chillipadiness.blogspot.com
Volleyball
Saturday 30 June 2007

Not sure what's up with the weather but today is one of the coldest day i experience since my arrival in Melb. Though the met service says its between 9-14 degrees, it felt colder.

Dar and his bro met up with some of his bro's friends for a volleyball game. Dar used to be a vollayball player and was once very crazy bout the sport. But, its been a long time since he played the sport.

I was sitting at a corner of the court watching them, so I took this opporutnity to take some pics.


The Ong brothers in action. (The team on the right hand side.)




This was before the game started. They took some time to warm up while others were strolling into the court.
I was famished by the time the game ended and the 3 of us headed to a vegetarian restaurant for dinner.

writtern @21:56

Chadstone
Friday 29 June 2007

Today is a shopping day. Since we have been rotting at home yesterday (partially was to let my feet rest), dar suggested that we head out to the suburbs to one of the largest shopping mall in Melb. I guess no girls will say no to some retail therapy, right?!

But how can a day of shopping start without some breakfast. I woke up to the sweet aroma of french toast. Dar made them. Looks yummy right? (And yes, it taste yummy as well) Hehe..

Chadstone here we come!!




To be honest, the first half of the shopping experience wasn't that exciting. First of all, the prices wasn't really cheap though many stores hadtheir SALES signs all over their shops. I was trying to look for a pair of long boots and boy are they ex. I finally found something i like but the assistant was not at all helpful, or rather simply just ignoring me.

Just to let everyone know, the Aussies are very friendly people and their sale assistances are all very nice and helpful. I was also trying to find a pair of leggings. Unfortunately, the XS still look 'loose' on my legs. I started to feel depressed and was thinking what kinda retail therpy is this.

I decided to have some ice-cream to make myself feel better. Then, dar suggested that we go into this shop call Sportsgirl to take a look. Sometimes, things just go your way when you are not trying so hard. I got everything i wanted from that shop!! And at a much lower price. :)

We wanted to leave for home but it started to rain. There was a Coffee Bean nearby so i told dar why don't I give him a treat while we wait for the rain to stop. Actually, i felt a little guilty cause my mood was like crap earlier and anyway he was the one who ask me to check out Sportsgirl.

Here I am chilling out at Coffee Bean after a 'victorious' day. Hahahahhaa.....

writtern @22:56

Bunions

For all the ladies who are reading my blog now, please do not be alarm by the pic below. Like many, i love to wear high heels. I didn't experience much pain then until now.


Thanks a lot to Choon Hui, i found out more bout this thingy call Bunions. Its usually develop by wearing shoes that are tight or too small for your feet causing your metatarsophalangeal joint (the place where bunions grow) to stick out.
I guess all those high heels that i wore back home finally gives me a warning sign now.

You might like to go to the following website to find out more.

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=204

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bunions/DS00309

http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/bunions.htm

writtern @22:45

Pain in my foot
Thursday 28 June 2007

I have been having this pain on my left foot for quite a while. Intially, i thought it was due to the wrong footwear. So i stop wearing this particular pair of boots hoping that the pain will just go away. But its still here. And i think the cold weather is only making it worse..

If u look at the pic below, i drew an arrow at the particular part where i'm experiencing the pain. If u compare with the other foot, its slightly swollen.

Anyone has similar problems before??

writtern @20:59

Bak gu teh
Wednesday 27 June 2007

I was msn-ing 'The Club' when they started asking me did i had tomatoes for dinner again. So i told them to check out my blog. Today's dinner was Bak Gu Teh. Wanna know why its special? Cause dar cook it for me!! Hehe.. ok though its nothing really that tough but at least he tried. And actually this is the 2nd time he cook for me though both times he cook the same thing. hahaha... but i still love it....




And the photo below is the reason why i didn't blog last night (hmm.. actually there wasn't much interesting stuff to blog anyway). I was doing housekeeping for my iPod library and i gotta say it was a mess! So i spend 2.5 hours categorizing my songs, uploading new songs and reloading songs into my iPod.

I love my iPod!

We pop by Max Brenner for some hot chcocolate after i got some books from borders. It was much more crowded than usual since it was a weekday yesterday, so they ran out of a few things. But still, we had what we wanted. Yummy waffles!! (Dennis, their waffles really very nice so u might wanna go to the one at Esplanade to try it.. hehe)

writtern @20:36

Zoo tycoon
Monday 25 June 2007

As i've mention before, i get bored from time to time. So, while we were out one day, dar decided to buy me this game call the Zoo Tycoon (since it was on discount.. hehe) to occupy my time. The game is somewhat similar to the SIMs series. I've been playing for quite sometime and its pretty fun.

But still, i wish school could start earlier so there will be more fun.


Dinner: Fried chicken, tofu, broccoli and tomatoes with rice


writtern @20:55

Forget-Me-Not
Sunday 24 June 2007


This is the newest book by Isabel Wolff. I've read all her books except for one which i still have a hard time finding it.

After reading this book, it made me think about the psychological effects it will have on a child through its upbringing. In our Asian society and culture, most of us are being brought up with 2 parents in a household. Though divorce is very common today, its still a pretty taboo thingy in most asian family. A child will easily get confuse and they don't understand why their mum and dad are not together.

This book does not talk about divorce but something similar, co-parents. If you like books that talks about women issues like motherhood, love, career etc, you may like to check out Isabel Wolff's books.

writtern @21:50

Yummy cakes at Greco
Saturday 23 June 2007

After a lazy afternoon at home, me and dar set out to town for some dinner before heading to Crown casino for some desserts at Greco. This cafe is famous for their cakes and you will be spoil with choices.

Since today is a weekend, so the cafe was very crowded. While waiting for our seats, i took a pic of the cakes that were on display. The pic below only shows half of what was avaliable. There was another half that i didnt took a pic. So try imgaine that the total varieties avaliable was twice what you see from the pic below. And still does not include those biscuits, muffins and lots of bakery stuff that were display on top of the shelves.



I took quite sometime to figure out what i wanted. In the end, we decided to order a Chocolate Tirumisu and a Strawberry cheesecake. I wanted to have the Bake Pear (I tried it the other time when i was in melb, and it was absolutely delicious! Yummy!) but seems like it had been taken out of the menu.

Anyone drooling already?


The 2 of us after our very filling desserts. This was like the thousandth time we tried to take a pic using our mobiles and each time something always don't turn out quite right until this one.
We took a long walk home, hand in hand till our hands went numb and freezy.

writtern @21:21

Flowers
Friday 22 June 2007

XD gave me flowers today. Hmmm.. i'm not too sure why though i was quite surprise.


Today's joke
Him: The human face is like a garden, and pimples are like weeds.
Her: Huh?? -_-

writtern @20:22

Living with someone else...
Thursday 21 June 2007

Its not easy to live with someone else under the same roof other than your family members. You grew up with your mum and dad and your siblings. But when you are living together with like friends, housemate etc, you just gotta give in more.

Its even harder when 2 strong headed person live together. But i know dar is always there for me when i need to complain bout anything.. :)

Anyway, i went to the famous Queen Victoria Market today to buy some fresh food. This is also one of the tourist attraction in Melb. We set out at 8am so its was still very cold. After a yummy organic breakfast, we went about our shopping. Bought 2 days worth of goceries. My apartment is very near to the market so I guess i will be going there often to get my cooking ingredients.



And finally..... after a long wait, I got my new SIM card for my mobile. I actually order it through
the Virgin mobile website. The message on the card was pretty cool.

Push me out,
Put me in,
Turn me on

(your phone that is... after you charge it)



Dinner: Steam cod fish with soy sauce and sesame oil and organic tomatoe
(I think after a while my blog readers will be so sick of me blogging what i eat every dinner. hahahahahha...)

writtern @21:15

Finally!! A Study Table
Wednesday 20 June 2007

I'm so happy that I finally got a study table and right now, i'm sitting comfortably in front of my desk to type out today's blog entry :). For the past few days, i have been using cardboard boxes that were stack up on top of each other to create a makeshift table.

We wanted to go Ikea to find a cheap one but dar found a better one at Big W. So we make a trip to Big W. It was heavy and thanks to my dar who carry it all the way home, we got it fix up in no time. And Wala..... Now i don't have to sit on the floor when i use my laptop.. hehe


Somehow my life is getting into a routine and seriously, it gets kinda boring sometime. I've been here for like bout a week but it feels much longer than that. When school term starts i guess i will be busier and life would be more interesting as i get to meet more people. For the time being, i guess i'll just enjoy myself as much as i can.

Dinner: Ma Po tofu. Looks nice right.. hahahha

writtern @22:11

Ocean's Thirteen
Tuesday 19 June 2007

Today is Tuesday and its the perfect day to catch a movie in Melb. Wanna know why? Because movie tickets are at the cheapest on Tues going at AU$9. (Yeah, its still ex compare to singp)

During the weekends, its even more expensive. Dar, told me there was once he paid like AU$15. We decided to catch Ocean's Thirteen. I didn't think the movie would be nice cause Ocean's Twelve was kinda draggy and there were so much twist in Twelve that you sort of lost the show half way through watching it.

But it turn out Thirteen was pretty ok. We caught the 850pm slot and by the time the movie ended, it was freezing outside. Oh, but one thing i did found out was that your make up will not even run a bit in such cold weather. You don't sweat and your face is oil free so your make up will still look rather perfect after hours. Hahahaha....


Before the movie, we went to Nando's for dinner. Its a place that specialize in chicken cook in a portuguese manner (they add chilli and grill it). It was quite alright.

writtern @23:43

Gym Day & A parcel from home
Monday 18 June 2007

I was quite surprised to see a parcel for me when i step out into the living room for some breakfast this morning. Well, reason being it was only shipped out on sat and i got it today. It's a really thick jacket that i couldn't stuff in my luggage before i left for Melb. I thought it wasn't really necessary to bring it until I found that the weather was fringing cold here. So, i call home and ask mum to post it over.

Guess how much was postage fee? $65.85!!! Bloody expensive. Don't think i'll ask anyone to post anything over. But then again, i suspect dad ask for express service cause they are worry that i might get sick if i don't keep myself warm enough. Thanks mum & dad! Love you.



Then, it was time to go to the gym. I figure since i'm going to be eating quite a bit so it would be better to work off some calories and fats. We headed over to Fitness First in QV before lunchtime so we don't have to fight with the lunchtime crowd for the equipments. It was a nice place and the equipments were new. It has been quite a while since i last been to a gym so i got tired out pretty fast after some jogging and cycling. But i guess i will go the gym regularly in order to keep my body fit.

As we were heading home after buying some fresh groceries, we went pass this pet shop and i saw this little puppy that remind me of my dog back home. I miss Kiki so much!! I have been keeping him since i was 11 and he has brought so much fun to our family.




Check out what I've cook for dinner. Corn and carrots soup. I have been eating out for quite sometime and getting sick of outside food. And of course all the salt and MSG is really unhealthy. So we decided to cook some healthy soup for the night. Will update on what i plan to cook tommorow night. Hehe....


writtern @20:36

St Kilda Beach
Sunday 17 June 2007

I woke up to a lovely Sunday morning where I could actually felt a tinny bit of warmth from the sun. I wanted to visit the St Kilda's beach when i was in melb 2 years ago but i miss the opporunity.

St Kilda is famous for the art market during the weekend and that's when most people visit the place. These are just some of the art pieces that were sold at a stall. There are many stalls that sell hand made art, home made soap and accessories and bags.




As we were strolling hand in hand as we walked pass the stalls, we came to an empty field where we saw a comedian performing. It was really funny and as the pic below shows that he got 3 volunteers to perform with him at the finale.

As he mention in his finale speech, he does this for a living so any amount of $$ given was like an appreciation for his entertainment effort. Well, I guess this still does not work so well back home as people dun really give as generous as they do here.

Unfortunately, the weather doesn't seem to be as good as it was before. It started to drizzle and we had to look for a shelter. As you can see, the sky is all cloudy while we were walking along the beach. But i still had a lovely time at the beach and I hope to come again during summer when there are more activities going on around here..

Lame joke of the day

Him: Yeah, I can actually understand what the baby is saying

Her: Ya right?! So what is he saying now?? (Baby: aa eeeewww oooo aahh eeee)

Him: Oh, he say he want to get out of the pram

Her: -_ -

writtern @20:16

Lygon Street
Saturday 16 June 2007

Today, we went down to Lygon Street for dinner. Just a little background about Lygon Street. It's also known as the Italian District as there are many Italian restaurants, ice cream parlour and some asian eateries here. As you pass one Italian resturant after another, the aroma of melted cheese just makes your mouth drool.

We decided to go for some thai food since the weather was so cold. Some Tom Yum soup will really help warm up my tummy.

This pic was taken before dinner arrive. There was no seats available inside the restaurant so we had to settle for one outside. But we were seated quite a distance away from the heater, it was really cold while waiting for the food. As you can see, i'm all wrap up.


After dinner we decided to pop by KoKo Black for some hot chocolate. It's a cafe that specialise in chocolate products, something like Max Brenner in Esplanade. We order 2 hot chocs and a Belgian Spoil. From top to bottom, choc ice cream, choc mousse, 2 pieces of chocolates, choc biscuit and choc muffin. It was like a choc feast but the portion were small and everything taste so yummy!! (Everyone know I'm a huge choc fan) Well, except for one of the choc piece which has cinnamon filling and i'm not such a big fan of cinnamon.

Lesson learnt: Temperature can dip faster and much lower than you can imagine. So always wear more.

Oh, and I also found that there is a restaurant called 'Chillipadi' near where i'm staying. Not too sure what kind of food they serve. Hahahaha...

writtern @23:00

Day 2 in Melbourne
Friday 15 June 2007

Well, today is the 2nd day that i'm in Melb and all i can say that its very very cold here. Its like 8 degrees now and i think it will dip even lower later into the night. And it will just get colder as we slip into the coldest month in July.


Try imagining that you have to wear at least 3 or 4 layers of clothes when u go out. And peeling off layer by layer when u reach home. I'm missing the warmth in Singp already. But then its an experience which I can't get from Singp.


Thanks to the club and Jas and Roy for sending me off on the 14th. Mummy doesn't like to see me cry so I was holding back my tears.


Thanks girls, for taking the effort to wake up early to send me off. Missing all of you already. It Friday today, and i have just miss another biatch session.

Jas darling, i'm still waiting for your pics.. hehe...



I'm going to miss my family so much. I was quite sad when one of my brother couldn't send me off since he has to stay in camp. I have always been close with my family and being so far away from them just make me miss them even more.

My first meal in Melb. When the plane finally touchdown and going through all the immigrations and baggage, I finally got to see my Darling. Its been 4 months and 2 weeks since I last saw him. I miss him so much until yesterday. Though it was a little weird initally, but somehow everything just fell into place very quickly. It was already 9pm melb time when we reach the apartment and I was famished (last meal on the plane was lunch serve at 230pm)
Dar brought me to this chinese restaurant to have a bowl of hot, steamy porriage since it was freezing cold last night.

Yummy beef noodle soup! This is one of the most famous vietnam dish in melb and I miss it so much after I tried it 2 yeras ago here. Dar know i miss it so he brought me there for dinner tonight. We intended to go Max Brenner for a cup of hot chocolate but the place was pack with people. Well, we can always go another day.

I will post some of my pics soon but I have been busy with getting neccessities and getting more esstential stuff done so I still have not taken any pics yet.

For everyone who is reading this blog, i'm missing all of you already. Pls take good care (Bec, i know u don't like this) and there will be more updates from Melb soon. Stay tune!

writtern @21:34

Vanshing Acts
Wednesday 13 June 2007


Recently, I have just finished reading another of Jodi Picoult's novels. I have at least 4 of her books and I've got to say I really like one particular style of her writing. Take 'Vanishing Acts' for example, the story is being narrated through the voices of each character and how they view certain events that happen. As you read on, you get an opportunity to understand how each character feel and why did they acted that way.
Her novels usually revolves around kinship, love and other issues that are close to ones heart. Funny how i actually came to stumble upon one of her novel while i was just browsing through the bookstore one day. If you like 'Vanishing Acts', you may also look out for 'Sister's Keeper'. Highly recommended.

writtern @14:18

2 more days!!!
Tuesday 12 June 2007

I can't believe it!!! 2 more days and i'll be in Melbourne! Everyone i know has been asking me if i'm excited about it. Yes, of course i'm excited and I can't wait. But there is also a part of me that makes ache before i leave. I'll miss my family dearly and of course all my friends who have been always there for me.


I'm glad and fortunate to know that i have the oppotunity to further my studies overseas. It has also been something I always wanted to do. And even more foruntate to do so with someone who really means a lot to me.


Time flies and the past week has been a week of farewells for me. I'm going to miss everyone of you and thank you so much for all gifts and best wishes that all of you have shower me over the past week. Thank you so much!!



For SW, TY, VT, CH, AS - Thanks for the scarf and beany bear. It will come in very handy while i'm in melb. All of you have been amazing colleagues and it's great working with all of you.


Jas darling, thanks for the note book. I can't believe we have know each other for such a long time. You have been such a supportive friend for as long as i can remember and never fail to listen to all my grumbles. I'm going to miss you so so much!!!


Ok, this is it. I'm going to keep this really short and sweet cause i know you will start crying if I keep going on and on. My dearest Mint, thank you for all the shorts and bag which will come in handy during summer. I know you can't send me off so yesterday's farewell was a bit emotional for the both of us. But you know i'll always be there for you. Gonna miss you so much!


Though your present is still in the making but i really must say a big thank you to you. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make something for me. AY, you promise me to wait for me before you get married k. I want to be part of you 'sisters' group.. hahaha..


Bec, you really brought back many fond memories while all of us went through the scrap book last Friday. The times at Wala, Balcony and all those work related events. Thank you so much.


Lu, thank you so much for all the gifts (i've pack my luggage that's why i didnt took a pic of the scarf). Its been great knowing you and you have taught me so much. Sometimes i really miss those days when we used to work as a team. We've been through good times and bad times in work, and it somehow bond us stronger.

To the club - I'll miss you girls so much and those 'Friday sessions' too. Keep me updated ok!

writtern @16:21