Indefinitely (part ii)

When I told Rondoners I was leaving town, the number one response was, "That's soo sad!"

Erm... Not really :) I can tell you that my last 12 months in Rondon has taught me to be optimistic beyond optimism. I can tell you that I went to temple every week to ask for guidance and the courage not to breakdown. I can tell you that the only time I felt quiet and at peace was when I was in a room with my golden gods. I can tell you that I had a lot of people whinge to me about their relationships, their jobs and their lives. To the point where I just wanted to smack them and say, "Muscle up princess" :P

Got to look forward, no time to feel sorry for myself. Get over it, because it ain't going to get easier until you do. *cliche* *cliche* but it's true.

What do I loves about being back in Sydnery?

WELL, the first person I called was Boozy Floozy *grin* He made me swoon over a welcome back lunchies of tuna sashimi marinated with soy and truffle essence sauce AND a black cod marinated in white miso *swoooon* I never gets tired of that dreamy tuna... Boozy Floozy and his Missus have kept me in a constant Friday hangover state since I've been back *grin*

Immediately after were S&J, "Surprise!!! I'm back, whatcho doing?" Followed by a wunderbar evening out on the warm outdoor terrace of Ching-a-ling with the fresh-from-Japan-pow-pow de Freres and the gang (^_^) Capped off with a roast cooked with an USB temperature gauge *uh huh* at H&B's place.

Two weeks back and I'm working in the city. Won't talk about the job, but will talk about Shuai being my lunch and coffee buddy at Vella Nero :) Friday mornings definitely wouldn't be as much fun if I wasn't hungover at Vella Nero and catching up on the news with Shuai.

What's there not to love about being back?

I haven't even mentioned the magical laundry basket at home yet *grin* Oooh yeah, I loves being spoilt. After 4 years overseas, and before that, 6 years out of home - I've finally learnt to appreciate just being with my parents.

On the flipside, there are the babies. TONS of babies. It's a bit weird to be hanging out with friends from Uni, whom I used to catch the train with 10 years ago, and whose kids are now all playing together. Put me in the mix and you'll be playing the Sesame St game "One of These Things is Not Like The Other". I can now tell you about childcare rebates, toilet training and The Naughty Corner. It's still all good.

A city is what you make of it. Right now, what makes Sydnery for me, is being with those I heartses the mostest. And having the fun with them that I've missed out on in the past 4 years *big grin*

Now if only B was here...


I drinks my coffee every morn at Single Origin:

I ates at Sumalee with my visiting Rondon lovelies:

_Bestest_ eggs at Kawa:

I screamed like a girl:

(...and then I screamed some more when my Dad pretended to pick it up and chuck it at me)

If you ask me what hurtses the most about being in Sydnery, it's not having Chubby here. I swear, I can still hear him *huffing* and snoring. I can hear his nails clicking on the floorboards...

Sidetracked

"Asian in Sydnery" just doesn't have the same ring. However, here's what I'm thinking tonight.
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I'd like to think that I'm pretty open minded and non-prejudicial. I looooves my curries. I looooves my garlic and onions. I looooves my booze. All this must reek the next day, and I wouldn't know unless you tells me.

But FFS, how can it be that bad that even though my nose is against an open window and there's half a metre between us - I CAN SMELL YOU ENOUGH THAT I HAVE TO STOP BREATHING?!?

I'm sorry to say, the stinky curry stereotype is true. You want to know how tolerant I am? I stayed in my seat until the next stop 15 mins away. *15mins* of inescapable body odour without a dirty look or word.

The other gripe I have, and I'm saying this because it seriously vexes me - total fatties on trains. I'm talking about fat to the point of I understand why it's called morbid. I'm not apologising for thinking this either. You know what? I eat. I loooooves my food. If you look at my genetic history, my father's side is filled with pot bellies, size 16-20, zipper club triple bypasses, bowel problems, secret diabetes and hypertension. My point is, in our time and generation - we know better. I've learnt from it and I don't eat lard as an everyday food like my Dad used to (yes, it's nommy). You don't fcking eat to the point where you waddle. You don't fcking eat to the point where a seat for three is a competition between me and two fatties.

Yes, that's what my everyday mornings on the train are like.

An evil glance at the two fatties who take up a seat for three. For this I have to stand for 40mins. I seriously *tried* once to squeeze in between two fatties. I had to stand up again when my butt obviously couldn't fit. You know what's bad?!? The fatties _didn't bother_ to make space at all. No shuffling over. All I needed was an inch or two either side. To which I'm internalising, "fat fckers". Gawd forgive me for thinking bad thoughts about humankind.

Can't wait for those heart attacks to happen :P

Yes. I think you _should_ feel bad about taking up an extra half seat. I fcking run when I *hates* running. At least try to take some pride in your body, especially when you're a fatty at <= my age.

To be fair, I'm not a morning person.

Don't even get me started on fatties on planes.

Sydnery roundup

Yeah, I had a good time :) The fun part was spending time with family and friends. I really love the people back there. It was impossible for me to hide my exuberance everytime I caught up with someone :) Even the sight of AdF and PdF in the distance made me start skipping to meet them *grin* There were soo many good times, but the best I'd have to say, was Future Music with the crew :) I loves you guys ^_^

Other memorable moments, in no particular order:
* Trying out drum and bass with SM and JH
* SH taking me to watch American Gangster with the Opera House in the background
* Brekkies and hot drinks with AdF and PdF
* Lunching at Fratelli Fresh and then drinking for 7 hours with SM and BL :)
* BL's smoked ribs!!!!
* Gossiping with Jules over passionflower ice-cream (sorry for the pic Jules *grin*)
* KY serenading me out on his balcony (a heart melty moment)
* Truffle tuna sashimi with Daliborus
* Cocktails, lounging and babysitting with Lena
* Feasting and girly talking with Y*
* Porcini and truffle lasagne with DG
* Chilling out with U&W at their beautiful home

Bustin' some moves

It's nice to come home to my party crew :) I miss these guys soooo much when I'm in Rondon.

This is how you dance to DnB *grin*

If I had legs as long as these guys, I'd wear hot pants more often.

Yes, they're kneeling...

Where I grew up

Blacktown's never dull.

As I walk along the platform and wait for a train to the City, a child in a pram screams from across two tracks on the opposite platform. His father stands a metre away from me.

The child's father yells out, "What did he say?!?"
The child's mother yells back, "POOFTA!!!"
The child's father laughs raucously.

I'm about to grimace, when I remember to hold back my disapproving facial expressions. Gaining the attention of a proud yobbo father is probably not advisable.

Yummo

So, curious to know how many places on my Sydnery "Must Eat" list I managed to cross off? :)

Degustation @ Becasse with C (we scored free dessert! w00t!)
Ring Burner @ Burgerfuel with A&P
Vincisgrassi @ Buzo with Dave
Abalone @ Golden Century with my parents
Unagi Zara @ Ichiban with da gals and Shuai
Thai @ Sumalee with Yin*
Degustation @ Yoshii with C

Not bad. Also managed to fit in:
Pasta @ Alfredo's with da gals
Hotpot @ Masuya with KC
Brunch @ random cafe with KY
Laksa @ Malay Chinese Takeaway with Yin*

Best Meal: Yoshii degustation. Japanese Somen with Black Truffle - G.A.W.D. My eyeballs rolled back into my head. And the Steamed Kurobuta Pork Belly... to die for. Seriously the best pork dish I've eaten in a looong time. In fact, I can't remember a better tasting pork dish. Yoshii has definitely up'ed the standards when it comes to food. This was the meal that reminded me how happy good food could make me feel. Thanks C :)

I'd forgotten how huge Burgerfuel burgers are:

And I finished it all!!! Couldn't let the Altiris-now-Symantec boyz show me up *grin* Doofers are like the best invention ever.

Fruitiness

I was in fruity heaven in Sydnery. Screw those mini punnets of English berries! Give me kilos of fresh fruit variety!! The Brits really don't know what they're missing out on when it comes to produce. Giant rock melons, sweet plums, fuji fruit, longans... MMmmm...

Last post from Sydnery

I landed in Rondon exactly one year ago today. It was chilly, I caught a minicab and B met me at Daz's door. It was the start of my new life.

What a distant memory.

Coming back to my old life has been strange. Whilst it's been great catching up with mates over lunches, dinners, coffees and cocktails, Sydnery, no longer feels like home. Ruh roh. I'm not saying Rondon's where I belong, but it's a bit disconcerting having no ties to anywhere. My parents will always be here for me, but I'm definitely not ready to move back yet. Good thing my visa was extended :P

A part of me wants to move on from Rondon, another part of me thinks I haven't given it a decent chance yet. Let's see how the Summer goes and I'll do a review at the end of it. Ibiza here I come! :)

To all my Sydnery friends, thanks for being there :) It's meant a lot to me that you've made time to see me. And to feed me *grin*

To Craig S & Daniel G - sorry I didn't get to meet up with you guys. But there was never any confirmation on your part!! Hopefully see you in Rondon instead.

Troo Wuuuuv

In hindsight, I should've warned Ula and Wilco about my last bridesmaid experience. My first time, I went to Malaysia to be bridesmaid for a cousin. I got the wrong colour dress to begin with (the bride wanted me in pastel and I just thought, "I'll get this dark lilac silvery dress instead cause I look good in it"). Then there was the drama of me getting my heel caught in the bride's skirt in the car and literally tumbling out of the car and onto the floor infront of her in-laws. Classy entrance. I did learn my lesson though, and made sure my heels didn't get caught in Ula's skirt this time round ;)

I must be the clutziest bridesmaid EVER. I thought I was doing well on Sunday... until I fell down the stairs at Ula and Wilco's apartment. I blame the heels, but to be honest, it was probably just me being uncoordinated and trying to carry too much - a garment bag, my overnight bag, Ula's overnight bag, Ula's bag with shoes, my own bag with shoes and my handbag. I'm freaking lucky that I didn't break my neck. Although the rubber ends of both my heels did go flying off. I managed to find them and whack them back into my shoes. Not the most elegant bridesmaid thing to do. However, I lost one of them again, and ended up clacking down the pavement at the ceremony.

Mental note, the most important things to have in your wedding emergency kit are safety pins (*someone* stepped on the bride's hoop and broke some tulle), and a hammer.

In hindsight, I also realise why I wasn't asked to do a speech at the wedding *grin* Maybe because the last time I did a speech for Ula, I got really drunk to gain the courage, and ended up groping Philo's (great) ass, Uma's (great) boobies, and kissing Ula's (great) lips.

So, to save myself from any lesbianish embarrassment this time round, I'll blog my speech to Ula and Wilco.

Ula, I've known you for at least 16 years, and I've even lived with you for a year. For that one year that I lived with you, I woke up every morning to the phone ringing at 7am, when Wilco called, and to your footsteps running down the hallway and past my door, to answer the phone. In those 16 years I've known you, I've never seen you happier than when you are by Wilco's side. I knew you found the right man when I saw you and Wilco together. Wilco is the one who will make you smile when you're down. The one who will be there for you when it counts. The one who will take care of you and put you first before himself. And the one who will love you for an eternity :) When Wilco said, "I DO", at the wedding, he said it loud and proud, and I'm sure the whole of Sydney could hear him.

Wilco, I've only known you for about 5 years, and although we've spent probably about a month together in total in the same city, you've become my Dutch big brother :) Ula was a bit stressed out in the bridal car about getting there in time to marry you *grin* I had to keep telling the driver, "Mate you have to drive faster!! The bride says we have to get there soon!" Ula wanted everything to be perfect, not just for herself, but for you too. Ula is the one who will always want everything to be perfect for the both of you. When Ula made the big move to the Netherlands to be with you and Krelis, even though she was allergic to cats, I knew that this was it, and that you were really special to Ula. I know in my heart, that Ula is your perfect match.

So this is what you've both proven to me, that true love really does exist. That true love doesn't let anything get in the way, and that true love overcomes all trials. Here is my toast, to Ula and Wilco, and to true love.

*clink virtual champagne glass*

PS: As the drunken bridesmaid, I ended up in bed with another girl ;) *lol*

Vanity

One year on, and my beautician is still filled with angst and outspoken comments ("I've had a terrible year. You look different, you've lost some weight"). Why do I keep going back to her? Because she still does the best eyebrows in Sydnery. Although I was a little worried that she kept ranting as she was plucking. I'd never experienced such energetic plucking before. Almost to the point where I was worried I wouldn't have any eyebrows left. I had to ask Yin* for confirmation that my eyebrows looked alright at lunch. A little bit too much on the archy side this time, I think. I look a bit like the Joker :P A lot of gals baulk at the amount of money I spend on my eyebrows. But trust me, people look funny when eyebrows are done wrongly. It's just like having a really bad haircut. Only, with eyebrows, you can't wear a cap to hide it :P

I'm getting vain with age. Well, maybe it's a good thing I'm putting more effort into skincare. I was almost refused service at Opera Bar on the weekend because I couldn't prove my age.
Me: "Vodka, cranberry, pineapple please"
Bar guy: "Do you have ID on you?"
Me: "Errrr... I have a big tattoo on my back, does that count?"
Bar guy: "I need to see your ID before I can serve you."
Me: "This is my second drink. And I'm 28!"
... and on and on...
Bar guy: "I'll take your word for it this time, but you need to bring ID with you."
Lady next to me: "What do you do to look so young?"
Me: "Vodka, cranberry and pineapple..."
From then on, Eleri made Ed buy my drinks for me *grin* Thanks guys! Love yous! *MUAH*

I really do wonder how old I'll be when I actually look 18...

Girls just wanna have...

...Fuh-un :)

Never again will I ever don a lycra catsuit...

Not mine

As you can probably tell from my awkward baby hold, this one, ain't mine *grin* I've never had a hungry baby suck at my neck before. Or spew milk down my back. Somehow, it's just cuter when the baby's blood related. Normally, I'd be like, "YAAARGH!", now it's all, "AWWWWWW...."

Nope, I'm still not feeling clucky. If anything, I'm panicking everytime little Sagey cries.
Me: "What's wrong? Do you want Mummy? Or Daddy? Are you hungry? Are you pooping? Am I holding you wrong? DON'T CRY!!!" *frantic helpless look at my brother and sis-in-law*

Aussify'ing meself

If there's one thing I really love about Sydnery, it's the cafe culture. Every cafe is unique, and Starbucks doesn't even feature on the list of options for "where to go". How was my day today? I started off with a mocha from Toby's Estate cafe, went to the gym for a run (I ran!!), and had brunch at a trendy Surry Hills cafe with my fave Muffin:

All before 12pm! Gawd, I love being able to sit outdoors in a cafe... My day's not over yet. I was dropped off at Coogee beach to catch some rays. I need a tan before the wedding! I didn't stay long though. It was a bit too windy to lie around in a bikini all day. But mate, look at this, it's SAND at a BEACH. Not pebbles!

The hardest thing for me so far, is the commuting between Blacktown and the City. I spend a shiteload of time and money on public transport here. As much as I love my parents and Chubbs:

...I can't imagine living in Blacktown again. This is one skanky neighbourhood. And oh, what's Australia without a few scary household spiders??

Mum found this fella in our living room. I can almost hear B scream :)

First day back

What's it like? Well, it's... different. Not exactly good, but not exactly bad either. Just different.

For the first time in a year, I caught the train from Blacktown to the City. It was an express train and even then it took about 45 mins. 45 mins is a long time to wait when I'm used to 5 mins on the tube to get to Central Rondon. Looking out windows at suburbia and greenery, that's something else I haven't seen for a year.

Walking around Sydnery, the pace is a lot slower, there's a lot less people, and the thing I noticed is that people just aren't as fashion conscious *grin* Sorry. In Rondon you get all types, in Sydnery, everyone blends into the background.

Even jay-walking confuses me here. I'm so used to lights turning first red, then orange and finally green in Rondon. Orange means I have about 3 seconds to run across the road before cars start moving. Here, I forgot that I have to pay attention to lights facing traffic travelling in the perpendicular direction if I want to cross the road. It was just safer for me to wait for the green man in the end.

Good things? I met up with my brother for a DECENT cucumberless curry laksa lunch :) I had *GREAT* coffee TWICE today, from NON-CHAIN cafes :) And even though it was raining, it was freaking warm enough for me to walk around in a singlet top all day *aaaah* Seriously, 20 degrees feels like Summer to me.

Hrm, my Mum's calling me out to the kitchen for more food. Gotta go, peidaan and pickled ginger await me.

My Mum's amazing

So I land. I get home to Blacktown. My Mum has ready for me, my favourite dish of homemade Assam Laksa, marinated oven dried pork, and longans. There's still a tub of jam tarts waiting for me. Golly gosh. I'm never going to fit into Ula's bridesmaid's dress! Time to look up some gym classes *sigh*

Psst

Look to the right, see anything new? :D I'll be in Sydney from 28th March till 19th April. Fill free to start filling in my schedule :P Hrm, time to start compiling a list of "Must Eats"...