tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69813952011-08-21T00:03:13.327+08:00Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhiannongnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-23631675102818447842010-11-22T21:58:00.010+08:002010-12-04T08:00:20.433+08:00

MOSCOW: Known to the locals as Москва́, this is the capital city of the Russian Federation. I planned and planned this trip, I mean I had the visa readied before I left Perth which seemed like an eon ago and had a Russian friend recommend me places to stay and places to visit... but yet nothing else seemed to be finalised till a few days beforehand. All the places that were probably better for my

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-28380176075345786412010-11-17T04:08:00.004+08:002010-11-19T04:21:56.104+08:00

After the short trip to Pisa, I made it back to München (Munich) and spent another five days in the city...My München highlights:- Attending Michaela's graduation & getting to meet her lovely German relatives. Michaela's graduation pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=564706&id=859840586&l=c070f1b14d - Neuschwanstein (aka fairy tale castle)... the castle is truly magnificent. The brilliant

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-67195720853292859022010-11-17T02:10:00.004+08:002010-11-17T04:07:43.145+08:00

When I was preparing for this world trip, I knew that I would be catching up with my friend Michaela who lives in Munich. In fact the original plan was to travel through Europe together for some time. Anyhow in the end, that plan wasn’t hatchable, so we had to scrap it. Instead, the two of us decided that we would take a side trip from Munich for a couple of days. The destination of choice (and

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-23596259365081703012010-11-08T22:06:00.006+08:002010-11-08T22:54:02.974+08:00

I've discovered that without internet I am feeling rather helpless when travelling especially here in Europe. I use the net to help me find out about air fares, train timetables, city guides, check emails, facebook, and upload my pics into online albums. I'm currently in Amsterdam, sitting in a food hall using a friend's mini computer and sucking the life out of the WiFi connection here.

annongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-73574427518756858252010-11-06T01:48:00.002+08:002010-11-06T02:09:14.448+08:00

I arrived safe and sound in London after my flight from Dallas was delayed almost five hours. This is my third time in the city and the first time to have a week to enjoy it. Over the week, I have caught up with many of my friends from high school (I can not believe how many of them are living in London these days!) I have also visited many museums and touristy places. I will be back in the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-38360655054087616892010-10-28T08:43:00.003+08:002010-10-31T06:47:22.911+08:00

Here are the links to the pics from my Mexico trip.Mexico 1: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=529151&id=859840586&l=25af94f656Mexico 2: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=547666&id=859840586&l=5722a3567dMexico 3: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=547679&id=859840586&l=7f5dc117bdMexico City: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=547675&id=859840586&l=f4b270483d

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-45878445459574383132010-10-26T12:49:00.004+08:002010-10-26T13:16:19.252+08:00

I can't believe that my three weeks of Monterrey has come to an end. Unfortunately my Spanish is still rather pathetic. But I have to thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I was told before I came over that there wasn't any thing to do in Monterrey... I managed to find plenty of places to visit and tonnes of new foods for me to taste. Places I visited that I recommend checking out:- Macroplaza in the

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-67373408245079866872010-10-13T12:25:00.007+08:002010-10-26T13:16:48.911+08:00

It has been eleven years since I have been in a fully Spanish speaking community. My Spanish skills (or the little that I had once had) has pretty much gone to shreds. I entered Monterrey, Mexico, with hardly any ability to communicate with my host family. The poor family spent the first couple of days lamenting over the face that I had forgotten my Spanish, and that I once was able to speak with

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-3577222435294609312010-10-06T12:04:00.009+08:002010-10-08T00:05:26.151+08:00

This city really never sleeps! I've been here for a week and there is always new things to check out for museums, exhibitions, shopping, broadway productions, food, markets etc. There are tonnes of shops open till midnight or even 24 hours!I have been very blessed with accommodation this trip, and have been staying at a friend's apartment overlooking the Hudson River and the New Jersey shoreline.

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-37395818321842551942010-09-23T12:25:00.012+08:002010-10-03T14:16:20.217+08:00

Kelly reckons I am now ready to move over to Toronto as I have experience quite a lot of things that only local Torontonians would have experienced.- I celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in the northern hemisphere for the first time in seven years which was complete with the traditional mooncake eating, moon observing, and a delicious hotpot dinner at home. I even managed to score a free

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-12728434955409746412010-09-20T12:31:00.016+08:002010-09-22T13:06:25.240+08:00

I am loving being able to be a tourist, roaming around and exploring a different city. There is so much to see and discover in Toronto... the past week I got to check out the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bata Shoe Museum, Osgoode Law library, etc. I also got to check out the gigantic T&T supermarket (a Chinese supermarket) and a Korean supermarket... they were so much fun. I am also enjoying catching up

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-39981881528373108882010-09-13T11:09:00.011+08:002010-09-14T13:14:57.469+08:00

I've been in Toronto for one week and already I have eaten so much food!!!! From the moment I landed into Toronto after my hideously long day of travel from Wellington (almost 24 hours long) I have been pretty much eating non-stop. I can not get over how much cheaper food is over here than in Perth. Our currencies are currently almost one-to-one with each other so the contrast is very evident.

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-53630747017430972872010-09-06T23:09:00.006+08:002010-09-09T11:38:46.426+08:00

I was warned before I left Perth that the weather in Wellington was bitterly cold, so I braced myself for the worst. Alice reckons I got the best of Wellington this trip, I arrived in Wellington to be welcomed by sun and blue skies. I only copped one day of rain, but the rest of the 4 days were rather pleasant. I really like Wellington, it is a very compact capital city, and it is very beautiful,

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-80436581732807445612010-08-30T22:52:00.002+08:002010-09-06T23:04:09.368+08:00

Originally year 2010 was going to be my year of purchasing a house, but with the short term-ness of the work contracts I'd been given this year it totally was not possible. Sigh! I already knew that I was going to be in Toronto in September for a couple weeks, so in the beginning of August I made the firm decision that I was not going to extend and work yet another short term contract but instead

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-67200418006258829822009-01-15T22:57:00.007+09:002009-05-05T01:14:35.256+08:00

I got to spend lots of quality time with my family in Kuala Lumpur. Most of the time was spent eating (the photos will tell its story)... highlights include us cousins going on a mad hunt to find durian, and screaming across the road at the durian man when we did eventually find him to save us some; roti tisu - a huge and ultra thin roti doused in sugar and honey... so delicious; and going to the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-91224199381255299722008-12-21T21:02:00.004+09:002008-12-21T21:34:29.625+09:00

I know I haven't updated in a while. After Toronto, I was in London for 3 1/2 days, then Paris for 2 days and Hong Kong for 14 days. I'm currently writing from Singapore's Changi Airport... I'm heading off to Kuala Lumpur to spend time with my family and relatives for Christmas and New Years. On a side note, I will have been stuck in this airport for over 6 hours... sadly I wasn't able to

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-25975957180097747632008-11-30T18:05:00.007+09:002009-04-29T20:28:06.225+08:00

Besides the wedding, I was able to catch up with my friends from my dip ed course, and friends I have known from my HK days. It was so good to see them all, especially in their now hometowns. I was also able to try out the local food haunts and did lots of window shopping... okay so i was able to squish in a little retail therapy too. Ice hockey has always been a game i have wanted to watch and a

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-79627204293576352912008-11-30T18:00:00.004+09:002008-11-30T18:19:13.464+09:00

I have been in Toronto for the past week and a bit, spending my time with my high school best friend Kelly who got married last weekend. Her wedding last weekend was very much talked about, it was full of her close friends and was sooooo much fun. The wedding was at the Metropolitan Hotel and the reception was catered by the famous Lai Wah Heen restaurant in the hotel that served the most

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-43203911808886047782008-11-30T16:09:00.004+09:002008-11-30T17:11:13.685+09:00

After spending my birthday packing and picnic-ing at the supreme court gardens with about 12,000 people (for the Church Together event), I got an airplane and began my seven-week round the world trip. My flight destinations: Melbourne - Toronto - London - Paris - Hong Kong - Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore - Perth.Note to self: budget flights are really budget flights, remember to bring own

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-20936690532999518392008-10-31T00:28:00.003+09:002008-11-01T02:24:51.971+09:00

Last day of the month... I had a sugar-filled morning tea this morning where there was a display of homemade goodies doused liberally in saccharine (I contributed the blueberry swirl cheesecakes)... so full of goodness! My office has been really getting into the collegial spirit - up and coming events with my team: Melbourne Cup lunch at the pub (we're going to frock-it and have sweepstakes!

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-16743914825807858672008-10-30T23:25:00.004+09:002008-10-31T01:14:57.047+09:00

It's the Red Bull Air Race World Championship this weekend. This is the third year in a row that this annual international competition has been held in Perth. Perth will be hosting this event until year 2011. I missed the competitions in the past two year, so I'm looking forward to catching glimpses of the action on Sunday! This competition uses "the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-10766110063032954592008-10-29T21:18:00.005+09:002008-10-30T01:14:42.821+09:00

A group of us at work decided to have a morning tea and do something fun for Halloween. Sure I don't celebrate it, and frankly not too many people in Australia do, but we just thought it would be something different to do. Anyway I had a little look online at the different foods people have been creating for Halloween inspirations (I discovered that there are extreme pumpkin craving designs...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-15016067793201982052008-10-28T22:42:00.004+09:002008-10-28T23:59:34.085+09:00

Less than twenty days before I start my seven-week long travels. There is quite a lot that I still need to arrange beforehand. I'm making lists and trying to stay sane, and not burst with excitement...this gorgeous card by foxy & winston with alpacas made me melt... they are so adorableCurrently loving:- Dad's garden... there is a myriad of flowers popping up all over and it looks quite wild yet

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-28180543845300487322008-10-27T22:38:00.004+09:002008-10-28T00:52:08.680+09:00

Remember the cassette tape? well I found an online version! saves me time from sitting in front of the boom box waiting for the right song to come along just so I can record it without too much talking from the DJ. sweet!Currently loving:- vegetarian sushi with pickled ginger in the middle... yum!

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-78646516674294390072008-10-26T23:04:00.005+09:002008-10-27T00:23:40.597+09:00

Flew back into Perth today after being in Melbourne for just over a day. Perth started its third year of trial daylight savings today (now GMT +9). As it is a trial daylight savings, there have been constant debate of the pros and cons for it. It amuses me to no end when I hear that daylight saving is bad as cows will become disorientated with the time to be milked and how curtains will fade

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-34035028346416906852008-10-25T23:04:00.003+08:002008-10-26T23:50:49.335+09:00

It's Britt-Astid and Stuart's wedding today. I arrived in Melbourne at 5:45am... got whisked back to my friend's place where I conked out for a couple hours before getting ready to attend the wedding. The wedding ceremony was at the Swedish Church... highlighting Asti's scandinavian heritage. The weather was lovely... so lovely in fact that I was actually rather afraid I'd get sunburnt. The

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-48430712243828085202008-10-24T23:03:00.002+08:002008-10-27T00:09:07.101+09:00

It's been a pretty big day today... went to work (one of our teams moved out of the building), I had to run a few last minute errands, packed to fly out to Melbourne for the weekend, helped make toasted sandwiches at Youth (it was quite a fun adventure with half a dozen of us leaders hovering over sandwich presses to make hundreds of them), headed over to the airport to catch my flight. I felt

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-11179842102427196232008-10-23T19:58:00.008+08:002008-10-24T00:24:44.153+08:00

I received my letter from the big boss regarding my job after the restructure yesterday, and I will be moving to a new team. In fact my team is going to be dispersed into three different teams... the changes that will happen! Looking back to the two and a half years I have been in my team, I have learnt so much and have made lots of new friendships. I would have to say we are probably the most

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-15710435458112885492008-10-22T23:00:00.003+08:002008-10-23T02:58:52.273+08:00

Still looking for accomodation in Paris, France and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia... Paris' got heaps of hotels and hostels... so where should I stay? options, options, options. I've had heaps of help from friends who have visited France before and they have been providing me with lots and lots of information and useful tips... really appreciate how excited and resourceful everyone has been about my

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-28313026948701762112008-10-21T22:56:00.004+08:002008-10-22T00:17:13.665+08:00

My talented cousin Eve made Nat some cupcakes for her birthday... I managed to try one out... carrot cake with cream cheese frosting! yummo see below for evidence.Currently loving:- A morning tea that I helped organise (to wish one of our teams all the best as they move t a new location) turned out to be a success. The catering was good, we had plenty to nibble on... we pinned up scanned pictures

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-574575002536120742008-10-20T19:58:00.004+08:002008-10-21T00:04:09.240+08:00

It's been quite a turbulent quarter with many things changing in the big wide world of Perth... in my opinion anyway... the whirlwind state election (which is being governed in coalition at the moment), my work's major restructure which still has not yet been settled since it was announced in May, the international economy crashing, Perth's property market having its big ups and downs, etc. But I

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-70652284181058443412008-10-19T23:52:00.004+08:002008-10-20T02:00:02.279+08:00

The warm weather has hit Perth all of a sudden... it was cold a month ago and Spring had just arrived, now boom warm weather... does that mean summer has officially set in? Here are a few clues that the season has changed in Perth:- David Jones and Myer have already set up their Christmas displays (yes, that includes reindeers, snowflakes, snowmen)- Shops are starting to sell 2009 calendars...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-3938327474181990932008-10-18T00:05:00.004+08:002008-10-19T23:54:15.990+08:00

I have been reminiscing about the past summer camps today, and one of the most memorable moments was Australia Day 2006 when all the leaders did our own version of the Skyshow by lighting sparklers and waving/dancing around the basketball court with them. I found this amazing video on yatzer.com... where light graffiti artists used glow sticks, LED lights, flashlights, time-lapse photography to

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-43608103445661018522008-10-17T22:42:00.003+08:002008-10-18T00:23:30.410+08:00

The Youth program is back and running for Term 4 after a two week break that seemed much too long at times... Seeing the youth make new friends, discover their own spiritual journey, and having the opportunity to share life and just hear what they've been up to makes me smile. I was rostered today to drive some of the youth from the Cockburn (pronounced 'co-burn') Central campus up to the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-2642713510934791382008-10-16T22:08:00.005+08:002008-10-17T02:16:23.353+08:00

I discovered that there was such a thing as a Christmas ornament swap as I began to journey into reading design blogs. Although I don't sew or design much crafty things, I've been following the ornament swap organised by Freshly Blended and Cake & Pie for the past 2 years. Each participant has to create an ornament and send them to I think eight other people, and in return they will receive eight

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-28705616734437696012008-10-15T23:19:00.003+08:002008-10-16T00:56:15.162+08:00

I'm product swooning... just got back from a makeup event that promoted the new range of lipsticks called Lipstick Queen by Poppy King. It was a fun night where we all got lipstick makeovers, and even got tips and recommendations from the Lipstick Queen herself. I couldn't resist and had to purchase a couple of the products myself (see below for evidence)... they looked so good! haha what a

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-60117293464408245722008-10-14T22:36:00.002+08:002008-10-15T01:42:18.321+08:00

After the discussion with my cousins about the things we're going to get up to when in Malaysia... I've been dreaming about the foods...- the dessert kuehs.. ie kueh lapis, ang ku kueh, kueh onde onde, pulut tai tai- indian rojak- fresh guava with sour plum dipping powder- roti canai- air limou- nasi lemak- the mamak stores- fresh coconut juice- durian- jackfruit- ais kacang- teh tarikFoods I

annongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-40021253512136587182008-10-13T00:27:00.002+08:002008-10-14T02:08:38.473+08:00

The weather is warming up. The spring blooms are popping up everywhere... Dad's garden is looking really lush and it's really cute seeing dad all gushy about his precious flowers. I'm gearing up for summer this year, been getting used to the heat by going to circuit training twice a week at lunchtimes under increasingly warm conditions which has been making the sessions so much more unbearable...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-7040655368576217152008-10-12T23:00:00.003+08:002008-10-12T23:31:03.621+08:00

I've always been fascinated by innovative product designs. For those of us old enough to remember creating our own mix tape cassettes, sitting next to the boom box recording the songs off the radio, trying to make the songs fit on to one side then having to do the same with side B... and once have you perfected the art of mix tapes you create one for your special friend, your besties, etc...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-90152709483287234302008-10-11T22:20:00.003+08:002008-10-12T23:00:36.520+08:00

It's my sister's birthday (and dad's too but he wasn't in town)... A bunch of girls dressed up and had dinner in the city, then headed down to Subi where we met up with many many more birthday wellwishers. It was really great hanging out with all my cousins... it's probably the first time in a long time where all of us (the ones living in Perth) have actually hung out without the uncles and

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-90313025959375492042008-10-10T21:07:00.004+08:002008-10-10T23:17:03.638+08:00

Oh stationery! I love stationery... and this post is dedicated to the post-it notes. I use lined post-it notes or better known as 'fat pads' by our local stationery guy at work, but these days there are post-its in all different colours, shapes and even scents. I love how it's been incorporated into art, bringing the contemporary everyday office stationery into another urban setting and totally

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-38893556910346013372008-10-09T21:15:00.003+08:002008-10-10T00:12:12.458+08:00

Enjoying reliving the simple joys of childhood - Honey Joys. I remember chomping on these little delicious cornflake clusters (also known as cornflake crunchies) at my friends' birthday parties. Anyway I decided to make some for my colleague's belated birthday morning tea at work today and it went down a real treat! It brought the inner child out in us again!Recipe from Kellogg'sCurrently loving:

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-23897719923858702432008-10-08T23:00:00.005+08:002008-10-09T02:01:32.651+08:00

Love visual worship... being able to express our adoration, our thoughts, our prayers in a different medium. I was recently introduced to this video, “New Creation” performed at Fellowship Church, and it gave me goosebumps...and here's a couple older pics from my church's visual worship experiences (photos from Kym Rolle)Currently loving:- making fresh batches of honey joys- the jeopardy-like

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-31285243846812510842008-10-07T21:40:00.003+08:002008-10-07T22:04:48.870+08:00

Ever wondered what you would have looked like back in the days? Yearbookyourself.com can being you back to the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, reliving your high school year book photos. I had hours and hours of fun with this site.Currently loving:- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte... I was given this copy and have started reading it... so far, so good...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-16280833909972699732008-10-06T23:12:00.004+08:002008-10-07T01:43:55.356+08:00

Moving away from Hong Kong, I thought that the crazy busy pace of life would slow down... sometimes I wonder if I could ever be so wrong. I reckon it's we have learn to crave... for something to do... if there are gaps in the diary, we want to fill them up. Weird. I think it's a good thing to just slow the pace down every now and then, and just be able to balance it out. Recently I discovered I

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-62140474555258356852008-10-05T23:15:00.003+08:002008-10-06T00:23:19.871+08:00

Just dreaming about my trip overseas, and what I would love to eat in Hong Kong:- curry fish balls on a stick- siu mai on a stick- waffles hawker style 雞蛋仔- wonton noodles with the amazingly alkaline-y noodles- mango drink from 許留山- breakfast at a cafe 茶餐廳 ie thick slices of french toast, with the myriad of set meals- fresh beancurd jelly with rock sugar sprinked on top - pretty anything from the

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-26294463719526986652008-10-04T23:37:00.004+08:002008-10-05T02:02:44.073+08:00

I went into a scrapbooking store this afternoon after having a huge lunch with some of my colleagues from last year... If I had heaps of time and money to spend, I'd probably be scrapbooking all the time. Alright, I'll probably not be scrapbooking but I'm am totally hooked with the vast range of printed paper and different paper types available. Guess I'm a total geek, but I love the prints and

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-62463707144593528842008-10-03T22:53:00.003+08:002008-10-03T23:30:20.312+08:00

I'm really loving the big wide world we live it... it contains some amazing, some breathtaking and some absolutely wacky stuff. Amidst a good ol' yarn with some of my colleagues, one of them brought up the fact that when she was in Singapore last she had a fish reflexology session... What is that?! It was explained to me that you dip your feet into a tank of water where there are a type of fish

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-12534374360791741132008-10-02T20:59:00.005+08:002008-10-02T22:39:44.753+08:00

Dad was in Hong Kong and China for three weeks in September. Someone gave him a gift box of individually packed 龍鬚糖 dragon beard candy! Dad had no idea what he brought back, just knew it was edible! haha My entire family (except dad) was in awe that 1) omg we had dragon beard candy!!! 2) in Perth 3) they were in small packs like back in the days when we had them in little trays fresh off the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-3530530838609924772008-10-01T22:46:00.007+08:002008-10-02T00:02:14.763+08:00

This will be my last set of 'a month of posts' for the year. As my friend Amanda has begun writing every day for the month of October for her sophomore book, I thought I would join along with the month of writing... just perhaps not as inspirational...Western Australia recently had its state election, and the sandwich shop next to my office decided to get rather vocal about it. The flyers made my

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-46640576637602167132008-09-30T23:28:00.009+08:002008-10-01T01:44:41.259+08:00

Wow I didn't realise so much has happened this month until I uploaded my photos from my camera (there were plenty of birthday celebrations)...apart from the photo evidence, what else has happened in September...We celebrated Father's Day (Australia's day for dad's is in September) for my brother... which was a sad but positive occasion.Been adjusting to life without my gong gong at home and

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-16244367034958116172008-09-04T01:01:00.006+08:002008-10-03T23:35:30.030+08:00

A team at my work pinned this up on one of the noticeboards recently and it made me realise how visual our society has become and also just how many technology icons I have been in contact with in my daily life. Reckon you know this set of ABCs? I'm still at lost with a few of them... help anyone?A = AppleB = BloggerC = ColdfusionD = De-li-ciousE = EBayF = FirefoxG = GimpH = Hot PotatoesI =

annongnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-61616588430949304112008-09-03T22:32:00.012+08:002008-10-03T23:36:15.399+08:00

Images captured in August...Youth at RiverviewAt the semi-finals of the wheelchair basketball league - wheelcats vs roller hawks...Early spring blooms at home... my tribute to dad's hard work in the gardenI made raspberry swirl cheesecakes with oreo bases... and they were very yummy so I made some moreSarah Gerlach came over to Perth to visit her family and we caught up over dinner; I knitted a

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-49453375228271474552008-07-31T01:22:00.004+08:002008-08-01T01:59:04.422+08:00

I've got good news! I got a six-month extension to my contract! Thank you God! It has been pretty stressful being at work not knowing if they will continue to keep me on... they said they would but it doesn't really matter until it's all been keep into paper. So today the paperwork was officially processed. Phew! It's such a relief... and now I can safely go on my end of year around the world

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-21033376945869627602008-07-30T23:17:00.003+08:002008-08-01T02:10:11.390+08:00

Just a quick post... been thinking about the interesting way we now communicate and interact with one another... with mobile phones, text messaging, emails, blogs, forums, online networks etc, are we interacting with people less and less face-to-face... does that make the relationships formed more or less personal? Is it healthy to want everything in an instant? There are so many services

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-15531614464056602552008-07-29T18:22:00.007+08:002008-07-31T02:33:46.352+08:00

My gong gong was admitted to the hospital today. He hasn't been feeling all that well for the past few weeks... reckon he had a viral infection, lots and lots of coughing, lack of appetite, the list goes on. Anyway my aunt and uncle came over from Melbourne today coincidentally so they got to visit him at the hospital. Seems like my gong gong is just dehydrated but is also pretty weak at the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-74222044208589940332008-07-28T18:25:00.005+08:002008-07-31T02:21:59.033+08:00

Ooh I discovered Wordle... it's a 'toy' that generates word clouds using text you enter... it brings out the typography geek in me. Below is one from the gallery.Also currently loving:- City Homicide... one of the best aussie shows I've watched in ages.- Sashimi... gotta love a bit of raw fish.- Canapes... can be hideously fiddly to make, but tastes amazing... well I made some for the first time

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-72803719406676930802008-07-27T18:24:00.005+08:002008-07-31T00:12:36.020+08:00

The Vine Band's new album 'From Ashes to Beauty' has finally reached my hands. I received a copy of the CD and DVD in the mail this weekend thanks to Cliff for being my HK postie. This album is definitely going to be played on repeat for a very long time! I am really loving the songs!

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-85167381481501629182008-07-26T18:24:00.010+08:002008-07-31T02:22:35.628+08:00

Christmas in July... it's quite a popular event here in Australia... it's a fantastic reason for people to enjoy each others company whilst eating and drinking... plus much better than doing nothing during winter. My work colleague organised the event at her house and we all brought a dish each and a kris kringle present. There were some of our current project staff and some older ones from last

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-39990212614956828302008-07-25T18:24:00.002+08:002008-07-30T01:14:58.644+08:00

I think I still have a job... well at least for a little while longer. My work has been undergoing a review and restructure and it has affected the project I have been working on for the past two years. The review was supposed to have concluded in April, but we did not hear of any news until this week. It has been really difficult working and not knowing how the things we were doing were in the

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-66985957869169540382008-07-24T18:23:00.002+08:002008-07-30T02:18:46.497+08:00

My current top five songs: (in no particular order)- 'Healer' the powerful song written and sung by Mike Guggliemucci in the latest Hillsong album... been bringing tears to be eyes every time I listen to it.- Cheap Trick - 'If You Want My Love You Got It'... I heard the song sung by Paul Dempsey (Something For Kate) and Triple J's Doctor in the morning show's Like A Version and just loved it...

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-6761311448925700512008-07-23T18:55:00.004+08:002008-07-30T02:02:34.886+08:00

Two months now... Still missing my little Dominic.the proud auntie, dominic and his daddy

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-46016000489654395862008-07-22T00:28:00.008+08:002008-07-30T01:56:32.859+08:00

Buildings that have caught my eye recently:Dubai, the city which has been developing some incredibly amazing architecture lately. The latest in the works is 'The Dynamic Tower', an apartment building designed by David Fisher. It is an 80 storey building, and each level can rotate 360 degrees at voice command, and power-generating wind turbines between each level making the design more energy

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-83119594107362487642008-07-21T00:28:00.004+08:002008-07-30T01:03:07.443+08:00

What? A day of rest from the Tour de France?! I was really looking forward to watching more cycling before bedtime tonight. I think dad and I have managed to lure Sarah into watching the Tour de France. Of course there's also Rupert Guinness, one of the reporters who contributes to the SBS coverage who has been providing us with endless amusement wearing those Hawaiian shirts of his... it's a

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-35378253938391966742008-07-20T00:26:00.006+08:002008-07-30T00:19:17.645+08:00

Church's theme for this month has been 'Jesus, Light of the World'... tonight adam spoke and illustrated his message by using the camera lens and how the iris of the lens funnels light into the camera. Adam also shared his personal life story and it was really powerful. Reminded me of Matthew 5:13-15, and how light may be all around, but when it is surrounded by darkness, light becomes a focus

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-4715493645987018352008-07-19T00:26:00.006+08:002008-07-27T02:07:28.653+08:00

Tri Nations Rugby has started this season. My whole family has been getting into it. Sarah bought tickets for a group of us to watch the Wallabies against the Springboks at Subi Oval today. I've never been to a live rugby game before, so it was a really great experience for me... dressing to support my team, taking the train into the stadium, then walking down to Subi to get some food before the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-48117795318071519932008-07-18T00:26:00.004+08:002008-07-27T02:07:03.976+08:00

Raspberry swirl cheesecake... that was the recipe I found in an old edition of delicious magazine. I decided to give it a test run tonight and brought them along to my friend's house. It was very well received with our strong cuppas of Irish Breakfast, fluffy blankets and us sitting on the comfy couches while loving every moment of Strictly Ballroom... wow I had forgotten how spectacular that

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-32024211039286223312008-07-17T00:25:00.004+08:002008-07-27T02:05:21.603+08:00

It's officially started for the year... that is my annual knitting season has begun. I picked up some wool from the shops on the weekend and I dug out the needles and away I've been going. It's been very therapeutic doing a little knitting while watching tv. I like to knit but I have to admit it's limited skills... I only know how to knit scarves which can be pretty boring. Can someone please

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-105027063111324192008-07-16T00:25:00.003+08:002008-07-27T01:51:12.462+08:00

Just wondering... Is there a proper way to stay warm in winter? How much heating should one use? Is it justifiable to heat the room until it feels like you're on a tropical island? I reckon it's a pain in the neck to layer on clothes as I usually end up unable to move my arms properly etc... but at the same time I am saving electricity and gas... sigh decisions decisions.

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-74907051496079914222008-07-15T00:25:00.007+08:002008-07-27T01:23:40.886+08:00

The swimming pool in the backyard has been removed... now in its place is a whole tonne of sand. The parentals decided it was time to dig out the pool as the cost of running it was too high with the water bill, chemicals, maintenance of the pump etc and the fact is we don't use it very often... it's a shame as the times we have used it there were some good times. Now for a little reminisce and

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-55733159896304697402008-07-14T00:24:00.005+08:002008-07-23T01:42:47.020+08:00

Throughout all the weekend services at church there were guests from Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) who spoke and performed in each session... Last night, Mike Duncan spoke about the emotional poverty and the devastation it can cause. I guess it's no coincidence that I have had this topic revealed to me more recently... even through novels. I pray that God will continue to guide and show me how

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-32490364754298528632008-07-13T00:24:00.003+08:002008-07-23T01:21:17.830+08:00

Tour de France.... never thought I'd ever watch people cycle, but I have to admit I have been hooked on the Tour this year. Dad and I officially started watching the sport together last year on tv and I have been learning lots about the tactics the riders and teams use to win the different stages. I'm still not 100% percent sure of all the rules and the routes but this sport has definitely got me

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-18566904338547332422008-07-12T21:44:00.001+08:002008-07-22T22:05:27.246+08:00

It's my cousin Syl's daughter Kimberley's first birthday party. The little girl was very excited about seeing lots of people show up and dote on her, plus not to mention she got to rip open all the wrappings of her new presents. Her grandma who couldn't attend as she was in KL joined us on skype briefly to check out the party vibes. The highlights of the party for me was seeing Jac eat

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-69641953402041375432008-07-11T21:40:00.001+08:002008-07-22T21:44:04.877+08:00

I am not able to upload this post directly online as the internet connection at home seems to have collapsed. Do you reckon it may have something to do with the poor electricity circuit around the house? Either way the back end of the house (the section around my bedroom) needs to have an electrician have a look at the circuitry as my bathroom lights don't seem to like the exhaust fan... yes very

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-8514307795002248872008-07-10T22:18:00.005+08:002008-07-11T00:03:54.692+08:00

Another one of my friends is leaving Perth. I got to know Anna just before I moved to Perth via the 180 forum. Anyway caught up with Anna tonight over dinner, and we reminisced over our friendship. Looking back and now understanding a little more, God really has been control of our lives, and just how much He has blessed my life bringing awesome friends into my life...- Five years ago moving to

annongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-87456539077755403322008-07-09T21:23:00.004+08:002008-07-10T00:00:47.710+08:00

I have been really blessed with friends that love, care, support, encourage and inspire me... One of these friends is Lari. I've known her since my Hong Kong days when we were both living there... When I moved to Perth, she had just started teaching in Esperance... a town 8-hours south of Perth. Because of this, we only catch up whenever she's Perth and often over some retail shopping, curry or

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-48414422667768391862008-07-08T23:30:00.011+08:002008-07-22T21:46:03.143+08:00

I heart China 中國. The country had been on my heart for almost a decade now. Something in me gets really excited when I think of the place. And I'm thrilled that everyone's getting geared up for the Beijing Olympics in August... I can still remember the day (back in July 2001) when it was announced that Beijing was going to host the 2008 Olympics, I was living in Beijing at the time and the whole

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-21409861209245103842008-07-07T23:26:00.009+08:002008-07-22T21:45:42.964+08:00

The weather has been pretty cold recently but I have been pretty impressed and amazed with the selection of flowers that have been available... some of the spring blossoms have already sprung up and are appearing in the shops like the daffodils (normally a late July/ early August bloomer) and ranunculus. And at home, we received a bouquet of cabbage flowers the other day... they are adorable! I'm

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-30775778155956892902008-07-06T18:36:00.002+08:002008-07-07T18:59:06.475+08:00

I watched the Eurocup final last weekend and it was an amazing game. To top it off Spain won 1-0, and justly so as the team had lots of new younger players and were game to try new tactics... and the Germans were just a little out of breath! With a little prompting from Sarah... I am now a fan of Spain and (Fernando) Torres. Below are a couple videos I found...Liverpool's love for TorresSpain's

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-9173498053378908162008-07-05T22:41:00.003+08:002008-07-07T00:18:20.085+08:00

It's the weekend and I normally sleep in. But today I ended up waking up early (well by weekend standards) and arrived at my friend's house where a group of us helped clean up her house as it was gutted out. I was heartbroken after witnessing all that was done to the house where my friend and her two little children live... even more of a heartache was that it was done by someone once dear to

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-2393461192873792762008-07-04T23:01:00.005+08:002008-07-05T02:34:52.773+08:00

Did I mention that I am a huge fan of Jane Austen? I have finally read all six of her major novels... and I even found a few kindred spirits recently and we had a Jane Austen night... paying tribute to the amazing author by watching DVDs that were inspired by and loosely based about her. It was a powerful combination of four girls (Ronel, Cathy, Brisa and I), dinner, pink cupcakes, maltesers,

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-56781298581907013712008-07-03T23:11:00.000+08:002008-07-03T23:29:36.620+08:00

A few more photo updates from June... Seven colleagues and I chipped in and supported the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA on 13 June by wearing purple bras on the outside and raising money by having people sponsor us. Some of my colleagues weren't able to participate on the 13th so they decided to start a day earlier and were strutting the bras around central office on the 12th. I have to admit it

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-32135058269718859232008-07-02T00:05:00.009+08:002008-07-03T00:48:05.667+08:00

I'm doing a little back posting. Almost a month ago, I got to spend a very relaxing weekend with some incredibly amazing friends (Bryce, Tin Tin, Amanda, Ben and Dan) down around the Margaret River region which is well known for its beaches and wineries. It was really good to spend time away from Perth. I was absolutely captivated by nature's beauty... it was a colour and texture fest for me! Oh

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-48072097085453912232008-07-01T23:44:00.008+08:002008-07-02T00:52:12.501+08:00

I have decided to give blogging for another month a shot. I found that it was actually rather stimulating for me to just jot down stuff... and feel free to provide feedback.Winter has arrived and the reality of just how bitingly cold it can be especially getting up early in the morning getting ready for work, walking out to the main road to wait for the bus, etc has never seemed more confronting.

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-7703520080552261772008-06-05T23:37:00.024+08:002008-06-18T00:45:40.866+08:00

I've been meaning to write sooner... but could not find the right words to put right all that happened in May. There were some fun times with my friends (click on the big images for more pics):- Brendan's farewell party- Bonfire charity fundraiser night at Gidgegannup- Amy's birthday dinner at Queen'starns and dee + the party at Queen'sthe gorgeous birthday girl amyceleste and ann trying out new

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-32797440446599535602008-04-30T00:11:00.004+08:002008-05-01T01:03:34.770+08:00

Alas it is the last day of my month of posting. It has been an eventful journey for me. Often when asked how I've been, the replying is quite commonly 'nothing much' but upon reflection quite a lot has happened this month. So here's a list of some of the new things I have discovered/ experienced in the past thirty days:Having breakfast for dinner... Amanda concocted this meal to celebrate some of

annongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-84330683289092589702008-04-29T23:50:00.002+08:002008-04-30T00:13:55.815+08:00

These are my new favourites from Hong Kong (courtesy of mom and dad who were over there for a short five-day trip):- my new camera!!! thank you Josh for shopping for this baby... got a canon ixus 900! very exciting!... I haven't yet thought of a name of it... although not too sure if I should really name such an item.- 牛力酥 the sweet breadstick that accompanies congee and a glass of soya been milk

annongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-91657387572635143402008-04-28T20:41:00.003+08:002008-04-30T00:01:31.660+08:00

Time has been a huge factor of this blog recently. I have realised that I haven't had much time to sit in front of my computer and post in the past few weeks. Other things in my life that have also been greatly affected by time of late:- waking up in the mornings (the colder weather does not make getting up any easier)... I've been trying to wake up earlier... trying being the key word!-

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-62227919739720874362008-04-27T20:04:00.000+08:002008-04-29T23:40:17.849+08:00

I love cake! Tonight after church we ended up at a cafe. I stared for a very long time at the cake display before I could make a decision. I wanted to try a bit of everything. Alright I admit I was starving at the time... I didn't end up eating one of every cake (thankfully) Hmm, is this weird? I may not like eating blocks of chocolate, but do like mudcake. Anyway, here are some aussie favourites

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-39441629827332347572008-04-26T19:56:00.000+08:002008-04-28T20:03:52.651+08:00

What do you do when you have to say goodbye to yet another one of your good friends? Seems like I often make great friends then they leave town... sigh do I smell that bad? Well my only consolation is that I know I'll see them again, perhaps not soon, but eventually... (Can't wait to catch up with my high school friends at the end of the year when I go back to HK... so I don't think I've seen in

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-70966229806810682132008-04-25T21:28:00.003+08:002008-04-26T00:08:26.051+08:00

Today is Anzac Day. This day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI and is one of the most important occasions here in Australia. ANZAC is the acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. Not being an Aussie, this day never seemed to matter to me... it was just another public holiday... until this year. I guess it was

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-54167818366579496412008-04-24T23:21:00.003+08:002008-04-25T00:47:44.114+08:00

This morning I had to grab some shrapnel for the parking ticket, so I ducked into the shops and bought a tub of mixed fruit. I started chomping into the tub whilst checking my emails etc, then half way through the tub I suddenly made a discovery... the fruit juice tasted funny! It had a bitter tang laced through it. I read the ingredients on the side of the tub and it contained the words '

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-61778071384892535692008-04-23T16:50:00.004+08:002008-04-23T17:13:44.769+08:00

Rats! I knew my office sometimes had visits from little critters, but I did not realise the severity of the issue until I moved over to the new work area. On Monday morning one of my colleagues came into work and stepped on something very sticky, so I went over to her desk to investigate. This investigation did not last long at all. We discovered what my colleague had stepped on was some of the

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-25319590660831815142008-04-22T08:43:00.005+08:002008-04-30T00:02:16.592+08:00

My team at work has recently moved to a new work area. The move has made me extremely aware just how much change and territories are to people. My big big boss told me to liaise with colleagues who are already in the area we were moving to... the first meeting... man one lady made it very clear her team did not have enough space and could not move. Awkward. Anyway the process was a little tense..

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-58405524399294228032008-04-21T22:30:00.004+08:002008-04-22T08:44:50.054+08:00

Ok I was back at my home for family dinner tonight... was really nice to have dinner with everyone... it's been a while. My brother often works in the evenings and mom and dad are going over to Hong Kong on Wednesday for five days, so it was good to catch up and touch base. Being back home tonight really made me realise how lovely and important it is to have my family support one another. It was

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-79847805202875260322008-04-20T22:22:00.001+08:002008-04-21T22:29:48.635+08:00

The weather changed dramatically in the last few days and it has been freezing... alright perhaps not freezing just yet but it has been very cold. As I was lying in bed last night trying to stay warm I thought of the clothes I would most likely be seen wearing this year in anticipation of the cold weather:- long cardigans- beanie- scarves- tights- hoodies- trackiedaks- polar fleece blanket

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-53001617240942062902008-04-19T21:20:00.000+08:002008-04-21T22:21:53.370+08:00

Adjusting to living in another person's house knowing you will only be there for just over a week is certainly a bit of an adventure. I am currently house sitting a friend's house who only three weeks ago moved into the place and had some major renovations done to it... when I arrived I found myself in faced with lots of boxes yet to be unpacked and paint fumes. Luckily a couple other friends

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-49844173685045515792008-04-18T13:54:00.003+08:002008-04-18T14:08:05.026+08:00

It's mom's birthday today. I was able to have the day off today and got to spend some time with her. The siblings and I took mom out to Tarts Cafe for brunch. The lunches there are good but I'm still a big fan of their breakfast menu. Nat and Moses brought along a marble cake... yummo!!! Mom actually thought it was a priviledge to go out with all of us kids as it is such a rarity... normally dad

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-63848738430334492102008-04-17T20:44:00.004+08:002008-04-18T14:28:54.703+08:00

Just a short note... I will be house sitting at a friend's house for just over a week but I don't know if I will be able to get internet access.... Hmmm I'll have to see if this daily posting is still able to happen. But I'm looking forward to be away from home this coming week... spend some time by myself, away from family (it's been a while since I've had time away from them).

annongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981395.post-43656768090237828062008-04-16T18:09:00.001+08:002008-04-17T01:18:42.537+08:00

I've decided I'm going to buy a new camera. Dad's going back to Hong Kong for a few days (meetings, meetings and more meetings), but he said he could get me a camera... yippee. But I'm still deciding whether or not it's better to purchase the camera within Australia... the prices look relatively competitive.... online purchasing that is... Decisions!!! I also have to make my mind up on what to

annongnoreply@blogger.com2