I CLIMBED IT!

Finally, I have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

We have this work gathering (let's call it, Finance X'mas party :P) and the event is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset.

Loved it loved it loved it!! :D

YOU MADE MY DAY! ^^

On a boring, cloudy/rainy, cool Monday, at around 3:30pm, you appeared infront of my eyes. You made my afternoon like heaven:).

Thank You!

Cherish

When you're in luck, or always surrounded by luck, people seem to forget to cherish.

I must say that I am one of them.

Although I don't have the best life in the world, at least I don't have to worry about the basic needs that other people would need to worry about on a daily basis.

Anyway.  I think I have forgotten to cherish. 

I am currently in my comfort zone, and starting to question about life -  Life is normal.  Nothing much happening.  Trying to find something that spices up my life…...

When I looked at someone else's life today, and have suddenly realised, that I have to cherish what I have.

Being normal, is actually a blessing.

PMS monster go away!

GRRRRRR…

Couldn't sleep

Time now: 2:04am Syd time

I should be asleep by now but why am I still awake here writing blogs? I have no idea. 

Can I blame the 3 hours difference between Syd and HK?

It is not a good feeling, not to mention that I have to go to work in few hours time!

:(

Leaving Tokyo, on the way to HK...

On the way flying to HK and end of my Tokyo adventure. I have only started to get used to the lifestyle and I am now leaving!


Tokyo has almost everything you need and want, but they are not cheap at all!I have spent so much that I have blown my budget already.


Alot of my research about the city made my life alot easier when I was there. Basically it was a breeze to get around if you do enough research and follow signs on the street. I can say that I had so much fun there, I wouldn't mind working there if I had a chance! I did feel abit lonely at times but most of the times I enjoyed travelling by myself.


As S said, things actually turned out alright after all the worries. I will remember this trip as I think I wouldn't think I will be doing another solo travelling for a long time.


One thing worth mentioning is that it seem like its fate that A and I got to know each other. If things turned out normally, I don't know if I would be able to get to know her. She is a very nice person and a good friend to keep.  I also hope G and T will get well soon, so things can go back to normal again.

I will post the main highlights of the trip soon...

Tokyo Japan 2009 Day 2 Odaiba

17th October, 2009 Day 2

A offered to accompany me today. (yay ^^)

The plan for today was to spend a whole day in Odaiba as there was so much to see and do:)

We met at Shimbashi Station in the morning and changed to Yurikamome line to Odaiba.

The famous Rainbow Bridge and copy of Statue of Liberty, Odaiba.  I must say that the view of the bridge would be nicer at night.

We went to this special omelette rice place called ポムの樹 in Aqua City for lunch.

Closed up

Drink and dessert in the "Lady's Set"

Pomunoki ポムの樹　アクアシティお台場店

Address: 〒135-0091 東京都港区台場1-7-1 アクアシティお台場5F

Tel: 03-3599-5510

http://www.pomunoki.com/pomme/index.html

I have been waiting to have this omelette rice for so long.  The rice, the sauce and the omelette were so unique and combined so well together that you can't find a smiliar delicacy for this dish elsewhere.

After lunch we went shopping at the Venus Fort. 

The famous fountain

I have seen alot of  info on this shopping centre on the web, and therefore have put alot of expectation on this. Unfortunately the shopping centre was undergoing a major renovation at the time I visited, so alot of shops aren't open.  I was somewhat disappointed.

However this didn't spoil my mood for my next stop - Ooedo-onsen Monogatari.

front door entrance

+

queue to reception

choose your yukata!

change room

After all these, we are ready to walk around...lots of shops and restaurant in the complex

Entry to outdoor foot spa

the kids infront of me, yelling, so hot, so hot! ^^

Now the real deal - entry to the Onsen

After we came out of the spa feeling relaxed and refreshed, we were hungry and craving for food!

Dry udon mixed with raw egg

Oden (おでん) and Gyoza

Yakitori and Asahi Beer

Ooedo-onsen Monogatari 大江戶溫泉物語
website: http://www.ooedoonsen.jp

Tokyo Japan 2009 Day 1 SYD -> HKG -> NRT Airport -> Shinjuku

16th October, 2009 Day 1

Arrived HK at around 5:30am HK time in the morning.  The plan was to transit in HK for a few hours before heading off to NRT.  Because I've chosen a different airline carrier to fly from HKG-NRT, I had to go to the transfer desk to get my boarding pass.  First time to do international transit in HK.

During the flight...

Snack

Lunch

After a short rest, I arrived on the Nippon Land.

Luckily I passed customs and got my luggage with no delay.  I then needed to find the ticket office to get a train ticket to Shinjuku.

Ticket Office

Narita Express (N'EX)

Ticket to Shinjuku :)

So far, so good. I have actually arrived Shinjuku earlier than my planned time! I was meant to meet up with my friend A for dinner that night, because she hasn't finished work yet by the time I arrived Shinjuku, I walked around the place while I wait for her.

When I finally met up with her, she took me to this Izakaya for dinner - my first meal in Tokyo.

different types of Chicken Yakitori, green beans (left), Asahi Beer

Fried potato, Japanese wine on the back corner of the picture

Grilled fish

After the dinner, I went back to hotel and hit the (real) bed straight away - what a long day!

Tokyo Japan 2009 - Foreword

Sometimes its good to have a change to a routine life, like adding spice to a tasteless meal.

My planning process hasn't been easy this time to Japan. Although a lot of changes has happaned during my planning, I am happy that I have made the decision to go ahead with it. Maybe its not perfect or ideal - as I won't be seeing my good friend as originally planned.

Maybe this is the way to experience life. Whatever happens, good and bad, I will treat this as part of my life experience.

Welcome October :)

I always look forward to the month October, especially the one this year.

Three of my best friends are getting married this month (two on the same day)!  It is a very exciting moment, I am very very happy for them that they have found the one.

Another reason is that we are now stepping into the last quarter of the year, meaning that X'mas is just within a blink of an eye!  No matter where you are, X'mas is always a very happy event of all times.

So, Merry October!

Two day Conference @ Sergents Mess

Went to a two day conference at work. The main focus of this conference was to put together a commercial plan for next year, in terms of what are our directions and focus, etc.

I didn’t have much involvement this time (no preparation beforehand needed), as we only had to give advice when necessary. So most of the time I sat there and listened.

We also went to a few store visits to see how our products displayed on supermarket shelves.

Personally, I find this meeting interesting and rewarding as it gave me a better understanding of the business.

The conference was held at a very nice venue overlooking the Sydney Harbour. This venue has only been opened for 6 weeks but has already been fully booked for various functions throughout the year!

The food, decorations and service we had for the past 2 days were superb.

The 'ballroom'

the bar and lunch/tea area

Entrance to the ballroom

View  from ballroom balcony

Go

Go

Sergeants Mess
Chowder Bay Road
Chowder Bay, Mosman
http://www.sergentsmess.com.au/

Why?

Why is time so slow today?

Joke of the Day :D

Something to cheer you up ^^
_______________________________________________________________
Memoirs of IMH (Mental Hospital)

Record I

Patient A: "So how.. this book not bad ya?"

Patient B: "Excellent! Astounding work. No nonsense shit, sharp and
concise to the point. But there's a major flaw in this piece of art
too many character names to remember!!!"

Nurse: "Hey! Can the two of you..put the telephone book back to the
original place?"


Record II

One doctor asked a patient: "If I were to cut one of your ear off,
what will happen to you?"

Patient: "Then I will not be able to hear..."

Doctor: "Hmm.. that's normal...So if I were to cut your other ear
off, what will happen to you?"

Patient: "Then I will not be able to see..."

The doctor became nervous and asked: "Why would you not see then???"

Patient: "Because my spectacles will drop down..."


Record III

IMH has an old lady who wears black everyday, carries a black
umbrella and squats @ the entrance to the IMH everyday without
fail, rain or shine.

The doctor wanted to administer treatment for her and decided to
start by understanding her behaviour.

So, the doctor also wear black and carries a black umbrella; squatted
outside together just next to her, rain or shine, everyday without
fail.

So...days goes by...the two of them squatted side-by-side w/o a
single exchange of words..for one solid month...

One fine day..the old lady finally broke the silence and asked the
doctor: "Err...Excuse me! Are you also a mushroom?"


Record IV (the best)

A nurse saw a patient writing a letter.. She got curious and went to
take a peek.. But the patient didn't wanna let her see.

Nurse (unable to contain her curiosity): "Who are you writing to?"

Patient : "I'm writing a letter to myself..."

Her curiosity grew and she thought to herself (Why would someone
write a letter to himself?)

So she asked again: "So...what's written inside?"

Patient (got impatient): "You crazy ah? I haven't receive the letter,
how would I know??"


Record V

Two patients escape from the IMH. They climbed up a tree and one of
them fell from the tree and started rolling on the ground.

After a while, the patient rolling shouted to the top: "Hey! How come
you are not coming down yet?"

The patient ontop replied: "No..no...I can't...I'm not ripe yet"


Record VI

One patient visited the doctor: "Doc...how? I think I'm a chicken
since I was born..."

Doctor: "Woah! that's very serious...Why do you only come and seek
treatment now?"

Patient: "Because my family needs me to hatch the eggs..."


Record VII (Perfect)

One truck driver was doing his usual delivery to IMH.
He discovered a flat tyre when he was about to go home after
unloading the stuff.

He jacked up the truck and took the flat tyre down.
When he was about to fix on the new tyre, he accidentally dropped all
the bolts into the drain.

The truck driver was very sad as he can't fished the bolts up;
started to panic.

Coincidentally, one patient walk past and asked the driver what
happened.

The driver thought to himself, since there's nothing much he can do,
he told the patient the whole incident.

The patient nonchantly replied: "can't even fix such a simple
problem...no wonder you are destined to be a truck driver..."

he goes on explaining:

"You just have to take one bolt each from the other 3 tyres and fix
it onto this tyre. Drive to the nearest workshop and replace the
missing ones"

The driver was very impressed and asked "You're so smart but why do
you stay in IMH?"

Patient replied: "I stay here because I'm crazy not STUPID!"

The Goal

From time to time you come across to things that you cannot achieve straight away, you set a goal.

Once you have set a goal, you are working towards it.

When you are working towards the goal, you have to give up some of the things you normally do or get.  At times you might even need to step out of your comfort zone - just because you want to achieve that goal.

But not everyone like this.

At this stage, you might find yourself come across to different mental states.  During good times, you feel motivated, happy, optimistic, etc.  However during bad times, you feel anxious, pessimistic, loss of hope (thinking that this is never going to end) etc.
Key thing is to pull yourself out from the depressed mode back to the positive one.

Impossible is nothing.

2009 The Rocks Aroma Festival, Sydney

The Rocks Aroma Festival is held annually, this year on Sunday, 19th July 2009.  Loved the coffee, the food, and the atomphere there ^^

In search for a perfect cup of coffee....

  

Different kinds of jams and sauces from Alpine Berry Farm

Gourmet food stall from Pony Lounge and Dining

The Rocks Aroma Festival, Sydney

Sunday 19th July 2009

10am - 5pm

Banana Bread

Yummy :)

Comparing with the ready-to-eat ones from shop

Honestly, I didn't expect it turned out so....professional looking! Just like the ones you bought from cafes ^^


Moist banana bread
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups flour

Method:
Preheat the oven to 175/180C.
Oil and flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
Using an electric mixer, cream the shortening and sugar.flour, nuts and cinnamon and mix thoroughly. The dough will be sticky.
With the mixer running on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time. Add the bananas and mix well. Add the baking soda and salt
Pour the dough into the prepared pan
Bake for about one hour or until the center is brown and set.

Lets do afternoon tea...

On a lazy afternoon, the best thing to do is to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice afternoon tea (or coffee hehe) with a piece of pastry in hand.

The rasberry pastry is so crispy, but not too sweet, not too heavy -  just the right texture :D

Cacao Fine Chocolates and Patisserie
52 Fitzroy St
St Kilda VIC 3182
(03) 8598 9555www.cacao.com.au

Sometimes...

I reckon, when you have something to look forward to, it makes your life alot easier.

Hmm, so where is my next holiday destination? :D

Friends

During your lifetime, there are so many different types of friends that you come across with.

It is so hard to find a "perfect" friend, we all have different groups of friends.

Hobby friends, relationship-problem friends, eating friends, travel friends, shopping friends etc.

So how many different groups of friends do you have?

Day minus one

For the past 2 days I have been eating lunch at my desk, constantly preparing documents for the internal auditors (one after next request) plus preparing for our half year end.  And geez, its only the beginning!

When is this going to finish?

Surprise

I have been very unhappy for the past few days.
A nice surprise has done its trick - I am now over the top.
Thank you,  G! :D

Coldest day of the year?

Max 14C
Min 7C
When I had a look at outside from my office window today, the sky looks perfectly fine, and doesn't look like its very cold out there. 
But according to the weather report this morning, today is going to be one of the coldest day of the year!
Apparently it's the wind chill factor that makes the weather so unbearable.

Skincare - Facial serums to target winter dryness

(from left to right: AESOP Oil Free Hydrating Serum, JUJU Cosmetics Aquamoist Essence, BLOOM Daily Shield Sunscreen SPF 30+)

As winter is approaching, your daily skincare regime needs to be revised to combat problems like dryness.

I managed to find some new skincare products added onto my normal skincare regime to target this dryness problem, as some areas of my face tend to be dryer than others.

AESOP Oil Free Hydrating Serum - all products for this brand are made from plant based ingredients.  Although their official website indicated that the serum is "perfect for use in humid or polluted climates", I find that this product is good to use all year round including dry weather like Sydney.

JUJU Cosmetics Aquamoist Essence - one of the star products for this brand, this product is highly recommended by the famous Taiwanese TV show "Nu Ren Wo Zui Da" （女人我最大).  One drop after toner and before moisturiser, it moisturises skin immediatedly and lasted for whole day.  Sometimes I use this as a primer before applying foundation, it will help to create a natural, lasting makeup.

BLOOM Daily Shield Sunscreen SPF 30+ - I just happened to spot this product on some beauty reviews and wanted to give it a try.  I loved it! The cream itself is not too greasy, and the best thing is, unlike other sunblocks, it has no frangrance at all! Because of its non greasy texture, it is a great product to be used all year round.  I usually put this on after moisturiser and before foundation/BB cream application :)