Long distance romance...

We all have heard of other's attempts in making a long distance romance last...

Either a friend or a friend of a friend...a workmate...a workmate's friend...your cousin or some relative...but how many have you heard ended up having really successful relationships, where one moved to be with the other and they lived happily ever after?

The long distance relationships I have ever heard of usually ended up with both people still at opposite ends of the world.

This is why I was extremely hesitant in starting something with him while I was in NY. In my head, long distance relationships don't last. And it was fortunate for the both of us, I was open to the idea of remaining friends, so we kept in contact since day dot until now...and now we are in a long distant relationship.

It was good that I went to Mauritius straight after, because it was there that I witnessed a long distant relationship that worked and ended up with a happy outcome.

It seems all too crazy. We have both told our families about each other and of his intentions of moving to Sydney to be with me. His family is all supportive of his decision and mine, are simply happy because I am happy.

Its been long overdue for the both of us...

He remained single for the past 3 years by choice...for a similar amount of time, I gave up on ever finding a partner and accepted the fact that it was just not meant to be. So, I was happy just being single and carefree.

Its extremely hard, I don't believe I have ever worked this hard at a relationship before. But it is all worth it. I'm completely gushy...and I'm talking about things that I was so closed off to, previously. Everyone I tell gets excited, you would think that they just got engaged or they were pregnant...with the reactions they were giving me at the news!!! *LoL*

I'm really fortunate...for him coming into my life...for the family & friends that I have, who are completely supportive. It makes a huge difference.

I covet vintage...

I am an old soul...If I believed in reincarnation...I would believe that I was once born in the 18th Century and then again in the late 19th and then some time in the 1940's...i think.

I can label those times in the past, because the jewellery that I covet are from those times. The pair of earrings I saw in a store window while I was in Vance, South of France, was from the 18th Century.

The jewel encrusted combs and necklaces, earrings, bangles, bracelets, rings...all the ones in the museums I roamed in while I was in NY...

And now all the rings, brooches, and necklaces I have acquired from the last 2 weekends from my supplier...all from the 1960's...It has made me think. If I was born in the 1940's then I'd be in my 20's by the time it was the 1960's and this would be the type of stuff that I would own!!!

I love the jewels set in them...the details...its all costume, but you would never be able to find such pieces today.

It takes my breath away...the beauty...the delicate features...the fact that it has lasted this long...the fact that it is one of a kind.

A lot of the pieces, my supplier obtains from auctions in the US...her family picks them up and sends them over here. I was overjoyed this Saturday, that through the doom and gloom I found gorgeous pieces. It made my weekend.

I even went to the extent to buy some boxes to contain them. I ended up buying those boxes you store loose beads in...the clear ones...it really shows off the jewellery and keeps them separate, so that the gold and silver don't mix and lose their colour off each other.

I have a feeling that this obsession will continue. I rarely wear brooches, but I adore the look of brooches...Its like an addiction...I'm addicted to buying vintage pieces...I get such a buzz...I'm almost skipping back to the car each time I have completed a purchase and decide to head home. My head is high above the clouds...I'm probably smiling from ear to ear...hehehe...

I sooo covet vintage jewellery with my old soul...

Stressed...

I get knots in my traps when I stress out...

My left side was in pain a week ago...and i got over it and i thought everything was fine again...and I knew it was because I was doing weights the other day and that was the cause of my pain.

And then this week, the right side started hurting...I know it wasn't the resistance training, because I was avoiding it to ensure that I wouldn't hurt the left side again...so, it left me to wonder what was the problem?

It started to feel better, so much that I was thinking of heading back into the gym tonight, but I woke up today and it feels all knotted up again. It might be the way I sleep, but I have slept on my side for all my life, I don't understand why it would hurt me now.

I'm guessing that its the stress from work and I'm probably actually sleeping with my neck tensed up. How weird is that?

I've been moving along with my projects at my own beat. I was pretty lucky to have projects that were being resourced by the same people over and over again and it was always a small team. But I recently got thrown into the deep end. My manager, I'm assuming is trying to push me further so that he can dump the bigger projects on me...

Which is fair enough...it has been 6 months, perhaps he thinks I should be meeting other people in the company, where as I have only been dealing with people in my area for the while.

I'm being forced to take more charge and making calls with limited information.

Since its a decommission of a platform, a lot of people think its a ripping out and binning hardware sort of activity. But unfortunately, its never that simple. Yes, new platform is in and working A-Ok, and the old platform has no traffic...but the systems and applications that might "expect" or "anticipate" traffic from the old platform...thats where the problems are...things need to be shut off in a particular sequence, as the expected communication between applications may cause problems in a production environment...even if its from an old platform with no traffic.

Why is it soo hard for some people who are in fact technically minded to understand that there are potential risks?!?!?! Its my job to manage and mitigate the risks...it is their job to identify the "technical" risks because they are the technical people!!!

Yes...I am stressed...

I bought a ring...just not the one I was covetting...

I decided to drag my Mum shopping with me last night to the local jeweller.

I couldn't find it in store...and remembered the girl warning me that during sales, there is usually only one of each item at the store. So, if it gets sold that is it. My heart sank, thinking I couldn't even show my Mum the ring to get an opinion.

But then I tried the window display and found it...but there happened to be another ring in the display beside it. I asked the sales assistant to show me both.

The original ring I wanted was too loose. The other "new" one fit perfectly. Mum and I fell for this "new" one...and I handed the money over.

As it was new stock, it wasn't 50% off. I got a 20% discount instead and the manager round off the price to the nearest hundred.

Its pretty...

Is it wrong to buy yourself a diamond ring?

I tried on this ring that I think is cute and pretty at a jeweller yesterday. I wasn't actually looking for anything, as I was helping a workmate pick out something for his girlfriend's 21st birthday. But as we waited for the store assistant to wrap up his purchase, I noticed this ring.

I asked to try it. It fit on my finger perfectly.

The store is currently having a 50% off on everything in store. So, as you can imagine, I was tempted.

My conscience said, give it back and think about it. So, I managed to return it and left the store.

I kept thinking about it all night. Weighing it up.

Its not a huge diamond, ie engagement ring standards. Its just a pretty decorative dress ring, made up of tiny diamonds totalling 0.25 carats.

The thing is, I don't know if it is worth it. Even with the 50% off. As it is from a typical chain jewellery store. Its set in 9K white gold...but I'm used to 18K white gold...

Can I afford the ring? Yes, I can pay it in total in cash if I wanted to. As with the sale, its an alright price. I actually paid more for a ring without diamonds while I was in Florence last year...but my justification is that it was a holiday purchase...I was meant to be ripped off!

It fits my middle finger perfectly.

The colour of the diamonds are about J or K...but due to the size of them, you wouldn't notice, especially with a naked eye.

I have been wanting to buy myself a ring for a while now. The rings I have at home, just don't feel right on, anymore. And since I can afford to purchase something for myself now...I was thinking "Why not?"

Before NY, I told my Mum that I wanted to buy a diamond dress ring. Sort of similar to Samantha's mentality (SATC Movie- when she went to the auction to buy the flower diamond ring). I work hard for my money...I can now afford to buy myself significant jewellery...so, why not?

Why not? I guess, with the current financial situation, would it be considered that I am flaunting my money around? Isn't there a smarter way to invest my money, to guarantee some sort of future? Its not like I'm buying a substantial sized loose rock as an investment though...

I don't know.

I like it...it fits...I just don't know if I should.

The word "should" has stopped me twice from saying yes and handing over the money. It stopped me yesterday and it stopped me today.

=(

Oktoberfest...

My Oktoberfest celebrations started on Wednesday October 1st with my Europe trip friends from South Australia and Sydney. We met at the Lowenbrau and had dinner with bier.

Friday night, was the continuation of the Oktoberfest back at the Lowenbrau. This time with my ex-workmates. And this was the start of a big weekend...

First we were being served by the delightful Boris...who made sure we had the "pretty" waitresses serving us our drinks and meals, meanwhile Boris had his eye on Andrew...

*LoL*

The dinner was great...I had the special veal ribs...nice and tender....and mash is always good. Shame there was only two ribs...everybody else was happy with their pork bellies. Afterward, we indulged in dessert and some cognac...which I didn't have because I knew it would put me over. Instead, I had the conventional sweet stuff.

I went home and slept all the way through until about 11am on Saturday. Bummed around the house for a few hours, watched some tv, was chatting online with my NY-er and then continued the Oktoberfesting at the Fairfield Showground.

When we got to the Showground, all three of us were blown away by the size of the festivities and the crowd. It was really really fun. I have never been to the Showground for the Oktoberfest before, and I'm glad we finally made it.

We got inside and went in search of some food and settled on a bratwurst/roll/potatoes and sauerkraut. Then my friend lined up for the bier - Austrian first...German later...and some apple schnapps for later with my mini pancakes. I like the fact that we had souvenir glasses to take home...one for the bier and one for the shot.

After we watched the barrel being cracked open for the opening of the event, we continued talking, drinking, talking, eating, drinking and later decided that we needed to do something outside of our comfort zone. So, with the rides outside...we decided we were going to go on one.

We picked the Ranger...similar to the pirate ship, although smaller in scale, but nonetheless still as scary. So, you can imagine 3 tipsy people hopping into a ride and thinking to themselves - "WTF, why did I say yes to this?"

But after screaming on the ride non-stop...and were not just shouting there were a lot of "I hate you, C...!" and I would come back with "I love you, V...!" and a lot of "woohoo..." coming from me! *LoL*

The only time it was uncomfortable for me, was when the ride was doing 360 degrees backwards and stood still while we were completely upside down for about 5 seconds. That was when all my blood rushed to my head...and it wasn't thrilling at that particular moment...but other than that...it was a great experience that I had totally forgotten about.

I used to love going on rides...and doing exhilarating activities...but for a while there, i became cautious and safe...and so, i have forgotten that feeling of excitement...that rush.

I'm glad, relieved, proud of myself in traveling on my own this year...venturing outside of MY comfort zone and doing things that make me feel alive.

I felt fear, paranoia, frustration, the sun, the ocean, relaxed, fun, tipsy, sheer joy, sand, coral, fun, excitement, out of place, welcomed, a part of an extended family, loved, like a wall flower, special, beautiful, cold, wet, warm, fuzzy, respected, like a jet setter, rich, poor, glamorous, casual, dowdy, smokin' hot, cultured, happy...happy...happy...

I will not change anything about this year...not the bad and of course, not the good.

But last night...last night was the defining moment. It was when i verbally acknowledged that I'm at the right place in time of my life.

27.5 is the number. It is the age I feel that everything has come together. Things in my life are still evolving...but I feel like i'm home, I fit in my skin, no longer awkward...and even if I do feel like it from time to time...I know how to deal with that awkward feeling at 27.5.

Just like in the movie Il Mare, where the guy tries out the girls weekend...by drinking a beer, running like a lunatic and going on the scariest amusement park ride that was outside his comfort zone. Realisation comes at moments like those...and I have had mine.

Its funny that all this comes out after I have had a few to drink. Quite uncharacteristic of me...but I like it.

I will be detoxing now...but there is no regret over here...

If you haven't been to the Oktoberfest at the Showground before, I highly recommend it...just don't go on your own. Its a festival...and festivals are best with friends!

Hello Kayla!

My brother and sis in law are proud parents to baby #3 - Kayla.

She was born into the world yesterday morning...making sure the world heard her, she was crying loudly. No need for spanking. She did it on her own accord.

I saw her in the early evening...a full head of hair...really hungry...really cute.

I'm just grateful that she is healthy, and both mother and child are doing well.

Does this make me clucky? No.

I now have 2 nieces that look like me...they could easily pass off as mine. I told Mum as I drove her to see her friends (after visiting Kayla in the hospital)...that I don't need to have kids...I now have 2 girls that look like me!

Is it enough...? Sure is for me! At least for now...

I was thinking, before I went to NY and Mauritius...that when I got back, I have to be proactive and write up a will and get my finances in order. Its now time to do all these things. But writing up a will is...I don't know...I know I have to do it, but I don't really want to. I don't fear death...its going to happen...maybe I'm just lazy??? I don't know why I keep putting off writing my will.

But anyway...about my gorgeous baby niece...its funny to see how each girl reacts to her new sister. When Chloe was born...being the first she obviously got use to the attention. So, when Aimee came into the world, Chloe was not surprisingly miffed that she was no longer in the spotlight. Being older now, when Chloe visited Kayla she warmed up to her little sister right away. Aimee on the other hand...I think she realised that she is no longer the baby of the family...so, she didn't quite want to hug Kayla...hehehe...kiddies and their hierarchy!

Overall, from watching her sister's example, Aimee warmed up to Kayla after a while.

Welcome to the world Kayla...*mwah*

My last week in NY...

My last week in NY was the best week in NY! I found a guy who proposed to me, a man who adores me and is 99% sure he wants to move to Sydney for me...and many, many men who think I'm beautiful and gorgeous...and I hadn't even spoken to them yet...so its not because of the accent.

I also got to shop in SoHo and along 5th Avenue. I barely scratched the surface of the shopping in NY...but I loved what I was able to shop in!!! It feels good to be able to spend on things like jewellery and lingerie, and finding the clutch of my dreams a year later. I didn't buy any shoes as I had planned...even after visiting SAKS and their shoe floor (Level 8) which has its own Zip Code - 10022.

But I did buy Chanel Beige...a Chanel Signature fragrance which is only sold in SAKS 5th Avenue...those girls who helped me turned my sad day around. It smells divine on me and I couldn't stop sniffing my arm! *LoL*

The weather was fabulous until my last day. But what more could I really ask for. The hotel I booked was nice and no bed bugs in sight. They were accommodating and the concierge helped me quite a lot. I didn't have to worry about a lot and after a day roaming around, I found my bearings.

Americans aren't awful people, I actually really like them...there are a couple who have attitudes, but its NY!

I met a gorgeous lady in Takashimaya and I bought some make up from her...she made me beautiful for my evening out on Friday.

Sooo much to write...so little time. I'm heading for Mauritius and I am currently sitting at HKIA waiting for my flight.

Its really weird...I've flown so much on this trip that I now feel like a jet setter. I know exactly where to go and what to do, especially at HKIA.

Oh, I dread going home in a weeks time. I will be extremely depressed!
=(

But lets not dwell on the negatives...1 more week...and it is in Mauritius...some much deserved R&R.

I "heart" NY so much...

My experience of NY has been great so far...the family stuff...a bit crazy...but NY itself...I am thoroughly enjoying. I'm also enjoying the fact that I am a hottie over here and everyone loves my accent and I'm considered petite. I get stopped by random guys on the street who tell me I'm beautiful and I get proposed to by a guy named Chase at the Quiksilver store in Times Square...and then I get taken out by a friend of my Aunt, who is totally crushing on me and has told me that I'm basically his dream girl! *LoL*

At the wedding there were a number of guys who were flirting with me left, right and centre. I think I got them weak in the knees by simply speaking to them...initially, I wasn't flirty...but then I got clued in and started milking it for what it was worth!!! Hey...I'm only here for 1.5 weeks, why wouldn't I make the most of this opportunity to have fun??? They all know when I am leaving on Saturday...I made it pretty clear...but at least now, I have some people who have offered to keep me company when my Aunt goes on her honeymoon.

I went a bit crazy yesterday when I was in SoHo and went to the market with B. I love every piece of jewellery I bought and will always treasure them. Thanks B for lunch, I hope you adore the pieces you got too! And thanks to Guenevere Rodriguez for being such a talented jewellery designer and maker. She is such a cutie and you would never guess her age! She looks half her age and is such an uplifting beautiful soul!!!

I was just telling B that I wanted to buy rings a moment before we reached the markets she was showing me to. I just had this craving for some rings and was considering buying myself a diamond. But these unique, delicate, divine pieces will tie me over for some time...I might be calling her for a private sitting to buy some more. *LoL* We were talking and I told her that I was from Sydney and will be leaving this Saturday...so, she offered to set up and private session for B and I.

I found the clutch, the one with a broken clasp I oh so wanted in Zara Spain last year...over here at Zara Broadway. Can you believe that??? A year down the track, I find the clutch again...and this time, the clasp isn't broken! Albeit, it is not in the colour I wanted...but the patent mock croc look is cute too! It was meant to be...so, even though its more expensive than when I was in Barcelona...I couldn't help myself!

Places I have visited so far: Chinatown in Downtown Manhattan, Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, Times Square and the M&M Concept store...SoHo for my Aunt's office and shopping - picked up some things from A|X, Zara, Victoria's Secret and Sephora...Katz Deli for their famous pastrami sandwich - I made the guy serving us blush! We also went to Cafe Wha...a place the locals are familiar with and apparently had great buffalo wings (which I liked...but I don't know about the blue vein cheese sauce). They have stand up comedy and a live band for entertainment and a range of cocktails and drinks with all the yummy food to order. When the music and singing starts, people get up and dance in the aisle...its a cool, funky underground place to visit on a Friday night for live entertainment. Apparently, Greenwich is the place to be for this type of thing.

I also went to a place that only locals know about. A friend of my Aunt's who came to the wedding got totally smitten by me and wanted to show me a part of NY that I probably wouldn't have been able to get to by myself. Its the NY Water Taxi Beach...which sits some where near Queens and its basically an area opposite the United Nations building, across the water...I think it is the Hudson River...don't quote me on that as I still don't quite have my bearings on correctly in terms of direction...we were there after the sun had set and it was like a club, but out in the open...there was a tent where the dj was playing music and there was all this sand (I think the area is a man made beach, although you would not go into the water)...a bar to the side and a food stall on the other...it was like a festival...and across the way...you had the NY Manhattan City all lit up on parade.

It was really pretty and quite relaxing for me...I'm so glad that I made a new friend who was free to show me this last night. He also happens to like Broadway musicals...haha...so, I have a companion to go watch something too!

Okay...its currently 11:30am on 2/9 in NY...my Aunt has invited the in-laws for a family brunch/lunch thing...I need to get ready and set up the table...

I'm soo not missing Sydney...and although I am loving NY, I can't wait for the change of pace in Mauritius for the R&R.

Not a good start to the trip...

I figured since it would be a late check in...I'd do it online 48 hrs before my flight.

I get to the airport at Syd Int'l and I go to the First Class counter, because I was told to and the customer service person holds me up for 1 thing...my connecting flight from HK to NY...apparently even though the stupid system only asked for street name and suburb...the US want more information now. Its pathetic! Why only ask me limited information and allow an online check-in and then cause me complications while I check-in my 1 bag luggage??? Grrr...

I get to HK and check myself into the lounge and find that my CC is over its limit! Like WTF? It seems the credit which was due to my account will take 7-10 working days...for a cancellation of a hotel which I found out had a recent break of bed bugs...and the new booking for the 2nd hotel was processed in a day!!!

So, basically, this is a F#$%ing expensive holiday...I had to make two lengthy calls on my mobile to find all this out...it will also take a couple of days for the money I transferred to that CC to be processed!!! *sigh*

I just can't relax with all this sh!t happening...I worked until 5:30pm last night...leaving me with 2 hours to shower and finish packing before my brother would pick me up and take me to the airport.

Still not packed...

There isn't much time until I go to NY & Mauritius.

I'm getting more worried than excited. All these projects I have that decided to take flight this week and the scheduling of activities with multiple parties is driving me nuts.

For one project, my tech lead has left the company. So, I feel a bit stranded and lost. My technician doing the implementation is leaving the company next week...and there is no replacement...its cutting too close to the launch date and I don't want to be the one to let the customer know that their expectation may not be met. Even though they know he is leaving, because they fund his contract and they know its ending next week. I'm the one who has to remind them that they didn't want to keep him on and therefore, their project is in jeopardy because one team held us up and now he is leaving. *ugh*

I don't need this right now.

My other projects, I have managed to talk to the sponsors and got them to agree to implement the changes when I get back. But the changes happen the week I get back. So, i'm trying to line everything up now and just execute it upon my return...with the jetlag.

I come back on a Tuesday...return to work on Wednesday. Crazy, I know...but I'm a contractor now...I don't get paid while I'm away and that would hurt the pockets...especially with the mortgage.

I cancelled on my dinner this Saturday night. My friend is sick...so sick, they were in bed all day yesterday. I told the friend that if they were in bed all day Thursday...they really wouldn't be "better" by Saturday night. I'm not keen on getting sick before my trip, I started getting a sore throat on Monday and started taking Ease-a-Cold lozenges and it has subsided.

I can't seem to find any of my bikini's...I wonder where they all went???

Because I haven't started packing, I don't know what I have or what I am missing...I'm getting frustrated at home...I'm all tense...and to add to things, my muscles in the legs are sooo tight, I can't run like I use to. And I think I'm starting to get a shin splint on the right. Dammit!

Today is full on...next week will be hand over documents...*sigh*...

I haven't started packing...

I'm usually half packed a week before my overseas trip...at least my hand carry is done with some clothes and my necessities...

This time around...well, my bridesmaid dress isn't completed yet...I don't know which suitcase I'll be bringing...and I'm not sure which hand carry to bring.

The only thing I know for sure is that I will be bringing a number of dresses...the handbag I bought at Paddington...the leather sandals I bought from Witchery...my toothbrush...toothpaste...moisturiser, sunscreen, make up, accessories for the wedding and my silver shoes for the wedding.

I still need to find an appropriate bag to carry my stuff on the wedding day...I don't know who the bestman is, so...its not like I'm going to ask him to hold my lippy for me! *LoL*

I also still need to find a nice bikini for Mauritius. There is one I really like from Victoria's Secret...but the delivery takes too long for Sydney, and I could send it to my Aunt's place, but I don't like buying clothing online...what if it doesn't fit? I already have a hard time as it is trying to find clothing that fits, while shopping in person!!!

I stopped eating carbs in the evening and have been exercising every day this week...I'm taking a break tonight, but will be at the gym this weekend on both days. Its amazing what no carbs after lunch can do with the flab on your stomach. I swear that an inch has come off my waistline because I stopped eating carbs after lunch. When I sit, I don't get those crazy rolls...I still have a bit of the roll effect, but I'm happier with what it is now.

I just need to remember to sit upright, and I'm good.

I still have to book something for the last couple of nights for NY...no, I haven't done it yet. I might leave it until I am in NY and see how I go with staying at my Aunt's.

I haven't picked up all my travel documents yet...I'm going to try and collect them today...

I also have to write up 6 handover documents, so that the next person who picks up my projects in my absence, has an idea of what needs to be done next.

*sigh*

So much to do...so little time...

the one thing you never want to lose...

In general, I don't like losing anything. It drives me up the wall to find one of my possessions is missing. I think it comes from the idea I have about myself, that I know where everything I own belongs. But my room is tiny and its crazily over crowded with my stuff, so not all handbags fit into the 3 boxes I have for handbag storage. I have soo many shoes, that not all shoes fit into the 3 designated areas: in trundle boxes underneath my bed, the tallboy by my door and outside my door.

When posed with the question, what is the one thing you never want to lose (Excluding your vision, health, family, etc. Has to be a possession...)???

I came up with nothing.

There isn't that one thing that has sooo much sentimental value to me that I would feel like killing myself if I ever lost it.

Nothing.

I don't have any one thing that my parents have given me that mean so much. I guess, its a hard call for me. I was never really close to my grandparents...and nothing sentimental was really passed on to me. I guess you could interpret that and say it speaks volumes...or not.

I don't own superdooper, uber cool gadgets. So, there is no fear of losing that.

My photos...well, the photos that matter today are all digital...I can't lose those in a house fire, as most are online...thankfully.

If someone robbed my house and stole my watches, i'd be extremely miffed, because they were expensive gifts, but I wouldn't be mourning the loss as though it was a dying cousin.

Does this make me just a heartless b*tch? Or does it mean that I am less materialistic/consumeristic than I thought I was.

I feel extrememly saddened and get terribly emotional when people tell me stories about losing love, faith, or hope. I don't feel much when they tell me the lose a physical thing. Yeah, I feel a little sad that a friend lost their favourite thing, and I'd feel angry if someone stole something from a friend...but not for their loss really - more for the fact that the friend got violated.

Hmm...I wonder if I ever have that one thing...?

Paddington Markets...

I have been struggling to find the right leather handbag for about 3 months...so, I finally decided that I should go to Paddington Markets and maybe, just maybe I'd find "The One".

I was very specific as to what kind of leather bag I wanted. It had to be brown, it had to have a flap to cover the top of the bag, I really preferred it to have a zipper as well as the flap, but I would make do if the flap had a secure clasp, it had to be vintage in design, and it wouldn't go astray if the leather was uber soft to touch, I wanted it to be under $100, and I wanted it to be unique.

Where could I find something like that?

It had to be Paddington. It took me about 30 minutes of walking around the main area and the one aisle I considered taking a miss, happened to be the aisle I found Charlie Middleton! The bag I found was the last in its colour, the last in the type of leather it was made of (the leather is soft to touch, like rose petals and comes from Italy), and it was just within my budget ($99).

Ben, the sales guy, just knew how to sell the bag to me. He told me to look inside...and its got the cutest lining!!!

I was quite taken by the bag, and thrown by the price. I'm not use to buying really expensive bags...yes, I have paid perhaps $60-80 for a small leather clutch...but in general I don't spend that much on handbags. And as a girlfriend points out, I'd spend much more on leather shoes and they go on my feet!

Then I walked and spotted some illustrations that I adored. So, after perusing the extensive collection of illustrations by Hoang Nguyen, I walked away with 5. Three is a series of baby elephant pictures inspiring creativity, learning, and gaining strength. I bought it for my baby niece who should be born while I am in NY or Mauritius...so, in my absence, when she is taken home and put into her nursery, she can stare at the illustrations I have bought her.

Thinking I should stop, since I spent so much money in a matter of about 45 minutes...I decided to walk back to the bus stop...but I ended up detouring and stopped at Luisa Clare's boutique. Luisa Clare makes these really cute clutches and really good leather satchel bags, and accessories. The sales guy I was speaking to told me that she was expanding into fashion, ready in time for Summer, which is why she was currently on sale. She was trying to sell her stock in the store, so she can close and renovate for a week.

While I was in the store, I found a really gorgeous beaded clutch. Also brown leather, but not as soft as my handbag. I was smitten. It was reduced from $129 to $49. How could I say no? So, I ended up with 2 bags and 5 illustrations in about 60 minutes of shopping in Paddington.

After that purchase I thought I should fast track it home and I had an appointment with my gym that I couldn't miss in the afternoon.

My observation with Paddington Markets is that over the years, the price has gone up, but that is pretty much everything on the market these days. There are things that have changed and yet there are some things that are still the pretty much the same as it was 8 years ago, and the fact that I could find something so specific without THAT much stress in less than half an hour at the markets - really says a lot. I wish the fudge store was still around and the ice cream sandwich guy was there too, but oh well...Paddington Markets will always have a special place in my heart.

The holiday...

An ex-manager is going to Dubai to work. He had his farewell last night at the Uber Bar. It is a great opportunity for him and his wife, but that doesn't stop it from being a sad goodbye.

The first manager (FM) I had worked for at my old work place turned up at the farewell too. We started chatting and I told her about my NY/Mauritius trip. We were talking about the shopping and she was ooh-ing and ahh-ing and I jokingly said she should go.

She took it as an invitation and was making serious consideration. The friend who is getting married in Mauritius was tipsy by this time of night and overheard our conversation and insisted that FM attend her wedding.

So, here we are in the middle of the bar with retro music blaring in the background and FM seriously umm-ing & ahh-ing over the amount of leave and what a great holiday this will be for her.

I don't have a particular problem with FM. She was a good manager and treated me well. I didn't have to suffer any PMS type of outburst...so, it was all good back then.

But FM is the type of person who I can only take in small doses. I can't really imagine spending a week with her, let alone 2 weeks. And I'm not sure that I want her to get to know the real me. The real me isn't all that flash! *LoL*

I told my mum about it and she was just relieved that I won't be on my own in NY or Mauritius. And true...its a good point. I will have someone's company and accommodation will be half the price!

Let's see how it pans out. If FM manages to get everything organised in 4 weeks, well, then I guess it was meant to be...

L.O.V.E.

One of the best project managers I have ever had the chance to work with (and I wish he was still here to have the opportunity to be mentored by him), is the subject of my post today.

I didn't know the particulars of his engagement to his fiance...or the motivation to go work abroad in some place exotic (Gibraltar???), etc.

I simply thought he was motivated by the same reasons as anyone else who wants to work abroad. The convenience of being in a central location to explore neighbouring countries, being immersed in a new culture, and tax-free Euros or Pounds.

But there was more to the story.

I only found out a few months after he had left, some pertinent details and I'm slowly seeing a panoramic view, versus the snapshot.

O&F, I believe are the perfect example of true love.

A number of months before they got engaged, they had moved in together...a month or two after F fell ill, quite severely. O was away from work or working from home for a few weeks while F was in hospital all that time.

I didn't know until after they left Sydney, that she was actually diagnosed with a serious onset of a debilitating illness. She didn't know of anything that was wrong with her health prior, and since that day she was diagnosed, she also found out that there was no real cure.

So, the engagement, the travelling, the wedding abroad, the great escape plan O organised...I believe it is to give F (as much for O himself) beautiful memories.

I remember all the planning he put into it. I remember him coming into work early one morning and telling me that F bought her wedding dress and yet they hadn't picked a real date yet, but he was soo happy, she was soo happy.

I recently looked at some photos of O&F at a friend's wedding on O's site. F looks really frail...I mean, she has always been a tall, slim girl...but her large eyes were even larger because the rest of her face has sunk back from the loss of weight. And yet a comment on her photo from O was "F looking as beautiful as always..."

When I first met O, I thought he was an arrogant, stuck up, heartless guy. I didn't like him to be honest. And then over time, after a very long time...we started to work more closely and I got to know him better.

I see now, that O is a top bloke. I see how much he loves F and wish that everyone could love and be loved that way.

Their wedding day will be on December 27, 2008.

They have been travelling through Europe and he deliberately planned a month in Italy with F, to visit her family there. They spent another 2 months going around Europe and will be going back to London to organise the wedding.

What amazes me is the amount of energy and good spirit he is maintaining. My energy would wane and I would feel really sad and probably be depressed...

O, if you ever read this...you are one truly incredible man. I wish you both all the best...

Intelligent marriage advice...

I have been reading the blog "Metrodad" for a while now.

I like the fact that the writer is straight up about things, insightful, smart, and really funny. As his bi-line reads "poppycock from a cocky pop"...

Today, I came across his most recent post about his 7th Wedding Anniversary and he listed his advice for those getting married.

"One, always remember that marriage is about the journey, not the destination.

Two, always remember that a great marriage is like a duck. Everything may look smooth on the surface but underneath, you've got to paddle like hell.

Three, keep in mind that the key to a healthy long-term relationship is never go shopping for shoes with your wife.

[Also, if you can afford separate bathrooms (usually both for her,) go for it.]"

I'm posting this up here because I think his advice is spot on...even #3. I think it is spot on not just for marriage, but for any long term relationship...especially #2.

I think from time to time, we all forget the fundamentals about relationships and when people offer advice that hits the mark like this, they should be noted and remembered.

So, in future...if I get married and my partner and I can afford it...I'm going to suggest separate bathrooms!
;)

Age and fertility also an issue for men...

I saw this on the news last night, but only caught the headline as I was leaving the house for my spin class.

So, when I came across the headline again on SMH today, I thought I should give the article a read.

Its really interesting that doctors have now found clinical evidence that its the "DNA damaged sperm" of men over 35 y/o that causes failed pregnancies and increases the chance of a miscarriage.

"She said sperm with DNA damage, common in older men, was still able to enter the egg during intrauterine insemination, which could result in failure to conceive or miscarriage.

But in the case of in vitro fertilisation, the outer membrane of the egg stopped sperm with DNA damage penetrating."

The 'she' is Dr Stephanie Belloc, the study's author.

So, basically what it comes down to, is that if a man and woman are both older than 35 y/o, then it would be really, really hard to conceive a child. Didn't we already know that? I guess, what this shows is that there is proof of why a persons age is an important factor when trying to conceive.

DNA damage...who would have thought that your DNA could be damaged by the age of 35? I didn't even know DNA could be damaged. I mean, so much so that you body (the female egg) knows to reject a "DNA damaged sperm".

Which is basically saying "Sorry, your sperm is just not good enough!"

Ha! Nature sure knows what it is doing...and we're only just finding out now.

Freedom to think, speak, believe...

World Youth Day...5 solid days between the 15-20 July, 2008.

Don't you think it is getting beyond ridiculous that NSW is considering (if not already passed a law) to prevent people from wearing a t-shirt with a slogan that is "anti-Catholic"...or has a message that goes against what Catholic's believe in, and thereby finding it offensive?

In the SMH today:

Police and volunteers from the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service will be able to direct people to cease engaging in conduct that "causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event".
People who fail to comply will be subject to a $5500 fine.

Be wary, those in and around the city during this period...you don't want to forget about this event and be seen with a t-shirt with a slogan on it that could be deemed offensive, in front of a World Youth Day participant. You might find yourself being body searched by the police and handed a fine for $5,500. Later on, well after the event, you will find yourself in court wondering what it was that you had really done wrong to begin with to find yourself in such a situation. Because, afterall "causes annoyance and inconvenience" is a broad statement!

Now, what about the offense the World Youth Day is to all those who are not participating? The offense to all the people who do not believe in Catholism. Its not really about the religion, I'm actually more concerned about the principle. The idea that I need to be careful about NOT offending someone else with something that I might believe in or feel strongly about - it's just crazy!

Don't we live in a society where we live by the freedom to think, speak, and believe what we want without having to worry about getting fined for it?

FYI - The law applies to more than 40 city locations, including museums, galleries and cinemas, as well as Darling Harbour, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Randwick Racecourse and parklands.

Check the news or smh.com.au for further details.

Cold wintery night...

What do you do on a really cold wintery Saturday night? Do you brave the cold and wear a skimpy outfit and heels, waiting in line to get into the supposed "hot" city night spot???

Or are you like me, and prefer to rug up on the couch with a really warm throw and a DVD in the player with some chips or chocolate and a hot drink?

Then there is another alternative (one of many depending on your mood)...

Get all rugged up with a warm coat and scarf (beanie too, if you don't mind the hat hair later) and brave the cold between your house and the car...then brave the cold between the car and one of your favourite cafes...where you can meet your friends to play some games while you wait for that mega bowl of tender chicken pieces (the way real nuggets should be) and wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce...and of course...your choice of coffee, hot choc, or my favourite hot apple cider with whipped cream!

Mars Hill is just the place...and E has never played Jenga and it has been forever since he played UNO. It seems that both games can induce great stress...for E anyway! *LoL* I believe we were there for 2 hours...but I had the best night in a long time and it was worth braving the cold for such an event. It wasn't planned...it was on the spur of the moment decision...it turned out to be a very good night.

Mars Hill is on Church Street in Parramatta, on the far end near the Riverside Theatre. Its a small quirky cafe that has an extensive range of coffees and hot drinks, as well as cold drinks...there are also a number of nibblies and snacks and cakes. I think they have some more substantial things on the menu, but I haven't taken a proper look, as I'm often there after lunch or dinner. There is a tallboy down the hallway that houses the games...trivial pursuit, monopoly, jenga, UNO, battleship, mastermind, connect four and a number of other games...

There is a lounge area at the front, a couple of tables and chairs behind the front lounge...there is also an upstairs with more lounges and table and chairs, a private room with the U-shaped bench, but the upstairs is used for live performances on Saturday night which there is a $10 cover charge to enter and its not quite game-friendly.

Its a bitter sweet place for me to visit. I was introduced to Mars Hill by my ex-bestie...shame...and it's also a place I visited with my ex-bf quite often, during our courtship days...

I'm glad that I am able to replace any sad, bitter feelings with warmth and laughter...definitely go back to play UNO and jenga and any other game we can get our hands on in the future. And I definitely recommend the hot apple cider (remember to stir the whipped cream and let it dissolve into the drink...yum!)

The problem is...

I can easily tell you now, what the problem isn't.

This post stems from last weekends low point and a post I read on "Ask Sam" - How to be a Happy Bachelor.

In all honesty, I don't want to be in a relationship just to be in one. I'm not keen on getting married or worried about my ticking bio-clock. I've heard of enough sad stories about relationships where the couple stay together even though its not working, that makes me adamant that I will only marry a person if I love them whole heartedly, and not because I'm lonely.

It would be great if I found that someone, but I'm fine with the way things are now. My career is heading in the right direction...I get to go on wonderful trips - all self funded...but what brought on that aforementioned "low point" was the fact that I realised I no longer have enough single friends to call upon when I want company. So, the problem isn't a partner...the problem is that I need more friends.

Think about the time in which you would want company...most likely the weekends. Most couples spend the weekend together as they haven't seen their partners enough during the week...which is fine. The single friends that I have remaining, well they usually have plans. Not sure what...but they are doing something. So, I really don't know of anyone who is in the same position as I am...wanting to make more friends and not knowing where to find them.

Keeping in mind, I'm not a sporty, group activity type of person and even when I was searching the web for ideas on things to join, its pretty sad that the feedback from Google is actually speed dating as a "social activity"...which it is, but I don't think its the place to meet friends with common interests to expand your social network without giving the other person a misconception.

Its sort of funny, this turn around...they way I feel about networking online. When I was younger...way younger...I used to meet people via mIRC...it was the thing to do, especially when I was in uni. Now, it feels really odd even though everyone is doing it these days...so many people are online and its quite the avenue to socialise...I mean there was a time when it was okay to put ads in the paper...now its via another medium and its a social norm. But for me, there still seems to be a stigma that comes along with it.

Its probably in my head, but because it is in my head, I won't be getting over it any sooner.

Conditional shopping...

I have refrained from buying things for a few months now. All in the effort to save for my NY - Mauritius trip...and I spent a heffer on printing my holiday photos, making photo books, collages, buying albums...9 months after the fact.

But something happened last week, that has spilled over into this week...damn Stocktake Sales!!!

So, it started last Thursday where I bought myself an outfit for Phantom...

Then on Friday night, while I waited for L to finish work, I stepped into Hugo Boss and bought my brother a tie...

And I've tried soo hard to not to buy anything since, but Target is having a massive DVD sale and there are all these packs that are 2 for 1 DVDs at such low prices!!!

So, I went to Target today and bought 4 DVD packs...as I walked out and went up the escalators I was confronted with Cue...which prompted me to consider buying a black skirt, because my favourite black skirt is barely holding together at almost 10 y/o and is obviously losing its shape now...and since I'm a member, I recall there is an extra discount with the card for today.

I waltzed through the store and no black skirt bigger than a size 6.

So, I go to Myers and find the same problem...nothing bigger than size 6, and nothing smaller than size 14. Then, a sales assistant asked if she could help, just as I grabbed a charcoal-ish coloured skirt, but sort of a hue of brown. She went looking for a black skirt my size...while I wandered around. She finds 2 skirts for me and I grab the charcoal-ish one too and march into the change rooms...And what do you know??? The charcoal-ish one fits like a glove...

The sales assistant asks how I'm doing, I ask her to bring the matching jacket to the charcoal-ish skirt and she said there is only one size left...so, I try it and that fits like a glove. I show her and she is really surprised it fits so well...odd how things pan out.

The suit is actually half price...but I got an additional 20% off...so, thats 70% off overall. Talk about a bargain!!!

I must stop shopping, even though I'm finding bargain buys during this sales period...
>_<

I do really need to still save for my holiday!!! *sigh*

Gripe...

I saw this lady, carrying a really cute clutch...very art deco...and white...I think it was glomesh...The odd thing was that this lady was carrying it at the Macquarie Centre and she was a big lady in a sweat shirt, baggy jeans and chuck taylors...so not right...incredible fashion faux pas! It wasn't the fact that she was big that was the problem...it was the whole ensemble she was wearing with the bag that made it seem so off.

I've resorted to listening to my ipod while I work. I don't know what it is, but it helps me focus, so I can do the boring menial admin tasks - like project reporting. I really don't want this to become a habit, but it seems to work.

I really hate it when all my resources assigned to my projects go on leave without telling me. They sort of like drop a bomb on you mid-week before they go on leave. So, any planning gets reduced to a frantic panic attack, because there is no one left to do any work to ensure the deliverables get...well...delivered.

I also hate the days where I am scheduled in back to back meetings for the whole day...no work gets done. Instead I sit in meetings that various new technical terminology gets thrown around...different solutions get thrown around...new teams get referred to and names get thrown around...basically by the time I get out, my eyes have glazed over and I wonder what all these new things are, but I have no time to really find out what they are because I have to go back to my desk and try to do some work so that the day is not a complete ride off.

My workmates and I had formed a syndicate and for the last 3 weeks we re-invested our small winnings into the next highest jackpot for Lotto/Oz Lotto/Powerball. But today we got informed by the organizer that the run has come to an end...I guess I won't be retiring early.

I need to speak to a financial planner/advisor...I need to work out how much extra I should put into my Super so that I can retire comfortably...and perhaps earlier...I also should consider my options for investment. I tried a calculator on CFS website and found that for retirement at 60 y/o, I had over estimated and would be living very comfortably...that is assuming that I will always be paid as much as I am now for the next 33 years. I had also used a calculator on the HSBC website and found that if I made extra repayments, I could reduce my home loan from the 30 years it is now to 9 years. So, as you can see, I need to speak to a specialist in this area to help me figure these things out. The trouble is finding the time and making the effort...I'm going to deal with this after my holiday to NY and Mauritius.

The songs...the music...the stage!

Phantom of the Opera was spectacular!

It took me to a place that I had totally forgotten and it left me wanting more. More musically and more emotionally.

My first experience with Phantom was when I was probably 11 or 12 y/o. I bought this pack from the newsagent which came with a booklet and cassette with all the songs from the musical. I listened to it over and over and over. And somewhere along the way, I lost the cassette and never listened to the Phantom ever again.

On Friday night, it was the first time I had listened to the whole musical in ages...were talking maybe 15 years. But from the first score...all the way to the end note, I recalled everything from those days when I used to listen to my cassette on my walkman.

The production was beautiful. It was moving at an exceptional pace, ever so dynamic. WAYYYY better than the movie. The movie had bored me. The show made me love it again. L and I couldn't stop talking about how wonderful it was as we were walking back to George Street. If only I could tell you about the stage without ruining it for those who have tix.

It was so innovative and glamourous...I was dazzled with how things moved, so to speak...

If you ever had an inkling to go and watch this musical...please do...you won't be disappointed!

The Phantom of the Opera...

I'm going to see the Phantom at the Lyric Theatre tonight.

I'm excited because a male friend who is so not into these things went to watch it a month ago with clients from work...im impressed that he wore a tux for the evening and he was glad too, because where they sat, it really called for black tie...anyhoo...he thoroughly enjoyed it and was amazed with himself that he enjoyed the show...and his feedback was that it was awesome!

Emailed my aunt about her wedding and wondered if she was going to have a Hen's party...I forgot that they don't refer to it as a Hen's night in the US...its a Bacholorette Party...

She responded and said that it would be happening on the Friday before the wedding...I think that is cutting it really close and what that really means is that we can't get her really drunk...I wouldn't want to be bloated before her wedding day, and I don't think she'd be keen on it either.

How interesting...at least I will make it for the Bacholorette party and see how its done in NY...I wonder if it will be remotely similar to a SATC type of affair...hehehe...that would be cool!

I bought a black knit dress and red coat for tonight...I hope its dressy enough...its not black tie, obviously because I'm wearing it at work...and its definitely not the type of thing you would wear if the person you are with is in a tux...lets hope its passable, considering I'm not sitting in a VIP seat.

Oooh...I can't wait!

SATC...The Movie...

On Friday at work, I found out that as part of the Sydney Film Fest, they were showing Kung Fu Panda at the State Theatre for the same price as a normal movie tix. So, I got all excited and tried to buy a ticket....but to my dismay it was sold out!

=(

So, I tried looking for Gold Class tix to SATC to make up for my disappointment in missing out on Kung Fu Panda. And I found a tix for Sunday in Gold Class. So, on Sunday I watched SATC. Unfortunately, I had a stoopid man sitting next to me who made the most ridiculous comments at the most inopportune moments and it irritated me sooo much I really wanted to tell him to shut up!!!

No - we should not just FORGIVE a man when he cheats on you!!!
No - we don't deserve to be cheated on by our husband because of "you know what!!!"

And NO - you don't deserve a girlfriend or wife who will cook, clean and make sushi - placing them strategically on their naked body waiting for you to come home as a surprise on Valentine's Day...because you are an a$$hole without a heart.

I really could have kicked him where it would hurt.

I think he ruined my experience. Because I left really annoyed and dissatisfied. I have to watch a bootleg version and see if I like it without that a$$hole around.

Not to say that I didn't cry...I was talking to my brother's gf and we both cried at the same scene, because we felt extreme empathy and it was something we could see ourselves do, if we were in the same shoes and our friend was hurt like that. But saying that, we both cracked up laughing straight after the scene that made us cry...actually, it was probably the same scene...hahaha...

I'm currently sitting around waiting for my car to be serviced...its going to be a while.

hmmm...

I was going to write about something...and when I finally opened up this page the thought flew out of my mind.

Buble, last Saturday night was really good...I oh so wanted to hear Funny Valentine again...but it just wasn't meant to be.

=(

L and I drank a jug of Sangria by ourselves at dinner before the show and it was great!

Due to some weird circumstances, I ended up with 2 free tix for tomorrow night. I'm taking M with me and its going to be fabulous. I've never been to a concert where the support act was actually really good too! And Naturally 7 are really amazing...you just need to hear them and appreciate that it is only the 7 members...no instruments...no equipment...just them and their ability to manipulate their voices.

V just sent me an sms about Mraz coming back to Sydney for another concert. I knew he was going to come back, he said so the last time we saw him at the Metro...I just didn't know when.

My workmates and I have pooled together for the $50M Powerball syndicate...I hope we win something tomorrow night! It doesn't have to be big...just something.

Its a long weekend this week...you don't understand how much I am looking forward to this! I don't have any plans at the moment, but I think I may just veg at home over the 3 days!!!

=)

DVD all the way...I mean its going to be raining all weekend, so why not?

Trivial...

I participated in a Trivia Night held in support of a charity. It is a small charity for women and children in Afghanastan. I'm not going to get into the details of the charity itself but we raised over $3000 and they were still counting. Considering that it wasn't a BIG event, I think we raised a decent amount.

But on to the night...it wasn't a catered event, so we were encouraged to bring our own drinks and nibblies. We brought chips, lollies, wine, and ordered to pick up wood fire pizzas. It was like having a picnic at night, but in a room sitting at a table...ok, so not quite, but I felt like I was having a picnic at night while playing a game. *LoL*

I was feeling a bit fearful that I wouldn't be able to contribute as much, but I think I contributed with the art questions and some pop culture...some maths questions...the cartoon characters...so, it was fun. I think I'd want to play trivia more often, and if you consider that we only had 5 in the team, while all except one other table had a full team of 8, and we came 3rd last...so, we didn't do that badly overall...right? hehehe...

I'm also considering joining other clubs and societies...I was thinking about doing Toastmasters, something I don't have to commit to on a weekly basis, but on a bi-monthly instance will work better for me. And its about time I went back to public speaking and improving my leadership skills.

At this trivia night, because it was held by my English teacher and Year Advisor (male + female, respectively, who are partners) there were many teachers from High School. It was deja vu for us, as much as it was for them. It has been 10 years, so the question on everyone's lips when they spoke to me was "what are you doing now?" And when I told them, it made them feel good that the education I got from their school had paid off. And it was interesting that in their eyes I'm successful. It was what I imagined a school reunion to be, in terms of the questions asked, without it being a reunion.

I'm currently feeling lazy...2 weeks of working extremely hard has made me want to turn into a vegetable. But I have to write up some documentation tonight. I'm refusing to touch anything now...i'm going to enjoy my day.

Excitement...

Is it wrong that I am more excited over a cartoon and not Sex and the City? If it is...well too bad!
=P

I'm not even "THAT" excited by the next and final Indiana Jones, as I am about KUNG FU PANDA!

I swear...the moment I saw the trailer at the beginning of the year, I was counting the days when it would finally be open in the cinemas and its 1 month and 4 days away...yes, I'm counting...

I'm a fan of SATC...there is no doubt. But I know the gist of it...which is why I'll watch it in the cinemas and get all giddy about it...

I grew up with Indiana Jones, just like most of you...and I have the 3 dvds...so, of course I'll appreciate this final installment...

But Kung Fu Panda is new...and the panda...he reminds me of my older brother...*LoL* It cracks me up. Just typing about the fact it cracks me up makes me smile.
=)

I can't wait until the 26/6...

Wrinkles...

After only 5 days in my new role, I have managed to acquire 2 vertical frown lines between my eyebrows...

I believe it is from stress.

All I can say in response to my face is a half hearted "F#$%".

Lets get on top of things!!! *grrr*

Beginning of something...

I was like "this" tempted to buy a diamond pendant for Mum, this mother's day...shame I just committed to buying fares to go to NYC and Mauritius.

Yes, I've committed myself to going to NYC and Mauritius over Aug/Sept. The airfares for the whole trip was actually okay...but then add the taxes and various levy and it adds up to almost $1K. Like wtf?

Working at the new place was a shock to my system...i had an explosion applied to the brain. Travelling to and from work is crazy...travelling between offices is crazy...i need to remind myself why i chose to do this. Everyone moves around so its really hard to track someone down to train you on anything and if the person is present, they are extremely busy or on the phone with a client.

Sink or swim...? I'm chosing to float first and then breast stroke my way through, keeping my head above water. Be nice, be pleasant, and know that you a very capable of making this work.

I'm ashamed of myself...I didn't organise anything for mother's day this year...but I'll take mum out and do something...

Happy Mother's Day to all that are out there...

Movie ticket for one...

Is it that sacrilegious to go to the cinemas and watch a movie on your own?

I don't think so.

And I went today on my own. I was hoping to catch Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but missed it by 15 minutes. So, I opted to watch The Other Boleyn Girl instead. And I got to admit that I really enjoyed the movies...on my own...its like watching a dvd at home...on your own...the only difference is the size of the screen.

What do I have to say about the movie itself? Well, I'm pretty sure that it isn't historically accurate or sound. But, since I can't remember much about Anne Boleyn, although I did study her in history back in high school, I really enjoyed it.

If I don't check my watch during the movie, then it wasn't boring.

If I don't continually munch on my lollies, then it was engaging.

If I don't think, "WTF?" at the end of the movie, then it satisfied my need to have a clear ending.

I can't say it was the best movie I had ever watched, but I enjoyed it and it served its purpose for a Sunday afternoon. I'm not sure if I would recommend this movie to everyone...i think its a movie only for some.

Ayurve Wellness Spa...

I booked M and me an hour long relaxation massage as a birthday present for M last night. There was a promotion which enabled me to purchase 2 sessions for the price of one. Which was fabulous, I needed one soo much. And M also really needed a massage.

What I didn't anticipate was that there would be two massage beds in the same room. I was expecting the both of us to be in separate rooms, but no...we had two beds in the one room! *LoL*

I never experienced a massage with another person in the room before. Not that it really made a difference, but it was odd all the same. The two massage therapists were matched to our different heights. The taller one massaged me, and the shorter therapist massaged M.

I told my massage therapist that I had a sore back from doing weights at the gym, so she concentrated on my back longer than the rest of me. But had I known better, I should have told her to concentrate on my traps and shoulders and my head. She only massaged my scalp and head 3 times quickly before the hour ended and it felt so good I didn't want her to stop.

M also wished that her massage therapist spent 30 minutes on her scalp and head and neck.

Next time...

I really needed the massage. This week has been stressful. I know, its my second last week...why am I stressing? Well, the company has just realised that I know all the finances for the program (over a 2 yr period), and nobody else has a clue whether their position is good or bad? Their client has no clue either. How ridiculous is that? I'm the only one...a contractor mind you...who knows where their financial position stands. So, I have been stuck doing more financial reports than I could ever recall, and I'm not even a finance person. I have a meeting with their client next week...grrr...to explain to a board of men how much money had flowed between the two companies.

I know its late and I should go to sleep...but I can't be bothered right now.

I actually need to do work over the long weekend.

*sigh*

Lars and the real girl...

I went to Dendy's Opera Quays last night...I've forgotten how much I enjoy going to the cinemas at Dendy's at CQ.

I had wanted to watch Lars and the real girl when I found out that Ryan Gosling was in it. I really enjoyed Half Nelson and no, it is not because of The Notebook...I still haven't watched it yet and probably never will!

If you are after a feel good, offbeat comedy that is done really well, this is the movie to watch. Might be a tad sappy for the blokes...but I loved it. I was actually moved to a point where I got teary eyes...M was moved too...she really needed a tissue while we were in the cinema, but her male friend was sitting between us and I didn't know she needed one until the movie ended and we got out.

Don't get the wrong impression...its not a cry-fest or anything like that. Its a feel good movie after all. Its just that there are moments that tug on the heart strings...there are moments where you feel what the characters feel...there are moments where you feel warm and fuzzy and it brings a tear to your eye...

AND there is a lot of laughs...I laughed quite a lot actually...to a point that I started getting self conscious about it.

Briefly, Lars likes keeping to himself and lives in the garage, while his brother and sis in law live in the house he grew up in. He is a really good hearted, genuinely nice guy...but he obviously has a problem. Whether the problem is big or small...or just an anti-social behaviour...well, you can watch and decide that.

One day he brings a girl home and asks his brother and sis in law if they can put her up in a spare room in the house, because she is religious and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to share the garage with him. He tells them that she is shy and doesn't speak much and that she is in a wheel chair. The girl is in fact an anatomically correct, life sized doll called Bianca.

I'm not going to tell you what else happens, because that would spoil the fun. But trust me...this is a gem of a movie. If you like movies like Napoleon Dynamite or Little Miss Sunshine, if you are a Ryan Gosling fan, if you are looking for something different to watch - I would highly recommend this movie.

*^_^*

Friend...no more.

You know, it really irritates me that since you found yourself someone that the only time you contact me is when you need my help!

You don't contact me via msn to just say "hi, how are you?" And you don't even remember my birthday to send a quick sms reading "Happy B'day"...or belated since you forgot!!! Heaven forbid that you actually email me or even forward a funny email to me...

I sent you a really nice and pleasant sms for your birthday. And I would have called if I was certain that you were by yourself, I mean, I wouldnt want to cause a rift between you and your new special someone. I sent you something along the lines of "Happy Birthday! I would wish that all your dreams come true, but it seems like all have come to fruition except the dream job...so I hope you get that soon!" I mean, how nice is that?!?!

What did i get from you??? Nothing.

Instead on the second day after my birthday I get a msn window popping up at work with a "Hi, how are you?"...sounding all pleasant and promising...BUT it was directly followed by a "I need some advice from you..."

There was no - "hey, sorry I missed your birthday - Happy belated B'day"...

All i got was "I need some advice..." Like WTF???

I'm not your f#$%ing "Go To Girl". And even when I was running around in between meetings and left a voicemail on your phone letting you know I was available to chat now and help you out, you would think that out of common decency, you would have sms'd or called me back to let me know that you have figured something out. Instead of waiting for me to give you a call back to offer my time to help you out...even though you.have.worked.it.out!

And you would think that after I did somersaults for you, you would be a little bit more pleasant with me, especially since you have been a bad friend and you also forgot my birthday...BUT NOoooooooo...you turn around and give me attitude!

How would you feel if you were in my shoes?

When someone you use to hang out with all the time, suddenly finds someone and so they disappear out of your life, and they only contact you out of the blue moon when they need you...how would you feel? A little bit used?

Literally, you have contacted me 2 times since you decided to go MIA. Once after my trip to KL/SG to ask for help about your intimate relationship with your partner (which by the way, made me feel really uncomfortable) and yesterday being the second time - asking me for advice about your career.

Would you feel crappola, knowing that this supposed friend only called or msged when they needed you for their benefit and their benefit alone.

I'm not a welcome mat...I'm most definitely not your's to use...so go F$#% your self!

Thank you to everyone...

Just a quick "Thank You" to everyone who celebrated with me last night!

I had a fabulous time and it is a shame that I had two drinks ending with "death" that really didn't do me any favours at the end of the night.

I swayed into the house and slept really well but woke up at 7:30am...and I was like a kid on Christmas Day in the living room. I opened the presents and read all the cards and was really moved by the fact that my friends had chosen presents that really were "me".

Its funny how each of you worry about what to get me, and you really shouldnt. I have the best friends and each of you know exactly what to get me - even though you aren't 100% sure at the time of purchase...but you go with your gut and i'm extremely surprised and overwhelmed that you know me so well.

Thank you for thinking of me and being there with me and keeping me company all night.

*mwah*

Sometimes, I even surprise myself...

I went into an interview with no expectations...but before I did, I actually went with a girlfriend for her first bridal dress fitting as moral support because of the disaster she had previously...so I was rushing left, right, and centre.

I thought I was running late for my interview at 2pm...in St Leonards...but I ended up being 10-15 minutes early. I decided with the wind, it would be best to hide in the foyer behind closed doors, rather than brave the strong gusts outside. I spoke to the receptionist, signed in, sat down and waited.

It was an interview for nothing specific. They were sent a resume, my resume and for some reason two Program Managers liked what they saw. They asked if I would meet them. So, here I was.

One came down, introduced himself and shook my hand and ushered me outside to a cafe, apologising for the other's delay and explaining why we were going to a cafe and not a meeting room. Apparently, meeting rooms are hard to come by in this office. I wonder to myself if this is a good sign?

We sit down, he orders a flat white, I order a hot chocolate...little bit of intro and the other manager appears. A little more of an intro and then I get grilled. Then comes the compliments..."you're so confident, where does that come from?" "Thats a good answer, but don't you think it could be this, or that?" etc...

I clarify with my "confident" answers...I'm confident because I'm not riding on this interview to get me a job. I had no expectations...which is always the best way to walk into an interview. After having a 3-way conversation, talking about the projects more in detail, I basically made them feel good about me and my skills and talent.

I'm asked about whether I am "technical", there is hesitation...I explain myself...they are extremely happy with my answer...I get asked what the difference between a URL and the IP Address? I think to myself...don't you know? How do I answer this??? *panic* Well, one is the web address in human terms - words; while the IP is the techie, computer version of the address, were talking numerics. My response sufficed...apparently their PMs wouldn't be able to answer that...and i'm thinking they are bs-ing with me.

I am asked what kind of manager I am? I tell them I focus on people. I always try to balance things for my engineers. Yes, I understand that deliverables need to be met by yesterday but there is no reason why I would have to make the people I work with miserable. It doesn't help with productivity and it doesn't help meeting the deliverables any sooner. Mind you, that doesn't mean I am incapable of being firm and assertive.

I think we chatted for 30 minutes and they offered me a role...we spent another 20 minutes or so sitting there, with the two of them trying to get out of me what they can do to make me say yes. And i drew a blank when they asked me "what can we say or do to make you choose us, other than the other company?"

I was upfront and told them that i was expecting a offer this week by another company. I would really like to work for this other company because I like the culture and what they have to offer me. Something that is unique that they don't offer at theirs. I told them that I would take a couple of days to think...they asked if the weekends were included??? They asked if this other company took too long, would i choose them? They really want me to work with them.

I did come up with something that I wanted to clarify straight up...I told them about my Aunt's wedding in NYC and my friend's wedding in Mauritius...would they let me take 2-3 weeks off over late August and early September?

They said that if I asked later, it would be No, but since I am asking now, the answer is Yes.

I have spoken to a few people and I have decided to take this role. But its not simply because everyone is telling me how good this company is...that it is internationally recognised...that the pay is good...that I will be properly recognised as a PM...it all comes down to my gut feeling.

I feel good about this move. I feel good that they want me so badly that they are drawing up the contract so that I can have it ASAP. They are basically under the impression that the other company still have their cards on the table, so they are trying their best to beat this company with a better hand.

Compared to the other companies I have been interviewing with, I actually "felt the love"...so why would I go anywhere but to a company that wants me?

3 Dresses...

You know that old saying "...always the bridesmaid, never the bride..." and the recent movie where Katherine Heigl plays a girl who was a bridesmaid 27 times?

I'm starting to feel that way.

My aunt just asked me to be one of her bridesmaids for her wedding in NYC.

This will be the 3rd time that I will be a bridesmaid, if I accept. And I haven't yet...is it horrible to say no? I love her and I really want to be at her wedding, but I don't know if I want to be at her wedding as a bridesmaid!!!

I know its completely stupid, but it feels as though if I was a bridesmaid for the 3rd time, I will forever be stuck as a bridesmaid. I will be committed to spinsterhood and will die a terribly lonely death. [melodramatic violins playing in the background over my plight]

Its sad that I can't just say yes and be honoured that she considered me.

Its not like every day that someone asks you to stand beside them on their special day. But then I have had my fair share of experience as a bridesmaid. The last time is still fresh in my memory. The bad side of the experience is still vivid, even though I have accepted what had happened and have moved on.

What do i do? What should i say? Is there any way of telling her "no" without hurting her feelings? Can I really say no???

Happy April Fools Day!!!

Its the first of April.

I'm so grateful that its over. My part of transitioning is over. The ugly bit is only starting to begin - but for other people. My clean up is stock standard, and i'm not under pressure to make things continually roll. But from my sources, things are not rolling all that much on the other end...*LoL*...so, its making me look really good!!!

I feel miserable that the team has disbanded. Really wished that the people werent moving on, because I miss them already. My pod is almost empty, except for 2 other people.

On the upside...there isn't anyone I directly report to over here...so technically, I get to be my own boss! hehehe...how great is that? The other colleague is a PM too...and I'll be on his program for 25% of my time, but he doesn't micro manage and sees me on the same level.

One of the financial accountants said something to me last Friday that has really stuck, and I never saw myself as so important...I'm the only one in the company to personally handle something that directly benefits them. Its a bit confusing to those who don't know what I am referring to, but for the company it means a lot.

I'm getting excited about this Saturday...last weekend has been crazy with the Easter Show and shopping with 4 squealing kids. This weekend will be a mish mash of different friends from different facets of my life, all coming together over Brazilian BBQ meat and live entertainment!

So, does anyone know if they will be serving sangria?

There's something about Cherry...

My world is spiralling and its going out of control. I'm surrounded by 4 extremely energetic kids 8 y.o and under.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get...and these kids, although I love them...save grace they are not mine.

I took two to the Easter Show yesterday...it was draining. The only exciting thing was leaving the showground and exiting the gate which was being manned by a cute asian guy. What made the day even better was the strawberry milkshake I had in the afternoon with some friends, and there was no kids around.

Today, I took 4 to the local Westfields to buy one of them a swimming costume. It was a nightmare and I actually sounded like one of those firm parents, chatising another kid who hopped onto the ride I paid for, for my 4 kids. The kid hopped on and was leaning out and whacked me each time he went by, so I spoke to him in a stern voice. I'm glad it shook him and he hopped off.

I'm probably pms-ing. Not a good time I guess to have 4 squealing kids around me. Makes me promise that I will never have kids to myself. Cross my heart...hope to...uno the rest of that statement!

So, 27 y/o soon. Looking forward to it? No, not really...but then again, i feel like im 20 y/o...so, it shouldnt make a difference.

I have been taken aback by someone, who has been incredibly up front with me. Basically declaring he likes me and would like to see how far it will go. I don't know what to do. We went through an interviewing process, where I asked 101 questions...a lot of it relationship based to ensure I felt comfortable with where it could potentially lead to. *sigh*

Everything is taking a toll on me. I'm drained from work. I'm drained from the kids. I'm drained from the every increasing social life (that I shouldnt be complaining about, but can't help it) and to add to everything... I get told by E that he has chosen Celine Dion over me! His justification is:

"Do you know how much those tickets cost me?"

Pub crawl...

It was meant to be a reunion...but what happened was we went, said hello, then left and strolled up the road to the Nelson Brasserie for a nice dinner and an environment much quieter than the Lowenbrau to actually talk and catch up with some friends.

My steak was great and the dark chocolate creme brulee was soo much better! The pinot noir was also lovely and smooth.

It was great to get together and have this time to just talk. Catch up with what everyone was up to in their life and what the plans were in the future. After the brasserie closed up shop we headed to the Waterloo for more drinks and more talking...we stayed there until they closed up shop...hehe...after which time, the couple went home and the singles headed to the next place close by. We bumped into another single friend and the 4 of us went into the Argyle.

There was soo much to cover, I mean it is 10 years worth of catching up. How crazy is that? I still feel as though i'm 20 and yet here I am celebrating 10 years out of high school.

Its really weird. The friend I headed to the city with also mentioned that when he was younger, he sort of saw himself in a particular light for when he was 27 y/o. He pictured that he would have achieved a certain amount of things...but he hasn't. Not sure if he is disappointed or not, but he did admit that he is happy with how things are now. So, thats a positive...i guess.

I think this has made everyone rethink their futures. It certainly has forced me to.

Happy Easter...

I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter...I'm enjoying myself, so it would be really good if everyone else is too.

Update on the poaching...lets just say I got screwed over. At the end of the day, its just business, but it doesn't change the fact that it was poorly taken care of from the start. Simple civility was ignored, or should I say non-existant. But it is over and I will move on.

I just found out something really interesting about Mum. When we were kids and wanted a puppy, she was adamantly against it. I always thought it was because she didn't like animals. That was the way she sold it to us. Yeah, there were the typical sentiments about who would look after the puppy, who would take it on walks, who would clean up the poop, etc? But I was never told the underlying reason.

It was only this morning that I learnt why she never wanted us to have a puppy.

The revelation was only because my Aunt's dog just gave birth to 3 cute pomeranians and my nieces wanted to visit their Great Aunt and see the new borns today. I asked Mum, what would happen if the girls insisted that they wanted a puppy after holding them in their hands??? Is my brother going to allow them to have a dog? Because i'll be tempted...

Mum then told me about how when she was young Grandfather had a dog and the dog obviously died. She told me about how the dog was part of the family and she was really sad when it passed on.

I guess what she was really revealing to me was the fact that she didnt want us to be traumatised by a pets death. I think this is a better reason, other than she simply hates animals and who would take care of it. And she had every right to protect us when we were kids, from the same trauma she felt when she lost her dog.

Mini high school reunion tomorrow night...how weird is that? 10 years after high school...I haven't seen most people since the last day of school.

When I was younger, especially when high school finished I wondered if anyone would ever organise a reunion and after watching movies like "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion", I wondered what I would have achieved to share, when someone asked about my 10 years after school.

I had a list of things I wanted to achieve, to show that I was successful. But right now, I don't know if you can say what I have done so far equates to "success". Yeah, I finished uni. I have a mortgage. I'm a professional. I have business cards - 2 types to be exact. My expenses get paid by the company. I have a work mobile. I have a laptop and wireless broadband, also thanks to the company. But all of this doesn't quite amount to "success" for me.

I'm single, with no real hobbies. My profession takes up a lot of my time.

I have 2 gorgeous nieces, with another niece/nephew in the oven...but they aren't my kids...not that in the greater scheme of things, would I really want 2 kids at almost 27 y/o.

I guess I'm just in a contemplative mood now because I reconnected with a friend from high school via facebook. I think I could say that she was the dark horse who has come from the sidelines to win the race.

In an email she basically gave me the condensed version of her last 10 years.

Went to uni, studied design. Finished uni and married a pharmacist. Worked as a graphic designer for a year. Stopped to help her hubby open shop for a year. Had baby #1, became at home mum for a year. Went back to work, operating a company from home. And now has just had baby #2. Recently, she and hubby are building their dream home near Hornsby at the moment.

Compare my life to hers...I feel like I haven't achieved much.

Okay...this is a negative note to finish on...so forget about what I have said and just think about your 4 day long weekend...and enjoy.

Aggressive poaching...

This is a story about the aggressive head hunting that never happened.

I was about to make a farewell speech for a workmate on Friday afternoon. Why was I making the speech, I don't know. Its not like i'm in charge or anything. The person leaving was a manager of his own team, you would think one of them would have said something...pfft...engineers!

Well, before I could start the speech, I get a phonecall on my mobile and I am told by the person on the line that "so&so" will be contacting me over the weekend because the "poaching process" needs to be finalised by Monday.

I think to myself: "Who calls on the weekend for business?!" and I also think: "I hope when they call I am not sleeping off the night before, because I need to be alert to negotiate!"

But the call never came. I know for a fact that they do need to finalise things today...well, they really needed to finalise it by the last day of February, with me anyway. Its not a very good start. I'm disappointed and I'm sure the end person is disappointed too. On so many levels, it leaves me to be ruthless and business like for negotiations. Which is a plus.

I'm supposed to go to the dark side in a month's time...but there is no formal commitment at this point in time.

I gave my manager the heads up (the manager that pays me) that due to the circumstances, if I was offered an exceptional offer by "so&so" I would be moving on. I think he freaked out. He probably thinks that he can convince me to stay...funny that.

Lets see what will happen throughout today...

Just my luck...

I was on the guest list for The Ivy on Saturday...but trust me to have a bout of food poisoning Friday night!

I felt better Saturday lunch time, and messaged a girlfriend that I found going to the same birthday that I would meet her before the party. 30 minutes later, the symptoms I was suffering all night had hit me again and again and again...

So, I called back to cancel.

Late in the evening another girlfriend calls...pity i'm fast asleep exhausted from the food poisoning. I call her back in the morning on Sunday and she tells me she was on the guest list for The Ivy for a Chanel party and was looking for someone to go with her.

I tell her that I had plans to go too but for a birthday...but my stoopid food poisoning prevented me! We make plans for the next party that is held there...

Its unbelievable that I get hit with this now. I saw my doctor today and i still feel really bad...

I can take today off, but tomorrow and the rest of the week is vital to my project. I am supposed to have an important meeting tomorrow at 1pm too and there is a heap of financials that needs to be completed tomorrow!!!

On the up side, my aunt from NYC has selected a date for her wedding, so I will be heading off to visit her and attend the special occasion. And thankfully enough, its within a 10 days of my friends wedding in Mauritius...

I get to spend time before the wedding in NY and I get to spend time after the wedding in Mauritius.

Tickets arrived today...

My Cirque tickets arrived today...and once again im happy!
hehehe...

*^_^*

I'm also going to the Jason Mraz concert on March 25...thanks to M for buying the tickets for us.

I've got Michael Buble tickets, which i'm still waiting for, to arrive in the mail...

I've got Phantom tickets in my hot little hands too.

I sooo can't wait!

Dralion in Sydney!

I just scored 3 front row seats to Cirque du Soleil in Sydney for Mum's birthday!!!

Her birthday this year is on a Monday, so I bought tix for the Sunday at 1pm. We'll do a brunch and then go watch the show. Bought a tix for Dad too...I have a tendency to do an all girls thing, but as he has never seen it either, it will be a good experience!

I can't believe it, seats 1-3 in row AA.

Its made me all giddy and i'm smiling ear to ear...

Bluetooth...

My older bro just swapped my 6 cd stacker car stereo to a newer model 6 cd stacker car stereo that has handsfree Bluetooth connectivity.

Reason: So, I can pick up my mobile phone calls while i'm driving.

I didn't realise it was such a big deal.

I just don't pick up my mobile if it rings while i drive. I'll ring back after I get to my destination. But obviously, I have missed one too many of my brother's calls that he has taken drastic measures. *LoL*

In some ways, its good...in case I get work calls while im driving...since my mobile has a way of ringing at least once every 10 mins when we've made some changes in the change window on Monday mornings.

***

My Cuz' 21st at World Bar, Kings Cross...oh what can I say...

We managed to get out to Kings Cross and find parking by 11:30pm. Since we were on the guest list, we were in by 11:45pm. Our other cousins who were there from 10pm got kicked out by 11:20pm because one of them was drunk and vomitted...so they were walked out by security.

When we were inside, I was about to buy my Cuz a drink...but there was this Mother Hen instinct that washed over me...I just witnessed her blatantly flirting with an unknown guy who was trying to buy a pack of cigarette at a vending machine...and she has a boyfriend...so, she must have been wasted to be acting that way.

The thing is, I never went out with my cousins before...for a drink or clubbing...so, I didn't know if they drunk alot or not. I think it was just a shock to the system. I'm the oldest of all the girls in my family and obviously I would feel as though I would want to protect each and every one of them.

Its funny...the more I hang around my cousins and my younger brother and his friends for their birthdays or special occasions...I understand a mother's concern for her children. Its completely different to when I get drunk...

Its pretty controlled around me when I drink. Its not in a predatory environment like World Bar where all of my friends are completely pissed off their face either. I'm glad that my friends are reliable. I didn't want to leave my Cuz' 21st, but the cousin I went with and her bf were really tired and were my ride home...so, when they wanted to leave at 1:00am I followed suit.

Did I dance? I barely managed 1/2 of Kylie's latest - Wow, Wow, Wow! remixed in a horrible way...

***

Chloe and I bond over "So You Think You Can Dance"...she use to watch the American series with me when my lil bro's gf downloaded it for me...and now we watch the Australian TV series together. Its quite cute of her...

We also bond over Simpsons, Barbie cartoon movies, Futurama, and wildlife documentaries...oh, and cute Studio Ghibli cartoons.

21st Birthdays...

I remember my 21st birthday...it was pretty big with 100 guests...50 people were friends...50 were relatives...the restaurant gave me a 3-tier birthday cake and we shared the restaurant with a couple who were having their wedding, but I had more guests.

I made a short "Thank you" speech, but no one else spoke about me.

I guess there are some things I wish I could change, but overall, I had a fun time. Especially at the Karaoke after the dinner...

There are a number of people I know who are celebrating their 21st this year. I went to one of my cousin's 21st the other week. It was at Emperor's Garden and because her uncle on the other side of the family is a photographer, it looked as though she was having her wedding. *LoL*

She had a book for everyone to sign it, it was a photo album with professional shots when she went out with the family to Watsons Bay...very similar to a wedding book for signatures...there were name cards for the tables and to top it off, she had a birthday cake that had proper icing!!! (Which I happened to miss out on, because I had to leave early!) =(

I spoke to her the next day and she had an absolute blast...she didn't intend on going out after the dinner, but her friends coaxed her and they did something afterwards.

Tonight I'm going to a club in Kings Cross for another cousin's 21st birthday. Why is she having her party there? I'm not sure...but i'll be there tonight to help her celebrate it! I just hope the rain stays away for the night.

Meanwhile, I asked her what the dress code was and she told me to wear a dress....I asked her what music was going to be played and she said "ugly dance music"...???...I had a complete blonde moment and asked her "is that a new genre that I don't know about because I haven't been clubbing in years?" *crickets in the background*

Then something clicked and I was like "ohhh...ugly, dance music"...*LoL*

And then she warned me that it was Mardi Gras tonight...but I checked online and because of the rain during the day, the Launch party has been moved to 5pm indoors at the Supper Club...I was worried that there would be road blocks, etc...

My younger brother is also turning 21 this year, but in October. Everyone has asked what he would be doing for his birthday...but since my older brother and I had our birthday at the same restaurant, I doubt Mum will organise anything different. Its all about being fair and even with my Mum. The question is, does he want to celebrate like that?

So, back to tonight...I'll be donning my dancing shoes and hopefully the music won't be so "ugly".