Has it been 3 years???

After so long, I have decided to get back into blogging.

It has been quite awhile, but I do miss writing and sharing my thoughts to people who want to see what I have been up to or want to read my thoughts on certain topics and stuff.

Also, it actually took me this long to bloody figure out my blogger password, which is really dumb of me.

Can't blame it on baby-brain anymore. Hell, my daughter is already 2 and a half years old... how time flies!

Even if it's short posts, I'll try and write something everyday just to ease myself into this again.

Happy blogging to moi and you'll be hearing from me very soon :)

Melbourne Kitchen Tales

In the past few months, I found my interest in food to have grown exponentially. In a city like Melbourne, one is spoilt for choice - the perils of multiculturalism. You find yourself sometimes undecided as to what to eat and making a decision can be somewhat taxing.

My friends at work have already dubbed me "the lean, mean, eating machine." All I can talk about is food and all that I can think about is food. So, I thought, what would be the best way to express my passion for food other than eating?

I started taking photos of everything that I eat in restaurants and dishes that I have cooked myself with the intention of starting a food blog.

Without further ado, welcome to Melbourne Kitchen Tales.

I hope you enjoy it as much I. Cheers!

You know you're getting old when...

... you go into a shop like Tommy Hilfiger and see this on the rack...



Paisley Shirts! Are you kidding me??? I remember seeing guys wearing these like 20 years ago and now they make a comeback? I suppose it's inevitable. The Paisley was an original 60s creation and was again in vogue in the 80s.

Back in the 80s, everyone who had even an ounce of fashion sense had one of these. Funny how guys like my husband, who was a teenager back in those days, cringe when he sees kids in their late teens wearing these.

Note to self: don't throw anything away because fashion gets recycled every 20 years!

Snacking with a difference

I am an avid snacker. It's a very bad habit that I have acquired since I was a kid. I snack between meals and this drives my mum mad! The older I get the hungrier I seem. I do not believe in diets, except for the sea-food diet which I am an avid fan of - when I "sea" food, I eat it. Hahaha!

In a city like Melbourne, one is spoilt for choice. A snacker like myself has a vast amount of different sorts of goodies to choose from - from healthy options like sushi rolls for $2.00, a slice of pizza for $1.00, or an oh-so-naughty Krispy Kreme donut.

One of my favourite places to go to when I feel like snacking is the David Jones Food Hall. The place caters to a slightly different clientele - the sort who likes snacking on a tail of lobster and half a dozen oysters at 3:00pm. But don't be fooled by the seeming upper class feel of the place, for David Jones Food Hall has a lot of very affordable goodies available to everyday working people like you and moi.

My favourite before dinner snack, a strawberry-topped Evia Vanilla Yoghurt for $5.50

A wide selection of fresh salads, for very reasonable prices!

The freshest seafood - look at the size of the oysters and lobsters!

Different yoghurt fruit toppings!

At the Butcher section - lamb chops, steaks, sausages, the works!

Different flavoured meat pies at the Delicatessen. My favourite is Steak Pepper Pie!

Nuts about nuts!


A wide variety for wine connoisseurs!

I love couscous. My favourite is the Pumpkin. Yummers!

Every beer brew from every country, take your pick!

David Jones Food Hall

David Jones Bourke Street Mall

310 Bourke Street

Melbourne 3000

Sassy Melbournite Version 2.0

It's been a year since I last posted something in this blog. I guess life has been a bit busy. So, I've been married for a whole year. What can I say? Marriage does not change anything contrary to popular belief. Hubby and I are still very much in love. We still do the same things that we used to do. We still value our independence and spend time with our own friends from time to time. I guess the only difference is that we now run a household together and are thinking about having kids... seriously.

The blog may look a bit droll compared to my previous template. I guess I am more for simplicity nowadays. I am still the Sassy Melbournite, but more mature and focused on what I want to achieve in life.

The past year has given me a lot to think about - career, marriage, love, kids - I've just about figured out what's important for me. I have re-shuffled my life and went through a much-needed reboot.

And the result - Sassy Melbournite Version 2.0 - Faster, Stronger, and Sassier!

I hope you enjoy her as much as I :-)

Sorry for the extra long hiatus...

Hello folks. Are you still out there?

Very, very sorry for the absence. It's been a very busy year!

I am now in the process of revamping this site and making it more focused.

Watch this space!

Two things that made my weekend complete...

The "techie" in me is very much alive and well!!!


Full HD LCD Televisions and Blu-Ray compatible gaming stations are not overrated my dear friends - they are a necessity! Crisp, motion-flow, realistic picture quality and sound - it's every nerds' wet dream come to life!


To top that off, we'll be getting an upgrade on our cable TV connection and will be getting full HD on all channels!


Looks like I'll be raking in a lot of overtime on my "couch potato" duties...

What I thought about The Dark Knight

Last Saturday night, Arnie, I and along with a couple of friends watched the much anticipated film The Dark Knight. Not only is this the sequel to the very successful resurrection of the Batman films called "Batman Begins" but it also happens to be the very last completed film made by Australian actor Heath Ledger who died of an accidental overdose early this year.



There was a lot of hype surrounding this movie regarding Heath's performance as the Joker and how he went a bit nuts after making this film. As I sat in that packed movie theatre waiting for him to appear onscreen, I can't help but feel a bit of sadness that this man has passed. And surely enough, when Heath appeared in full Joker regalia, he just filled the screen in all his mad glory and everyone in the theatre was left in awe of his portrayal of a classic character.



The Dark Knight is not just all about Heath Ledger though. The cast was fantastic. Christian Bale makes a very good Batman - the one of the comic books, dark, disturbed, and a bit sinister. Although when he steps out as the handsome and perpetually groomed Bruce Wayne, I can't help but see Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.


Michael Caine plays a calm and straight talking Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's butler and second father. Gary Oldman is perfect as good cop Jim Gordon. Aaron Eckhart was fantastic as Harvey Dent AKA Two Face. He is a villain that I honestly felt sorry for. He was a victim of circumstance and he was truly a good hero for Gotham if not for what happened in the film which I will not tell for I might ruin it for you although if you are a fan of the comic books like me, you'd probably know it anyway.

I don't have anything bad to say about the film. It was entertaining, the plot was excellent, and all the actors did a superb job. As for Heath, he went out with a bang and deserves to be nominated for an award for his efforts.

Married and loving it!

It has been a hectic four months. But Arnie and I finally made it out alive...


WE ARE FINALLY MARRIED!!!


Amidst all the drama and preparations we had to endure, the end result is what really mattered: we have taken the step that people have been waiting for us to take, that both of us have wanted to take for a long time. I finally get to call Arnie my husband, and me, his wife.


Arnie and I did nothing but laugh and smile through the whole affair. The event was filled with people who loved us and truly celebrated the moment with us. A lot of tears were shed because of happiness. Arnie's family have always loved me from the moment we started dating. My mum loves Arnie like her own son.


I never felt as lucky as I do now that I have bagged this wonderful man and I feel like I have won the lottery a million times over for being able to call him mine.

Finally the big 3-0

Today I turn 30.


I vividly remember my younger self thinking about how I would turn out when I reach this age.


I'm getting married in six weeks to a fabulous man.


I have two wonderful fur kids.


I am surrounded by friends and loved ones.


I am happy with my career.


I have a fabulous boss.


I am happy - period.


Life truely begins at 30.

2 months till the big day!

How time flies!


It is two months till my wedding day. So many things to do still...


Last Saturday, my matron of honour, Itchie, and I went to the bridal shop to do our dress fittings. I was nearly in tears when I got into my dress. It fit perfectly and the only thing that needs to be done is the hemming. The bead work was excellent, the material soft and stunning. I just can't wait to see Arnie's face when he sees me in it.


The invitations are mailed out and am just waiting for the RSVPs. We potentially could have around 90 people which is not a huge number at all. Luckily most of my family is in Manila or we could end up having close to 150 people!


We have already booked the car (an Audi A6) and will be using it for three days. Our honeymoon is all booked and the hotel accommodation is already paid for by my sister-in-law (she's a sweetheart). All in all, we're in track.

Happy holidays and all that jazz...

Let me start off by greeting everyone a belated Merry Christmas and I hope the New Year's celebrations you've had didn't leave you all hung over :)


The past couple of months have been busy in so many ways. First, I started a new job. Second, Arnie and I moved to my mum and I's house. She decided to give it to us and be fully responsible for it. Not bad for a pre-wedding present, huh? Thirdly, all the wedding preparations. There is only about 80-something days till the wedding and I am in panic mode now. Everything is finalised except for the hair and make-up people, bridal car, honeymoon flights, and reception details (which unfortunately has to be left at the last minute till I get the final guest count). I am torn between getting uber-excited to ripping my hair out because of the stress!


It's been a whirlwind and the days are closing in. I have just finalised accommodations for the bridal party after the wedding - very irresponsible of me to allow them to drive after the huge piss-up! I still have to check prices on hair and make-up for the day, and all I can seem to find are atrocious prices! It's pissing me off now...


I am leaving the bridal car hire to Arnie because I honestly cannot be stuffed to look at that. I still have to finalise the guest list and have the invitations printed and sent off. I have to get this done within the week.


Will be posting more about the wedding in the next couple of months since my mind will be mostly preoccupied by this from now on...

Finally... a Labor government!

I have never been a keen follower of politics nor am I a political scrooge by any sense.


But I have to be honest by saying that this past election has turned me into a raving, opinionated, political activist.


First off, let me just say that I am extremely happy with the results of the last Federal election. Kevin Rudd, leader of the Australian Labor Party for only a short 50 weeks, has been successful in winning the most coveted seat of Prime Minister when Labor leaders before him (Simon Beazley and Mark Latham) failed to do so. And may I add, it's about bloody time that someone knocked John Howard off his high horse!


I am by no means a member of the ALP (although I am seriously thinking about doing so). I dislike politicians in general. But Kevin Rudd's policies addresses modern issues such as climate change, broadband, improvement in education and the health system, multiculturalism and of course, abolishing the dreaded Workchoices (IR) laws. Anything that threatens to destroy the livelihood and working conditions of the common working man is absolutely appalling.


So Kevin Rudd is now Prime Minister-elect. Julia Gillard, MP for Lalor, is his Deputy-Prime Minister - the first woman ever to hold such a high seat of power in Australian politics. I will now see what Mr. Rudd does. The "education revolution", signing of the Kyoto Protocol, and formal apology to the Australian Aborigine people are the issues that I am closely looking at.


These are definitely exciting times and truly a new era for Australia.

Back in the working world

I never thought I would say this...


but I am now a public servant!


Yes folks... Jennie has bitten the bullet and is working in government.


My official job title is Records and Information Management Officer for a particular department in the Victorian Government. I started last Thursday and I am, so far, enjoying the change of pace.


We're a small team, my boss is a lovely motherly type of woman, and the people are very easy going. I have short working hours (8:30 - 4:30) and my building has magnificent views of the city.


After my first few days here, it made me realise that I should have left my previous job earlier. The grass is definitely greener.

Freedom!

I am finally free! Free from the shackles of corporate greed and politics!


As if my prayers have been answered, I was made redundant from work a couple of weeks back. Isn't that the best way to go? You get a huge payout and leave the work that you dread behind?


Wahahaha!


So these past few weeks have been spent on looking for other employment opportunities (I am waiting for a couple of phone calls this week) and catching up on playing The Sims 2. Since my mother gave me that game for Christmas (and I bought all the extension packs), I have never had the time to play it. My former job made sure that my "me" time is completely ripped out of me. I surely made up for it this week though. I created a couple of characters and the character I based on Arnie (named Lawrence) already has two loves and scored with both (called a Woohoo) in bed and in the jacuzzi! He is now aspiring to do a "public woohoo" and having a third love. What a pervert! Hahaha!


I also caught up with household chores (the ironing is killing me) and took up a new hobby... taking care of fishes that is! We now have two new fish tanks - one for tropical carnivore fishes (Arnie's choice of course) and one for a couple of cute red cap oranda goldfishes that I have named Sid and Nancy. Hehehe.


I have also taken this time to evaluate what is really important in my life. I found that my career will always come second to my family. Because of the stress from my former job, I now have a condition in my neck and shoulder joint that needs to be tended to by a doctor. I am now seeing a naturopath who is giving me weekly treatments of remedial massage, acupuncture, and Chinese cupping. I really need to take care of myself from now on. I am also taking medication for my stress, pain and energy levels.


Well, I hope in my next entry I'll be telling you guys about my new job.

Jaded worker

I never thought I'll say this, but I am no longer happy about my work.


The company I work for has turned into a profit-driven, heartless cesspool. They have sacked so many people in the past few months that I am just waiting my turn.


"Operational re-structure", they say.


It's budget cuts, in my opinion.


Also, my present role is becoming such a chore. I wasn't trained properly for this job, thus my work seems to be half-baked. I was expecting full support from management which, unfortunately, I am not getting. And they expect me to perform well? Hah! It's like asking a person who has been a vegetarian all his life to cook a medium-rare steak! I have turned into a zombie that just turns up to work to get the cash. I no longer believe in what I do nor the company that I work for.


In my honest opinion, I don't see myself staying for another month. I actually just came from an interview regarding a job that I actually studied for. I used to do that particular job before I got this "promotion."


Here's hoping... and who knows what's going to happen in the next few weeks? I feel like something is about to hit - an axe on my neck probably. And you know what? I don't care.

To sleep perchance to dream...

From Hamlet by William Shakespeare


Talk about whacked out dreams!


Last night was a classic in my "wet dreams gone weird" book...


I have been a huge fan of Doctor Who since the series has been resurrected to the hip and uber-sexy show that it is now. I also have a huge crush on David Tennant.

Could you take a guess at what my dream is about?


Well, I happen to be the Doctor's companion and we were starting to discover romantic feelings for each other!


We were having a quick bite to eat while we were in 1970s England. He told me that whilst he won't be able to live the rest of my life with me (being almost immortal), it doesn't stop him from falling in love with me. I told him that from the moment that I accepted his offer of being his travel companion, I'm his. He was about to kiss me when I was suddenly jolted awake by the joint snores of Arnie and my pug Meeko.


Grrrrr..... I was so tempted to knock Arnie on the back of his head. Here I was about to pash David Tennant, for crying out loud!


Perchance I dream again of my dear Doctor? Here's hoping...

Back from the brink...

I know, I have been away for sometime. It's been madness - work and life - and it has gotten in the way of updating this blog.



My apologies.



So, what have I been up to?



Well, wedding plans are starting to come into fruition. Invitations that are being mailed overseas have been sent to me and are on their way to the people we've invited. I have an appointment with bridal dressmaker to try on the dress that I saw on the shop's website. I have fallen in love with the dress and can't wait to put it on!



We have already picked up our wedding rings and it's now safely hidden in my closet (gotta remember to bring up the contents insurance - AGAIN!). I picked out a very simple 18k white gold band while Arnie got a two-tone 18k wedding band that is thicker and chunkier - suits his huge fingers.



What else? Oh, I got my wedding shoes! eBay is an absolute god send. Instead of paying around $200 for a pair of shoes that I'm only going to be wearing once, I got this beautiful ivory pair from England for only $67 and that already includes postage!



What else is new? I am now totally addicted to make-up. Recently, I bought a couple of eyeshadow pallets and lipstick from Clinique, Radiant Illuminator and lipstick from YSL, and am planning to buy another lipstick from Clinique and an eyeshadow pallet from YSL. Jesus, at age 29 and am only starting to like make-up??? Talk about a late bloomer! Hahaha!



*****



So, what's in my bag? (Got this from Vayie)



It really depends on which I bag I'm using. If I have my big Burberry bag, this is what I usually have:

• Burberry Nova Check Wallet


• My mobile phone (Nokia N70)


• Black iPod Video


• Body Shop Almond Oil Hand & Nail Cream


• Estee Lauder Powder Make-Up


• hair brush


• car keys


• house keys


• Clinique quickliner for lips Pink Truffle


• Clinique lipstick Perfect Plum


• YSL Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick Frosted Fig


• Chupa Chups Strawberry and Cream


• Vicks Butter Menthol


• Parker pen


• Medication (for my facet joints)

How about you? What do you have in your bag?

Been given a dose of The Cure

What can one say when one's childhood dreams have come to life?


In my case, I took out the 14-hole Docs, wore black nail polish, lipstick, and black eyeshadow, and teased my hair to an untidy mop. I carefully chose my clothing and decided on black tights, black shorts, a black button-down short sleeved military style shirt and a white tie. And of course, I danced and sang like a maniac. Hahaha!


The so-called "Grandfathers of Goth", the masters of all things "doom and gloom", and my most favourite band of all time, The Cure, had a one-night-only-show last night in Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena. Arnie, his brother Rey, and I had really good seats that we could clearly see Jason, Simon, Porl, and Robert's features. It was a sea of black, bad hairstyles, and posers (some of the teenyboppers anyway). It was a mixed crowd to say the least but it was the loyal fans (people 30 years and up) that dominated.


What can I say? I was blown away, of course! Here is a band whose music I've grown up with and their songs are a huge part of my life. It was three hours of non-stop Cure goodness. No yucky starter line-ups. It was all Cure and the fans absolutely loved it.


They played the obscure and the popular. I was pleasantly surprised to hear them play "Primary", "One Hundred Years", "Shake Dog Shake", "How Beautiful You Are", and half of the Three Imaginary Boys' album - "Boys Don't Cry", "Three Imaginary Boys", "Jumping Someone Else's Train", "Grinding Halt", and "Killing An Arab", which of course Robert had to change to "Killing Another" due to the current political climate.


Of course, they played the show stoppers - "Inbetween Days", "Close To Me", "Why Can't I Be You?", "Lullaby", "Friday I'm In Love", "A Night Like This", and of course, Arnie and I's theme song, "Lovesong" - I have to admit that I was teary eyed when they played it.


They also played heaps of tracks from the Kiss Me album. Kinda says something about Robert's current mood I guess.


I just love Robert Smith to bits. He looks like an adorable overgrown rag doll. He's so gorgeous!


I am so happy to have been able to attend such an extraordinary event. I don't know when this will happen again, but it is definitely a night to remember!


Most notable moments?

• When they played "Primary", I noticed that Simon Gallup's current hairstyle resembles his hairstyle in this song's music video. That's going back 26 years ago!!!
• Robert Smith is so cute doing his signature "mini-jig" ala "Lovecats"
• They did not play "A Forest"! ARGH!!!
• Porl looks like Billy Corgan... hmmm...
• Robert looked at me when he looked at our direction! I was waving my arms around like a mad-woman! Hahaha!
  

Gandalf as the Mad King

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of watching the Royal Shakespeare Company's performance of "The Tragedy of King Lear", played by no one else but by the great "Gandalf", "Sir Teabing", and "Magneto", Sir Ian McKellen.




Sir Ian McKellen as King Lear

For theatre and Shakespeare lovers, King Lear is a role that one would describe as the "Mount Everest" for any Shakespearean actor. They basically say that "if you're old enough to play King Lear, then you're too old to play King Lear". It is a role known to be emotionally and physically challenging. Sir Ian delivered, and more.



Sir Ian McKellen with Sylvester McCoy as The Fool


He took his kit off... naked as the day the Maker made him and might I add, not bad for an old gay man!


But I digress.


He is truly the greatest stage performer of his time. His stage presence, his command and ease of Shakespearean English, and his ownership of the part of Lear just proves his magnificent talent.




A fallen King Lear with The Earl of Gloucester, played by William Gaunt


Jonathan Hyde (you'll probably remember him as Richie Rich's butler and Robin Williams' greatest fear in Jumanji) was a fantastic Earl of Kent. Sylvester McCoy who played King Lear's Fool was a joy to watch as well. Frances Barber who played the evil eldest daughter Goneril was so effective is her role that I literally wanted to strangle her.


It was truly a night to remember. Seeing Sir Ian perform in all his excellent theatrical glory is something that I will truly take with me till death. He made me cry. He made me sympathise with an old, proud, foolish man who not only lost his kingdom but also lost his whole family, especially his dearest daughter Cordelia.


Howl, Howl, Howl...


Found this sample in YouTube. This is a scene between King Lear and The Fool. Enjoy!






O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven,
Keep me in temper: I would not be mad.
- King Lear, Act I Scene V