Grey

I am 32yrs old. And i have been finding a few grey hairs as well as other signs of aging like oil seeds, skin tags and fats building up. 

My colleague told me not to dye my hair to kept it from going grey faster. I'm not even sure if there that is a fact but i am hesitant to dye the hair now.

I will still though just because my hair is growing out and looks unsightly.

Sydney 29th april-5th may 2015

For our company trip this year 2015, my boss treated us to a trip down under- Sydney, Australia.

After 8 hours of red eye flight.

I didn’t sleep a wink. The first day went like this.

We arrived early in the morning like around 6am and we went straight to the Sydney Fish Market for an early breakfast. We decided that is was too early for oysters on an empty stomach, so we started off with grilled seafood platters from Fish Market Café for AUD48 that we shared among 6 people.

After we had warm food in our stomach, we took 2 types of oysters that is Tasmanian Oyster (yellowish & creamy texture) and Pacific Oyster. I get why my boss kept talking about how we MUST try the oysters there because it was to die for and totally different from what we have tasted before. This combination of oysters (6+6) costed us about AUD18.

One of the rules when ordering and eating at the fish market was you must consume your food at the tables where you bought the food from. We have no problems with trying to find seats because of how early it was and seeing that it was a weekday.

We went to the fish market again during the weekend and in the afternoon. The place was jammed packed with tourists and locals alike. The seats are very limited. We ended up eating lunch at a Japanese restaurant and ordered fried seafood platter for 4.

For me this place is a must visit.

After our breakfast, it started to drizzle and our coach captain drove us to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. 

Which is actually a carved rock ledge, shaped like a chair. There’s a whole history to that chair which I will let you find out yourself. It was big and covered with vibrant moss green. I like the color of the green moss a lot. Mom slept almost all the time on the coach ride. Too tired from the flight over.

We spent the entire day taking pictures of The Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from near and far and also from a cruise. 

More specifically, the Captain Cook Cruises. We had our lunch while listening to a recorded commentary of the bridge, the small islands scattered around and the demographic of the people living close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Afterward we went to the place just outside of the Sydney Opera House. We took a walk along Darling Harbour to get to our coach. After the cruise we went around The Rock area and took some picture on Ives Steps under the bridge. On the way back to our hotel, I saw Westfield and a statue of Albert the Good.

We stayed at a hotel called Break Free On George which is located on George Street. Duh~..The location of the hotel is only minutes of walk to Coles and other restaurants. It is also just 5 minute walk to the tram to get to fish market and casino. There is also an arcade near our hotel. Market City and Pitt Street are all close by. Our first dinner in Sydney was Chinese food (the only Chinese food we had during this entire trip) which was arranged by my other boss at The Eight in Market City. We reserved 2 tables for 22 people. My boss will only be joining us on the next day.

I will definitely stay here again if I ever go to Sydney again.

On Day 2, we went to my most anticipated activity at Ana Bay and the sand dunes for some sand boarding. 

I was excited about the opportunity to experience sand boarding and the 4WD across the sand to get to the sand boarding place. However, both was a little underwhelming. 

Maybe I have much too high expectation on the adrenaline rush that I was about to get. I thought that We were supposed to stand on the board like surfing down the sand dunes. Nope, we had to sit with both feet on the board and with two hand on the back acting as brakes and slide down instead. 

I thought the 4WD is the adventure type like OMG that was real cool and dangerous kind of ride. Nope, we were all packed into a bus. Anyway the sand-boarding was not all that bad. The height of the sand dunes was intimidating. It took some talking into to myself while I was at the top of the lower sand dunes on my first try. 

And even more pep-talk on the second time around on the higher peak. The climb up was the hardest for me. Damn my lack of stamina- I’m just fat. Most of us just did 2 drops. And off we went to clean ourselves up and change clothes. 

We had lunch at Port Stephens at a restaurant called Aqua Blue.

I like their fish and chips. Chicken’s a bit tough though. We were served coffee/ tea and soft drink during every meal. Then we continue our journey on another boat. A family owned Tamboi Queen Cruises searching for wild dolphins.

I was also excited about this one plus the captain was really cute. We had the boat all to ourselves. And true enough, we saw some. On every sightings of dolphins fins, we shrieked and pointed like little schoolgirls. The dolphins even went as near as to the bottom of the boat. After that we made our way back to the Sydney suburb for an Italian dinner at Pino. The ambiance was great but we wasted a lot of spaghettis as we were not accustomed to the type of cooking. The entrée was bread dipped in olive oil, smoked meat and cheese. Then we had some greens. And then we had pizzas and the spaghetties. We had some wine and water with a slice of lemon to make the water alkaline. This dinner was also arranged by my Sydney boss. When I said this, it was paid for by my boss. Our coach left us there so that we can dine on our own sweet time which we did. My boss’s son and the girlfriend came and joined us and together, we walked to the train station to catch our ride (double decked train) back to Central. It was quite a long walk from the restaurant, but I didn't  mind it even if we had to walk in light showers. After we reached central, we walked some more right up to our hotel. And that’s a wrap on day 2.

On day 3, we went to the Koala Sanctuary Park to feed some grey kangaroo and took pictures with a Koala. One of the grey kangaroo was getting into fight with one of the visitor. It was amusing and scary at the same time. 

It was also raining that day. We also went and watch a sheep shearing show where this guy with full beard explained the process in very thick Aussie accent that I only get 30% of what he was saying. I watched this show before in Perth and it was about the same. The lanolin cream is from the sheep’s wool. We had our Drover’s buffet lunch at this place and the verdict was, the meat was tough, I like the fish and the chicken and also the milk flavored ice cream desert. 

After that we made our way to Blue Mountain to have peek at The Three Sisters rock formation. 

The weather on this day was not with us. On day 1 and 2, it did rained while we were on our way to our destination, however it stopped whenever we reached and ready to explore. But on this day, it rained the whole day. We reached Blue Mountain and the fog was so thick that we could not see anything. So we decided not to waste time and continue to the Scenic World. This could be a great place if we had time to enjoy the wildlife and read all the notes along the wooden walkway. I literally had no expectation. It kept raining and I was drenched because I gave my umbrella to mom even though I still had my cotton hood on. So we reached the train ride. It was a 52degree train track.

I was expecting a relaxing ride like the Penang Hill slanted train ride. I were totally not prepared for a sudden roller coaster like rush to the bottom. My bag flew under the seat to the rows in front, I was so sure that the bag is gone and irretrievable that I was not able to fully enjoy the ride. I think everyone was not prepared by this. 

After retrieving my bag from the passenger in front, we continued on for the cable car ride to get a closer look at the surrounding mountain area. We took the ride back and fro for a record of 3/ 4 times just because it was not clear enough to get pictures of the mountain ledge because of all the fogs and also because it was free. After some coffee and buying some souvenirs. We made our way back to the Three Sisters again but they are still too shy to meet us. We then said see you later and made our way back. We had our dinner at Palace Hotel at Market City. I had the most delicious garlic bread and beef steak. I also had some latte. Mom had salmon which I think I will definitely like as well. This dinner is also arrange by Sydney Boss. 

We played at the arcade upstairs while waiting for them to arrive. And my colleague continued at the arcade after dinner trying to capture a soft toy, and they did get one. I was so happy for them. I think this was the night that we went to The Star Casino as well. Six of us took a taxi ride for 10-15 minutes, while the driver cursed everyone that was in his way. Three of us (Ho, Yap and me) waited outside the casino for our other friends to arrive. We stood outside for almost an hour waiting for them and finally gave up and went up on our own. After locating wifi and sending them messages on where and what time to meet up, we explored our possibilities of winning the games. We saw our colleagues one after another and we started to play against a computer in roulette. I was down on my last dollar and I chose number 11 hoping for a miracle. And I got it!!! I won 15 dollars and quit while I can still pay for our taxi ride back. We should have ridden the tram to the casino, but we didn’t know that it was very near to our hotel. Oh well. Mom was very disappointed that she didn’t get to follow us to the casino. She said she would have won if she did. Hehe.

On Day 4 was our free and easy day, which was also on a Saturday. We planned it so that the free and easy days fall on Saturday to give us ample time to shop on our own pace. After breakfast, we started the day at Paddy's Market just 2 minute walk from our hotel. They have all kinds of souvenirs here. From the placenta and lanoline cream (I bought mine at a souvenir shop on Blue Mountain which is more expensive than the one selling at Paddy's Market), nuts, fruits, vegetables, soft toys, apron, bags, coin purse etc. I would suggest that people buy their souvenirs here. It is way cheaper than those at The Rocks (some even 2 times more expensive). We spent the other hour of the morning exploring The Rocks morning markets. Honestly though, the things that they are selling doesn’t really appeal to me. But if you are into hand-made arts and crafts, then you can come and see what they have to offer. Some of us followed my boss to the fish market again for lunch since he missed it on day 1. He and his wife were also meeting up with the son, son’s girlfriend and niece. The son was already in a bad mood seeing my boss was late and the place was really crowded. It was not a nice experience for me. One thing is because, I did not want to go to the same place twice. But my colleague asked me to come along and maybe we can score some free lunch with my boss being around. I can afford my own lunch. My boss was already hinting to us from the night before about how we should take the bus and tram to get there from The Rocks. We ended up having to buy our own food and look for our own seat. Two of my colleagues left right after without meeting up with my boss. My boss bought us Opal card which only cost AUD2.50 for weekend trips. So my boss became our tour guide after our lunch to hunt for supplements and nuts to bring back. We went to Chemist Warehouse, Coles and Woolworth. On our walk back to our hotel, we stopped at Gloria Jean for some coffee alfresco style. In the cold.

After dropping off our stuff at the hotel, we had our dinner at a German restaurant called Essen. 

Also walking distance from our hotel. Had pork knuckle, pork belly, hotdogs, black-forest cake, ice cream cake, pancake and some beers (ironically no German beer). All paid for by my boss. Yes even my mom’s portion.  The only thing that I missed and actually hoping to go to is The Capitol Theater which is only at the opposite of our hotel and they were showing Les Miserables. So sad that I have to skipped this and went on an involuntary 2^nd visit to the Fish Market just to accompany my boss. O, and my boss each of us (the employee) AUD100 for us to spend on this day.

This also reminds me that I didn’t get to go to see Moulin Rouge while I was in Paris when it was just around the corner from the place that I stayed in (Plug In Hotel).

Well I guess plays and I are just not meant to be.                 

On the 5^th and final day of my trip we went to Hunter Valley for a relaxing tour. First, we stopped by a chocolate factory to buy some chocolate and nougat. Then we went to Tuscany Wine Estate for a beautiful patio lunch and we had wines red and white. 

A few minutes away, we had our first wine tasting at Hermitage Road Cellars. Mom bought a pink Moscato wine. And after, we went to cheese tasting without the wine.

None of us bought any. And right next door was another wine tasting. I could not remember if any of us bought any. The lady doing the presentation was not clear enough on which wine was which that we tasted. So it was all a blur to me. 

After which we went to Hunter Valley Garden.

 Seeing that it was not spring time, there was not many flowers. But the story book display was quite interesting and at times creepy. I would like to have more time here as we didn’t have much time to explore all the nooks and crannies.

We were rushed back to our coach to get back to our buffet dinner at The Star casino. I would also like to have more time here. Hahah.. for the food and the gambling. And that was my trip to Sydney. Took forever to write this and i am still missing some pictures. I will update this post again soon or 1 month later. See ya later mate!

People's EGO

One thing that i could not hold back from was seeing my friends gets bullied.

I didn't mind if i was pushed around, but don't do it to my friends/ family because i will not stand around and do nothing.

That is why i noticed throughout all my life, with all the people that i have encountered. They either like me or they don't or think that I don't like them hence they need to not like me first. So childish i know.

Like i said before, some said that i am very naive and i am pretending, and they don't like me for it.

Others think that i am in league with the enemy and condemns me for it. It is just that i would like to think that i get along with everyone if i wanted to. 

This guy is married and he called up to get me to go to a karaoke session with him, his wife and another of my co-worker. I had just reached home from an all day shopping and quite tired. And i have to get ready and out the door in 30min. I went anyway. It started out ok. But we reached a song duet. While he kept singing i couldn't and kept using the mike to say how we sounded so bad thinking that he would just gave up and skipped the song. I didn't know he was angry at me for doing so. When another duet came on and i was singing.. He deliberately ruined the song from start to finish. His wife kept elbowing him asking him to stop. But he never. So much respect for wife eh? So childish too. He did it on purpose, i didn't know i was doing it. Again, i was taught at an early age to not retaliate. So i didn't. I was angry but i got over it.

For example, my co-workers always asked me to go with them for some dinner. I went with my tendering manager, i went with my other co-workers for another event, and i even went to other events that i don't really feel like going just because they asked me to. But when it comes the time that i need company, there was nobody there. I even planned to bring my tendering manager along for a dealer meeting/ dinner last Thursday thinking that she would return the favour. She straight out rejected me. What the hell? Asked my other co- workers, nobody wants to go. I was so frustrated and just rsvp for 2.  I did managed to get my junior to come along if my boss isn't going because he didn't really gave me an 'ok'. But in the end he did went and asked me to go along too. This brings me back to my car accident i had a few years back. Where i had dropped all work and rushed home to my cousin when she had an accident near our place. I received none of the same treatment from her. *sigh.

Anyway the point that i am trying to make and still learning is do not expect other to give you the same treatment that they seek and gotten from you.

Some people i just don't understand. They just don't see you unless you have something that they wanted. Or they wanted respect from you but gives you none. This is the people i tried to stay away from but hard to because i do seek their attention.

I have dealt with more powerful men and women. Somehow they showed you that they can be a lot more engaging than those fakers.

I wanted to name names but what is the point. There will always be these kind of people in this world, but i have an even bigger issue to attend to than their stupid Ego.

Passport Renewal at Puchong Utama JPN Branch

I went to renew my passport last December seeing how it would expire in less than 6 month and i have an oversea trip planned in January 2015.

It was really conveniant that we have a JPN branch right here in Puchong Utama. 

I went there really early in the morning, like i reach before 7am. The sky is still dark And i wonder if people have started queuing or will it be safe for a lone girl to queue so early.

It turns out i was not the only one there. There were already 16 people in front of me when i started to queue and this one Pakcik started to cut my line saying he was here well before i was. But he went to the coffee shop next door for breakfast.

I wanted to tell him off that i would like to have breakfast too but instead i stood there for 2 hrs as the JPN only opens at 9am.

I completely ignored him and told him to go to the back. He disregarded me and slotted himself in two kids infront of me. They let him. It was so not fair.

Anyway, i was a little worried that i didnt get a passport photo done as i heard that it will be taken on the spot. I did tried to get in taken the day before but the shop was closed.

So here's what you need for a passport renewal:-

1- your old passport

2- ic

3- money cash rm300

4- wear a dark coloured tops (i wore blac)

5- do not wear any short skirts or shorts (i have seen a lady wearing dress with the hem just above the knee told to go home and change as they said 'you came here for official reasons, so you better be dressed formally).

6-strong bladder and legs

We were told to queue on the right and those who wants to do their ic are to queue on the left.

When the door was opened, we filed inside to get our number and were told to go upstairs to get our picture taken. We have tl go out the front door and to the right of the staircase.

There we waited to get our turn with the picture and then wait somemore to pay for our passport. I was told to come back in 1hr to collect my passport.

I went to the malay mamak Bravo eateries, i have been meaning to go there for quite sometime but i felt like they would not welcome me. As i felt this place is so much different from sabah. I dared not go in until that day.

All in all the whole process took me 3 hrs. I was done at 10am. I could still go back to work half day but something about my company's admin that doesn't like us changing our leaves from 1 day to half day or do any changes whatsoever that irkes them.

So i took my time, went to do hair treatment, enjoyed my lunch and i forgot what else i did.

Chinese new year 2015 mood

I went to the grocery store this morning. I was amused to see the rush of people doing last minute shopping for chinese new year. There were a lot of people buying boxes of mandarin oranges, canned drinks by the boxes, cookies etc. Looking at my own basket with peanuts, junk food and instant noodles. I don't know what i was feeling at that moment. Sadness? Loneliness? People my age are married with kids running around. 

I am still holding on to a future of married life. Having kids with rockstar names.

I never planned on getting married. I played with dolls and have them get married but never have i planned a wedding of my own. 

I have celulites now! So Ugly! I Have been thinking of going to the gym lots of times.  

But i never went.

A great Start to the New Year

I had a great start to the new year.. To start, my list of things to do..

1) Backpack to an Asian country (Philipines maybe)

2) Go to at least 1 concert even if it meant me going alone

3) Go to a fun fair

4) Go to a book fair ( Big Bad Wolf)☑️ (went to it 3 times)

5) Go to Jump Street PJ for a little bouncy fun

6) Go to the gym often

7) Go to China Lung Yan ( Kong2's birth place). This could probably be in April as well.

8) Pay off PTPTN loan☑️(paid it off today 25-1-2015)

9) 

10)

Still haven't figured out the other 2 though. 

I know that a lot of people are being tied down with the burden of student loans behind their back.

I know that i was too. Everytime i went to collect cheques for the company, i never failed to mention that 'wow, this can easily pay off my student loan'. I had been given a sizable bonus this year and have decided that it was time to settle it once and for all. Plus the government has given 20% off of the loan if we are to pay in lump sum just before the 31st of March 2015.

I now am approaching 33 yrs of age have now officially cleared the one debt that has been bugging me right after i graduated. I pity my younger brother going through the same shit as me.

Freedom at last.

Another post for December 2014

Let's go straight to the point, i will plan to do the following for 2015:-

1) Backpack to an Asian country (Philipines maybe)

2) Go to at least 1 concert even if it meant me going alone

3) Go to a fun fair

4) Go to a book fair ( Big Bad Wolf)

5) Go to Jump Street PJ for a little bouncy fun

6) Try to Go to the gym often

7) Go to China Lung Yan ( Kong2's birth place). This could probably be in April as well.

8) Pay off PTPTN loan

9)

10)

My company is planning a company trip from 29th April till 5th May 2015 anywhere from Australia to China. However, i already have a trip planned with my 2nd elder brother to Laos Vientienne from 2nd may till 5th of may 2015. I have already bought the ticket and booked the hotel. I am really excited about this trip because i hardly have time to bond with my brother ever since .. Well forever.. I don't know how it's going to go down, i just hope that he's not going to be angry at me all the time.

When i do go for the company trip, i might bring along my MamaRoach. 

But i saw that the price is 5k to 6k. *Faint. Maybe i can ask the brothers to chip in. Slim chance.

A few weeks left for December 2014. I will go to the Big Bad Wolf book fair to get some books for the niece and nephews.