Cute baby!

At church, we have only one baby at the moment. He's Allen and he's the son of Brian (Aussie dad) and Serena (Filipino mum). Allen is a really funny baby and loves responding to people when he is spoken to. He loves eating too (see above pics). I think he's not only a cute baby but a handsome one too.

An inspirational tale

I had to interview a heart transplant patient this morning. It was one of the stories and moments in my job where I go, "that's why I love this job", which is a nice change to my current unmotivated mood.... =P

This patient, Russell, was only the 4th in our state of Victoria and 47th in Australia to undergo the heart transplant back in 1986. In order to qualify for the heart transplant, he had to be on the verge of death. Yet, his wife, Anne, and him recounted their tale of how they were watching "Crocodile Dundee" (when it was first released) and went back to their temporary apartment (while waiting for a donor heart) that they were told the hospital was looking for them cos the donor heart was on its way and he had to be prepared for the operation. They said everything happened so fast that when the nurse came with a wheelchair to push Russell to get x-rayed and all, Anne and him were running towards the x-ray room. The nurse didn't realise that and when she looked up from reading her magazine, she realised they were running! She said judging from his report results, he couldn't possibly be able to run. He should be too weak to run but he did.

It's been 20 years since and as we talked, they told me they are Christians. Anne wasn't when they got married but after a routine check-up after Russell had his transplant, a doctor said that things aren't looking as good as they think. This made Anne very troubled and increasingly depressed and after some time, she couldn't take it anymore and confided in a doctor who said she was happy to introduce Anne to a Christian friend to speak to, if Anne wanted. She did and spoke to the doctor's friend immediately who explained to her what Christianity was, prayed with her and asked if she would accept Jesus as her Saviour.

It was so good to talk to them and be able to relate to each other in our beliefs that our lives do not end here and we have heaven to look forward to because of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection for the atonement of our sins.

Raise

I got a raise this week. I didn't know about it til I saw it in my payslip. It was a raise of $1.60 more per hour which was nice although I was hoping for a higher raise in my earlier request to my general manager. However, I didn't state how much more I wanted, so too bad. Now I know...I hope they'll pay me adequately one day...

Bernasconi's

Phill suggested 2 days ago that we eat out at a restaurant and I was a little taken aback cos he's very thrifty and unless it's for a special occasion, we don't eat out that often, maybe 3-4 a year, unless we go out to Melbourne then we have to eat out.

So, I asked him what the occasion was.
"Nothing, I thought it'll be nice to go out," he said.

We usually have fish and chips or chicken and chips takeaway on Friday nights although we try and limit it to once fortnightly but sometimes, it's difficult after a week's worth of work, we don't really want to do anything else.

Bernasconi is a local restaurant that serves good steak although I'm told another restaurant, Magnolia, is the best restaurant for steaks but it's pricier. I had porterhouse steak and Phill had rack of lamb but it was so small that the waitress said she'll give him a discount cos usually, it isn't that small. The steak was really huge so I gave Phill quite abit and he preferred my steak over his lamb. I always choose steak when we go out. I love them....yum! And we shared a tiramisu...yum, yum, but I thought quite pricey ($11) for a small piece.

It was a great night but over all too soon....

Nerds FC?

This was a photo that was given to Phill earlier this week when he mentioned to a parent from his school that he used to play soccer in Benalla. This was taken some 15 years ago and I really like his hairstyle then. No kidding! I thought he looked like a real spunk! =O)

If you don't know which one is Phill, he's standing, 2nd from left.

Nerds FC is also the name of one TV program that we enjoy watching each week. It's like a reality TV show that trace over 10 geeky guys from nerds to sporty, soccer guys. The slow transformation is amazing cos initially the guys come across as rather soft/ sissy. But they're really smart with computer, science and technology stuff. I was really impressed on the various projects that they work on.

But it's funny and both Phill and I love it. We laugh so much at their antics and I reckon one of the guys there may have been an ex-Singaporean cos sometimes, some of the words or phrases he uses sound very Singaporean but he has a slight Aussie twang. I think he may have migrated to Australia some years ago but not so many years ago that he took on an Aussie accent.

New haircut

I had my hair trimmed on Tuesday by a local hairdresser, Lindy, who was so booked out I could only get hold of one out of 2 available slots 2 weeks later.

It costs me $39!!! I was abit shocked cos it was only a trim, albeit a 3 inches trim all around and I had her layer my hair again. When I was at the hairdressers, I quite like it but after washing it several times and letting it free rein to fall whichever way, I'm not sure if I like it. At least, it's lighter and looks like it had some shape. Previously, it was messy.

And it was about time I had to find a local hairdresser and not run to my Singapore hairdresser (Summer from Northpoint's Kimage), whom I think does the best layering cut I've ever had. In a country town, it's important to be seen patronising local businesses rather than running to the city or other towns and spending your money there. Of course, for things you can't get in your town, it's okay but for stuff like mechanics, grocery, haircuts, beauty stuff, it's best to have them done locally.

I've been spoilt the past week. I had my facial done last Wednesday, an IPL treatment last Friday to remove underarm hair, and now, my haircut! I love my facial the most!!!!

How You Know When It's TOO cold!

1. 
   

1. When you wake up in the morning, you can't look out of your windows cos its all condensed.
2. You get cold very quickly after jumping out of a hot shower.
3. When you open the fridge, there is no gust of cold wind cos the room is colder than the temperature in the fridge.
4. When you forget to keep dinner leftovers in the fridge, it's okay (read pt 2).
5. Even after wearing a T-shirt and a jacket and track pants, and you're wondering why you still feel cold....oh yes, the heater is not switched on...but it's not EVEN winter!
6. You hate the idea of hopping into a cold bed cos you're already feeling rather cool...brrrr.
7. You hate the idea of hopping out of bed in the morning cos you're warm and toasty under your 7 sheets made up of blankets, sleeping bag and doona.
8. If you had a hot drink or a meal, it's best to consume them within 5-10 minutes cos it cools really quickly.
9. And you need hot water all the time, to wash your hands, to wash the dishes, to have a shower, such that at the end of the day, when you want to have another shower, you realise you've run out of hot water! Aarrgghh!
10. And you realise that perhaps you should have switched on the heater rather than grumbling about the above points...

Mother's Day

Phill and I took my in laws to Mooroopna Golf Club (1.5 hours drive away, one-way) for lunch today, instead of tomorrow, to avoid the crowd.

My mum-in-law and I had beef and black bean sauce, my dad-in-law had chicken schnitzel and Phill had honey chicken (his favourite!). It was a good and delicious lunch and after it, my in laws went and played the jackpot but when they play, which is infrequently, they limit themselves to only $5. They returned after only a short while. $5 doesn't last very long at the pokies (what they call the jackpot places).

We shopped around abit and bought a mattress protector, my supply of Coca Cola, and donuts from Donut King. I hadn't eaten donuts for a while so I bought the Aussie Pack which included 6 cinnamon and 6 chocolate donuts. Yum!

On the drive home, I was so sleepy I slept abit in the car and again when I went back to my in-laws place. For dinner, they had bought KFC on the way home from Benalla. Yummy!

We left my in-laws place at about 8pm and it was a cold....brrrr.....night! It was good to go home and dream of my bed again...... =P

Cystic Fibrosis

I interviewed a 12 year old girl today for a cystic fibrosis story I was working on. I didn't really know very much about the disease but the dictionary's definition is:
A hereditary disease of the exocrine glands, usually developing during early childhood and affecting mainly the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. It is characterized by the production of abnormally viscous mucus by the affected glands, usually resulting in chronic respiratory infections and impaired pancreatic function.

There is no cure for the disease and there is a limited life span for sufferers. On average, they live to their 30s.

After speaking to the 12 year girl, whose 10 year sister also has the disease but to a lesser degree, I finally asked her one last question - What is your ambition in life?
"To grow old and be a grandmother."
These are the 2 things that are most likely not to happen because of the disease which for females, affects their reproductive organs. When I heard her reply, I had to stop my tears from falling.

I pray there'll be a miracle for her and her family and her ambition will come true.

What will you do?

I found out from a staff member of the rival paper today, when the 2 of us were covering a story, that a friend of ours who is 5 months pregnant is getting rid of her baby tomorrow. Because she is past the deadline for abortion, she will have to give birth to the baby naturally. The baby has Down Syndrome and her family has a history of abnormalities (her own mum apparently had 6 miscarriages). I was told she is being very brave about it. It is her first child and she is only in her early 20s.

What will I do? I will cry heaps and wonder what to do? My religious beliefs will stop me from getting rid of the child but my fear of the looks I'll get and inability to care for such a child will allow abortion to cross my mind. I wish and pray never to be put in such a position. It's so difficult and heart-wrenching.

What a great day to wake up to!

Phill and I woke up to our radio alarm this morning to news that the 2 trapped miners at Beaconsfield, Tasmania, has finally walked out. It was exhilarating news!!! I thought it'll take another day cos last week, they have been saying it'll be this day and then it'll be delayed day after day until I got exasperated and don't believe it anymore when they set a date.

The past week though have been a week of bad news.

A veteran journalist died on Sunday covering the miners' rescue at Beasconsfield. He was only in his 60s and had a heart bypass and was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He was seen puffing up a hill to a press conference at the mine site when shortly after he asked his first question, he was seen walking away from the media pack and then collapsing.

A young five year old girl, Sophie, who lost some fingers, both her feet and was badly burnt in 80% of her body in December 2003, cos a wayward driver drove into her childcare centre, was involved in another accident. This time, an 80 year old car driver did not stop at a pedestrain crossing and crashed into her. I couldn't believe it when I read the news and I had tears brimming. She showed such courage when she had her first accident and never stopped smiling. I thought she was amazing at such a young age to show such optimism. Now, she's currently sedated and doctors are monitoring her. Injuries she is suffering from this 2nd accident are broken jaw and shoulder bone, bruised head, rib fractures and bleeding around her left lung.

I know people ask why God allows these things to happen to people like Sophie. I wonder why too. But I know He loves us all and doesn't like when this happens but I'm not sure what his good and eventual purpose will be but I know it will be revealed in good time.

Art and Caricature

Fairly laidback that we are, we decided to make a trip to the Benalla Art Gallery to see an exhibition on its last day. It was the Gallipolli war (WWI) from the Turkish perspective.

Cos we had the bump out for our play at 12pm and I was there to help out a little with clearing out the CWA (Country Women Association) hall we had used for the performances, we didn't leave for Benalla til 1pm under an overcast sky. Fortunately, the gallery doesn't close til 5pm daily.

On arrival, we headed to the local noodle house owned by a Malaysian and had 2 bowls of laksa. For $9.80, it was yummy and there was lots of good stuff. We ate as best we could and couldn't finish it so we asked for the rest to take away (it'll be a good for one of our lunches).

Then we went to the gallery and we couldn't have chose a better time cos the rain just fell. It rained non-stop and the scene from the gallery was just beautiful with the rain falling. Below is a pic I took but I don't think it quite captured the fleeting moment cos the rain stopped about 10 mins later. But you may be able to see the puddles on the surface of the water.



















When the rain stopped a while later, 2 young boys came out with their fishing rods in hand, eager to continue the day's fishing.

The exhibitions at the gallery was good but even though we were there to see the Gallipolli war exhibition, I preferred the exhibition on caricatures drawn by one of Australia's famous political cartoonists, John Firth. Some of his cartoons were satiric and I realised it takes alot of intellect to be a political cartoonist. Some were also funny, creative and beautiful! I love it! I find caricature and cartooning, artforms to be marvelled at, cos I can't do it although I wish I could.

Curtain Call

Finally, the last day of our play. A much anticipated, or not really, end to 5 fabulous performances. We may have fluffed up some of our lines over those performancesbut we covered for each other, laughed about it, were natural and most importantly, love every moment of it. We had fun!

This is a photo we took backstage, during the interval, just before our play was about to begin. I'm standing next to my director, Cathie. Behind me (left to right) is Di, Graham, Steve, Vanessa and Christian.















And the final performance, I think, is my best too. My castmates said I seemed to have nailed everything tonight. So, I'm pleased. There were some fluffed lines from another actor in my play and I didn't know he had a funny expression on his face cos he said a line wrongly until I looked at him, wondering why there was a pause, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was funny and for a moment, I was out of character. =P

I had friends from work, church friends and the town mayor, watch the play last night and they said they'll be careful of making me angry from now on cos my character was supposed to be very fierce in the play and I was. And Phill and his colleague, Steve, and his wife, Tania, came to watch the play tonight and thankfully, they love it. Phill initially wasn't interested in watching it again but he enjoyed it cos he said it was funny to be able to pick out who had fluffed their lines and he said quite abit of that happened tonight.

At the end of our play, after taking our bows and all, we called our director, Cathie Smith to stage and gave her a big bunch of flowers we had bought for her. We just think she's wonderful cos of the freedom she gave us in developing our character. She wasn't dictatorial nor did she force her impression of the character on us. She gave pointers but also encouraged our own development of the character.

We had a cast party after that of snacks, wine and beer and people standing around and talking. It was nice to catch-up rather than just recite our lines. Phill and I finally arrived home at 11.30pm.....zzzz!

Shave-off

I covered the first of several shave-offs happening in the next few days to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation under the event World's Greatest Shave. Many locals, both men and women, shaved their heads and some coloured their hair to encourage people to donate towards the foundation.

One of my colleagues, she's a part-time journalist with us, shaved her head for the charity cos she reached her target of $1000. I thought she really looked cool with her new haircut and she must be one of few people who look good with a shaven head.

Names we could possibly have for our kid (in future)

I'm not pregnant but sometimes I like getting into the mood of choosing potential names for our future kids.

Cos Phill and I are both fans of this Amercian drama, NCIS, I suggested 2 names from 2 characters in the show that we thought may be potential names for sons (just cos we agree on more female names than male. We have no male names we agree on).

For the moment, we think Jethro (Mark Harmon's character in the show. nick: Jet) and Tobias (nick: Toby) sounds pretty cool. In Australia, we have to think of what the kid's name may be called as a nick too or it may turn up sounding awful. Hardly anyone here in Australia calls people by their full name. If your name is Mary, it may be Mars or whatever your friends come up with or whatever that can be shortened to one syllable.

Sweet Success

My castmates and I performed to more than 200 audiences in town, over 3 performances this weekend, beginning from Friday, our opening night. This is a culmination of over 2 months worth of rehearsals, anxiety, and time spent memorising our lines. The 6 of us are involved in the play, "Big Bill". At every performance, 2 one-act plays are performed - the first is "Scones" followed by "Big Bill".

Scones is set against a country fete organised by the country women association (CWA) and how a new city dweller who has just moved to the country upset their routine. In the process, she upset one prominent CWA lady who puts her in her place. The city lass then plots her revenge but later learns how everything works in the country and works out the misunderstanding she had.

In Big Bill, I play the part of a country policewoman (haha! have I seen a Chinese policewoman here? No. Anyway, i think I'm not strong or tall enough to really be a copper.) and am supposed to be on holiday with my boyfriend (played by my colleague, Steve). However, trouble starts when we try to share a communal bbq and are kicked off by Big Bill and his lackey, Merv. I then plot my revenge when I find out a secret that Big Bill has not told anyone. Later though, I learnt my lesson when I realised Big Bill is just a good family man and try to make amends.

Both are humourous plays that have received very good response from the audiences, who are generous with their laughter. I think the strong lights on stage helps calm our nerves down cos we can't see the audiences very well at all.

Phill, my parents-in-law and family friends watched me on opening night and gave me flowers - how sweet! They enjoyed the play and said I was good. It was so encouraging! And quite a few people came up to me, even some at the local supermarket, to say that I did well. I'm on cloud nine.

Maybe I should contemplate going to NIDA (Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art). Alas, I'm too old and I don't think I'm good enough tho I wish I am.

ANZAC Day dawn service

Both Phill and I woke up early this morning to attend the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day dawn service at 6am, my first dawn service. To get to the memorial gates where the service was held is only a less 5 mins drive away. It was however a really cold morning.

I told my editor I would cover the service for our paper in time for it to hit the streets later today so that our news will be the latest.

I was surprised when I saw so many people at the service. It was a solemn and memorable service with one elderly serviceman playing the "Last Post" on the bugle, something that never fails to stir an emotion in me and brings tears to my eyes as I remember the soldiers who fought and are still fighting in wars.

When we arrived home about 6.15am, I asked Phill how many people he thought there was as I needed to write my article. I reckon it was about 100 but he said it's closer to 200. His reasoning?
"You're too short, you couldn't see all the people that were there,"

I decided to take his word and mine, and put the figure down to 150.

Baby Miki

One of the things that is under my portfolio is taking pics of newborn babies at the hospital (one assignment that always lifts my spirits, if I'm down). Today, I took a photo of the 2nd child a daughter named Miki, born to a Japanese lady and her Ausssie husband. Her first child, a daughter, Maya, was also there as well as her brother who was visiting from Japan.

Initially, when I arrived, they were looking for her brother cos he went for a short walk and they were keen to have him in the pic. I told them I could wait and offered to wait outside the room. They offered me a seat instead in her room and we started talking about how I came to be living in Mansfield. She asked if I would give up my citizenship and I said no, and she nodded. Then I said I'll want my kids to have dual citizenship when I have kids, and she said both her kids have dual citizenship but they will have to choose either Aussie or Japanese citizenship when they turn 22.

It was nice to be able to speak to someone who have gone through the process and which I have some questions about. I hope I have the chance to meet her again. She seems nice and her kids were cute, esp the newborn, who slept right through even though we were talking fairly loudly. And you won't be able to tell she just gave birth. She was so slim!

Easter weekend

I've been quite busy this Easter weekend taking pics of an art exhibition, the bushmarket (the Easter one is the best - lots of things to see, eat and buy!!!) and morning tea at one of the local churches. There were so many people over the past few days that there was a traffic jam driving into the main street. There was a long line of cars, which is really unusual here. Anyway, best to let the pics taken at the bushmarket tell the story.

Name a political party

That was one of the quiz questions Phill had posed to his kids prior to their Canberra camp this week. Since parliament house is at Canberra, he thought it'll be a good idea for his kids to have some inkling of the country's capital before going on camp.

However, when he asked that question, his kids were all staring right back at him, speechless... until one brave girl put up her hand to answer.

Her reply?

Birthday Party!

This cracked me up no end...at least she tried though.

Sniff!

I drove Phill to school this morning and we left home at 5.45am and we arrived at his school at 6.30am. He's going on a 4-day camp with his kids to Canberra. It should be fun. I wished I was going. But when it came to saying "bye", I couldn't help feeling sad and the tears just flowed.....after a few hugs, I reluctantly let him go and drove home....sniff!

Evacuated from heavy snowfall

Some students from a private school in Bendigo (in the state of Victoria but I think several hours drive from us) had to be evacuated from their camping/ hiking trip to Mt Howitt yesterday.

This was cos overnight on Wed nite, heavy snowfall and strong winds caused some of their tents to collapse and the cold conditions didn't look like it'll improve. I interviewed 2 students, spoke to a police inspector and called the deputy head today.

To me, it was one of those rare story opportunity since the school had never had to call off a camp in its 20 year history. The students had also never experienced such drastic weather change before.

And I only knew the story cos I noticed quite a few cameramen standing outside one of our town's popular hotel and was asking what they were filming and they said some students were stranded at the mountains. They weren't exactly, just evacuated with 6 troop carriers, a police 4 wheel drive and an ambulance 4 wheel drive. Fortunately, everyone was safe and sound.

A Love Pie

I bought a pie to eat and when I peeled the brown paper to eat it, I saw a heart shape imprinted on it. I was surprised cos I've never seen it before, a heart shape on a pie? I squeal a lil in delight at this discovery until my colleague burst my bubble by saying they had to do it to distinguish different types of pies.... =P

Gal who got the job

I told one of my colleagues, S, that I didn't get a job interview and she told me who got the job. Someone within the organisation. I knew the gal who got the job had made life tough for the previous gal who had the job. And S told me that the gal who got the job had a dubious reputation.

After that, I didn't feel as bad about not getting the job cos (1) I realised they probably had someone lined up already for the job but legally, they still had to advertise (which I think is a dumb rule as it wastes outsiders' time since they have no chance of getting the job) and (2) I'm not prepared to go as far as what I've been told this gal is to get to the top.

Rejected

I applied for a job about 2 weeks ago. The pay was about 60-70% more than what I'm getting. Although it was strange since they only needed someone who had graduated from their equivalent of an 'A' level but was paying what I thought was graduate pay.

The letter said my credentials were impressive, but they had found other applicants who closely matched their requirements. I reckon the impressive credentials is just standard spiel. I was very disappointed and sad. Nearly cried when I read it cos I thought at least I'll get an interview. I also wanted and needed the pay very much. I think I wanted the pay more than the job. =P

At Alex

Phill and I went to Alexandra (about 1 hour's drive from Mansfield) this afternoon to spend some time with my in laws who are helping the family friends house-sit while they are away on a 3-week holiday. I haven't been there since more than a year ago, when they just moved to the place.

I hadn't seen the garden all set up and everything and when we arrived, I thought it was really beautiful. But I know I couldn't have a similar garden myself cos of the work involved and I'm just so lazy and not a green thumb either. I need sturdy plants that can survive my forgetfulness and all, maybe a cactus....hahahah!

For dinner, we bought three large pizzas, surpreme, hawaiian and chicken, but Phill and I didn't think they were that great except for the chicken, which was yum!

We spent the afternoon and evening there watching the Commonwealth Games high jump and running events. Felt sad for an Australian athlete, Craig Mottram, who looked like he had a chance of getting a medal, perhaps even a gold, when he was tripped up by an English athlete and never regained his position. I felt so sad for him.

I was frustrated though at not getting any replays of Singapore's table tennis players winning their medals!!! Arrrgghhhh!

Our dinner party

I invited a couple of my friends over for dinner at our place today since we never had any of them over since we moved in late Oct last year. Lynn and her husband, Steve, Di and her family, husband David and daughter Chele came and they brought pavlova, chocolates, pink roses, wine, soft drinks. I was surprised at the large supply of food and drinks we had. Nice!

Andphill was the one responsible for cleaning up the house and getting it all ready for the party as well as cooking dinner cos he is on school holidays and I'm working.... =P

Look at how clean the house looks!

We had banana chicken curry which Phill made, and it was yum! And for dessert, Phill made a non-bake cheesecake and that was delicious too. Lynn's husband went for seconds too which made Phill happy - testament of how yummy his cheesecake is (they weren't just being polite)!

We had good conversations talking about work, personalities, events, history, the Commonwealth Games and all too soon, it was past 10pm and they decided I need to have an early night for work the next day.

I enjoyed the dinner and the company and look forward to the next party!!!

Australia (not Commonwealth) Games!

The tv station broadcasting the Commonwealth Games have been receiving criticism in the media for only broadcasting medal presentations and action of Aussie athletes, which led to the question if the Games was the Australia Games, and not the Commonwealth Games.

To think that the audience only want shots of Australia athletes is myopic. If that's all they want, why not educate them on the fact that other countries' athletes are just as good in certain sports, and that Australian athletes have been beaten to the gold medals too. Otherwise, in some minds, although proven by the current medal tally, they think only the world of Australia. They are also insulting those viewers who are interested to find out more about the winners (Aussie or not) and about the entire action.

I was peeved about the little table tennis coverage I get, except when the Singapore gals were playing the Aussie gals. Almost like crumbs off a table.....arrrgghhhh! I wanted to track the Singapore table tennis players progress!!!!!! So glad about Singapore's gold medal at the table tennis though - yipppeeee!

Can't put this down

I love it when I get a book that I can't put down. I bought this book, "Mixed Blessings" by Deborah Lee, about foster caring. Deborah has been a foster carer for close to 30 years and cos she can't have her own children, adopted 3 Australian Chinese kids. It was a fascinating, heartbreaking and funny book. It was so addictive, I found myself struggling between going to bed or just reading another page. Highly recommended!

It struck a personal chord with me cos Phill and I had discussed previously that if we couldn't have our own kids naturally, we'll adopt. But I'm also tempted to be a foster carer which I've been told can be heartbreaking when you have to return the kid. There's just so many kids out there who can do with alot of love. Phill is not keen though and I'm wondering maybe I should work on him and convince him for us to be foster carers. Anyway, there is respite foster care, where you take them for only a weekend or two each month. That should be okay and a nice initiation into foster care. But, we'll see how it goes. It won't work if only one person wants to do it. And perhaps when we have kids, I might be too busy and have changed my mind.... =P

A milestone

Phill and I had dinner at the Mansfield Hotel, to celebrate our 10th anniversary of officially being together (dating), which happens to be St Patrick's Day.

When we arrived at the hotel, thinking we didn't have to book, we were greeted by a crowd of customers who were already seated and a long line of customers waiting to place their orders. Undeterred, we were shown to our seats, which looked like the only ones left, and I quickly placed my order for a steak (any kind as long as it's not T-bone) and Phill went off to queue.

We waited for about 45 mins before we were served and although I was hungry before we even arrived, my hunger was placated by the appetiser - garlic bread. Yum!

It was a really good meal. Phill had chicken schnitzel and he liked it. I still love my steak.

Even though there were no anniversary cards, pressies or snaps (I better not ask for them after I bought those boots too) to remember this milestone, I carry with me a memory of what Phill said to me yesterday when we were in Melbourne.

"To think 10 years ago to this day, we were not whole."

Boots

I took leave today and tomorrow to spend time with Phill cos he's on 2 weeks of school holidays and cos tomorrow is our 10th anniversary of officially being together/ dating.

We went to Melbourne today and had a great time. We both bought a couple of books. I bought one on a woman's experience fostering kids for 30 years, Mixed Blessings by Deborah Lee, and another on punctuation, Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. Phill bought his military tank modelling books.

For lunch, Phill and I had dim sum at Shark's Fin restaurant (one of the more popular ones in Melbourne to have dim sum) and we had 8 little dim sum dishes. They were all yum, especially the century egg porridge, sticky rice and char siew pau (phill really love the latter two dishes). The char siew paus are very delicious and they use lean meat, no fat in sight. Yum, yum, yum!

And I also got my hands on a pair of boots I wanted very much. I don't have a pair of boots to wear during winter and wanted a really nice one and comfortable that I can wear for ages. I first saw it on the camper website but then it was sold out everywhere I looked on the internet until I called the melbourne store and they had it!!!! *jumping with glee* Before we went into the store, Phill said cos I am short, the boots may not look right. But when I wore it, we both agreed it was beautiful (but we disagreed on how much we would pay for a pair of boots). After a day's walking around and contemplation, I finally got it!!!! So happy and now, I can't wait to wear it!

Blue Belt!

After the grading last Wednesday, Phill (back row, 3rd from rt) along with his other karate mates, received their blue belts!!! Yeah!!! Happy for him, especially after seeing how tired and exhausted he was last Wed.

Here's him with his mates after being awarded their blue belts with their certificates. Their instructor is Gary Jackson on the front row, extreme right - really nice guy!

Bush Market and Rodeo

Phill and I went to the Mansfield Bush Market during the Harvest Festival weekend followed by a trip out to Merrijig for the rodeo.

There wasn't very much to see at the bush market but probably cos it was so spaced out at the Botanic Park. And Phill overheard a man saying to his family, "let's get out of this hell hole". I suppose the really hot, sweltering weather didn't help it either. We stayed for close to an hour and spend nearly half of the time watching several young performers doing a Pacific Island dance to celebrate the cultures of the three Commonwealth nations we adopted - Niue, Tuvalu and Kiribati (pronounced Kirbaas).

A pic of a chainsaw artist at the bushmarket.
















In the afternoon, after unsuccessfully wating 45 minutes for the shuttle bus, Phill drove to Merrijig (about 10 mins away) to the rodeo. We didn't stay long either, about an hour, cos we were so tired and sapped of our energy due to the day's heat. But whatever we saw - the ladies barrel races, the bull rides and the break away roping was good. Cos I was standing near the barricades separating the arena and the audience seating area, I was quite scared when one of the bulls came charging in my direction after throwing off his rider. It was a big, black and fierce bull that didn't quietly and easily go into its pen. It circled the arena, huffed and puffed and took some time before it went to its pen. It really did put on a performance. The other bulls weren't as scary.

Curtains down

The journalist from the other paper and I interviewed the cinema owner today, before the final screening next Saturday of an Aussie movie, "The Man from Snowy River", which was filmed in our district.

It was sad really but I'm glad our town managed to hang on for so long even at a time when not many country towns can boast of having our own cinema. The owner said cinema audiences are down with average turnout at 12 people. Sometimes, she gets no show, and other times, just 2. It's a really old style cinema and the seats are classic. But cos it has asbestos, the new owner is planning to pull it down and put in a commercial complex.

The cinema owner gave us a little tour of the projectionist room which I've never been before and she explained how the reels (which last only 20 mins) are fed and how the carbode (spelling?) rods are burnt to get the projection unit going. It was such a great lesson and yet, sad! I enjoyed just being in that room and soaking in a little moment of history that was heading to dust. The owner pointed to a part on the wall where many a projectionist had left their hand print while resting their hand on the wall, waiting to feed the next reel of film.



















*Ahem* I probably look abit too happy at this sad impending occasion but I was so thrilled to be in the projectionist room!

I had a dream....

I recently wrote to a friend to tell her I recently dreamt of her being 9 months pregnant and looking absolutely gorgeous and radiant and I was sooo jealous. And it was then she told me she was indeed pregnant, almost 3 months! What wonderful news - and a dream come true!!! I can't wait to see pictures now!

Congratulations!!!

Cartoon

US President Bush travelled to India recently followed closely by Aussie President Howard. This is the political satire that came out of a Herald Sun (Aussie newspaper) cartoonist's pen, "riding" (no pun intended) on the success of Brokeback Mountain:

Campdraft

I made a detour before heading to church this morning by going to the Mansfield Showgrounds to take photo of the Campdraft. Didn't really know what campdraft is all about. From what I know with colleagues explaining to me and this campdraft website, it involves a horse rider showing to a panel of judges that he has control over a beast (usually cattle) and when he is ready, he signals for a gate to be opened and guides the beast through those gates.

I didn't stay very long but sufficient enough to be impressed at the hobbies some people have and the passion and pleasure they derive from it.

Some pics I took:

Gloss please...

Recently, after buying these 2 Lancome lip glosses online from Strawberry Net, I've been fairly crazy about them. Preferring to wear them over lipsticks. The one on the left is lychee which is pinkish and the one on the right is Fraise and it's red. I like the way it looks and the sparkles in the lip gloss. Nice! Nothing like shopping to make a girl happy, if only temporarily.... =P

Boy from Oz

Even though Mondays are usually crazy for us, today was different cos I had to somehow make time at 9am sharp to book 2 tickets for the musical, "Boy from Oz", starring my very favourite and yummy-licious Hugh Jackman!!!! Aaahhhhh!

And I did get the tickets at 9am sharp and good seats too for our section. But we could only afford the cheapest tickets on offer which was still expensive - $99!!! The most expensive were VIP tickets at $499!!!!

I can't wait!!! Yeah! *does imaginery cartwheels*

Farewell dinner

Phill and I went to the farewell dinner the group of us at the office organised for Lynn. We went to the Mansfield hotel for dinner and I had a great meal - eye fillet! Yummy! Phill had porterhouse steak but it wasn't that great at all. We (Lynn, her hubby Steve, my colleague, Steve, Ken, Elise, Dianne, Phill and I) enjoyed the conversation and all too soon, it was 10.50pm and time for us to head home. Fortunately, Phill has a training course tomorrow so he can sleep in a little and doesn't need to leave home as early as he usually does.

Queen's Baton Relay

This was a photo my colleague, Sian, took of me when the Queen's Baton (part of Commonwealth Games) came through our town, Mansfield, today for less than an hour. She had a better camera and was running on the footpaths trying to catch the action. I was at the back of the media vehicle. It was fun but look at the pissy little camera I was holding compared to the other two big, powerful and appropriate cameras the other 2 gals by my side were wielding. I felt embarassed. And although I still wasn't feeling well, it was fun sitting there and waving to the crowds and the people I knew who were lining the streets. Perhaps something to tell the grandkids even though I wasn't one of the runners carrying aloft the baton... ;O)

Saw the doctor

I was starting to feel unwell on Saturday so I decided to see the doctor and just get well really quickly.

Anyway, I saw a lady doctor and she said I had a cold and that it was going to get worse. I said my throat really feels raw and sore and she prescribed a painkiller, Nurofen, that I could buy from the counter.

I've been told before going to this doctor that she likes to prescribe Nurofen and she doesn't prescribe anything else....arrrgghhhh!

I hope the medicine works...

Feeling miserable about having to work even though I am not feeling that great.....but its okay, it just so happens that today, our part-time journalist is also busy.

Scones

I tried making scones today using a recipe book I bought which I love for all the good, yummy recipes it has.

Turned out the scones were abit hard but the inside were soft and fluffy enough. I may have cut the scone size abit too big. I didn't have a cookie cutter so I used the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough to bake into scones. And I thought I was being innovative until Phill told me my mum-in-law does that too cos she doesn't use a cookie cutter.

Phill had his scones with apricot jam while I have mine with strawberry jam....YUM!

The McGuigans

Phill and I met his long-time friend, Anita and her husband, Mark McGuigan earlier today. We had such fun talking even though it was for 1 hour 15 mins. They had come up to Kevington (about 45 mins from Mansfield) from Port Fairy (8 hours drive away) for a wedding yesterday and so when i read that in the papers a week ago, I emailed Anita and arranged to meet up. Their kids are so gorgeous, Matisse, Sasha and Isaac, and very well-behaved. I hope it won't be too long before we meet the next time. We saw them about 6 years ago, at their wedding.
















***
Later in the afternoon, we took my dad-in-law to a cinema at Swanpool (about 30 mins drive from Mansfield, and 10 mins drive where my in laws live). We watched a documentary on Gallipolli and a short film, "My mother India", about the filmmaker's Aussie mum and how she adapted living in India, going through the troubled times of the 1980s and even having to give up her Aussie citizenship which saddened her. It was a really good film.

Feeling clucky

Lately, I've been feeling cluckier than usual. Usually, it just comes and goes. I'm not sure if its cos my friends seem to either be starting to have kids or having their next kid. Or cos I see quite a few cute babies in my line of work - usually, I have to go to the hospital and take baby photos and some info on the baby and family for the newspaper.

And then I worry about juggling work and having a baby. And how it seems so bad of me to leave my baby at a childcare centre at 1, when my maternity leave is up and I have to return to work.

The way I feel now, I want to work but then again, I have these worries about missing my child's first words, steps, etc.

When I told phill that, he said," don't worry...when we hear our kid say his/ her first words, that'll be their first words. Whatever else they said before are all gibberish." I had to laugh at his reasoning but it sure was comforting. Phill says the notion of hearing your kid's first words is very hallmark/ hollywood. I suppose they could possibly say their first words on their own and no-one to hear it.

But I've got some travel plans for September next year (we hope to go to China with my parents) and before then, don't plan to have babies. But, as I've been told, babies have their own sense of timing.

I investigated private health insurance today and the way it works, you'll have to be a full-paying member for a year first before you can claim on your policy so we've got to decide shortly which policy and sign it up first. The wonderful thing about private health insurance is that it includes IVF treatments, but only for 3 rounds and after that, its not covered. I pray we won't have to go for IVF.

Then again this morning, waking up at 6am, I wondered if I am ready to wake up early to feed/ placate the baby. Selfishly, I don't think so. I'll still like to be able to sleep in.

Chicken Avocado Melt

I had Chicken Avocado Melt for lunch today. My car tyre blew last night after my play rehearsal so I thought I'll buy takeaway lunch instead of walking home for lunch. Its also one of the few times I feel like indulging myself. So off I went to Tarts Cafe (one of the more reasonable cafes in town. Lunch can sometimes cost more than $10 if I go to the wrong shop.) in the main street and bot my lunch. It was yummy. Had to be for $8.50 but perhaps it was more than enough for lunch. But cos it was so tasty, I finished it all and had a cappuccino with it too. Yum! Satisfying and hit a spot!

Rehearsals

I went for my play rehearsal earlier.

We had 2 readings of the script and boy, the other actors were very good, the way they emote and enunciate. I have heaps more to learn and go. I hope I don't let the team down. The director is a pretty much straightforward, funny and direct kinda person.

She said in the course of doing the play, we may fall in love with our co-stars and she assured us its natural cos she fell in love with her co-stars too and once, when it was even a lady playing the other part.

I said I won't fall for Steve (who plays my boyfriend in the play) cos in the play, I'm supposed to be mad at him....hahaha!

Everything went well and I enjoyed myself until I had to drive out of the high school's car park and all the way home, abt 5 mins drive, I keep hearing this really loud noise and thought I had scrapped my undercarriage. When I drove home, I asked Phill to help me check it out. He backed it out of our driveway and then drove it back, alighted, and then saw my punctured tyre. Aarrggghhh! Another unexpected expense.

Women's talk

Steve was on leave today so it was just D (who left the office already but is filling in for Lynn who is on vacation), Sian (pronounced "Shan"...its a Welsh name) and I. And with the afternoon to ourselves, we talked about many things - love, our past, gossip.

One of the things that was queried was: do you think there's a brothel or working girl here in Mansfield?
Then Sian said most country towns do. I commented that Phill had joked with me previously when we saw this particular house with different cars on some days that there's a working girl in there. Sian laughed and said they're probably having a party.

Then it was onto men and relationships...
Sian told us how her first few boyfriends cheated on her and she didn't even know. D told us about how she had to plan her getaway for nearly a year before she could eventually leave her husband. And how she once successfully picked up her son at his kindergarten before her ex could get to him cos he hadn't paid maintenance and then when he saw her driving out of the school, he chased her all around Melbourne, which freaked her out. Her ex was abusive and an alcoholic and she couldn't see herself being with him. She thought he was a bad influence on the son too.

It's nice just the 3 of us in the office and sharing our lives....

Back to school

It was back to school for most schoolchildren yesterday. However, the preps (usually 5-6 year olds) only started today at Phill's school.

When he arrived home, I asked him how was their first day since he told me the day usually begins with the preps bawling their eyes out and their parents quieting sobbing away.

Surprisingly, he told me the preps didn't cry but the grade ones (primary 1) did. But...but...they have already had a year at the school so what were they crying about?

I reckon its cos nobody cried so they decided a long held tradition cannot be broken and the floodgates were opened....(hey, did that rhyme or did it?....hahaha.)

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year to one and all! May this year bring you your heart's desires, good health, sanity (haha!), peace, fun, love, joy, and God's blessings!

I miss my mum's pineapple tarts and gathering with family members (some I only see once a year), especially the little kids....sniff! sniff!

I think Phill miss (misses??) his bak kwa.

I hope we have an opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year next year in Singapore!

Our Dining Table!

When we came back home after the Singapore trip, Phill and I went and made arrangements to have our dining table delivered. However, its a ready to assemble piece and Phill spent a few hours every day, for the past 2 days, fixing it up. Some of the chairs seem more difficult and some of them took more than an hour each to assemble. The table, Phill said, was easier.

Some pics of Phill hard at work, for evidence:
















And so we had our first meal - dinner of japanese curry - at our new dining table. Divine! I love the table and can envisage our family (kids) having dinner together.


















As we were eating, I told Phill, "I can imagine our kids will dirty this dining table in future."
P: "No, we'll just put plastic wrap over it."
V: "Ok." (actually, i was thinking "what??!!!" so ugly!)

Pancakes!!!

I made Phill pancakes for breakfast. We slept in and only woke up at like 10am and by the time I got things ready, set the mixture aside for 20mins as recommended in the recipe, we had our pancakes at like 11am. We both enjoyed it.....yum!

I like mine with maple syrup, Phill likes it with sugar and lemon.
I told him he has a weird taste. I tried some of his with sugar and lemon and still take mine with maple syrup anyday!

Australia Day and Mini Grand Prix in town

There was an Australia Day ceremony in the morning which I covered, for work. Very poignant and there were speeches of what it means to be Australian. I feel like an outsider cos I feel more Singaporean than anything.

As 2 residents took the pledge to become Australia citizens, I was thinking how I probably will never take that step cos I still want my Singapore citizenship. The day Singapore allows dual citizenship, I'll take up Aussie citizenship. Unless my kids in future are affected in any way, I can't forsee myself giving up my Singapore citizenship.

Later in the afternoon, there was a classic cars sprint, a local cycling race and then the qualifying race for the Porsche Mount Buller Sprint. Phill met me at 12.45pm at work and we made our way to the grandstands (cost: a min of $50 each, which my company paid for) to "chope" seats for the race.

When we were there, we found no-one else. I turned to Phill and said," eh, Aussies not very kiasu hor". He replied,"nope, but we're Singaporeans....heehee!".....hahaha! How true....our Singaporean kiasu-ness came out.

It was scorching hot though....over 40 degrees but we applied sunblock so we're well-protected from the heat. But I didn't have a hat and after 30 mins of sitting in the heat, I told Phill I needed to get a hat so I went off wanting to look for the merchandise shop but couldn't find it and got myself a red hat from one of the shops in the main street instead. I quite like it although with my glasses and all, I look like I'm a Mainland Chinese gal... =P

Some pics from that day:

Mum-in-law's birthday

Phill and I celebrated my mum-in-law's birthday today. She is 67.

For dinner, we brought my parents-in-law to a steak restaurant in town, called Mingo's. Both Phill and I had an eye fillet each and my parents-in-law had lamb chops. Yum!!!

And we gave my mum-in-law a photo frame with 6 little slots of our wedding photos. She loved it. She looked really happy.

We then proceeded back to our place for some ice-cream....slurp! slurp!

I was so glad both Phill and I pulled it off and made it a great day for her.

Becoming an actress

Before I left for Singapore about a month ago, I sms-d a lady, Cathie, from the local theatre group to say I was interested in being a part of the productions they will stage this year.

Anyway, when I came back from work after my Christmas holidays, I saw a script on my desk and asked Steve about it. He said Cathie dropped it off while I was away for me to take a look. Apparently, she has suggested I take the role of Jackie, a country cop in her 20s, very fiesty. But.....the thing is, Steve was also offered a part, that of my boyfriend!!!! Another country cop! hahahahaha! What a laugh! I reckon it'll be quite awkward but fun though! Fortunately, we don't have to kiss, hug or whatever. The script is funny and serious but has a good ending. And it also has me arguing with Steve most of the time, so that's good, rather than intimate scenes.

The difference though was that Steve was offered the part but I had to audition. So I was still quite nervous about whether I'll get the part.

Anyway, Cathie came in today and asked if I liked the script and I said "yes" and she said "okay, just come for rehearsals next week". And that was it. I got the part! Smooth....=O)

Now, I'm nervous and excited!!! Yiippeeee! I hope I remember all my lines. Nothing like forgetting your lines on stage......arrrgghhhh!

Hotel Rwanda

Phill and I watched it over the weekend. Loved it. So sad though. Cried and angry at the injustice of it all. The western countries only help poorer countries when there's something in it for them, like oil. Otherwise, they're happy for the people to slash each other to death.

I highly recommend watching Hotel Rwanda. Made me sit up and notice that we can make a difference by getting our governments to do something to help the poorer nations and their people, rather than switch a channel and continue eating my dinner. Made me want to be an activist and carry placards and go on strike.....

Started Work

I started work today and sure wasn't in the mood.

I couldn't sleep too even though I tried and fell into a light sleep only at about 4am.

There wasn't too much work except for 2 interviews which kept me occupied but not so busy I feel I'm going insane. Thank God!

p.s. And everyone at work commented positively about my dyed hair. Red!!!! lalalalala! Happy! =P

Back home in Australia

Our last day in Singapore was quite frenzy, as it usually is. I managed to drop by at the arts council to say hi to friends who were still there but every time I'm there, there are fewer people I know. And got some CDs which I wanted - INXS, Nickelback, Rene Liu, Lisa Ono, Shakira, Robbie Williams, Foo Fighters.

When we arrived home in the late afternoon, I had a short nap which I really needed. I was starting not to sound coherent cos I was so tired and I wondered why since I had a really good sleep the night before.

When I woke up, it was 5pm and Phill and I started packing until past 7pm. We were exasperated, worried, and abit tense cos we were trying our best to fit our shopping in our luggage and hopefully, not exceed the limit.

I had a chance to take a break from the packing and have some durian my mum bought for me. Yum! My first taste of durian since I was back.

And then we were off to the airport at about 8pm. Our 2 luggages weighed 52kg so it went through without a problem. Phew!

After that, I was trying to locate the kopitiam which had nice kaya toast the last time I was there. I couldn't believe how many changes the airport has made since I was last there 6 months ago. I wanted my kaya toast! Then I realised, after settling for Polar (not as nice), that it was at Terminal 1. Duh! No time to go there now.

When it was time to say goodbye, I couldn't help but shed tears. My mum and I had our fair share of disagreements and arguing even though i was at home for only abt 3 weeks but I accept that its a normal mother-daughter relationship, and we do love each other very much. As I was leaving, I couldn't believe how little I see of my parents. Just 2-3 weeks a year. That kept my tears flowing...

There were also many friends and family I hadn't seen on this trip. Maybe I wasn't organised enough...I hope I'm more organised in my next trip.

The drive back from the airport to our home in Mansfield took about 2.5 hours. I slept for 40 mins mid-way through the trip and tried to stay awake the rest of the way so that I could help keep Phill awake by chatting to him. I remembered my dad told me the role of the front passenger is not to fall asleep but help to keep the driver awake. I must admit I was successful only sometime.

Today, Phill looked real tired as he was driving us home...

We arrived home at about 12.30pm. It was nice to be home but I still miss Singapore!

A day I love

Nearing the end of our trip in Singapore, one of the things I love on this trip was an opportunity to have lunch with my brother. I hadn't really seen much of him so far in this trip. Today, for lunch, he brought Phill and I went to have wan tan mee (a noodle dish) at Peace Centre. It was yum, especially the fried dumplings which had a special sweet sauce. Then Phill went to his tank modelling shop at Sunshine Plaza and then we did abit of last minute shopping.

For dinner, Phill and I took my parents and Gary to have seafood at Melben (at Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, the coffeeshop opposite Ai Tong Primary School). We arrived there at 8pm and after taking our order (surprisingly, we got a table really quick cos a family in front of us vacated their table just as we started standing there), she said we'll have to wait 1 hour.

I was already very hungry and didn't think I could wait that long. So, we had some chicken wings and in 20 minutes, the first dish arrived. Happy, happy, joy, joy! I asked why did they say it was 1 hour when it was only 20 mins and Gary said they wanted to under-promise and over-deliver to make their customers happy.

We had chilli and butter crabs, vegetables (dou miao), yam and vegetables dish, fried buns, cereal prawns....in all, about 7 dishes! There were so many of them, we had trouble fitting them on the table. And we loved every bit of them, especially Phill and I since we don't eat seafood in Australia cos its expensive, except for the usual fish and chips.















After that, we went to ah yi's house at past 10pm and talked to her friends, sang karaoke, ate, drank, and had coconut jelly which was yum! Even Phill who normally doesn't like coconut liked it. It was great to hang out!

Any day with family and friends is a wonderful one!