Tuesday, 31 March 2009
While waiting for Oceans 12 to load (believe it or not..i never watched a single one b4!!!)..
Reached home at 715pm today, did some clean up in the office for a couple of hours, realise I really couldn't take the mess anymore. Cooked dinner, nag at my dog..ahhaha...Seperate clothes, do laundry, ironing, pick (about 30) fleas off my dog, hang clothes to dry, feed dog her meds..
Actually didn't do much lah, but it's the small things here and there that adds up...
A simple example will be topping up the sugar in the condiments drawer. (tasked by big sis who was doing other chores)....If it were just lazy me living in this household, I'd just top up the bottle without bothering lor..hehehe...hostel days..hahaha....but...I'm not...so...here are the following steps:
1) Clear out any remnants of sugar from container into trash bag
2) Wash container and spoon
3) Dry container (double check -- you don't want sugar water!)
4) Look for the giant sugar container (the big big one that is used to top up the small one lah..haha)
5) Find out that the sugar in the giant sugar container has hardened and turned yellow
6) Scowl at the yellowed sugar..hahaha
7) Put giant container in the sink (FYNA later!)
8) Hunt for new packet of sugar (such things don't buy oftern so usually it's right at the back!), open and top up the small container
9) Find a clean small plastic bag and 3 rubber bands to double wrap and triple band up the remainder in the sugar packet (Ants, ants, ants...)
10) Realise that your clean small plastic bag which is red and opaque will not let you KNOW what's in the bag...and will be a problem many weeks from now when you need to top up sugar again!!!!
11) Raaaarrrr!!! --- go find post-it and scrawl in big bold letters "FINE SUGAR" -- in case mummy can't read without her glasses..humph..
12) Return the packet into the cupboard...and replace the topped up container in the condiments drawer..
13) Scowl at the giant container again...coz need to wash...Raaarrr...Ok, added hot water so that sugar will melt --> will have to follow up later lor...
14) Find out that Hot water in the flask has run out...Top up the hot water flask and set to 'boil'...
*whew*...ok, after that, I decided to reward myself with a cool glass of Ribena...pour the concentrate go to the fridge...AND FIND OUT ...with this glass...I FINISH THE COLD WATER!!!!
AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!.....means need to top up from the lukewarm boiled water and put in the fridge lor...else next round want cold water, you no more...*sniffs*
Gone are the days of just leaving it in the sink!! =P
______________________
Ok, now that I've bored you to death...
Interesting thing is that I received an e-mail from papa today...Hmmm...last time we communicated was during chinese new year when we met at grandma's...I was hesitant to open it in the office...who knows what the contents may be man, dun wanna spoil my day...
Anyway, I did and it wasn't that bad. But it leaves me feeling the same way -- Dunno how to answer and the stress/ implications of answering...haiz..
Our e-mails seldom last more than 2 correspondences on each side before it dies off.
Thinking about it, it is quite sad really...
But what can I do...it dies because there's nothing more to say, and when there's more to say, tension just comes up when papa just has to assert his beliefs/ principles in my life although I told him many times that it's not necessary/ an issue...we're just talking right?? I'm ok to hear and very fine to share...but Why turn it into a lecture? Pointing me to the direction that I'm brainless and have made wrong choices in my life...
I don't close my door to him lah, ...but who wants to write politically correct e-mails in perfect english!?!? To only write the things he wants to hear?
But each time i write, I hope that time can change stuff...
It doesn't help that I know what he still says about me behind my back...it was a sad truth, though completely expected, it didn't have to be hypocritical...in addition, i'm the only one left that really bothers to talk to him...
I know I've written this before, possibly this blog...but it's part of my life that I'm still figuring out...
A couple of months back a friend of mine asked me when was the last time I communicated with my dad...and then immediately said: " Then it's about time you should go do something about it."
Considering that she did know some of the background, I guess I was dumbfounded to a point I didn't know whether to be peeved or just let it go...
I decided to let it go, ...either I've learned, or I'm just jaded...that for such things, that it's either they get it or they don't ....some things can't be explained/ understood till you feel it for yourself.
So have I replied?
No...needs mental and spiritual prep man..hahaha...
Better do it soon though...else It'd be seen in another way...that i'm 'dao'...
Raaaarrr...God help my dad..and help me!!
It's sad that to me, I think I take after papa more than mum...yet he can't see it even though I try to tell him..=) haha...irony...
I recently read in one of mum's counselling books about children living in single parent homes/ divorced homes. About the impact of the 'Absence of the father'...studies showed that children with the presence of the father (non-abusive one of course,...even if it is just visits) in the pre-teen years, has a significant impact on how confident the child carries him/herself from teens and way into their adult years.
It is a positive impact. Especially so for girls it seems. (The girls part really surprised me...ahhaha...I thought boys would need the male influence more mah...)
If I can find the book again, I'll write more..=)
Okies, gotta go...bring Red in to sleep...=)
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Red says...
Coz if it weren't for her, she wouldn't be enjoying and snuggling with her favourite new Shark! =)
Was at Ikea lah...then initially I was hesitant to buy...till ge persuaded me...=)
Red so cute all cuddled up!!! She say the Shark prtect her from da baddies! hahaha...=P
Back from service!
Rested on Sat...didn't get worse thank God. Then this morning was about the same....so contemplated not gg service..but in the end I did lah...haiz...had to park at expo instead of office (where it's free)..so that I don't have to walk so far and strain...and carpark cost me $8!! *faints*
Did a short trip to robinsons since its the last day and I hadn't had a good look at the stuff. In consequential walk lah. One of the sales aunties say i 'very happy' hor...eh?!?...weird..just coz i smile...Dunno how to answer..so i said.."ya lor..no point being sad mah"..=O
Reached home and noticed Red's injured led is swollen at the ankle...AIYO....how come got new developement one?!?...means she ain't getting better leh..and it shouldn't swell there since it's her hip prob mah...why why!!?
My sis laugh when i told her dog and owner hobbling together...hahaha...
Mum still has no clue..I've managed to walk as normally as i can in front of her...haiz..
hope i get better real soon...can't take care of my dog in this state...just now top up her water bowl i oredi =S liao!
Tonight got grandfather's bday dinner somemore...aiyo...I thought of going and not eat...but now thinking can I dont' go at all??...i wills till fetch my sis, nephew and mum lah...but don't make me sit through it leh!!
I strongly suspect the food that triggered my footie this time happened on Thursday lunchtime -- the stupid herbal soup!...i didn't think my of it coz it seemed so light...but I forgot that it's the essence that keeeeellls!!!! then again it could be something else...ah well...
Just wanna be better lah!!...*sob!*
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Dear Iako..
You will always be sepcial coz you grew up with me, from the time I was in Primary 5 till I found my first job. We went through alot together, and I know there were many times I may have been mean when frustrated with something you did and just plain neglected you out of laziness or that I was just too pre-occupied with a 'new' thing in my life. The fickle-ness of growing up...hah...
Or even the turmoil times of my life...you were there for me to hug and I would find a way for us when no one wanted us...
You remained loyal and never stopped loving...and I will forever remember all the stories about you..the stories I have in my mind as I watched you grow up. And of course the story of your final months with us...
Red knows about you...she hears stories and we sometimes use your old dinner bowl for water..hee...
27th March would make it 4 years...=)
Reddo aint' doing too good now...so if you can help watch over her in heaven too it'd be great k? I mean, dog-to-dog may be more effective...hahaha...
Be good in heaven! Dun mess up the mansion...hahaha...
I chose this pic of you, coz i dun have that many in digital too (last time always used negatives hor...) AND...this was a nice memory...we were lying side by side on the bedroom floor during the days I bummed ard at home between school and work.
I watched Star Trek TNG on DVD and you SNORED loudly next to me!!! hehehe...you looked so peaceful and happy...like "All is well with the world, when my owner is with me..."...haha..
Good times eh?...yeah..they are...=)
Good night Iako...
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Whatever possessed me....
Am mad lah...coz i probably forgot about the attention and energy a sick dog requires outta you. =)
First she's really filthy lah..since she's relatively immobile, she'd been lounging around at the vets and outside the house..so you have to get all down in the grime with her..haha..goodness she smells sooo doggy.
Stuffed her meds in a meatball, cleaned her eye dirt, picked off fleas, trimmed her nails and tried shaving her now swollen hip...hahaha..yeah...I used a disposable shaver to try get rid of the fur so that i can rub some soothing cream meds..=)
she protested..hahaha..so cute..she didn't bite but used her head and teeth to nudge my hand away from the area..OR she would shove her nose between the shaver and her tender spot..=D
so ok ok...I gave in..I just rubbed the soothing cream...she soon had her eyes closed in comfort on my lap. Silly dog...look miserable and pitiful only...raaarr...hahaha..=)
So me just sat next to her and pet her...holding my breath half the time..LOL
Ah well, gotta do what u gotta doooo...
They showing Phantom of the opera on tv...i keep glancing over to watch..they singing masquerade now..man..look at the costumes..wah...ok ok..i come back later..heh..
Being back...
I couldnt' ask for a better weekend before I got thrown back into work. God really has amusing plans that leaves you baffled at times...hahaha...but He kinda knew what I needed lah...all I had on the agenda was basic with a 2nd book I was looking forward to finish by monday...haha...but He had other plans knowing how much I like to play games and good company...mahaha...I was happy this weekend. =)
Monday was strange...with 542 e-mails in wait..Thank god only half of that was real mail! Took me till this morning to really digest the bulk of them and link what's happening. =S
Today, I was trying to get in step with stuff...but was bogged at lunchtime with news that my doggie aint' doing better since yesterday...when your dog has lost appetite for food..it's bad..plus fever and a limp..haiz...
So I had to go bring Red to the vet. Coz from past experinces, every day counts in situations like these, so if i couldn't get her checked today, waiting till tomorrow may have consequences if things get bad at night.
I didnt think it was that bad. I thought she just sprained her hindleg...i even thought I could make it for a late afternoon meeting...=S
I reached home at 1 plus and tried to make her eat. then spent half an hour prepping my car so taht she won't dirty it too much, by sticking up garbage bags all over the back...hahaha
But it was bad...she was placed under and emergency request for an xray and I had to ferry her from tampines to balestier where the right hospital equipment was...
There was no place to sit at both vets...and i carried her (33kg weight) from table to floor several times...in the car, i had to drive slow and watch out for impatient drivers as Red was scared at the back with sudden breaks and turns. I drove with one had on the wheel the other i reached behind and twirled her ear with my fingers so that she would be comforted..=)
At the balestier vet, it was mayhem...lotsa animals...and I talked to Red off and on to keep her motivated to last the wait times. =) she's a sweet dog...many times she just leaned or looked up at me in trust...that i wouldn't make her suffer longer than necessary...=) Red even did an ultrasound...so cute!
Docs had bad news for me...I spoke to about 3 of them and learned quite abit about Dog hips..hahaha...so yeah...she will need surgery if I want to prevent a future disaster...=)
Let the vet at 7pm...after almost fainting at the bill..LOL..
Sometimes, I think my dog waited till I was back from my trip man..haha...
Whatever the case, i'm pooped!
In as much as some crappy things that are happening now, ge just pointed out on msn that God blessed us with 5 MORE companies for the event in the past week! yeah...god is good.
He was also good to remind me of 2 Tim 1:7 on sunday...and Jer 29:11 -- that sometimes, children of God, being kids too, need a good reminder and chat about faith and fear. =)
Which now reminds me of something I used to say years back -- that God is never late.
We have to trust that He knows what we all need the most. Even though right now we want/ think we need something else...many a time, I'm reminded either in amusement or shame when i see his eventual plan....really that He intends only good for us and that we really cannot phantom the plans he has for us...His ways are higher than our ways...
Hmmm...i seem to have deviated...hahaha...either that or i'm talking in pockets..tooo lazy to read back lah...hee..=P
Time to go rest...I'll go hug my dog and tell her to fight the pain -- then go to bed...hahaha...
Friday, 20 March 2009
Stupid Emu!!
I've seen then several times when I go downunder, but what's visiting Aussie without meeting the local furry/ feathered friends? Besides, they're such a joy to meet..=)
I opted for the Go West tour for the penguin parade such that enroute to see the penguins, you'll get to do some other activities too. One reason why I picked them, is that I preferred smaller buses, as it's guaranteed the group will not be too big and impersonal. Of course, being in a smaller bus potentially meant more 'puke'...hahaha...but i had a go at it based on my experince in New Zealand lah...=)
The bus came to my hotel to do a pick up! Cools! It started from officially at 1.30pm.While waiting to pick up more of the group in the city, I caught two of Melbourne's icons in one pic...hehe...Trams and the Flinders Train Station. So it seems that Mel is the only place with trams as part of its transport network/ way of life in Aussie.
But it was really the best seat, as i could get lotsa shots and panoramic views from my seat..hehehe...
Of course, it also meant I had to help out the guide lah, which I was happy to lah..=)
This group of seagulls were begging for food much to the disdain of the al fresco diners..haha...the man in black tried several times in vain to shoo them away.
I still remember my fish and chips in NZ...gawd, each one was the size of my face..two pieces and chips just cost me $4.90.
Next stop -- Wine tasting...mmmm...we all tried out a total of 6 bottles, I took a sip out of 5 of them and tossed the rest..haha..gotta take care of my foot lah...besides..it didn't taste good actually...the frenchies in my grp agreed...LOL...
They were so cute -- here's a Wallaby (looks like a Kangaroo)..this one was a baby one, about 18months!
This particular koala I took was so adorable..he was folding his legs in with his hands, making sure they were tucked in tight. Then he stuffed his hands between his legs to keep warm, then burrowed his chin into his arms...hahaha...shifting his butt and squirming on the tree branch till he was absolutely comfortable -- all this while closing his eyes...WAHAHAHA...
I stooped down and honked back at this one...LOL..he stopped honking and glared at me...=P
I stretched out my plastic bowl of fodder for the emu to eat lah, so others can take a photo close up..(madness to put food in the hand for this one as their beaks are the same size as your hands and could just get pecked off!!!)........Anyway, this emu pecked the bowl so hard, it was knocked to the ground and the food was scattered and they happily ate off the ground...raaarr...that was it! no more food for the kangaroos!
Stupid Emu...*waves fist*...
You see his paws wrapped around my hand?..hee...cute hor...
I petted the roos and twiddled thier ears...hahaha...
There were several of them roaming the grounds.
Seems there's an epidemic in Tasmania that's giving the wild devils a face rash..so some ok ones are brought to Victoria for re-population toos...
They have very strong jaws capable of breaking bones so be careful!!.. they were created by God to eat through dead carcass bones *crunch crunch*...=)
So that was it in terms of animals..until of course, we reach the highlight of the penguins!...hee...
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Melby Sunday
Sunday's highlight was really to meet ge's family, who decided to bring me to the city centre, which (can you believe it I had yet to go after a week in Melbourne..LOL!)
I went focussed shopping in the morning -- to find a jacket that can be used for the penguin trip too...thank God for the DFO near my hotel..haha...cannot take it liao lah, the weather here is so unpredictable..I needed a jacket to protect me from the elements of sudden heavy rain and strong winds..=D
They would come to my hotel to pick me at 11am. Ge's 2nd sis, Vicki, drove..woohoo...got to sit in a nice merc leh..LOL...Spent alot of time talking to her family as we walked the streets..
First stop was to have lunch at Desert House, which was chinese food lah..haha...I had sweet and sour pork with fried rice and an iced kopi that was so filling i was full 12 hours later lor (sho no need to have dinner liao). It was hard to finish...hahaha...I think my stomach not used to eating so much as it naturally cuts back during travel. But...me seldom waste nah...so i ate up the whole thing ...*burp*
Well, all I remember is talking to them quite alot and poor vicki having to watch the time and keep moving the car...hahaha...auntie told me quite abit about the area and how they came about getting an apartment first. =)
Here's the Shot Tower inside a shopping centre. It's an artilery tower where they made lead pipes and bullets in the past. It's a hsitorical treasure they opted to keep and decided to built around it... =) Our urban deve authority should learn stuff like this lah..=) While waiting for Vicki to move the car, I walked around what I learned later to be the Royal Arcade..haha..so I window shopped with auntie and uncle and we found a chocolate shop by the corner that alos served deserts similar to where we wanted to go to. Hmmm...i just thought their easter display was quite cute..hehe...Choc bunnies...many many bunnies!!!
I spent alot of time standing on this bridge watching the sunset. It was very cloudy, so you can't really see the colours. My hotel is like all the way on the other end on the right side and I was going to walk back on the left of the river. =)
This casino has a corner where they cluster 'world wide' makans in a food court format...It really covered all variety I guess to suit all their guests...but the price is like...er...$13 for a plate of char kway teow?..hehehe...but it all looked good and authentic! For a moment, it felt like food court back home..hee
Reached back at 9pm...and I was still burping sweet and sour pork!! LOL!
Sunday, 15 March 2009
200th post DOWNUNDER!!!
Melbourne is 3 hours ahead of SG time lah...I woke up in slight panic on monday at 11am. (I can forget about breakfast - ends at 1030am) and I had to be on show ground before 2pm as the contractor will leave by then. AND it takes at least 1 hour (IF what the guidebook says is accurate) to get to the show ground.
That means I have to wait an hour for the next train!!! So....welcome to Lara Station!It is a quiet station lah..like i said public holiday and there was only ONE bench there I could sit on..even the ticket office is closed!! So i waited for the next 4pm train an had me lunch! It was a ham wrap and ....
Still, since it's near a major station, I've got some basic food, 7-11, supermarkets and the direct factory outlets are in the station..hahaha...also, it's a walking distance from the Crown casino...(near where boss stayed.) =)
Night shot from my hp (so-so hah the quality) of the city...on my way back from dinner with my bosses around the Yarra river/ crowne area. =) That's da moooonnnn!!! Not spaceship lahz!! =S
TV comes with a good number of channels -- I even caught EPL last night lor...Man U vs Liverpool...which we lost 4-1..Haiz...first time in a long time i get to watch Man U play and this harpoons...grrrr...
Took the 830pm train and ended up waiting in the station with people that just have to chat kind one lor...(hardly anyone ard lah)..one was a part time research student from China who's in Deakin Uni but stays in Mel with his gf who is in Mel U. And the other guy is a half drunk Aussie from Queensland who talks partially sensible stuff with alot of swearing in between.
He spent more time suaning the China student who is also a guy lah...tho he claims he's half Chinese coz his mum was a migrant too...LOL...ah well..mad people you meet at weird hours on trains..WHATEVER COUNTRY you are in one lah...=)
Just good that i got back to the hotel fast from the station coz i was so tired liao...
Helicopters for sale...guess how much eh?
On the last night, I slept from 9pm all the way to 4pm he next day-- only waking for 2 hours to go eat breakfast...see what I mean..hahaha...
So abit hard to tell if she is for or against me...so must play it safe lor...mah fan...