25 yo Melbournian. Born and bred in the shadows of a city called KL. Survives on chocolates, lots of sleep and the comfort of good company. Loves a good laugh, a good book, a good cry, a good movie.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison

Mountain Dew

29.9.04

Mountain Dew looks like piss.

"do the dew"... WHAT THE?!?

29.9.04

Happy Birthday Mui Ping!!!

This hot sexy babe turns 20 today. Sorry I couldn't make it to your BBQ last night. I blame the crappy studying I have to do. Nonetheless, hope you had a blast despite the rather lousy weather. Keep smiling and here's to wishing you all the best!!! *BIG HUGS*

A few of us got together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival @ Flinders Wharf. It was a mooncake galore, and basically, it was HEAVEN for me! I don't think I have eaten so much mooncake in the span of 24 hours. I am currently suffering from mooncake OD.

Durian, Coffee, Tiramisu, Red Bean, Lotus Paste, "ping pei", Chocolate & suspicious looking "kuih talam" flavoured mooncakes & some durian cake thing (the 3 things that look like sausages)

The weekend that was...

26.9.04

Even with an upcoming exam looming over me, I managed to squeeze in two days of enjoyment (with a very detrimental effect to my conscience).

The girls (Mindy, Elaine, Sui Lin, Sau Yan & Angeline) and I had our monthly girls night out on Friday @ Kazen. Dinner was delicious but slightly overpriced. Headed to Notturno (I think that's how you spell it) on Lygon for a coffee and a chit chat session. When girls get together, we can sure talk. And talk we did. We had a few good laughs and some fairly memorable comments, not to mention the crazy suggestions that we came up with. If only you knew what really went on in a girl's mind!!!

Saturday was crazy for me. Had to wake up at 8.45 (which is only an hour later than what I'm normally accustomed to on a working day, which makes it so wrong!!!) and from then on it was non-stop. The Royal Melbourne Show - abit of a ripoff, but enjoyable nonetheless. I've never been to the show in the day time so I found it quite interesting to have a look around the animal nursery. I never knew cows were SO big!!! They always look much smaller in the fields. Some memorable moments include the Pig Racing & Diving *aawww so cute*, the cow happily taking a crap in front of us, and the birthing of a lamb (which was quite gross actually).

A pony - just for you Ben. They do exist!

Lynn, Angeline, Buddy Bear, Sui Lin & Mel

(1) Devilish Mel (2) Sui Lin *the angel in disguise* & Mel

After a tiring 4 hours walk around the place we decided that it was time to get back and prepare for dinner. For the first time, I decided to make a contribution to the party which didn't consist of chips / drinks/ take-away. I actually made a small effort to bake some oysters. *haha* So it wasn't the most time consuming and highly skilled effort, but I'm taking baby steps! It was an extremely successful party. We were worried there wouldn't be enough food but somehow we managed to end up with an excess of food, as is usually the case with these functions. But the highlight of the night for me was really the mooncake and the lanterns! Don't know how a big bunch of us ended up in Flagstaff Gardens, each armed with a lantern. It was indeed a sight to behold. Brought back many childhood memories, when my brother and I would parade around with our lanterns ( I had the chicken and he had the dragon) in the playground.
Some random camwhore pictures...

(1) Mel & Steve (2) Mel & Tun
(3) Mel & Steven (4) Mel & Gavin
(5) Elaine & Mel (6) Mel & Mindy

More pictures at Sui Lin's.

All good things must come to an end, and so must the weekend. Back to the books it is. And to Sui Lin, Gavin, Ben, Kevin & Sau Yan, I hope you guys have a total blast in the Sunshine state!!! Remember my souvenir!!!

24.9.04

Happy Birthday Cheng Leong & Kay Jinn!!!

Mel & Cheng Leong

This picture was taken the first time I met Cheng Leong at Bar Savanh, earlier this year. His reputation as the shuffle master definitely preceded him. It's quite funny that I actually saw his feet before I saw the person. A real fun guy who's sarcasm and wit ensures that life is always kept interesting. Hope you got drunk on your birthday and started swimming on the floor! *hugs* All the best!

Kay Jinn, I have known since who knows when. I have no decent picture of him to post up. All the pictures I have of him are when he's drunk or pissed or close to being unconscious. Or, there is this one... where he's topless in the snow? Anyway, he's definitely living the life in SF at the moment. Enjoying himself I'm sure! *grins* Be good alright, and we will cross paths soon hopefully.

Pulses racing

24.9.04

That flutter of eyelashes and flick of hair could be doing more than just raising heartbeats - it could also be keeping you feeling fit and fantastic.
A poll of 200 Yahoo! Personals users found 85% believed flirting kept them healthy.
Run in the lead-up to World Heart Day on Sunday, the poll asked how people felt when they flirted and when others flirted with them.
It shows almost 50% feel young, fabulous and sexy while flirting. A further 36.8% said it gives them a natural high and they feel like they can get away with anything.
"Flirting keeps you interacting and keeps you in a positive frame of mind...the more you flirt, the better you feel," flirting coach Sue Ostler said

-MX News 22 Sept 2004-

I always knew there was a reason.

22.9.04

I had a bit of a tiff with a very close friend last night. We've always had differences on this matter, and last night was just one of those moments. There was some name calling which I took rather personally. Alot of premature conclusions were drawn. They say that a conclusion is a place we choose to stop when we get tired of thinking. I can't help but wonder if the reason why I got upset was because the things you said were true. We don't just pluck things out from thin air and say it. Maybe it was just the way you approached it. Felt like I was guilty as charged before I even went on trial.

At 1.45 this morning, I received this from you:

"Ok...ego aside, i'm sorry for being so harsh just now...shouldn't have said the things i did...i know you have nothing to say to me. For that i can understand. i'm sorry"

Don't be sorry. To be quite honest, nothing that you said didn't have some truth in it. I don't like to be wrong. And to be told that I am isn't any better. As much as I hate to admit it, I think you were right. You always have been. I'm such a stubborn person and being harsh is the only way to get anything through to me. However, I'm not going to apologise to you, only because I feel that I do not have to justify my actions to you.

Instead, Thank you. For doing what you had to do. For being honest. For not sugar coating anything and giving it to me as it is. You're always watching out for me and worrying about me. I can be very disagreeable most times, but don't give up on me just yet ok! *hugs*

21.9.04

You know that I am on study / exam mode when I display signs of the following symptoms:

1. There is a constant supply of food (mostly junk) in my kitchen.

2. I use the kitchen for more than just washing my hands and drinking water.

3. Household chores suddenly become very appealing.

4. I get tired and sleepy before the clock strikes midnight.

5. I am constantly in a cranky mood.

6. I can't stop eating.

7. You'll find a pack of Dunhills in my bag - just in case.

Did I mention that I hate studying?!

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

19.9.04

Dragged myself out of bed today after a rather peaceful (but short) slumber. Made my way up to Silvan to meet up with Sui Lin, Yu Ann, Jon, Lynn, and Gavin. It's spring and the flowers are blossoming. The Tesselaar Tulip farm is a very very Dutch place. They had the whole works - the food, the costumes, and how can we forget the clogs! It was rather relaxing and calming to be up there - we were basically drowned in a sea of tulips (and some other plants).

(1) Sea of tulips (2) Entertainment at Tesselaar

Lynn, Sui Lin, Mel & Yu Ann

(1) Mel, Yu Ann, Sui Lin & Gavin (2) Lynn & Mel

Sui Lin, Mel & Lynn - failing to do the Charlie's Angels pose.

17.9.04

I'm having a real bitch of a day today. The worst thing about it is that I have only myself to blame for it.

I was LATE for work today. Very late. I overslept by 3 hours and woke up at 10.30 this morning. My first thought was "please let it be Saturday today!". Needless to say, my manager was NOT impressed, although he didn't give me too much grief when I came in. Just enough to convey the impression that he wasn't too pleased. The funny thing is that I didn't really care what he thought. I was more cross at myself for being tardy. In all honesty, I don't even recall hearing my alarm go off. I normally recall putting the phone on snooze or turning it off, but not today. No recollection whatsoever. Anyway, I decided to drive in to work today, seeing as I was already late. Parking in the city is a real pain. I cannot believe I'm going to be forking out 26 fucking dollars to park my car today. What a fucking ripoff. For 26 bucks for a miserable car spot in a miserable car park, I expect it to be washed and detailed as well!

I hate when things don't go as planned. I wouldn't say I'm a perfectionist but I like order in my life. But I guess I'm only human. Slip ups are a part of life. Just not mine!

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

16.9.04

I will not sit here and watch you throw your life away. I don't and can't understand why you won't let go of her and just move on. It's been almost a year since you and her split, but yet, you refuse to loosen your grip. Don't you see that what you once held between your fingers isn't there anymore? You're holding onto nothing more than a chance of a miracle. How can you still claim any love for her after all the things that she put you through? She cheated, she lied, she made all those promises that she never kept, and she cast you aside when it became 'inconvenient'. Why do you not see that you deserve so much better than her? I wish you would open your eyes and see what I see. I hate to see you the way you are - over someone who isn't worth anymore of your time. So what if it kills you to get over it? It has to be done. Wanting to be around her all the time isn't the answer to your problems. She has obviously broken free, and found her own life. You should too. You could do so much better than her. Because that is exactly what you are. Better than her.

15.9.04

Happy Birthday Priscilla & Min Yen

The two hot babes - Pris and Yen. I miss you girls!!! Can't believe it's been 10 years and more since we've known each other. We've definitely had alot of good memories back in the school days. Hope you two had a fantastic birthday. We must catch up soon. So much to talk about, so much to hear about.

13.9.04

Happy Birthday Ben!!!

Mel & Ben @ Mecca Bah

Ben, my rather dormant guest blogger finally turns a year older. *hip hip hooray!* Hope you liked the present, And from now on, no more excuses about not knowing how to get somewhere. Read the map!!! =) I only met Ben in December last year when David came for a visit from NZ. My first impression of him was... this guy is pretty quiet. That's still the case today. But we've actually had some pretty good conversations since then and I have discovered many interesting - borderline shocking things about him! He's surprisingly easy-going and somehow, often finds himself in situations / places "against his will" - but we all know how you love our company! Thanks for all the times when you have involuntarily volunteered to drive me around, and for being so patient. I'm sorry that you have had to endure the torture of the lame jokes that I have directed at you. You know I'm just joking yeh! And thanks for always being there for me and for making sure I'm always ok. *hugs* So here's to you babes... *cheers* You deserve only the best.

12.9.04

Happy Birthday Lit Ping!!!

Ah Ping! *hehe* hope all is going well in UK for you! I'm sure it is you smart chick!!! This girl is so super smart and bright that she seriously puts me to shame. May your year be filled with happiness and *psst* when am I gonna get a wedding invitation?!

Shitty Melbourne weather. Spring seems to have come and gone in one week. We're back to the crappy cold, wet and unappealing weather yet again. My feet are freezing. *brrr* it's cold in here! It's been a pretty quiet weekend so far. The weekend actually feels much longer when there is no clubbing involved. Hope the ravers are having a blast at Pharmacy!

(1) Mel & Mike (2) Vicki, Tai & Mel - dressed for the weather

(1) Tai (with the gay pose) & Mel (2) Mel (with the gay pose)

11.9.04

Ben, what can I say except, PICK UP YOUR PHONE!!! *grrr* Happy Birthday sweetie!!! *hugs and kisses* I bet you're out getting drunk in Zouks now... without me, your queen! *haha* You've been nothing short of spectacular from the first time I met you. One of my closest friends and indeed a trusted confidant. Our friendship has definitely had its good and its bad moments. If I have never said this before, THANK YOU for all of those moments. For being the mediator during domestic spats. For lunch every Monday at Chilli cafe and coffee at L'incontro. For 3-4 hour phone conversations about nothing. For being there for me in my darkest hour. For trying to make me see what I could not see. For driving me around, even after getting lost. For all the obscene messages you send me. I love you and I hope you have the best year ahead of you!

Fai. You don't need me to tell you to have fun and party on, coz that is something you sure know how to do well. It definitely and totally stinks that we hardly get to catch up or even cross paths these days. The next time we do, we've got to make the most of it aight! Until then, keep on smiling and keep on singing! Luv ya and happy birthday babes!!!

2004 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week

9.9.04

Sui Lin, Lynn and I went to check out the Myer fashion parade during lunch yesterday. I liked the set up of the catwalk - it had a very feminine and spring touch to it. However the fashion on display wasn't really much to shout about. There were a few big Australian designer names, including one of my favourites, Wayne Cooper. Probably only a couple of dresses struck me as nice and practical. The rest were merely fashion statements if you asked me - not practical, not marketable. But I could be wrong - fashion isn't exactly my forte.

Anyhoo, Sui and I decided to head back again today for the Contemporary Designs parade which was by comparison much better. There were more eye-catching designs today - nice bareback, and barely there dresses. Fashion that would definitely turn heads. It is however by a most unfortunate circumstance that I have not been blessed with the bosom to be able to pull those dresses off. Why, oh why!!! The highlight of the day was definitely the male models! We saw them clothed yesterday. Today, they were undressed *woots* drools* There was one especially hot one, whose body was so well defined and unbelievably HOT! Did I mention that he was HOT?

8.9.04

Happy Birthday Mindy!!!

Mel & Mindy

Babes, happy birthday!!! You are truly one in a million. We go a long long way back, shared many secrets, and we've definitely had the most interesting conversations. Hell, Melbourne would be a total bore without you around. I'm glad you decided to come over! Hope the interview goes well, and that everything gets approved! *fingers crossed*

7.9.04

Happy Belated Birthday Karen!!!

To my dearest cuz, happy 23rd birthday!!! Hope you had a good one! Can you believe how time flies by! All grown up and matured and responsible now. Heck you've even become an aunt.. wait hang on a minute, that makes me one too!!! Age is definitely catching up with us! Anyhoo, take care of yourself. Don't overwork and make sure you EAT MORE!!!

I don't know why I insist on torturing myself. I had 3 hours of sleep last night. Went to work looking mighty pathetic. Rocked up to a whole day conference with a Red Bull in hand. Gave a pretty crappy presentation - fumbled around with my words alot. But my boss seemed pretty happy, even said it was FANTASTIC. However, I did cop a bit of slack for "getting droopy eyed". I swear I did not doze off today, although the Red Bull make things any better! Should have just said that I was naturally droopy eyed.

A few of us went for some drinks at LaLa Land last night. We had the whole place to ourselves pretty much. Just hanging out by the fireplace. Pleasant and nice. Also probably Ms Gerry's last drinks session before she deserts us! And not forgetting the uber cool Pia whom I've just recently met on her holiday trip down under. Hope to see you back in kl!!!

Front L-R: Gavin, Angeline, Pia, Ru Hann, Mel, Lynn, Gerry
Back L-R: Kevin, Sui Lin, Ben

5.9.04

Happy 23rd Birthday Steve!!!

Steve & Mel @ Stokers

Ragin Weijun!!! Welcome to the theme park bro! *grins* Here's to a great year ahead of you and wishing you all the best in all your endeavours. We have definitely had some fun times together. Drink up and party hard!!!

A quick update on the weekend past:

Friday night - Dinner at Sui Lin's house. Very very fun. Started with the Curry Crisis. Suffice to say, my car smells like mouth-watering chicken curry now. Food was *yum* - a big THANKS to the chefs!!! I discovered that all we need is a bit of pen and paper to keep ourselves entertained. We had some very memorable moments playing Charades. Pool and foosball followed, bringing us to the wee hours of the morning. Tired.

Yesterday was a pretty full on day for me. I don't really remember much except for food, food and more food. It was practically dessert day for me. A few of us gathered together for yum cha yesterday (One thing to tick off my to-do list), especially to see Gerry before she leaves us *sobs*sobs*. Can't remember the last time I walked around the city on a weekend, just soaking in the atmosphere and relaxing. So that was exactly what I ended up doing yesterday after lunch - window shopped and relaxed with a nice hot chocolate. Pancakes @ Stokers was the event for the night in celebration of Steve's birthday. A quaint little place in Ivanhoe, which serves pretty delicious pancakes. The night ended at Will's Tower with the birthday boy, birthday cake, great company and of course... Charades!!!

Gerry & Mel

(1) Gerry, Sui Lin, Beth, Sau Yan, Elaine, Mel & Mindy (2) Sau Yan, Gerry, Dan, Mindy & Mel

View of "Band in a Bubble" from TimeOut @ Federation Square

TimeOut's super tall hot chocolate *slurps*

(1) Mel & Sui Lin (2) Kevin & Mel

Mel, YC, Beth, Sau Yan, Mindy, Gerry, Lynn & Sui Lin

2.9.04

Does being nice come at a price these days? As much as I hate to believe it, I must accept that we live in a world that is truly twisted. You can't do a nice thing for someone without being questioned about your motives. I don't understand what has made our generation so suspicious of anything good. Have we, as humans really become so selfish and cautious that we refuse to believe in kindness? When someone does something nice, how many of us think "oh wow, that's really nice"? And how many of us think "oh wow, that's really nice... what's in it for them?" I admit that I'm the latter. I don't know if it's because we've been screwed over one too many times that we choose to have our defences up all the time. Not many people have given me the reason to trust them any more than I do at the moment. And I would hate to be called naive and gullible if I did.

I find that sad in a way. I know there are some people who do things out of the kindness of their hearts. I wish I could accept the gestures without second thoughts, without suspicions and without hesitation.