Dae Han Ming Guk!!!! - Kimchi family trip 2007

8 days and 7 nights in South Korea (16/12/2007 - 22/12/2007) - I am practically addicted to kimchi!!!

It was -3 degrees Celcius when we reached Seoul Incheon Airport at 7:30am 16/12/2007. It was cool, but not too unbearable since it was not windy. We took the tour bus from Incheon to Kimpo Domestic Terminal to catch a flight to Jeju Island, where our South Korea trip officially began.

Jeju Island is nicknamed the Hawaii of South Korea for its beachfront and the fact that Koreans flock Jeju during summertime. The first thing I noticed as we came out of the airport was the palm trees. Hawaii indeed, if not for the cool weather and slightly cloudy sky. The tour guide, Eddy, told us that Jeju is also famous for its tangerines. We saw rows of tangerine trees planted by the roadsides, laden with big fat tangerines. I vaguely recall this Korean TV drama in which the female lead was caught stealing tangerines from a tangerine orchard in Jeju. I wondered if they were sweet.

Jeju is Korea's largest island, composed of volcanic rocks. Not surprisingly, the various rock formations of Jeju is one of the tourist attractions. Yongduam (Dragon Head Rock) was our first destination. Its namesake is due to a large basalt rock resembling a dragon's head protuding out of the sea.

Dae Han Ming Guk!!!! - Kimchi family trip 2007

Facebook

I've finally joined the Facebook crowd... it looks sleeker and more organised than Friendster. I can understand what the hype is all about... it's just a matter how long I can keep up with the hype...

I just realised that I'm thinking like my father... am I that old???

Facebook

Home Sweet Home

I'm back home in Petaling Jaya. It's the first day today. I've been taking it easy... sleeping in, staying up late, eating, making more bracelets. My sister, SX, is back at home for the holidays; she has her JC homework to do, I help her out with Chemistry, I'm just glad that I don't have to study anymore... not obligatory study anyway. :P

It's good to be home. Don't know how else to describe the feeling of being home than feeling a sense of belonging and security. It's good... all good...

Home Sweet Home

Recently

I've been doing a lot of things recently...

I've renewed my bracelet project - making bracelets out of ribbons with bead / embroidery patterns. I'm getting better at the designs and the final products look much more presentable.

I've made a hard cover book from scratch... I'll upload the pictures soon... but for the first try, I'd say that it's a pretty decent book.

I've tried two different recipes of tiramisu. The first one, an oven-baked item, although it looked disgusting in presentation, surprisingly tasted good. I've just tried out the second recipe tonight, I'll only know the result tomorrow. ;)

I also cooked clay pot chicken rice tonight for the very first time. It was a bit wet, but it tasted good, much to my surprise.

I've also fallen in love... with life. There are so many things that I have tried, that I have yet to try... I can't wait to wake up every morning to start something new.

Unless, of course, I have to wake up to work. :P

Recently

Petaling Jaya in Sydney

" ...it felt as if I was back home in Petaling Jaya (PJ)..."

It was a usual Sunday morning. I had choir practice in the morning, after which the choir sang during mass. I enjoyed singing Byrd's Agnus Dei and Ave Verum Corpus, although to my chagrin I sang my part slightly earlier half way through Ave Verum Corpus, and the choir conductor, GP, noticed it, and gave me a knowing smile. He did comment to me after mass that it wouldn't have been noticed by the congregation. I tend to slip up when I get excited... perhaps over-excited.

It was during mass when Father John gave his sermon, and I was lost in reverie, that I noticed a bird chirping, its sound resonating through the church, almost as if it was listening to Father John speak and replying fervently. It was then I realised that when one is lost in one's own world, the world is lost upon one. I'm sure the bird was trying to tell me to wake up and pay attention; I have been absorbed into a world of my own lately, and if I could snap out of it, things would be clearer to me.

I had lunch at the Fish Market; I haven't been there for more than a year at least. I sat on grass at Wentworth Park; the feel of slightly damp grass and the sun on my skin is difficult to explain. I feel alive, not just living.

Walking to the bus stop behind World Square to catch the bus back to college, I noticed that it was quite humid, and although the afternoon sun made its exit behind the clouds, it felt as if I was back home in PJ. I do miss home.

Petaling Jaya in Sydney

忘不了 (Cannot Forget)

忘不了 (Cannot Forget)

Good Things Come in Small Packages

I finally bought The Body Shop Cheek Blush in Rose. I've been eyeing it for ages ever since it was featured in Real Living August edition. I was surprised that it came in such a small tube, and I now know why; only a minute amount of the gel is needed (i.e., a pin-point amount) for each cheek. I personally prefer this cheek blush over Revlon's Limited Edition Collection Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush; it was less runny and much easier to apply. The result is oh-so-natural!

Good Things Come in Small Packages

In Heaven

Panda, a bristle-nosed catfish I bought over a month ago, small, fidgety, is now playing in the garden with Bluey, Radio, Little Strong One, Bow, Girlie, Sushi, and Sashimi, and few of Sushi's brood.

Cookie, a clown loach, active and always on the go, joined them yesterday, too.

Somewhere in the garden is a beautiful little lamb called Samir... eating grass and frolicking happily, sticking his nose into everything, as if he is the authority of all matters.

I'm very sure that they are happy in the garden of Heaven.

In Heaven

Time with CH

I mentioned my special friend CH from Vietnam in one of my earliest blog entries. I talked about fate never ceasing to amaze me; after what I've been through this year, I truly believe that she's back for the reason to guide me through this difficult year. CH, if I didn't tell you this before, I will say it here (for here is where my deepest thoughts live): cám ơn bạn rất nhiều; for everything that you've done for, given to, and shown me.

I've been sleeping over at CH's place quite often. Every time I stay over, she'd cook me yummy Vietnamese dishes. She told me that she wanted to gain weight, and I told her that I wanted to lose weight. Well, she's been maintaining her weight (even losing some), and I think that I'm likely to gain weight from all the good food that she's been feeding me.

Yesterday night, I experimented with a recipe I noted from Jamie Oliver's show - Jamie at Home: the best Caesar Salad in the world. It turned out really well, if I may say so myself. It took me a while to roast the chicken drumsticks and crisp the bacon in the oven, but it was well worth it. Here is the recipe for those who would like to try it out. Credit goes to Jamie Oliver!

Ingredients:
Cos lettuce (one bunch can serve approximately three people)
Chicken drumsticks (6 for three people)
Fresh rosemary
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Bread
Smoked ham / pancetta (I used bacon just because I didn't have pancetta)
Grated parmesan

For the dressing:
Anchovies (1 can of 45 g) - save the extra virgin olive oil
Garlic (1/4 - 1/2 clove)
Juice from half a lemon (one part)
Three equal parts of extra virgin olive oil
Crème fraîche (I used pure cream just because I didn't know where to get crème fraîche!!!)


Method:

1. Set the oven at 180 degrees Celcius.
2. Marinade the drumsticks with bruised rosemary, salt, and pepper. I added a little honey to the marinade, too. Set aside for about 30 minutes.
3. Tear up bread into big pieces.
4. Wash and drain cos lettuce. Cut / tear up into pieces.
   
5. Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Put the drumsticks on the tray; put the bread pieces onto the tray.
   
6. Put the tray into the oven. At the pre-set temperature, roast for about 30 minutes.
7. Layer the smoked ham / pancetta / bacon onto the chicken. Roast until crispy. When bacon is nearly done, baste bacon and chicken with honey.
   
8. Tear chicken meat into pieces. Cut bacon into small pieces. Cut up croutons into small pieces.

To make dressing:

1. Open up a can of anchovies into a mortar (include the oil).
2. Mash the anchovies in oil into a smooth paste.
3. Add to it 1/4 - 1/2 clove of garlic for flavour. Mash to a smooth paste.
4. Add an equal part of crème fraîche. Mix to a smooth paste.
5. Add the juice of half a lemon and 3 equal parts of extra virgin olive oil.
   
6. Mix until smooth.

Mix lettuce, chicken pieces, bacon, croutons together in a large bowl. Add dressing; top with grated parmesan. Serve. :) (Add salt and black pepper to taste; if desired).

It is so unbelievably simple and yummy. CH thought so, too... I had trouble timing the roast; but with practice... I think I will be ok. ;)

Time with CH

Is Maths Your Cup of Tea?

I caught a taxi to work today because I missed the train. The taxi driver who took me to work turned out be a former Maths teacher, and he gave me two Maths problems to solve (at my leisure, of course). Here they are. If you think you know the answer, feel free to leave your solution as a comment to this posting.

Problem 1:

You are given the numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6. Using mathematical operators (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), obtain the sum of 28 by using each given number only once.

Problem 2:

You are given the numbers 50, 50, 50, 50. Once again, using mathematical operators, obtain the sum of 49 by using the number 50 for only four times.

Have fun!

Is Maths Your Cup of Tea?

Every Day

Sleepless in Seattle is one of the best films I've ever seen... perhaps it's because I have a soft spot for Tom Hanks... it's a lot of things that make the film tick.

Here's one of the memorable lines which describe my situation; uttered by Tom Hanks' character when he explained that it would be hard to imagine loving someone else other than his deceased wife.

"Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while."

Every Day

A Meaningful Post from CE

MISSING RIB

A girl in love asked her boyfriend.

Girl (g): Tell me... who do you love most in this world?

Boy (b): You, of course!

(g): In your heart, what am I to you?

(b): The boy thought for a moment and looked intently in her eyes and said,"You are my rib. In the Holy Book, it was said that God saw that Adam was lonely, during his sleep; God took one of Adam's rib and created Eve. Every man has been searching for his missing rib, only when you find the woman of your life; you'll no longer feel the lingering ache in your heart."

After their wedding, the couple had a sweet and happy life for a while.

However, the youthful couple began to drift apart due to the busy schedule of life and the never-ending worries of daily problems...their life became mundane.

All the challenges posed by the harsh realities of life began to gnaw away their dreams and love for each other.

The couple began to have more quarrels and each quarrel became more heated. One day, after the quarrel, the girl ran out of the house. At the opposite side of the road, she shouted, "You don't love me!"The boy hated her childishness and out of impulse, retorted, "Maybe, it was a mistake for us to be together! You were never my missing rib!"

Suddenly, she turned quiet and stood there for a long while. He regretted what he said but words spoken are like spilt water, you can never take it back. With tears, she went home to pack her things and was determined in breaking-up.

Before she left the house, "If I'm really not your missing rib, please let me go. She continued, "It is less painful this way... let us go on our separate ways and search for our own partners..."

Five years went by... He never remarried but he had tried to find out about her life indirectly.

She had left the country and back. She had married a foreigner and divorced.....

He felt anguished that she never waited for him.In the dark and lonely night, he lit his cigarette and felt the lingering ache in his heart. He couldn't bring himself to admit that he was missing her.

One day, they finally met at the airport, a place where there were many reunions and good-byes. He was going away on a business trip. She was standing there alone, with just the security door separating them.She smiled at him gently.

(b): How are you?

(g): I'm fine. How about you? Have you found your missing rib?

(b): No.

(g): I'll be flying to New York in the next flight.

(b): I'll be back in 2 weeks' time. Give me a call when you are back...You know my number has changed.

With a smile, she turned around and waved good-bye.Good-bye...

One week later, he heard of her death. She had perished in New York. In the event that shocked the world. Midnight, once again, he lit his cigarette and like before, he felt the lingering ache in his heart. He finally knew, she was the missing rib that he had carelessly broken.

A Meaningful Post from CE

So I'm listening for the weather to predict the coming day
Leave all thought of expectation to the weather man
No it doesn't really matter what it is he has to say
'Cause tomorrows keep on blowing in from somewhere

All the people that I know in the apartments down below
Busy with their starring roles in their own tragedies

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change
I'll call you on the phone
I hate to leave you on your own
But I'm coming home today

And this busy inner city
Has got nothing much to say
And I know how much you're hanging round the letterbox
And I'm sure that as I'm writing
You'll be somewhere on your way
In a supermarket checkout or the restaurant

I've been doing what I'm told
I've been busy growing old
And the days are getting cold but that's alright with me

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change
I'll call you on the phone
I hate to leave you on your own
But I'm coming home today
Yes I'm coming home today

I've been doing what I'm told
I've been busy growing old
And the days are getting cold but that's alright with me

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change

Day after day... it's been raining as far as I have been concerned... the weather forecast expects rain for a long, long, while. No sign of sunny skies.

男人若提起分手，
是世界上最无情的动物，
男人若变了心，
会比龙卷风转得快，
结局是一样，
女人总要受伤...
男人，
为何要带给女人痛苦?
难道女人为男人付出了那么多，
男人感觉不到？
是瞎了眼，还是已经感觉不到心跳了？
在他努力寻找他下一个永远，
他是看不到身边的她一直在很努力地为他改变，
结局还是一样，
一切都太迟了...
若分手已说出口...

《倔强》-五月天

当我和世界不一样那就让我不一样
坚持对我来说就是以刚克刚
我如果对自己不行如果对自己说谎
即使你不原谅我也不能原谅
最美的愿望一定最疯狂
我就是我自己的神在我活的地方
我和我最后的倔强握紧双手绝对不放
下一站是不是天堂就算失望不能绝望
我和我骄傲的倔强我在风中大声的唱
这一次为自己疯狂就这一次我和我的倔强

对爱我的人别紧张我的固执很善良
我的手越肮脏眼神越是发光
你不在乎我的过往看到了我的翅膀
你说被火烧过才能出现凤凰
逆风的方向更适合飞翔
我不怕千万人阻挡只怕自己投降
我和我最后的倔强握紧双手绝对不放
下一站是不是天堂就算失望不能绝望
我和我骄傲的倔强我在风中大声的唱
这一次为自己疯狂就这一次我和我的倔强
就这一次让我大声唱
lalalala...
就算失望不能绝望...
lalalalala...
就这一次我和我的倔强

Rainbow Connection

Written by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog, of The Muppets, Jim Henson Productions

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic....

Have you been half asleep
and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa

Rainbow Connection

In Memory of The Brave

On 13/08/2007 morning, not long after I woke up at 8:30am, Girlie, the female fighting fish, went away to play. She is the first fighter I've watched breathe until the very end. I watched her gasp her last breath, then fell still. I thought I saw her struggling, and I told her that if she felt that she wanted to go, then go. If she wanted to live on, the fight on.

I finally realised that fighters are true to their name sake: they fight to the end.

I think we both knew that Girlie didn't want to fight any more.

She went away at her most beautiful.

I buried her in a special place: the first teapot that I've bought in Australia; the teapot has been with me for 5 years. I broke the spout yesterday night. In retrospect, I think it was a sign that it was time for Girlie to go. I planted some mint in that teapot.

Girlie had been unwell for some time now. She grew better, but at the same time that I began my first emotional ordeal, she seemed to fade away, yet fought to linger on.

I didn't cry when I watched her go. That was a first for the emotional me.

To Girlie: you've been great. This is for you.

In Memory of The Brave

Conversation Between Two Heartless People

PY: I am a heartless person. I don't have a heart.

SY: What happened to it?

PY: I left it at home. My mum said that she'll look after it for me.

SY: Isn't a heart like a credit card? You don't leave home without it.

PY: I don't care.

SY: If you don't use it, then why don't you give it to me? Mine is broken anyway.

Conversation Between Two Heartless People

可惜不是你

可惜不是你

Ghost

Hollow,
I feel empty inside,
Able to see,
But not to feel,
Things happen around me,
They make sense,
But not connection,
There is a man,
I can see him,
As I turn around the corner,
I glance behind,
He looks at me,
Our eyes search each others' in the dim light,
But we do not greet,
For I am hollow,
I shouldn't be seen,
I feel the pain,
But I cannot show it.
Does he know?
I doubt so.
If he did,
What difference would it make?
For I have been carved hollow,
By the hands which I've grown accustomed to,
And his hands could only carve me hollow,
He could not have left me whole.
As hollow as I am,
I still feel pain.

Ghost

不爱

陶喆-不爱 专辑:太美丽

快阻止时间倒转

当我们再次遇见

这样的表情最适合隐瞒

我依然爱你很深

别再多看我一眼

别试探我真的感觉

我怕认不出又会重眷恋

你连背影都温柔

不爱就转身离开

一个人把回忆推翻

不爱 for the love 未来

你和我的信任我也不回来

不容许陷害前伴

误解了别离的悲

不可能送来这遗憾的爱

我们都真实对白

不爱就这么离开

一个人被寂寞煎伴

不爱只守着被爱

I love you forever 不能说出来

不爱就转身离开

一个人我学会忍耐不爱去那找被爱

I love you forever 微笑着离开

I love you forever 就这样不爱

不爱

Beckoning

To the Suen Yee of the past,
I mourn for the loss of your innocence,
Your seemingly unshakeable effervescence,
Your perpetual optimism,
I mourn for you.

To the Suen Yee of the present,
I emphatise with your sorrow,
I understand your struggle,
I see your tears shining through your smile,
I grief for you.

To the Suen Yee of the future,
Where would you be going?
What do you want, if not happiness?
Can you reconcile the past and the present?
Can you move on?

Beckoning

Stop Crying My Heart Out

First and foremost, I apologise to CE, a friend, for plagiarising one of her blog titles...

I've been crying my heart out for so long... and just now, I've renewed the torrents...

I can't seem to break this cycle of sorrow... maybe I am majorly depressed...

I just feel like ending it all... Help...

Stop Crying My Heart Out

Let It Be Worthwhile

"It's easy enough to be pleasant;

When life flows like a song,

But the man worthwhile,

Is the one who can smile,

When things go dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble

And it always comes with the years,

And the smile that is worth

The praises of earth,

Is the smile that shines through the tears."

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

"The Man Worth While"

"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,

But be fearless in facing them.

Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,

But for the heart to conquer it.

Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,

But hope for the patience to win my freedom."

Dr. Rabindranath Tagore

"A Prayer for Courage"

Let It Be Worthwhile

KT은 나의 첫번째 사랑 이다

그러나 그는 나의 마음을 아프게XX다

KT은 나의 첫번째 사랑 이다

Achievement

04/08/2007 working at Liverpool was by far the smoothest-running day I've had since working as a pharmacist-in-charge. It's true that I've gotten a tad bit more efficient at checking scripts and dealing with customer service. By far the more important factor, however, is teamwork.

J and EL were the dispensary technicians on that day, and EL told me, "SY (a colleague and a good friend), told me to be nice to you!", to which she was, even to the point of bringing a script for me to check while she sat me down to eat my lunch (which she bought for me before she went off for lunch). It was my first time working with EL, and I was very impressed with her attitude, be it on work, or her outlook on life. I've worked with J on one or two occassions, and I've always found J to be a very obliging and friendly person.

Teamwork is a very important; and it makes such a big difference to work satisfaction. I'm very happy for my achievement, and I'm also very appreciative for the good team. :) Thank you.

Achievement

Happy News

Congratulations to ML and T that they've passed the written exam of PGTC. One step closer to freedom!

Happy News

Home Alone

Well, after I had the GARDASIL vaccination on Tuesday, the left arm in which the doctor injected hurts. It feels as if I've got pins and needles where the injection site is.

On Wednesday morning, I woke up feeling slightly unwell, with a slight headache. After breakfast, I felt queasy in the stomach, and I was having cat-naps at the pharmacy.

Nowhere in the product information of GARDASIL does it state the symptoms I've been experiencing as adverse reactions to the injection. I think it's just individual to me. :P

So here I am on Thursday morning, a day off sick, reporting the alleged reactions I've had with GARDASIL.

The boss' wife rang not too long ago asking after me, if I'm well, and surprisingly, she asked me if I'd like to stay on. I told her I'd be more than happy if they're happy to have me stay on.

That's settled then. I'm now a permanent, well, more or less, fixture at the pharmacy. :)

I'm a bit apprehensive to be honest, as that would mean I have to take on more responsibility at the pharmacy, especially with the ordering of shop items, baby products and the like.

It's all for the best at the end. I have to start learning, if not to run my own business some day, then at least to have more experience. :)

Wish me luck.

Home Alone

GARDASIL dilemma

I've booked an appointment with the University of Sydney Health Services to get the GARDASIL injection tomorrow at 1500 hours.

I decided to do some research on GARDASIL, it being a newly marketed vaccine. While on one hand I want to get vaccinated free-of-charge, I prefer to be an informed white mice rather than a blind mice. :P

Being the IT-literate person that I am, I did a Google search of Australian websites on GARDASIL, and searched through articles on MEDLINE.

One of the search hits on Google was an article titled "Beware Gardasil". It didn't sound as if the author was an advocate of the vaccine.

Sure enough, the author aimed to inform readers of the myths surrounding GARDASIL, and the myth of a direct causal relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (GARDASIL vaccinates against HPV).

One of the interesting facts was that the author claimed that the U.S. National Cancer Institute stated "that direct causation" (HPV and cervical cancer) "has not been proven", with no reference cited for that statement. I found it strange that the Australian Health Department states otherwise, and has been prepared to spend millions of dollars to fund the vaccination programme.

I searched the U.S. National Cancer Institute for such a statement; I found this instead:

"What is the association between HPV infection and cancer?
HPVs are now recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer. In 2006, an estimated 10,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with this type of cancer and nearly 4,000 will die from it. Cervical cancer strikes nearly half a million women each year worldwide, claiming a quarter of a million lives. Studies also suggest that HPVs may play a role in cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils) (1). Data from several studies also suggest that infection with HPV is a risk factor for penile cancer (cancer of the penis)."

Interesting indeed. Not only is HPV recognised by the National Cancer Institute of the United States of America as the major cause of cervical cancer, it is also suggested to play a role in other cancers as well.

I wonder how much research the author has done before writing up that article.

Inform yourself indeed. It only emphasises the fact that you can't trust everything that you hear, read, see, a fact that the author harped on.

As for me? I'm taking Jen's stand on GARDASIL: she went ahead and had the vaccination.

Tune in for more adverse effects on the vaccine after I've had the injection. ;)

GARDASIL dilemma

Aus liebe zum Automobil, Fräulein?

Oh ja...

I am so in love withVolkswagen at the moment...

After watching Goong (hot hot hot Korean series) and seeing Knocked Up at the cinema, I am convinced that Volkswagen and I are destined to be together. So much so that I did some research on the Volkswagen Australian website, and got them to post me some catalogues.

I want to own one of these...

Volkswagen Jetta

Never mind the insignificant detail of not having at least $40,000 at the moment. One could dream, could one not?

Oh ja...

One day (hopefully in the not-too-distant future)...

Aus liebe zum Automobil, Fräulein?

Miseria

With Ah Bow's absence, the sorrow I feel compounds.

Whenever I am sad, I look at him, and see that he's happy in his own little world. Why could I not be content to live in mine?

Now he's gone.

Perhaps he was not as happy as I have made him out to be.

Perhaps that's why he left. The things that I have not done and done.

I think back to slightly more than 2 months ago, 71 days today to be exact, and the things someone has told me, the things that I have done, the things that I have not done, that made him unhappy, and, in consequence, has made me unhappy. That's why the happiness ended. My fairy tale ended.

Could I have done things differently? Perhaps. Then perhaps things won't be as they are now.

I won't have to type while tears stream down my face.

Miseria

Memento

On 19/07/2007, Ah Bow joined the rest of the fish, Bluey, Radio, Little Strong One, to play.

This photo was taken on 17/07/2007.

I was shocked that he went away. He didn't give me any indication.

Perhaps there was something that I neglected, overlooked.

He went away doing the same thing he always does. As you see in the photo.

Perched on top of the plant. Treating the plant like his hammock.

Smart fish.

Then again, Ah Bow was the smartest fish I have ever known. Known, as opposed to kept. For he has kept me as much as I have kept him.

I will miss him very much.

Memento

Oh My New 懒动 Pillow!!!

Oh yeah...

Sleepless nights go away...

Dentons pillow is here to stay...

What a name for a pillow... but oh what a feeling...

Tried out the new pillow yesterday... woke up feeling good...

Oh My New 懒动 Pillow!!!

Could You Be Tired and Yet Not Want to Sleep?

I suppose it's possible... after all, I'm living proof of it...

I have a splitting headache as well... bleh.

Could You Be Tired and Yet Not Want to Sleep?

Hung on Corruption

Death penalty for corruption?

Anything can happen in China.

I wonder if the official would have been sentenced to death if China's international trade and reputation weren't at stake.

I guess someone has to sacrifice to uphold the honour of the country if the USFDA is breathing down one's neck.

Imagine if the entire population of the USA no longer buys toothpastes manufactured in China.

No wonder I have had customers who insist on knowing where certain medications were manufactured in, and refuse to buy products made in China.

Even after I tell them that pharmaceutical companies impose strict quality control measures on the manufacture of medications, regardless of the country they were manufactured in.

After reading this article, I now doubt the validity of my words.

Hung on Corruption

I Had Dreams

I've had two disturbing dreams in the course of three days.

Perhaps that's why I've been having headaches.

Perhaps I'm not sleeping well... perhaps I'm stressed.

I don't know.

Why do things have to be so complicated? Why does my life have to be so complicated?

Or am I the one who complicate things?

I'm frustrated.

I don't know.

I Had Dreams

Long Day

It's going to be a long day today...

I told my boss that I can work until 8pm on Thursdays... he was very happy with that because it would mean that he needn't make the trip from this house to the pharmacy just to take over for 2 hours after my shift and before the next pharmacist's shift.

My head hurts, and my stomach hurts... well, actually, my whole body aches, perhaps it's because I didn't get a good night's sleep.

I'm hoping for a quiet day today. Oh, don't let Murphy's Law strike me down. :P

The only consolation so far is that Thursday is pay-day...

It's going to be a long day today...

Long Day

You Would Have Made Me the Happiest Person

You would have made me the happiest person on earth.

Yet,

In doing so,

I would have made you the saddest person on earth.

Now,

I am at my saddest.

I wonder,

Are you at your happiest?

You Would Have Made Me the Happiest Person

Dessert and Nightcap at Una's

I love dining at Una's, a restaurant with a European pub ambience located at the sleepy stretch of Broadway. There is never a want of ambience when I step into Una's; there's usually a crowd, and the music's so European that I can't help feeling as if I'm in a tavern somewhere in charming Europe rather than Sydney.

I went to Una's after choir practice, craving for something sweet, and mildly alcoholic, something to chase away the cold and windy night before I brave the walk back to college.

I've always thought that Irish coffee was Bailey's, and that Irish coffee would be sweet to drink. So when I ordered Irish coffee, I was surprised when the waitress asked me if I wanted sugar in it - I said no.

Oh, bless me for my ignorance in all things alcoholic. The moment I took a sip of the drink, I knew that I have made a grave mistake. It tasted bitter, because of the black coffee, and the whisky burnt my throat. The irony is that I can't drink coffee; it gives me a headache.

Thank goodness for the cream on top, and for the rich caramel choc cake that I ordered. For each sip of Irish coffee, I took a generous bite of caramel choc cake. Even the richness of the cake couldn't quite cover the bitterness of the Irish coffee.

I felt quite stimulated after the drink; I'm not quite sure if it was the coffee or the alcohol. I had a headache - so I knew it had to be the coffee that I responded to, and I expected that I'd have trouble falling asleep.

Well, I found out that Irish coffee is a paradox in itself - a drink with both sedative (whisky) and stimulant (coffee) ingredients, so which of the sensations would a person feel after drinking it? Drowsy, or hyper-active? As for me, I found myself yawning not long after reaching college.

No, I don't think I would be having another Irish coffee for a long while. Unless, of course, if it's Bailey's. ;)

Dessert and Nightcap at Una's

明年今日 (This Year Today)

明年今日 (This Year Today)

我要快乐

又被爱伤了一遍

无所谓 当作成长

刚刚走开的人烟还点着 味道却淡了

我并不是天生爱寂寞却比任何人都多

就算把世界给我我还是一无所有

我要快乐我要能睡的安稳

有些人不抱了才温暖离开了才不恨 我早应该割舍

我要快乐 哪怕笑的再大声

心不是热的 全都是假的

只有眼泪是真的

把从前想了一遍

谢谢了 伤我的人

想做乐观的人每种雨声 听了都不冷

我并不是天生爱寂寞却比任何人都多

就算把世界给我我还是一无所有

我要快乐我要能睡的安稳

有些人不抱了才温暖离开了才不恨 我早应该割舍

我要快乐 哪怕笑的再大声

心不是热的 全都是假的只有眼泪是真的

我要快乐我要能睡的安稳

有些人不抱了才温暖离开了才不恨 我早应该割舍

我要快乐 哪怕笑的再大声

心不是热的 全都是假的

我的决定是对的

我要快乐

100 Trivial Facts About Me

Amelia had this list of 100 facts (as shown below), and the idea is to emphasise statements in bold lettering if they are true, italicise statements if they are wished to be true, and leave out statements which are not true. I'm going to try it out and see... I'll highlight true statements in green. Here goes:

1) I miss somebody right now.

2) I do not watch tv these days.

3) I wear glasses or contact lenses.

4) I love to play video games.

5) I have tried marijuana.

6) I have been in a threesome.

7) I believe honesty is usually the best policy.

8) I have changed mentally over the last year.

9) I curse.

10) I'm totally smart.

11) I've broken someone's bones.

12) I'm paranoid sometimes.

13) I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.

14) I need money right now.

15) I love sushi.

16) I talk really, really fast.

17) I have long hair.

18) I have lost money in Las Vegas.

19) I have at least one sibling. (two younger sisters)

20) I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.

21) I couldn't survive without Caller ID.

22) I like the way I look. (I sometimes wish I look prettier? haha)

23) I am usually pessimistic.

24) I have a lot of mood swings.

25) I have a hidden talent. (must be so hidden that even I don't know about it)

26) I'm always hyper.

27) I have a lot of friends.

28) I have pecked someone of the same sex.

29) I enjoy talking on the phone.

30) I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.

31) I love to shop.

32) Enjoy window shopping

33) I would rather shop than eat.

34) I don't hate anyone.

35) I'm a pretty good dancer.

36) I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.

37) I have a cell phone.

38) I believe in God.

39) I am an adrenaline junkie.

40) I watch MTV on a daily basis.

41) I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.

42) I've rejected someone before.

43) I want to have children in the future.

44) I have changed a diaper before.

45) I've called the cops on a friend before.

46) I'm not allergic to anything. (not that I know of anyway)

47) I have a lot to learn.

48) I'm shy around members of the opposite sex.

49) I have made a move on a friends significant other or crush in the past.

50) I have tried alcohol before.

51) I own the South Park movie.

52) I would die for my best friend.

53) I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.

54) I have used my sexuality to advance my career.

55) I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.

56) Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.

57) I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.

58) I am happy at this moment!

59) I'm obsessed with girls/guys.

60) I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.

61) I study for tests most of the time.

62) I am comfortable with who I am right now.

63) I have more than just my ears pierced.

64) I walk barefoot wherever I can.

65) I have jumped off a bridge.

66) I love sea turtles.

67) I spend ridiculous money on makeup.

68) Plan on achieving a major goaldream.

69) I'm proficient in an musical instrument.

70) I hate office jobs.

71) I love sci-fi movies.

72) I think water rules.

73) I went college out of state.

74) I like sausages.

75) I love kisses.

76) I fall for the worst people

77) I adore bright colours.

78) I can't live without black eyeliner.

79) I don't know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.

80) I usually like covers better than originals.

81) I can pick up things with my toes.

82) I can whistle.

83) I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snake's slither.

84) I have ridden/owned a horse.

85) I still have every journal I've written in.

86) I can't stick to a diet.

87) I talk in my sleep.

88) I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.

89) I have jazz in my blood.

90) Climbing trees is a brilliant past-time.

91) I wear a toe ring.

92) I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with.

93) I am a caffeine junkie.

94) I cosplay or know what cosplaying is.

95) I have been to over 15 conventions.

96) I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better.

97) I'm an artist.

98) I only clean my room when necessary.

99) I like a person of the same sex.

100) I love being happy.

100 Trivial Facts About Me

It's How You See Things

So the saying goes:

A picture speaks a thousand words.

Well, if it were up to me, I'd have pictures saying things like:

Lady doctor: "How? I have to plaster his leg no?"

Three wise men: (in unison) "Mmm..."

Lady doctor: "Like that, then ok, then patient has to lie on stomach... easier to put the plaster on..."

Patient: "Aiyoyo, doctor, cannot lie on stomach, I just had dhal and chapati for lunch!"

Lady doctor: "Ambulance bring you in to argue with me is it? You don't lie on your stomach, see how you going to crawl out of hospital! Dhal and chapati as if!"

Patient: (thinking to himself) "This time you don't die? If my Indian feet don't make you faint, my fart will by jolly good!"

Lady doctor spaces out after breathing in the toxic stench, the three wise men act busy and talk about politics.

Haha... sorry KP (my bestest sai lou in the world), I just couldn't resist. Don't worry leh, there's no sugar, only plaster ;) Thanks for the pics though!!!

It's How You See Things

On Tomatoes

Tomatoes are just about the most versatile food that I can think of.

They can be eaten raw or cooked, whole or mashed, diced or sliced.

They can be eaten without any flavourings or seasonings, or sprinkled over with salt, sugar, pepper, or herbs.

They add colour to dishes. They even serve as garnishing.

They can be made into juice, sauce, soup, stew.

They can be served cold or hot.

They can be eaten any time of the day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, as snack.

Other than rinsing with water, the skin doesn't need to be peeled, and even the pulp and seeds can be eaten.

Best of all, they're healthy to eat.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like to eat tomatoes...

Are you a tomato-eater?

On Tomatoes

Kundun

Kundun, Tibetan for "the presence", is the title by which the Dalai Lama is addressed. The 14th and current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso visited Australia from 06/06/2007 to 16/06/2007. We had the opportunity to listen to the Dalai Lama's talk in The Domain, Sydney.

We arrived late at the venue, so we walked around looking for a good spot to view the screen and listen to the Dalai Lama. The first thing that struck me as we made our way past the throng was how familiar the Dalai Lama's voice sounded. I could have heard his voice on television; I don't remember. It is the voice of Buddhist monks - calm, soothing, yet compelling you to listen - the sound of gentle waves lapping. On a deeper level, it is the voice that I imagine my paternal grandfather had - the grandfather I have never seen in life but in photos, whom my grandmother and parents speak of with such admiration.

Incidentally, the Dalai Lama's tinted glasses and face shape remind me of two people, one of which is my paternal grandfather.

The Dalai Lama spoke on the power of compassion. It moved me so much that I cried. The Dalai Lama talked not of religion but of what could bring people inner peace and what could make the world a better place.

The Dalai Lama didn't pretend to know all the answers, too. The host asked the Dalai Lama to describe the meaning of life in the Dalai Lama's own words. The Dalai Lama scratched his head, and looked absorbed in thought, and yet genuinely perplexed, and replied a simple "I don't know".

The Dalai Lama said that perhaps the meaning of life is happiness.

I looked around. I saw adults listening to the Dalai Lama, children playing in the mud, babies in their prams. Everyone seemed happy. I thought of myself, am I happy?

My reply is a simple "I don't know".

Kundun

The One I Can't Forget

There is someone I can't forget. It's been slightly more than a month, and yet I can't, and won't, accept the fact that I won't be together with him. Every time I look at his face, it hurts me more than I can imagine, or choose to acknowledge. Everything that reminds me of him is bittersweet.

Yesterday, I read two things that are relevant to my life at this point in time: a book titled "An English Psychic in Hollywood", and the other: my daily horoscope. What I find most interesting is that the reading revealed my inner thoughts, and here I include the excerpt of it:

"The desire for marriage is very strong, and it is possible that the planets can bring someone into your life who will benefit you financially and fulfill your need for love and affection. The necessity for a close relationship may draw some of you into a hasty marriage"

It's interesting what life indicates to us: seemingly small, insignificant details. It just depends on how we see things. It's how we see things that govern how we react to those things.

The One I Can't Forget

What Big Eyes You Have...

"You've got big eyes, so you'll have lots of space to put them in."

I have an aversion to sticking things into my eyes; I can't even instill eyedrops into my eyes without getting someone to instill them for me.

So when the optometrist put the contact lenses into my eyes, I had to force myself from shutting my eyes, up to the point when she told me to relax the eyes...

After getting them in, it was all smooth-flowing. I couldn't believe it that I got the lenses in to and out of my eyes, not once, but THREE times! (the optometrist wanted me to practise so that we could be sure that the first time I got the lenses out of my eyes wasn't just good luck. :P)

So yes! Now I have a pair of contact lenses to try out for two whole weeks before my next appointment!!! Woohoo...

Wide-eyed doe look here I come...

What Big Eyes You Have...

Musings on 8th June 2007

8th of June 2007 is a day to remember.

I just had a read of Audrey's blog, the 8th of June 2007 entry. Her entry sure packs a punch - have a read of it (Malaysians should especially read it) and you'll know what I mean.

I agree with her about education. It's through good education that drives progress.

I had a late-night discussion with a few college mates, essentially about the differences between Malaysia and Australia. We touched on the subject of education - how Malaysian education plays an important role in shaping Malaysians and how we think.

I feel that Malaysian education doesn't empower students to think outside the square. Give a Malaysian student a circle, and the student might pengsan trying to find corners.

I guess that's one of the advantages of Australian education - students are taught to think beyond facts - to question facts and to take the initiative to seek out answers.

The grass is always greener on the other side - but there's nothing wrong with admiring the greener pastures and wanting to make the grass on this side just as green.

Musings on 8th June 2007