Zest for Life.. Embrace it!

It's concert season again!

2009-08-04T12:45:00.008+10:00

How ironic that my last line on my earlier post is "Nose down, bum's up!". Meaning it should be study study on mind constantly.

But how can you take away my love for concerts from me!

To date I will be watching Eskimo Joe this Thursday! My Man has been listening to them and been wanting to watch them live.

Lo behold my constant flow of emails reminding me of upcoming concerts came out with Eskimo Joe!

For those who haven't heard of this Aussie band check out their website.With such a breathtaking backdrop, I could just get lost in the scenery.

Next on the line is my all time favourite The Black Eye Peas! To make it more exciting, I will be dancing along with 23! Will show this mother of 2 what a great time one can have in concerts. Jom kiter beli baju concert samer and jadi boria sisters!

And finally (but not the end of my concert going for the 2009 year!), patiently anticipating is GREEN DAY! Loved their music from the "Dookie" Album days to their unknown "Kerplunk" album right to "American Idiot" and now the latest "21st Century Breakdown" has been playing constantly on my mp3 player.

Ooo the excitement of this half of 2009!

Week 1 Begins...

2009-08-02T18:14:00.002+10:00

Yes, August 3rd is week 1 in what I can only anticipate to be a gruelling semester for me.

I have now only 12 weeks to study not only 1 subject but 2!! Goddamnit why did I enrol for two! Why Why!!

Because, you are tired of studying.. you want to get it over and done with, because you want to focus on other important things..

So week 1, and I've already complete chapter one of one subject is not bad at all for MY standards hehehe.

Now head down, bum's up!

What 23 orginally ask me...

2009-07-15T16:54:00.000+10:00

If you do read this blog, you will know I have a tag labeled "23". This is part of a mini series of 23 is asking me about.... Due to my lack of updating this said blog. 23 is what I fondly call my favourite 2nd cousin-in-law.. she also happen to be the only girl 1st or 2nd cousin-in-law I have hehehe....)

The list was

weather - Done!
spore trip- Well, my besties have upload pictures on Facebook. So pictures tells a thousand words...
the shoes- I got a great photo for that.
how u spent 900AUD - Done!
the birthday - Done!
concert - Done!
luke - Sort of done! I talk about him all the time. Here & Here maybe Here hahaha
the 8km run - Done!
the soon to be 10km run- Ahahahahaha soon to be is an understatement.
ure fav cousin in law, 23- Hmmmmmm
ure fav nephew and niece in laws, AK and AK- Yes I must write something about them
ure exams - Done!

So those are my updates from me. So 23- what else do you want to hear from me? Or anyone out there reading this for that matter?

4 days later...

2009-07-13T13:33:00.001+10:00

From the highly "exciting" events at my office last 4 days, I am reporting..

I AM STILL SORE AND IN PAIN!!!

My left calf still hurts and the ones that brave to ascend down the 45 floors are equally having soreness.

Groaaan.

45 Floors later...

2009-07-09T13:20:00.003+10:00

Today we had a fire drill.

I reside on the 45th floor.

Yes, *gasp*, *poor you* *oh my god*

And I was looking forward to it!

Most of the people on our floor were aware that it was going to happen today. We received a email saying that 10 O'clock there will be a fire drill briefing for the fire wardens.

Most people already had plans to balk. Some purposely set "meetings" in another location to avoid the downhill exercise.

Me- I came prepared with sneakers, my wallet and mobile and my jacket and scarf for warmth.

So come 10 O'clock, wardens off to their briefing. People on my floor balked. This include the receptionist who lock the front door hence people like myself have to keep opening it for people trying to get in.

15 mins after the briefing, the remaining people on the floor was wondering when it's going to happen.

Guess what. Hahahahaha... hahaahaha sorry I just could stop laughing when the fire warden told his, yes it's going to happen.. SOMETIME TODAY!!

Ooo how i wish it would have happen after lunch. How I wish you could see the look of the 3/4 of the people on level 45's faces when they come up an hour later wondering why nothing happened.

But the alarm went. "Please evacuate! Woop Woop! Please evacuate"

So we did, single file down 45 floors in a spiral mode. I did get a little dizzy.

Some people were allowed to stay on for health reason. I didn't count them lucky because they had to endure "Woop Woop, Please evacuate now, woop woop!" for half an hour on the most ear blaring annoying noise ever.

Once we got down on ground floor and met with the balkers, we happily told them, people are still going down, probably another half hour before you can even get to the lifts!

So they technically just wasted 1 and half hours of doing nothing. Some might call it fun but when your time sheet are on billable client, it's probably not a wise thing.

And after the whole orderly "chaos", imagine trying to get the entire building of people on the elevators!

Yes, our bright idea of catching on coffee ( my boss treated to me to one! weeee) was awesome.

Even after half hour, the lifts were jam packed and people were lining up to get on it.

Overall the fire warden said it was a success. With a provision of a minute to a floor. This building of 55 floors took only 33 minutes to fully evacuate. Of course 1/4 of the people balk.

So my 50+ boss with a weak knees and a bad ankle could survive that, yet there this 36 year old female who insist on being on special needs list if we do have another drill. She's freaking 36, albeitly her only mode of exercise she walking from the building to get her daily coffee from the nearby cafe before strolling into office half an hour late. Seriously..

You set you mind that you are disable, you can't do this, you are sick. By the time you reach 50, you will be all that and worse. I can't imagine why people like this can't just suck it in. Toughen up mate! it's not that hard.

So today was an eventful day, that left people who did the right thing a bitterness to those who chose not too.

23 is asking me about.. The Weather

2009-07-07T13:02:00.001+10:00

This is part of a mini series of 23 is asking me about.... Due to my lack of updating this said blog. 23 is what I fondly call my favourite 2nd cousin-in-law.. she also happen to be the only girl 1st or 2nd cousin-in-law I have hehehe....)

I don't know why 23 ask me about the weather. After all, she lives here as well!

Lately the weather has been quite pretty. It gets foggy/misty in the morning. Walking through it, you feel the coolness of the water droplets in the air.

Refreshing...

One particular misty morning sometime last month (Images from my office, the 45th floor!)

On a normal day

Pretty or not?

The other day, it hailed!

At the same time, it’s also been getting coold. Freaking Cold. My apartment with floorboards does not make it any easier for my poor toes!

Poor toes!

And the darkness oh my gawd… sighhh. (Signs of grumbling…)

I wake up at 6:30, it’s pitch black!

By the time I get out of the shower, with cleansed, toned, moisturised face and body half hour later.. IT”S STILL PITCH BLACK!!!

I leave about 7:30 and the sun is just peeking about the horizon.

At the end of the day…

It’s not even 5pm yet and it’s getting dark already.

By the time I leave work.. it WILL BE PITCH BLACK.

Grooooaaaannnn

Achieving your goals? Or still thinking about them!

2009-07-01T12:46:00.003+10:00

I was going through my archives and realise when I first start using blogger in February i was all keen and ambicious to blogging every other day. 18 entries for such a short month!

So far in June I have a whopping 8 entries!
May only a pitiful 6 and and angry ranting by my dear 23. Hence me getting all fueld up in June. Hahaha I only had 4 in April.. Goodness. Same with March.

So let's start July, being the official Mid-Year by analysisng my progress with my2009 goals.

With my previous entry, I noted down things I wanted to do and have done.

Mid Year 2009. Week 27, 182nd day of the year 183 more days to the end of the year..

1. Health Goals
2. Holiday Goals
3. Finance Goals
4. Career Goals
5. Relationship Goals

Well I did complete a 8 K run for my Health Goals and achieved my Personal Best (PB). My aims for a half marathon might not be achievable this year seeing fasting start end of August. I could aim for end of year just before Christmas. Yes new timelime...

I did achieved my Holiday Goals by going not only to Singapore to celebrate my bestie birthday but also to Perth (another "First") to visit my mom who was vising my aunt and cousin who was staying there for a month...

I am also going back for Raya this year! Woo hoo

New Zealand with My Man might not be achievable this year. We are going to Queensland to celebrate christmas with his family end of this year. And plans to visit Bali for a friends wedding next year March 2010 is in the books.

I have proudly met my Finance Goal althought part of my Msian trip budget is in there. Thanks to Westpac who took over the Virgin credit card. They are offering 0% interest till December! So that's leaves me to pay little by little for my debt (STOP USING THE DAMN CARD!) and slowly pay off my CPA subjects without dipping into my savings.

My Career Goals was achieved with full of happiness when I took the courage to look at my sms with my results on the 13th of June 2009. (results came out 12th of June!) and I PAAASSS! Was super excited that has got me motivated to do 2 subjects this semester. Repeating the 2 papers I failed.

Now to sort out the stupid mentoring programme that is needed to advance to CPA status once all my papers are completed

Finally my Relationship Goals... I will happily like to say that some advancement in our conversation and relevation and gotten both of us in such a happy place. And now I know for sure he is the one. With the scarfices he is willing to take just for me, I can not ask for a better man.

We are all NOT that perfect alll.. we still have stupid spats and fights. I still get annoyed at him when he hogs the laptop and the tv remote control!

So that's my long goals updates. Till next quarter maybe...

It's Snow Season!

2009-06-30T12:33:00.004+10:00

Well here in Victoria, it's been snowing since even back in May!

I hear global warming scream from people.

Anyways my 2 separate experience last year, one with 23's family. First time ever playing with snow and the second time with My Man, trying out snow boarding and skiing for the first time ever again.

I love this "first" experiences.

So this Sunday, to celebrate My Man's brother birthday. All of us 3 couples, My Man, Bro and Housemate are all trekking to Mt Buller.

This time I will stick to Skiing thank you! My memories of snow boarding last year wasn't too pleasant. Let's say, I had a few episodes of melt down and just sat on top watching people and the view.

So deck with my new Ski outfit that My Man and I recently bought for such a bargain at surprise surprise ALDI! Siap it was in my favourite colour- Purple. Swanky!

Sunnies - Check
Sun Screen - Check
Food to bring so we don't spend - Check
Extra clothing in case we get wet - Check

So now I will need gloves. Going to find some matching ones for my new outfit this Friday.

Weee, as much as I am quite daunted with the cold and the skiing, I know we will have a great time.

So to this Sunday!

23 is asking me about.. Concerts

2009-06-23T13:05:00.003+10:00

This is part of a mini series of 23 is asking me about.... Due to my lack of updating this said blog. 23 is what I fondly cally my favourite 2nd cousin-in-law.. she also happen to be the only girl 1st or 2nd cousin-in-law I have hehehe....)

Concerts... For those who knows me. knows I splurge on concerts. I pay top money to watch not only my favourite musicians but even for the latest "big" thing at the moment.

Once I'm there, I will splurge on Tees. These only-at-concerts-mechandise starts from AUD60 for a rather low quality tee.

And yet I love buying them! There's no stopping for me

The latest one I've been too that is still fresh in my mind and makes me sing out loud and do small dances in random place... is P!NK!

Check out the photos in my Facebook. You migh spy the latest photo of me with my new hair-do. Note I was all sweaty and gross looking, and the concert has yet to begin!

P!NK was truely amazing. Her physically demanding concerts. Doing trapeze acts, bungee droping, in super high heels. And all this while REALLY singing. No lip-synching for this punkish lady!

You can even hear her when she gets all breathless. Truely a class act.

And the set, oh mi gosh. So elaborate, so mesmerzing. I was just at awe and trying to take it all in was actually overwhemling!

With P!NK still playing in my head... I recently bought my all-time-favourite punk band that most people labeled as power chords trio, angry wannabies rockstars,... GREEN DAY. Yet to sample any of their latest music but I am stoked! However I have to wait rather patiently till December the 14th..

I still have Jason Mraz to upload photos and talk about!

A Change...

2009-06-23T12:17:00.001+10:00

I did it! It was not even pre-planned. She asked me, I said OK.

I was a bit taken back but somewhat was confident in her suggestion.

I was even calm when it happen.

I sat there just engross in a magazine.

And when it was all over... I was pleasantly surprise...

Yes it was good...

What the F*** am I talking about you ask?

..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

I've cut my hair short!

I'm talking short takleh ikat nyer rambut.

And and when I wear a beanie, I look like a short (and uglier hahaha) version of a Russian model. (My Man's words ah! No not the short or ugly word- that's mine)

So hello to the New Me!

I'm coming home babeh...Michael Buble

2009-06-22T13:07:00.001+10:00

Since 2005.

It's now 2009

4 years...

4 Hari Raya Aidilfitire I have missed.

I missed the festivity of familiarity and tradition.

I missed the kueh raya, the rendang, the ketupat

I missed listening to the sayu-ness of the takbir raya

All of these I did manage to relive in here in Melbourne with the ever expanding malaysian community here.

Most of all I missed minta zahir and batin face to face, salaming my mom, cium her hands, asking her for forgiveness for any wrong doings, to halalkan makan minum, dari hujung kaki ker hujung rambut.

And that I can't do with full sincerity over the phone. It's not the same

.........

So....

THIS YEAR I WILL BE ABLE TO DO JUST THAT!

Save the date! 18th of September! Open houses invitation is most welcomed!!! Weeeee

Melbourne is brimming with events!

2009-06-13T21:16:00.007+10:00

Last, last weekend me and my man went for the Food and Wine Show.

At first I was appalled at the AUD27.50 entry fee. If you wanted to see Gordan Ramsay in the flesh, cooking in a big hall for only half an hour, you would have to fork out AUD48.50. That nearly 100 buck between us! So we opt NO.

However even with the 27 odd dollars, I wasn't sure at the start it was worth it. My man, the usual miser he is (hee hee bukanler kedekut, suka simpan duit jer) sort of had to agree to go with me because I told a bestie that I can't go with her since I made plans with him.

So my man is hopping is not just a show per se but with loads of freebie food.

And boy, was there a plenty! Best giler. Try this, try that. Gourmet Cheese, Crackers,Homemade Biccies (biskut slang orang aussie), fresh pasta, chocolates, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, loads of wine!, pastries, sweets.

After 2 hours scrambling for freebies, we were actually stuffed! So with a few show bags in hands, we got home and had fine cheese and premium crackers! Fooh!

Last Friday night, I did something out of the ordinary in my entertainment world.

I attended a Ballet!

The Australian Ballet: Nutcracker- The story of Clara was amazing. The grace of the dancers, the sorrow and the joy of each performance. Tersedak when I see them dance.

Graeme Murphy's quintessentially Australian Nutcracker makes a long-awaited
return to the stage.
Nutcracker is one of the best known and most loved
ballets of all time. In 1992 Graeme Murphy created a brand-new interpretation
that took audiences deeper into the story of Clara. It has gone on to become an
Australian classic.
This Nutcracker is set on a sweltering Melbourne
Christmas Eve in the late 1950s. Clara is not a child but a frail ex-ballerina,
reliving her rich and eventful life in one night of feverish dreams.
Conceived jointly by Murphy and designer Kristian Fredrikson, this ballet
unlocks far deeper emotions than a traditional Nutcracker, while retaining the
luscious dancing, inimitable score and wonderful sense of escapism that makes it
such a favourite of children and adults alike.
Murphy's Nutcracker complements Peter Wright's traditional version, which entered The Australian Ballet's repertoire in 2007. This classical masterpiece is a feast for the senses not to be missed.

So was pretty open to going for more shows at the Melbourne Art Center be it Operas, more Ballets and whatever Melbourne is showcasing next!

This week I have Australia vs Japan for the World Cup Qualifying. Both country has qualify so it will be more of a friendly I suppose. And P!nk! Concert weeee.

23 is asking me about.. My Exams

2009-06-13T20:48:00.006+10:00

Yahoo Habis!

This is part of a mini series of 23 is asking me about.... Due to my lack of updating this said blog. 23 is what I fondly cally my favourite 2nd cousin-in-law.. she also happen to be the only girl 1st or 2nd cousin-in-law I have hehehe....)

EDIT: I forgot that this was one of the things 23 wanted me to write about. Probably more how the exam went then the post-exam. Well this post sum it all kaan.

I PASSS I PASSSS YAAAAAY!!

Aiyoh I sound likeI actually pass the entire CPA program! But this paper on Australia Tax was super hard. Imagine 13 modules all different taxes in Australia! Dahler income tax bracket bukan main tinggi, pas tu ader Capital Gain Tax laa, Goods and Service Tax laaa, Fringe Benefit Tax laaa...

But I PASSSSSS!!!

And this coming semester I am attempting two subject pulak... oooeerr wish me luck!

Do women really emasculate men?

2009-06-12T17:14:00.002+10:00

Do we? Do you? AskMen.com editor Emma-Kate Dobbin write in her latest blog on that topic and it made me laugh and lauuugh.

She writes that "These emasculating acts included: women asking men to hold their handbags; women beating men at sport; and worst of all, women saying “be a man”. "

And what I have been observing around here is that, I see not only men carrying "man" bags but some men are carrying their girl's handbags! And for some reason, it's always the Asian doing so.

You see this little, precious princess like girl, wearing super high heels and skinny jeans. Plaster in makeup looking rival to snow white.

Then her man, usually in a bigger size physique (I didn't meant muscularly..) will be carrying their little princess's massive LV/GUCCI/CHANEL bag.

Talk about being maanly.

I suppose with headline of bag snatcher getting ladies hurt or even killed, we might see the trend of your pakcik and uncles carrying their partners handbag soon.

And what's with some girls wanting their men to be "metro"? Do you really want your men to spend more money on skin products then you do? Borrow you foundation or concelear because *gasp* there's a blemish showing? Dressing better then you?!

Give me my rugged, a bit of a slob, manly MAN anytime!

23 is asking me about.. The Birthday and the 8km run

2009-06-03T12:28:00.006+10:00

I combined the both because yes, they were on the same day!

So on my 28th Birthday, I attempted the 8k Mother Day Classic.

The Mother days Classic is a charity event to help raise money for the breast cancer research. The’re a walk or run and it’s a fun filled family event on Mother’s Day.

Since 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised $4.4 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs. This is my 2nd year running for the event.

Last year I did only the 4k seeing that was my second charity run and was still not that quite fit.

I’ve done 10K run last year and proudly did that in 1:04:01. So with this 8K run, naturally I set myself some quite impossible goals.

I wanted to do it in 45mins!

That’s an average of 5.6 mins a kilometre! At first I was being bold, set the impossible goal!!

Then even after suffering through Run Club , I wasn’t quite sure I could even finish in an hour! The shame, after a 10K last year.

So the day came… Woke up at 6am to get all pumped up and ready to meet the rest of the run clubbers at 7am.

Part of my birthday present that I requested from My Man is that he come along and watch me finish the run. I've done 4 so far and not once was he is game to wake up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday to do so!

So he did hee hee. The night before he treated me to a yummy scrumptious Greek banquet. Kinda regretting it the next morning of the run but ow well.

I was all psyche. With my old nike top from my run last year, my new nike running ¾ pants with small slip pocket at the back, my new nike thermal head band that kept my ears warm and toasty, my nike arms band to put my phone that worked as an mp3 player. Hehehe what who’s sponsoring me? No one, it’s all me. Oh and reebok shoes HOWEVER I am planning to buy a nike one from this shop Active Feet

Podiatrists that sells sports shoes. That’s another entry.

So the run started. We were gearing each other for who shall set the pace. Apart from 1 guy who happens to be super tall, I was next in line as a pace setter.

But I didn’t realise aderenaline strike through that quick.

It seems I shot through the crowd like a bolt and got lost in the masses of people so none of my running clubbers even saw me ahead!

KM 1 past by – yay!

KM 2 came- waaateeer hmmm and oer is that a stitch coming up

KM 3 breath in through nose quickly breath out through mouth is “loosen” the stitch

KM 4- argh arghh pain pain and whaat? Did someone just finish the 8K race? Bloody hell. (He did it in 23:57, 24 bloody minutes!!) The first girl (3rd overall) came in 26:54

KM 5-7 I was seriously struggling, breathing in and out to get rid of that stitch at the same time focusing in front of me. All this while I didn’t see not one familiar face boo. Music pumping…

KM 7.5 ruuuuun ruuuun ruuuun oh my gawd only 500 meters

KM 8 Whoa 50 mins whoooa cough cough sputter. I nearly threw up when I pass the finish line

So awww Nadia didn’t achieve her impossible goal. Actually she nearly did. The official time on the timming chip strapped to my shoe showed

WHoooooooooooaaaaaaa kan kan only 2 minutes lebih and with the stitch!

So rather proud of myself and to celebrate that (part of my whole day birthday pressy) My man treated me to a big lunch.

Later that day, part of my birthday gift is to drive me around Richmond to find me a chest of drawers. Because I was to tired (tua kan hahaha), took a nap till 5. And we know all shops on a Sunday closes at that time.

Malam tu jer watch my man main futsal with his mate.

So the day was great, I achieved my fitness goals and tick a small one of the relationship goal. Good fun

In another post, I shall feast you with photos.

Do you wanna sleep with me?

2009-05-27T13:33:00.002+10:00

This is one of my many careless woes stories. Heheh fooled ya didn't I with the post title!

It takes me really only about 15-20 mins journey on the train to the city. The whole process takes about half hour counting me walking to the station, waiting for the train OR letting a few train pass me by because I can’t bloody get in. Walking to my office.

Rinse and repeat twice a day on a week day.

During that 15-20mins, I kill time by either:

Listening to music or if I forget my damn headphone
Stare into space- outside not to someone’s face, they might think I fancy them
Get some shut eye while trying not to drool or loop my head to someone shoulders
Discreetly observe people

I can’t imagine if you had to commute over an hour just on the train.

And imagine if you didn’t get a seat from your station!

This morning, all 4 above mentioned and the funniest bit was last one.

This girl. Quite pretty, notice the big rock on her left hand, looks youngish, of some kind of ethnicity- Greek? Who knows

She obviously did not get enough sleep the night before because she was failing at staying awake.
She was bobbing a head quite viciously to the left, to the right, to the front and to the back.

I really thought her head was going to snap!

She does come out of her “coma” like state every so often, just to lop her head once again.

Oooo and you should see the girl’s look sitting on her right. She was pissed. Sleepy girl was squashing her. Only because sleepy boy on sleepy girl left’s was squashing sleepy girl (read the sentence slowly, I’m sure you’ll get it)

Pissed off girl was rolling her eyes, trying to move as far as she can from sleep girl. I think she was short of shoving sleepy girl away!

For pissed off girl sake, I did nearly fall into sleepy girl’s lap with my humongous bag when I got up and the train abruptly stopped. It was by accident okie. No intention to hurt anyone. I think I might have stepped on her toes!

Well till the next carless woes story!

"Wide Open Spaces" – Dixie Chicks

2009-05-25T16:41:00.002+10:00

Who doesn't know what I'm talking about
Who's never left home, who's never struck out
To find a dream and a life of their own
A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone

Yes, I love The Dixie Chicks. I love their country music. And I love this particular song.

However it was today while listening to it, I really listen to the lyrics, and it bought a smile to my face and a small tear to my eye.

To find a dream and life of their own

Has it been nearly 4 year? 4 years ago, 25th of October 2005, 2 week before Raya. I left KL for Melbourne

A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone

Just to be with my man, and in turn also try out a career in Accounting.

Many precede and many will follow
A young girl's dream no longer hollow
It takes the shape of a place out west
But what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed

[Chorus:]
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces
She knows the high stakes

Boy the mistakes I’ve made here! But it only makes me stronger. And yes I knew the high stakes that my relationship might not even last, but a girl gotta try.

And am I glad I did…

She traveled this road as a child
Wide eyed and grinning, she never tired
But now she won't be coming back with the rest
If these are life's lessons, she'll take this test

Hahaha wide eyed and grinning was definitely how I felt getting on that one way ticket to Melbourne.

[Repeat Chorus]
She knows the high stakes

As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"
Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"
She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"
When she stood there and let her own folks know

Ahh this part is where I shed the tear because I know my mom was very very very crushed that I left. I know she still am. Now, retired, my brothers never at home. She gets lonely. I’m sad that she’s lonely.

[Repeat Chorus]
She knows the highest stakes
She knows the highest stakes
She knows the highest stakes
She knows the highest stakes

I know the highest stakes.. I know what I was sacrificing. I know what I’m missing out.

And I need my wide open space…

23 is asking me about.. How I spent my stimulus package moooney

2009-05-22T17:26:00.003+10:00

This is part of a mini series of 23 is asking me about.... Due to my lack of updating this said blog. 23 is what I fondly cally my favourite 2nd cousin-in-law.. she also happen to be the only girl 1st or 2nd cousin-in-law I have hehehe....)

If you are not currently working here in Australia, you will not be getting all giddy when an extra 900 Australia Dollars appeared in your bank account during the last few weeks.

Even in the anticipation of people waiting for their money, some fellow had all the time in his hands to create a website on how to blow you 900 bucks!
Heheh Check it’s description.

As always, I had my list of what shall I do/buy/see/go crazy. Discussions with my man how we can go halves on something big that the both of us can share.

And it came at such a great time. Between after the trip to Singapore till payday. Really kept me afloat. (for those who don’t know me, I do my budget monthly where I diligently allocate money to where it needs to be and keep quite a bare minimum to “spend” in the month, the rest, about 20-30% of my pay goes into my so called “high” interest online account)

However.. in the end, with about $200 going to various eating out, here and there, nothing too significant, I end up paying my CPA workshops and my credit cards.

Boooring kan…

So itulah cerita saya mengenai bagaimana saya menggunakan duit daripada government Australia.

Why I've been MIA...

2009-05-20T17:26:00.001+10:00

As I mentioned before, it was because of so called preparing for exams and at the very same time (whyy whhhhy however no regrets) joined a running club that made me committed to meet up my group and trainer 4 times a week.

And in between I manage to squeeze, Jason Mraz concert, Comedy Festival shows and a trip to Singapore.

Wait that was just THAT week.

And now it’s work..

Oh dear, my eyes are bleeding analysing line after line, account after account of excel spreadsheets.

And all for what?

Fringe Benefit Tax

Say what?

For those in Malaysia (or anywhere else for that matter), here in Australia and in New Zealand, when you give an employee “benefits”, you, as the employer, have to pay taxes on that.

YUP MORE TAX.

So basically say you going for lunch or have coffee on the company account.

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT for short mmkays)

So received tickets to theatre, shows, sport games.

FBT!

Car parking paid for.

FBT!

Basically anything that a benefit that does not comes under your taxable, assessable income, the EMPLOYER has to fork out the additional tax.

So imagine how back in Msia, the high flyers with their company cars, weekly luncheons, free holidays and accommodation.. imagine if each of those organisation have to pay tax on that!

At the highest bracket mind you. 46.5%

It’s not horror and such. There are a few exemptions but honestly that just covers the necessity like consumption of food and drinks at workplace, accommodation for employee having to live away from home while on project, certain medical but not anything excessive hence why in Aussieland you don’t get a see you doctor anytime card.

If anyone is reaaally interest to read up more on why I chose to do this (heheh not really by choice lah) check out the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) website.

Dateline is next week.. we are not going to make it.

So on top of that, there will be penalties and interest.

And we are still working on the amendment of 2007 and 2008 ones as well!

When will all this ennnnnnd?

Hehehe Kene Marah

2009-05-19T13:12:00.003+10:00

It's seem I've actually have dedicated blog readers that want to read my every move, my every ranting and my every.. everyday life..

So when everytime that person click on a link into this blog, and see It's May Already of my last blog entry... Ooo naik meradang dier!

Siap kene maki hamun. Maybe that's why I've been coughing alot these days.

So this is my short blurt to say... hang on hang on.. stay loyal. I shall be updating soon.

till then...

It's May already???!!

2009-05-09T01:13:00.004+10:00

Hahaha I really hope this won't be a normal occurrence. But believe me, It's been a mad mad month and I'm kinda glad I'm approaching serenity soon... or am i?

As per my post of exclaiming in surprise that APRIL is here... May came around!

But in short...

My exam is done and over.. It was yesterday.

I went to singapore and came back with great memories of fun, ben & jerry ice cream, pink dolphins, mates that I have missed so very much and 2 new shoes!

Jason Mraz was awesome. He sang all my fave song. Started with Rhapsody and ended with butterfly.. ahhhh

That same week just before leaving for Singapore I manage to catch the ever so hilarious Stephen K Amos and the not so funny Arj Barker. Will you believe I felt ASLEEP. Yes I did. Added that I was so tired that week, it wasn't funny!

My 8 K run and coincidental a very special day as well (Hint Hint, it's not ONLY Mother's Day) will be happening this Sunday. So far training has been great however I think my 45 mins for 8K is a distant dream...

My man will be joining together with me in that run. Hehehe see where he will fare albeitly he is fitter then me.. but endurance is another thing.

Work has been crazy but good crazy. Good crazy.

So yes my short update on me and till the next one.

900 dollars on its way!

2009-04-06T13:13:00.001+10:00

For those that aren’t aware. The Australia government (or the KRUDD government as ppl here call it, Kevin Rudd the prime minister) are giving out stimulus handouts to taxpayers.

It was initially challenge by some academic lawyer stating that it’s a gift and not part of the taxation measure for which the government had no constitutional powers.

That was rejected by the judges and now we should be expecting that from yesterday!

I will do my bit and spend some but really there are other bills that needs some attention first.

They are some mix reaction to this stimulus package. They are some handful that are sceptical and think we all will have to pay back somehow in the future. Be in raise in consumer product prices, or tax increases. Some blatantly disapprove this extra money and vow to donate to charity instead of spending on things.

Whatever the society feels, it boils down to that the Australian government is doing something about it. So many criticism on Kevin Rudd’s decision and planning but hey ATLEAST he’s doing something.

And it ends...

2009-04-05T16:00:00.004+10:00

And yes.. thats exactly what I did. And it felt gooood.

And also I was nursing a ermmm headache yes that's it a bad bad headache ;)

So winter is coming around. And we gain an hour with this daylight saving ending. That means finally when i wake up at 7 am to get ready for work, it wont be pitch black!

However when i go running at 7pm, it will be pitch black.

And it will get cooold! Oh I hate the cold. No amount of blankets, winter wear or even body heat will get me all warm and toasty.

I hate the cold... brrrr

Facebook at work anyone?

2009-04-03T12:04:00.003+11:00

Sneaky YouTube, Facebook peeks point to better office productivity

Intersting article! And being one of those said “WILB (workplaceInternet Leisure Browsing)” hehehe I couldn’t agree more!

Althought really I am only limited to reading new.com.au and blog online. Facebook, You tube the likes have all been banned including web mail like Gmail Yahoo Mail Hotmail.

Twitter? Not to sure, yet (or perhaps never) to jump into that band wagon. I don’t even know how rss feeder works! I’m already getting irked up on the new “twitter” style of facebook that keeps repeating stuff of a person updating their photo albums.

It’s true tho, I do need to zone out. Just a quick 1-2 minutes to flick onto a new tab on my interent explorer and read the latest goss/news/blogs on news.com.au. Then it’s back to my two computer screen of spreadsheet spreadsheet spreadsheets. Yes people, If you have not heard it enough, I shall say it again.

If Mr. Bill Gates didn’t’ invent excel, I wont have a job!

I would very much like to think it does add to my productivity! I s’pose my bosses has to vouch for me on that.

And I’m not one of those that go home and after dinner whtever, I jump to the computer and continue my adventures in the world wide web.

I instead chose my 42” plasma screen tv to destroy my already blurred vision.

So hands up who sneaks at work (or maybe it’s encourage at work) to do all the above. Use this article to justifying your action if you do get caught!

It's April already?!!

2009-04-02T16:29:00.005+11:00

Ahh it’s already the 2nd of April. I wanted to start writing on the first day, being April’s Fool Day and all. Then it might be too clique kan!

This month, there a lot going on with me. Too many infact and I’m getting a bit tired but at the same time enjoying the activities.

What I have this month:

5 weeks to my CPA TAXATION paper arrggghhhh
5 weeks to my 8K run arrrrggggghhh
Going to Singapore to celebrate a bestie bday
Jason Mraz on April 20
My man birthday this Saturday!

Banyak la tu wooooo.

I am getting a bit panicky that I have really that short period more to prepare for my exams seeing that I myself have to blame for procrastinating.

I am soooo glad I joined the running club (albeitly it’s cost me a bomb) cuz I am committed to someone (and my credit card) to be there and train. And my body is thanking me cuz hehehe (angkat bakul) I can see lots of progress in both fitness and body shape.

Been looking forward to my Singapore trip for these past 3 months! We girls are also schedule to watch CATS the broadway show! C’mon everybody..

“Memories.. all alone in the mooooonlight..”

I am so estactic about Jason Mraz seeing he has been singing to me on my Ipod shuffler these past few months. And I will be going to my 2nd concert this year with my man! This is a step up for our relationship and one of my goals in that category.

And talking about goals in relationship, we did another one together….

I played golf with him!

And And And… I did enjoy it!

How was my score? Aiyaaa probably 20 over! Hehehe My man- humppph don’t ask! 2 under!

Finally my man birthday this weekend. Have some things plan out. Got him a pressy- a watch that he wanted. Yes we are over the buy me whatever lah dear I will be happy, the thoughts count- phase. It’s now.. what do you want? Okies I buy hehehe.

Althought the poor man has to work as well on that day. Ow well

So phew that’s April for me and I’m already tired!

Draamaaaas

2009-03-24T10:24:00.003+11:00

Of the train system here once again.

As I walking towards the station, I saw hordes of people milling around the top. There’s where you stare on the screen to see when the train arrives and which platform to go to.

I went “ Oh oh”

You see the morning trains to the city alternates between platform 1 and 3. And to get from one side to another you have to go up the ramp, cross the bridge, then down another ramp.

Not a big deal you say.

Now now imagine this:
You look at the screen, the time indicates that trains are delay. It’s 7:56 but yet it stating the 7:49 trains will arrive in 7 minutes on platform 3.

Oooo kay so you proceed to platform 3, walk down the ramp happily (not really it’s is bloody 7:56 in the morning) and wait hopefully 7 minutes.

Suddenly at the corner of your eye you notice across platform 1, a bunch of people have ascend to platform.. and in a hurry too. Everyone around you at platform 3 wonders with bewildment and realise “ Dammit platform 3 train is not arriving first, platform 1 is!”

Before you can decide should you attempt to run there (that means up the ramp, cross the bridge and down the ramp), the train has come and go.

Fine so you wait patiently at platform 3 but at the same time keep an eye at platform.

Shortly you see people from the top walking towards platform 3, you stay you ground knowingly the train is bound to arrive at platform 3.

But wait noooo… do I see people walking down to platform 1? Ooo I see the train approaching.

Now this time you are not taking any chances, you along with a bunch of other communters, the young, the old, quickly rush towards the other platform.

Much to your dismay… (and panting your heart out!) you can’t even get into any coach.

It’s chockers (pack like sardine aussie slang way).

Everyone groans and grumble. It’s already 8:20. You are going to be late no doubt about it.

Now you wonder, should I stay at platform 1? Or walk/run to platform 3? You trudgling walk up the ramp to the bridge to look at the screen of doom.

It says platform 3, train arriving in 5 minutes. And it’s an express! Non stop till your destination.

You think “ Sigh, fine fine”

The connex wardens/guards/official/idiioots present at the time doesn’t seem to know what going on.

GUESS WHAT!

On platform 3, the train does arrives but then…

IT WENT PAST US!

It didn’t bloody stop even thought it was suppose to.

By now I was ready to kill somebody. I was already sweating in my suit running here and there.

And groaaann again you see people running to platform 1 and this time you don’t event care.

You run (I have too it was 8:30 already), push away the group of school kids that just embark the train. Shove the old and the young.

Just to bag a squash position in the cramp train.

And it’s not even an express!!!

Ahh.. the woes of carless me.

Concert in the rain

2009-03-15T02:49:00.003+11:00

I have uploaded some photos from the very wet but highly entertaining Sound Relief Live Concert.

Tak pernah saya melonjat lonjat sambil pakai raincoat! Sejuuuuk! and so the very basah!

New face!

2009-03-13T13:04:00.002+11:00

Ahhh finally, the joys of all those gorgouse free templates that I download but can never figure out how to modify it to bloody work..

This particular one is credit to Abdul Munir but the modified header was done by yours truly.

I downloaded it from here but score a cool free header from here. Now.. no copy cats out there!

It's so preeeetyyyy

Bits here and there

2009-03-03T16:46:00.003+11:00

EDIT: I'M GOING TO PERTH!!!

This Friday! For the long weekend! For only 3 days! Cam berbazir jer kan. Dahler 4 jam flight, pas tu tiket mahal.

The reason is because my ma will be there. She will be visiting my aunty and cousin currently holidaying there for a month hence the both fo us meeting halfway.

Sadly my bros can’t join her nevertheless It’s still great I’m hanging out with ma.

Next month , I will be flying to Singapore pulak. For only 5 days! Cam berbazir jerk an. Dahler 7 jam flgith, pas tu tiket mahal!

De Ja vu anyone?

The reason this time is because my girls will be there. We are celebrating a newly married bestie birthday that has moved to Singapore with her hubby. So 5 girls (minus 1 who has exam PLUS 2 husband and a child) will be creating chaos over there for the weekend.

AND THEN…

We might be jetting off to Strabroke Island in Queensland to celebrate My man’s grandpa’s 80th Birthday! Yes not only his grandparents are alive, they both are truly kickin’ around. Doing healthy and well.

My man even still has his second grandma still around!

Me, I am a granddaughter orphan….

Where is all this money coming from? Where! Where!

This half of the year is so jam packed with events, travels, activities, goals.. I am searching for weekend just to laze around not do anything! Lay on the couch, read a book, watch sitcoms and just pig out.

The joys and woes of public transportation

2009-02-27T10:08:00.003+11:00

Public transport here plays such an integral part in my everyday life here in Melbourne. And coming from back home, the system here so efficient. Trains, Trams, Buses. All with a timetable, all arrives either on time or just a few minutes off. You can view it’s network to work out how to get from A to B. Why in fact, on it’s website, there’s a journey planner! Simply type in where you want to go , like you address, a landmark, a town. And walla, the entire thing planned out with step by step details and a choice of times as well!

I pay $110 for my monthly ticket that lets me ride any mode of public transportation for as many times I need throughout the entire month. You might think that cost a lot but my recent trip to kl begs to differ!

Now If I were to work say in KL, KL. The golden triangle. Now I would need either to drive to Bangsar station or to be drop off. If I did drive, I would have to pay RM5 to park the car there.

Then it cost me RM2 one way to get to KLCC station using the LRT. SO RM4 two ways.

On a normal working day that will cost:
RM5 + RM4 times 20 working days is already RM180.

Lets not put exchange rate into account. That already $70 difference and my tickets takes me ALL transportation for the ENTIRE month.

Say, If I felt like going to Sungai Wang for Lunch, I would have to take the Bukit Nanas monorail. Pay another I think it was $1.50 ONE WAY. So that day itself with my car parking, it would have cost me RM12!

No wonder everyone drives to work. Might as well keep monthly parking somewhere that might be in the circa of RM100-RM150 a month.

But boy driving to KL is another madness by itself. Done it for over two years. And my jobs at that time was not even a 8:30 to 5! With my flexible/alternative hours, I still grumbled.

Still, here in Melbourne, the transportation does not comes with it’s crazy moments. I will tell those stories another day

Another concert in the line

2009-02-25T11:32:00.001+11:00

I’m so excited! Yes another live concert event is going to be held. Even better it’s for the Bush Fire Relief in Victoria as well for the Queensland Flood. Yes folks, there’s a FIRE disaster in one state and a FLOOD turmoil in another. This country is huge!

Anyways look at the lineup! And for $75 bucks and 100% goes into this fund, what more can you ask for!!

Augie March
Bliss N Eso with Paris Wells
Gabriella Cilmi
Hunters & Collectors
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson with Troy Cassar-Daley
Jack Johnson
Jet
Kings Of Leon
Liam Finn
Midnight Oil
Paul Kelly
Split Enz
Wolfmother

“ The Music Community Unite for Two Very Special Benefit Concerts”

The devastation of the current Victorian bushfires has left few unaffected. In response to our nations’ greatest ever natural disaster Australia’s music community have banded together for two stadium benefit concerts scheduked to run simultaneously in both Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday, March 14, 2009 under the unified banner of SOUND RELIEF

I can’t wait!!!

Jason Mraz live Yaaay!

2009-02-19T09:54:00.001+11:00

I got my ticket to Jason Mraz, lalala
I got my ticket to Jason Mraz lalala

It’s not only you all back in kl!

So that’s concert #2 for the year.
In July I have P!nk. Jason Mraz is on April the 20th!

I got my ticket to Jason Mraz, lalala

Cool, my first official tag for concerts!

Another Club pulak...

2009-02-17T15:27:00.001+11:00

Ooo this is like high school all over again. Joining this and that. Being active in this and that. And now I have to do my own cooking, cleaning and washing!! Where do I find the time?

The Toastmaster International has always been something I am interested in. I did go for a few meetings back in KL in the petronas twin towers with some friends. My mom was active in it while working.

So when my office started one and my boss is part of it to. I jump for it.

Quite excited gaks looking through new materials, reading through “”Tips for Adding Strength and Authority in your Voice” and “How to Become Skilled in Nonverbal Communication”.

I know you guys out there going “Apalah Nadia, corny nyer”

Shadap you.

First meeting TODAY!

Which also means my Tuesday running session has be replace with Monday morning session.

At god freaking 6 AM in the morning.

Tsk Tsk tsk….

Of New Year’s Resolution after a month..

2009-02-13T15:50:00.004+11:00

So is anyone on track with theirs? Did anyone even bother this year to make one?

Believe it or not, I do! I happily (and anally) do up my goals for the year and categories it as such:

1. Health Goals
2. Holiday Goals
3. Finance Goals
4. Career Goals
5. Relationship Goals

I jot down a few under each category then put a timeline at the end. Timeline are important if you want to see each of these goals met.

To date- yet to even run a STRONG 5 K let alone preparing myself for Health Goal #1- To run a half marathon (that 21.2K!) by July

Holiday Goals Well my plans to go to Singapore for a beastie birthday and balik for Raya in September has been started with checking out prices of flights. So far so good. Nak mintak leave ni tricky sikit hmmmm

Luke & I are planning a trip to New Zealand but yes the tricky part, getting leave yet again…

Finance Goal has been put on hold till hopefully this month as I am clearing out my credit card by this month pay day. Yay! People listen up never pay interest!

Career Goals Well I have received my textbooks for this semesters' CPA paper. And because I ni naak sangat impress my new boss, I am attempting the ever so hard TAX paper. The folder look damn thick. Yet to open it.

Relationship Goals however has been going on real well. Really really in a very very happy happy time. Now a step up and hinting to him I am not getting any younger!

Let me in your progress of your goals for the year!

The joys of running...

2009-02-13T14:37:00.005+11:00

I have started the running club and boy was I in for a shock! For those who I have not been babbling about my new found love of running.. I was able to run a 10K charity run last year on 31st August 2008 in 1 hour and 4 minutes!

Now lari 2 minute cam nak mati.

So determine to meet my goal of a half marathon (21.2K) by mid year, I entered a running club

Had three sessions with consist of 2 x 1 hour running session and 1 x ½ hour 1 to one 1 session with the trainer.

From my once a week, weak attempt to run to torture week. So far the trainer made us:

Run 2 laps of the Caulfield park which is 2.182 K one round. Manage to push myself to a mere 30 minutes for the time trial.

Do a squizillion lunges and made my things so sore

Did Abs work- the right way. So I’m feeling it till today

Did intervals running, 5 minutes run and 3 minutes walk. Did that 5 times.

This morning, I literally could not get up. LITERALLY. I had to shuffle my whole body to the edge of the bed in order to get up. Groaaan

Next session this Saturday at 9:30am, I wanna cry….

At the same time I am psych because I know on my own I wouldn’t put this much effort. And having someone teaching you the correct technique as well as having fun in a group.

Tomorrow’s V Day. What on everyone’s agenda? Giving it the miss? V day for losers? SO have it all planned out, the works: Dinner, Movie, Flowers, Choccy, Gifts, then something something hahaha

Animals have it tough too

2009-02-11T23:43:00.005+11:00

The firebush tragedy has been playing on all media across Australia. The death toll number is rising. I know this is all depressing news but I myself am shocked such thing is happening so near where I am right now.

This picture came out in the media recently and I thought it was a sweet image among all other images I have put myself through viewing. I just can't help myself...

Can't People Bloody Make up their minds?

2009-02-10T15:48:00.002+11:00

Sigh, penat tau when you work so hard doing something. And then people turn around and say No, I need this this and this pulak.

Especially if you have been working on the same bloody excel spreadsheet for the past 4 months.

I actually burst kat (sikit jer) today at work kat my boss. Who did understand my frustration tapi still doesnt help the fact I dah penaaaaaaaat la! Penat tengok bende samer jer.

Baru kul 3:51 I dah mati otak ak keje ari ni.

Looking forward to my running club today!

The Scorching Heat

2009-02-09T12:04:00.005+11:00

Yes, that’s how hot it was last Saturday. I didn’t want to believe it will happen seeing that Friday was only in the 20’s.

Come Saturday morning, 9:15am and I could feel the stinking hot air. With one broken glass panel on my door, I had to glad wrap it to prevent hot air rushing in.

Monday arrives, everyone is asking how’s the weekend and all. The heat was the last thing on everyone’s mind

People were just grateful they had still had their homes intact and the loved ones alive.

Black Friday, the worse bushfire in Australia history hit Victoria with such devastating consequences.

It was worse than anyone dared imagine. A hellish vision of nature at its cruellest has emerged, of a conspiracy of drought, heat and winds.
It is the tale of the Perfect Fire Storm. Something like 26 fires would blaze through Victoria on Saturday.

From the Herald Sun

To date 108 people have died and 750 homes licked by the fire. 6 towns has been burned to the ground. Kinglake, Marrysville, all gone.

Adults and children were being burned alive in their homes and even in the cars they were trying to flee with.

The worse ever thing that this fire might be the cause of an arsonist. From a flick of a still burning cigarette butt. With the drought and the dryness of the surroundings and close to 100 K/H winds blowing, It doesn’t take much for the fire to go strongly.

If anyone wants to view the aftermath of this tragedy feel free to browse through News.com galleryThere an interactive map that show the exact point of fire if anyone wants to take a look.

Silly Me!

2009-02-08T23:10:00.002+11:00

Laaaaa rupanyer my post comment was not working hence i was wondering why la no one leave comment. Kecik hati tau! (hint besar nih..)

This saturday...

2009-02-06T16:45:00.004+11:00

Forecast for Saturday

A windy day with a late cool change. Becoming cloudy. Areas of raised dust in the afternoon and evening. Isolated light showers after the change. Winds north to northeasterly averaging up to 40 km/h tending northwesterly 35 to 50 km/h during the morning.

City
Windy. Late cool change.
Min 24
Max 44
Maximum Fire Danger: Extreme
UV Alert from 9:40 am to 5:20 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 10 [Very High]

I think I will spend the entire day in the shower. That 47 in red is NSW.

Reads: Weather extremes: NSW melts, Victoria burns, Queensland sinks

The 'club'

2009-02-06T15:17:00.003+11:00

Guess what?! Guess what I just joined. No.. no.. No.. nothing kinky or exotic or that wow of a factor.

I’ve joined a running club in my gym! What’s a running club? Imagine a bunch of people gathering together either morning before work (6am-7am) or after work (7pm to 8pm) and run together! Weeeee how exciting. Hahaha I bet you lot out there are going WTF! (People who hopefully are out there reading but not commenting =( Commentlah!)

And the ouch factor here is not the time commitment. It’s the cost. AUD80 per week for 3x1 hour group run plus 1x1/2 hour one-to-one training. Apart from encouragement, commitment, motivation, there also VIP night to visit a podiatrist to analysis our running patterns, a one hour complimentary Advance Stretching & Myofascial Release Class. And a chiropractor will come by to look at our posture and our spine alignment. So all in all it’s not bad of programme.

Oh did I mention it’s a 12 week programme. Yup. 12 weeks contract

And we are working toward the Mother’s day Classic Fun run that will be held on 10th of May (Any guess why that date is also very SIGNIFICANT for me?).

There a 4 K or a 8 k. Last year I did the 4K so naturally I will aim for the 8K.

And to make it more concrete this goal of mine… I AIM TO COMPLETE THE 8 K IN 45 MINUTES.

I too just realize after I go home and chatted happily my new found motivation to my man when it dawn upon me.

Shhiiiiit my exams are on the 7th! I’m not sure if I’m more frighten that I have only 12 weeks to study this godforsaken subject on TAXATION or that I got two huge goals to meet in this short period of time.

Mati wooooo.

Keeping Cool

2009-02-05T11:33:00.004+11:00

Remember my earlier post regarding the heatwave?

Now we have many means to try to keep the temperature down.. Drink a cool ice drink, take cold showers (althought I can never do that, I still need a warmish one, stay over at mates house that has aircond…

We never stop and think about the wild life. The poor plants, crops and especially the poor poor animals.

This has been circulating around my officeand it even made the news. I thought of sharing it with you lot.

In Victoria the temperature has been above 44 degrees for more than one week and
more 40+ temperatures have been forecast. Electricity supplies are failing,
trains have stopped running because tracks are buckling under the heat. It’s
just scorching. And it seems that the people are not the only ones suffering.
Check these photos of a little koala which just walked onto a home's back
verandah looking for a bit of heat relief. The woman filled up a bucket of water
for it and this is what happened ....

Comel nak mati!

And for the weather updates: we are expecting a 43.5 degrees heat this Saturday. Boooo

Hey Big Spender

2009-02-04T17:15:00.005+11:00

That's the Rudd Government for you! Australia. It's been announce that Mr Kevin Rudd is forking out $42 billion job stimulus package. All designed to keep recession at bay. ALMOST 12 million Australians will received some of the cash benefit. Wonder if this applies to me? After all I am a taxpayer here.

Under this new stimulus package:

LOW and middle-income families who received Family Tax Benefit A will next month get a "back to School" $950 bonus for each school-aged child.

FAMILIES with one main income earners receiving family Tax Benefit B will get $950.

WORKERS earning up to $80,000 will get a $950 tax bonus in April <-- That's will be me! Will let you know if I do indeed receive such a thing

THOSE on $80,000-$90,000 will received $650

THOSE on $90,000-$1000,000 will received $300

STUDENTS and apprentices on Youth Allowance, Austudy,Abstudy and Education Entry Payment will received $950.

On top of all this, The Reserve Bank has slashed interest rates to a 45-year low.

All this is done to encourage the consumer to spend spend spend. Don't keep money in your savings or pay your mortgage! Go buy a Prada Bag!

As much as it's good that the government is helping out the nation as w hole, personally I think this will make the society believe that we are indeed approaching dooms day hence be more cautious with our spending. No one in the right mind is going to spurge on silly stuff. In fact, I, myself am going to stuff this extra money (IF i get any) into my high interest (quite rubbish) and see if I can afford to buy a house.

It's not really a long term benefit if there's going to be a huge deficit in the Federal Budget.

SO what will you do with the extra money? (IF you get it!)

Of getting back into work

2009-02-03T19:42:00.007+11:00

Ooo I’m on a roll. Two days in a row! And also I’ve been looking at Excel Macro codes the entire day, my head is spinning.

I bravely invite friends to read about my daily musings. Silly me forgot to supply the darn URL. Sorry girls! Atleast it gives me a chance to tweak around with the template. What do you guys think?

Been back in Melbourne (after 3 weeks in KL) for only just over two weeks. It seems like months with the things that’s been happening.

Short Recaps:

Australian Open.

If you are a fan of Federre, you would have been bitterly disappointed and if you were a Rafa fan, well good on you! Well deserved win! Poor Federre was too choked up to even speak when he was presented the runners up plate. And Serena Williams with her 10th Grand Slam

The Mad Heat Wave

With the tennis going on, the crazy heat wave came as well.

Monday	25.5	Kinda chilly
Tuesday	36.4	Phew I was sweating
Wednesday	43.4	My Aircond kong out and we had a black out at night, I wanted to die
Thursday	44.3	The trains got delayed and canceled during after work rush hour. What usually take me 10 mins to get home, took me 1.5 hours. I wanted to cry.
Friday	45.1	For some reason I manage to miss all the chaos of the trains fiasco.

And thanks to my dear friend Ngokngek, I got a the pleasure of staying over her fancy-modern-pricey(!) apartments that had central aircond. Blisssssss

Today is only max of 31 degrees and it rained! For like 5 seconds. My poor overgrown garden is now a garden of dead plants and even weeds!

Ahh Melbourne and it’s funny weather. Constance entertainment and amusement to me.

Note: I have been playing around with the HTML codes. It's driving me crazy hence why this image is not turning up and a huge space in between. sigggh

It's the New Year!

2009-02-01T21:29:00.001+11:00

February 1st 2009, the 32nd day in the year. 333 more days to the end of this year. What does it hold for me?

Yes unlike the usual clique of people starting something new in January, I thought it's seem right to start it today. Also I've been umm-inng and ahh-inng whether I should start writing again. That's procrastinating for you.

And I've been actively blog hopping and realise how much I missed writing. How I love reading other's writings especially friends. It kinds of make me feel closer to them regardless of me being so far away. And when the time comes for me to fly back home, It's like these days aparts never happened.

So here it is, the start (once again) and hopefully the continuance of my ramblings...

Note: I'm a bit sad I couldn't take up zest4life URL as it has been taken but yet to be updated since December 2004! Anyone knows how to delete other people dusty accounts!