Reflections on Death

I got a phone call on Sunday afternoon. I was out with the family. We were coming home from a birthday party. A friend of mine had passed away. We went to school together, and later reunited in uni when she did dentistry and I did medicine. We shared some lectures together in the first few years.

She was 30. It was sudden, and tragic. I do not know exactly what happened.

That night, I took a deep breath, and looked at her facebook profile. I clicked on her pictures, and went through them one after another. And I procrastinated that moment all evening.

Four years ago, I organised a little get together with a few school friends. We chatted, we laughed and we remisnisce the old times. We laughed so much. She was always so bubbly. There was a certain positive energy that she emits. She laughed at my behind being so massive, pregnant with Lachlan at that time. After dinner, we walked her to her car. And that was the last time I saw her.

My brother bumped into her on Flinders Street a few months ago whilst being on holiday in Melbourne. She ran up to him and gave him this massive jump hug. She was always so full of......life. And now she's gone. And it doesn't seem real. It's so hard to think about death, without thinking about life.

Even now, I still feel numb.

It made me reflect. On how fragile life is. Somehow, I am just more aware of how alive I am today.

To Do:

Well, guess what? My mom and dad are here from Malaysia, and whilst we have babysitters handy...

Here's 15 things to do:

1. Run away to a tropical island somewhere and hide.
2. Have a hair cut (ticked).
3. Eat less (which is real hard when Mom's cooking fabulous dishes every day!)
4. Exercise more, yay!
5. Nag less, talk more.
6. Watch a movie, or maybe a movie marathon.
7. Blog more.
8. Catch up with girlfriends.
9. Spend more time with mom and dad.
10. Go shopping!
11. Why 15? I can't think of any more.
12. Is there a problem with me?
13. I have all these time to do things NOW and I sit around twiddling my thumbs.
14. Any suggestions?
15. :)
    

Super Busy

No, really. Does it get any busier than this?

I wake up every morning with a list. I love making lists. To do this and that. Shopping list. etc. But at the end of the day, nothing gets done. How did I get so busy over nothingness?

We do things, just the usual. I cook, I clean and I feed, three little mouths. Doesn't seem that many, but it certainly feels like I COOK and CLEAN, ALL THE TIME! Three little lives depended on me. So it may seem like I haven't crossed off anything on my list, but we survive yet another day. I guess that is a big achievement in a way.

And this other baby of mine gets a bit neglected. My blog.

I have a ton of posts to write up, a lot of photos to upload, recipes to share and videos to show and tell.

But right this moment, I have a baby hanging off my booby while I try to type. A very chatty 4 year old asking impossible questions and a cranky 2 year old who has just woken up from his afternoon nap, clinging to my leg and whinging. So, I can't make any promises, but I do owe it to you my dear readers, so I will try my absolute best to update every once in a while.

I leave you to ponder on these questions:

Oh mummy, why are there only 7 days in a week?

Why did Humpty Dumpty sit on the wall?

Why are there only two "arrows" on the clock?

Why do boys like blue and green, and why does Lily wear pink all the time?

Why, mom why?

Qi Massage

For my birthday this year, which is a few days after the birth of Lily, my sister-in-law gave me a voucher for a relaxation massage by Qi Rhythm. It was the next best birthday present, second to Lily of course. So thank you, Chai!

Qi Rhythm specialises in pre and post-natal massage at the convenience and comfort of your own home. I made the appointment by phone, and didn't have to wait long for a visit by one of their practitioners. The timing was just perfect, Gary was taking the boys to the Wiggle's Concert (Lucas' birthday present) and my parents were going out. Lily was a sweet pie, sleeping through the whole session even though it was her feeding time. I had the whole house to myself, a quiet and contented baby and a masseuse, what a luxurious hour!

The massage was very relaxing, focusing on the tight spots particularly on my upper and mid-back. I could feel the knots melting away as she gently kneaded through. I think a post-natal massage has so many positive aspects, not only does it provide physical relief but also works on emotional improvement. It invigorates and soothes the mind. I awake from the massage a much calmer, relaxed mom, which is fundamental to the caring and nurturing of my children.

www.QiRHYTHM.com.au

I'm no Cinderella

I'm about to let you in on my not-so well kept secret! I have gigantor feet, to put it mildly. Alright, so everyone in my family already knows it and friends close to me.

My mom bought me my first pair of heels when I was twelve. It was probably only half an inch high, but already a whopping size 8. This was when I was 12! Barely post-pubertal and still growing! Gaaahhh...

So over the years, my feet grew... and it grew, thankfully only 2 more sizes larger to a size 10. In my teenage years, I remember how hard it was to buy shoes my size, especially in an Asian country. Most shops only stock up to a size 8. So I strutted in my nike, probably made for boys. Thank goodness in those days, all I needed to do was go to school. But as you can imagine, when a certain special occasion calls for dressing up and nice not-too-chunky shoes, it can certainly spark a shoe shopping frenzy which almost always end up in tears.

Anyways, that was history. When I landed in the land down under, I was in shoe haven! Aaahhhh.... sizes, sizes, sizes! Wooo hoooo! I bought my first pair of 3 and a half inch disco shoes, it was glittery silver. And in the 7 years of my uni life, I collected up to 25 pairs of shoes! (Oops, are you reading this dad?) It only escalated when I started working, with my own money to spend.

Now, here comes the clincher. I am 19 weeks pregnant. And already my feet have blown a size up. I know that in NO way, I will be able to find a pair of nice heels for my brother's wedding in Malaysia. So out I went shopping, looking for my perfect pair of glass slippers. And guess what? Most shops in Australia stock shoes only up to a size 10! HORROR!! It came to a point when I walk into a shoe shop, I ask the attendant, do you stock ANY shoes in a size 11! Just pick a box that says size 11! In any style or any colour!

Guess what? I found it. My perfect pair of glass slippers. I heart BETTS shoes.

I think I'm here to stay Australia, thank you very much.

Photo credit: http://www.betts.com.au/ Shown above, PLATINUM in silver, size 11.

Pregnancy Diary: Week 11 Being Mrs.Grumps

I'm not normally bitchy about anything, really. Not openly bitchy anyways. But lately I have been a bit of a grump. I would be nit picking on little matters, blowing it into slightly larger proportions, and sometimes I could erupt emotionally like an active volcano without any warnings. I find myself teary eyed more often than not.

One day, Lachlan caught me with tears in my eyes and asked if I'm sad. I said, no, not really. They're just "nothing tears".

Nothing tears? He then wiped them with the tip of his pointer and "popped" them. There, he said... feel better now? What do you know? Soon enough, nothing tears started pouring out.

Oh no! Mummy, your eyes are raining! I just couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter. Nothing tears soon became funny tears.

Oh, back to the topic of bitchiness. This little incident happened a little while ago. I had to blog about it only because I had to get it off my pregnant bosoms! When and if I do look back, at least I could blame it on the hormones!

We were at a kid's party and there was a pirate's treasure hunt. In this treasure hunt, presents and loots were hidden in little bushes and plants, and kids were meant to get their elbows and knees grubby and look for their loot. Read: KID'S treasure hunt. Anyhow, it was over within 30 seconds, because a MOM stood over the loot, pointing to the treasures, well literally fished them out herself and put it in her kid's palm. Trivial? Yes. Annoying? Oh yes!

Even my 3 year old said "Not fair, she's a GROWN UP" Ah huh.

OK...see? I'm getting bitchy.


To read the entire Pregnancy Diary, click here.

Caramelised Upside Down Peach Cake

I had a craving. It wasn't anything bad, really! I wanted canned sliced peaches, and what do you know, I was well stocked up! In my pantry was a whopping 825g can of sliced peaches. I can't really remember why I bought such a big tin of peaches, it must have been for a party or it might just be on special at the supermarket.

Anyways, I was already planning what I was going to do with the rest of the peaches, if I were to open that huge can! I took out some recipe books, remembering reading somewhere about an upside down cake. It was actually an apricot upside down cake, but they're pretty similar anyways. After a little bit of tweaking, here's my version of it, adapted from one of the Women's Day small recipe book series.



Caramelised Upside Down Peach Cake

Ingredients

425g can of sliced peaches in syrup or juice, drained.
50g butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
125g butter, chopped
1/2 cup castor sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon milk

Method

1. Grease a 20cm round cake tin. Melt 50g butter with brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour caramel mixture onto base of the tin, swirl it evenly so it coats the bottom of the tin.

2. Line the sliced peaches over the top of the caramel, in a nice and even circular pattern.

3. In the mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla essence and eggs one at a time. Fold through sifted flour, sour cream and milk.

4. Bake in a moderate oven (160 degrees celcius, fan force) for 40-45 minutes, or until skewer comes out clean.

5. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before overturning cake onto a cake plate. Serve warm with a dollop of fresh cream or ice cream.



The recipe calls for 125g butter in total, half of that melted for the caramel. But I find it really hard to cream 60g of butter, it all get stuck at the sides of the bowl! So I doubled the quantity of butter. Then I realised, oh crap, I didn't have any eggs! But I have duck eggs! Rich, creamy, huge duck eggs. (Why do I have duck eggs? My lovely mother in law gave them to me, freshly laid, free range duck eggs!) While rummaging through my fridge for bits and bobs, I found sour cream! Gaahhhh, why not make this dessert a triply rich and super naughty dessert. I figured the people around me need some fattening up, so I don't look too bad around them.



The cake turned out really really moist, and fluffy and rich. The gooey caramel just oozes out as I tip the cake upside down. The peaches went really well with the rest of the cake. Two thumbs up, a recipe I would keep and make again when I have a massive can of peaches.



Hah! What a naughty craving this has become!

Hens Night: Princess & Providore

Last weekend, I was invited for a Hen's Night hosted by a good friend of mine LY and Princess & Providore. The Princess and the Providore is a business partnership specializing in regional Italian culinary classes, olive and hazelnut oils.

This is by far one of the most unique Hen's I've attended, a tasteful and "refined" affair. Not that I was expecting a male stripper or anything revolving around a pole. No really. But olive oil tasting, learning all about taste, cooking with olive oils is really my thing. The closest thing we got to naughty was when the bride to be quizzed us in Italian, what an "Italian Kiss" was, which I shall not write about any further.

The itinery for the night:

Tasting the difference between a good olive oil and everything else not, was a real eye opener. I don't think it will ever be the same again. Really, I didn't know the olive oil I was using on my salad was rancid! The balance of taste and aroma, the fruitiness and piquancy all play an important role.

One last thing worth a mention, the Blood Orange and caramel pie, served with a dollop of chocolate ice cream. Oohh, it was near orgasmic (but only second best to an Italian Kiss!). OK, I was just being a little naughty, it was a Hen's afterall!

*LY and I met at Box Hill Hospital Emergency department. We were both working there as ED residents. We introduced ourselves to each other and having found out that we were both originally Malaysians, we chatted away like long lost friends. And we haven't stopped!

Asia Pacific Blog Awards

So, for the first time this year, I decided I might try my luck on a bloggie award. What do you think?

Nuffnang is hosting their first ever, Asia Pacific Blog Awards to honour the best in the blogosphere and also in recognition of their second anniversary. This will be celebrated in true red carpet fashion, a grand gala event in Singapore on the 23rd of October 2009. Nuffnang, along with their sponsors will be giving 400 bloggers and their guests a chance to walk the glamorous red carpet to a glitzy gala dinner at the Pan Pacific Singapore Grand Ballroom. This includes airfares and accommodation for the 3 days and 2 nights affair.

Every time, when the bloggy awards season approaches, I always have a list of my favourite blogs to nominate. Best Parenting Blog, Best Food Blog, Best Fashion Blog, Best Photography Blog, Best Hidden Gem! etc. And I would support them with my nominations and voting. The nominations for the inaugural Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards are now open. Do you think I can make the cut this year?

Well if you do, hop over to the awards page and fill in the nominations! You don't need to register, all you have to do is to provide them with your name, contact number, country of origin and email. Nominate http://www.lachinvasion.blogspot.com/! I promise you a blogful of love and eternal gladness!

Don't I have any shame left in me? ;)

Is there a Medical Career left for me?

Lately, I've been inundated with quite a few medical questions. I found myself stumped, unable to answer these simple questions. It's like, my mind just goes blank. And I don't know where to start.

What antibiotic should I use for a minor skin infection? What are the symptoms of Listeriosis in pregnancy? And what are the outcomes? Please review my blood pressure medications. And do you think this medication interacts with this? Or what's the newest drug for cholesterol? Gawd...

Please don't ask me anything "latest" because just in case you haven't noticed, the "latest" news is that I have been OUT OF PRACTICE for way too long, not to mention preggo brains that automatically converts to mummy brains in motherhood, ya'know the ones like baby food consistency. Gaaaahhhhh!! I stumble, I stutter a semi coherent answer, then later google the question on the Internet for an answer! Let's just say, if you were a family or a friend and wanting to ring me for a medically related advice, you'd better think twice about it! Also, my medical indemnity expired 2 years ago, and I wouldn't be able to afford a lawsuit. Tee hee!

I went to medical school for 6 years. Did my intern year in 2004, and then residency in 2005. In 2006, I had Lachlan and took a year off. I did a few locum shifts every now and then in various fields. In 2007-2008, I was on the priority locum list for Peter James Centre, an age care and rehabilitation facility. I also did skin checks and executive health checks through a locum agency. The last I worked was when I was 7 months pregnant with Lucas, where I did 2 weeks in age care and rehab. I still knew enough to eloquently form answers for patients and their families then. No doubt, the patients loved me. Little old ladies in their four wheel frames, and wobbly war veterans with their sticks and thick bifocals. They have a thing for a friendly pregnant woman tittering on 1 inch heel, their medical records piled up high on my forearm. Sometimes they call out to me "sister", to bring them a bedpan! There was a war veteran, so confused he thought he was still in Vietnam when I was his treating doctor. Good old memories.

I miss those days miserably. In between making lunches and folding away clothes, I secretly wished to be a doctor again. To know my stuff. And to be able to talk like an adult! Will it all come back to me?

On the flipside, I find myself becoming really good at little kid's issues. Like how to remove a foreign body from an orifice (we shall not mention which one), the never-ending coughs and colds, how to pretend that the snot coming out of your child's nostril is "really nothing to worry about", red rash and all skin things. I think if I have to work in the ED again, I would be really confident to treat a child. As oppose to my childless days where I pretended to be busy whenever a child comes through. And hence, I apologise to all mothers out there who waited 4 hours to see a doctor at the emergency department! It's different now, I promise.

I love working with the oldies. In many ways, they are similar to little children. One day soon, I will be. I don't know how or when. But right now, there are other stuff more important in my life. Like reading Charlie & Lola mini library for my three year old and wiping snot for my 1 year old.

Oh, I'm just kidding about the "don't ask me medical questions" thing... I would love to be challenged every now and then with a question. Besides, it's my dad who asks me the most and I think he would demand for his entire life savings spent on my medical school fees back if I can't answer his simple questions!

Bush Walking

I feel blessed living in this part of town where there are hiking trails, just minutes away, that makes you feel like you're out in the bush. Just today, I went for a 11km hike through the Dandenong Ranges with a few good mates from the medical school days. The walk was quite OK, not as arduous as I thought it would be, given that I've not done this sort of activity for quite a while. Let's say, since my pre-wedding days!

Ada, Jess and Grace

Ada is training to conquer Mt. Kinabalu in August, the highest peak in South East Asia. I did this when I was 14, a little less than half the age of what I am now! Geez... has it been that long? Anyways, I have always loved hiking, walking through the woods. I love breaking out in a sweat, feeling the heart thumping, breathing the clean fresh air and the cool wind on my face. It's so refreshing, rejuvenating. And the feeling afterwards, a sense of accomplishment and calm.

The trail started at the base of the 1000 steps at Mt. Dandenong National Park, a replica of the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. We went on further up to One Tree Hill, and then to several other trails around the area. It took us about 3 hours for the entire journey, which wasn't too bad. There were some parts which were quite steep, testing our quadriceps and cardiovascular capacity. We saw two somewhat elderly ladies walking up a rather steep slope, which was inspiration to us and pushed us along. Most of the way, it was just a gentle slope.

And of course, there's always a decent meal planned for after all the work is done. We had a Chinese banquet dinner at Crown Palace in Vermont South, a reward for all our hard work. My legs are hurting like monsters, and I'm waddling like I'm 7 months preggers. And right now, I just want to go to bed.

Wicked & Pub Food

For my birthday this year, I was given 2 tickets to Wicked, the Broadway Musical. I have to say, it was a very thoughtful gift and I loved it to bits! One that I did not expect and one of the best birthday present I've had. So thank you, Guaran and Chai!

From their website:

WICKED is the untold story of the Witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Lucy Durack played Glinda. Elphaba was Jemma Rix, probably because Amanda Harrison is performing somewhere else, taking the world by storm.

Bert Newton was the Wizard of Oz. Stuart Fisher replaced Australian Idol Anthony Callea in the role of Bog.

Spellbinding. Spectacular. And wonderfully wicked.

Loved. It.

.....

We were a little disorganised going out to the city tonight. Part of the day was spent at the Dandenong Ranges with my parents and the kids, just kicking about the footy and eating. Then there was the house that looked like it's been hit by a cyclone, been lifted up and twirled about into the Land of Oz! I spent a good part just picking up toys and putting away things. Before I even know it, it was time to go!

I quickly threw dinner together for the boys, and got ready all in less than 20 minutes! On the way out, we realised we haven't made any reservations for a restaurant. The first one we called from the car was booked out. Uh-oh!

I flipped through the Entertainment Book and found European Bier, located conveniently at the Paris end of Colins Street and corner of Exhibition Street, just a stone's throw from the Regent Theatre. The moment I walked in I thought, oh dear! There's absolutely NO ONE having dinner at this place. Everyone's at the bar, drinking. The tables were empty. It was dark and dingy. The bartender told us to go find ourselves a table upstairs! Right-o!

Anyways. We were wickedly surprised. We ordered our food. Entre of salt and pepper squid with garden salad, char grilled scotch fillet and chicken parmigiana for mains and dessert was a sticky date and walnut cake with butterscotch sauce and a berry compote. Boy! We agreed our pub food was so darn good! The squid was tender, the meats were succulent and perfectly cooked and the flavours were excellent! Would never have thought this Ozzie pub has this much to deliver. If you don't mind the ambience, or lack of. In the end, we thought the service was OK. The bartender came over to talk to us. We didn't wait too long (possibly because we were the only ones eating) and the food came piping hot.

And their selection of beers, a little overwhelming. Somewhere like 50 different types of beer. All of which I could not pronounce.

Another great night out.

European Bier

120 Exhibition Street,

Melbourne.

My 30th Birthday

Last night, I celebrated my 30th birthday with 4 very influential ladies in my life. We had a ladie's night out, just 5 of us at Melba Restaurant, at the Langham Hotel. It was a lovely evening, memorable and enjoyable. We ate and we ate, we chatted and laughed, we got to know each other even better than before.

C is my new sister-in-law. She spent the night with 4 lovely mummies, grasping the depth of our conversations of childbirth, breast-feeding and juggling our rather hectic lifestyle that is different to hers. L and H have been my mentor and role models. They're both stay at home moms, the ones I've learnt to respect ever more than before in the last few years. JL, I've just got to know not too long ago but got on really really well like long lost friends, also through playgroup. She is mom of one and another on the way. They are the ones I wanted to share my 30th birthday with.

I enjoyed the great variety of seafood, having platters after platters of fresh sashimi, natural oysters, king prawns and blue swimmer crabs. There were also clams and mussels, but did you know I was allergic to mussels? There was also a wide selection of salads and cold meat on centre stage.



Perhaps, the main attraction was the open kitchen. Here, there are food stations where chefs freshly prepare the food that you select, ranging from an Asian stir-fry, to Italian pastas and aromatic meats from the tandoor. I ordered a herb and cheese naan bread from the tandoor, which was made there and then right before my eyes, that was divine.

The Asian stir-fry was so-so, maybe because I have had one too many platters of entrees and already felt quite full. They also serve Peking Duck, but I've never in my life had Peking Duck with stir fried bean shoots, it tasted a little out of ordinary. The skin was also a little chewy.

The array of food was so diverse, so multicultural and so uniquely Melbourne.

Then, there were desserts! I was really excited about sweets because as I walked in, I saw this: an array of little miniature treats.

It looked almost too good to be eaten. I like how they make them so pretty and in small little portions so you can almost try everything on display!

Verdict: Two thumbs up! I'm not a big fan of buffet style dinners usually, but this one gets the cake. Their selection of cold food is fresh, and their hot meals are freshly prepared. Definitely unlike many other buffet style dinners. Downside is you just stuff yourself silly and end up overeating. Thank goodness I don't turn thirty too often!

MELBA RESTAURANT

The Langham

1 Southgate Avenue

Southbank

Victoria 3006

1800 641 107

Photos from www.melbarestaurant.com.au

Turning 30, 3 and 1.

A little less than a year ago, we celebrated Lachlan turning 2 years old. I was heavily pregnant with Lucas, just about to give birth at any time. I thought having 2 kids with their birthdays close together with mine was great! It means we could have a big birthday bash together.

Anyways, fast forward a year, my views have changed. The idea of a dozen three year olds high on sugar, running amok and trampling all over half a dozen crawling almost one year olds sends shivers up my spine. What about when they start going to kinder, to school? They'll have more friends then and their parents would come too. And what about MY friends?

In a couple of days, I will be turning 30. Thirty! Big THREE-OH! 2 days later, Lachlan will turn 3. And a week after that, Lucas will turn 1. WOW!

Turning 30 is no biggy. When you're a kid, 30 is like old! And for a lot of people, turning 30 is a big deal because of the realisation that they're a grown up, with grown up expectations of themselves and what others have on them. For me, it's OK because I'm well on my way in the path of life. A house, a husband, 2 wonderful sons and a part time job. I think I'm OK. No doubt, it is still a big milestone. So I am going to do something special this year. For me.

Lachlan and Christopher was born on the same day. They go to the same playgroup. And this year, they will be celebrating their 3rd birthdays together.

Lucas will have a smallish party at home, with his crawly friends and no 3 year olds trampling all over them. Thank goodness!

So there will be 3 parties, not one big bash.

Vision 20-20

One of the things I did when we were back in Malaysia was IntraLASIK, a form of refractive eye surgery similar to LASIK. The only difference being the method by which the corneal flap is created. With IntraLASIK, the first step of cutting the flap is accomplished using a highly precise laser, the Intralase Femtosecond Laser. Hence, it is also known as "all laser LASIK".

I knew this is what I've wanted, and after some light research, I know that the technology (and no doubt professional expertise) used here in Australia, is at par with the ones in Malaysia. So I snapped up this opportunity to have my very first "cosmetic surgery" done whilst we were there. This saved me quite a lot of money, enough to cover for another trip back for my entire family.

BEFORE:


AFTER:


I trusted my brother and Ching to call up on a few clinics and upon their advice, I went to Optimax in Taman Tun, Kuala Lumpur. I was truly amazed with how quickly everything went. I arrived on Tuesday to find out that an appointment was made for me to have an eye examination on Thursday and if everything was OK, the surgery was to be performed that same day!

Thursday came, the kids were left at home with their grandparents. My eyes were checked and I was given a big tick for surgery.

I sat in the waiting room without my glasses, blind as a bat, while a very well spoken gentleman explained to me the steps involved, possible risks and complications and what to expect in the next few days. There were a few other young guys in the room, their surgery before mine and I thought I could hear their teeth chattering while the doctor was explaining these to us.



My name was called out, and I was led to another room. I was then instructed to look ahead at a green light and keep my head very VERY still. This was the intralase laser, sending little air pockets into my cornea creating a little flap. It was not scary at all, all the time I was just concentrating on the green light. It's funny how I thought my head was kept so still, I swear I wasn't even breathing the whole time but the surgeon kept telling me to keep my head still!

The LASIK procedure itself took seconds! 13 seconds to be exact. The duration of it depends on the prescription for long distance viewing. For example mine was -4.0 for both eyes, and thus 13 seconds for each eye. My eyes were blurry for a couple of hours, it wasn't hurting or stinging. It just felt a little uncomfortable, a little dry and very very light sensitive.

I went home, shut my eyes for a bit. I tried to sleep, but could only manage 20 minutes. I couldn't wait to see my boys!



That night, I went out for dinner at a lovely Japanese restaurant! (Against doctor's advise *roll eyes*) I couldn't miss it as it was a pre-wedding dinner for Guaran and Chai. I had my sunnies on all night despite getting a fair few stares from other customers. I could see! I mean really really clearly! All the time I kept reading the billboards outside the window, testing out how well I could read, even the teeny weeny letterings. Unbelievable!

Night time, I had to wear shields for just in case I accidentally rub or knock my eyes. I look like spiderman and Lachy was very very amused! Spider-mom he calls me!

A day after the surgery, I went back for a check-up. Perfect vision. 20-20. I can be a pilot. No more granny glasses. No more contact lens. I can wake up in the middle of the night and see the time on my clock. In a couple of months (just to be safe), I can go swimming with the boys and not worry that my contact lens are going to fall off under water. Now, if only hubby does it, we can once and for all banish all contact lens solution from our bathroom!



A true medical marvel, just amazing!

Read more about it here.

(Photos are TOTALLY random and unrelated to this post, apart from the BEFORE and AFTER shots)

Hen's Day Out: The Amazing Race Style

My sister-in-law-to-be, Chai had her hen's day out today. It started at 1:30 pm and we met at her place not far from mine. We were driven to Federation Square in 3 cars, all 11 of us. The day's agenda had been a secret all these while, we only knew to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a lot of walking.

I should've guessed it would be nearly marathon-like, Chai being a fitness fanatic. Maybe I shoud've left my gym shoes on... or maybe I shouldn't even attempted the gym in the morning and reserved all my energy for the day.

Anyways, it was The Amazing Race style and we were given tasks to perform, both individually and as a team. We were divided into two groups. This is what we had to do:

• Sing in a very busy supermarket
• Do a mummy wrap of one of our team mates with toilet paper
• Busk on Burke Street Mall for $1 (More like beg)
• Cramming strangers in photo booth for photos
• Stripping off our clothes out in the open (We are so CCTV-ed), so we could exchange 2 items of clothing each.
• etc. etc. All these required us to move from one end of town to another.

Basically we did crazy stunts to embarrass ourselves in front of total strangers. I am surprised I still had energy in me to run around with the YOUNG LADIES although I could definitely feel my knees creaking and my back a little achy breaky. Ahh, what 2 pregnancies do to your body! Joy. And oh, I had 2 blisters on my feet.

Dinner was classy and different. Mecca Bah is a Turkish restaurant at NewQuay, Docklands, which is situated picturesquely on the waterfront. We don't have Turkish food too often, so it was a nice change. We ordered a few dishes to share and I must say, the lamb tagine was one of the best I've had. The morsels of meat just melt in your mouth, had just the right amount of spice, and served on a bed of couscous, heartwarming!

After dinner, the hen's party begins. We got on a party bus that had disco lights and played rather dodgy techno music. It then took us all around Melbourne for a tour, while us unruly females had a night of outrageous debauchery, taking turns doing dirty dancing on a trippy bus and asking Chai lots of dirty sexy secrets while giggling away in girly chatter. The bus took us straight back to her place again, and we continued the night with drinks and nibbles and really really silly games involving a phallic shaped object.

It was a great night. I had a chance to unwind, get to know my soon to be sister-in-law and her friends and a chance to get away from the boys! I enjoyed it.

KitchenAid vs. Kenwood Chef

I grew up alongside the Kenwood Chef. I remember my mom using her ancient chef, baking cakes after cakes, loaves after loaves and all her other goodies. It works like a tank, tireless, effortless, efficient and always reliable. When I arrived here in Australia a little more than a decade ago, I dream of owning the Kenwood Chef. Just because I know her so well! I know which button to push and which knob to turn, with my eyes closed. Heart.

Anyways, I did. I got my chef on my twentieth birthday. The BEST ever birthday present. (Since Lachy was born 2 days after my 27th birthday, he didn't count as a birthday present!) That was 10 years ago. My chef has served me for a decade. WOW. It was the Classic Series, stainless steel bowl and body. At that time, it still cost about $700 (me thinks).

One Christmas not so long ago, my husband surprised me with yet another stand mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Series. *gasp* Surely I don't NEED another mixer, since the chef has been ever so faithful and trusted. A girl can look can't she? Well, I do rant about the KitchenAid quite a lot only cos it looked ohh so snazzy, ultra handsome. Every time I walk past one at the shops, I have to STOP for at least 5 minutes to have an ogle. Although I am very MUCH married, I still LOOK at hot guys. That doesn't mean I MUST have other guys in my life! Same deal.

Anyways, I'm not complaining. I love my husband. He knows his way to food my heart. Now I've used both, here are the good and bad points of each machine:

Kenwood Chef

PROS: SO easy to use. I can do a tango with it! I like the pop-up spring head lift. It has a powerful 700 watt motor. It is so hardy.

CONS: It works like a tank, it sounds like one too. Every time I use it, I can hardly hear myself think. The bowl is quite large, so not so suitable for smaller quantities. I find that there's always a small amount stuck at the bottom of the bowl.

KitchenAid

PROS: Ultra sleek, it just screams out "look at moi". It makes me feel like a celebrity chef. It's a lot quieter than the chef. The bowl comes up narrower, so better for smaller quantities, say creaming 125g of butter. If I were to use the chef, they will ALL end up at the bottom of the bowl.

CONS: Huh? Oh OK, one. The motor head is quite heavy and not spring loaded. So every time I need to scrape down the bowl or lift up the head, it's like uuugggghhhh! That's it!

Generally, I think they both work the same. Both come with a K-beater, balloon whisk, dough hook and a splatter shield. And there's like a million attachments you can add, like a meat mincer, food processor, nail file, foot spa...etc.

So, if you had to buy one... Which one will you choose?

Steakhouse at NewQuay, Docklands

I took my husband out for dinner on our 5th Wedding Anniversary, 'cept he drove us there and paid for dinner.

I chose the restaurant, Steakhouse at NewQuay, Docklands. They're famous for their top quality Australian Beef. These are their selection of steaks:



Arabica Dusted Yearling Grade Beef:
• Rib Eye 350g: $30 • Eye Fillet 220g: $32 • Porterhouse 280g: $26 • T- Bone 500g: $32
M.S.A Prime Beef:
• Porterhouse 280g: $34 • Rib Eye 350g: $38 • Scotch Fillet 300g: $35
Certified Australian Angus Beef:
• Porterhouse 280g: $42 • Rump 350g: $34 • Boneless Prime Rib 300g: $39
Black Angus:
• Eye Fillet 350g: $66 • New York Strip Loin 450g: $58
Wagyu:
• Porterhouse 300g: $95.00




We had some oysters to start. From left: Kilpatrick, Peri-Peri and Bloody Mary, three of each. My personal favourite was the baked oysters in spicy peri-peri. The sauce so spicy and tangy, and the oysters still tender and plump. Gary liked the Kilpatrick. Guess who had the last Bloody Mary? It was ME! I looooove oysters!



It had an open kitchen, the steaks are flame grilled right before our eyes. Wide screen TV's lined the wood panelled walls, feasting our eyes with live-time TV of our steaks being licked by the flames while we waited. Hungry.

I had the prime rib with field mushroom sauce, and hubby chose the M.S.A. rib eye with a spicy pepper sauce. The steaks were flavoursome, a tad too salty. Gary's steak was done to perfection (medium), mine was a little overdone. I thought it was more medium well than medium. Overall, I still enjoyed them. Pity though, what a waste of good steak!

All their steaks are served on a potato gratin. Delicious!

And we ordered a side of broccoli with crumbled feta (which tasted and LOOKED more like parmesan!) O.o

What I find though is that there are a lot of hidden extra costs. Like a weekend surcharge of 10%, sauces to go with your steaks are $5.50 more, vegetables $7.70 and even water cost $6! The bill came up to $150 for two and we didn't even order anything extravagant. Thank goodness for the entertainment card, we had one of our mains for free.

The waterview, priceless. But wait, maybe that was also an added extra. Must go and check the receipt.

We had a lovely time though.

Happy Anniversary Babes!

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary.

This day 5 years ago, Gary and I exchanged our vows in our very own backyard. This very house we're living in. It was a memorable day, a simple ceremony with family and close friends, (Followed by a VERY elaborate, not one but THREE chinese banquet receptions spanning two countries! Enough spread for an issue of the Australian Women's Weekly!).

This morning, we attended the wedding rehearsal of Gary's brother and his soon-to-be wife. It was sweet and lovely, and it brought back happy memories of my big day.

Gary, I give my love to you,

And will be open to your love in return.

I would like to share in your dreams,

And for you to share in mine.

To give help when you need it,

And to ask for help when in need.

To support you in all your endeavours.

To share in your joys and sorrows.

In the presence of our family and friends,

I ask you Gary, to be a friend,

companion and lover throughout my life.

These words, spoken 5 years ago, held true to every word till today.

I love you babes, and always will.

Happy 5th Year Anniversary!

The Apache Wedding Prayer

Now you will feel no rain,

For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,

For each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,

But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,

To enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Betts Online

Who doesn't need a shopping fix every now and then? It's therapeutic.

Shopping for me has been a dash in and out of Coles, or a quick hour by myself whilst the boys are asleep under hubby's watch when he's working from home. I have learnt not ever to wander into a boutique WITH my two boys, or never ever to go near the Thomas the Tank Engine coin operated ride else we'll be stuck there for eternity.

Recently, when I blog hopped over to one of my favourite site, I came across Karen's Fashion and Shopping Directory. From there, I landed on Betts. Just like any other typical female, I love love love shoe shopping. Before I discovered eBay, my shoes lined the entire length of the walk-in wardrobe. I had to park my car outside of my garage because they're FULL of shoes. The back seat of my car, before having 2 child restraints, have a few pairs of shoes. For work. For shopping after work. For just in case I have a blister from wearing 2 and a half inch heels at the Emergency Department. For gym. For swimming. OK, so I have come to my senses and gave 2 big bags to charity and sold the rest on eBay.

3 mommy years later, my collection has dwindled to flip-flops, sneakers, a few nice pairs of heels for going out, winter boots, a few more pairs of shoes that were too nice to give away or sell on eBay. (OK, so they still line up the entire length of the wardrobe). Hey, a girl's gotta have what a girl's gotta have! Shoes are like chicken soup for a girl's soul. You ALWAYS need another pair or two. So now I've justified my recent spending online, this is what I bought:

And I LOVED it! Every.single.pair! Most importantly it made me happy.

Go on, hop over. They're good for you! Plus they're having a spectacular sale. Bonus.
Free shipping for orders over $85 and free returns for ALL orders.

My wish list: