Friday, March 31, 2006
~ 9:15 PM ~
I stole this from
Li-Ann's blog... :D Play tag if you like :)
What is your favorite activities while conducting business in the toilet? Reading magazines.. I'm not too sure there is anything else to do on the toilet?
Your favorite toilet?
The super nice ones at five star hotels.. especially the Fullerton's in Singapore. That was lovely :D
Worst toilet:
When I went trekking in Thailand, we went to visit a tribal village up in the hills/mountains. Unfortunately, being a tribal village, they hadn't yet discovered technology or even toilets. I remember that there wasn't even a hole to pee/poo on.. Instead, there was a "pile" that you just add to, and in order to do that, you have to position yourself at just the right height.. or ur going to end up on a pile of crap (literally!)
Most interesting toilets you’ve used:
Those infra-red toilets are definitely very genius. And the toilets on airplanes are interesting, but i hate them. It feels as if i'm going to be sucked into it :S
Any no toilet experience?
Besides the shocking "pile-adding" incident in Thailand, there was also the time where there were absolutely no toilets around, and I had to pee in a plastic bag.
Also the time in Port Dickson (Malaysia) where I couldn't find any toilets . There was however a "room" where you sort of pee wherever you like. For guys - it's okay, because they can stand at the door and aim their pee wherever they want. Unfortunately, if you're a girl and need to squat, it's most likely that the liquid that you're squatting in is someone elses' pee...
Do you prefer the old school (squat) or the modern (sit) toilet?
Modern... !
Wash or wipe?
Umm wipe :) There's something odd about the lack of toilet paper, and single hose in the toilets of Asian countries..
Pet peeve bout toilets :
People who miss the toilet and pee all over the floor.
Also people who leave their pads and tampons in the toilet bowl, thus resulting in red water.. eww .
I found this photo on google... and i think it pretty much sums up my last statement :
[ This is *NOT* my toilet!]
.. 6 Comments Left Behind
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
~ 7:06 PM ~
Being the super duper sporty fit girl that i am *cough*, Bryan and I decided to head out onto the swan river for a beautiful day of kayaking on the weekend. However, haunted by past memories of near drownings (read: capsizing every single watercraft i've ever been in control of - catamarangs, blown up boats, canoes etc) , I decided i'd take it easy and stay close to shore..
So, at first, Bryan started off with the "speedboat" kayak, whilst i paddled on the short, fat stubby and most of all SLOW kayak... however, after having to wait for me to catch up whilst i frantically tried to paddle my way up to bryan's kayak, he finally gave up and we swapped... so the rest of the day, I took charge of the super fast slim kayak, whilst he used up all his energy for the short fat slow kayak. So in reality, it wasn't because I was a bad paddler, but because the kayak itself was slow..
It was a fabulous day to spend sunday afternoon, but not so good waking up the next day with numb arms and trying to roll out of bed to get to work :( But all in all, good fun and will go again shortly ;)
Being asian and cheesy, here are some poser photos from the day :
[Bryan being a poser whilst unloading the kayaks ]
[ Kae being a poser whilst lugging the kayak to sea ...
Notice how i need a LIFEJACKET?
it's because im a cruddy swimmer and very prone to capsizing]
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Sunday, March 26, 2006
~ 9:51 AM ~
The LDR Cycle
Quan came and went :( These short fleeting moments are getting to me. I worked out that there was a cyclical nature in these LDRs.
- Saying goodbye
- Moments of "i miss you" shortly after the goodbye
- A period of getting used to being apart, characterised by the "im so independent, i dont need you anymore" attitude
- Getting wind of an impending visit, often resulting in excitement and maintenance issues (do i need a haircut, maybe i should clean my room....)
- Those short-lived moments of togetherness
- Saying goodbye (and then the cycle begins again).
Bugger that. LDR - i already hate you. 1 month down, 23 to go. *crap*
Lava Stonegrill
Anyways, last night we went to Lava Stonegrill for dinner, and it was definitely an experience. Decorated in funky ikea decor (the three photos of jazz musicians hung on the wall, whilst the red little lamp illuminated the restaurant in a redlight district sort of glow), we were treated to our own little "stonegrills".
Basically, the meal comes out on a volcanic plate (heated to 400 degrees) and you cook it to however you like (similar to korean bbq). So here i was turning my little seafood morsels around, ensuring that they were thoroughly cooked to prevent myself from getting food poisoned, and eating off this volcanic plate. If you're into meat, i thoroughly recommend the mixed grill (what Quan ate), and their sublime dipping sauces. The stonegrill remains heated for about 40 minutes so your food is always hot and to your liking. On the side, we got some little salads and potatoes to keep our insides churning.
Seafood stonegrill , photo courtesy of Lava Stonegrill (i haven't charged my camera)
The service was extremely friendly, with a nearby birthday table having the waiter make flower balloons for the birthday person! Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable experience that i would recommend.
PS. don't forget to use your entertainment book if you have it ; and u'll need to book in advance as they are always booked out fridays and saturdays.
.. 9 Comments Left Behind
Saturday, March 25, 2006
~ 3:52 PM ~
It has been awhile since i went "true" bargain shopping. My recent purchases of late have not been very kind to the bank balance and have included jackets in three figures sums, skirts in three figure sums and all kinds of other stuff in three figure sums. So today when i was on the look for a couple of new suits, i headed first off to check out the sales (to no avail) and then to harbourtown.
Whilst i didnt end up with a fabulous set of three new suits, i did manage to stumble across three other bargains which I am rather impressed with! =D Unfortunately my camera is out of batteries so i had to steal pictures...
Of my haul, I managed to get a brown pleated tweed skirt with lace bits (similar to this one) for a whole reduced price of $6.95!!
I also picked up another tweed skirt, this time in a darker colour and of the flip style variety, for yet another fantastic $6.95 , similar to this one:
And my last buy of the day included a rather "expensive" (in comparative terms) cute little shirt which cost me a whole $9.95 (couldn't find a similar photo).
At the moment, i'm feeling rather "clever clogs" about myself and patting my shoulders quite often. 2 skirts and 1 shirt all for less than $24. *pat* indeed!
Edited to add the definition of "clever clogs" (Courtesy of phrases.org.uk) : Someone who gives the impression of knowing everything; especially someone who thinks he can easily outsmart his fellows.The term is used in the jocular by those who see through their transparent schemes.
Personally, i was first introduced to the phrase "clever clogs" by a rather lovely card received in congratulations on my new job. hehe it has become a favourite saying ever since ;)
.. 0 Comments Left Behind
Friday, March 24, 2006
~ 7:59 PM ~
Sorry about the lack of posts this week. It's been a hectic week with the start of my new job, with graduation and with Quan's surprise visit up this week(end) :)
Work
At the moment I'm loving it. I am already busy, and the management gives me a lot of autonomy with how I want to proceed with my work. At the moment, I've been given an event to organise and manage for 2007, as well as a health project and forum to work on... My predecessor left me a list of all the current projects being worked on, and boy are there lots - but my supervisor is giving them to me slowly so that's good.
Anyways, in mining, I've learnt why the workers are all fat. There is always a neverending supply of food at my new place.
Monday - Morning tea (cakes and muffins) to welcome me to the team *hurrah* ; Afternoon tea (cakes and muffins)
Tuesday - Breakfast at Mercure Hotel for a seminar; division lunch meeting
Wednesday - Birthday morning tea ; Executive have lunch meeting so we get to eat their food too
Thursday - Birthday morning tea ; Afternoon tea due to some fancy meeting
Friday - Lunch meeting with government ministers
*phew* I dont even have to bring my lunch!! hehehe *score*
Graduation
I graduated last night amongst a bunch of pompous hoo-ha .. Ill put a pic later.. but anyways, everyone around me was buzzing and the annoying malaysian girl next to me was nervous and kept taking out her mirror to fix her hair and makeup and drove me insane. It was a bit of an anti-climax for me as I sat there bored out of my mind wondering if I could sneak out after they called my name.
Oh well .. one chapter of life gone.. another to open.
Surprise Visit
I was patiently sitting in the waiting room for my doctor's appointment on Wednesday night when this asian fella decided to sit next to me... Curious (because i like to perve), i turned my head - and it turned out to be my sweet boyfriend who had come up early to surprise me! =D *wooT*. And he's staying up in Perth for the weekend (leaving Sunday) so i get a little bit more quality time *lol* ... ahhh the simple pleasures of a LDR
.. 7 Comments Left Behind
Sunday, March 19, 2006
~ 3:35 PM ~
Girls, if you're after a good read, i love this blog : http://www.xanga.com/spygirlny
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Thursday, March 16, 2006
~ 7:34 PM ~
Cupcakes and Shopping
I love shopping, and I love cupcakes.. so last night when afforded the opportunity to eat cupcakes whilst shopping, Mish, Jess and I *jumped* at the chance! :D You can find it all on michelle's blog, but i just thought i'd link to the pic of my half eaten cupcake and the one that jess "saved" for stophe on the way home =D hahah
[ Kae's half eaten cupcake and Jess' cupcake for stophe ]
[ Photo courtesy of Michelle]
Meifania, Kae, Jess and Michelle
[ Photo courtesy of Michelle ]
A Farewell lunch
Anyways, tomorrow will be last day in Insurance.. *wooT* This afternoon, my team and I went out for a long farewell lunch that lasted almost three hours.. My manager was there and decided it was worthy of the entire department being deserted for three hours.. haha we diverted the phones to her mobile phone and left the office unattended.. Pretty irresponsible, but it was nice to have lunch with the fabulous people i have worked with for the last 6 months.
We went to lunch at The Vic, which is one of my favourite pub-restaurants and stuffed ourselves silly. I'll miss this fabulous bunch *wipes tear*
[ The Vic in Subi ]
The undiscovered tea-world
And finally, today I discovered different types of teas. I have always loved green tea, and fruit tea.. but this morning as I walked into Pete's office, I could smell the most deliciously smelling thing I have ever smelt in the office. Sniffing around, I asked him whether he had been eating lollies or fairy floss this morning, but he told me it was the caramel tea he had been drinking.. he then offered me one, and whilst it tastes a little sickly, it smelt oh so nice... !!!
I went on the Lipton's website and discovered a world of unknown teas - Vanilla , Vanilla / Honey and Nut (reminds of crunchy nut cornflakes mmmm) , Cookies and Cream (*Oh my gollygosh!!!*) and the caramel.
So tonight when i went to coles and spotted the vanilla on special for only $0.79c, I bought it..! The rest weren't on special so i figured i'd give vanilla a shot and next time see if cookies&cream was any good.. =D mmmm
And to top it off, Katie got me a little mug and plate set for me new workplace since she hated the yellow mug i always used.. hehe and she used to laugh at how i put green tea leaves in my tea, so she got me this weird contraption thing that allows you to put the tea leaves in a spoon thing and it infuses *genius!*.
.. i sure will miss them all :(
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Wednesday, March 15, 2006
~ 8:43 PM ~
I've decided that after 3 months of dying from shopping hunger ( i think i bought one or two items this whole time), I have decided that I will spend up a little on new season purchases for autumn/winter . However, to keep myself in line with not buying junk, I have a llist of must buys and non must buys :
Must buy
- cute little cooper street jacket
- Tulip / paper bag waist skirt (black and brown)
- Cable knit sweaters - cream, navy, grey
- Long skinny scarves
- More shoes for work
- Basic tanks
Must not buy
- hoodies and anything casual
- denim
- whimsical lace skirts that I will only wear once or twice
- Ballet flats
.. 4 Comments Left Behind
Sunday, March 12, 2006
~ 5:24 PM ~
Once a week, my sister and I get to scrubbing and cleaning and generally just cleaning the bathrooms , toilets and any other tiled area.. (my brother is in charge of the lounge room etc).. Anyways, every single week whilst cleaning the bathroom that my sister and I share, I always notice something strange.
Why is there always long strands of hair in the bathtub, when no-one has taken a bath in the week between???
Does someone pull out their hair and leave it in the tub ?
Do we have a magical seabreeze in the bathroom (bar the ventilation) that mysteriously blows our hair into the tub?
Or does someone actually sit in the tub brushing their hair?
.. this is the mystery that i must solve every weekend :S
[.. and here's a picture of a bathtub to break up the block text heheh its not my bathtub *loser*]
.. 0 Comments Left Behind
Friday, March 10, 2006
~ 5:48 PM ~
Long distance relationships = LDRs (as commonly referred to by
Christine). Yep, it looks like i'm in one (and I never thought that I would be).
It has been almost two weeks since the start of my LDR, and surprisingly, I'm doing okay. I know, two weeks is pitiful in the scheme of things, but i think it still counts! hehe . I thought that i'd be grumpy 24/7, and incredibly moodly and uncompromising to everything, but i've been pleasantly surprised. I've been able to tolerate the distance, to bite my tongue at things that I probably would've gotten grumpy about easier, and to compromise about not being able to see each other. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that starting an argument or fight just isn't worth the drama of a 6 hour trip, weeks of silent treatment, or just running around in circles on the phone. To be honest, I didnt think that i had this sort of strength, independence and sense of compromise in me!
But one thing that does pull a heart string is the fleeting moments spent together. Quan came up on tuesday arvo and left thursday morning. I got to spend a little time with him and then he was gone. I guess I should feel pretty lucky that he is only a 6 hour train ride / 1 hour plane trip away as opposed to a $1000 17hour trip away ... but I still want more ;)
On the topic of distance, this morning I got a phonecall from
Aeon, and they offered me a job in
Tokyo. I know a lot of people would jump at the chance to go to Tokyo, but the timing was just wrong. Aeon wanted me to be in Japan the week of August 18th, but at this moment in time when I'm about to start a new career in a new sector, I just had to decline. I think David was pretty disappointed when I did, but I hope that I'm making the right decision.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
~ 5:54 PM ~
This morning, I was involved in my first ever car incident. I have had my license for approximately 5 years now, and never had any incidents at all... *touch wood*. But this morning in peak hour 8am traffic, I encountered my first little car bump.
It all started in standstill traffic, where not a single car was moving. Then this idiot of a yellow type R oldskool integra (yes, i give u all permission to scratch the vehicle that matches this description) decided he would be "smart' and try and weave between still cars , just like motorbikes do. Of course, he couldnt get past me because I was feeling rather annoyed already due to the traffic, so i moved my car closer to the median strip in an effort to prevent him from moving further. I wasn't the only one, because the two cars behind me also moved a little to stop the idiot from moving further.
At this point, there were 3.5 cars behind me when the traffic started moving. Of course, being a two car lane, these 3.5 cars had to swerve to try and get back onto the road - causing one girl to crash into the back of my poor little car. There was no damage to either my car or her car (though the girl was clearly distressed), but what infuriates me is the fact that the idiot yellow integra type R (yes, scratch it) actually drove off LAUGHING ?!
[Edited 12/03/06 to add image - Not the car that caused all the trouble, but the same model and type]
When i was in front of him, i immediately looked at the driver and passenger and thought to myself that these two looked like the typical wasted youth, headed for nowhere, and whom who somewhere down the track end up in the dumps. And his laughing gesture just solidified that. When did people nowadays become so rude and disgustingly obnoxious? Or perhaps it's just the young idiot teens that clearly have no where to go.
On another note, i just wanted to say how much i adore Trev and Michelle. Their comments are making me feel loved :D
.. 5 Comments Left Behind
Saturday, March 04, 2006
~ 9:29 AM ~
One Christmas, M presented me with a
Breville Sandwich Toaster (sorry, forget which model), of which was returned shortly after that Christmas Eve.
The other day at work, I was in the kitchen having my usual asian leftover takeaway container of rice and weird smelling foods, when P walked in with his little tupperware container of which housed several rather odd things.
Perplexed, I watched him take out those little ingredients thinking that he was going to turn it into some magical sandwich for the day, but instead he put one by one into the sandwich toaster and switched it on.
I looked on a little puzzled and amused as these little bits and pieces were being toasted , but as time went on, I could smell the delicious aromas of meatballs and bbq sausages. I understood now!
P had used the toaster to give it a "grilled" type of flavour, one that would escape if these little ingredients had been microwaved, as well as ending up a softened little mess. P also explained that toasting was a great and easy way to cook steak.
A little excited by this new found revelation of cooking food, I immediately thought back to the sandwich toaster that M had given to me those years back. Oh! How i dreamed of one morning whipping out my sandwich toaster, putting on the meatballs and eating bbq'd tasting meat for breakfast... Alas! that dream wasn't to be. That toaster was long gone, and unfortunately for me (and my tummy), there would be no way to get it back unless I went and bought one myself. *sigh*
.. 6 Comments Left Behind
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
~ 5:28 PM ~
This post is completely out of the blue and rather different from all my other posts...
My friend B has never come across to me as an incredibly religious or spiritual sort of person. But today he mentioned that he felt as if a bad spirit had been following him of late. I cannot even begin to comprehend or understand what it might feel like to be followed by a "bad spirit" but i will agree with him that recently, his life has been dogged by rather negative happenings and events.
Having had enough, he's off to get his soul "cleansed" at a temple and it dawned on me whether ghosts and spirits are really just a metaphorical symbolization of something of the mind. Could it be that something was weighing heavily on his mind and heart that it manifested in the feeling of a metaphorical ghost or spirit? or could it be that he actually felt a strange eery presence about him?
I then enquired as to whether such ghosts and spirits came about as punishment for having done something bad, or whether it was just something that mischievous spirits did when they were bored. Of course, i wasn't met with a definite answer, but then the whole concept of afterlife and reincarnation came into my mind.
I wonder if there is really life after death, and whether those poor "bad" spirits are those that have been left behind in a world not quite of earthly proportions, but not quite the afterlife - sort of like the world that the character played by Patrick Swayze in Ghost existed. Some people like to think that there is a greater purpose and a more meaningful world after life on earth, and some just refuse to believe that an earthly death is the end all of all existence.
I'm not sure what i believe in, but I do sometimes feel (and more recently of late) that I have a guardian angel up there who has been looking after me the last few months. My little prayers and wishes have been granted, and it feels that there might be someone helping me out up there. I'm neither a religious person or a spiritual one, but one thing i do hope for is that perhaps my little guardian angel does exist (and I hope that it's that someone that looked after me when i was little, and continues to look after me from above)...
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