Mid-autumn moon-gazing festival

We had a crazy idea to have a bbq after work, at Brays Bay Park. Pitch darkness other than our lil lanterns prettily lighting up the picnic area. Ben thought of everything! portable stove for tea, mooncakes, plenty of food and even an ipod dock for music. Given that its mid-week and also mid-autumn festival, we had tons of fun. Also, new friend Nien Nock (Thien Hock) is a hoot and a half. Must recruit more Msians to Sydney!

Here's how beautiful...our Sydney moon.

Yo, whaddup dawg; its the KLKK (Kia Lai Kia Khee /Kong Lai Kong Khee) gals in da house!

(L-R): Kim, Roy, Sunny, Nien Nock, I & Ben on the ground)

New Age Chipmunks: Nien Nock (aka Nock Nock); Ben (Bobo) and Laine (Choco)

Australia will cut me off

Had a follow up discussion with my scholarships manager today and clarified some ambiguity in my contract. Apparently, I'm only funded for exactly 3 years with no chance of extending my award. FUCK! Would it be too early to fret? Considering my mind, body and soul was recently refreshed with my fantastic vacation, I think i still have horsepower and drive to work overtime and over weekends. Even so, im getting worried I won't have time. On a plus side, the financial crunch puts pressure on me to push results out of my ears, which would otherwise lie low, simmering slowly. This means only 2.5 years of xperimental time and 6 mths of thesis write-up...you think I'll finish before I hit 28? That's good right? Early finish means I get to move on early.....Think positive!!! I can do it!!..

My warmest thanks to you, for making your time-zone crossing trip over to me. Can't wait for Xmas, the best time of the year!

Watch out below!

DK & I were at Sydney Aquarium and came across this funny sign. The crocodile IS real.

Big shout out to Kim & Ernest

A massive congratulations to Kimball & Si Panjang for their very recent engagement! You both are deserving of each other and I wish you the very best of wedded bliss as you both grow wrinkles together.

So glad to be apart of your special day which will forever be immortalized as "The day we had Eagle Boys Pizza"

Did somebody say holiday??

The long wait was finally over...DK arrived and we had the most splendid time together. I saved up all the touristy things to do in Sydney so we could do them together, so that it will be a first for both of us. From city tours, to ferry boats....blue mountains to wine country. We managed to cover a whole lot didn't we baby? The past week has been perfect, finally someone to hold my hand and gimme a hug. A recap of the week before:

Me, my man in Manly beach...blue skies, sunny sun sun and a whole lotta wind!

Our day at the Blur Mountains. apparently, they look blue because the secretions of eucalyptus oil (from the plant of course!) reflects blue light!

Max Brennar's chocolate cafe...you guessed it, tons of chocolate everything! Particularly liked the mexican spicy chocolate drink..yummilicious...

Post-birthday dinner karaoke...la la la la lalaland

Hunter Valley wine country...we didn't get drunk on wine, but on laughter and fun!

Love actually....is all around

I wouldn't particularly call myself a fan of British TV or movies, but I do have to say, my favorite romantic movie of all time...ALL TIME would have to be Love Actually. Aside from the numerous sub-plots of the different characters (which are beautifully intertwined btw) one thing that makes me shiver with a kind warm feeling is the music score that plays during the "reveal" of the story. For example, the part where Juliet suprises Mark (her husband's best friend) at his home, hoping to get a video of her wedding and unknowingly stumbles on Mark's secret love for her. The marriage of the musical climax and the emotions of the scene are completely real and believeable. It's fantastic!. The same score also plays in the scenes of Aurelia and Jamie's evolving love. You'll see the same score repeated in multiple scenes usually revolving an emotional revelation between the characters.

While you might think this is a complete chick flick, it is one that has a lot of humour. My fav lines from the show:

1. "Get a grip, people hate sissies. No one's ever gonna shag you if you cry all the time"

2. "Kids, don't buy drugs. Be a rockstar and they'll give you them for free"

Also, the underlying theme revolves around the merriment of Christmas..and thats one of my favorite holidays. So frankly, what is there not to love about this movie?