Cleaned out my under the sink cupboards and was very, very pleasantly surprised.
My hyacinth has sprouted!! After over 2 months of waiting it has finally happened.
If that's not a sign of an excellent week ahead, I don't know what is.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Life Sprouts
I have to say that last week wasn't the best of weeks. Ended the week by doing a full spring cleaning, in other words getting rid of every single possible thing associated with my horrible horrible week so that I can start afresh in a nice clean net environment.
Cleaned out my under the sink cupboards and was very, very pleasantly surprised.
My hyacinth has sprouted!! After over 2 months of waiting it has finally happened.
If that's not a sign of an excellent week ahead, I don't know what is.
Cleaned out my under the sink cupboards and was very, very pleasantly surprised.
My hyacinth has sprouted!! After over 2 months of waiting it has finally happened.
If that's not a sign of an excellent week ahead, I don't know what is.
No. 97 - Buy a Dyson Vacuum Cleaner
Was vacuuming my room this morning and realized that nothing was actually happening. Sure, if I got down to my hands and knees and forcibly picked out strand after strand of my hair as well as Milton's, something was happening.
Went online, read a few reviews and 2 hours later I came home with this:
This is the dirt container after vacuuming half my room. That's about 4x2m. I kid you not. And this is after I had already vacuumed and did some manual hand picking.
Proceeded to vacuum the entire house with my new toy. In all I had to empty the container about 10 times - that's how much it was picking up. Even the stubborn carpet that I had that just could not be cleaned is now spanking new.
Totally worth the ridiculous price tag.
Went online, read a few reviews and 2 hours later I came home with this:
This is the dirt container after vacuuming half my room. That's about 4x2m. I kid you not. And this is after I had already vacuumed and did some manual hand picking.
Proceeded to vacuum the entire house with my new toy. In all I had to empty the container about 10 times - that's how much it was picking up. Even the stubborn carpet that I had that just could not be cleaned is now spanking new.
Totally worth the ridiculous price tag.
Could not go to sleep last night and decided to rearrange the furniture in my room. I do that every few months or so to keep my life interesting and supposedly change the 'chi' in my life. And if anytime is a good time to do that, I think now is.
Anyways, after I did that Milton went crazy - like I had just turned his world upside down and didn't know what he was supposed to do or where to be. He kept running around my bed looking puzzled and in the end settled down in his new designated place to sleep - on his blanket and pillow on the floor. Made a few feeble attempts to get onto the bed but was cut short.
I had promoted him to on-the-bed status not too long ago but have decided to kick him off again because let's face it - it's a single bed and he's getting a bit fat and lumpy. Sometimes he overtakes the whole bed and it's not cool. Also, I'm thinking of getting white 1000-count Egyptian sheets and I don't think dog and white sheets go. At all.
Anyways, after I did that Milton went crazy - like I had just turned his world upside down and didn't know what he was supposed to do or where to be. He kept running around my bed looking puzzled and in the end settled down in his new designated place to sleep - on his blanket and pillow on the floor. Made a few feeble attempts to get onto the bed but was cut short.
I had promoted him to on-the-bed status not too long ago but have decided to kick him off again because let's face it - it's a single bed and he's getting a bit fat and lumpy. Sometimes he overtakes the whole bed and it's not cool. Also, I'm thinking of getting white 1000-count Egyptian sheets and I don't think dog and white sheets go. At all.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Zest For Life
I can judge how enthusiastic I am about life based on what time I wake up in the morning.
On very enthusiastic days, I''ll sleep early and get up early so that I can sit in front of the computer reading tennis news with a nice cup of tea and some freshly baked goods.
On not so enthusiastic days, I get out of bed at 8.30am, pour some food out for Milton, brush my teeth and get out of the house at 8.45am.
Seems to be more and more not so enthusiastic days lately. Even when I've had more than enough sleep I just refuse to get out of bed. Cold weather doesn't help either.
On very enthusiastic days, I''ll sleep early and get up early so that I can sit in front of the computer reading tennis news with a nice cup of tea and some freshly baked goods.
On not so enthusiastic days, I get out of bed at 8.30am, pour some food out for Milton, brush my teeth and get out of the house at 8.45am.
Seems to be more and more not so enthusiastic days lately. Even when I've had more than enough sleep I just refuse to get out of bed. Cold weather doesn't help either.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Beechworth
Seems to me that every weekend we are on the path for something interesting to do to break the monotony of working full time. This weekend we decided to head over to historic town of Beechworth.
Driver of the Day
Soft Serve Cone - Quick stop at Macca's to satisfy my craving. I'm addicted to these things. Every time I have a bad day at work I drive thru and get one of these to cheer myself up.
Beechworth Honey - The flagship store of the popular honey brand in Australia.
Honey Tasting - A whole tableful of various types of honey up for sale. They were all very sweet and sticky. The way almost all honeys are.
Friend In Honey Heaven
Sparkling Honey Nectar - Yummy, even though it was pretty much just honey in carbonated water. So much sugar that I actually got a sugar headache after that, if that's possible.
Cheese - Love cheese. Look at their display!
At the lookout - Completed the 5km Gorge Scenic Drive around Beechworth. Stopped at one of the lookouts for photos.
On the way home
Quite a successful trip. Came home and watched He's Just Not That Into You with some soup, a cheese platter and wine. Life isn't so bad after all.
Driver of the Day
Soft Serve Cone - Quick stop at Macca's to satisfy my craving. I'm addicted to these things. Every time I have a bad day at work I drive thru and get one of these to cheer myself up.
Beechworth Honey - The flagship store of the popular honey brand in Australia.
Honey Tasting - A whole tableful of various types of honey up for sale. They were all very sweet and sticky. The way almost all honeys are.
Friend In Honey Heaven
Sparkling Honey Nectar - Yummy, even though it was pretty much just honey in carbonated water. So much sugar that I actually got a sugar headache after that, if that's possible.
Cheese - Love cheese. Look at their display!
At the lookout - Completed the 5km Gorge Scenic Drive around Beechworth. Stopped at one of the lookouts for photos.
On the way home
Quite a successful trip. Came home and watched He's Just Not That Into You with some soup, a cheese platter and wine. Life isn't so bad after all.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Apple Guava Juice
Am currently addicted to The Juice Company's Black Label Apple Guava juice.
Sure it's packed full of sugar and calories and what-not, but it's yummy! Ever since a research presentation about Vitasoy Milk showed the drop of pH in the mouth straight after Vitasoy Vanilla milk, I had steered away from sugary beverages.
I guess I'm now back in the game.
Sure it's packed full of sugar and calories and what-not, but it's yummy! Ever since a research presentation about Vitasoy Milk showed the drop of pH in the mouth straight after Vitasoy Vanilla milk, I had steered away from sugary beverages.
I guess I'm now back in the game.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Patient: I hardly ever watch tv. I just don't have the time!
Me: Hmm, me too. But I watch Simpsons at 6pm every night. And then I watch Masterchef. And I like Grand Designs. And Merlin.
Patient: You watch the Simpsons and Merlin? You're so... young.Gosh, I've got to tell my daughter that her dentist watches the same things she does! Do you like My Little Pony too??
Me: No...not My Little Pony.... but I read Enid Blyton a lot. And lots of other children's storybooks.
Patient: ....*speechless*
I'm just creating rapport with my younger clientele!!
Me: Hmm, me too. But I watch Simpsons at 6pm every night. And then I watch Masterchef. And I like Grand Designs. And Merlin.
Patient: You watch the Simpsons and Merlin? You're so... young.Gosh, I've got to tell my daughter that her dentist watches the same things she does! Do you like My Little Pony too??
Me: No...not My Little Pony.... but I read Enid Blyton a lot. And lots of other children's storybooks.
Patient: ....*speechless*
I'm just creating rapport with my younger clientele!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Some days you go into the surgery and you just know you're in for a bad day.
It's usually something little - you drop a cotton roll. Or the curing light switch hasn't been turned on. Or the triplex tip leaks. Something.
Then you end up coming home, sitting in front of the television, eating a whole bag of chips like a crazed lunatic and wish there was something better in life.
In passing, was thinking of cutting my hair short. Can't decide if it's a wise move or not though. But seeing that I'll be stuck in Benalla for the weekend I thought I'd seek some excitement by cutting my hair and perhaps crying over it.
Hmmm...
It's usually something little - you drop a cotton roll. Or the curing light switch hasn't been turned on. Or the triplex tip leaks. Something.
Then you end up coming home, sitting in front of the television, eating a whole bag of chips like a crazed lunatic and wish there was something better in life.
In passing, was thinking of cutting my hair short. Can't decide if it's a wise move or not though. But seeing that I'll be stuck in Benalla for the weekend I thought I'd seek some excitement by cutting my hair and perhaps crying over it.
Hmmm...
No. 98 - Buy Chocolate For Myself
When I was a poor lowly 3rd year dental student, I went to Cacao and fell in love with their wooden boxes that they used to put their chocolates in. I told myself that when I was a less poor and less lowly dentist, I would come back and buy one for myself.
And so I did. Also managed to get a discount on it because my friend who works there was with me. Woohoo!
Haven't eaten any yet. I guess when you wait for something for 3 years, you cherish it just that little bit more.
And so I did. Also managed to get a discount on it because my friend who works there was with me. Woohoo!
Haven't eaten any yet. I guess when you wait for something for 3 years, you cherish it just that little bit more.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Bayview On The Park
So we stayed at Bayview on the Park the last time we went down to Melbourne.
Friend: First we stayed at Parkview, now we're at Bayview. What's with all these views?!
Me: Maybe because we can see the bay, and we're on the park? And Parkview because you can see well, the park?
Friend: I guess...
View from our hotel room. There's Albert Park and beyond, the bay. Notice all the people walking in the park? With their dogs? Apparently there was some sort of RSPCA dog walking event or something going on. Wished Milton was with me to do the same thing.
Friend: First we stayed at Parkview, now we're at Bayview. What's with all these views?!
Me: Maybe because we can see the bay, and we're on the park? And Parkview because you can see well, the park?
Friend: I guess...
View from our hotel room. There's Albert Park and beyond, the bay. Notice all the people walking in the park? With their dogs? Apparently there was some sort of RSPCA dog walking event or something going on. Wished Milton was with me to do the same thing.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Marron Glace
A friend of mine asked me to drop by Lygon Street to get him some marron glace. What are they? Candied chestnuts - and at AUD4.50 a pop, expensive chestnuts.
Decided to buy and eat one so that we know what it's like.
A photo to commemorate our first marron glace. And possibly the last.
Conclusion? They were sweet. And they were chestnuts.
The end.
Decided to buy and eat one so that we know what it's like.
A photo to commemorate our first marron glace. And possibly the last.
Conclusion? They were sweet. And they were chestnuts.
The end.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Onion Weeds
Was walking around in Bright when my friend said...
"Onion weeds!! We used to pretend that all we had to eat were onion weeds when we were kids and we would pull them out of the ground!"
What are onion weeds?
They are obviously not actually onions, but they do resemble them.
I guess it's kind of similar to what I used to do back home when I was a child, which was pulling off the seeds from lalangs.
Oh, for non-Malaysian readers - Lalang = weeds.
"Onion weeds!! We used to pretend that all we had to eat were onion weeds when we were kids and we would pull them out of the ground!"
What are onion weeds?
They are obviously not actually onions, but they do resemble them.
I guess it's kind of similar to what I used to do back home when I was a child, which was pulling off the seeds from lalangs.
Oh, for non-Malaysian readers - Lalang = weeds.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Autumn In Bright
The leaves were falling and I made my way back to Bright, officially my favourite town in North East Victoria.
Us in the park, looking downwards to prevent the formation of a pseudo double chin when taking this photo.
Milton enjoying the leaves.
Under a brilliantly red-leafed tree, enjoying our life as baby dentists. Or rather, our weekend away from being baby dentists.
Us in the park, looking downwards to prevent the formation of a pseudo double chin when taking this photo.
Milton enjoying the leaves.
Under a brilliantly red-leafed tree, enjoying our life as baby dentists. Or rather, our weekend away from being baby dentists.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Room Service
Stayed at a hotel that my friend was working at over the weekend and was lucky enough to get free room service, cooked and served by him (thanks lots!!). What more can 3 tired, lazy girls want than a plate full of hot, fattening breakfast-y things each?
And apple juice. Not orange juice. Apple. There's something about it that makes me smile. The fact that my friend remembered was pretty impressive - he actually listened to my whinging about how apple juice is so under appreciated.
Anyway, have always wanted to call room service but never did. Free room service? Even better.
Another item checked off my amazingly long wish list. Other items shall be blogged about soon.
And apple juice. Not orange juice. Apple. There's something about it that makes me smile. The fact that my friend remembered was pretty impressive - he actually listened to my whinging about how apple juice is so under appreciated.
Anyway, have always wanted to call room service but never did. Free room service? Even better.
Another item checked off my amazingly long wish list. Other items shall be blogged about soon.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Milton At The Window
Milton loves looking out of my bedroom window out onto the street. Here he is wishing he was out with me.
Internet Shopping
Being in the middle of nowhere has it advantages - rent is cheaper.... um...yeah, that's about it. Oh, and there's nothing to buy around here so you end up spending less as well.
Have been getting my shopping fixes through the internet. This came about 2 months ago but have only managed to muster up the energy to blog about it now:
1. Menu Water Jug - Yes! Finally! Very pretty water jug that well... contains water. Yes, I know I didn't have to spend all that money when I could have just used a Home Brand plastic bottle.
2. More Avanti food canisters - will post up a picture when I have accumulated the entire family. Too pricey to buy all at one shot.
3. Alessi Floss Holder - Also featured in another blog post, I finally succumbed to spending ridiculous amounts of money on a floss holder. Decided on a red one. Looks happy in my bathroom.
4. Loose Leaf Tea - Have always loved French Earl Grey tea, which I first experienced in Dandenong Hills. Since I couldn't go there I decided to order that as well as a range of other teas from their website.
Really happy with my choices, even 2 months after.
Have been getting my shopping fixes through the internet. This came about 2 months ago but have only managed to muster up the energy to blog about it now:
1. Menu Water Jug - Yes! Finally! Very pretty water jug that well... contains water. Yes, I know I didn't have to spend all that money when I could have just used a Home Brand plastic bottle.
2. More Avanti food canisters - will post up a picture when I have accumulated the entire family. Too pricey to buy all at one shot.
3. Alessi Floss Holder - Also featured in another blog post, I finally succumbed to spending ridiculous amounts of money on a floss holder. Decided on a red one. Looks happy in my bathroom.
4. Loose Leaf Tea - Have always loved French Earl Grey tea, which I first experienced in Dandenong Hills. Since I couldn't go there I decided to order that as well as a range of other teas from their website.
Really happy with my choices, even 2 months after.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Myrtleford
Haven't really had time to put up stuff about the places that I've visited since I've been up here. Shall start small at Myrtleford, a little town on the way to Bright. Stopped by there on the way home from Bright for a snack.
Milton - Tied up next to us while we waited for our meal and he proceeded to dig at the gravel.
Butter Factory - It claimed to be a butter factory but to be honest, didn't even see a pat of it.
Cheese Platter For Two - Yummy. Particularly like the orange colored condiment, which turned out to be Iranian Carrot Jam. Interesting.
Milton - Tied up next to us while we waited for our meal and he proceeded to dig at the gravel.
Butter Factory - It claimed to be a butter factory but to be honest, didn't even see a pat of it.
Cheese Platter For Two - Yummy. Particularly like the orange colored condiment, which turned out to be Iranian Carrot Jam. Interesting.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Kennel
Dropped Milton off at the kennel less than an hour ago and I'm already missing him so much!!
It's the most horrible thing in the world to see your little precious pup locked up in a kennel with nothing but a bowl of water and a small cushion. Even more horrible to see him refuse to get into the space and see all the other dogs jump up and bark and whine. Even sadder to see him jump up at the door and look puzzled when I told him goodbye.
He'll be alright... won't he?
It's the most horrible thing in the world to see your little precious pup locked up in a kennel with nothing but a bowl of water and a small cushion. Even more horrible to see him refuse to get into the space and see all the other dogs jump up and bark and whine. Even sadder to see him jump up at the door and look puzzled when I told him goodbye.
He'll be alright... won't he?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Going to Melbourne this weekend, which means Milton will be introduced to the world of dog kennels.
A bit worried about him to be honest, but am trusting that everything will be all good and he won't come looking at me blankly when I tell him to go to his corner of the house to do his thing.
On another note, Melbourne is going to be great this time! Going to retrieve my new bag from my friend (woohoo!!!), meet up with friends and enjoy city life. Am after all certified country bumpkin now.
Sigh.
A bit worried about him to be honest, but am trusting that everything will be all good and he won't come looking at me blankly when I tell him to go to his corner of the house to do his thing.
On another note, Melbourne is going to be great this time! Going to retrieve my new bag from my friend (woohoo!!!), meet up with friends and enjoy city life. Am after all certified country bumpkin now.
Sigh.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Milton of the Week
Me: Milton, look at your ears!! They're so long now!!
Milton: Mommy, nobody caresss...I just want to chase that bird down the street!
Lemonade Scones
Found a really simple recipe for scones online and had to try it out well... immediately!!
3 cups self raising flour
1 cup lemonade
1 cup cream
Mix gently, roll dough to 2.5cm thickness and cut into circles. Bake in oven at 220 Celcius for 10-15 minutes. Serve with whipped cream and jam.
Gaining weight. :S
3 cups self raising flour
1 cup lemonade
1 cup cream
Mix gently, roll dough to 2.5cm thickness and cut into circles. Bake in oven at 220 Celcius for 10-15 minutes. Serve with whipped cream and jam.
Gaining weight. :S
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Multi-linguistic
Fell asleep and was transported to my dad's clinic back home in Malaysia. Was finishing up work there and stepped out into the dark parking lot and quickly got into the car. Someone got into the car from the other side. Tried to hit him but he told me that he thinks my car was robbed - can't I see all my things in the car are gone?
Didn't know who to trust or what to do and in my confusion I fainted.
Came to with the policeman (who happened to be one of my demonstrators at uni) explained to me that the culprit had kindly returned my essential items e.g. passport, driver's licence but not my credit cards or wallet.
Spent the rest of the dream trying to file an insurance claim in Malay. I never dream in Malay.
Woke up.
Fell asleep again and was also in my hometown in front of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce or whatever that is (for Batu-Pahatians, it's that building opposite the post office). Best friend was with me on her laptop having a MSN conversation with her beau, who happened to be in that building. There was some strange event going on in that building and I heard snippits of the speeches in Mandarin (I never dream in Chinese) saying how my friend is his number one and he's so glad she's in his life.
Woke up.
I think I'm going slightly crazy.
Didn't know who to trust or what to do and in my confusion I fainted.
Came to with the policeman (who happened to be one of my demonstrators at uni) explained to me that the culprit had kindly returned my essential items e.g. passport, driver's licence but not my credit cards or wallet.
Spent the rest of the dream trying to file an insurance claim in Malay. I never dream in Malay.
Woke up.
Fell asleep again and was also in my hometown in front of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce or whatever that is (for Batu-Pahatians, it's that building opposite the post office). Best friend was with me on her laptop having a MSN conversation with her beau, who happened to be in that building. There was some strange event going on in that building and I heard snippits of the speeches in Mandarin (I never dream in Chinese) saying how my friend is his number one and he's so glad she's in his life.
Woke up.
I think I'm going slightly crazy.
Friday, May 8, 2009
One gets slightly reflective in cold weather. While I sat clutching hold of a hand warmer my friend very thoughtfully sent all the way from Japan (thanks lots, really helps!) while waiting for my electric blanket to do its job, I am counting my blessings.
1. My permanent residency was granted yesterday! Took less than 3 months, which was surprisingly swift.
2. Going to Bright this weekend!
3. It's Friday!
Yippeee!
1. My permanent residency was granted yesterday! Took less than 3 months, which was surprisingly swift.
2. Going to Bright this weekend!
3. It's Friday!
Yippeee!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
No. 101 - Get a Tea For One Set
Sometimes I come home and lie in bed and accidentally fall asleep at 9pm. Which means I wake up at 7am extremely well rested - so well rested I can muster up a good breakfast before going to work while reading up the next recipe I'm going to try out in front of the computer.
China Rose tea with coffee cupcakes topped with Nutella.
China Rose tea with coffee cupcakes topped with Nutella.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Hazelnut Gateau
Decided to harness my extremely bad mood and do something productive. Decided to bake a cake. A quick check in the pantry revealed that all I had to work with was pretty much Nutella and hazelnuts. Thus, decided to make some hazelnut gateaux.
Turned out extremely well, even if I do say so myself. Planning to have it while I watch Merlin tonight.
Turned out extremely well, even if I do say so myself. Planning to have it while I watch Merlin tonight.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Toasty
After investing in a really nice, fluffy and warm dressing robe as well as some slippers, I'm finally able to sit at my computer without freezing my toes off. Love feeling warm!
Friday, May 1, 2009
High and Low
I have a separate notebook that records my random scribbles and various sundry things in my life from my diary and guess what - I can't find it.
Book has been missing in action for the past 2 weeks. At first I brushed it off as being lost in my room 'somewhere' - under the pile of paperwork I have on my table or something. But now that I've done a massive clean up I'm forced to face the fact that it's just not around.
Cleaned out my entire car as well (found lots of receipts for various things, but no notebook!) and am currently at my wits' end. The only possibility now is that I somehow brought it to my practice and somehow left it there.
ARGH.
Book has been missing in action for the past 2 weeks. At first I brushed it off as being lost in my room 'somewhere' - under the pile of paperwork I have on my table or something. But now that I've done a massive clean up I'm forced to face the fact that it's just not around.
Cleaned out my entire car as well (found lots of receipts for various things, but no notebook!) and am currently at my wits' end. The only possibility now is that I somehow brought it to my practice and somehow left it there.
ARGH.
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