Letter of the Month...

Cyber-Parchment:-

Are you attractive?
Are you attracted to?
Do you find others attractive?
What attracts you?
Do you attract others?
Do others attract you?

Dear Dilemma-Decipherer(Editor of TORN),

I have always been attracted to X but he has a boyfriend and so do I. I think when I started dating my current partner Y, X was there throughout our relationship - he was Y's flatmate but not until I moved in with Y that I was introduced to X. I think X is what I am looking for in a man but at that time, I was distracted by other things that even I didn't know what I was after in the end. It is also difficult for me to make friends now because I have a tendency of liking them and wanting more physically, in which I shouldn't.

Now I have to say that I was an idiot for not dumping Y for X since X was single and available at that time. This is like 10 years ago now but I can't stop thinking about my error of judgement. I think I was brought up to always honour any relationship and I am not good with handling guilt.

It was also inappropriate to put myself in-between X & Y because they were the best of friends. Now we live miles away and I think of X often. Years back, in the heat of the moment, X and I had sex and it was mind-blowing, actually it was refreshing. OK it was fucking hot. My relationship with Y has also suffered a little and now we are in an open relationship. What the hell is an open relationship? Some may say that it is how it is but I think that I should have been honest with myself in the first place.

How do I live with the fact that I have made a bad decision though I love Y dearly but I'd rather be with X?

Signed XYZ.

Dear XYZ,
You have to be realistic and let go of your fascination with X. Certain things have already been forged and you cannot undo the mistakes you've made. It is also important to trace back the love you have for Y and the things that attracted you to Y in the first place. Not all open relationships end up in an endless cycle of wanton pleasures. I have known of many couples moving back into monogamy after a period of self-discovery.

I have to say that you are not the first one to fall in love and out of love, realising that you've made a mistake is very common. But sometimes, your idea of mistakes and guilt is the lack of communication that has developed in your relationship, a projection of the breakdown you're having with Y. I recommend re-learning all the things that once kept you and Y together...things which you have taken for granted and re-kindle lost love. And if sex is an issue, talk about it and make an effort to do more adventurous things that both of you might appreciate. There are myriad choices in terms of sexual aids/role-play that you and Y could both participate in, if this is truly your concern. Do not feel embarassed and take this as a development point in your relationship as with many other couples whom have found this outlet to be a perfect bridge for them.

As you get older, there is also the difficulty in deciphering whether your feelings are geared towards love or lust. I think with X, it is what being human is all about...always wanting what you cannot have. This childish fascination should not be entertained.

This issue though needs to be discussed openly with Y - not that you have had sex with X but that you want to try new things if that is the case. There is not much more that anyone can do for you but if Y is that important, then make the necessary sacrifices to engage Y at a level that he can understand and appreciate. Forget about X because it is just a boyish memory that we all love to indulge. Sex only last a few minutes but a relationship last a lifetime.

Good Luck,
DD

I am a Mega Lesbian..

I was driving the hubby to work, I think this was 2 days ago when we saw an orange-haired lady crossing infront of us in the city looking all sweaty like she just came out of the shower. She was very 'noticeable' for she works in the same building as the hubby and dashes across the street breathless most of the time. She's a big girl as well so it hard not to see her. The weird thing is that, from what I can gather at 8am is that she carries with her a Bob the Builder Lunch Box and various Hello Kitty bags into the office. She never ever wears a skirt and changes her hair-colour quite often. She is also in her late 40s and smokes. Notice all the negativity? We are terrible people.

The hubby can be insensitive sometimes and said that she looks dreadful and being a professional we shouldn't be caught dead looking the way she does and dealing with the public. Yes... the hubby works for the health department - bored shitless there because of all the parasites and no-brainers but it pays the bill. I recall having a similar job? Ooops I do have a similar job - shit!

Anyway, to cut the story short, he said that she probably had not had sex in eons and that it was hard not to notice that she was infact quite a 'dike-ish' lesbian and not a looker at that (this was implied). I told him not to be so bitchy...it was very unbecoming and quite sarcastically said out loud that in that case it will make me the BIGGEST Lesbian he has ever met! He laughed but I gave him one of those killer looks that cut through his cockiness. It was abrupt but very effective I think.... Am I the biggest Mega Lesbian ever? How depressing...

My new lens 18-135mm

OK I've heard some bad reviews but bad reviews are only as bad as the person whom hated it. I am keeping my judgement till I see pictures.

I have been reading alot of materials on the D80. The issues with ISOs, White Balance and VR requirement; those sort of things that can go wrong (not a pragmatist yet). I am still unsure whether the D80 is a good choice coz I tried the D200 and prefer the built-in buttons better.It's also about 10% larger in build size and since I have tres petite fingers and hands, it was just too bulky. Small fingers are not made for big things - maybe some big things but... at a jump of $1K more for the body alone, I need real convincing.

The weekend is looking quite positive and exciting. There is dinner with the hubby for his birthday all organised at the Hyatt and the football game between the Power and Geelong. GO POWER!!!

We also got ourselves a pair of waterproof North Face raincoats yesterday for a bargain (30% off). Another extravagance we don't need coz we got ourselves a down jacket 5 weeks earlier. But with this waterproof thingo, we can leave the raincoat and the downjacket @ home. It is breathable which is excellent and has enough room to wear a light woollen sweater underneath it all. Excellent for Autumn (Fall).

I am excited as well for Andrew who is heading to Tibet & the Himalayas in 3 week's time...take care of yourself. The journey will be revealing both physically and spiritually. Come back in one piece and don't be too adventurous. You're no Spring Chicken.

Also to Bents whom is heading off on vacation in Europe to catch up with his other half. Everything will be great when you're both together again. Europe this time of year on the other hand...at least it isn't winter. Switzerland is pretty this time of year.

To Kevin on getting his invitations to various Christmas Parties...are they serving eye-candy? Who knows - the man of your dreams might just be around the corner.

Have a great weekend guys and I wish you all good journeys my friends! Though it would be nice if we could all see each other in person but alas...

Nesting....

While waiting for the hubby to get off work....the Rosellas were busy building their nest for their little hatchlings - mum is expecting. It was very very sweet though they weren't in the best of spirits when they saw the camera flashing.

Kevin Rudd, The Conservative Liberal...

How can you see the beauty of the world when you're not using your own eyes?

My first week in Sydney...years ago.

I still remember the first week like it was yesterday. The hubby was out at work and I thought that it would be a good idea if I made my own way into the city hoping for some sun and a cup of hot latte by a park somewhere. We had a very nice townhouse in Neutral Bay, conveniently located near the bus and ferry...easing us from the burden of driving or owning a car. I had 4 months before term began and thought venturing out on my own will at least provide me with a mental map of the city.

Autumn weather can be quite unpredictable, so I rugged up and carried a brolly with me just in case and within 5 minutes out the door, stood waiting infront of the obscure chemist bus-stop peering at the sign indicating when the next bus would arrive. I told myself that I am no longer a tourist. Cocky?

The thing about Singapore is that travelling is so accessible and brainless that you literally know where you're heading without having to invest in any verbal commitment with fellow travellers. I felt a little daunted by the whole affair of timetables, express, single, multiple trips etc. etc. but told myself how difficult can it be? It is an English speaking nation afterall. We have tap cards for everything so they should have one too...wrong!

The articulated bus made a rather sudden stop and opened its doors. Being unsure whether it was the bus heading into the city, I walked towards the driver and enquired whether this was the bus that will take me into the city. The response I had was pretty shocking and will need to be dialogued:

Hadi: Sorry, I was wondering whether this is the bus into the city?

Bus Driver: Are you fucking blind or something mate? Can't you bloody read?

I couldn't believe it. I had always thought that racism was something made up by Australian-hating xenophobes but at that time I was slightly sensitive to such rudeness and now realise that it was just plain rudeness and nothing else. I stayed home for the rest of the week and told the hubby when he got home as to the event of the day. I was devastated and started taking the ferry thereafter preferring the harbour view than the awkwardness I felt that very first week living in Sydney.

One of the many things I've learnt since coming to Australia is that people will walk all over you if you seem to be at a disadvantage. While Asian societies are communal, Western societies are geared towards selfishness. If you allow yourself to be burdened by your Asianness and let people ignore your upbringing, then you will be isolated and disanchanted - Displaced! Tax paying individuals have every right to walk the streets, when and where they want to without any fear of retribution.

At the suggestion of a friend...

At the suggestion of a friend, I am getting a copy of "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri. I have been reading the first chapter...Google books are bad!!

I have to say that the writing is light therefore it will be breeze to get through but like many cross-cultural interpretations of post-modern life, I expect many a juxtaposition of characters and not to mention, flaws and strengths with a blatant devotion to the sensitivities of the Mind. Spoken vs. Implied.

I have to say that I am a man of subtle extremes the reason why my wanton 'emotions' are locked away securely in my psyche. I dread watching TV these days preferring to scour the internet for discourse. My greatest fear is to be mindless and when that time comes, I know it is time to go.

When I was younger, I've always been reading and have at one point in time adored the idea of working as a librarian. I thank my eldest sister for that, whom showered me with so many books though the love was not instantaneous. After a long stint of volunteering throughout my education at various libraries, I came to realise how my romanticised view have somewhat been dulled by the realities of the job.

In fact, I had very little time to read nor appreciate the etched knowledge in its abundance because reading was not part of the job description. I suppose if you're an archivist then a librarian is where you will find solace in this rather monotonous cycle of stocking and re-stocking or that limited edition signed copy of whatever. If reading is what you're after, being a pragmatist is your only viable option... spend some cash and get on with it. Being around books is just that - being!

Thank you Pinoyboy for the recommendation. I will keep you posted...

Dog and Moon (Inu to Tsuki)

KEVIN...Guess what I found on Youtube? Bonnie Pink. Just odd I thought to have come across it, what with your pics of dog and moon.

I have just been told not to forget!

My itinerary:

Adelaide-Melbourne-Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo-Nikko-Tokyo
Tokyo-Kamakura-Tokyo
Tokyo-Kyoto
Kyoto-Nagoya-Nagano-Matsumoto
Matsumoto-Nagoya-Takayama
Takayama-Nagoya-Osaka-Kyoto
Kyoto-Himeji-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima-Kyoto
Kyoto-Okayama-Kurashika-Okayama-Kyoto
Kyoto-Nara - Kyoto
Kyoto-Osaka-Koya-san
Koya-san-Osaka-Kyoto-Uji-Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto-Tokyo-Sydney-Adelaide
Tokyo-Sydney-Adelaide

HOORAY! And we're booked for Vietnam in March...Double HOORAY!

Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.

A book to read, a movie to catch and a soundtrack that will bring you to tears from Nitin Sawhney...maybe? Not really...I've just got through some and I suggest sticking to Nitin's older albums.

Ever wondered where your name came from? My name was chosen by my sister, she was studying in Indonesia and was influenced by the turbulent political surrounding of her 'mental' confines. She was an Islamic Politic Science Major and was a scholar. It must have been very lonely for her there. But the women in the family have always been proud of their achievements and sometimes being good at what you do, can be 'deafening'. Our Parents believed that any sort of education away from home made us whole and worldly. The fact that we had scholarships were also a boon for there was 12 more from where that came from. I was the 12th.

Abdul Hadi is a derivative Arabic name combining two words, meaning servant of the guide.In Islam, the Guide is an appellation of God, descriptive of one of His ninety-nine attributes. I am humbled by this and have always considered how my name have shaped my life?

If there is a place that you must visit it is India. I found the experience, well it was difficult to explain in the beginning but I would say PROFOUND. The contradictions, the sadness, the poverty, the exuberance, the social segregation, the western, the eastern all culminates in this ongoing battle between history and the present. India is like the illegitimate son that has made good and wants more but due to its rather fragmented upbringing, it is destructive in its own naivete.

It is eager and hungry - always ready to 'consume'. Among all this, it is filled with wondrous architecture of civilisations that once flourished in this rather desolate terrain - one that was so structured, it baffles you as to why it is so cacophonous now irrespective of whether you're standing waiting for a cab in Delhi or for a cup of chai in Mumbai. You have to see it to believe it.

It's Gonna Rain ...Bonnie Pink (Samurai X OST)

In my Nihon mood...

Au revoir monsieur Marceau!

Democracy comes from Within!!

Good on you Burma! Faith does not make you a lesser human being...it gives you perspective and strength.

For Kevin...Bread, Bread and more Bread.

For Bents...seen at a mall.

My iPod Distraction...I really need a vacation!!!

Back to my Euro-Trash roots!

The Lounge, Study and Dining...All done.

When we were working abroad, the only thing that kept us enthused and of course being able to have the comfort of good disposable income was to collect bits and pieces of things along the way. Apart from Persian carpets, books and textiles, we were also able to design our own display cabinets and have them made in China of old wood for shipping to Singapore. These were designed to fit our current abode...so they have travelled a little I guess.

Most of these rooms are hardly used....they're just too pretty and infact a great escape from the outside world. Our little hideaway really. They are also warm in colour which reflects our sensibilities. While there are those moving towards minimalism, we do not live in an apartment, so have brought the beauty back in our 1880 Victorian Villa to what it might have been when it was first built.

Hope you enjoy these pics...who knows if you are ever in town, you're always welcome to have tea with us! I'll bring out the silver I promise....

The Nightmare that was the Wardrobe.

Remember the yet to be fixed curtain dilemma?




Summer Long Sleeves Shirts!! Winter doonas and sleeping bags.

What a weekend....

The Power is in the grand finals of the AFL and the Wallabies are in the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup (A Post Prediction). Eight pints later and a trip to Chinatown for a quick slimey dinner to soak up the grog and a cuppa at CIBO, the weekend was all good as we staggered our way home. Thank God we live about 20 minutes out of the city.

I also had a chance to look at the new iPod nano and Papa iPod - both are so very desirable. The most upsetting thing about it all is that I do love my current nano but the juicy corners and the smaller casing was very hard to say no to. The screen on the nano was much better than the Papa - action images were a little noisy on the 180GB. I had trouble walking away but I need to focus on my camera. My self-control is getting better with age and priorities are now governed by need rather than want.

My 18-135mm Nikkor lens finally arrived this morning. I am excited and it looks pretty swish. Walked around the city too and it looks like the average price for a Nikon D80 body only is around AUD$1500/- with a $200 cash back from Nikon on their anniversary making it $1300/-. I can get the body in Japan for $100,000 Yen which is equivalent to $1K so I will wait. In the meantime, I am stocking up on lenses, SD HC cards and undoubtedly a new battery grip.

Month-end has been good...all the reconciliation and SOX controls have been signed off. This 3rd quarter will require, from the work-end, a reconciliation report on all transactions done on the asset register against tickets raised. Yes - I do have a rather boring job...but numbers cruching is great as long as you get your balances right. I use to abhor the fact that numbers dictated our lives but I have come to appreciate the role in which it plays. Sadly this goes against my artistic grain but there is always a time and a place for everything.

I escape into the city Monday week to attend an advanced excel course...just to get out of the office really - I'd rather do SQL or Advanced Access but the business would rather pay you to do something boring and safe. Will not be attending the CPA Congress because that is smack in the middle of my holidays - oh well I don't need anymore networking...been there done that and hate it.

5 more weeks to go. We will do Japan extensively covering all the locations apart from the northern regions in which I doubt we will have time for. Apart from that, it is Monday and shit only hits the fan mid-week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

It's Friday - Time to head on home

Another week. Just had lunch with Raelene who is leaving the company after 10 years of Service. Will miss her coz she is interesting to talk to and have the aptitude for some worldly discussions @ work rather than your usual 'DOH". Not everyone has that gift....alas - another one bites the dust!

So what is the weekend going to be like? Not too sure but the garden and the deck needs a little TLC. I've had my first rose bloom yesterday and there are buds everywhere - I am a happy little camper. The perennials are also not doing too bad but strangely enough, all the Cliveas are blooming this year including the yellow ones by the Porch. It is going to be a hot summer I think since everything is blooming way way too early.

Sunday will see me at the Market buying homemade bread and lilies for the spare room. I like my new spare room...it is a "me only" room. It has some of my paintings and life drawings. I should take some pictures soon - once I have the drapes sorted.

Have a great weekend guys - buy yourself a present!!

Kevin - This song reminded me of New York and U..

Edgar Ramirez II

OK Just two more pictures..

Edgar Ramirez ...

Took the other half to see Bourne last night...and I was wondering where I saw Edgar Ramirez last. Then it dawn on me..."Domino". He is afterall Venezuelan and I have a thing about Venezuelans!! He speaks 5 languages including French and German.

He is also a cool 5' 10 - just about right.....Isn't he just mouth-watering? Can I keep him?

The View - Fart in A Glass...

>

My Nikon 18-135mm DX Lens

OK I got all excited and couldn't wait for Japan. I ordered my 8GB SD HC Sandisk Ultra II card which is coming in the mail and the Nikon 18-135mm DX lens which was going cheap. I know I am going to regret it but what is done is done. From my tone of voice, I am already regretting not waiting for the VR lens.

I know that most of you will say that I'm a little generation X misguided/caught in-between generation Y geek - my partner thinks so too...he says Mr. Instant Gratification hello?! I can't deny it though... I told him that I could die tomorrow - Carpe Diem!!

So I will be looking for a shorter lens...maybe an 18-70mm VR (Vibration Reduction) rather than the 18-200mm. Sometimes I wonder why I will need a 200mm unless I am hiding in the bushes somewhere trying to catch that elusive Bald Eagle having a crap 20 miles away!! Oh yes, its poo is actually round and brown as written in the Almanac of Bird doo-doos 2007.

The good thing is that my monopod will come to good use I guess and I really don't want a mish-mash of gear that will give me sub-standard pics when I blow them up to A1 - A3. Who knows when I will need such big pictures anyway. I get a little misguided as you can see at mere potential - absurd!

But lets see what happens. I only need a Nikon D80 body now! Why am I thinking of Johnny Depp? What has that got to do with anything?

Lunch with a Friend - Historic Port Adelaide.

Taken with my ole pal Nokia 6280.... not too bad for blog pics.

The Bubble...

Compare it to the original....



INTENSE!

Sometimes I wonder...

I had picked up the other half last night and was driving home as with every other work night. The day's contemplation was trying to figure out what made different cultures/races attractive. So I asked my other half that same question. If he was looking at an Asian guy for example lets say a Chinese guy, a Malay guy, an Indian guy or a mixed race guy or any Asian for that matter - what would be the reason why he'd find them attractive?

His reply was physical appearance. Shallow I thought?! His argument was - that is what people go on these days - first impressions. So I told him that you need to lust over someone before conversing with them thus indicating that if he didn't like how you look, he'd probably wouldn't have a conversation with you. Does that mean then that he would only converse with people he finds attractive or attracted to? Conundrum?! Are we all the same for that matter?

Maybe I was being over-analytical but my reply was abit more dramatic ... the way he dresses, his demeanour, his physical appearance, his haircut, his cologne or lack there of, his linguistic skills, his upbringing, his interests, his academic qualifications etc. I realised that I am no longer attracted to mere physical appearance - my value system has somewhat evolved...for better or worse I am unsure. Am I just as shallow then to impress such criterias on strangers?

The fact is , I trust my eyes less these days... On the physical side if it came to that, I prefer my men tall and huggable. Cultured A+ ...one that wouldn't feel uncomfortable doing all sorts of things with me. Well read and thoughtful of others.

Then he went on to say that you can't have them all. That people in general are either born brawny or brainy and if you are neither then you're truly in trouble. My argument was that there might be people whom are both - that he attributed as rare which I have to agree in a way. I asked him what if I had average looks without much to go for in terms of fashion or general knowledge etc. when he first met me; his reply was that he wouldn't have said a thing to me at all. Thank God I was preppy that night I said. Ironic coz I would have at least said hi?

The thing is that I come from mixed parents myself and therefore have attributes that is not singularly Asian. The Chinese, Indo, Thai and Arab mix have somewhat manifested as well to how I look. The way that I think is based on the Americanisation of Asia and a WestMinster Educational System. I speak a couple of languages some more fluently than others. Growing up was difficult for the very reason that there was no fixed group to affiliate with. I learnt the concept of independence pretty early in my youth. Knowledge is power.

There was also that rather selfish thought of opportunistic Asian/Western relationships which erks me a little. When we first decided to migrate I was appalled by the fact that these Asians spoke very little English and the Westerners were all opportunistic paedophilic-like species of the lowest form. That was very snobbish of me. People come together for many reasons - maybe that was their comfort zone and therefore I shouldn't be so prejudicial. It is just that father-figure relationships are just bad form.

Then I asked him, my other half, whether if I spoke no English, had no career nor qualifications would he have formed the relationship that we have now. He replied with a straight "No". The idealist in me begged to differ hoping that good looks sometimes do offset the benign but then I felt a little crossed with myself for lowering my standards. Dilemma?

Still attraction is an elusive concept. How often have we seen gorgeously looking people with utterly unflattering partners? Maybe it is what it is; beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

Unanswered and exhausted by counter-arguments, we made our way to the in-laws for that scheduled evening roast listening to the wireless in silence.

And I cough and I cough, and I cough till...

Maybe I am a hypochondriac but the hay fever is back compounded by the nasty cough that I have yet to recover from made for a rather unbearable night. So I was wide awake having a cup of tea @ 15 to midnight - trying to ease the searing pain emanating from the Vick's vapour rub therapy gone wrong and the itch that nearly unbolted my eyeballs from its sockets - I had unwisely tuned into " MY HUSBAND IS GAY!" on Lifestyle. Apparently as many as 20% of the male gay population take a wife before coming out.




It was a rather confusing episode that left me with mixed feelings. Morality is a funny creature and how you see the world varies quite substantially depending on how, in actual fact, the people around you feel about your relationship. The women seemed resolute, bitter and some devastated by the whole affair. Others pretended to appreciate the honesty but deep down inside, the experience have left them scarred. It was paralysing. On the whole, only one man was remorseful and less selfish but the rest were your typical Brighton by-product; befitting the new Ford car ads recently seen on TV.

Juxtaposing this with watching "Gehenna" from the Millennium Season 1 episode an hour earlier, I came to understand that indoctrination and the wish to please can be a fatal human flaw. Most of the men married because they were compelled as it were by their socio-economic background and the pressure society held on them growing up. It reminded me of some form of self-inflicted / afflicted disability (i.e. projection). It was a rather shallow documentary but maybe that is what marriage sometimes become - always take your actions to a good place without hurting anyone in the process (selfish that it may be). That has always been my motto.

One Two go - Off my List!

Another budget airline crash. Travelling during the monsoon season in Asia has its perks like cheap hotels and packages but is this really worth it? Our tip is always do your homework...lonely planet books have a very good section on airline integrity if you're travelling on a budget and I do recommend seriously considering their suggestions. There are some cheap fares that are just not worth taking chances...there are those freak accidents and there are accidents that are just way too freaky!! Apart from that don't forget to find out the type of aircraft that you will be on...this will give you an indication of its age and track records. Always do your homework...or else just fly cattle on a regular national carrier.

The Holidays are drawing closer!

This year's in-between holidays is far too sparse. I think we needed a break in June or July but just can't afford to take time off work. The last time we went away was April and we have been saving as many holidays as we can so that our sojourn abroad will be well-spent and fruitful. So over the weekend, we visited an outdoor store to look at some 80litres rucksack for next year's trip. As you can see I'm quite a short arse so most of the rucksacks I carried looked hilariously oversized. The curse of being short but stocky. Oh well can't do anything about that can I - at least I can be a beast of burden. Bastards!

Did catch Hiro Kurosaki though - It was AOK but not flawless which is fine since it has been awhile since I last went to hear baroque. Hiro mentioned that it was in Adelaide that he first made his Australian debut at the Festival Centre 18 years ago. Amazing how time flies. That was on Sunday after a fine lunch at a Tapas place in the city.

The Garden also had a workout...I planted various perennials so that we have some colour real soon. The deck needs cleaning as we are inviting some people over for BBQ pre-Christmas do. The weeding was painstaking done but I am still suffering from the after-affects. Apartment living is looking quite attractive today.

Best in Show! The Saturday that was...

Let me carry your woes for a day...so you can run among the free without fear of shadows!

My idol : Asashoryu

Have a Great Weekend...

To my friends from far and near...have a glorious weekend - treat yourself to some chocolate and be decadent!! Don't forget to try something new ..maybe a new flavour, colour or sound and be surprised. Thank you for being you!

KEVIN
ANDREW
JO
KATHY
BENTLEY
PETER
PINOYBOY
JOHN
BRAD
LEE
CARLSON

A new album for my iPod!

I feel a little guilty coz I always thought without listening to James Morrison that he was a little gimmicky. Its like getting caught skipping class! Apprehensions aside, today is a day of 'breaking away from misconceptions' and trying something new. I should do that more often - surprise myself for my own good.

Eric Lafforgue's Photos

This is one of the better photographers I've found on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics

He uses a Canon 5D and Hasselblad H3d-39 - the pictures speaks for themselves. Of course there's that little hint of photoshop which to me is alright in portraits since you're not in a studio.

Havealook.

Its Friday....

It is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. Saturday as always is laundry day and the trip to the ironing lady across the street. There is also the 2nd round of the Royal Adelaide Show and the fireworks. It has been really good this week - every night at 9pm I will be on the deck watching the fireworks from home...strange isn't it how fireworks makes you feel all mushy inside especially when you can experience it on your own backyard.

Then it is Meze Sunday at the Greek Cafe in the city and the 2pm concert at the townhall. Still haven't manage to see any movies this month but hopefully will be able to drag the other half for Bourne Ultimatum including the in-laws. I try what can I say?!

What is Life without purpose or Living for that matter....

Where did it all begin?

The 3 wise men stood in front of the pool laden with a heavy rock in their hands. The instructions written in long time past was simple. To know the meaning of life, one must drop the rock they have chosen into the Pool of Life and all will be revealed.

The 3 wise men decided that they would do so together - hoping that the revelation will not be lost for at least one of them would be touched by Truth itself and thus be able to relate the experience to the other if need be. They also feared that the pool would only reveal itself once and preferred their chances not to be stolen by their act of civility.

As they let the rocks slip from their hands, it fell into the pool in a giant thud; ripples began to form and waves after waves began to collide against each other and overwhelming the curvatures of the pool until all that remained was a single ripple that seemed to consume inwards into itself.

The 3 wise men stood waiting. Waiting for a mystical apparition to appear - a revelation that would take their breath away but none came. In the silence, they stood bewildered and disheartened. Have it all be in vain?

Spears Fan : From the Actor's Studio.

Antony Thomas - Middlesexes

Is this really Science one may ask?

Explain to me how this works?

Put your suit back on mate....

Vilain Garçon

Maybe this label will hit Australia soon...

But those looks like Bonds to me!

Does the underwear instantaneously turn you into a Greek God? Not all Italians are Stallions...trust me!

Preparing Vietnam March 2008

Have been busy looking at various hotel options. The tickets are all paid for and our itinerary is set for Vietnam in 2008. We have also decided that we will spend a little more on really good hotels this time around rather than rushing in and rushing out. It will also give us a real personal experience.


Our last Burma trip was really good. We had 4 days in Bangkok and then 14 days in Burma and 2 days in Bangkok again on our way back. It felt like 3 x the vacation. Maybe that should be the way to go but this trip will have to be short so that I can save up on my holidays in October for our 4- countries asian border crossing trip.

One of the contenders in Hanoi is the Sofitel Metropole Hotel for the very reason that we have endeavoured to stay at the Sarkies Brothers establishment at least once in our lives. Have been looking through ZUJI, OctopusTravel and Asiarooms but it looks like we will have to pay the asking price ...

The Sarkies Brothers being the builders of the Raffles in Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental in Penang and Hotels in Surabaya (The Majapahit) and Burma (The Strand). I have some older pics in the blog of the E&O.

We've done well so far and the Sofitel, from the pictures looks like the Majapahit in Surabaya although not done by the Sarkies themselves. They even have an inhouse Spa in Surabaya and for around $40 you can get an hour of scrubs and a full body massage. Hopefully this one does as well.

The E&O had a huge Spa bath and a variety of bath oil/salts and we had our very own valet. It was intrusive but it was also convenient when you want something for the room. It was decadent..."afternoon tea Sir?". We had our very own basins...I like the idea of not sharing basin in the bathroom. I just like my own space just like the Strand in Yangon. The morning papers were delivered in linen carriers so that you can take your papers to breakfast.

So that is the plan today. To work out the hotels that we will be staying. Sometimes it would be easier if we had our own personal planner. Maybe I can quit my job and run someone else's lives making sure that everything is catered for without them having to think too hard. Any takers? Do what you're good at and get paid for it....hmmm sounds like the dream job.

Thank you Flickr!

I never knew how much I would appreciate all those images especially when the holidays are drawing near. Its strange but its like looking through someone else's eyes. I will see you soon Japan! Thanks Bents...

Bunny Freeze!

Camel Rides!!

And then - Fireworks!!

Outmatched : Japan vs Australia

Due to the Rugby World Cup pulling the youtube clip, here is another which has nothing to do with Australia winning over Japan....

Go Power!! We're heading to the Semi Finals.

Good on you boys - it was bloody brilliant...the Crows aren't crowing in the office this year are they? Sorry Andrew...Sydney.

The Weekend that was....

It was a wonderfully warm weekend. Spring is finally here and already it is heating up. Summer this year will be a scorcher!! We headed to the Royal Adelaide Show which is an annual event since we live just walking distance from the showgrounds. The partner gets cheap tickets from work so we are heading there twice. My favourites have always been the piglettes/SOW and Alpacas...those wonderfully mysterious eyes that seems to consume all light. There are also the camels and baby emus.

Apart from that I love the dairy cows - they're generous creatures with their milk I mean which we take for granted each day. Docile creatures really and all that meat. There are also the lamb..."Pleazzeee Hadeeeee...eeeeeat meeeee." And of course, the dog shows...one cannot go the show without seeing the puppies at work. This year's French bulldogs were magnifique oui oui!

There were no horses this year due to the Equine Virus but that is fine. I am not into horses...my phobia of horses is not natural though. The other half is not going to help with the therapy so I am forgoing getting to know horses.

One of the strangest things to see was the judging for bunny rabbits. I didn't know that part of the process was to make them pose motionless. The judges are apparently looking for that distinct quality...the owners are pretty serious with what they're doing. All too bizarre for me. Some of them looked like stuffed bunnies. Silly but I thought that it was really funny having a stiff bunny for 5 minutes while the judges man-handle them.

Then there was the face-painting tradition while riding on a camel looking like Beetlejuice!?

And last but not least the 9pm fireworks which had to be cut-short due to the sudden high winds that came across Adelaide that night. Fireworks makes me smile. All in all rather enjoyable... a good weekend. We ended up having Meze on Sunday afternoon. The good thing is that the walk-in robe is 95% complete and the room is looking grand and 6 more weeks to the holidays.