From under the rock

Hello, world!

I'm finally blogging something to break the dead air here. Phew! It's really been a while since I posted something. Not only time has counted against me but all the heaps of stories I have to share here as well. I'm just warming up for now, so hang in there. :)

Ely at the vineyards

The chef didn't receive the call he was expecting from work, so we thought of taking the day on a trip. Yeah, like a break-in of sorts for our Ely. And we took her where her kind would be a common sight.

We drove up north to the Yarra Valley, which is a vastness known for their vineyards. Earlier this morning, we rang up my former employer Angie to see whether we could drop by their vineyard in the area. Much to our surprise, she was going to hold a lunch party there for her husband's birthday. Not meaning to gate-crash, but that's where we ended up. Yum yum yum!

The views during the trip were just amazing. Great backdrop for Ely's first few shots. :) This one is at the cypress-lined driveway at Olsen Estate.

Winner!

Remember the Business Achiever's Awards where our pharmacy was nominated in three categories?

Well, a medical centre had outdone us for the Professional Services award, thank you. And a real estate agent was chosen over me as the Employee of the Year, which was like hello!? anyway. Up against a real estate agent and a travel agent finalist, why was I even there? Hahaha! But hey, Tamara won as Apprentice of the Year! Isn't that awesome?

At least we came home with one award, and even though it wasn't a personal achievement for either me or Bev, it felt like it was. And we're very proud of her.

Here's a glimpse from last night's event held at the Caulfield Racecourse.

And oh, Santucci's won the Restaurant-Cafe Award, too!

Time out

Warranties work, and today they worked for me.

The wrist watch I received on my birthday from the chef had been playing up the past few weeks. Last week, when we took it back to the shop, the technician had placed in a brand new battery to test whether it's the watch or the battery acting up. Then four days ago, it succumbed at one o'clock in the afternoon.

With the warranty and receipt shown as proof of purchase, we were off again to the shop. This time, to get a new replacement. Although there was an option of picking another design of the same value, or paying only the difference for a more expensive model, I chose to keep the design picked by the chef. And he was glad I did.

Here comes Ely

This morning was rush hour for both me and the chef. We've never really dressed up together for work, but then again, we weren't going to work anyway-- not until we finalised the contract signing with RACV. For weeks now, the chef had been keeping things under his nose-- and almost unbeknownst to me-- with the purchase of this car. Well, I did have a fair idea what we were buying, but the final result after the alterations and heaven knows what else, was going to be a surprise. Or a shock? Hehehe.

When I arrived home from work, the old car-- rather, the first car was parked at the port. Hmm, so things must have gone as he planned. It was almost 10pm when finally he arrived from his second job, coming home from which he'd usually be dragging his bag behind him and his tongue draped to his chin as if he just crossed the Sahara. But tonight, he looked like a kid with a new toy. Or, isn't that what it is?

"Wanna go out for a ride?" sounded like being asked on a first date. I wish he'd ask "What's for dinner?" with all that enthusiasm in his voice.

But nope. So anyway, I was carried away at the moment. The ride wasn't so bad, but my hands firmly gripped at my seat and the door at every pull of centrifugal force. Okay, okay. This is just something I had to get used to again. 4WDs are familiar to me, except that we didn't have them this tall, and we drove them in the country. As we reached the petrol station for its first official fill, he asked me to come out and behold its grandeur from the outside under the bright lights. I looked outside my window and a normal car had just parked beside ours. Looking down, I noticed the person in the other car was, what else, looking up. That felt good... somehow.

One thing I regret not having done during my trip to Sri Lanka, was riding an elephant. I guess, this must be the closest thing to it I'll get to for now. Then, ding! Like a lightbulb lit, I thought I'd give the new car a name that befits her: Ely.

Welcome home, Ely.

Another day to cope

Today was Bob's knee-replacement surgery. We had Freda filling in for Bev, who we thought just might be stressed about her husband's operation to be at work. Well, as I said, we just thought.

She was in and out a few times, even managing to go about town to borrow items we didn't have from other pharmacies. But at least, we got another day with Freda, since tomorrow will be her last Tuesday with us. The new pharmacist taking over next month will be working full-time.

Later this evening, Tamara and I attended a seminar on homeopathy products. I know we have about three of their products on our shelves and that Bev is not really keen on promoting such things. But of course, how can you resist free food? Hahah! Kidding aside, it was a night of much learning. Hmm, I wonder what the new owner thinks about homeopathics.

To my mom

i remember you. and i love you. for every remembrance.

Bombshell

Bev had asked for a meeting after work. It didn't quite cross my mind she had news of this nature, but I somehow knew it was big, because she closed the front door as we gathered at the dispensary. Normally, she keeps it open just in case we had last-minute customers.

Her news was a bombshell. With the bomb still in it.

She and Bob had just sold the business, and that the take-over would be first week next month. She went on telling us that the new owner was a partnership amongst three pharmacists but that only one of them would be in charge in the soon-to-be-called 'Murrumbeena Rd. Pharmacy', and that they were looking forward to meeting with us over drinks tomorrow night, and that they were interested to hear our side, plans, etc., and that because Bob was getting his knee replaced they didn't know what was going to happen next, and that they would like to do something else, and would we like a slice of the steaming pie she bought from Leovorno Pizza? under two minutes.

Sarah was slightly sobbing "Bev, I grew up here," as Tamara's eyes welled up as she picked up a napkin. Well, mine were dry, but you know how it grows big and kind of squints in bewilderment? I caught them staring at Bob's soon-to-be-replaced knee. But zero thoughts. I had wished though that I had Superman's laser eyes to fix that knee that started it all.

Emotions subsided after a while. Somehow in our minds, we were getting the answers to all the questionnable dramas Bev was going through-- and was letting us go through-- these past few weeks. We were full of oh's and ah's as we recalled them, and as we realised, it felt like a monkey off our backs. There was finally a light moment, showing more understanding to Bev and Bob. We wished them well, and Tamara even congratulated them. It was a weird feeling, like being told we were being sent off for adoption or something. But, hmm, let's just see how it goes.

***

Lashan flew back home today to visit his mum, who had recently undergone surgery. On lighter side, this is his first trip in nine long years. We wonder how he'll take the weather there. Hmmm.

All the best to your mum, Lashan.

Knackered

It's Independence Day somewhere at the other side of the world. And at this side, it's just the other kind of day. (Go figure. Hehehe.) Yesterday, I had almost forgotten that this is Tamara's week off. So, talk about prolonging the agony.

From Cup to Tour

Just when World Cup was coming to an end, here comes another reason to stay up late: Tour de France 2006. The chef doesn't look that enthusiastic though now that Lance Armstrong has retired from tours.

End of the year

Talk about the end of the world. Not really. But close to.

It's the end of the financial year, and almost every imaginable customer had come in today to get something off their prescription or ask for their taxation invoice. With Tamara away for the fourth straight day on a sick leave, and Bev almost out of her head (anything new? hehehe.), it was the devil's heyday at the pharmacy.

Can't wait for the weekend.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Today is a day of equal grief and relief. Grief, because I had to surrender Jack to the council. Relief, because he would be back to his rightful owner.

Knowing that would be today's scenario, I took every second of bonding with him. After sending off the chef to his work, we went out for a walk at the park for a poo and a pee. (Of course, that excluded me.) We had brekky and then brushed up for work. He was to sit again in the cold in front of the video shop, but after convincing the other staff, I was able to transfer him at the back of our shop. Folks who had seen him in the park and while tied outside were either hopeful he'd be found by his owner or he'd be fit enough to be adopted. Believe me, I had a growing list of wanna-be parents, with me sitting on the top!

It was almost 1pm, and there was still no sign of the collecting officer from Animal Protection who was supposed to have come at 10am. I gave the Council another ring and found out there was a confusion with the details about Jack being a lost-and-found dog and not what they thought as a missing dog. It was interesting to find out though that even at that hour, no one has reported having missing a pet like Jack. So, with my chef's blessings, I asked what procedures there were to adopt Jack in case his owners didn't claim him. The guy on the other end of the call gathered my details if this was likely to happen.

My lunch time came, so while he was still under our care, I took Jack home with me again. Barely finished with his chicken curry and milk (hmm, I wonder what his owners will think), Tamara rang me on my mobile to let me know the collecting officer had finally arrived. Jack seemed to have understood his fate he finished the rest in no time. Soon, I was handing him over to the officer, who happily discussed the details of the process in case we could adopt Jack. But as per their procedure, he was still scanned in case he was micro-chipped. At the sound of an affirmative 'ding', my heart sank for selfish reasons. The officer said that Jack would most likely find his way back to his owners, which should be good and just proper anyway, or I'd be given a ring if after 8 days in the pound, no one claims him.

I was hopeful both ways. But coming down to more logical terms at the present, I'd be more relieved if he got reconciled with his owners. And that's just what happened in the next hour. The Council called to inform me that his chip had traced him back to his owners, and that he was going to get picked up within the hour.

And guess what? His name is Harry.

A night with Jack

Our pharmacy is a shop of sorts. Aside from the normal things pharmacies do, we've got services including photocopying, passport photo (I can do it for you, but Tamara might have to redo it. hehehe.), public fax, selling Met tickets, dry cleaning, and film processing depot. There are several others in between that we just might do because we could, but there's this one I did for more than just the service.

I fell in love with it.

He's got four legs, button eyes, shades of brown fur and no name. A lady brought him in to the shop an hour before our closing time, telling us what seemed to be a frustrating story retold again and again. She found him just outside the church doors yesterday, appearing to be expecting someone to pick him up. When no one did, this lady took him home for the night and today dropped in our pharmacy for help. Of course, Bev immediately called the Council and RSPCA to report a lost-and-found dog, which this lady could have done herself but didn't. No point in arguing then; I guess this is how some had become dependant on Bev's seeming public image as (90% community pharmacist and 10%) community helper.

Over the last trading hour, we put him on a lead tied to the fence near the video shop, in case his owners were out on a look. Bev cloaked him with an old apron (nothing to do with any of our services, but don't ask me why we have that) to ward off the chilly wind. He was really pitiful out there, sitting like a frozen bunch of fluff. When Bev mentioned if I wanted to take him home for the night because she was going somewhere else before heading home, I jumped on the chance.

He, too, responded with excited jumps of joy on his hind legs as I untied his leash from the fence. He was frivolously trotting beside me, as if he knew where we were headed. He was a bit shy as we entered our unit, probably unsure as I was as to what the chef would say, because he's not fond of fluffy dogs. After introductions between the two, I relayed the sad saga of our tailed friend. Hmm, I seem to have tugged on some emotions there, because not long after, they were already playing. And without even having to push my luck, my chef has allowed him to sleep in our room!


This was a takeaway night, so we went out to buy food. He hopped in the car without drama, which made me think he probably gets around often. During dinner, we tried calling him names in the hope of guessing it right. He responded quite favourably to 'Jack', even turning his head to us at every call as if we've interrupted him. After eating, we took him out for a walk, just in case he'd feel like unloading himself.

You know, for the first time ever, I was out walking with my husband. Not like we don't. We do, but he's usually on a bike, so that doesn't count, right? This night was almost perfect. With a pet in tow-- even at how temporary it could be-- it felt like a family. Hehehe. Funnier still, the chef was running after a dog, a first-time sight since I came here. All their playing made them both yearn for bedtime, and as soon as we came home, Jack was
snoring away. At the chef's bedside.

Awww.

Haunting

It looks like Friday night's gimmick is haunting them. The rest of Bev's cake was divided amongst the others for take-home, and it appears it's stirred a few other stories in their households.

Yesterday, Bev was raving almost endlessly to almost every known customer about the food we had. "The cake was really good, I thought it would be quite heavy after that meal, but it was just the right finish. But you can't order that there because it's not in their menu. That was specially made for me."

Right on. The chef should hear this. Hahaha! Then there she was in her 'promo' mode, recommending the resto, and when from afar I saw her arms flying here and there, I could tell she was already telling them how to get there. Oh, Bev.

And guess what? Yup, she'll have her birthday dinner with her family there next weekend. Looks like she'll keep on much longer than I thought.

Dinner for Bev

This is Bev blowing her birthday cake's "silver, squiggly" candles.


She was ecstatic about them, and I thought she only wanted to air a comment on that because the cake looked pretty plain on the outside. Well, it was, but as the chef would put it, simple yet elegant. With strawberry slices for added colour over a boring smooth coat of chocolate icing, I had the feeling it was yet another cliche abused by the chef-- that looks can be deceiving.

At first bite, Bev was speechless, but then we all know she won't be for long. Indeed, what came next was a long and meaningful "mmm" as her eyes rolled to find the words at the ceiling. Then it was a chorus of compliments from everyone on the table-- Bob, Freda, Sarah, Tamara and, yeah, me. The chocolate was not too overpowering, one can really savour the combination with the citrus flavour and enjoy it still with our brewed coffee.

Closing in to our last few bites, the chef makes his second appearance at our table, a luxury at the time because the place was packed! I so wanted to give him a hug then to thank and congratulate him for a job well done. My party was so impressed only good words flowed from them, mentioning every memory of the entree items (my chef prepared a special one for us with a taste of each kind from their menu) to the various rich-flavoured tagines almost everyone had for main.

It was a fairly long night, but I guess, it was the best way to enjoy it-- laid back and bubbly over a glass or two of white. We parted ways without having any more photos than what I have here (oops... I was so indulged in the moment, you see), so I suppose, I will have to rely on memory for that. Mmm good memories.

To Bev, we hope you've enjoyed the night... and may you come back for more! :)

RSVP

So it's been set, and finally we have all come to agree to a date.

For the past two weeks, the chef and I have been trying to organise a dinner date at the chef's new workplace, Saha, which specialises in Mediterranean cuisine. While it will be my treat for Bev's upcoming birthday and a treat of thank-yous to my other workmates, it will be the chef's way as well to introduce this resto. It won't be until next Friday when Bev turns another year, but we've chosen an outside date just in case her family will have plans of their own.

It's got me a bit apprehensive when everyone on Bev's guest list confirmed they're coming. Well, the resto's a la carte menu is not exactly one I can afford for myself daily, but what the hey. On second thought, if it should impress them, they might go back, the resto earns more, my chef gets paid better, and yes, the pay will figure its way back to me. Hahaha. The chef was laughing, probably nervously inside because the yardstick has grown longer for him as well. Hahaha!

It will be a night of trials, I imagine. My top wish is that they'll enjoy the night and may their palates keep reminiscing thereafter.

Sold!

I told the chef about Lashan's friend's car. I noticed it had a 'For Sale' sign at the rear window and had asked Lashan the other day about it. The price tag was irresistible -- and, better still, negotiable. His friend was desperate to have the car sold before leaving for Paris for good. Although it's a tiny hatchback type with obviously a tiny interior space, it would definitely do me good. It has only done a fair amount of mileage, and because it's lady-driven (Lashan's friend is a she), everything else is in almost perfect condition.

The chef was impressed that, without a hitch, he gave me the go. Then came the knock on our door. It was Lashan coming in to join us for dinner. Supersonically rapping the former conversation to him with matching jumps for joy, he watches me with sympathetic eyes.

Oh, dear. I could tell from those doe-y eyes.

"Sold." He said I only asked but made no mention of any intention of buying it; else he could have told his friend I was interested. And on that day after he picked up this friend from the airport, she had received five phone calls from potential buyers and made a decision almost within the hour of those calls.

Well, well, well. I guess this has taught me something. But I'm too disappointed to know what it is.

Mystery shopping

For the next coming week and months, there are at least three mystery shoppers to watch out for. Tamara and I have been extra observant to the point of, at least me, being paranoid. Hmm, I'm the more uptight one especially with non-regular shoppers, but Tamara helps me get through it somehow.

Remember us getting nominated for Business Achiever Awards? Well, guess what, they're checking in on us. I was thinking though, that since we got nominated in three categories, would that mean we'll have three mystery shoppers? Help me.

Our second (4th?) mystery shopper will be from the assessors of Quality Care Pharmacy. Because the pharmacy aims to maintain its Quality Care standard, we're up for audit again this year. Result of this one is almost instant as the assessor will follow up on us just as soon as the mystery shopper leaves. So far, we haven't come across this one.

The same is expected when the Guild sends in theirs, except that the mystery shopper will be wired. Yep, wired. When I learned about that, I felt like I was going to be under surveillance more than anything. (Hmm, looks like it's time for me and Tamara to put on our Charlie's Angels guises. Hehehe.) This one though is the most crucial of all audits, because it will gauge us against all laws and guidelines that define pharmacies here. And as if the tension is not enough, an inspector will step into our dispensary to watch us go about our duties. For how long? You guessed it, I didn't want to know either.

The power of a card

Now, to test drive the power of the card...

After doing my bits of shopping, mailing, and banking, I entered the library where my attempts for membership had always almost seemed futile for lack of an ID showing one's address. Any kind of billing or bank statement would do, actually, but the acquisition of a card would take much longer.

Obediently, I stood in line for my turn at, hmm yeah, another counter. When I stepped up and was asked for an ID, I quickly flashed my brand new, scratch-free learner's permit card. The library assistant typed away my details into her computer, then no sooner than a blink later, she handed me an equally brand new, scratch-free library card to sign on. Tada!

Astig.

Learner's day out

My to-do list on a day-off like this is longer than usual, and I'm glad I've got a tick next to each one of them. For some reason time here seems to go faster, and with the already shorter day hours of the season, getting things done can be quite a feat.

I suppose having Lashan around helped out a lot. Now on holidays, he had his own to-do list as well, including picking up a friend from the airport in the afternoon. This friend had let him her car while away for a trip, so cruising around to accomplish some of them was faster and easier.

To begin with, he had to drop me off at VicRoads. In September last year, I sat for the learner's computer test but, despite having passed the exam, was not issued a Learner's Permit. Strangely enough, a friend with a similar overseas licence and who took the same test with me got hers, just because she had a permanent residency visa.

"So, what about the foreign students?" I asked.

After a pause, "Look, just come back when you have the letter from your country."

That letter, to be requested from the Transportation Office that issued my licence, must mention the date of issuance, as this was not indicated on the licence. Although having argued that the year of issuance is reflected on the licence number and that my friend had a similar card, their stares just went through me. So, I took an about-face, lest my nares would start spiting arrows of fire over the counter.

Well, I went back a week after that, hoping my luck would be different with another person behind that counter. As it turned out, I ended up hearing the same thing, as that piece of information about me had already been immortalised on their computer records -- or so I thought. One good thing that's come out of that visit though was learning that I could have opted not to sit for the test I took and went straight to the only required tests for full licence conversion, because I've been driving long enough.

So, today I walked in with a mighty confidence that I'd finally get it. After months of waiting, my dad had sent me that letter, obtaining which had been a whole different drama in itself. (Three copies of my request letters with certified photocopies of my licence had mysteriously not reached my dad -- or worse, plucked out of the mailing envelope!) Anyway, a new drama unfolded as I submitted the letter.

"Oh, September. Quite a long time ago.... Your name is not showing up in our computer." With subdued sarcasm, I said that it might be because they have perpetuated the incorrect spelling of my surname. "Not really. There's no listing under 'Mu-'. " So what now?

"The fine print below says the result of the test is valid for 12 months," I firmly pointed out.

The lady asked me to leave other relevant IDs and documents on her counter. Although having been asked to take a seat as she went about her business, I patiently -- and impatiently -- stood on my flat feet, keeping my stares behind the counter to, hehehe, impose a bit of pressure. Soon, she handed me the same application form I filled out to get the exam. I filled it out in a jiff, even being quite unsure about that date of issuance again because the document didn't include the day and month. I wrote only what I knew, but to my surprise the lady herself 'doctored' the blanks. My, my, my.

A few minutes later, I was posing for a toothless smile behind their camera. While waiting during the processing, I had Lashan laughing his head off at yet another senseless bureacratic tale. Finally my name was called out. We stared at the Lam on the ID photo. She seemed happy to be there. Not bad.

2 - 0

Well, it was an impressive game, don't you think? We had been spanked with a 2-0 beat by the Brazilians, but anyone would agree that it wasn't bad at all. To be playing against the world-class team of the 3 Rs-- Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho-- was already big deal, let alone being qualified for the World Cup.

It ain't over yet. There's Croatia next on the list, so we'll keep cheering on. Oi! oi! oi!

3 - 1

I couldn't get myself to stay up late last night for the match between the Aussie Socceroos and Japan. Despite the long weekend, yesterday being a holiday, I just had to be strict with my bedtime. But what the-- it was one of the best mornings to wake up to. We won a clear victory over Japan!

It was the biggest buzz today amongst fans and non-fans alike-- and I suppose it will be resonating until the next game on Sunday against Brazil. With our record 36-minute kiss of sunshine today, it is good to be basking in all the cheers.

Killing the extra weekend

The chef tried to strut the distance from the car to the shopping mall without a jumper. He was obviously cold with his twinnies under his shirt stiffly sticking out.

"Are you sane?"

"Yep," came between gritted teeth.

"Why did you leave the jumper in the car?"

"It's warm in there."

"It's not here. It will be colder when we come out."

"I'll have something on by then."

Ahem.

Because I was the one nudging to go shopping, it was inevitably going to be on my bill. Huhuhu. Well, I was able to keep my sensibility to kind of affect him not to get anything for himself too. It's actually one of our good shopping antics to better control our spending: spend none or spend twice. Hehehe.

So yeah, it was quite a walk back to the car.

Sundays and Santucci's

Santucci's is a welcome retreat for us, especially for our Sundays. Today, the chef and I had our usual breaky, even at half past noon, and it still felt like morning. There's a certain feel to the place that makes you want to stay, but with the people-- usually by the families-- coming in flocks, one can't be too selfish to deprive them of the homey comforts of the cafe.

Besides, we had our washing to go back to. Dropped them in for drying, the chef and I headed to the newsagency, and nope, my regulars weren't in yet. We didn't leave though without yet another bike mag. Haaay...

It's awfully colder with the winds pinching our faces. Walking along the shopping strip was almost painful, I had to embrace and unfortunately flatten the freshly baked loaf I just bought to warm my chest. It's a lazy day as well, and that's about the only thing I could get used to.

Fate's balancing act

It all comes to an end, they say.

For a moment there, it felt like it would never end. But at the back of my mind, there was a hint of fear and a feeling of uncertainty saying, "What will Fate barter in exchange for all of these?"

It was big. Big enough to crush me and the dreams to follow. It all started with "You're too late." I "argued" a bit to show effort for whatever effort there was left, but I was silenced by the harsh reality. The 'one month assessment' as stated on their website is not the four weeks we earthlings are familiar with. "Five to seven weeks," that Martian emphasised, which at the time of my call (on the last week of May) was not enough allowance to get my papers assessed and for me to consequently apply for a seating in the upcoming board exam. The deadline for application for the seating will be on 1st July.

My thoughts raced back to find where it went wrong. I had just found a good and low fee-charging translator for my patriotically written uni diploma, and she was part of the string of blessings I was receiving last week. I thought that had finally completed everything I needed, and it did. It was just time, and it didn't come to my side.

The examining council said that the latest I could have submitted my papers in for the September exam was last 17th May, but my parcel of documents arrived only five days after that. Well, maybe to console me, they said there were already too many applicants anyway, and not even all may be able to sit in. And that if I had sent in my papers now, I could just very well guarantee myself a seat for the next one on March 2007.

All things come to an end, but they do all come back.

Welcoming winter

The recent "achievements" have been playing in my head and drawing smiles on my face ever since. The finale of my work towards the certificate was a big hump off my back, for sure, that working now has become less than a job and more pleasurable. Working during winter has a certain discomfort that now having all those stressful things at bay is a big and healthy relief.

I was warm enough after all those pats on the back, and then came another accolade.

Our metro-suburban community newspaper, Leader, holds its Business Achievers Awards annually, commencing with a popular vote from our community. This certificate came in the mail yesterday, stating my nomination in the "Employee of the Year" category. Tamara, our pharmacy assistant, also received one for "Apprentice of the Year" and our 70-year-old pharmacy will vie for the "Professional Services" category.

The winners won't be announced until the awards night on 25th July. For now, we'll have to put our heads together into writing down the best of us in their questionnaire and prepare for the 'mystery shopper' who will audit us soon. So much for fame. Hehehe.

Woman for pharmacy

Just came home from a dinner affair Bev took me to. Dubbed "Women For Pharmacy Dinner", it was a social gathering of women pharmacists, and an exceptional handful of men who share the cause of these women. Bev tagged me along since, according to her, I am a pharmacist anyway. Well, even if I am yet to get my qualification here, I guess just the mere fact that I am aiming to be one soon has earned me the right to be there. It was also an opportunity venue for me to meet new acquaintances and, as Bev would put it, built up my own network. She was at "advertisement" mode again, telling people-- known or unknown to her-- that I am a pharmacist from overseas. I'd follow it up later to explain that I am her dispensary assistant.

Speaking of which, dan dan dan dan dan dan dan... I am already certified! My certificate-- no, please make that certificates-- came in this morning. Apparently, the pre-course modules I accomplished last March was for, unbeknownst to me, another certificate. So, yeah, there were two certificates to celebrate about! My chef couldn't be any prouder, seeing his name in mine boldly written on them.

And to put icing on my already sweet week, an iPod nano unit came in for me last Friday. I wasn't even aware where it came from, or if I'd won it from one of the numerous competitions Tamara and I sign up to. It was a very ecstatic moment, as one can imagine, with Bev joining in jumping around with me and almost confused at my excitement. When I had finally managed to tear off the wrapping and had taken the unit from its packaging, and jumping some more, it became clear why. Bev held the tiny unit in her hand, shaking it close to her ear, and half-smilingly asked, "What is it?" Hahaha!

Oh well, the laughs and smiles these have put on our faces top it all for a week most memorable.

Melbourne, Mitch and me

Aaaaaaaaaak! I have to post this for my friend, Mitch. She came over with her sister's family from Sydney last Holy Week-end. It was also my post-birthday celebration, so the chef had made our Tour de Melbourne quite special. She and her family had driven the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve (er, Eight?) Apostles, but she hadn't toured the CBD which, with the weather at the time, we could satiate her with.

Following the Yarra from Crown, we walked in and out of Crown casino and retail shops, then down to Southbank for more window shopping before crossing Princes Bridge to show Mitch the concrete architectural myth that is Federation Square. Along the way, we had a few snaps with Mitch, but it was also quite a revelation for us how wonderful we could capture the city at this time of day. I guess the extra lights from the past Commonwealth Games helped create the notable aesthetic aspect of it all.

My boots were killing me with the winding walk in search for dinner that the chef was leading. But Mitch, the prepared tourist, was well okay, managing to cope with it all. There was a bit of frustration fuming from moi, when it turned out that the chef had not decided early on where we were treating our guest for dinner. It came clear later that we were all involved in the search, which was generally anything but Maccas. Hahaha! Well, we eventually ended popping into the Lebanese House (sorry, I couldn't remember which street), a surprise too many for our appetite. It was an amazing experience, and best of all, it's anyone's treat. Very affordable.

Hey, Mitch, here are some blinks from my cam.

Logging off from hibernation

The miners of Beaconsfield have already come out from entrapment and have been raking millions since, and here we are, still almost under a rock! Hehehe.

Not that there wasn't much to say anymore. In fact, much has happened during our month-long absence that coming here then to diarise them had to take second precedence. But nonetheless, our apologies to those we haven't updated through our phone calls and emails.
April was truly a fully packed month for us, mostly of reckoning events that have finally shaped what we're up to this month-- and, hopefully, the months ahead. May, for a start, followed well on track. :)

The module I was beating to submit before the end of April was finally sent back to the Guild for assessment. Not being modest here, but I really feared I had completed it haphazardly in the three weeks I only had. The final and oral assessment was a 30-minute phone conversation last Wednesday, 16th May. Did I sound too nervous? I must have had, that the lady assessor on the other end had to assure me I couldn't be any worse than how I did on the module. Hmm, sounds good and encouraging. Comprehensive, she said, which at the time sounded more complimentary than anything. Anyway, I guess I did just fine then, with our conversation ending with the same pleasantries we started with.

The chef has decided to look for a second job to beat the lazy cold months-- or should I say, to keep his mind off cycling? Hahaha! Well, the weather has clearly robbed him of this, and his dear dahlings will have to wait until the days grow longer again. (Is someone cheering in the background? Hahaha.) So, on weekends, he gets assignments from this agency which usually places him in aged-care facility kitchens, where our additional income comes from easily stirring soups for the grannies. :) How lovely is that?

A second restaurant is now in the process of convincing the chef to take their offer for the head position. The first step was a 'bribe' dinner a few Wednesdays ago. Hahaha! I hope I didn't sound that bad, because at the sight of the tempting entree, we agreed it was gonna be worth missing the first few minutes of Prison Break. Heavens, that was the best Pesto Chicken I have had in a long while. The chef had lamb served with baked beans served in tomato sauce. I feared he wouldn't like the dish for the sauce, else my poultry delight would have to be sacrificed for his lamb. But it turned out to be just as mouth-watering.

We'll post later how far the temptation goes. :)

***

Onto other food blogging...

A few Saturdays ago, we sat in for lunch at Kuala Lumpur Restaurant on Koornang Rd. Well, this time, we decided to reserve our praises. Waiting in line for a take-away during their busy hours is quite understable, but warming our seats for half an hour on a semi-packed lunch venue was a bit ridiculous. And not to mention that we ordered the ordinary in their Chinese-Malaysian menu. Even with his bike 'bible' to bless his boredom, it was obviously a long wait. While I was drowning mine with water, I just assured him that we've never had anything less than yummy here, so we kind of set our expectation to it's-late-so-it-must-be-good-then.

After my fourth glass of water-- I had always emptied it so the waitress would keep coming back to notice us... sadly, she didn't seem to pick up the message and automaton-ishly kept refilling with a smile-- our plates finally landed on our table. Ugh, they were neither hot in temperature nor in appeal. The coconut rice in my Nasi Lemak was pebbles in my palate, and the chef's Singapore noodles was over-fried. We pushed down our throats what we could and lied to the host's "How was it?" on our way out. Hmm, we said our 'goodbyes' like we've never meant before, but I guess, only desperation for now will make me come back for their Mee Siam.

The chef had envisaged a good Saturday then, with lunch and a few shop stops while waiting for our laundry. So not to drag on our unfortunate lunch episode, I treated him for coffee and cakes at Santucci's cafe. Well, it took a bit of convincing to get him in there, because he's sworn before he'd never be caught sitting in that place. From outside, the cafe looks dim, which gave him the notion it's a hang-out for homos. Hahaha! But in actuality, Santucci's is a very cozy place, with a bear-hug (is that the word?) appeal. Well, the setting is truly warm, with it's ecclectic collection of framed images (and sewing machine cases!) hung on the wall to complement the mismatched tables and chairs. There is a full couch set, a mini library of sorts, and a basket of toys for kids to tinker with. It's a known meeting place for mums-with-prams, and yes, a good weekend coffee.

Yes, he was impressed. The latte here is nothing short of perfect to set that lazy weekend mood. The chef said more complements than I could count poppy seeds in his muffin. And I'm just glad I could now come back here-- and yes we have for the last three weekends-- without any hesitation from him.

The long weekend

First of all, we're greeting my sister Kim a happy 22nd birthday! We hope you continue to grow with the values enriching us this season of Easter. Celebrations may be postponed until the proper time, but enjoy it anyway.

***

It's such a long weekend for us, having no work from today until Easter Monday. After attending the Stations of the Cross this morning, there was nothing much to do, specially with the cold rain suddenly trapping us in the house. It's the perfect weather for cuddling, which we certainly did as we browsed through every channel.

At midday, the chef called as many Sri Lankans he could possibly think of, as today marks the New Year in their calendar. It's interesting to note that they also have a specific time to take their first meal, which we almost interrupted when we called my sis-in-law.

The weather tomorrow will be colder, and not necessarily a more comfortable one than today's. But there's much to be ecstatic about with waking up tomorrow. My uni days friend, Mitch, had driven over from Sydney today with her sister's family, and we're meeting up after having last seen each other some 5 years ago. I have a school kid's hope for spring in me, and that's enough to keep me going.

Twenty-ten

"You're leaving quite early?"

"Yeah, it's market day," he said.

"And it's something else, too."

"What's that?"

I let out a short sigh, quickly caught by a what's-wrong-with-you smile. "It's my birthday."

"It's not. That's tomorrow."

Ok, why argue, right? He's clearly forgotten it. Oh well, well, well...

Alone later, I thought, it's somehow good to forget when you're turning a year. It's definitely not a younger year anyway. But on second and more dramatic thought, hey, I'm turning the 3-big-O this year!

I decided to put on a pout when we met again after work, and somehow it didn't turn right.Funny as it may seem, we ended up with a slight argument. A celebration wasn't anywhere near that hour because of the long weekend ahead, so we could very well afford that misunderstanding. Then today, my chef and I met with differences set aside. He also made up somehow, with a new timepiece for me. To tell the time? What irony. (Well, yeah, it was something like that. Hehehe.)

***

Apparently, it wasn't only my husband who forgot my birthday. It was past mid-day before anyone in the pharmacy remembered it was my day. It was really nothing to fuss about, but they think it should be. So today, Bev and company surprised me with a cake and some indigenous balloons.

what's left of it... one candle per decade

my "Smokefree" campaign balloons looking naughty

To Bev, Bob, and Tamara, thank you very much. Late as it may be, you still made my day.

Adopting too soon

No, I don't think we'll be adopting at this point yet, nor have we discussed the matter. It's too soon to tell anyway, but we're very much hoping we'll be raising our biological children. But here comes this kid who volunteers to be our adopted.

We hadn't come to know Matti until he introduced himself to the chef's bike. Yeah, the bike. He seemed to have been stalking the chef's bike, and then one day, approached to ask about it and professed his adoration for it. Equipped with the talk of a salesman, he offered prices to bits and parts of the bike, which of course, the chef had no intention of putting in the market. We were just shaking our heads in disbelief at the talent of this verbally diarrhoeal kid claiming to be 14, but the chef had (unfortunately) fallen trapped into the kid's accidental charm, especially when the BMX dirt track was introduced to him.

Tonight, after coming home late from their ride, we invited him to join us for dinner. He reckons we 'love' him to have him over for dinner, and insists on having us 'second' parents. The chef and I look at each other, trying to contain the kulit-ness of this kid.

To Matti, our home will always be open to you. Just please, next time, leave your shoes outside the door. :)

struggling with the chillis in the seafood pasta

When leaving means coming home

This time last year, I had set foot on Australia as a resident. The feeling still lingers to this day-- the thought and the anticipation of what was in store for me here was quite arresting. My previous trips, even the unaccompanied ones, never shook me from within, knowing I had a return ticket at hand for the many just-in-cases. For this trip, I was tugging along an overloaded 52 kilos of luggage with the-rest-of-my-life stuff and a short list of crimebuster phone numbers. It was also one filled with a lot of give-and-take luck.

It was an arduous yet exciting preparation of sorts, sifting through memories at the same time. Finally, it was a matter of choosing between what I needed and what I wanted. Well, I let in a few want's like my very first vanity set, a Hello Kitty comb and mirror set still well preserved in its original plastic purse.

The want's didn't score up much, and I wouldn't like to think my excess baggage took its toll from them, even after having gone through much drama with the airline I flew with. I was misinformed about the first-migrant's baggage allowance which apparently didn't apply with that airline, but was extremely fortunate when their own supervisors pulled me out of the ditch. Thanks basically to the prompting of my sister, who dropped me off at Cebu airport, to continue with my melodramatic acting, which supposedly harbours sympathy from those men.

I returned to my sister and her friends at the lobby for last farewell hugs and to relay how my luck went so far. More luck turned up when I was heading to the pre-departure, and a ground attendant approached me to offer a first-class seat just because they didn't have enough people in the said accommodation. Well, who would be such a duffer to refuse that?

At the Hongkong stopover, the 40 minutes' wait was well spent getting lost trying to find the next terminal. Upon finding the right one, I sat in pure relief, only to be told to stand up again to file for entry to the plane. Upon arrival, my husband was nowhere in sight at first, because of the confusion the on-going construction was causing. I was glad when he finally rang me up, and then my phone died at the first hello. Great, he really had me at hello. So much for cinematic lines.

Standing still and a few neck stretching, I had soon found my man. I was finally home.

Transition

Two months ago, only a few days into this job, I was re-acquainted with one of the pharmacy's regular customers. While doing a part-time last year, he was first introduced to me by the dispensary assistant then, who thought we had shared something in common-- Sri Lanka.

By the looks of him, yeah, one could not deny he or part of him is from there. But during our earlier conversations, he seemed to have avoided any association with the said country, claiming to be a hybrid of some other nationalities and clearly defying that giveaway accent. Bev, a long-time friend of his, said that his seeming denial may be a front of some sort or maybe an emotional defense mechanism due to past issues unbeknownst to us. I was to discover later that he had lived the bitter and war-torn days of what he still, and fondly, refers to as Ceylon.

His subsequent visits to the pharmacy (basically for repeats of his and his wife's prescriptions) and my never-ending reminiscence of the 'good' face of Sri Lanka eventually led him to keep ajar what, I imagine, was once a closed door. Over time, the confidence must have also grown with the familiarity for each other, that sometimes he was airing that bit of 'arrogance' you commonly hear from a grandfather when he proudly speaks of past accomplishments. It makes my smile wider to realise he still had Sri Lanka-- or Ceylon-- in him.

Last week, I made reprints of photos of some of the breathtaking sites I've been to in Sri Lanka. Bundled up, I wrote on the envelop, "Still reminiscing Ceylon..."

And this morning, he came to the pharmacy to see me, but not for his scripts. It was a quick visit with an obvious struggle to keep his welling eyes from pouring. He was already preparing his retreat, while handing an envelop to me with shaking hands. I didn't know what was in it but said thanks anyway. He wanted me to open it and probably see the surprise in my face. But it did more than just that.

Whatever they were that forced him out of his home country-- and probably the positive remembrances of it-- only brought out the fine poet in him. His words are as poetic as the beauty of Sri Lanka, and here I share his...

Transition

The silent mountains, Oh! so high
Where only hawks and eagles are seen to fly
Drifting buoyant upon an upward draft
Like tiny specks on a silken blue scarf.

In the valley below in a clear moving streamAn occasional fish surfaces to catch a sunlight beamOnly to be picked away in an intrepid sweeping diveBy an ever watchful hawk so observant and virile.

In the city cars rush by with squealing brakes
Leaving occasional crashes in their wake.
Trams with continuous rattle rolling on and on,
Planes roaring up into the sky-- outward bound.

In the suburbs as an accompaniment to these dreadful sounds
Monstrous buildings mushroom up to deface the good earth around.
Parklands succumb to box-like buildings hugging each other
Like mosses in a damp garden plot clinging tightly together.

Life moves on with never a moment's thought,
Unconscious, uncaring of a world so overwrought
Such drastic change from a quiet pristine, beautiful world
To this our boisterous, deranged frenzied modern whirl.

- Clive Felsinger

Getting there

It's a big relief to be finally done and over with the dispensary assistant course. Well, at least for the classes, because there still is a workbook to accomplish and an assessment/interview to look forward to prior to receiving the certificate, which seals it all.

But, indeed, this is already a big step covered towards getting a certain Aussie qualification. Today was the second and final day of the weekend course. Seated in a classroom again with around twenty other women for 9 hours a day was, in a way, nostalgic. Most of my weekend "classmates" came from the far corners of Victoria, like Wodonga or Yarrawonga, the latter being some four-and-a-half hours drive away. Except for one, the lectures were not seat-warmers which, more than anything, gave us the opportunity to socialise on the side.

***

Getting up in the morning for those classes was quite a feat forme and my chef-cum-chauffeur, with our bioclocks set to waking up at around 7am. For this weekend, we --or at least I-- had to sacrifice an hour's sleep to make it before the first class at 8.30am. Oh, but thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time today, I gained back that lost hour yesterday.

I guess the struggle had more to do with the sudden drop in temperature. While last week was still basking us in the 30s and high 20s, April's Fool had us yesterday when it greeted us with a cool breeze. Looks like autumn is finally making its presence felt.

Another day to mark

Phew! My assessment is finally over!

Bev, my employer, had forewarned me two days ago that I was going to get my interview from the Guild today, and I had been trying to prepare for it since. Up until the call, it had been nerve-wracking to not have even an iota of what could be asked of me. Bev had ensured me all this time, though, that the Guild did not intend to fail me nor would they even try to find a fault. Did that help or what, but the 10-minute oral examination over the phone went like fireflies fleeing out of a tight jar!

After I put down the phone, I just found myself back to work as if nothing had happened. Like I had been aware of the sense of relief taking over only when Bev asked me later how it was. Yeah, it was alright, I told her. You didn't think they'd kill you, right? she asked. Well, I really didn't know what to expect.

Later in the afternoon, the Guild's training supervisor called to inform me I had satisfactorily passed the modules, and that I could enrol for the dispensary assistant course. She said I could choose to attend the 3-hour classes for 6 weeks which will commence mid-April OR a weekend course. Hmm, I thought the weekend course would expedite all that, and more importantly, save all the petrol it would be burning had I opted for the 6-week course. So, after having told the lady on the phone of my choice, she offered the one for this weekend. Well, isn't that just grrrrrrrrreat?

This will surely be an interesting weekend to look forward to, and hmm, a long weekend for the chef.

...and the Cyclist

From the start, I should have called this blog The Chef/Cyclist and The Chemist. Oh well.

Yesterday, the Chef came home with a sore wrist, limbs with scratches from the bushes, a bruise on his forehead from the helmet's impact when... dan dan dan! he crashed on a tree.

Oops.

Of course I had to show some sympathy; so after realising he made it home in one piece, my first concerned-sounding question was, "Is the bike okay?" And calmly, he replied that, yeah, nothing happened to the bike. Thank God.

A treat for coffee addicts

This is a treat for all ya coffee addicts out there. Someone sent me this in the mail and thought it would be nice to share the fun.

Drop the coin in the coffee machine, and click on wherever the hand prompt points. Enjoy every sip! :)

Pakbet rewind

For some reason, the chef was craving for pakbet tonight. That was the veggie side dish last night, and again he's 'requesting' it to be in tonight's menu. I was bound to think he felt sorry for me for not knowing much about cooking vegetables, that he'd ask for a rewind. But really, this was genuine craving.

I said it was done. He took a peek in the pan, sprinkled some spice (that originally shouldn't be there!), covered it again, and "let it sit for a while."

I said it was done. "Letting it sit would mash the pumpkin and make the string beans soggy."

"Exactly. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?"

Grrrr.

My first Dosette

I want to mark this day.

Bev, our pharmacist, had let me fill my first Dosette pack, with a month's worth of medicines. This one was pretty easy-- and therefore, less mistakes-- since the medicine in each cubicle was the same for all. Of course, Bev still had to re-check them. Earlier this month, she had already shown me how to fill a Webster pack and let me finish a day's dosing under close supervision. I would have considered that the big one, but this one just felt more like it.

:)

Let the Games begin!

Was going to, but now, can't talk much. The opening ceremony is too breathtaking.

Check all about the Commonwealth Games at its website --> www.melbourne2006.com

Labour Day

I had almost forgotten. I could have stayed longer in bed. Ho-hum... Yeah, I think I should.

Mornington Peninsula wine country

our route through the peninsula

With some sandwiches and bottles of water, the chef and I took off for a tour of the Mornington Peninsula wine country and coastal towns. It had been for some time now that he's been wanting to go for vineyard hopping to do a bit of tasting here and there and be on the lookout for some good cheeses.

While there was much to see other than the wine country, we decided to first drive along the western coast down to the tip of peninsula. Passing through Mornington, with beaches famous for their colourful boathouses, we made our first stop at the esplanade of Mount Martha to grab our morning coffees from South Beach Cafe. Hmm, there was a very tempting brekky being served there, but with more views to look forward to, and our sandwiches in our picnic bag, we headed further down to Safety Beach in Dromana. Tuna never tasted so much better than with the ocean in our horizon. :)

We passed through the townships of Rosebud and Rye, which are known for their caravan parks, and then further down to Sorrento just in time to see the ferry dock at the port before its trip back to the Great Ocean Road. We missed the marvelous sand sculptures at Rye Beach, and only realised we did upon reaching historic Portsea at the tip of the peninsula where we got hold of a visitor's guide from the visitor info centre. Sand sculpting is a yearly event at Rye, with always an interesting theme to showcase. It was Disney last year, and this year the theme is the animal kingdom. I would have loved to do a U-turn at this point, but our palates were already raring for the tastings. So, I guess Rye will have to wait for our next trip. The sand sculptures event is up until the 25th April.

On the way back north, we took concealed roads which cut through the centre of Mornington wine country. Prior to the trip, I had managed to download maps sourced from the internet, but the chef had chosen to follow his own routes. Because there were so many vineyards one could visit, we picked out a few where we could get more than just a view of the plantation.

Tuck's Ridge would have been lovely, but the parking was pretty packed when we got there. Quite understandably, it was nearly lunch time then; so, we left just as we arrived and was glad Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove was next door. No luck for lunch again here as the resto had been fully booked, but there was much to see around the property so we hung around a bit. We were caught up at first glance with what peaks the population here-- the resto, the cafe, the free tastings, the open gallery, and of course, the view.

At the entrance, a map was provided to guests to identify the abstract sculptures beautifully scattered amongst the rows of vines. First, we weaved our way through their garden of spices and herbs, where some of their cafe tables were set up amongst the patches of shrubs. So strategically and romantically set, I would say, with the surrounding scent of the herbs adding up to the ambience of the place. And I bet it would be so picturesque at dusk with a view of the vineyard spread out on the horizon. Then, after a stroll and a few snaps up and down the vineyard, we finally saw what we've come down here for. The tasting room was getting filled, but we managed to squeeze into the bar to get our first goblets. I was so raring for a taste of the whites, but the chef prefers only the reds. Starting from the other end would kill his patience, so I had to go with that. Not bad. The range was okay, except for the Shiraz which was quite acidic and very, very dry. The 2003 Pinot Noir of the Pennon Hill Range impressed us the most, and didn't hesitate to grab a bottle for take home. Hmm, we reckon it was a bit pricey for its vintage, but acquiring it from the source was something else.

Our next tasting stop was Pier 10, which was a short ride from Montalto. This was a totally different atmosphere, with a live jazz band performing at the resto. It was more rustic with a western cowboy appeal reflected in their furniture and menu blackboards. Compared to the previous resto's menu, the food items here were cheaper and mostly seafood and roasts. The tastings were generous, though, and so were their specials on "forgotten" chardy. Except for the sparkling red I liked, nothing enticed our palates to pick a bottle version of those sips. Or maybe my chef was just too hungry to think. Hehehe.

Despite the mouth-watering menu on giant display, the chef decided we cruised a bit more to the north to get to Red Hill Estate. The tannins from our tastings were surely making us crave for a bite! In a few, we were finally making our way through the long driveway up the estate. Parking was almost filled, and so was the tastings area, which was a warehouse of other delights as well-- jams, preserves, cordials, spices, cookbooks and souvenir items. The exceptional for my chef at this place was a cup of dukkah, Egyptian spices, a steal at $5.

Through a glass door, we slip to what seemed to be another realm. Oh yeah, this was the place to be. I thought we had seen the best, but the view from Max's patio was breathtaking, like being on a first date-- or even better, on a honeymoon. Sitting at such elevation gave us a spectacular view of other vineyards and a hint of the coastline below. Yeah, munching on Prawns on the Lawn for lunch kind of made sense somehow, with a platter of cheeses, water crackers, strawberries, and fig chutney. It was snacks special for the week, but it was filling enough. Besides, we still had some tastings to do.

Or that's what I thought. As soon as we sat in the car, the heat of the day had suddenly risen. And the food seeming to have finally settled. We had some more places in our short list, but we agreed that was good enough for the day. While the chef/driver flushed himself with loads of water, the navigator (that would be me), started to review our route back home on the Melway.

This was a wonderful trip worth repeating, but for sure, next time, I'd be better giving directions. Ahh, that's another story.

Signed...sealed...mailed!

I have finally finished my books! After Bev's last signature, I had put them in an envelop, sealed and kissed it for luck before slipping it in the mail box. :)

They were two modules sent to me by the Pharmacy Guild which I had to accomplish as part of their assessment prior to enrolment for the dispensary assistant course. While I had yet to do those modules (and acquire the certificate upon completion of the course), Bev already had me started on the position to have some experience to back me up.

It has been a BIG learning curve for me these past weeks, and although feeling inadequate at times, I think I'm coping quite well. Nakanaman! Getting those books done shouldn't have taken that long, but with how busy the pharmacy could get at times made it difficult to do so. Just the same, I'm glad that's over and done with. I'm ready for the next step.

Pseudoephedrine update

Last night, our pharmacy took part in one of the pseudoephedrine information sessions given by Victorian pharmacy bodies and the Major Drug Investigation Division of the Victorian Police. While information dessimination about the misuse and abuse of pseudoephedrine single and combination products was the focal point, they also highlighted the changes to be observed with the implementation of the PseudoWatch Program.

There was an interesting talk given by one of the detectives, even supplying us with relevant news clips and photos to illustrate the effects of mishandling/abusing the drug. To see how relatively easy it is to crudely convert a therapeutic drug to a drug of addiction-- and much more with how rampant it is here-- was a shocking revelation.

Being seated amongst informed people does put a significant responsibility on one's shoulders. But, then again, to be able to educate others makes a lot of difference.

Joint birthday dinner for the chef and Yasas

No one had work yesterday. And more importantly, everyone could afford to get pissed last night. Hahaha!

Lashan and Phubudu presenting their cake to the celebrants

Birthday cuppa to the chef

Love didn't require me to be a gastronome to be with my man. I only had to be hungry for it. :) From then on, famish is just a word.

You are the one. You are the only. You are my all. You are my everything.

Happy birthday, sweetheart!

***

Preparing this morning's coffee reminded me why my husband stands by his seeming logic for not showering me with flowers, as most romantics would do. I had at one point been the nag for an answer-- not for flowers. No, really. My string of questions was answered with a string of reasons from him, which made me sympathise him somehow-- and then, fall for him far better than I already have. It made me learn to respect this romantic, and most especially to prepare myself for his unusual ways.

Then one day, he gave me this cup, which at first sight seemed to scream, "Now, shut up!" Everyone who's seen it reckons it's an unusual way to receive a bouquet. Hahaha! Nah, it's my everyday rose, my everlasting flower. Forever in full bloom, it makes every day Valentine's Day for us. And every cuppa is an extra special cuppa.

my cup of love ever-flowing

The start of firsts

The first of March marks the start of many things again for us. For us Christians, it's the first day of Lent, a time of reflection. Abstinence for some things are observed, like fasting, as a means of cleansing one's soul. This was almost strictly observed in my family, but living apart from them now means I will have to keep the drive by myself. While cutting down on meat consumption with my less-carbo-more-protein non-Christian husband, I have strongly suggested to myself to be on a diet. And be more consistent with my walking/jogging exercises.

Autumn officially starts today, but the weather is clinging to summer for a bit, I guess. It's still warm outside, but with the days finally grown shorter, my walks will also be shorter for sure.

Today also marks the first month for me and the chef since starting our respective jobs. Woohoo! We are definitely enjoying our jobs. Although some days we come home tired, that feeling of satisfaction comes with it, leaving us nothing but smiles.

Oh, this also happens to be my first March in Oz, as my previous visits have been after or before this month. I wonder what other firsts it will offer me...

The month so far

This month has been a month of many highlights for my husband and me. February started with both of us starting our new jobs. He wasn't exactly new to his, as he was already working at this resto for a few weeks then, but Feb. 1 marked his first day there as the regular chef after being 'bought out' from the agency that first placed him there. Hmm, only comes to show my chef is no regular chef. (Ears clapping now.)

On the second week, I was offered the dispensary assistant position in the pharmacy. It was actually the position that I was eventually going to fill in, but not until I had finished the six-week course. Bev decided that I would have better appreciation of the course if I had the experience first. This had since given me more than I had expected, since it's also refreshing me of the practice and much more!

Just through the third week, Lashan moved out to transfer to another flat. He now lives with Yasas, who used to share it with another friend who has returned to Sri Lanka. It had been an impending self-initiated move for Lashan for many months --delayed mostly by my own insistence at the start that the chef and I could save up with a flatmate. With our new jobs and a new place for Lashan, blessings and coincidence couldn't have come at a better time. Miss Lashan? Nah. But yeah!, if he lived more than 50 paces from here.

There is so much space, and now so much to fill! On the brighter side, there is so much to look forward to. It's been a refreshing move for all of us, and we're all excited about new arrangements, new additions, and new experiences.

So far, so good.

***

Today is my sister's birthday. She's turning... whoa! Are we supposed to say it here? Well, she definitely looks younger than her years. Happy birthday, Ate!

Sacrifice box

Yesterday was the birth of our sacrifice box, which is essentially just a box wrapped in fancy paper with a narrow slot big enough to accept a hundred dollar note-- although any size of note would be most welcomed too. :) Its seal is not guaranteed to be theft-proof-- only a couple of cellotape layers!--but it should work its purpose in the absence of Temptation.

Apart from the savings accounts we keep in the bank, a piggy bank in a form of a box is still a good way to keep us from spending money on our hands. It is indeed a 'sacrifice', as we challenge ourselves to start the week following every Sunday we put in our 'sacrifice', with less money in our pockets. I am looking forward to less weekday shopping from the chef. Hehehe.

In fairness to him, he was able to contribute really really well and far better than I have for last night's first sacrifice. But the important thing is we have put in whatever we had then. We hope it works for a long, long time.

A day in the Bahamas

It had been on the local newsletters for some time, and now it's finally here. As part of the preparation for the Commonwealth Games, Victorian councils have adopted a Commonwealth nation to learn about these other nations. Our council's adopted country is the Bahamas.

It's basically a family day, with lots of entertainment for kids and kids-at-heart alike. Far better than expected, the venue was moved to the park closest to us, so the chef and I had the chance to peek at the celebration. I think we had arrived too early for most of the activities, but we've managed to capture some events on cam.

Melbourne Motor show

We're posting pictures of some of the cars on display at the Motor Show. My husband had been wanting me to see it with him, as he had always gone to this event. It was my first time when we went last Monday. Like a kid in a candy shop, wide-eyed and full of oooh's and aaah's, my camera went clicking here and there.

Valentine's Day learning tip: Never ask where the rose came from

He was comfortably spread out on the bed, watching cricket, when I arrived. He slightly props himself up as I bend over to give him a kiss and a welcome hug (for myself). We exchange summaries of the day, and then fell silent as Sri Lanka's turn ended. Change channel.

Sitting up, he moves himself down at the foot of the bed beside me as the 6 pm news came on. My head is on his shoulder, tired and just glad to be home. The other eye is shut but somehow I manage some yeahs and nays as he comments on the news. He usually never went beyond the third headline, so it is a surprise to have him still there even commenting on RU 486. Unreal.

Fifth headline. Shifting in his seat. He must be bored by now. Then...

"I got you a rose."

"You did?" as if it was the most impossible thing for him to do. (Ok, kind of.)

He reaches for what looked like a bunch of gold mesh wrapped with a colourless acetate from the tv top. He hands it to me with much expectation for a squeal or something. I let one out. Sincerely. This is just so... uh... exciting. Oh, there! A shivering red bud inside. Hmm. He must have been hoping I'd spot that on the telly. Nice try on RU 486.

"Thanks," as I inspect for a card. None. "This is really sweet of you," reaching for another hug and kiss. "Extras from the function?" I kidded.

"No."

She-devil kids again, "Where's the card?"

"No, there was no card."

'Was,' meaning it came from somewhere. This is killing me. "Someone gave it to you?" this time pointing to the torn flower farm sticker, where something seems to have been ripped off.

"No. I took off the price tag."

Hmm, guess again. I don't know why I was torturing him, but lucky me, he wasn't taking it any way I wouldn't want him to. So, low as a low blow can get, "Safeway?"

"Yeah."

Oh.


(You still get A for effort, my monstercake. -babycake)

Job enquiry

"What is the age requirement to deliver drugs?"

Hmm. That sounded like a big question from such a little voice. Big question, indeed, and it was from behind the dispensary counter. A headful of curly blond with a pair of enthusiastic eyes. He was holding his cycling helmet to his chest, as if his fingers were pressing all nervousness on to it.

"12," said Bev and Tamara, our pharmacy assistant, almost in unison.

Then Bev added, "I think you still have got a long way to go,... what's your name?" and which I barely heard from my bench. I think I was deafened by the awe of it all. I have no recollection of sometime in my childhood, wanting to earn at such young age. Well, yeah, but we used Mom's capital on baking ingredients, so I guess, that was just break even or worse.

"I'm almost 12, and got a bike." Almost there, kiddo.

Now Bev explains that the position's filled with six boys taking turns during the week. (Hmm, I thought there were only four.) Anyway, just to keep his hopes up, "Say, come again in 4 months. That time one of the boys will be old enough to do the job, and if you come in at the right time, you just might get it."

"Ok. I'll see you in July." Turns around with his backpack almost touching the back of his knees.

Ok, he really didn't look his age, but brave. Very brave.

It looked like I wasn't the only one amazed by it. Somehow, it had lifted our stress for the day, and Bev was all asmiling. Isn't it fascinating?, she kept saying. Indeed.

New order

Here's something for my friends who have recently moved in to their new homes. :)

lifted from the Jan/Feb 2004 issue of Complementary Medicine

Feng shui re-Oriented

A leaflet from a 'feng shui strategy' group has appeared under my front door. It is like having a plastic surgeon hand me his card and say, "Call me'.

Against my better judgment, my better half took the offer. A week later, we had a person with a very impressive compass roaming our home, inspecting long-neglected closets and gathering obscure personal details.

A week later, she reappeared with a colleague to deliver the verdict. With the house three degrees off its true orientation for prosperity, and use of the back door to our yard forbidden because of an energy leak, things were looking grim. I was pleased to learn that a Sony hi-fi system improved the energy in theliving area, although I was unclear how the ancient tradition reached such a brand-specific conclusion.

My wife and I are also apparently (very)i different, with ideal sleeping orientation almost 180 degrees apart. Rather than be relegated to the couch, I offered to sleep head down, given certain concessions. Or indulgences.

By the end of negotiations, our geographic gurus were gone. And the couch is reasonably comfortable.

Food blogs

I woke up today 'craving' to pour out my thoughts and spill some good news here, but my fingers seem to be rusty now. After this, I should be preparing for work anyway. I shall get to that later. But just to fill in some good news, we're sharing our recent discovery: food blogs. Please find some Aussie food blogs listed on our sidebar.

Food blogs was a feature in this month's Gourmet Magazine. It's amazing to find how some foodies out there are devoted to this kind of blogging. For us common consumers-- who aren't necessarily resto hoppers-- it's a terrific way of finding out which places and which amongst their menu items to dare try!