Summer Lovin' 2006

The first email re: Summer Lovin’ was sent out on the 18th of August (yes, I kept the first!). A cousin’s getaway was suggested - something different from the meet-ups at pancake parlour we were use to having…

Email after email was circulated…idea upon idea discussed…websites visited…locations and accommodation changed numerous times…and now I sit here - no more “summer lovin’” emails coming through - the holiday thats been in the works for the past 4 months is over – just like that.

Reflecting on the events of the past year, I guess that as we all get “older” our lives and paths change. People move on and out…people marry in…our family gets bigger, and closer – although not necessarily distance wise. Its hard writing this, knowing that in a few weeks things are again going to change - but in the mean time its enjoy the here and now and worry about that part later…

Last meet-up for 2006

Events last night took a bit of a turn…a planned “traditional” bubbly and TGIF dinner turned into bubbly, finishing-off-Mary’s-food and “old skool” reminiscing…

2006 is almost over (yes, that’s 10 years after 1996!)…hello 2007 – the 10th year of our friendship (woah…I just realised its like TEN years!)

Anyway hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and a blast of a new year!

M: Forget about Transit - remember, its the equivalent of 20 dresses! Also, I’m on stand-by for my whole holiday so if anything happens when I’m not around, you know what to do!
S: Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up in Singapore or wherever else it may happen to be! Food…shopping…bring on 2004 all over again!
J: Conclusion: “short-shorts” + alcohol = “girliness” = getting what you want so yes…news when I get back?!
M: Have fun in Taiwan and try come to Singapore earlier! Then we can do our “rebel” shots all over again in the MRT and get a moss burger TOGETHER this time!!

I'd like to say...

I’d like to say I could, but I can’t…
I’d like to say I would, but I won’t…
I’d like to say I’ll try, but I don’t think I will…
I’d like to say it doesn’t matter, but deep down, it does…
I’d like to say its ok, and mean it – but its not…

I’d like to say I’m satisfied, content, living life to the full…that I know where I’m going, know where I’m heading, am stable, confident and sure…that some things don’t matter – others do, and that I’ve prioritised these, weighted them, and have a grip…that I won’t be swayed, I won’t be tempted and I won’t make choices or decisions that aren’t my own…

I’ve got all that I need, everything I could ever want, yet…I’m torn.

Yucky Yoghurt

Ok coles didn’t have the normal low fat mango yoghurt that I usually get so I opted for the raspberry no fat yoghurt instead…BIG MISTAKE.

Note to self: don’t buy that stuff ever again…EVER!

Its like totally gross!! Usually reduced fat or no fat food still tastes ok…like physical no fat milk is WAY watered down, and so is yakult light…but together with reduced fat cheese, ice cream and cream - well, I can handle all that!!

This yoghurt is in a category of its own though – just gross…its almost tasteless and just…eww…I dunno…EWWW!!

Thought: I’m SOOO not eating the other tub thats sitting in the fridge! Shudder!

Down 'n Out

I’m sick – and it sux – like majorley!!

I’m over moping around...somebody help me...PLEASE...!!

I've fallen deeply in love with you...

In my life You've heard me say I love you
How do I show you it's true
Hear my heart, it longs for more of you
I've fallen deeply in love with you...

You have stolen my heart
I'm captivated by you
Never will you and I part
I've fallen deeply in love with you...

You and I, together forever
Nothing can, stand in the way
My love for you, grows stronger each new day
I've fallen deeply in love with you...

November 19th

A gi-normous huge-mongous THANKYOU to everyone who made my “coming of age” special, enjoyable and one that I’ll remember for years to come!

Love you all heaps! XOXO

Thoughts about...things...

1) In 5 days time I'll only have 3 years left! Thing is, as increasingly "impossible" as it seems to get with every passing year, I'm somehow not worried...hmm...maybe that in itself is something to worry about? Anyway, any updates?!
2) I swear I saw Kel at Coles the other night - ok so it wasn't really Kel – just a complete look-a-like. Anyway, it was freaky – talk about a double-take...
3) Less than AUD$80 for a return ticket to Phuket – how can you resist?!
4) Ben’s birthday present – mums stressed – she doesn’t know what to get him coz “nothings ever good enough” and “he can’t even fake liking it anymore!” Anyway, so she ends up buying him exactly what he wants. And now he doesn’t want it anymore...on the other hand, I thought I had the perfect present planned out – honestly, it really was good…but noooo…apparently I have to upgrade…thought crossed my mind at the time – I dismissed it…now it looks like its gonna happen anyway...sigh…should have just gone with it initially...
5) “How are you?”
“Yeah, good” blah blah blah…
“So hows everything going?”
“Yeah, everythings ok” blah blah blah…
“So how’ve you been?”
“ok” blah blah blah…its about now I realise somethings up! I wonder why people just don’t say what they wanna say…ok ok I guess there are reasons, but still…its me!! Just say it!
6) Does it really matter what other people think? Like really matter?
7) Lately, a lot of people have been asking me stuff about Ben – it kinda makes more sense to just go straight to him, doesn’t it? So that you hear it straight from the horses mouth?! I find it quite amusing! Even more so considering I’m totally outta the loop…
8) I really wished Bambu would call back, but then canary club did…and now its all good! Yeah! TBC is gonna be C’d! haha
9) Chocolate cake, caramel sauce, vanilla ice-cream, pecans – so much for my healthy eating plan! Then there was the strawberry shortcake drink – yes, a drink and real fruit sundae with the whole mix of fruit – yes, we ordered all of it together with a vienna coffee with cream...mmm…cream!
10) Last week Dad booked me in to see the optometrist...now he says I should go to the dentist – hmmm…I think he thinks I need to be checked up! And hes right! My right eye has become worse…sigh…what to do?! Hope my teeth are ok!
11) Smile – don’t frown – you don’t want to get old and wrinkly!
12) Black on one side, white on the other and a whole lot of grey in-between…I wish I was young-er…there was no need to worry or think too much about things…life was simpler…but way back then I wished I was older and could make my own choices…be “independent”…do what I want, when I wanted…its funny how things change…
13) Inflation is killing me! OUCH! I need people to donate to the “Help Liz fund!!” Takers? Anyone?!
14) CONGRATULATIONS A&M!
A: looks like I don’t need to ask you anything on 14 October 2007 anymore huh?! And you didn’t even tell me! Not cool!
15) Today tonight story: A lady went to get her eyebrows waxed. The wax was so hot that it dripped down onto her eyelids and her skin was ripped off together with the wax…ouch! Scary! Not good…
16) A million things running through my head…left, right, here, there and everywhere…I wish time would just stand still for an instant…a moment…I need time to think…
17) Song lyrics: “Whatever will be, will be…the futures not ours to see”…What happens when things change? When the plans that you made are no longer…you stuck through the ups, downs, twists and turns coz of the possibility – there was something you wanted to achieve…somewhere you wanted to reach…But somewhere along that long, windy and extremely bumpy road, something happened - and now theres a whole lot of what ifs, should I’s, could I’s and questions...theres a whole lot of uncertainties, possibilities, yes-es, nos, maybes, I don’t knows and I really don’t knows…
18) I don’t know what to wear! Its seriously so much easier being a guy – yes, really…I mean, how hard can it be to choose a coloured shirt and matching tie…you boys have NO idea what we girls have to go through! And now I only have 10 days to figure it out…the count down has begun…
19) What is with the weather? We’re almost at the end of spring and it seems like we’re in the middle of winter – I think I need to start planning my Great Barrier Reef trip before everything really does die!
20) ok ok…so everyone at works talking about how I’m almost “over the hill” – thanks guys! Makes me feel sooo much better!

Feeling "whatever"

Get onto the bus in Doncaster, validate my ticket. Arrive in the city, change to a tram, get asked for my ticket by inspectors. I pull it out, but what the - it doesn't show its been validated. Get asked for ID and everything else that goes with the drama of being caught without a "valid" ticket or whatever they say. I'm arguing I validated my ticket. The inspector is arguing I couldn't have because nothings printed on the back. I argue that thats not my fault – its the machines...by this time everyones looking. Whatever. Pass over my details and my brand new 10 times, 2 hourly, zone 1&2 ticket. A few days later get my fine in the mail - $158! Whats with the $8 – commission or something? Whatever.

Few days later decide to go to Brunswick Street. Find a spot and start reversing when "bang" – great – reverse into the car behind me. Get abused by the lady. Whatever. Go shopping. Get back to the car and am trying to get out when "bang". Reverse into ANOTHER car. Fantastic. This can't be happening. Last time I drove Bens car I got stuck on a rock. Time before that I got into an accident on Chapel.

Sigh

Anyway, so I was planning to contest the public transport fine. That was until I got transferred to a gazillion different people and departments when trying to find out what exactly I had to do. No one knows what they're on about. Seriously – what a hassle. As for my parking accidents, after getting abused and tormented, the first lady decided to "let me go". Honestly, I really couldn't see anything wrong with her car anyway and all the dents she tried to pin on me clearly couldn't have been me - I think deep down she knew it. As for the second "bang", well lets just say the 2 chicks who saw it thought it was more of a "nudge" so yeah - thats that. Thank goodness.

Newsflash (updated)

OMG OMG OMG!!

Joy and T!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

OMG OMG OMG!! haha

yes yes Joy - thats still all I can say!

O-M-G!! :)

Ben's Celebration Dinner

After weeks of busyness, we finally celebrated Ben's win at Melba Brasserie:

Mum - posing with her water!



Dad eating some indian curry stuff!



Hmmm...can't quite remember what this was...but it was good!



I made it myself - srawberries smothered in chocolate and whipped cream...mmm!!



Mum trying to take a picture of a by-now, very un-natural me and Ben!



The Family - minus the all-important me!

Happy Hour at TGIF

$6 cocktails...how can you resist?!



Mary likes the idea of getting 4!



So do I!



Half way there...



And we're all done...and all smiles!

Newsflash

OMG today is SOOO newsflash day!

Firstly I find out that Alex is moving to London...so JAL is no longer JAL...

Then Matt calls and says hes proposed to Sue! CONGRATULATIONS!

...

Anyone wanna add to the list?!

On the move

2 steps forward, 1 step back
Half a step forward, half a step back
1 step forward, countless steps back...

On one hand, its good that theres movement
On the other - is it still good if movement is backwards?

Nostalgia...

M & D: Spring, St Kilda pier...juice and Big M's in hand...
J: "Blue" karaoke, bed jumping, photos and videos
K: Nepean country club, all day and all night spas, plastic cups, big clean-ups!
S & M: Long and dreaded airport rides followed by silent conversations in Princes Park...
A: Law library, coloured post-it notes, sushi and KFC...falling up the stairs, smuggling chocolate...toilet spying!
D: Moomba rides, no shoes, queues, game after game and still no prize
E: Red convertible, starbursts, gelati, study breaks...
J: Car talks, toblerone cheesecake, lazy afternoons...
L: Make-do toilets and Melway reading in-abilities!

However, its not the activity, place, weather or even the food that makes those times special - its the conversation, laughing, crying and sharing that occupy a special and unforgettable place in my heart.

Vince = 21

Vincent Kim Khaw,

HAPPY 21st!

Hope you had a "memorable" one and are on the road to recovery! :) Yes – they got you bad – BUT...it could have been a lot worse and you know it! :)

Hope this next year blows you away. May it be one of un-countable miracles and fulfilled dreams. Enjoy the moments as you continue to be yourself and do what you do best. You're in a God-destined place now – "my utmost for His highest" ok?!

P.S. "Crash" or "not crash", told you I would be there!

P.P.S. Can't believe the whole "Jon Wee" thing still comes up! Its funny! :)

"Almost" 24...

To my dearest "DUDE"

HAPPY (almost) 24th BIRTHDAY! I know its not 'til tomorrow but heres hoping its an absolutely splendid one!

P.S. I know I don't need to remind you, but...its 1 year closer to 27! :)

gulp

Hes on the lookout - for me

Its been one full year since I made the decision to do something about where I was. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done. I had been in the same place for way too long. 23 years.

I didn't really think it through at the time...it had been a long time coming. It was just a matter of when I would get up and move – not go with the flow and ride the waves, but dive...down...deep. I still remember those words – vaguely, but the message was clear...

Only later did the magnitude of what I was about to do sink in...the risks, the sacrifices, the people, the place - but I made a choice.

One year on, my life is different. I'm not saying its "good" different or "bad" different – its just...different...

Theres still that little part of me that wonders if I'm doing the right thing...if I've made the right decision...if I should give it more time...Maybe its in my blood to ask questions...to challenge...to be satisfied and at ease and at rest only when I'm sure. But the thing is, theres something reassuring me that its all ok...that wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, it'll be fine.

And thats enough for me.

Shout Outs

A: I'm glad we did dinner on Saturday night and ok yes, I believe you now – kinda...I think...no, no – I do! You know what else I figured? 1 hour to eat my pizza means it took you 1 hour to eat your dessert! So what do you have to say to that?! :)

A: So...verdict? Going? Staying? Still undecided? I think we need a JAL meetup...

J: You're not a "new friend-er"...you're an "OLD friend-er" ! "Whatever" to what anyone else says! So...Friday?!

N: So its confirmed confirmed now yeah?! I still think Cambodia for RM$400 is a good option – but I was thinking about it – maybe theres an ulterior motive for you going to Hong Kong? Like maybe a certain...Koa?! Just maybe...?!

N: Its funny how we both know our hypotheticals are not hypotheticals, yet pretend that they are! So is there gonna be a new hypothetical in relation to Saturday?! I'm waiting!

M: I miss you! Hope the Indian curry isn't causing too much trouble! Counting down the days to December 8!

M: thanks for always being so ready to here me out. Truth is I still don't know whats going on – rock and a hard place squeezing me tighter and tighter.

Random Ramblings

1) Even 50-year-old women's legs look totally toned in heels – those things work wonders.
2) I don't think you really know what love is when you're 17 – waiting another few years won't kill you. Really – it won't. Don't rush into things. You have a whole life ahead of you. I know we always think we know better, but often, we don't. (In response to last night's today tonight story).
3) I think about you - and the rest - every time I pass by the Melburnian - its just a fleeting thought, but a thought nonetheless.
4) I don't think my mind is playing mind games but someone else does.
5) 2 worlds have collided – I'm not sure if it's a good thing. I'm leaning more towards not.
6) I'm trying to save - that means no shopping...its Hard(with a "capital H"!)
7) It hurts when I hear stuff going around. But I can't stop it.
8) I thought I found someone to replace you, but I was wrong. No-one will ever be able to.
9) I need to start getting my butt into action: theres mail to be sorted, bills to be paid, forms to complete and a healthy eating book to be read.
10) I can't believe you're thinking of leaving - yet I don't know why I can't believe it. Its weird.
11) I'm over it – I really am. Its hard. I want to give up. But for some reason, its just not that easy. And I don't know if its the right thing to do. Its the easy way out – or so I've been told.
12) How do you let someone down – gently? Big disappointment or small disappointment, its still a disappointment.
13) I still can't believe my spaghetti sauce ended up as spaghetti soup – well actually, I can. So much for my bright idea!
14) I want to travel, see the world, get out there. For some reason I think it will satisfy.
15) My L'Occitane hand cream is making a really good make-do body cream.
16) Saying you'll do something and actually doing it are two completely different things.
17) I don’t know why but for the past few years I've always felt this way around this time.
18) I quite like the pink caps on the Mount Franklin bottles...
19) Bus drivers can really make my morning!
20) Total sucker for guys who dress "prepp-ily" – hmm...is that even a word?!
21) Lipton JASMINE green tea is a lot better than their "normal" green tea
22) I really do feel bare without my rings...should I buy another?
23) Tall, skinny, chai lattes - mmmm...raspberry muffins from Mrs. Fields...mmmm mmmm (thats a double mmmm!)
24) I'm feeling "comfy" at work today - flats and a warm jumper! This is the way it should be!

Its the little things...

...that make me :)

Gidz & Sue's Wedding Dinner

Our table (Table 12) at The Hyatt



Gidz, Sue & me...



Happily married!



Me & Mary with the oyster entree



Jen (who ate my 4 oysters as well as hers) & me



Jen, me & Mary with my main course!



Red wine = happy!



Me & Jen



Mary & me



Steph, Jen, me & Mary



Jen, me, Mary & Steph



Me & Vince...



Caught eating at the chocolate fountain!



Me & the boy in pink!



Audrey, Vera & me



Joy & me



Liz, me & Mary



Steph, Jen, Mary, Liz & me posing in the toilet!



Pointing in the foyer!



Me, Larry & Steve



Larry, Vince, Steve & me



Euge, May & Ben



Steve & Ben



Steve, Juz & Ben



EG & Ben



Sean, Chris & Ben

Mark's 21st

The theme of Mark's 21st was soccer (although for some reason I was told that it was "orange"!) Anyway...he proudly displays his T Star (Tangster) top!



Alex & Mark - the soccer fanatics!



Mark & his HUGE cake!



Me, Jase & the mango cake!



James, me & Jase with cake slice No. 2?! Or was it 3?!



James, Mark, me & Jase - ewww gross!



James & me



Me & Alex - what were you saying?! Oh...that you want everyone to leave so that you guys can go watch the soccer?! haha :)



HAPPY 21st MARK! Really treasure the friendship and the times we've shared! Its been a crazy few years and I'm sure there are many more to come! Praying this next year will be fruitful and blessed - take care and stay that crazy, zany, fun-loving and special person that you are!

TGIF & the p*$$ed girls...take 2!!

A bottle of this...



Plus 4 glasses and 4 girls sitting in the car park before dinner...



Gives you a very happy Mary...



An extremely red Jen...



A non-stop giggling Steph...



And me...still perfectly normal! haha



And yep - even after the alcohol has worn off, I still think black looks slimming! :)



...

Girls, we have to do this again - take 3!! Sometime in the near future...missing you all!