Ramblings

I've had a string of bad night's sleep lately.

Especially last night.

I think I was (still am) stressing out because D* plus her very annoying boyfriend are arriving tomorrow, and I foresee a very LONG 4 days ahead with their now-bordering-on-infuriating behaviours around the house.

It's a good thing that I at least can start looking forward to Monday when both of them have to return to work.

But knowing them, they might just call in sick next week and shamelessly proceed to extend my agony. :|

I'm depressed just thinking about it. You don't understand.

*Sighs*

So depressed that even 2 sleeping tablets failed to induce sleep last night.

And while still under the effects of Stilnox, I called Bee in the middle of the night, less than an hour after we hung up the phone, to ramble on and on about lots of things that I have no recollection of when I woke up this morning.

I think I might have asked him to call some hotel and book a tea party for me.

Oh well. *Shrugs*

I guess part of his job of being a good husband is to put up with my weirdness, errr I mean eccentricities. :p

On another note, I've also been having chest tightness and shortness of breath for the past few days.

It's either the early sign of me having another round of panic attacks, or it's because I sat on a couch that has something I'm allergic to but don't know about.

I sure hope it's the latter.

So I'm gonna change all the bedding and thoroughly vacuum the carpet today just in case I brought some of those unknown allergens into the room.

Then I have to get the documents and statements and what-not's ready for my tax claim since I'm meeting with a new accountant tomorrow.

Oh how dreadful!

Later on tonight, Wen is coming for Chinese takeouts and chick flicks on DVD. I need some company and cheering up on the eve of the return of the SIC - super irritating couple.

After which I plan on calling it an early night and hopefully, it won't take too long or too much effort for me to fall asleep tonight.

It's the last day of September, and we're nearly a month into spring.

Here's hoping that October has more great things in store and more happy moments for all of us.

Till then, it's just another slow Wednesday and another post of my pointless ramblings here on my very own Bloomingdale.

Over and out.

Bloom Over Gloom

I complained to Bee about how I was caught in the rain on my grocery trip the other day.

You know, just because complaining is the biggest part of being a wife/girlfriend.

What did women do before they discover their gift in complaining, I wonder. Sew?

*Shrugs*

Last night, he proclaimed excitedly on the phone that he found a little present for me but, yes there's a "but" coming, it's so popular that it's completely sold out.

He refused to tell me what it is at first because he was hoping that they would restock in time and he could still buy it for me as a surprise.

But of course, after a little coaxing (and a teeny weeny bit of threatening), he caved and told me that it's an umbrella.

The Bloom Over Gloom umbrella.

What a cute name! And how befitting of spring huh?

It's indeed a pretty umbrella, yes?

But how do I tell my husband that I haven't owned a transparent plastic umbrella since, um, kindergarten?

And with the erratic weather in Melbourne, the sun could come out shinning like crazy right after the sky has just poured buckets, so what do I do then with this cute umbrella since it's most likely not gonna be able to shield me from the sun?

But yes, honey, it was a sweet thought and I'm sure would have loved it had you bought it for me.

(And so many other people obviously love it since it's currently sold out here at US$27.99)

The name alone cheers me up.

Bloom Over Gloom, how clever!

The description on modcloth.com says:

"Even if the weather is grey, your style will be a burst of brightness once you open this vibrant, floral print umbrella. Whenever it rains, simply grasp the twisted, black crook handle of this parasol, and dash between rain puddles with grace and confidence. The umbrella's translucent plastic will give you a crystal clear view of any break in the clouds overhead, but beware - this brelly's irresistible cuteness may leave you wishing for more rain!"

Personally I think it would have looked absolutely adorable on little girls in yellow raincoats and cute plastic rain boots.

Gosh does that mean my husband thinks that I'm still little?

@.@!

Oh no.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Rain

We had a cold and wet weekend here in Melbourne.

Most Melbournians probably hated it, especially with it being the grand final weekend and all, but I loved it.

For some reason, chilly and rainy weather seems to put me in better mood lately.

While most people find the cloudy winterly days bleak and depressing, I find them particularly calming and soothing.

And as weird as this sounds, cold rainy days lift my spirits exceptionally.

*Shrugs*

I know, I'm a weird child.

All that crazy hormones had probably gone to my head.

But the grey and gloomy weather with that fresh hint of rain in the air has always reminded me of London, and the little island I went to school in.

It reminds me of snow.

I re-watched You've Got Mail last night.

It's one of my favourite movies of all time.

I've only watched it for, like, a thousand times? The script is just really beautifully written.

It always makes me wanna run off to a country that actually snows in winter and open a quaint little bookshop.

A small, but charming, bookstore that also serves all kinds of tea you can think of, and the best scones and brownies in town.

A bookstore with one of those old vintage door bells that, as you push open the door to enter, it tinkles with the cutest little sound to welcome you, like a wind chime on a lazy afternoon.

A bookstore that always has fresh flowers next to the register, and only sells children's books.

I love children's books.

In fact, I still buy children's books. They're my favourite type of books.

I went to bed last night with the sound of gushing wind outside my window, but Harry Nilsson's Puppy Song singing in my head.

And I dreamt of my very own "the shop around the corner".

Small, delicate, and exquisite.

Then I woke up to yet another rainy morning on Monday.

It felt like the weekend has been extended.

So I put on my grey wool socks, just because Kathleen Kelly did in the movie, and found myself humming "dreams are nothing more than wishes, and a wish is just a dream you wish to come true....." as I poured my morning cereals into a giant yellow bowl.

Oh rain rain please don't go away, stay again for another day.

Bloated

My social calendar has been so pathetic lately that the highlight of my week was either dinner at Shoya or dumplings at HuTong.

I need new friends. Friends who are interested in doing other fun things apart from eating.

*Rolls eyes*

On that note, I'd like to state for the record that I used to like HuTong before all the raving reviews completely (alright, nearly) butchered the joy of dining there.

Everyone knows how much I love good dumplings, but not as much as having to wait an hour for a table I'm afraid.

But if you're still interested in finding out what's the hype about, try to go on a weeknight when things aren't as hectic (lunch times are absolutely crazy!) and don't forget to order the fried pork intestines with dried chillies.

Of course, you wouldn't need me reminding you about the xiao long bao's since that's most likely how you heard about the place.

Some friends have complained about the service, but personally I haven't really had a bad experience at HuTong up to date. *Touches wood*

Or was I too scarred by the shockingly bad service I received at Pacific on Lonsdale that everything else simply seems pale in comparison?

Even the original Pacific House in Richmond itself feels rather pleasant these days compared to its sister branch in the city.

I've completely gone off the topic, haven't I?

If you find me talking a lot about food lately, that's because I've been pigging out like I'm storing up for winter.

Which in actual facts, I really should be trying to shed off a few pounds before summer.

But I guess there isn't much point to doing so at this very moment since I'm currently so bloated that I feel like a whale, no thanks to the annoying water retention we girls get during that time of the month.

(Too much details, ey? Haha.)

And that's precisely the reason why I've decided to lay low this weekend.

Forget about skinnies or mini dresses that every pretty young thing is decking out in despite the weather, I feel so puffed that the only things I feel comfortable in are drawstring pants and my trusty flannel jammies.

I wouldn't even wanna wear the new pair of sassy heels that I got on sale in fear that I might break them if I tried to walk in them. :|

Yes I'm exaggerating, but you get the drift.

Good thing that the freezing rainy weather this weekend has given us the perfect excuse to just stay in and be a slob.

It's been raining all morning and there's no sign of the rain stopping anytime soon.

And I remember having warmer days in winter this year than this. Aren't we a month into spring already?

But hey, I ain't complaining, I love the cold weather.

So I'm gonna go wrap myself in a warm blanket, drink a giant cup of hot cocoa, and maybe just look at how the rain drops fall.

Oh the simple pleasures of a quiet Sunday in.

Touchy

I've been feeling a little bit more touchy-feely than usual for the past few days.

(Which could spell trouble knowing how touchy-feely I already am normally. :|)

My hormones had gone haywire and I'm highly emotional this time of the month.

I cried last night while re-watching Monster Inc. for the Nth time on DVD.

You know, the tear-jerking moment when Sulley had to leave Boo?

And today, Prince of Egypt.

When Moses parted the Red Sea.

Or whenever the song "When You Believe" was played during the show.

I nearly got all choked up again while telling Bee about the part that triggered my tear buds.

I know. I know. It's the hormones.

It's a good thing that I didn't cry when my instructor picked on me this morning, during the 25th lesson for my Secret Project Australia.

It didn't go as well as the past few lessons I had recently, I guess.

Honestly speaking, I don't think that I'm doing worse than before. I'm probably just not improving as much as most people would after that many lessons.

Which, of course, I admit is entirely my fault.

I think I've fallen into a comfort zone that I'm just happy staying there instead of venturing out to take on more challenging tasks pro-actively or be more independent in the decision-making process, and that could be very frustrating.

Or maybe he was just having one of his grumpier days.

*Shrugs*

I stayed home in the afternoon to watch the AFL grand final on TV.

My tear ducts went into overdrive again when Paul Chapman kicked that decisive goal in the final quarter for Geelong and the Cats took their spectacular 12-point flag victory over St Kilda in the end.

Can you imagine what a funny scene it was? An Asian girl crying while watching footy on TV. Haha.

The Saints played a good game, I'd say, but I've been rooting for the boys of the mighty blue and white ever since I got my first AFL jumper in year 2001, so I'm thrilled for them to claim their second premiership in three seasons.

I'm sure the fans are gonna flood the streets of Melbourne CBD tonight to celebrate the win despite the icy wind and rain, but yours truly has decided to stay in with a stack of old chick flicks and a new box of Kleenex.

People, you have full permission to smack me on the head if I cried watching Notting Hill.

I mean it.

Excuses

I had just showered the day off me, lathered on my new L'occitane Oraganic Lavender Body Lotion, changed into comfy flannel pyjamas with little stars on them, and snuggly tugged under a warm blanket when a friend rang last night to ask if I wanted to have dinner at Pacific House in Richmond.

I hesitated for 2 seconds before I said yes.

I hate changing out of my pyjamas after I've showered, I hate having my freshly shampooed hair smells like Chinese food, I hate how you always feel rushed at Pacific House or having to share table with complete strangers eating next to you, I hate getting out of bed after I've gotten ready for a night of DVD marathon, and the thing is, I already ate.

But I also hate saying no.

Not that I really minded though, she's always good fun.

So I jumped out of bed, threw on the first thing I could find, and headed out the door.

As usual, we over-ordered. The dishes couldn't all fit onto our small table that we had to invade the "border" of the table next to ours. :p

Half way through dinner, a girl came in with her boyfriend and as they walked past us, they stopped to say hi.

My dinner's buddy's face was frozen for a few seconds, like in the cartoons.

"What's wrong?" I whispered.

"I blew her off for dinner and now I'm totally busted!" She whispered back under her breath.

Apparently, before calling me, she turned down the girl's dinner appointment with the excuse that she wasn't feeling too well but the truth is, she was just sick of "babysitting" her.

(Again, long story.)

And for someone who's supposed to be too unwell to eat out and hence had to rest to home, she then bumped into the exact same person she told the little white lie to while chowing down greasy Chinese food like nobody's business.

Of all the restaurants any of us could've picked, we just had to go to the same one. How is that for a coincidence?

That's how small Melbourne is, I'm telling ya!

The funniest thing is, the couple was seated in the same row with us, and our tables were only arm's length away. Talk about awkwardness!

Needless to say, it wasn't the most enjoyable dinner we've had, but we ended up laughing so hard about this the whole way home.

"For that frozen expression on your face alone, it was worth getting out of bed for. That was priceless, man." I laughed.

Oh the silly dramas that happened to us!

Moral of the day: we need to come up with new excuses that can turn down appointments politely but yet won't come back and bite us in the arse.

Suggestions are more than welcome. Haha.

Anyhoo.

It's been rather cold here in Melbourne today, even for me.

The sky started pouring buckets just before lunch, and it hasn't stopped since.

I guess I'm gonna order takeouts, befriend my TV remote control, and enjoy a quiet Friday night in.

We're gonna have quite a few chilly days ahead, so try to keep warm, people, and happy weekend!

Grocery

I learned a lesson today - it's a bad idea to do grocery shopping in high heels.

Yes, I'm an idiot like that.

That pretty much tells you how "often" I go grocery shopping huh?

Well, it happened to be one of those rare days today.

I needed to head out to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription and a few other things, so I thought I'd swing by the supermarket on the way home for some groceries.

And because it was such a dark rainy day as I was getting ready, I felt the need to dress up to counteract the gloomy weather.

So I did.

I did my hair and makeup, picked out a cute outfit, then picked the shoes and bag to go with the outfit.

I spend more time getting ready for grocery shopping than I do for work, can you believe that?!

If you saw an Asian girl at your local supermarket this afternoon, looking a little confused in her sky high heels because she doesn't know which aisle is canned tuna supposed to be in, that idiot was probably me. :/

I thought, hey if I could shop all day or walk 50 blocks in my heels, I can buy some groceries in them. Boy was I wrong!

Half way through my to-buy list, I realised that it just wasn't going to work as I was beginning to fear the possibility of toppling over with the shopping basket and making a complete fool of myself, so I decided to come home to change the shoes before going out for the second time to finish the shopping.

By now you're probably wondering why are you reading such a retarded story of a complete idiot. Trust me, darlings, I feel stupid enough as it is. :|

But all was not lost.

Because of the little detour I had to make, I discovered a coffee joint that serves actual American brownies instead of the usual hedgehogs or lamingtons we get around here, and a new nail saloon that I'm looking forward to try out.

And now, the shopping bags are happily sitting on the bench top while I happily munch away on the (many) yummy brownies I took home to reward myself.

Signing out, your friendly neighbourhood idiot.

Grumpy

I'm feeling a little grumpy today.

For no apparent reason at all.

Maybe it's because I didn't sleep well (again) last night.

(My insomnia got better for a while, and now it's back. :|)

Maybe it's because it's that time of the month.

(I have really long PMS, which is super annoying!)

Maybe it's because I'm a little stressed out about having to give reference about a previous assistant who is looking for a(nother) new job.

(It's a sticky situation, and a long story.)

Maybe it's because I'm counting down the days to the return of the annoying intruder, which I'm so NOT looking forward to.

(Another long story.)

Or maybe I'm just grumpy.

*Shrugs*

Anyhoo.

I had the 24th lesson for my Secret Project Australia in the afternoon.

It went alright.

Relatively.

Compared to the (acc)-incident that happened last Friday.

(Which I have yet to blog about. Damn procrastination!)

In my instructor's words - I'm getting better, but not good enough.

At this rate we're going, I'm seriously doubting if I ever will.

On the bright side, I do feel that I'm starting to feel more comfortable with it.

I can't say that I'm loving it yet, but at the very least, I think I don't hate it as much anymore.

So I guess that's an improvement?

And that's what I need to keep telling myself on a blah Wednesday like this.

Theoratical

I passed the second theory test for my Secret Project Australia today.

I used the term "theory test" loosely because technically, there's no theory to it.

But since it's not exactly a practical test either, I didn't know what else to call it.

Maybe we should call it a "theoratical" test.

(Spelled intentionally as "theoratical" instead of "theoretical".)

Like the hybrid of theory and practical?

Oh I can be so lame at times!

*Slams forehead*

Anyway, I passed.

And don't ask me how, because I have no idea.

I guess it was sheer dumb luck, since I honestly didn't have a clue what I was doing!

But hey, I ain't complaining since I don't have to re-do it again. I grabbed the results and ran out of there as quickly as I could before the officer changed his mind. Haha.

I went to meet Wen in the city, and we ended up having lunch at this ridiculously-bad Malaysian restaurant to celebrate my small achievement. :|

I then, for some reason, suggested that we should walk all the way back to her apartment in South Melbourne because I was determined to burn off the extra pounds I piled on from all the binging.

That was at least, like, 50 blocks in my new 3.5-inch heels!

I had to spend the rest of the afternoon soaking my feet at her apartment before we could head out for dinner near Chadstone.

The Korean restaurant was far from interesting and the food was so crappy that the most fun we had all night was from trying to spot the spelling errors on the menu.

Which was, um, not few.

(Hence the paranoia about my spelling of "theoratical" above. Haha.)

So it was a day of nay for sub-standard food, but yay for passing the test.

Or yay for brisk walking, but nay for doing so in high heels.

Thanks

I slept exceptionally well last night.

Thanks to the muscle relaxant in the painkillers I took for a bad headache. It worked like a charm to boost the effect of my Stilnox.

Bad, I know. I wouldn't encourage anyone to do the same, personally and professionally.

But I was really desperate for a good night's sleep, so please don't throw stones at me.

Moving on.

I received an email from a reader a few days ago, reminding me that I've disabled the comments on my blog, on and off, for nearly 6 months now.

Has it been that long? Gosh I didn't even realise.

I have no explanation for it. I really don't.

Except that I just don't know what to say to most people these days.

In real life, or in this private space of mine.

I don't want to whinge all the time because it's just not my style, especially when I know that my problems might seem trivial to some; yet at the same time, I don't want to smile and lie that I'm feeling fantastic when I'm really not.

So in a very selfish way, I've chosen to have an one-way conversation between us.

Because if you asked how am I doing, I simply have no answer.

During the time that I've disabled comments on this blog, especially after I wrote about my battle with depression, a lot of you emailed me.

Some of you I know a little about from your blog or previous correspondence, and some of you silent readers I didn't even know I have.

Those emails were full of sweet words of comfort and support, of genuine concern and friendship, and of warmth and encouragement. Some of you sweet girls in Melbourne, you know who you are, even offered to take me out to cheer me up.

Like I've said many times before, I'm not sure if a whinny brat like me deserves so much kindness, but I'm truly grateful.

I may not have replied most of those emails yet (again, because I just don't know what to say), but I do read through each and every one of them, and I honestly appreciate the compassion and kindheartedness you've shown me.

It's amazing how a few kind words from a stranger you've never met could warm up a person's heart such tremendously.

So thank you, for the kind gesture of sending a little warmth my way when you didn't have to.

Thank you for being such a bunch of sweet darlings.

Thank you for understanding my selfish need to shut people out at times.

Thank you for putting up with my rants and ramblings.

And thank you, just for listening.

20.09.2009

I was woken up by the sound of men talking and laughing this morning.

Lots of them.

At first I thought it might be the workers from a construction site near my apartment, but it's a Sunday, and normally I can't hear them talking even when they're there on weekdays.

So I tried to go back to sleep for a while, but the clatter became louder and louder, which is rather unusual for the building I'm staying in.

I looked at the clock, it was a little after 9am. Who on earth would get out of bed before 9am on a Sunday and make so much noise?!

Unsuspectingly, I got out of bed, washed up, and started preparing breakfast.

As I walked out to the balcony with a glass of juice in my hand, I saw a scene that I didn't expect to see on a regular Sunday morning in Melbourne.

There were, at least, 500 Arabic men sitting on the grass of this courtyard adjunct to the apartments, having what seems like the biggest picnic breakfast I've ever seen.

Pardon my ignorance, but I've never seen that many Arabic men, fully decked out in traditional costumes, in one setting before. It was, um, bizarre!

For a while there, I thought I had gone to sleep and woke up in a different country.

There were just SO many of them!

Then it dawned on me that they were celebrating Hari Raya, Or Eid ul-Fitr, as they call it.

But where did they come from? That many of them.

Does the president of, say, Arabic Society of Melbourne (I totally made that up, please don't get offended) stay in my building?

Or are they just someone's closest friends and acquaintances?

How does anyone even have that many friends to begin with?!

I later found out that there was an even bigger scale of Eid celebration or a gala for Aussie Muslims going on at a park nearby, but I still couldn't figure out what was the deal with this massive Arabic-men-only picnic breakfast at the garden of my building.

I was really tempted to take a picture to show you guys, but I wasn't sure whether they would welcome the idea or whether it would come across wrongly as disrespectful, so I didn't.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I was rather startled because I walked out to the balcony in my pyjamas and I was yawning while stretching when I saw that many Arabic men gathered in the courtyard.

Rest assured that I immediately "reversed" back into the living room in nano-seconds.

It's a good thing that my apartment is higher up, otherwise just imagine how shocked would those men be to see an Asian girl rocking up to the party in her sleepy eyes and pink pyjamas with little monkeys on a holy day like this. Haha.

Anyway, for those who celebrate it, Selamat Hari Raya. Or Eid Mubarak.

For those who are enjoying a long weekend in Malaysia, happy holidays.

For the rest, happy 20.09.2009!

As for me, I'm gonna finish my breakfast, maybe read a little, and have a completely uneventful Sunday.

So, happy lazy Sunday to me. :)

Relieved

I didn't sleep well last night.

I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep.

Then all of us here in Melbourne woke up to a cold gloomy day this morning as opposed to the sunny weather we've been getting for the past few days.

But despite all that, I woke up today feeling more relieved than I had in a long time.

Maybe not as strongly or as drastically different as I felt when the very annoying intruder left almost 3 weeks ago because boy, was I thrilled!

It's such a liberating feeling knowing that someone annoying isn't just gonna rock up whenever they feel like it and shamelessly stay on to ruin your days for however long they like as if that's their God damn right.

I nearly wanted to do a tribal dance and kiss the floor when I found out he was gonna be gone for 5 weeks, I was THAT excited!

Oh I can't even begin to tell ya!

But I must say, this feels pretty darn good too.

D* left last night to join her boyfriend on vacation for the next 2 weeks, and let's just say that she wasn't the only one who's been counting down to this day.

It's actually a rather sad thing to say when I think about it. I used to really like D* and enjoy her company, until the annoying intruder "happened" and she became this totally different person than the girl I used to know (and like).

Oh well.

People change, and not always for the better. I guess.

Okay, time to stop bitching.

Like Wen said, I better start enjoying the "absence" because before I know it, they will be back with a vengeance!

Maybe later on I should do a naked run in my quiet and peaceful apartment.

Just for the sake of it. Haha.

Ahhh freedom is such a fresh breath of air!

For now.

Consistency

I had the 21st and 22nd lesson for my Secret Project Australia today.

It was my first double lesson.

It was also the first time my instructor thinks that I'm ready to handle a different, slightly more challenging, task than the same old routines I've been practising for the past 20 lessons.

Yeap, it actually took me 20 lessons, 2 months, and nearly AU$1k to make such small progress in learning to master a skill that comes so naturally to many.

Shocker, I know.

Imagine how bad would I be at it if I had not completed my Secret Project Malaysia prior to this huh? @_@

In fact, I was so stressed out about the new challenges in this lesson that not only did I not sleep well last night, I remembered the time for my appointment wrongly and showed up half an hour earlier than scheduled. :|

Much to my (pleasant) surprise, the lesson went a lot smoother than I anticipated.

I was taken to a somewhat different environment, which is the reason why I was so nervous at first, but the tasks turned out to be not as difficult as I thought they would be.

I still don't know whether I'll be able to perform those same tasks on my own, without the instructor's coaching, but hey, at least I survived today!

The instructor seemed to be pretty pleased as well. At the very least, he nagged me a lot less for the whole 90 minutes. :p

Like I've said, I've been getting more kind(er) comments from him these days rather than the usual sarcastic remarks. Wonder if it's a sign that I'm actually improving, or that his grumpy mood is. Haha.

His comment on my overall performance today was that I'm getting a lot better than when I first started taking lessons from him, but I still have my on and off moments, so the next thing that I should work on improving is to be more consistent.

Little did he know, I actually don't understand what the heck I'm doing half of the time. Maybe those are my off moments? Haha.

Oh well, we'll worry about that during my next lesson.

For now, I'm gonna go bask myself in the joy of successfully completing today's lesson for 5 minutes.

And the beautiful afternoon sun.

Toodles!

Binging

I've been binge eating all day today.

On average, I think I've been eating a full meal every 2 hours, which is scary!

Even for me.

Last night, Wen and I shared 4 (full serving) greasy Chinese main courses, with the pot of rice they were served with, at our favourite supper joint in Box Hill.

Sinful Chinese food has always been our ever-so-effective way to beat Monday blues, but that was a whole lot of food for two girls with a combined weight of less than 200 pounds!

After the huge dinner, we even thought of re-adjourning to Camberwell for dessert and tea, but only decided against it when our sanity caught up to us.

Little did she know, when I got home, I actually cleared a box of double-stuffed Oreos all by myself before I headed to bed.

Today, I've been sticking my head in the pantry or fridge every 30 minutes looking for something to fill the bottomless pit in my stomach.

As we speak, I can't stop thinking about a huge slice of chocolate mud cake with green tea frappuccino, or a large bowl of pasta with lots of Parmesan cheese.

And this is right after I've just had my noodle fix from Laksa King.

Clearly, I have a problem. :|

I'm certainly hoping that this sudden surge of food cravings and increased appetite is only temporary, or has something to do with that time of the month.

Otherwise, I might not be able to find my waistline very soon!

Anjelah Johnson on Vietnamese Nail Saloons

A friend sent me this video link a while ago, and it's hilarious!

I thought she was absolutely brilliant with her impersonation of the accent and mannerism. I still laugh every time I watch this clip.

Everyone knows how much I love Russell Peters, so it's good to see a female version of the stand up comedian.

Better looking too.

(Sorry, Russell, you know we love you. Haha.)

Her reenactment reminded me of my vague memory about the one experience I had with a Vietnamese nail saloon a long time ago.

Yeap, just one.

Anjelah Johnson was pretty much spot on when she imitates how her manicurist spoke to her colleagues in their native language and laughed among themselves while shooting her the dirty looks.

I'm sorry, I'm Asian too and I'm guilty as charged when it comes to speaking languages other than English in the public sometimes, but doing so while giving someone funny glares through the corner of your eyes is utterly disrespectful.

Especially when you're doing it on your job, during business hours, in front of paying customers.

But it's all good. It was a fun experience.

Different, but fun.

Nothing that you can't laugh it off afterwards.

After you've decided not to go back for a second visit.

Warm(er)

After nearly a full week of gloomy chilly days, the weather took a 180 degrees turn today.

What started off as a cloudy morning turned into a warm summer afternoon just before lunch.

Whilst it isn't exactly fair to say that we were caught by surprise because the weather forecast did predict a warmer start to the weekend, but we skeptical bunch are not to be blamed for having doubts with the dark clouds looming over the sky in the morning.

But hey, that's the beauty of the weather in Melbourne, no?

Where else could you see, on the same street at the same time, some people fully clad in winter wear while others are flaunting singlets and flip flops?

Oh you've gotta love it.

(Or hate it. I guess.)

As for me, I really wouldn't mind the occasional warmer days leading up to summer if it wasn't for the fact that I was wearing my new leather jacket from SABA for the first time today. @.@

Yessiree, yours truly was one of those idiots who decked out in her jacket and scarf today while others happily pranced around in summer dresses and shorts.

*Hides head under pillow*

Plus it was a completely unproductive Saturday.

Not only was I not able to tick of any of the tasks on my to-do list, I didn't even follow through with anything that I set out to do today.

First, I missed the inspection for the apartment in the building next to mine because the real estate agent was late.

Then Wen and I missed the movie that we wanted to watch because we were running late and couldn't find a parking space (damn the crowd in South Yarra on weekends!).

Next, we missed the breakfast serving time (which we only found out after our drinks were served) in this new café we were trying out and ended up having to re-adjourn to St Kilda because we had serious cravings for a full big brekky.

Later on in the day, our shopping plans went down the drain when I found out that the Alannah Hill dress I saw in the window display just the other day is completely sold out in the smaller sizes and Wen realized that the phone she wanted is out of stock. We stumbled across a pleasant book sale on Elizabeth Street, but couldn't find anything we wanted there either.

After failing miserably at our retail therapy session, I suggested to head over to Lindt Café for afternoon tea with sinful chocolates and macarons to cheer us up, but my new shoes were pinching my feet so much that I couldn't walk all the 3 blocks so we settled for our favourite green tea frappuccino instead.

I guess all was not lost since we actually managed to get a table at Starbucks on Swanston Street, which is almost impossible on a weekend like this.

And technically, that's the only thing I've successfully achieved on this bright and warm Saturday in spring. How very productive huh? :|

Oh well. At least it's the weekend, and un-productivity is perfectly excusable.

For now, I'm gonna lie down, put my feet up and enjoy the rest of this first warmer night in a long time.

Later, alligator.

Improving

I had the 20th lesson for my Secret Project Australia today.

So far, I'd say that it's been a pretty good week. All the 3 lessons I've had this week went rather well compared to those in the past.

I really dread saying that I'm improving though, because I'm just SO afraid of jinxing it.

Oh like you wouldn't believe it!

So much so that even when my instructor started giving me "friendlier" comments this week instead of his usual snarky remarks, I'm afraid to acknowledge it because I'm so convinced that it might just be a fluke that I'm suddenly doing better.

I have issues, yes I do.

On a different note, my flu is getting better so I think I'm ready to venture out this weekend for some much needed retail therapy.

I'm still sneezing every 5 seconds in the morning and my nose is still leaking like an open tap, but otherwise I'm good to go.

Watch out, shops, here I come! :p

Now if you'd excuse me, I need to go blow my nose for the Nth time today while sitting next to the heater with a good ol' pot of Earl Grey tea and fresh slices of lemon.

I hope there is still a lemon left in the fridge. Hmmm.

Happy weekend, people.

Confidence

It was the 19th lesson for my Secret Project Australia today.

It went rather well, I'd say.

My instructor seemed to agree. He made more than one comment that I'm really starting to get the hang of it.

I'd love to think so too, except that I'm still feeling highly insecure because I don't understand how or what is it that I'm doing different than before.

How can I continue to improve or even just to maintain what I'm doing when I don't even know what is it that I'm doing right?

Or am I just refusing to believe that I'm actually doing better because I just don't believe that I can?

I do admit that, even after all these lessons, I still don't believe that this is something I'd be able to or want to do on a daily basis like everyone else I know.

Maybe it's because this is something that for as long as I can remember, people, with good protective intentions, have been telling me that I can't do or I shouldn't do.

Maybe it's because those people have always gladly taken over the task so I've never really felt the urgency or necessity for me to do it myself.

Maybe it's because this is something that I never thought I'd be able to do since I have really bad motor-coordination skills and shockingly slow reactions.

And my lack of confidence is indeed the major obstacle in the way that is stopping me from moving forward in mastering this particular skill that at times, almost seems impossible for me.

My fear and lack of confidence is apparent. The instructor noticed it on day one, and it's something that he constantly nags me on.

Everyone has been telling me that confidence is the key to doing it right in this aspect, and each and every one of them started off feeling terrified of it anyway, so I'm no different.

But it's easier said than done, no?

How do I overcome a fear that is so deeply implanted in me?

Is confidence something that comes with time and practice?

Will I feel more confident when I'm actually getting better at it?

Or will I only get better at it when I'm more confident?

Is making the impossible possible the right attitude in life?

Or do we need to acknowledge our limitations at times?

Should I take a deep breath, dive head first into it and think later?

Or should I keep asking myself if I can do this?

And the questions of the day continue.

09.09.09

I had the 18th lesson for my Secret Project Australia in the afternoon.

Instead of his usual sarcastic snide comments, the instructor finally had something good to say today, which is an encouraging development. I guess.

Here's hoping that it wasn't just a fluke, and I'm actually improving.

Oh well, we'll find out soon enough. I have back-to-back lessons for the next 2 days. *Fingers crossed*

The weather in Melbourne has been rather gloomy and cold for the past few days, which has put me in a kinda slow and lazy mood.

But what's new huh? Hehe.

Hey, at least I still have the excuse that I'm recovering from the annoying flu.

And please do excuse my random mumbling today, my nose is leaking like a drippy faucet and my head is all stuffy like it's full of cotton wool.

Anyways.

Bee and I have been married for 1 year, 1 month and 1 day.

So, happy being married to me, sweetie! *Blow kisses*

Off I go to make myself a giant cup of piping hot ginger tea and then maybe stare at the clouds for a little.

Happy oh-nine oh-nine oh-nine, everyone.

The Tales That Really Mattered

I know
It's all wrong
By rights we shouldn't even be here
But we are

It's like in the great stories, Mister Frodo
The ones that really mattered
Full of darkness and danger they were
And sometimes you didn't want to know the end
Because how could the end be happy
How could the world go back to the way it was
When so much bad had happened

But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow
Even darkness must pass
A new day will come
And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer
Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something
Even if you were too small to understand why

But I think, Mister Frodo
I do understand
I know now

Folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back
But only they didn't
They kept going
Because they were holding on to something

There is some good in this world, Mister Frodo
And it's worth fighting for!
~ Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers)

There are tales that really mattered, stories that are worth telling, and I want ours to be one of them.

Happy 1-year+1-month wedding anniversary.

Rudolph

My skin started breaking out all of a sudden a few days ago.

Maybe it's the sunscreen that I just started using again.

(And that's another whole new story. Trust me.)

As we speak, I have this giant red pimple on my nose that I almost look like Rudolph! Arrrgghhh!

I tried to pop it, yes I did, which only made it worse. :|

I feel like a 15 year-old all over again. Not in a good way.

It really doesn't help that the flu hasn't really gotten better. I woke up today feeling groggy and weak, with dizzy spells like I've just had a really bad cocktail.

Or ten.

(And I haven't, Bee. I swear. :p)

The congestion has taken a slight twist that instead of my nose, my ears are now blocked. Still having runny nose and sneezing every 10 seconds though, which made the red-nose situation even worse. :|

So I guess I'll be laying low for the next few days.

Or at least till this huge pimple on my nose clears up.

Signing out, your friendly neighbourhood reindeer.

Flu

I'm down with a flu.

Which is rather ironic since I haven't had a cold or flu all winter this year, but barely a few days into spring, the virus crept up on me like a freaky ninja in the fog. *Shrugs*

Been coughing and sneezing madly for the past two days. My nose is like a leaking tap, my throat is burning, my ears are blocked, and I'm so congested that my head feels like twice its size at the moment.

I don't care what anyone says, I'm blaming this on the erratic weather of Melbourne.

Sure Melbourne's weather has always been temperamental and we have all made peace with that, but hasn't it just been crazy for the past few days?

It could be all warm and sunny one moment, and boom, thunder and storm the next minute.

Take yesterday for example. It was such a beautiful sunny day when I had this sudden urge to get a manicure in bright hot pink to match the season, but before I could grab my purse and jacket, it started pouring like nobody's business. And the temperature dropped, like at least 10 degrees, without any warning at all.

So today, despite the seeming friendly weather, I'm staying in, with my boring nails *rolls eyes*, to nurse this annoying flu.

Lots of water and vitamin C.

A new box of Kleenex Eucalyptus 'n' Aloe too.

Have a fun weekend on my behalf, kids.

Pretty in Pink by GHD

Facts:

• I'm usually too lazy to style my own hair.
• I'm not a pink-clad Barbie.
• I've sworn off unnecessary beauty purchases everytime I throw out full drawers of unused products.

But the new GHD pink limited edition box set for spring 2009 has pushed all the right buttons for an impulse purchase.

Price at AU$329, the box set includes

• A limited edition pink GHD IV styler

• A heat resistant styler pouch

• A pink hairbrush

• Two GHD sectioning clips

• And a pink tote bag

For limited time only, the price includes free delivery as well!

(Which is a big plus personally given how much I hate paying for shipping.)

And AU$30 from every pink GHD IV styler box set sold in Australia will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

(Same applies to each of these limited edition box set sold in New Zealand, which is priced at NZ$379.)

It's pink, it's for a good cause, and it's GHD, what's there not to like?

*Twiddling thumbs*

Homesick

I'm terribly homesick today.

Or maybe I should say that I'm extra homesick today, since it's not like I haven't been almost everyday for the past few months.

But I was hit by a sudden pang of homesickness last night because Sam was in town on vacation for a few days with her husband and daughter, and they left yesterday.

Seeing her was almost like seeing family. That's the thing about the people you grew up with, I guess.

You feel safe and free to just be who you are without feeling expected to act or behave a certain way, and you can simply talk about anything and everything with each other without worrying about being judged or perceived wrongly.

And that's what we did.

We talked all the way to dinner, through dinner, and back from dinner on Monday night. After sending her husband and daughter upstairs to sleep, we continued to sit in the cafe at the lobby and just talked for hours till the sky was turning bright.

She always has this amazing ability of giving out positive energy and inspiring me to just gather enough courage to march right through my troubles and worries without over-analysing. Seeing how brave she is in tackling life's challenges head on and has since single-handedly turned things around in her life has never failed to motivate me to do the same.

Oh, and I have to mention that she's also one of the very few people, outside my own family, who I speak Foochow with. I guess that's another added bonus for familiarity in foreign land. Haha.

As good as it feels to catch up with childhood friends from home, it's equally hard to say goodbye.

Another thing that I'm never good at.

I went to send them off yesterday afternoon, and I was reminded of why I've always preferred visiting friends back home instead of having them to come visit me in Melbourne.

It's always easier being the one who to leave, than the one who's left behind.

As we hugged to say goodbye, she said, "Let's not look at each other anymore, just turn around and walk away."

Which we did.

I filled in my afternoon by going to my doctor's appointment and running errands, even did a little shopping on the way home to cheer myself up.

And I really thought I was doing so well.

I was so tired that I fell asleep right after dinner last night, only to wake up an hour later feeling that void in my heart.

That longing and aching desire that we call homesickness.

Spring

It's the first day of spring.

The gloominess of winter isn't completely behind us.

But hopes are budding.