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June 23rd, 2008

09:22 pm - What's been happening lately? March 16th is the last time I tried this .. and it's been a while since my last LJ entry, so thought I might tackle this again. Some key things that have happened in my life lately include: * Have unpacked all my stuff (with exception of about 3 boxes) into ruzza's house * Finished up in my old job, where I worked for 6+ years, it was an incredibly sad farewell, yet I have no doubts that it was the right time * Started my new job in the CBD area of Melbourne - my job lets me work on some projects that I am so passionate about in my own life, and it's been like a breathe of fresh air to start the job * Slowed down a little with my Facebook addiction (it was bound to happen eventually) * Been twice to Tasmania to see family and friends, once for the funeral of my Grandfather (my last remaining Grandparent), once to celebrate the safe arrival of a new nephew who arrived safely (despite the odds given pre-birth) * Done a few mini bike rides around home with ruzza * Done a 20klm bike ride (just yesterday) - and survived without feeling too sore * Finished my 2005-2006 Tax Return, which sadly was a $2,800 exercise (ie I owe the Tax Office - mumble mumble) * Held an engagement party with ruzza's and my family and friends - and it was a great night! * Survived the initial onslaught of a cold Melbourne winter * Got excited about a work trip to East Timor early July * Got a little disappointed when the East Timor trip was postponed to later in the year. * Got a photographer sorted for our wedding - that's the groom, church, reception venue, photographer, and bridesmaids dresses all sorted now (with a list still a mile long of things STILL to do) * Successfully managed to delete ALL files from the "my documents" part of my hard drive - about 75% were backed up only. That'll teach me! * Picked a pattern and fabric for my wedding dress, and found a lovely lady named Pat who's offered to make it for me * Had a solid long-weekend of cooking my little heart out - made so much food it was crazy (especially as I was sick at the time)! Good to "squirrel" so that there's something in the freezer for nights when you come home late and can't be bothered cooking anything too exciting. * Caught up with 5 very old (well, long-term friends) on Facebook, and have had some amazing "on-line" catch-up conversations. That's the last 6 weeks pretty much I think. Life is good right now - apart from still shaking the remnants of a cold that hit last weekend, and still feeling a little tired - I have no real complaints right now. Current Location: Home Current Music: Ruzza's "Gordon Ramsay PC Game" - ???!!! Tags: me me me

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May 12th, 2008

08:28 pm - Thought of the month .. .. I'm contemplating giving up my LJ. I started my LJ almost 4 years ago now, and I've proven to myself over recent months / year that I'm far from committed to writing regularly in it, let alone reading the well-written, thoughtful posts of my friends. It's not that I don't have the time, I just don't seem to have the motivation. Half my friends on here are friends in real life, and I don't think many people log in thinking to themself "wonder what kafechick has been up to lately. Most know what I've been up to, most people I see from time-to-time. I have had a Facebook fascination since the latter part of 2007 that is also coming slowly to a grinding halt - is it possible that one just gets "over" using computers at work during the day and then again at home during the evening? Pondersome thoughts .. from the procrastination queen! :) Current Mood: pondersome Tags: me me me

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April 6th, 2008

10:36 pm - LJ Profiles OK, so apart from a fairly recent addition in my LJ profile to include ruzza about 6 or so months ago, I have not touched my profile since I joined LJ in September 2004. I now realise that probably 80% of it is irrelevant. Not in terms of who I was at the time I wrote it, but who I am now --> and perhaps more aptly who I am not. The time has come to re-write. This could take a while - stay tuned! Current Mood: thoughtful Tags: me me me

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March 18th, 2008

10:19 pm - My Grandfather Yesterday, my 86 year old Grandfather lost his long-term battle with illness, and passed away at 4.45pm in the company of my Mum and his wife Wendy. I was always going to spend Easter at home with the family, and will now go a day early for the funeral. It shall be a time of celebrating all the wonderful things that he did in his life, and the wonderful influence he has been on all of our lives. I would have loved to have seen him one more time, but I talked with him on the phone as recently as this past weekend, and saw him in December when I went down there, so I am not too disappointed about that. I am sure I will be sadder when surrounded by all my family and we are attending the commemoration service, but right now I am so thankful that his battle with illness, and the incredible pain that he was suffering is now over. May he forever RIP - he was my last biological Grandparent, but more importantly he was truly an amazing man!! Current Mood: sad Tags: me me me

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March 16th, 2008

12:03 am - What's been happening lately? It has been a very long time since I was on LJ last. Some key things that have happened in my life lately include: * Moved more of my stuff into ruzza's house * Bought more RAM for my laptop - amazing how much difference 4GB makes to my previous 1GB when it comes to Vista * Resigned from my current work after 6+ years in the job * Accepted a new position in the City (big cheer) which involved so many passions and projects that I can't wait to start * Slowed down a little with my Facebook addiction (it was bound to happen eventually) * Accepted the fact that my Grandfather has very little time on this earth left * Bought a push bike for the first time since I was a young girl (nice black hybrid) * Started to prepare my 2005-2006 Tax Return, which the ATO seem hell-bent on questionning me about * Half prepared the engagement party invitations * Had a haircut that is way, way different to whatever I've had before - and love it! * Kept up evening walks and the occasional bike ride with ruzza and his Mum at least 3 nights a week * Enjoyed several 35 degree celcius days in Melbourne in March, just when I thought summer was fading away! * Almost selected the Church in which ruzza and I will marry in November! That's the last month in a nutshell I reckon. It's been busy, and I'm tired. I need sleep, but I'm happy as anything!! Current Mood: tired Tags: me me me

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February 3rd, 2008

11:11 pm - Aussie Day Humour (a little belated) Last Monday (26th January) was Australia Day .. and there was this wonderful cartoon in the Newspaper on that day that I have only just got around to scanning. I LOVE Michael Leunig's way of portraying the current political debates. I so wish I had his talent! Current Mood: chipper Tags: politics

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January 26th, 2008

11:00 pm - Australia Day - Leunig style! A little few words of wisdom from one of my favourite people on this planet, to celebrate Australia Day: 26th January! I love how he can put into funny pictures what many of us would like to be able to say! I have another funny one that I found in the local newspaper today also, but I still have to scan that one - watch this space! Current Mood: cheerful Tags: politics

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January 25th, 2008

02:12 pm - Post dentist entry ... Sitting here waiting for anaesthetic to fully wear off from dentist this morning, thought I'd do a little meme! Your Ideal Relationship is Marriage You've dated enough to know what you want. And that's marriage - with the right person. You're serious about settling down some time soon. Even if you haven't met the person you want to get hitched to! What's Your Ideal Relationship? Probably a good result considering ruzza and I get married in November! :) You've Changed 72% in 10 Years Compared to who you were ten years ago, you've changed a great deal. In fact, you're probably in a completely different phase of your life - and very happy about it! How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years? This one not really surprising either .. sooooooo much has happened in the last 10 years! Current Mood: sore Tags: me me me

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January 24th, 2008

11:09 pm - Gradual decline I haven't felt very well for the last 2 days since getting back from Sydney. I finally gave in to my own inner-voice this morning and booked an appointment with the only GP practice who could see me today. It is NOT my preferred practice, in fact - it couldn't be further from it. The last time I went to this practice was in February 2002 when I was misdiagnosed with burst appendix (for 8 days!) which landed me in ICU for 21 days and hospital for 30 days, and very nearly brought about the demise of the kafechick! Even after having bitten the bullet and gone to the doctor today, I can't say that I feel much better, but I do know that I feel somewhat relieved that I'm not quite as unwell as I suspected I was. He ordered all the usual blood tests, some which require me to fast for 12 hours before, and some which I suspect are just out of interest more than of use in making a full diagnosis. That's OK by me as I'm somewhat curious too, and I'm kind of glad I found someone with a holistic approach - who didn't just want to prescribe me drugs and get me out of his office as fast as he could! It's one of the things I like very much about my own GP, who sadly just so happens to be far too busy to see me at the moment (trouble with good GP's)! It seems the problem beast is my infected tooth, which is scheduled to see the dentist tomorrow morning at 11.15am, and I know will most likely be extracted by 12noon. It actually broke in half almost 2.5 years ago now, after a chicken wing v's kafechick incident at a friend's BBQ, and has unsuccessfully been treated twice by a Dentist, with me giving up on further treatment of it about a year ago. Since then, of course, it has obviously declined further to the point of developing abscesses which have now given me other infections and a revived case of costochondritis! I think I sometimes forget how valuable my health is to me until I am not well. And when I am not well these days, I seem to crash pretty hard - which means the whole "self discovery" of how I could have prevented it, hits somewhat harder. Ironic (and somewhat ashamedly) for someone who has a medical and community health background, and currently works with people where she preaches "prevention is better than cure" on a daily basis. But I also guess I am also probably not alone there! I think I also sometimes foolishly slip back into the "I can't afford expensive dental treatment" mindset, which comes from years of having been a student on a low income and then a global nomad living in third-world countries which paid just a little bit more than a student. I must remember that I now have regular income; have savings in the bank; and have private health insurance which will help cover some of the costs (even though I STILL totally disagree with the concept of a two-tier health system .. don't get me started on that!!). I must also remember that my health is one of THE most important things that I have, and I must learn to be more proactive in this area, rather than reactive. But, the good news is that my own prognosis is that thanks to a course of antibiotics which were started at 5pm, and an appointment with the dentist tomorrow, I should be able to make a speedy recovery just in time for both birthday celebrations on Monday, and going back to work on Tuesday. The power of positive thinking!! Tomorrow though, may just be one of the longest days for some time.. especially once the anaesthetic wears off! Current Mood: nervous Tags: health

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02:02 am - Confessions ... I confess .. I am somewhat addicted to Facebook! I dunno what it is about it that makes me spend hours and hours in front of the computer .. but I'm loving it! Anyone else got a Facebook page that I don't already know about? Current Mood: tired Tags: me me me

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January 23rd, 2008

06:15 pm - LJ "issues" For some reason, the LJ entry I made on 14th January, 2008 defaulted to 2007 and was hidden well, well, well down the list on my journal entries. I have now corrected the date for you to all read - it is EXCITING NEWS and worthy of a 2-minute read! :) Tags: wedding

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05:31 pm - Roadtrip completed! ruzza and I have just returned to Melbourne after our 8-day sojourn to Canberra and Sydney. It was a great break away from Melbourne, even if the Sydney weather wasn't that fantastic (rain for 80% of every single day for 5 days straight!) We were still able to get out and do some sight-seeing, and here's a few little snaps from the road-trip: It was great to be able to catch up with some friends along the way too - having dinner with Eve, Duncan and Gina and drinks with vasco_pyjama and damiandoyle in Canberra; and lunch with my friend Jade in Sydney - who I haven't seen for 12 years!! The only real disappointment of the trip was the weather, and while Sydney was still quite warm the rain was a bit of a pain when relying on walking everywhere. But still we made do! It was also a little disappointing having driven to the Blue Mountains to only see about as far as your hand in front of your face, with the rain bringing some fog with it that completely took away any view of the beautiful mountains that you would have liked to have seen. I have seen the beauty of Katoomba and surrounding towns before, but I was disappointed for ruzza as it was his first time. I know there'll be other times though - so we just look forward to that! I fell sick not long after walking in the door last night, which I think is perhaps a combination of too much grunge food on the trip home, and slight exhaustion from the drive. Taking things very slowly today, which has been good .. and hoping for a much better nights' sleep tonight. The next task will be to focus on the next few days, the remaining days of my 2-weeks holidays. I have to go to the dentist, after further aggravating a tooth that I aggravated quite some time ago while away (and have been procrastinating about repairing for way too long!!) I probably should be ashamed of the fact that I utterly hate dentists and am actually quite scared of them, but I have also had to face facts that when it comes down to the bottom line - I still have not developed the skills of self-extraction or root canals myself, and until I do - then I need the help of someone who's a little more trained in that area to get me through. Sadly, it doesn't alleviate the anxiety .. just the fact that I know I have no other choice right now, and might as well do it and get it over and done with so I'm fine for the rest of the weekend/holidays. On Monday I'm having a very low-key birthday celebration - a few friends around for a BBQ and that will be nice and relaxing. It's not a big birthday and with Monday being an Australia Day holiday here, it is nice to have that 1 day extra tacked onto the end of my holidays. And what better way to spend a day off than with friends, around a BBQ. Tuesday 29th ruzza heads back to work also, after his 6 weeks off .. as do I after my 2 weeks off. So no doubt the 6.30am alarm clock awakening will be something that will once again take a little time to get used to! Current Mood: tired Tags: me me me

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January 14th, 2008

06:18 pm - Shopping surprise ruzza and I went to the shops this afternoon to pick up some last minute supplies for the pending road-trip, and came home with AN ENGAGEMENT RING!! Honestly speaking .. you really shouldn't leave us two to shop alone on the first day of my holidays .. you never really know what we could get up to!! It feels so very much more official now!! We are off to show his family our newest purchase! I am over the moon!! Current Mood: bouncy Tags: wedding

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January 13th, 2008

10:21 am - The weekend that was It has been a big weekend, and today I am in somewhat of a recovery and preparation mode. ruzza celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday, and the weekend brought with it quite a few events in lieu of the auspicious occasion. Coffee and cake with some family members on Friday night; dinner out on Friday night with friends; a BBQ with friends at his house on Saturday night; and lunch in the Dandenongs on Sunday with other family members. Today we're recovering - mainly from all the food we've eaten over the weekend, but also packing things up and putting them back where they belong in the house. We're also (supposed to be) packing up ready for our road-trip. ruzza and I head off to Canberra and Sydney for a week tomorrow morning. Strangely enough, I am looking forward to the endless hours on the road (well, the 10 hours between Melbourne and Sydney isn't THAT many I guess), and to waking up each morning deciding what we will chose to do each day! Looking forward immensely to seeing vasco_pyjama on Wednesday once again, as it's been quite some time since we last created chaos together! These are the good things about holidays! But for now .. there is a little more cleaning to do, and some packing to contemplate! Current Mood: chipper Tags: holidays

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January 6th, 2008

10:06 pm - Past weekend This past weekend has been both a restful weekend, as well as busy! Friday night we had a lovely (romantic) dinner out at one of Melbourne's more ritzy beach-side restaurants, and totally enjoyed ourselves. We consequently made the decision that this would be the venue for our wedding reception (we did go for a final check, and to taste the food for this purpose). So in terms of wedding, we have now got ourselves sorted for venue and date, as well as a plan for the engagement party too which is great news (BIG planning week!!) We then caught up with some of ruzza's friends for coffee, pool and a drink or two before heading home at a fairly reasonable hour. Saturday morning we enjoyed a sleep-in, which I have concluded is now almost a necessity at times rather than a luxury! I have never-ever been good at sleeping in, so the whole concept is somewhat new for me! It was a hot day here on Saturday, so I ended up puddling around most of the day doing not a lot at all really, just bits and pieces here and there, which was quite relaxing. Saturday night was spent in the company of a very dear friend from the Philippines who is temporarily in Melbourne, awaiting her application for Permanent Residence. It was great to finally catch up with G as I have been meaning to do it for so long, and we did so over dinner at a restaurant in Southbank overlooking the Yarra River in Melbourne, which was really quite lovely. We then followed that with a trip to the cinema to see I am Legend which I must admit looked better in the previews than the actual movie itself. Nonetheless, it was a lovely night out with G and ruzza and again home not-so-late. And today we have spent most of the day weeding, planting and cleaning, which has been busy! At the end of our efforts today, we have a restored herb garden (the weeds were bigger than the herbs there for a while), and a whole section of the front of the house which looks great after ruzza's mammoth efforts in weeding and some new plants in pots and the veggie garden! We planted some Lebanese cucumbers for the first time, replacing the dud lettuces which pretty much did nothing much and looked very inedible. But perhaps the highlight of today for me was buying some raspberry canes! I have been wanting to have raspberry canes growing in my garden since I first moved out of home all those years ago, so my dream has finally come true! They won't flower/fruit this year, but the canes will be nice and strong and tall next year - and should produce a fantastic crop of fresh raspberries, which will be totally fantastic!! Here's a few pics of our our newly-planted raspberries, and our mini-veggie garden: I feel both relaxed and physically tired from this weekend, but overall I'd conclude it was a very successful weekend! I have one more week of work to go before I'm taking two weeks holidays, so that is also something to look forward to! Life is good at the moment! :) Current Mood: satisfied Current Music: Ruzza's iPod collection Tags: me me me

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January 5th, 2008

02:17 pm - Catching up Later this afternoon ruzza and I are planning to catch up with G .. a dear friend of mine who I lived with in Mindanao, Philippines for 2 years. It has been 6 years since I saw her last, and since then so much has happened to both of us. I really can't wait to see her .. roll on 4.30pm!! Current Mood: excited Tags: friends

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January 1st, 2008

09:12 pm - 2008 begins ... ... and it began in good form last night with myself and some of ruzza's friends seeing in the new year in Melbourne City, with the traditional City fireworks demonstration. I have never attended the City celebrations before, having only ever seen them on television. It was good to be one part of the many thousands in the crowd, but while the fireworks were good .. I suspect it's not something I'll be partaking in every year. The weather has been really warm here over the last few days, and it was a very hot NYE with it still hovering around 30 degrees celcius after midnight. In some ways it made it a very nice evening to be out and about .. in some ways the heat and humidity and the smell of the pyrotechnics made it feel a bit like Manila, where I have spent so many of my NYE celebrations over the years. Mixed feelings about that, but overall certainly very happy to have spent my first NYE celebration with ruzza (and his mates!) Today has been a pretty quiet day, which has also been good. I start work again tomorrow, with somewhat mixed feelings. I'll be on holidays in 2 weeks so it's not that much of a stress in going back, but having had the last few days off (since 24th) have given me a taste of being on holidays .. and right now I would rather be on leave than heading back to work. At least with other road-users still taking time-out, and the schools not returning until the end of the month .. I might have better luck with the traffic, which would in itself be fantastic! No real New Year resolutions this year - less to break if you don't make them is what I'm thinking. Having said that, have realised that there's quite a few things that I want to achieve across this coming year, so I plan to spend time thinking and planning about how to make them all work, as well as spending good amounts of time with friends and family. Perhaps my overall NY resolution for 2008 should be to be a little more well-balanced this year, than in previous years. If that simple resolution is achieved, then I will be very happy! Current Mood: accomplished Tags: new year

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December 31st, 2007

10:58 am - Happy New Year .. Since I have been a bit quiet on the festive season front so far .. in particular my greetings, I thought I'd pop in a quick post. Christmas 2007 has come and gone, and for me it was a good few days with family in Melbourne and then family in Tasmania. Surprisingly good actually, my family continue to impress me on a daily basis these days - something new for me! I hope that the year 2007 has been a good year for you all, and even in the times when good probably wasn't the word of choice, that there have been learnings and challenges which have stretched you and given you glimpses of hope for the future. My heartfelt wish is that 2008 is a safe and prosperous year for each and every one of you who read this! I wish you all a safe celebration of the New Year - especially those of you in the Philippines who will be dodging fireworks all night! In so many ways I wish I was there to celebrate with you - maybe in 2008! See you all next year! :) Current Location: Melbourne Tags: new year

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December 12th, 2007

11:03 pm - Daily life The last few days have been a bit tiring and draining on one hand, yet at the same time quite rewarding. Lots of good talks late at night with ruzza, and spending some time tonight with a friend catching up after what has been quite a busy time has been really good for my soul. Am having tomorrow off work as a TIL (time-in-lieu) day, which is something I haven't done for so long. Looking forward to a mini sleep-in; some pottering around; some cleaning up; having lunch with a good friend; getting the overseas Christmas cards done; maybe even making a start on some Australian Christmas cards; then cooking something yummy for dinner for myself and ruzza. Sounds like a good way to spend a Thursday in my books! There should be more "mental health days" in our journeys! Current Music: Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion Tags: me me me

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December 9th, 2007

10:38 pm - SPAM One last thought before bed .... over recent weeks I've concluded that in the 21st century, I'm glad I'm not a guy-type-person. The reason for this stunning conclusion? I open up my email every night only to find a few emails telling me that my size isn't right. Quite a few suggest ways I can increase my girth, or length or even my stamina .. all for US$19.95 usually (including postage & handling). Don't think they've worked out the chick part of kafechick !! You wouldn't want to be having a bad day, come home and open the emails in search of good news or something to enlighten you, only to find out that someone on the other side of the world is laughing / commenting about the size of your dick! OK, rant ended! Tags: computer

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