I have 9 dentistry-free days in a row!!!
Spent the first day away from dentistry setting everything in the house in order so that when I come back from my hiatus I come back to a clean, immaculate home that is stress free.
Will be heading up to Sydney for a couple of days and will be spending the rest in Country Victoria and New South Wales. Cannot wait to go back to Bright again. After all, it is autumn - and how can anybody resist spending autumn in Bright?
Back to packing.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Look At Me, Mommy! I'm Inside.
I came home from work yesterday and Milton greeted me at the front door.
I brushed it off as my own forgetfulness - I must have somehow forgot to put him back into the yard after lunch.
This morning I let him out again and what do you know - 5 minutes later he was back in the house.
Put him out again and watched what he was up to.
Turns out he has finally worked out how to use the cat flap. Yes, we have a cat flap at home and Milton is small enough to squeeze through it. Only took him a year to figure out how to use it.
I suppose he is well-behaved enough to be trusted indoors even when we're not at home now... so I guess this was his way of letting us know he wants to be an indoor dog.
I brushed it off as my own forgetfulness - I must have somehow forgot to put him back into the yard after lunch.
This morning I let him out again and what do you know - 5 minutes later he was back in the house.
Put him out again and watched what he was up to.
Turns out he has finally worked out how to use the cat flap. Yes, we have a cat flap at home and Milton is small enough to squeeze through it. Only took him a year to figure out how to use it.
I suppose he is well-behaved enough to be trusted indoors even when we're not at home now... so I guess this was his way of letting us know he wants to be an indoor dog.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Wake Up At 7am Challenge
It was my intention to get up bright and early at 7am today and make the most of my morning off.
Except when the alarm clock rang at 7am, I honestly could not be bothered.
It wasn't like I was sleep deprived and couldn't get up. If anything, I've probably been oversleeping for the past year or so. But I just could not get myself out of bed.
I did everything people suggest you do to stick to it. Make a list of things you're going to do with your extra time in the morning (bathe Milton, cook, clean, wash, tidy). Decide the night before that you are going to get up. Give yourself a reward for sticking to it.
Didn't happen.
Will try again tomorrow morning.
Except when the alarm clock rang at 7am, I honestly could not be bothered.
It wasn't like I was sleep deprived and couldn't get up. If anything, I've probably been oversleeping for the past year or so. But I just could not get myself out of bed.
I did everything people suggest you do to stick to it. Make a list of things you're going to do with your extra time in the morning (bathe Milton, cook, clean, wash, tidy). Decide the night before that you are going to get up. Give yourself a reward for sticking to it.
Didn't happen.
Will try again tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Do You Remember?
Hey! Jay Sean
Yeah! Sean Paul
Lil Jon!
This one right here is for all the ladies
Ladies who want to take it back
Holler at them Jay
I've been thinking about you
And how we used to be then
Back when we didn't have to live we could start again
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back
(Yo Jay Sing for these ladies!)
So long since you've been missing
It's good to see you again
How you how you doing
And how about we don't let this happen again
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Yo ay girl yo bring it back to the time when you and me had just begun
When I was still your number one
Well it might seem far-fetched baby girl but it can't be done
I've got this feeling fire blazing and it's hot just like the sun
Know you feel it too my girl just freeze up may the good vibes run ...
Girl take a sip of the champange take a lil trip down my lane my girl
While you noe every night you'll feel alright look I tell you dis girl atta My world
Dont change imma na Rearange Ay girl imma tell you straight dis atta my world
How many years do you want come kiss dis I know you miss this
That's what I heard that's what I heard that's what I heard word girl
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Let's bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Let's bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Oh)
Let's bring it back
Me and my housemate are totally addicted to this song right now. It applies to almost everything good that's in the past... we just replace 'girl' for whatever it is we miss.
By the way, Jay Sean was in 2nd year Med when he dropped out and decided to pursue his career in music. I have to say I admire his courage to take that huge step. I don't think I would ever have the nerve to do anything like that.
Yeah! Sean Paul
Lil Jon!
This one right here is for all the ladies
Ladies who want to take it back
Holler at them Jay
I've been thinking about you
And how we used to be then
Back when we didn't have to live we could start again
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back
(Yo Jay Sing for these ladies!)
So long since you've been missing
It's good to see you again
How you how you doing
And how about we don't let this happen again
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back!)
Yo ay girl yo bring it back to the time when you and me had just begun
When I was still your number one
Well it might seem far-fetched baby girl but it can't be done
I've got this feeling fire blazing and it's hot just like the sun
Know you feel it too my girl just freeze up may the good vibes run ...
Girl take a sip of the champange take a lil trip down my lane my girl
While you noe every night you'll feel alright look I tell you dis girl atta My world
Dont change imma na Rearange Ay girl imma tell you straight dis atta my world
How many years do you want come kiss dis I know you miss this
That's what I heard that's what I heard that's what I heard word girl
There's nothing left to say
Don't waste another day
Just you and me tonight
Everything will be okay
If it's alright with you then it's alright with me
Baby let's take this time let's make new memories
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Do you remember do you remember do you remember
All of the times we had
Let's bring it back (Let's bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Let's bring it back)
Let's bring it back (Oh)
Let's bring it back
Me and my housemate are totally addicted to this song right now. It applies to almost everything good that's in the past... we just replace 'girl' for whatever it is we miss.
By the way, Jay Sean was in 2nd year Med when he dropped out and decided to pursue his career in music. I have to say I admire his courage to take that huge step. I don't think I would ever have the nerve to do anything like that.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
No. 83 - Degustation at Vue de Monde
For my friend's 23rd birthday, we decided to go to Vue de Monde and sit through a 14 course degustation.
The photos did not turn out that well - the restaurant was dimly lit but we tried our best.
What did I think of it?
Well. I love Echire butter! Lurpak has just been dethroned. The butter was so creamy and flavorsome it was almost like eating cheese.
Aside from the bread and butter, the food was good. It didn't really blow me away, but it was good. They presented it very creatively and there were a lot of little things to keep you entertained throughout the very very long meal (we were there for almost 5 hours, although the actual food part was probably 4 hours and 15 minutes. Yes, it was a marathon!)
Anyway, here are photos of the food and us.
I am not going to review every single dish (that would take forever) but my favourites were the truffle risotto, the waghyu beef and the deconstructed cheesecake. Oh, and the toothpick holder - I thought that was very nice, although really - who uses toothpicks these days?
At the end of the night, we paid the astronomical bill and walked out... and the ladies of the party received a paper bag.
As we exclaimed and opened the bags...
Guy friend: Whatever it is in there, it's for you girls to prepare for us!!
Us: No way...right...?
Looked inside and this was what they had.
A sachet of tea, 2 raw eggs, 2 chocolate cookies and a mini loaf of bread. With a recipe for scrambled eggs or french toast.
I guess the way it was meant to go would have been guy takes girl out for dinner and pays for it, least the girl can do is cook breakfast for the next morning.
Sexist? Or a nice touch?
A memorable evening.
The photos did not turn out that well - the restaurant was dimly lit but we tried our best.
What did I think of it?
Well. I love Echire butter! Lurpak has just been dethroned. The butter was so creamy and flavorsome it was almost like eating cheese.
Aside from the bread and butter, the food was good. It didn't really blow me away, but it was good. They presented it very creatively and there were a lot of little things to keep you entertained throughout the very very long meal (we were there for almost 5 hours, although the actual food part was probably 4 hours and 15 minutes. Yes, it was a marathon!)
Anyway, here are photos of the food and us.
I am not going to review every single dish (that would take forever) but my favourites were the truffle risotto, the waghyu beef and the deconstructed cheesecake. Oh, and the toothpick holder - I thought that was very nice, although really - who uses toothpicks these days?
At the end of the night, we paid the astronomical bill and walked out... and the ladies of the party received a paper bag.
As we exclaimed and opened the bags...
Guy friend: Whatever it is in there, it's for you girls to prepare for us!!
Us: No way...right...?
Looked inside and this was what they had.
A sachet of tea, 2 raw eggs, 2 chocolate cookies and a mini loaf of bread. With a recipe for scrambled eggs or french toast.
I guess the way it was meant to go would have been guy takes girl out for dinner and pays for it, least the girl can do is cook breakfast for the next morning.
Sexist? Or a nice touch?
A memorable evening.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Words
I've been so far removed from the Malaysian culture (none of my friends here are Malaysian, and I am in rural Australia) that sometimes when I suddenly hear a Malay word it amuses me.
Like nyanyuk. Don't you think that's a funny word?
Nyanyuk.
Like nyanyuk. Don't you think that's a funny word?
Nyanyuk.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
No. 43 - Try 50 New Recipes (26-28/50)
A few of my latest projects.
Brush embroidery, coffee teacake and Baileys cheesecake.
Brush embroidery, coffee teacake and Baileys cheesecake.
Irrational Fears
Woke up at about 1am with the worst stomach pains of my life. As I lay there in bed trying to figure out why:
a) I ate chocolate that's expiring in 2 weeks. Does that give unexplained stomach pains?
b) I was carrying some pretty hefty groceries yesterday - could have strained an abdominal muscle?
c) I wore some pretty tight jeans yesterday...tight jeans??
d) Am I going to die of some abdominal problem here alone in this house in the middle of nowhere is it all the KFC and Macca's that I've been eating that's given me bowel cancer or something argh!!!!!
Thoughts got crazier and crazier as I lay in bed pondering about my life. Considered if I should get medical help and realized it's not like GPs in Benalla are up and about early Sunday morning, and I don't know any GPs, do I?
Then remembered my own father was a GP. Yes, I was going slightly insane.
Anyway, stomach pains eventually eased off and I dozed off and woke up at 11 this morning. Have not slept in that late in a very long while.
That episode made me realize that I'm probably not built to live alone. I don't want to be found dead in my apartment 3 weeks later, with half my face eaten off by Milton. Yes, I'm quoting Bridget Jones.
a) I ate chocolate that's expiring in 2 weeks. Does that give unexplained stomach pains?
b) I was carrying some pretty hefty groceries yesterday - could have strained an abdominal muscle?
c) I wore some pretty tight jeans yesterday...tight jeans??
d) Am I going to die of some abdominal problem here alone in this house in the middle of nowhere is it all the KFC and Macca's that I've been eating that's given me bowel cancer or something argh!!!!!
Thoughts got crazier and crazier as I lay in bed pondering about my life. Considered if I should get medical help and realized it's not like GPs in Benalla are up and about early Sunday morning, and I don't know any GPs, do I?
Then remembered my own father was a GP. Yes, I was going slightly insane.
Anyway, stomach pains eventually eased off and I dozed off and woke up at 11 this morning. Have not slept in that late in a very long while.
That episode made me realize that I'm probably not built to live alone. I don't want to be found dead in my apartment 3 weeks later, with half my face eaten off by Milton. Yes, I'm quoting Bridget Jones.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Current WIshlist
Looking at my past posts it seems like I have been blogging about food most of the time. Decided to mix things up and post up my newly updated wishlist. Most of these items have been on my wishlist for years.
Royal Doulton Signature Platinum Dinnerware - These are actually on sale right now but I can't decide if I should get them. Mainly because they have platinum rims and that means they can scratch, I can't put them in the dishwasher or the microwave and the cost a fortune. Was very close to just saying what-the-hey-I'm-a-dentist-I'm-buying-it but stepped into the Reject Shop today and realized a dinnerware set can be bought for the low low price of AUD15. Opinions, anyone?
On the subject of dinnerware, I have found my favourite kind of cutlery. Thing is, Reed & Barton is American and for the life of me I can't an online merchant that isn't in America that carries this brand.
The two designs are fairly similar but I think I have a slight preference towards the top one (Manor House) because it's heavier and I like heavy cutlery.
Kitchenaid Mixer - I really should have gotten one of these by now but somehow I haven't gotten round to it. The hand mixer that I have now is still alive and kicking and I guess it will always have a special place in my heart. My friends bought it for me for my 21st birthday and I think that is what kick started my love affair with baking. If I get a Kitchenaid I know my hand mixer will be demoted and I guess I feel sorry for it.
I feel the same way about my iBook. It's served me so well for so long it seems wrong to just walk out and buy a shiny new replacement.
Burberry Cashmere Scarf - Actually, I already have 2 of these. But as Ariel says in "The Little Mermaid", I want moreee. That song was all about discontent I'm not sure if Disney is sending the right message to generations of children!
Hermes Bearn Wallet - My dream wallet. Outrageously priced - I don't think I can ever bring myself to buy it. Plus, a wallet is such a high traffic item it is impossible to be careful with it.
A Red Bag - For most part, I am fairly happy with my current bag collection. There are only 2 missing items - a red bag and a white bag. I don't think I will ever be emotionally prepared to handle a pure white leather bag, so I think I shall aim for a red one first.
I like Epi Leather a lot. And in many ways I think that the Speedy is such a iconic bag it is a must have. In another way, it is so iconic everyone has it. Can't decide. Passy is probably a safer option. I think.
Tiffany Aria Earrings - Totally unnecessary and useless and easy to lose and overpriced and I want them!!!!!
My Dream Home - Was looking online at houses and saw this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment for sale. I couldn't paint my dream house better than this. Walnut floor, french doors, white kitchen with an island... the lot. I can already imagine Milton in it. It is also well beyond what I could ever afford.
Some may call this post materialistic and shallow - which I guess it is. But for me, one should just look at these items and call it what they are - beautiful things that would be nice to have. Surely it is not wrong to dream?
Royal Doulton Signature Platinum Dinnerware - These are actually on sale right now but I can't decide if I should get them. Mainly because they have platinum rims and that means they can scratch, I can't put them in the dishwasher or the microwave and the cost a fortune. Was very close to just saying what-the-hey-I'm-a-dentist-I'm-buying-it but stepped into the Reject Shop today and realized a dinnerware set can be bought for the low low price of AUD15. Opinions, anyone?
On the subject of dinnerware, I have found my favourite kind of cutlery. Thing is, Reed & Barton is American and for the life of me I can't an online merchant that isn't in America that carries this brand.
The two designs are fairly similar but I think I have a slight preference towards the top one (Manor House) because it's heavier and I like heavy cutlery.
Kitchenaid Mixer - I really should have gotten one of these by now but somehow I haven't gotten round to it. The hand mixer that I have now is still alive and kicking and I guess it will always have a special place in my heart. My friends bought it for me for my 21st birthday and I think that is what kick started my love affair with baking. If I get a Kitchenaid I know my hand mixer will be demoted and I guess I feel sorry for it.
I feel the same way about my iBook. It's served me so well for so long it seems wrong to just walk out and buy a shiny new replacement.
Burberry Cashmere Scarf - Actually, I already have 2 of these. But as Ariel says in "The Little Mermaid", I want moreee. That song was all about discontent I'm not sure if Disney is sending the right message to generations of children!
A Red Bag - For most part, I am fairly happy with my current bag collection. There are only 2 missing items - a red bag and a white bag. I don't think I will ever be emotionally prepared to handle a pure white leather bag, so I think I shall aim for a red one first.
I like Epi Leather a lot. And in many ways I think that the Speedy is such a iconic bag it is a must have. In another way, it is so iconic everyone has it. Can't decide. Passy is probably a safer option. I think.
Tiffany Aria Earrings - Totally unnecessary and useless and easy to lose and overpriced and I want them!!!!!
My Dream Home - Was looking online at houses and saw this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment for sale. I couldn't paint my dream house better than this. Walnut floor, french doors, white kitchen with an island... the lot. I can already imagine Milton in it. It is also well beyond what I could ever afford.
Some may call this post materialistic and shallow - which I guess it is. But for me, one should just look at these items and call it what they are - beautiful things that would be nice to have. Surely it is not wrong to dream?
The Pantry
Spent the whole of yesterday and the majority of this morning cleaning out the kitchen.
The amount of food that we have shoved right into dark corners is amazing. Am fully intending to cook things with these abandoned/neglected ingredients for the next few weeks before they all expire.
Another thing I noticed is the amount of baking ingredients I have. I don't just have sugar - I have caster sugar, icing sugar, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, treacle, liquid glucose as well as several types of honey.
I don't just have chocolate - I have... you get the point.
Weather is also starting to get cold now. Winter is approaching and to prepare myself I bought a hoodie today. In grey, because anything black shows Milton's hairs too much.
'Tis hard having a long-haired dog.
The amount of food that we have shoved right into dark corners is amazing. Am fully intending to cook things with these abandoned/neglected ingredients for the next few weeks before they all expire.
Another thing I noticed is the amount of baking ingredients I have. I don't just have sugar - I have caster sugar, icing sugar, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, treacle, liquid glucose as well as several types of honey.
I don't just have chocolate - I have... you get the point.
Weather is also starting to get cold now. Winter is approaching and to prepare myself I bought a hoodie today. In grey, because anything black shows Milton's hairs too much.
'Tis hard having a long-haired dog.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Warrnambool Sights
The drive to Warrnambool from Benalla is a very long one - almost 6 hours. Managed to do it with the help of Peanut M&Ms and Red Bull. The sight of our destination was an extremely welcome one.
After putting our bags down we decided to head to the man-made lake and go... paddle boating!!
I have always been extremely fond of paddle boating. One of my fondest childhood memories is paddle boating in Fraser's Hill back home, where essentially, my dad did all the paddling while I enjoyed the ride. So I was very excited to do it again here.
Also spent some time at the beach - another one of my favourite things to do. Living in Benalla, I miss the ocean.
Lastly, we went to Tower Hill, which used to be a volcano, if I'm not mistaken. We were very lucky and managed to spot emus, kangaroos/wallabies and koalas.
Very memorable trip, albeit a bit short.
After putting our bags down we decided to head to the man-made lake and go... paddle boating!!
I have always been extremely fond of paddle boating. One of my fondest childhood memories is paddle boating in Fraser's Hill back home, where essentially, my dad did all the paddling while I enjoyed the ride. So I was very excited to do it again here.
Also spent some time at the beach - another one of my favourite things to do. Living in Benalla, I miss the ocean.
Lastly, we went to Tower Hill, which used to be a volcano, if I'm not mistaken. We were very lucky and managed to spot emus, kangaroos/wallabies and koalas.
Very memorable trip, albeit a bit short.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Lazy Evenings
Brought Milton to the Benalla skate park one very quiet evening.
Look at him winking! He does that very often - not sure if it's a Milton thing or a Cavalier thing.
P/S: We didn't really want to take a photo of our feet due to our unsightly pedicures. However, we took it anyway. Milton's paws included.
Look at him winking! He does that very often - not sure if it's a Milton thing or a Cavalier thing.
P/S: We didn't really want to take a photo of our feet due to our unsightly pedicures. However, we took it anyway. Milton's paws included.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
No. 44 - Eat At 50 New Eateries (39/50)
I overate in Warrnambool. For some reason lately I can't seem to stop eating when I'm full - I have to stuff myself to the point of feeling sick before I give up.
Went to Logan's, which apparently was the place to go to when one goes to Warrnambool. Food there was really good - particularly the calamari rings. I don't even like seafood but I liked those - to give you an idea of how good it was.
For dinner we had hot pot at our friend's place. Had a lot of fun mixing up our own dipping sauces and just catching up with them.
Now I want to get a hot pot for our home too, we had that much fun. Problem is I'm probably going to be moving next year and I'm already starting my 'What's-the-point-of-buying-this-it's-just-going-to-make-the-move-harder' mentality.
Went to Logan's, which apparently was the place to go to when one goes to Warrnambool. Food there was really good - particularly the calamari rings. I don't even like seafood but I liked those - to give you an idea of how good it was.
For dinner we had hot pot at our friend's place. Had a lot of fun mixing up our own dipping sauces and just catching up with them.
Now I want to get a hot pot for our home too, we had that much fun. Problem is I'm probably going to be moving next year and I'm already starting my 'What's-the-point-of-buying-this-it's-just-going-to-make-the-move-harder' mentality.
Eenie Meenie
You can't make up your mind mind mind mind mind
Please don't waste my time time time time time
I'm not trying to rewind wind wind wind wind
I wish our hearts could come together as one
Can't get this out of my head now. Wayy too addictive!!
Please don't waste my time time time time time
I'm not trying to rewind wind wind wind wind
I wish our hearts could come together as one
Can't get this out of my head now. Wayy too addictive!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
No. 53 - Take A Photo An Hour For 12 Hours Straight
Went to Warrnambool over the weekend and decided to complete this item so that I could tick it off my extensive list.
Had a really good time there. A more detailed post will follow.
Had a really good time there. A more detailed post will follow.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Nuance
This was by far my favourite cake out of the 4 that we did in the Savour School course. The easiest and the best tasting.
Preparing the milk chocolate spheres.
Constructing the cake.
Cake is finished off with a very light spray - giving it a frosty airbrushed finish. Beautiful.
Preparing the milk chocolate spheres.
Constructing the cake.
Cake is finished off with a very light spray - giving it a frosty airbrushed finish. Beautiful.
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