle is still rather weak. It hasn't stopped me from enjoying the pleasant spring weather though.^^
Three weekends ago, I went to Bondi to see the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. It was amazing - the artwork, the coastal setting, the blue blue sky and the fresh sea breeze The weekend after, I picked up my Japanese visitor from the airport and we headed straight for Bondi Beach where we scoffed down a big Aussie breakfast, checked out the markets, strolled along the beach and finished off the tour with a pleasant coastal walk. It was the last day of Sculptures by the Sea for 2007, and I'm glad M arrived in time to see it.^^
Click here for photos.
The weekend just passed was a fun-filled one, starting with a Friday night out with the girls. The Rocks Market by Moonlight (though the sun was still out when I was there) was on, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat from the gozleme stall and enjoyed the live music there before meeting up with the girls to see "The Government Inspector" at the Playhouse beneath the Opera House. The play was adapted for 2 actors who took on at least a dozen roles between them. It was absolutely hilarious! I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. The audience, myself included, was pretty much laughing throughout the hour-and-a-half performance. All in all, it was a fun night and my abdominal muscles got a great workout.^^
Saturday was federal election day and I had signed up to help out at the local polling centre - my old primary school! The 15 hour work day was exhausting but an eye-opening experience. I learned to spell some strange foreign names, spoke with people from all walks of life including some familiar faces whom I haven't spoken to since I can't remember when, and I learned what goes on behind those closed doors at the end of election day.
My team of five put several large tables together and gathered around. The person in charge then emptied out the box with the 2300+ green House of Reps votes. First we flattened out the papers then we sorted them by first preference. Now the counting begins - bundles of 50. We passed our stack of green papers to the person on our left and we checked each other's bundles. By the time we were done counting and checking, it was past 8pm. It had taken us 2 hours, and the big job was still to come - the Senate votes.
People refer to the Senate voting papers as tablecloths. Imagine sorting and counting thousands of metre-long sheets of paper. Thank goodness it was not hot and humid, and we had the use of a reasonable-sized school hall. The other 3 helpers who had been working on the absent votes pitched in to help with the tablecloth counting while the superviser shuffled around the hall "supervising."
The person in charge of our polling centre was disorganised and didn't seem to know what he was supposed to do. My admiration goes out to the second in charge for his patience and for always looking out for other helpers, especially to those who were not so young. The kind and gentle middle-aged lady sitting opposite me during the counting who didn't utter a single complaint throughout the entire day was an inspiration.
It was no surprise that our electorate representative would retain his seat, but the margin by which the new government won was quite astonishing. I'm no expert in politics but I think that it is time for a change. It's a bit of a concern that the majority of both state and federal seats are Labor though. Will the new government live up to its promises?
Sunday was another long day for me, but a more relaxing one compared to Saturday. I joined my aunt, uncle, Dad and Dad's friend's son on a road trip to Berrima (122 km south-west of Sydney) to try out a vegetarian buffet. It's reasonably priced at $25 (increasing to $28 in December). The food was mostly Asian and I would rate the taste as average, but the variety of dishes was impressive. I was full after a tasting plate of the entree dishes and didn't try much of anything else. There were more than 10 different dishes in each of the entree/dim sim, main and dessert sections. Two ladies sat behind the counter making sushi, which were taken almost as soon as they were placed on the platter. There was also a variety of hot and cold teas available. I liked the cold chrysanthemum tea - nice and refreshing.^^
After the big meal, we strolled around the open garden and large pond outside. The small Japanese garden was also nice.
Photos here.
Time for bed, I reckon...Zzzz.....(-_-)'
I'm having doubts about the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Over a month has passed since I sprained my ankle, and although I'm back on my feet my ankle is still rather weak. It hasn't stopped me from enjoying the pleasant spring weather though.^^
Three weekends ago, I went to Bondi to see the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. It was amazing - the artwork, the coastal setting, the blue blue sky and the fresh sea breeze The weekend after, I picked up my Japanese visitor from the airport and we headed straight for Bondi Beach where we scoffed down a big Aussie breakfast, checked out the markets, strolled along the beach and finished off the tour with a pleasant coastal walk. It was the last day of Sculptures by the Sea for 2007, and I'm glad M arrived in time to see it.^^
Click here for photos.
The weekend just passed was a fun-filled one, starting with a Friday night out with the girls. The Rocks Market by Moonlight (though the sun was still out when I was there) was on, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat from the gozleme stall and enjoyed the live music there before meeting up with the girls to see "The Government Inspector" at the Playhouse beneath the Opera House. The play was adapted for 2 actors who took on at least a dozen roles between them. It was absolutely hilarious! I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. The audience, myself included, was pretty much laughing throughout the hour-and-a-half performance. All in all, it was a fun night and my abdominal muscles got a great workout.^^
Saturday was federal election day and I had signed up to help out at the local polling centre - my old primary school! The 15 hour work day was exhausting but an eye-opening experience. I learned to spell some strange foreign names, spoke with people from all walks of life including some familiar faces whom I haven't spoken to since I can't remember when, and I learned what goes on behind those closed doors at the end of election day.
My team of five put several large tables together and gathered around. The person in charge then emptied out the box with the 2300+ green House of Reps votes. First we flattened out the papers then we sorted them by first preference. Now the counting begins - bundles of 50. We passed our stack of green papers to the person on our left and we checked each other's bundles. By the time we were done counting and checking, it was past 8pm. It had taken us 2 hours, and the big job was still to come - the Senate votes.
People refer to the Senate voting papers as tablecloths. Imagine sorting and counting thousands of metre-long sheets of paper. Thank goodness it was not hot and humid, and we had the use of a reasonable-sized school hall. The other 3 helpers who had been working on the absent votes pitched in to help with the tablecloth counting while the superviser shuffled around the hall "supervising."
The person in charge of our polling centre was disorganised and didn't seem to know what he was supposed to do. My admiration goes out to the second in charge for his patience and for always looking out for other helpers, especially to those who were not so young. The kind and gentle middle-aged lady sitting opposite me during the counting who didn't utter a single complaint throughout the entire day was an inspiration.
It was no surprise that our electorate representative would retain his seat, but the margin by which the new government won was quite astonishing. I'm no expert in politics but I think that it is time for a change. It's a bit of a concern that the majority of both state and federal seats are Labor though. Will the new government live up to its promises?
Sunday was another long day for me, but a more relaxing one compared to Saturday. I joined my aunt, uncle, Dad and Dad's friend's son on a road trip to Berrima (122 km south-west of Sydney) to try out a vegetarian buffet. It's reasonably priced at $25 (increasing to $28 in December). The food was mostly Asian and I would rate the taste as average, but the variety of dishes was impressive. I was full after a tasting plate of the entree dishes and didn't try much of anything else. There were more than 10 different dishes in each of the entree/dim sim, main and dessert sections. Two ladies sat behind the counter making sushi, which were taken almost as soon as they were placed on the platter. There was also a variety of hot and cold teas available. I liked the cold chrysanthemum tea - nice and refreshing.^^
After the big meal, we strolled around the open garden and large pond outside. The small Japanese garden was also nice.
Photos here.
Time for bed, I reckon...Zzzz.....(-_-)'
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Cup
I know very little about horse racing and the whole betting thing. Nonetheless, I put $2 on Purple Moon coming 1st, 2nd or 3rd and it made me $1.60 richer. Woohoo! But my losses on Master O'Reilly means I was in the red overall. (>_<)
I joined the Sales Ops team for a Melb. Cup lunch at a pub down the road. Though I do wish I got along better with the gang (I have yet to discover what things we have in common besides work), it was a good time. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was great, the spinach and ricotta quiche was tasty and pretty good value too - $12 including salad from the salad bar and hot chips. There was an open courtyard which would be a nice place to sit in warmer weather.
The weather was quite bizarre today - pouring rain one minute, sunny the next. The rain started up again just as I left the office building and got heavier by the second - lucky me! It was so windy that holding up an umbrella over your head kept only your head dry. I walked as fast as I could without falling flat on my face and missed the darn Pacific Hwy lights by seconds, which left me hopelessly watching the bus drive past on the opposite side of the road. While waiting for the next bus to arrive, three women joined me at the bus shelter and we all held our open umbrellas out in front of us, at a horizontal angle, in an attempt to sheild ourselves from the pelting rain. It must've been a humorous sight 'cause a cyclist rode past, turned his head to looked at us and tried to stifle his laughter. Can't blame him, I probably would have laughed too!
I joined the Sales Ops team for a Melb. Cup lunch at a pub down the road. Though I do wish I got along better with the gang (I have yet to discover what things we have in common besides work), it was a good time. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was great, the spinach and ricotta quiche was tasty and pretty good value too - $12 including salad from the salad bar and hot chips. There was an open courtyard which would be a nice place to sit in warmer weather.
The weather was quite bizarre today - pouring rain one minute, sunny the next. The rain started up again just as I left the office building and got heavier by the second - lucky me! It was so windy that holding up an umbrella over your head kept only your head dry. I walked as fast as I could without falling flat on my face and missed the darn Pacific Hwy lights by seconds, which left me hopelessly watching the bus drive past on the opposite side of the road. While waiting for the next bus to arrive, three women joined me at the bus shelter and we all held our open umbrellas out in front of us, at a horizontal angle, in an attempt to sheild ourselves from the pelting rain. It must've been a humorous sight 'cause a cyclist rode past, turned his head to looked at us and tried to stifle his laughter. Can't blame him, I probably would have laughed too!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Spring Cleaning
After 2 lazy weekends lost in the wonderfully imaginary world of books, I found myself in one of my cleaning moods on Saturday and decided to make the most of it. I tidied up the growing stack of papers on my desk, packed away my warm turtlenecks and re-stocked my wardrobe (well, my part of the wardrobe) with my summer clothing. A most productive day. The most productive day I've had in weeks. Months even. Though I'm still "trying" to make time to deal with the other clutter which has been gathering dust since the day I went to Japan on exchange several years ago, as well as the additional clutter I have brought back from 3 years of living abroad. Maybe when I move out. *sigh*
After a fierce thunderstorm and heavy rain late Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a warm sunny day, despite rain being forecasted, for which we were most grateful as it was the day we'd scheduled one of those tri-annual visits to my late grandfather's. After the food and incense offerings, we (ie. the Chan clan) spread open the picnic blankets and enjoyed the food and soaked in the sun.
Sometimes I wish were a bird so that I could fly away. Or had super thick skin. Ooh I wish I had one of Doraemon's magic portals. Someone once pointed out to me that perhaps I was subconsciously trying to run away, which I admit is not completely untrue. But it was not purely "running away". It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I have seen and experienced things I could never have seen or experienced here, met some extraordinary people from across the globe I would not otherwise have met (and whom I miss dearly), and I have (had?) become a more open and more confident person as a result. どうして帰ってきたの？どうして？ Every time I ask myself the same question.
The cold, gloomy weather was back today unfortunately, as was my unproductiveness.
Well, I hope you have a good week my friends. And to my Aussie mates: best of luck for the Melbourne Cup!^^
After a fierce thunderstorm and heavy rain late Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a warm sunny day, despite rain being forecasted, for which we were most grateful as it was the day we'd scheduled one of those tri-annual visits to my late grandfather's. After the food and incense offerings, we (ie. the Chan clan) spread open the picnic blankets and enjoyed the food and soaked in the sun.
Sometimes I wish were a bird so that I could fly away. Or had super thick skin. Ooh I wish I had one of Doraemon's magic portals. Someone once pointed out to me that perhaps I was subconsciously trying to run away, which I admit is not completely untrue. But it was not purely "running away". It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I have seen and experienced things I could never have seen or experienced here, met some extraordinary people from across the globe I would not otherwise have met (and whom I miss dearly), and I have (had?) become a more open and more confident person as a result. どうして帰ってきたの？どうして？ Every time I ask myself the same question.
The cold, gloomy weather was back today unfortunately, as was my unproductiveness.
Well, I hope you have a good week my friends. And to my Aussie mates: best of luck for the Melbourne Cup!^^
I wish you enough...
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you posses.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
(courtesy of a fwd email from SC - thx!^^)
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you posses.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
(courtesy of a fwd email from SC - thx!^^)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Help?
I was commissioned with writing a piece about my artist uncle's work. In Japanese!? Just because I studied Japanese and lived in Japan for 3 years doesn't mean I can speak and write the language. And what do I know about art? I would struggle writing a critique in English let alone in a second language.
Rather than being asked, it was more like "1 week?" "2 weeks?" Hmmm...yeah...
He gave me 2 examples from which I could copy and paste then translate into Jpnese, but looking at the language used, even that would be a challenge. Plus, I'd feel guilty signing my name at the bottom. Bugger my conscience.
Well 3 weeks has passed and I'm still procrastinating. Where do I start? Who can I ask for help from? Anyone want the job?^^
I should really learn to say no. But how could I disappoint him at his 70th birthday party? Bugger, bugger, bugger!
Rather than being asked, it was more like "1 week?" "2 weeks?" Hmmm...yeah...
He gave me 2 examples from which I could copy and paste then translate into Jpnese, but looking at the language used, even that would be a challenge. Plus, I'd feel guilty signing my name at the bottom. Bugger my conscience.
Well 3 weeks has passed and I'm still procrastinating. Where do I start? Who can I ask for help from? Anyone want the job?^^
I should really learn to say no. But how could I disappoint him at his 70th birthday party? Bugger, bugger, bugger!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Out of action
The past few weeks have been pretty ordinary. That is, until I landed on my ankle going for a shot at badminton on Sunday. My foot snapped inward, I instinctively bounced back onto my other foot and then I was flat on my butt. It seemed okay after some rest and a few applications of ice (or rather, a bag of frozen peas) on Sunday.
On Monday, I was lucky enough to get a lift to work it gradually grew more painful throughout the work day, even when I had had my foot elevated on a cardboard box. When I looked at it at lunch time, it had turned a bluish-purple colour and was looking quite swollen and ugly. Thanks to SJ who kindly bandaged it up for me. And to KaKa for the lift and for pushing me around on a wheelie chair.^^
I spent the day working from home today and am so very grateful for our abundance of wheelie chairs and timber flooring. The Physiotherapist has advised me to keep the ankle iced and above hip level, but all the sitting is tiring out my butt. I guess it's a good time for me to get used to putting my feet up, eh.
On Monday, I was lucky enough to get a lift to work it gradually grew more painful throughout the work day, even when I had had my foot elevated on a cardboard box. When I looked at it at lunch time, it had turned a bluish-purple colour and was looking quite swollen and ugly. Thanks to SJ who kindly bandaged it up for me. And to KaKa for the lift and for pushing me around on a wheelie chair.^^
I spent the day working from home today and am so very grateful for our abundance of wheelie chairs and timber flooring. The Physiotherapist has advised me to keep the ankle iced and above hip level, but all the sitting is tiring out my butt. I guess it's a good time for me to get used to putting my feet up, eh.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
中秋節快樂！
Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!
今日は中秋節です。中秋節は中国で始まって、秋の実りを祝う祭りです。祭りの間、月餅を食べる伝統があります。今夜、夕飯が遅かったのに、おなかがいっぱいのに、中秋節だから月餅と中国式のデザート・スープをたくさん食べてしまいました。食べ過ぎましたかな？目も開けていられないくらい眠いけれど、まだおなかいっぱいで、横になれないのが辛いでーす。＾＾；
今日は中秋節です。中秋節は中国で始まって、秋の実りを祝う祭りです。祭りの間、月餅を食べる伝統があります。今夜、夕飯が遅かったのに、おなかがいっぱいのに、中秋節だから月餅と中国式のデザート・スープをたくさん食べてしまいました。食べ過ぎましたかな？目も開けていられないくらい眠いけれど、まだおなかいっぱいで、横になれないのが辛いでーす。＾＾；
目が疲れた～
L&Bが帰り道に私を迎えにくれたけど、電車に乗って帰ったほうが良かったかな？何でいつもあの二人と一緒にいると、私が存在しないようにあの二人しかわからない話が続くの？盗み聞きでもないけど、盗み聞きしている気がして、ぎこちない感じがする。何年も前からずっと同じようなことが繰り返しているから、慣れると思うけど、毎回同じく落ち込んでしまう。弱いですね。
家に着いたのが22時位で、おなかペコペコでした。でも、テーブルに日本交通しんぶん社からのパッケージが目に留まりました。何だろう、何だろうと思いながら、封筒を開けました。8月のJR時刻表？
手紙が挟まっていたページを開いたら、見覚えのある景色が見えました。6月におばさんと北海道へ旅行したときに登別温泉で出会ったフォトグラファが撮ってくれた写真でした!(^0^) 一応連絡先を書いてあったけど、本当に贈ってきてくれると思わなかったです。ありがとうございます。良いびっくりでした。(^_^)
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A mysterious package from the Jpnese transport publishing co. was waiting for me when I got home late tonight. It was the 3cm-thick, B5-sized August edition of the JR train timetable!?!? I flipped open the book and found what appeared to be a letter slipped between pages 2 & 3. I removed the piece of paper and saw a picture of a familiar scene. It was a photo taken by the photographer my aunt and I met when we travelled to Noboribetsu, a hot-spring town in Hokkaido. Yes, I had given the guy my address & email, but I didn't think he would actually send me a copy, especially overseas. Thanks Watanabe-san!
Friday, September 21, 2007
久しぶりに一人で過ごす夜
両親は旅行へ、妹も弟たちも用事があるので、今夜は私一人で静かな、ゆっくり過ごしてる夜です。いつも人に囲まれている環境に慣れて、今夜はちょっと寂しく感じます。だれか友だちに「食事に行かない」とか、「一緒に映画でも見ない」と誘いたいと思いながら、近くに住んでいる一緒に遊べそうな友人が思い浮かびません。こっちの友人の中で、お出かけ好きな友人が少なく、ちょっとかなしいなぁ…日本で過ごした時間を懐かしく思います。
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Busy busy weekend.^^
Gee, I'm beat! Farewell party for a friend at yum cha and karaoke yesterday, played badminton this morning then tennis in the afternoon and had some fun with Apfc's adorable, fat, cuddly bunny, Punky, who kept hopping up and down around my feet...hehe, so funny!
Time for bed, I think! (-_-)...zzz
Time for bed, I think! (-_-)...zzz
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Chatswood Spring Fair
This dragon led the morning's parade, followed by Chinese lion dancers and musicians, bagpipe band, marching band, jive dancers, Korean community group dressed in traditional attire,...a very multicultural affair!^^
Beware: Magpie season!
The warm Spring weather is back, and I sense the scary magpie breeding season approaching. 'Scary' because they keep watch and attack anything that appears to encroach on their territory.
I was walking home from the station one fine September day, and as I emerged from the tree cover a crazy magpie that lived in a gum tree in our neighbour's yard came after me, several times. I ran for the house as fast as my legs could carry me but that wasn't fast enough. The second time it swooped down, it smacked me on the head! Thank goodness our house was just around the corner. I ran for my life but that didn't stop the clever creature. It came at me again! There was only minor bleeding, but boy was that a frightening experience. After that, our neighbour called for help on having the nest relocated into the bush or something. Nevertheless, I always make sure I wear a hat or carry an umbrella when walking down that stretch of road. Apparently, magpies tend to go for the eyes, so someone came up with the idea of wearing an ice-cream bucket on your head with eyes drawn on the back. I wonder if anyone actually tried it...
I also remember almost being hit by a miner bird. I was in primary school at the time, and Mum had dropped me off near the driveway of the staff carpark. The school is also called 'The Bush School' because it was like being in the forest. That carpark and the driveway leading to it was surrounded by trees and was miner bird territory in the Spring. More than one kid was hurt by a bird there. So the lesson is, my friends, to "slap on a hat" - especially in September!
I was walking home from the station one fine September day, and as I emerged from the tree cover a crazy magpie that lived in a gum tree in our neighbour's yard came after me, several times. I ran for the house as fast as my legs could carry me but that wasn't fast enough. The second time it swooped down, it smacked me on the head! Thank goodness our house was just around the corner. I ran for my life but that didn't stop the clever creature. It came at me again! There was only minor bleeding, but boy was that a frightening experience. After that, our neighbour called for help on having the nest relocated into the bush or something. Nevertheless, I always make sure I wear a hat or carry an umbrella when walking down that stretch of road. Apparently, magpies tend to go for the eyes, so someone came up with the idea of wearing an ice-cream bucket on your head with eyes drawn on the back. I wonder if anyone actually tried it...
I also remember almost being hit by a miner bird. I was in primary school at the time, and Mum had dropped me off near the driveway of the staff carpark. The school is also called 'The Bush School' because it was like being in the forest. That carpark and the driveway leading to it was surrounded by trees and was miner bird territory in the Spring. More than one kid was hurt by a bird there. So the lesson is, my friends, to "slap on a hat" - especially in September!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Work, work, work!
It's been an extremely busy and tiring week, at work and outside of work. The end of my 3-month probation period is coming up and I'm working on completing the performance goals my boss & I decided on a couple of weeks ago, which is making me feel unusually nervous.
Outside of the office, I've joined a new badminton group that plays every Wednesday night. This week there were 2 courts available but not enough people turned up to fill them both. I ended up being on court for virtually the full 2 hours, which was great, as I was in good form that day, particularly my serving which has plagued me of late, and won the majority of the games I played. However, it tired me out terribly!
On top of an extra badminton session, I had 2 voluntary proofreading assignments, both with tight deadlines and due within a few days of the other. What timing! I spent a whole afternoon editing 2 relatively short Word documents, mainly because I decided to insert my comments and explanations in Japanese. I guess I didn't have to put in as much effort as I did, but since it was for hardworking Japanese junior high school kids (yes, I'm still getting requests from my ex-supervisor in Jpn), I wanted to give them all the help I could. The second assignment was to proofread an English translation of a Chinese newsletter article. This was a first for me and though it took longer than I had expected, due to my unfamiliarity with the terminology used, it was a good exercise. It was very interesting to see the different grammatical mistakes made by Chinese and Japanese learners of English. Maybe I should've majored in linguistics rather than business...
My youngest brother is at the stage where he has to select his university course preferences. I was looking through this year's university course guide with him, and wished that I had put more thought into what degree I truly wanted to do. I had considered a wide range of options including Optometry, Nutrition, Architecture, Statistics, Astronomy, etc. (maybe too wide?) but I doubted my own strengths and opted for the broader and more practical degree of Commerce, majoring in Finance (among others).
My parents had urged me to pick Law because they thought it would be useful. I myself wasn't particularly keen on the idea, but thought I may as well give it a shot and, being the dutiful daughter that I am, applied for a combined B. Com/LLB degree. (And it didn't help that I got the marks to get into the course.) I ended up dropping the Law degree within a week. To be honest, I wasn't especially interested in Finance either and didn't want to do Accounting coz Mum's in that field, but I did like working with numbers.
Don't take me wrong. I'm not disappointed with what I chose to do. What I learned at university has come in handy at times, plus I made some great friends.^^ In retrospect, I should have used more 'heart' rather than just go with the flow.
Outside of the office, I've joined a new badminton group that plays every Wednesday night. This week there were 2 courts available but not enough people turned up to fill them both. I ended up being on court for virtually the full 2 hours, which was great, as I was in good form that day, particularly my serving which has plagued me of late, and won the majority of the games I played. However, it tired me out terribly!
On top of an extra badminton session, I had 2 voluntary proofreading assignments, both with tight deadlines and due within a few days of the other. What timing! I spent a whole afternoon editing 2 relatively short Word documents, mainly because I decided to insert my comments and explanations in Japanese. I guess I didn't have to put in as much effort as I did, but since it was for hardworking Japanese junior high school kids (yes, I'm still getting requests from my ex-supervisor in Jpn), I wanted to give them all the help I could. The second assignment was to proofread an English translation of a Chinese newsletter article. This was a first for me and though it took longer than I had expected, due to my unfamiliarity with the terminology used, it was a good exercise. It was very interesting to see the different grammatical mistakes made by Chinese and Japanese learners of English. Maybe I should've majored in linguistics rather than business...
My youngest brother is at the stage where he has to select his university course preferences. I was looking through this year's university course guide with him, and wished that I had put more thought into what degree I truly wanted to do. I had considered a wide range of options including Optometry, Nutrition, Architecture, Statistics, Astronomy, etc. (maybe too wide?) but I doubted my own strengths and opted for the broader and more practical degree of Commerce, majoring in Finance (among others).
My parents had urged me to pick Law because they thought it would be useful. I myself wasn't particularly keen on the idea, but thought I may as well give it a shot and, being the dutiful daughter that I am, applied for a combined B. Com/LLB degree. (And it didn't help that I got the marks to get into the course.) I ended up dropping the Law degree within a week. To be honest, I wasn't especially interested in Finance either and didn't want to do Accounting coz Mum's in that field, but I did like working with numbers.
Don't take me wrong. I'm not disappointed with what I chose to do. What I learned at university has come in handy at times, plus I made some great friends.^^ In retrospect, I should have used more 'heart' rather than just go with the flow.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Taronga to Balmoral
The wintery weather has returned. It was cold and raining on & off all week. Even though I walked to and from work every day, I didn't have to take out my umbrella once...lucky!^^
Although the ground was wet & muddy, I'm thankful that it didn't rain during the walk. Thank goodness too that I remembered my hiking boots, which I haven't seen for close to 10 years, and was able to find them at the very last minute.^^
Just after 10am, we met up with the group of about 10 walkers who were waiting for us at Taronga Zoo Wharf and we hit the track without delay. The track from Taronga to Balmoral (photo above) is approximately 6km and meanders along the coast, passing spectular lookouts and several spots of historic interest. We also spotted some interesting native wild flowers of which I unfortunately was not able to capture on camera to show you. Maybe another time, when I'm not with such a big group of people. We stopped at Clifton Gardens for a short break then continued on through what was the Submarine Mining Corps Base in the 1890s, made our way tp to Georges Head which was used as part of an outer line of harbour defences in the 1870s, before finally arriving at Balmoral...in good time for lunch! The vege burger and fries were oh so good...mmm...(^-^)
After a brief stroll along the beach enjoying the sea breeze, we caught the bus back to the zoo. By that time, my legs were feeling as heavy as lead...geez I'm so unfit! Though come to think of it, I did play badminton twice last week...Anyway, thanks for a great day (and your tasty muffin with mixed-nut spread), AC, and apologies for dozing off in the car ride home! (-_-)'
More photos here
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lunar Eclipse
In case you were wondering why I started writing in Japanese all of a sudden, I met up with an old Japanese friend (and her bf) last Friday and have been annoyed at myself for not being able to communicate in Japanese as well as I could have, for not trying harder to keep up my language skills. Geez, I'm such a lazy bum.
3 weeks break from badminton has taken its toll. I lost 5 out of 6 games! Grrr...It's not like I haven't been exercising. I've been working out at the gym at least once a week, going to Pilates...but I guess different muscles are used. I've been unbelievably stiff and sore since Sunday morning...
And thanks to my Company, I made an appointment and took a 10 min massage break at work this afternoon. Lucky for me, today's massage therapist was great. It's amazing what a little pressure in the right spots can do. And she found all my problem spots first go! Too bad it's her last week...
Monday, August 27, 2007
春の息吹き
また、のんびりした週末でした。
土曜日、昼まで寝坊しちゃって、ブランチを食べながらＤＶＤを見ました。午後、友人と出かけて、映画を見に行きました。家に帰ったら、お客さんが夕食に来ました。6人家族プラス3人だけだったが、騒々しい集まりになりましたね。中国人はやはり声が大きいですね。だけど、こういう環境に苦手な私は頭が痛くなってしまって、ちょっとぼんやりしました。ごめんね！＾＾；
昨 日の天気が良かったし、暖かかったし、パパと二人でお持ち帰りのカプチーノを手に持って、近くの公園へ向かいました。夕日が青空をピンク色に染めるまで、 新聞を読んだり、公園で巨大なフリスビーで楽しそうに遊んでいた子供たちを見たりして、アフタヌーン・ティーを楽しみました。最高！v(＾-＾)v
Monday, August 20, 2007
偶然出会いが多く、食べ過ぎた週末
週末は忙しくて、楽しかったです。＾＾
土 曜日のお昼、EWの家でお好み焼き作りに行って、3人で4枚も食べてしまいました。美味しかった～！味噌汁も！＾＾ 食い終わったら、いっしょにアパート 探しに行きました。そこで、偶然、不動産業者のママの友人に出会って、びっくりしました。お疲れ様でした！や～便利な地域はやはり高いなぁ～
夜の約束の前に、シティーに住んでるいとこと義理のいとこに久しぶりにばったり出会って、コーヒーをごちそうになりました。ありがとう！＾＾
その後、香港から遊びに来た家族ぐるみの友人達のお別会に行って、みんな夜遅くまで楽しくしゃべり続けました。
次の日、家族みんなで（弟たちを除き）遠くに住んでいるＣをドライブに連れて行くと約束しました。朝から大雨が降って、行けるかなぁと心配していたが、出発時間になったら雨がほとんどやめました。ラッキー！＾＾ 夜、また大雨でしたけど。
結 局シドニーから １０３ｋｍ 離れた Bowral という田舎町まで行って、そっちの人気なコーヒーショップでランチを食べました。我が家から、二時間半喪かかりました。でも、その店の野菜ラザニアは本当に おいしくてたまらない！デザートは新しく開いたケーキ屋さんへ。私が注文したパッションフルーツ・チーズケーキはとてもくリーミーでおいしかったです。: P
この"ダイエット"を続くと、絶対太っちゃいますね。やばい！今週、必ずジムに行かなきゃ。それとマッサージも！一日中パソコンの前に座ることにまだ慣れてなくて、肩がこってしまって...
Monday, August 13, 2007
What a nice surprise!
会社帰りに電車の中で3年以上会わなかった友人にばったり出会いました。うれしいびっくりでした！彼女は名古屋で留学した頃に知り合った友人で、今シド ニーに住んでいます。お住まいはかなり近くで、最近、メールでご飯を食べに行こうという話をしてたばかりです。偶然でしたね。長い間日本語を使ってなかっ たのに、ワクワクしていても日本語が思い出せて良かったです。＾＾
いかん！ねむい！
それでは、おやすみ...(-o-)...ｚｚｚ
Sunday, August 12, 2007
37th Annual City 2 Surf
It was a beautiful spring-like day, with temperatures in the mid-20s at least...perfect weather to spend outdoors! It was the first time I participated in the annual City 2 Surf fun run (thanks to A's influence) and it was great. Over 64,500 people registered for the event, raising more than $850,000 for charity. Participants were split into 3 groups: the serious competitors, the runners and the "Back of the Pack" (that's us!^^). For safety reasons, the start times were staggered for each group. It was bizarre to hear the winners of the race announced over the loudspeakers before we had even crossed the start line.We took it easy, enjoyed the live music and stopped to take photos of the spectacular ocean views. As we walked through the residential areas, there were kids who had set up their own little drink stands in their front yards and handed out homemade lemonade and pieces of orange & mandarin to passing participants. The generous kids, the talented musicians, the guy who leaned over the fence/wall to spray water on people wanting to cool down...I love this great Aussie spirit! (^o^)/
Despite only getting 4 hours sleep last night (I went to watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical...wonderful constumes, great music and dancing...loads of fun! Sorry, got sidetracked...) I managed to finish the race in under 3 hours. Our finish time was around 2 hours 50 minutes (to be officially published in the newspaper on Tuesday), and we each received a bronze "I finished" medallion. Go team!
My goal for next year is 2 hours. I guess I'd better start training!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
My weekend
I went to see Spelling Bee the Musical on Saturday. It may be unusual to describe a musical as fun, but it was. It was so hilariously funny that I laughed till my stomach hurt! 4 members of the audience were invited to go up on stage and be a Spelling Bee contestant. They were such good sports! The young boy introduced as having been breast-fed until yesterday and answered with a "thank you", the elderly lady who shyly copied the sexy young emcee's sexy dance...
Tough words were given to the guests one at a time, to kick them out of the contest and off the stage. The elderly lady, the last remaining contestant from the audience, got "guardyloo" (Scot. used as a warning cry when throwing slops from the window into the street - courtesy of Answers.com) and spelt it correctly, much to the surprise of the cast who laughed and frantically looked at each other and offstage not knowing what to do. The entire audience was laughing hysterically. After a minute or two, the emcee called on the elderly lady again, and gave her "xenophthalmia" ( inflammation resulting from the presence of a foreign body in the eye - again, courtesy of Answers.com). Before she even opened her mouth to speak, the "comforter" crept up beside her holding out the consolation prize of a small juice box, waiting to escort her off the stage. She was still given a chance to spell it though and she almost got it right!
The cast was amazing, as was the audience. I had such a good time that I'd go see it again if yesterday weren't the final day. I think my brothers would really enjoy it too.
After a coffee at QVB, A and I caught the train back to her place. We got takeaway pizza and watched a DVD. Thanks for a wonderful day, A!
Today was a lazy, relaxing day. I felt too tired and lazy to go to badminton, so I stayed in my warm bed and read till lunch time. I continued to read after lunch and before I knew it, it was time to get ready to go out for dinner. Met up with a uni friend who I haven't seen in 3 years, and her fiance. The mains were overpriced, but the warm apple tart served with Blue Ribbon ice-cream was delectable.^^
Tough words were given to the guests one at a time, to kick them out of the contest and off the stage. The elderly lady, the last remaining contestant from the audience, got "guardyloo" (Scot. used as a warning cry when throwing slops from the window into the street - courtesy of Answers.com) and spelt it correctly, much to the surprise of the cast who laughed and frantically looked at each other and offstage not knowing what to do. The entire audience was laughing hysterically. After a minute or two, the emcee called on the elderly lady again, and gave her "xenophthalmia" ( inflammation resulting from the presence of a foreign body in the eye - again, courtesy of Answers.com). Before she even opened her mouth to speak, the "comforter" crept up beside her holding out the consolation prize of a small juice box, waiting to escort her off the stage. She was still given a chance to spell it though and she almost got it right!
The cast was amazing, as was the audience. I had such a good time that I'd go see it again if yesterday weren't the final day. I think my brothers would really enjoy it too.
After a coffee at QVB, A and I caught the train back to her place. We got takeaway pizza and watched a DVD. Thanks for a wonderful day, A!
Today was a lazy, relaxing day. I felt too tired and lazy to go to badminton, so I stayed in my warm bed and read till lunch time. I continued to read after lunch and before I knew it, it was time to get ready to go out for dinner. Met up with a uni friend who I haven't seen in 3 years, and her fiance. The mains were overpriced, but the warm apple tart served with Blue Ribbon ice-cream was delectable.^^
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Not my day...
What an exciting day it was today! One, I discovered the MILO Bar...very sweet, but oh so tasty. Two, I had training and left work earlier than usual. Technically I was entitled to leave early coz I arrived at the office early, but apparently the Company didn't think so and I was trapped in one of the office lifts (for my American-English proficient friends: lift = elevator) for close to an hour. Apparently, I was the 4th or 5th person to be trapped in one of the North Tower lifts today. I guess the big meeting room where the training was held is pretty soundproof, coz I didn't hear the emergency bell ring at all throughout the day. Well, good thing it was the end of the work day and I was heading home. That meant that I had my phone and my trusty Mary Poppins bag with me. Thanks go to my good friend on level 2 who kept me company on the phone while I completed my Sudoku waiting for the technician to come and fix the lift.^^ I really think an "OUT OF ORDER" sign should be posted on the North Tower lifts. This would make it 3 out of 4 days that the lifts have failed this week. What good is it if the technician "fixes" it and then it breaks down in another hour or so? I must remember to use the South Tower lifts tomorrow.
After being freed, I power-walked to the station and arrived in time to catch the 6:14 all-stations-to-Hornsby train. Except that it turned out not to be the 6:14 train, but the delayed 6:07 express train which does not stop at my destination. Either that, or it was the 6:14 running late so they decided to skip a few stations. Since no one on the train was freaking out, my guess is it's the former.
The station I get on at has a manually adjusted board that indicates the time of the next train and the stations it will stop at. However, the station master starts closing up at like 5:30 and instead of changing the boards, he puts up an A4 notice that says "Trains to Hornsby depart every 10 mintues". Well what use is that for the people who don't go all the way to Hornsby, or the poeple who don't get off at the major stations? On the train, anouncements are also few and far between. Depending on the train conductor and what mood s/he is in, they will (or not) announce what the next stop will be. Well, not today. I only realised when the train went right past my station. Thankfully on my train line, even the express trains aren't all that much faster (they only skip 3-4 stations) so the next stop wasn't too far away.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given how many times this has happened. And I forked out $460+ for a 5-and-a-half month train pass. Now the rail company wants to raise fares once again. If they continue to provide this standard of service, I think not!
After being freed, I power-walked to the station and arrived in time to catch the 6:14 all-stations-to-Hornsby train. Except that it turned out not to be the 6:14 train, but the delayed 6:07 express train which does not stop at my destination. Either that, or it was the 6:14 running late so they decided to skip a few stations. Since no one on the train was freaking out, my guess is it's the former.
The station I get on at has a manually adjusted board that indicates the time of the next train and the stations it will stop at. However, the station master starts closing up at like 5:30 and instead of changing the boards, he puts up an A4 notice that says "Trains to Hornsby depart every 10 mintues". Well what use is that for the people who don't go all the way to Hornsby, or the poeple who don't get off at the major stations? On the train, anouncements are also few and far between. Depending on the train conductor and what mood s/he is in, they will (or not) announce what the next stop will be. Well, not today. I only realised when the train went right past my station. Thankfully on my train line, even the express trains aren't all that much faster (they only skip 3-4 stations) so the next stop wasn't too far away.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given how many times this has happened. And I forked out $460+ for a 5-and-a-half month train pass. Now the rail company wants to raise fares once again. If they continue to provide this standard of service, I think not!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
FYI: I woke up in time for the meeting
But none of the people with whom most of the issues were to be discussed joined the call. Good thing I didn't hurry to get to the office at 7 in the morning.
Thinking that peak hour traffic would have passed after 9am, I decided to drive in to work. Unfortunately, there was a different kind of "traffic". I don't recall driving alongside huge oversized trucks on the narrow lanes of the Pacific Hwy, let alone a whole fleet of them. I was driving our 8-seater van and being constantly overtaken by oversized trucks mere centimetres away totally freaked me out. The frequent and ever-widening &/or deepening pot holes aside, that's yet another reason I try to avoid the Pacific Hwy. At least when I'm driving the big car.
Thinking that peak hour traffic would have passed after 9am, I decided to drive in to work. Unfortunately, there was a different kind of "traffic". I don't recall driving alongside huge oversized trucks on the narrow lanes of the Pacific Hwy, let alone a whole fleet of them. I was driving our 8-seater van and being constantly overtaken by oversized trucks mere centimetres away totally freaked me out. The frequent and ever-widening &/or deepening pot holes aside, that's yet another reason I try to avoid the Pacific Hwy. At least when I'm driving the big car.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Confession: I am not a morning person
I had every intention of being in the office for the 7am conference call with our US counterparts tomorrow morning. However, after careful calculation (ie. to get to the office by 7am using public transport, I would have to catch the 6:14 train which, in turn, would mean that I have to wake up at 5:45 at the very latest - very doubtful!), I have decided to take the option of joining the call from the comfort of my living room couch. (Oh how I wish I could crawl under a warm kotatsu...)
Fingers crossed they don't set this time as the time for the proposed weekly call!
Fingers crossed they don't set this time as the time for the proposed weekly call!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
July Photo Updates 2
What is this and why is it sitting in the middle of a train platform??
Taikoz Workshop in a warehouse studio
Miniature surprise produce from our garden (originating from compost wastes)
And here they are close up...
Taikoz Workshop in a warehouse studio
Miniature surprise produce from our garden (originating from compost wastes)
And here they are close up...
July Photo Update
Small reunion dinner with high school friends
Mum's birthday dinner
A happy egg.
A carton of happy eggs! (^_^)
Mum's birthday dinner
A happy egg.
A carton of happy eggs! (^_^)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Magic skirt?
When I got dressed this morning, I thought I had put on a dark grey, nearly black skirt. When I walked out into the sunlight, it was dark khaki green. Magic!^^
Monday, July 23, 2007
Lunch-hour Circuit Class
The boxercise class I tried out last Friday lunch was quite bearable, so I thought I'd give today's circuit class a go. OMG, it's painful! How my shoulders, arms and legs ache! Having never taken part in a circuit class, I had no idea what torture I was in for.
Warm up was 5 minutes on the exercise bike, then some push ups, followed by those weight machines which I didn't know how to use until today. Even 1 minute per machine was torturous, especially the ones that work the upper body. Even using the lightest weights possible, I couldn't keep up on the first rotation let alone on the second.
Immediately the class, my arms were like jelly. Geez I'm weak. But it actually feels like I've done some exercise. Should I try pilates on Wednesday or should I wait till next week?
In any case, I think I'll book myself in for a 10-minute massage tomorrow.^^
Warm up was 5 minutes on the exercise bike, then some push ups, followed by those weight machines which I didn't know how to use until today. Even 1 minute per machine was torturous, especially the ones that work the upper body. Even using the lightest weights possible, I couldn't keep up on the first rotation let alone on the second.
Immediately the class, my arms were like jelly. Geez I'm weak. But it actually feels like I've done some exercise. Should I try pilates on Wednesday or should I wait till next week?
In any case, I think I'll book myself in for a 10-minute massage tomorrow.^^
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Go watch transformers!!
Sorry, I've been a bit slack with the updating...after staring at the computer screen for hours on end at the office, I like to give my poor eyes a break when I return home. Going to the big screen, however, is a different matter...went to see Transformers the movie today. I was kinda lazy to go especially with there being no trains on the NS line due to track work, but I was keen to kick the blues out of my system so I made myself stick to my schedule and I'm glad I did. I don't know how they made it look so life-like, but the film was truly amazing. I loved it!^^ Ok, so there were some corny bits in it but it was action-packed with some humour and touching moments...just what I like in a movie.^^ The spicy Thai dinner and ice-cream was good for me too, not to mention the free live concert we stumbled across on the way to the station. Apparently, the live concerts are a week-long event held in celebration of the Asian (football/soccer) Cup. Might go check out next Saturday's performance too. Sometimes I really do love this city.
しかしながら、最近、何だかさびしく感じます。外食したいと思うとき、かいものへ行きたいと思うとき、いっしょに行ってくれる友人がいないことを気づきました。リリー先生...なんかおいしいもの食べに行かない？買い物行かない？
昨日、買い物行きたかったが、一人で行く気がなくて、結局ママについてあっちこっち行きました。
以前、私はだれと遊んでただろうね。よく考えると、大学じだいでも、私の活動はほとんど勉強中心で、あまり出かけなかったね。それと、遊び好きな親友たちはみんな海外へ行っちゃって...
しかしながら、最近、何だかさびしく感じます。外食したいと思うとき、かいものへ行きたいと思うとき、いっしょに行ってくれる友人がいないことを気づきました。リリー先生...なんかおいしいもの食べに行かない？買い物行かない？
昨日、買い物行きたかったが、一人で行く気がなくて、結局ママについてあっちこっち行きました。
以前、私はだれと遊んでただろうね。よく考えると、大学じだいでも、私の活動はほとんど勉強中心で、あまり出かけなかったね。それと、遊び好きな親友たちはみんな海外へ行っちゃって...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Declared normal and healthy
...but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm fit as well, unfortunately.^^;
I haven't done a fitness test since high school. My arms failed me at 12 push ups, and my sit ups were more like stomach crunches. >_< style="font-style: italic;">
Mon- circuit class
Tue- boxing
Wed- pilates
Thu- free!
Fri- gym
Sat- free!
Sun- badminton as usual
Hmm...when should I start?
Today was a welcome change from the usual database maintenance. My day started with an 8am conference call with our counterparts in the US, the fitness assessment at 1pm followed by a meeting at 2pm that went on for close to 2 hours, and concluded with a one hour "catch up" session with my buddy. It's funny how people at the office use the phrase catch up.
I haven't done a fitness test since high school. My arms failed me at 12 push ups, and my sit ups were more like stomach crunches. >_< style="font-style: italic;">
Mon- circuit class
Tue- boxing
Wed- pilates
Thu- free!
Fri- gym
Sat- free!
Sun- badminton as usual
Hmm...when should I start?
Today was a welcome change from the usual database maintenance. My day started with an 8am conference call with our counterparts in the US, the fitness assessment at 1pm followed by a meeting at 2pm that went on for close to 2 hours, and concluded with a one hour "catch up" session with my buddy. It's funny how people at the office use the phrase catch up.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A new leaf
Welcome to my new blog! It's still under construction, so please bear with me.^^
It’s been a tiring but eventful 2 weeks. The early mornings are slowly killing me. I need to get into the habit of going to bed earlier...
Everyone at work is, or appears to be, very hard-working. The colleagues that sit in the same area as me (behind the blue wall which marks the APJ section) barely leave their desks except when attending scheduled meetings, during their lunch break (though many eat at their desk too) and “when nature calls”.
I made a new friend at work who is closer to my age, and started just over a month ago. We live on the same train line, and our brothers know each other! Small world, eh?! So anyway, we met for lunch twice, and on Friday night we went out for laksa then joined her friends for drinks. I think I found my drinking buddy…we were both red in the face and slightly tipsy after one Citrus Swizzle.^^; It was a good time…thanks LC! The bar was a pretty classy-looking, with curtains and crystal lights – pretty impressive considering it was once the GPO stables!
After 2 weeks of life at C@, I have realised that my corporate wardrobe consists of black, white, and different shades of grey (which actually falls in line with the majority). However, I’m getting tired of wearing the same colours everyday, so I decided to go shopping for some slightly less gloomy-coloured business attire at the weekend. I’d signed up for a taikoz workshop early Sunday afternoon which was held in Ultimo, so I checked out the factory outlets nearby and picked up a pair of beige pinstripe pants. Well, at least they’re not grey. Nor black. I miss shopping in
The taikoz workshop was definitely a good workout for the arms and legs – I was puffing by the end of the warm-up exercises! We learnt a few basic rhythms and each got a go on the different drums throughout the session. All in all, it was good fun despite it conjuring up memories I’d rather forget :(, and my being hopelessly uncoordinated. My left arm (hand and fingers included) is useless when it comes to quick movement, and this was not helped by the lingering soreness after the cervical cancer injection I had had the day before. How smart of me to schedule an injection the day before a drumming workshop! And I’ve got a fitness assessment at the office gym scheduled for tomorrow…
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