Cover design: You can’t take it with you

You might be wondering what sort of design have I been doing. Well, it wasn't entirely exciting, since I worked in publishing that specialise in academic text books and trades. But as a designer, you really need to take the opportunity to always have fun. Otherwise, everything is going to be dull and boring. Playing around is what we do as designer to keep our creative minds alive :P

Let me show you one of my favourite cover that I worked on. Although, in the end, it wasn’t quite the perfect cover I wanted to be. But hell yeah, I had fun and that’s what important: The process.

You can’t take it with you is a trade book about managing your wealth before you go to the better place. It provides advices on how to make a good will and etc. Above is my first concept. I like it how surreal it looks like. Everyone at the studio had a chuckled about this cover. The concept is about heaven and earth. The man with white suits, which reminds me of Morgan Freeman at Bruce Almighty movie. He is either being happy for what he have done or was looking back his life with regrets. I guess, you need to read the book if you wanted to be happy and RIP.

After reassessing the cover, I decided not to send through the first idea. So came up with the second one. This is relates about travelling. Mind you, this book is only for Australian market thus there’s some Australian icons incorporated in the cover. I thought this was pretty darn good and would hit the jackpot! But sadly, turned down by the publishing editor. They completely dislike the travel angle since it could be misleading as a travelling book. They got their points.

So back reworking the cover again. Received their suggestions, this is pretty much what they said “try to make it more simple like just pen and paper. Or look death in more metaphorical sense, perhaps a road leading into a white light”. Oh, how hard could it be (yes, it’s very common to receive a contradict comment. At this stage, they are desperate to get the right cover. They pretty much don’t know what they want). Luckily, I still had my patience and I was actually getting more excited. Hmm… a road leading into a white light… Aha! This is what I came up.

Remind you of something? It’s from Mr. Bean opening title. I really like it a lot, it’s brillant! Stronger than the original concept. I came up with more ideas, but they weren’t great. It was just showing what they’ve asked for.

But it wasn’t there yet. So I went to do more traditional approach, searching for stock photos. Then this came along. For the last draft, I only sent this one cover and they LOVE it! Even the author was so pleased. It wasn't the most exciting cover but it's an appropriate cover for what it meant for.

The rationale: Letting go ballons is certainly becoming a more common ritual at funerals. And there are plenty of other ties such as 'letting go'. It’s probably more common at younger people's funerals, but we are banking on the fact that most people don't think of themselves as old or near to dying. And a prime market for this book is definitely the 30s and 40s with young kids. Since Many of these parents probably haven't already done a will. (I am on mid 20's and I’ve already got my will and my self insured. Although, I just wish I had my income protection insurance as well, sigh…).

ps: this post had been on a draft for ages, since 10/02/09. I just haven't got the time to post the images yet. And, just incase it might cost me loosing my job :P But you know what?! I already HAVE!

So what do you think? Tell me your opinions? Should I put the whole process into my portfolio?

Be merry!

Something that I did last year for Wiley Christmas card. The birds are my regular visitors at my backyards. They're the one who cheer me up everyday at home (wake me up in the morning to be exact!!)

I'll be having family Christmas dinner!!! YAY food… food… food… I'll be in charge with salads ;) my expertise hehehe…

Hope everyone have the loveliest Christmas and holidays.

I'd like to get away from earth awhile and then come back to it and begin over

photo, originally uploaded by the cheshire smile.

I wish to understand God’s plan. I am wishing that all of this happened has a purpose. Good and bad is hard to judge depends on the way you see it. But at this stage, things are getting harder to keep positive and believe that things will be better.

I am currently at very down moment… that I wish to fade away…

I feel like I have given up my best. It seems I have given it all. Is it the moment to awake from the truth? The truth… that all things are meant to be, just the way it is. There is no greater things… or is there?

Help me to see where to go, or what to do. Help me to see the silver lining beyond this. And help me to accept things the way it is.

On my wish list: Food Safari

You know how much Brisbane has grown. I found another new spot for me to hang out!!! Just opposite Borders at Queens Street Mall, Dymocks open their store. It's pretty big. I found couples nice design book where I could comfortably skimming them :P (not like in folio where the store so intimate. the cashier just around the corner).

The first thing that I picked up was Food Safari by Maeve O'Meara. If you don't live in Australia, maybe you are not familiar with Food Safari. It a tv shows from SBS that takes you on a culinary globetrot across Australia. The producer and presenter is Maeve O'Meara. I've been collecting the DVD, it's now up to the third one. I was amazed because it's really covered the whole seasons from the show, packed up with the recipe.

I really like Food Safari. Well, I rely on their recipe quite a lot. It's very easy to follow, no gimmicky. All the cooking was just done from three-hat chefs to passionate home-cooks. I really don't know what to do if I lost all their recipes ahahhaha… My top list dishes was inspired from watching their show. Which I just cooked last night, Ikan bumbu bali!

Another that surprise me that given me hard time to put down the book was — it's beautifully design. You've seen lot's of cook book design, they're all pretty nice. But this one is extra nice. Hoefler & Jones typeface — Archer combined with Avenir strikes me. It could be using the new Sentinel but could be just normal Clarendon (it's too much luxury if they do). The way the photos were laid out covered with nice pretty patterns, is just lovely :)

I love the book! and its has Maeve O'Meara autograph!!!

Check out the book, here. You could dowload the sample pages as well. So you could see the design and the recipe :)

Inspiration words of the week

Be persistent! Don't ever loose hope.

I found this application called The Action Method which is a project management, productivity and task application quite handy. It help you organise all your projects, similar like BaseCamp. It's quite necessary tools if you are a freelancer. (I just realised it's not free as well T_T).

Image via Paper Jam Press, Brooklyn, NY.

What if…

Today, a slight councious came to my mind, what if I did not loose my job. What if my life were still the same. I don't have to go through with this phase. Although, honestly, I don't worry much at the moment. I know for sure, things we'll go better. But, I do make my close one, worry and felt sorry for me. I hate that feeling. And, I hate being poor — who don't?!!

If things will go as the way it used to. I think I would be able to say it's my great year ever! Before I lost my job, I felt really really happy. Everything was so transparent. I was so looking forward for my holiday to go back home or even planning a Christmas holiday trip with my friends. I had paid all my tickets. But, now, I am not even sure I will be able to go. I am dying to go back… even though it's too late, I won't be able to see my dog anymore. He passed away the day before I lost my job. I haven't even put the time to deal with it yet. But things happened one after another. It was a very tough week.

But, If I don't loose my jobs… I wouldn't be able to realise and appreciate my self — of how much I have grown as designer and a person. I have not been feeling nervous in any job interview that I've been so far. Because I know exactly what I am capable of and I am very very proud of it. I know and remember where I wanted to be.

If I don't loose my jobs… I wouldn't realise how important is friendship. I feel so lucky surrounded by nice people. I am being more open to them. As I am more forgivable to my self. I praise for every moment and little things that I have. I had the opportunity to know better and put more attention about people surround me. It's funny, how I've never realised that they actually needing help.

It's a realization. It's time to grow. It's a blessing.




In memory — superbly spoiled dog — 11 November 2009

Inspiration words of the week

TRUE, originally uploaded by sarah_gardner.

Morning everyone! Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. Mine was moderate. I had girls night in on Friday night. Nice catched up with friends over dinner and watched 'New in Town' and 'Confession of the shopaholic'. I must admit I totally dislike that shopaholic girl, she really really needs help. Practiced on Saturday with my Thai gf, followed by lunch in new Korean restaurant :P Went around shopping helping my friend finding a costume for her coming B'day. Visited an x rated store for the first time :P it was fun experience LOL. Lastly, I found $5 summer dress!!! can't resist that.

More job hunting this week. sigh… not much job on the market at the moment. An interview this Tuesday. Oh, I had interview last Friday on Advertising Agency, hope there will be good news :)

I've been listening to Lisa Mitchell — Neopolitan Dreams is my favourites.

Mondayne update

Second week of living without jobs:
hmmm… browsing internet all day (done)… having relaxing cup of lattee (done)… ironing (done)… washing dishes (done)… vaccumming the house (still on the list)… applying for jobs (just a click away -_-)… doing that porfolio (still on the list)… hmmm what should I do next… taking nap? hmmm… too hot.

Do you see the picture of how's my life is now :P

I know exactly how that bunny feels… hmmm let me rest here a little while… hmmm… it's rather nice.

via cute overload.

The unfortunate event…

It was a very sad day indeed. It is just a week ago when I lost my job. No one knew what was coming. It was still in the morning, I thought it will be a great Friday. I was gonna had a lunch date that day and gonna watch latin cabarett performance after work.

It's very rare I was being asked to join into a meeting apart not being schedulled. I was slightly curious when I head up into the meeting room. It was happening so fast… only few sentences rest into my memories. There was that word: 'redundant… today'. It was shocking!

könnte schlimmer sein, originally uploaded by i_hear_noises.

I thought I was facing it pretty tough. Even though, I ended up crying afterwards in small room. I was stressing out and shocked. Never thought, it will happen to me. I had mortgage! I felt a slight relief when I realise I still have redundancy package, but it wasn't much.

I went out the room when I was slightly calm down. But I broke down again, when I saw my work colleague was heavily in tears. She hugged me tightly, it was the saddest time for me. It's the saddest moment to realise that I will leave her.

It was a sad day, not because I lost my job but because I will miss the people — friends that I have made over the last two and half years.

Loosing job

I might being naive or cynical. I might even change my mind the next few weeks. But, I actually feels liberated when I lost my job. It was like a slap on my face for my long procastination. My career was the only thing that has been suffer. I think I have not work hard enough trying to achieve what I wanted. Surely, I had given everything while I worked at my old place. But I can't really see my self working there for the next 5 years will make a change for the better into my career. It's a job. (I bet you know what I mean).

Two and half year is long time. I don't regret working there. I've met fabulous people. I learned few things, not technically about design but more about life, passion and friendship. I really feel glad that I managed to use the most of it while I was working there.

Back when I had internship at uni, I worked too hard that I left behind my life. I was so grateful about my career but I've never yet satisfied. I felt there was something missing, since my life was just about working.

I believe God has plan in every step in our life. But everything is up to us, how to live it.

I am so glad that I have not waste anything. I had put up my courage and do dancing lesson after work. Isn't that such a coincidence that there's a dancing studio down the road I used to work (and I always wanted to learn salsa). How about when they sent that invites to the company to do free introductionary lesson. or even… when I met that boy in the bus, that turned out to be salsa dancer (used to be).

Anyway, I could ignore everything and not to do anything. But I took the courage to do something different with my life — making it richer. It's my life afterall!

Turning point

At this stage, I am feeling great and confident wherever I will go. That's an interesting question, Where I will go? I don't know, yet. But, one thing for sure, I really wanted to get my portfolio done perfectly. I've got all the time in the world.

I believe in my self that I am a passionate, young and talented designer. I looked through all the work that I've done. I am quite impressed. I reallize sometimes I judge my self little bit too much that becoming an obstacle to my self to grow.

It was great to see couple people from design studio. It was such a great feeling to see how to work in such a creative place and work together as a team. I miss working in environment like that. If I could choose — that where I wanted to be… being able to be creative everyday and surrounded by the creative, passionate people :)

The support

I will never forget all the kindness that everyone that given me. So many of them help me facing this difficult times making it easy. I received many present from my old colleagues. Miss Lizzie being the biggest helper, refferencing me to everyone she knows to get me a job. It was so hard for me to tell my parents about the bad news over the phone. An understanding from my parents is a big relief.

It's a funny thing that this happened to me just after what I wrote on my previous post. Did God actually read my blog? LOL. He seems trying to take challenge on me :) Well, I am a very very strong girl, now.

We feel fine

A very charming book by two digital whiz kids Sep Kamvar and Jonathan Harris use their computer programs to peer into the inner lives of millions, constructing a vast and deep portrait of our collective emotional landscape. It really hit my weak spot as a designer (and a women). I just can't stand the mesmerizing visual graphics. It's genius. See more inside the book, here.

Armed with custom software that scours the English-speaking world's new Internet blog posts every minute, hunting down the phrases "I feel" and "I am feeling," the authors have collected over 12 million feelings since 2005, amassing an ever-growing database of human emotion that adds more than 10,000 new feelings a day!!!

Know more about We feel fine: an almanac of human emotions here. Buy the book here.

My perfect smile

When I'll be at lost, this photos will be my reminder to find back my happiness.

Life has its ups and downs. After tears, there will be joy. A wise person said to me once, "It is the way we look at things and the way we relate to them that determines our state of happiness... not the things themselves."

Even at the hardest time you could find happiness, if you really look for it. Perhaps the reason we so often experience happiness only in hindsight, and that chasing it is such a fool's errand, is that happiness isn't a goal in itself but is only an aftereffect.

I start to realise the pattern of life. Some day is better than the other. But everyday there's always something to experience. The future is unknown but you always part of it. The present is all you have.

Being 24, I see things differently. I wonder what surprises will come to my life next… no matter what, life goes on. I trusted my life in God's hand. I shall not fear of what may come.

xoxoxooxoxoxo

Curiosity kills

不是小梨不是小桃，是小苹果, originally uploaded by *muxu*.

"Certain desires are best left alone, 
certain questions should never be ask... 
A careless whisper delivers a wish untold, 
forever its truth and burden you'll have to hold…"

"MAYBE the answer we seek is beyond the corners of our heart. PERHAPS the moment of truth is found the second we part. A longing whisper escapes our eyes... PROBABLY seeking till the burden dies."

Brave the heart to unfold the truth… unbind the curiosity. It might kills but yet set you free — to live. The departure is just another beginning of a journey.

Did Eve refuse to taste the apple of knowledge? We wouldn't be here today as human. Nor the Pandora box never left unopen, that the world is only filled with goodness. What a life would be… no struggle… no experiences… nothing to live for… joy would ever be feel so plain.

Turning 24

I would like to thank everyone that have been kind enough to share a moment during my birthday. I had a great time filled with lots of love and laughter. I am trully thankful that I have lots of nice people around me :)

My work colleagues are so sweet. They arranged b'day lunch at our new fav Thai restaurant. And, I've got two surprise birthday presents from them. More joy came from all my dancing friends at Salsa class. They all giving me a very warm wishes… not to forget, Lenny (the main instructor) lifting me up to the ceiling… hrhrhr…

I managed to gather some friends for supper b'day celebration at Manor, for yum cha :D If it wasn't caused of my sister that persistently asked me to celebrate my b'day, it definitely won't be happening. I love her… she surprised me with her momiji doll present. It is really cute.

The cake was a big surprised. It was so beautifuly made by my sister fiance's mom. She is so so sweet that she thrown a b'day lunch which she cooked everything by her self T_T tears with joy… She actually made another cake for my sister fiance cousin which her b'day was same as me!!! only 4 years apart :P. Anyone in South Brisbane need a cake? you can order from her ;) let me know, k.



Happiness do come from the unexpected… living a life without expectation is living a life to the fullest… when you are at lost, you'll feel easily contented. Let go of everything without taking anything for granted, be humble…

Thanks everyone for everything, i feel so much loved^^

For the love of type

New Uglier Font, originally uploaded by Jamie Latendresse.

Have you heard about IKEA change their branding typeface from FUTURA into VERDANA?!! I know… it's insane, or was it a joke?!!!!!

Won't believe me, read the article from TIME magazine, here. Join the great discussion at Typophille. Read Jamie Latendresse blog post, Why Verdana, Why IKEA, WHY? (my reaction was the same). The photo above was created by him.

To release your frustration, try enjoy watching this short movie!

I'm amazed that there're people who willing to give their time to make this happening. Try to understand dingbats… LOL.

Perfect brief from Mick Jagger to Andy Warhol

This is made me smile :) I like the honesty 'take little notice'.

via swissmiss

There is no rose without a thorn

pink roses, originally uploaded by danske.

Surprisingly I managed to go through my weekend pretty well :) I was feeling so torn apart on Friday afternoon. Sometimes it's better to not knowing… once you had the knowledge, you can't just turn back pretend that nothing has happened.

I could not simply put it into words at this stage. Since everything is just an assumption. For now, the only comfort I can find is believing in his words :) You could not have relationship without a trust.

Things haven't been easy on my love life. But there are other things in life that could make you happy :) Like Shoppingggg!!! I went over board with shopping this week. Everything look so good on me :P (I have worked hard on it, I'm so happy with how my body look). I bought two pairs of bikinis (which I already have two at home), two maxi dresses, and one black summer dress. I might have to return one bikinis LOL. But I just can't decide which one?!!

I managed to watch Mao's last dancers with my new gf ;) It was an easy one to watch. Shopping, movie and creme brule chillers from Gloria Jean's, it was a blissful Sunday. (I could not sleep last night till around 1am, I didn't realise how strong was the caffein >_<)

Don't forget to have your daily dose of coffee after reading my post! It's monday afterall.

Seducing Mr. Perfect

RRrrrrr… so damn georgous! I spent my Saturday night, watching Seducing Mr. Perfect, Korean drama series. Don't you love the title?!! I don't usually like watching drama series. Since I always end up crying non-stop. But, this time, I really can't resist my guilt pleasure (fufuufufu…). This yummy guy is the main actor, Daniel Henney. Well, I am not obsess with him… hmm… hold on, this guy reminds me of someone… pfffttt… I am not obsess with him but I am still obsess with my-not-yet-bf! Sorry to make you confused since you guys has not seen my-not-yet-bf yet. But he has similar look with this guy. It was fairly close that my sister shouted at me from the back when I was looking at the picture from my computer screen, accusing me keep looking at my-not-yet-bf photo -_-" Well, he is about the same height, same built body, same style, but ripened :P Now, do you understand why I was so infatuated with him in the first place, read my old post here.

Back to the drama series! It's worth to watch, quite light that won't require a bucket for your tears. I found similarity with the female main character. Everytime she falls in love with someone, she always gives it all… It was critized that to maintain relationship needs to keep own self-respect. I found it very true. You can give as much as you think it's worth. I had been like that girl. But since I've known my-not-yet-bf, I have been challenged to really see what I really wanted. How to care someone but to care your self first. It requires a bit of both, give and take. Then, you can completely be happy… (it's not easy as it's sound of course. There are other things involve in creating good relationship).

Anyway, there is a scene in the drama that I really like caused it reminds me of that sweet moment with my-not-yet-bf. Both of them having conversation facing a river… He said 'you know you could be really cute sometimes' ……… hmmm my-not-yet-bf said to me once in similar line. It melted my heart ^^

Watch the movie here, enjoy!!! Hope you guys have a good Monday.

Pork chop

Hrhrhrhrhr… so funny :P

Whatever happened through the week, I hope everyone would have a happy weekend!

image via inside out

Something cute to watch

It's an animation of how to make google street view in Japan :P It's quite cute. I wish I could hire that Scanner robot.

Enjoy your mid-week!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

starlight crumble, originally uploaded by amysol_minipanda.

I thought it would be nice to post Amy Sol magical artwork. Perhaps will inspire you to do some painting this weekend? I've been dying to have her prints. Well, been trying to paint like her but yet always fail :P seriously I shall leave painting to an artist not designer.

Hope everyone will have a lovely one! mine would be quiet… might visit the designer market at Southbank ;)

The Daily Drop Cap

The Daily Drop Cap is an ongoing project by typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische. Each day, a new hand-crafted decorative initial cap will be posted for your enjoyment and for the beautification of blog posts everywhere. You could really use that nice decorative letter as your drop cap in your own post! Visit The Daily Drop Cap to grab them.

OMG, it's a giant rubber duckie

Can't wait till it reach Brisbane river. I should have this giant rubber duckie for The Great Brisbane duck race… hrhrhhrhr… I shall be the winner!!!!

The race is on this Saturday, 26 September, thousands of rubber ducks will flock to the Brisbane River to battle it out in a race to fight cancer and to WIN one lucky owner a brand new car - a Sci-Fleet Toyota Yaris! All the the purchase of ducks will go to cancer research at the PA Hospital. Join me adopting a duck/duck family here.

This cute but superbly huge duck hatched by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, this 9.5m tall by 11m long rubber duck has been spotted in Europe, Japan, and Brazil. See more photos here. (sorry to dissapoint but this giant duck will not show up this Saturday at the race.)

via cute overload.

Therapeutic baking

Well, in general I’m fine. But emo-moment absolutely unavoidable for a girl like me. I told you I haven’t meet up with him for a while. I was really really looking forward to see him… Until, I got the news that he couldn’t make it. My heart didn’t break into pieces at that time. He had disappoint me the day before… the day before that… before that…

So my heart was quite numb to it. But I just couldn’t stop thinking about him since… I really hate my self for that. After all the effort of being Miss. Independent and leaving the insecure girl behind, with no complaining … all back to cycle one -_-“ But mostly I hate my self that I couldn’t hate him! Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all. (the agony of ‘love?!!’)

Day after day… hoping that we’ll meet again… (LOL, like a Disney princess story). Until, at the end of weekend, I was lying in bed realising he might never come back. I was filled with tears, trying to accept what’s coming. I deleted about 200 text messages from him.

After, I had enough sobbing moment, I went out and decided to bake. It’s a new hobby of mine. I found it’s rather therapeutic, same reason why I enjoy cooking. I was planning to make pineapple tarts (It was Hari Raya/Lebaran on Sunday. Even though, I don’t celebrate it. I just want to be part of it).

Unexpectedly, my mobile rang and it was him! ^^

My pineapple tarts or should I say pineapple cookies :P turns out quite nice (LOL). It took me half of my day making them. I just slouched in the sofa after baking them. Get the recipe from My Kitchen Snippets.

Big update

I got distracted… didn't bother to spare time to retrospect about anything… been busy, tired, angry, confused and annoyed.

My life so far, it's been fine. Many people been asking how's it? nothing really exciting been happening, nothing particularly to share about. I have been tangled with my sister enourmous project which is her wedding next year and her big mansion house soon to be built 0_0 Seriously, giving me a massive headache everyday that I have lost interest to be involved. Seriously, I screamed at her one time, 'I don't even have a BF yet!! why should I bother about wedding?!!' She laughed at me… -_- sigh…

At one point, I got really dissapointed and upset with my-not-yet-bf. He bugged out on the day when we supposed to do our big catch up. It was something really emergency, that I can't really be angry at which leave me with more frustration. Seriously, the last time I met him was 4th of August! I don't blame him for not being able to meet each other. Both of us just got things to do (we had small phone catch up and txt messages).

Well, that's why we aren't in relationship yet. I trully respect his decision, I think he's being fair. Now, meeting up has become something obligatory for both of us (of course… -_-) and even though, I have already about to give up… but yet, he try to reach me back :) Something that I don't quite understand why he does…

Although, there is still one thing that I can't quite accept from his act (it's not my rights to share). I went to church on Sunday. The second reading from James 3:13-17 about Wisdom from Above, somehow clear my head. All the bad thoughts just gone…

I feel lucky that I have faith. I feel thankful that I have a loving family and friends that I always be with me.

Free hugs to everyone XOXO… :P

Welcome spring

Today is the first day of spring. It had been drizzling over the night at Brisbane. But blue sky is up in the air now. Everything feels a little slow this monday… sigh… even though I'm still busy.

I bought the mustard yellow dress over the weekend. The fabrics is so lovely, it's a sparkly sheen satin. I just can't wait to wear it. :)

Happy Friday everyone

This is made me laugh (LOL)

New Math by Craig Damraurer via FFFOUND

Eek… I'm falling apart

Well, I hope not yet. If I will, hopefully someone will catch me ;)

My parents are at Brisbane living with me till end of this week. It's getting hard to find a spare time for them with my enormous project at work. Taking annual leave means shorter deadline to finish the project. And honestly, I don't think I've ever designed a main key list title book (one of the biggest seller book that makes lots of profits internationally 0_0) and not to forget it has a quite complicated content.

Working late is unavoidable. I have been working nearly around from 7 am to 7 pm everyday. Luckily, with one short break on Friday, it brings back my sanity. Went down to the beach and the mall at Gold Coast and spent a very relaxing time while my parent enjoying playing golf.

Wish me luck! Hope everyone well :)

Arghhhhh…

I know it's kinda lame. But it illustrated my situation perfectly (LOL).

I need new ideas. When i'm being asked to design a new cover that I can do whatever (just use no photos and no purple) I really should say YEHAAA… but honestly, i am petrified. I haven't use my creative brain hard enough these days. It has took me a week and still nothing. I am really excited for being busy but why it took me so long to get ideas… sigh

My relationship with my-not-yet-bf (seriously, I feel akward saying this. But i can't find another words to describe it). I had a proper date with him on Sunday to the Art Gallery to see the American Impressionism and Realism. I was glad that he enjoy art as much as I do. It was a full day spending time with him. Not entirely pleasant since things doesn't go according to the plan but it was okay.

He brought up this conversation that I've been trying to avoid. He asked me why do I still like him since he hasn't been giving enough or being around. I was being honest and told him that I've been thinking to end of whatever we have. Since sometimes it really tires me and bring only pain. I've been wodering whether I'll be happier if he doesn't exist in my life. He gives me the chance to choose but it seems that he can't simply let me go either (but i know it will be easier for him to do). However, it is certain for the time being he won't be interested in having relationship due to his comittment and things that he wants to achieve. It sounds quite hurtful to know that he hasn't changed his mind yet (even though I already know). Yes, i did take my moment and silently let my tears pours in the darkness of the cinema.

Enough to said, I am okay. I've been down that road many times. It gives me a mental note that in the end of the day, you really need to dependable on your self. Others might be there for you but you shouldn't have that expectations. And have lots of friends so there's more chance you are not end up feeling lonely (sigh… and listen to your mom, most likely she's always right or you might end up learn on the hard way).

Sigh, I still can't decide whether I should live by my own and shared my house with other people or just move in with my sister again and stay far on the west, at Moggill. I need to get my driving license soon. Arghhh… So many things to think about and do.

I would really appreciate any kindly emotional support, leave a message people :)

Looking forward for a sleep in and a cuddle

It's has been a very stressful week.

But Monday dinner with my-not-yet-bf was a delight.

Finally, we catch up after nearly 2 weeks off. He has been so busy and not letting me know anything. I had builts this big frustration toward him. Really can't wait till it explode. But everything evaporates once we met.

I still remember when he paused him self and looked deeply to me :) I asked him what was he's doing when he just there staring at me.
He said 'I haven't seen you for awhile.'
I said 'Yes, we haven't. Sometimes, I feel like having long distance relationship' and I laugh.

During the dinner, he admits that he always enjoy having a meals with me :) I was slightly blushed (apart blushing from the heat of korean charcoal bbq). I'm flattered that he mentioned it to me. And yes, I always enjoy all the attention that he gave me when he do all the cooking :P he even remember to cut the meat in my small bite sizes.

It was a very nice monday night.

Other updates:

Need to postpone posting the other photos up. Somehow can't transfer the photos from the camera to the mac :(

Been busy browsing display houses and giving house plan ideas to my sister. Since they decided to buy 930 meter square of land. 0_0!

MY SISTER GOT ENGAGED!!! didn't see that coming :) but very happy for both of them.

I am swamp with work trying to manage to finish everything within the deadline. Even have to rejected a dinner offer with my-not-yet-bf :(

Professor Layton and Pandora's Box

No, I haven't forgotten about it yet. One of the main reason, I still hold onto my nintendo-ds and not selling it. Professor Layton and the curious village (the first sequal) is one of the game that I enjoy playing the most. It was really challenging and fun. The artwork is really beautiful.

Some people don't like playing it since it could be quite irritating not being able to solve the puzzle. For me, it's a great way to distract my self from thinking things that I shouldn't think about. It has help my self during my post-break up period and I think it will help me through again.



Finally, it will be official to be released this mid-August. I can't wait to get hold of it! It's been such a long waiting.

Grill’d. Saturday trip part 1

Seriously, I couldn’t believe my self that I was actually craving for a Burger. Not just a Burger but a BEEF Burger!! There this image kept running in my head just exactly like a Hungry Jacks ads. I asked my friend to join me to try on Grill’d burger — Healty Burger at New Farm

The trip to get the burger was so daunting. We drove into the wrong lane that caused us have to drive around again. It was too much hassle that I was about to give up the idea of getting the burger. (Seriously, remember Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. It was so stupid idea, right?)

Arrived there, I ordered my self ‘HOT MAMA’ (LOL). It is with 100% lean beef, roasted peppers, dill pickled, tzatziki, salad, tasty cheese and harissa. It was still so unbelievable that I got my self a beef burger!

We’re checking on the burger. It was huge! We weren’t so sure what is the easiest way to eat our burger. It was definitely fresh! I was so sure that I would love it.

The first bite. … … … my taste bud reaction was: it is a BEEF!!! Why did I order this?!!! Arggghhh… I don't like BEEF >_< (Big chunky piece of meat usually make me feel sick. I prefer to be vegetarian now and then). It was so far away, from my first perception. I thought I would change and become more normal like other people who love steak. Turn out, I was wrong. I still don’t like steak -_-“

I think the beef definitely needs to be marinated longer or have more herbs. It lack in its taste (I can only taste beef). My friend has the same opinion. Nothing special about it. Maybe other people would enjoy it since they won’t mind the strong taste of Beef. (okay, you might thing I am a weirdo).

But their hot chips were so so good. I would definitely go back to buy just the chips. It was covered with rosemary. It was tasty and crisp.

In the end, I pretty much finished everything since I was so hungry. The trip continue…

Mondayne update

Hello everyone! I have been so slack to update anything about my social life. Apologise for this and also not been able to reply any messages at Facebook.

Been so busy. If I have some spare time, I would end up just curling up on the corner of sofa and holding my warm mug. I did some exciting things on the past few weeks. I had taken some nice photo, but not much. I will surely posted soon, so sorry.

On my mind, I've been feeling slightly blue since my-not-yet-bf been quite distant. He hasn't been up at his stamina since he caught a cold. We haven't spend enough time together… sigh… phone calls are getting rare… less date… less communication. This is probably another reasons I haven't been feeling like blogging.

For quick recap, these what I have been doing:

1. Last night, been so busy preparing for dinner date for tonight!!! Hopefully, me and him could have a big catch up. This is the second week, I prepared Indonesian dinner which always consume lots of preparation time! I was completely tired cooking for 3-4 hours

2. I am thinking to get a reflexology. Has anyone ever get one? My feet aching more and more often.

3. I went to Coffee and Chocolate Affairs at Portside Wharf. It was awesome. Very very posh place. Surprisingly, at the same venue, there was a Boutique Market. Its basically designer/craft markets which I completely love.

4. I also went to Greek Festival, in the week before that. I bought so many greek pasteries, so sugarly high but so yummy. Sorry, no docummentation taken. But, I did bumped into this very cute greek, who looks like Enrique Iglesias :P xoxoxxo…

5. The weather has been so lovely every weekend this month. I am loving it, out in the sun :) Don't forget that it is currently winter at Australia.

I'll post more stuff soon in details. Cya… !!! (check out my bling flats)

On my mind: wedding and engagement

One of the reasons I haven't been posted anything yet is because I don't have time to find the right image to go along with my story. Sigh… so, to keep my blog alive… the least that I can do for now, I'm gonna post without any images (I'll add in later on) -_-". Pardon me, if my blog won't look that attractive anymore (please just keep your criticsm in your mind).

For a start, I don't want to give a big shock or anything. But, sorry to dissapoint, I am not going to get engage or married anytime soon. But my friends are!!! I spotted over facebook, their pre-wedding photos, their status update into engaged, and yes, even their wedding photos. It's quite a surprise at first, since they are all my high school friends which are all still in early 20's (okay mid 2o's). This engagement–wedding news is just spring like chicken pox in summer. Sorry if it sounds quite harsh but seriously?!!! is it the time already?!!!

Please I really wanted to know, what age is acceptable/normal for a girl to get married? what age are you planning to get settle down your self?

Not just that, my sister seems going pretty solid with her current bf. They intend to buy a house together. And all of these, has brought my parents asking me questions about the future… which I really have no definite answer. I still have no idea where am I going to be and whom to be with. I still have no plan or definite expectations and I am not worried at all.

On the other hand, looking at my potential bf, he seems very free sprited and young at heart as a person. It is really hard to imagine a person like him to settle down. (LOL) You would get what I mean, it has been more than 6 months and we are not even in relationship yet. I just don't bother to ask him again :P when the time come, it will come… lalallaa…

Sweet signs

Created by Publicis Mojo and @RadicalMedia Director: Patrick Hughes

Something sweet for you to watch. Reminds me of my mundane life before I noticed his existance. The story has similarity with my own experience of how I met "my-not-yet-bf". Except none of us were brave enough to say "Hi" to each other, until one day on my Birthday… (read my old post, here).

Cuppa tea and forestberry muffin

It's a long weekend here in Brisbane. Today is a labour day! I was so looking forward for it. Me and "my-not-ye-bf" was planning to go to Gold Coast again. And then… he told me he had to attend a wedding for the whole weekend 0_0. Of course, I was very very dissapointed… and yet, today this last free day, he had to make an emergency excuse not to see me T_T sigh…



To redeem my self, I turn my self into baking, retail therapy and redecorating the house during the long weekend :P I am feeling much much happier after sucessfully made the right muffin. People say it's easy to make muffin. But I am so inexperience in baking. My first experience was an apple muffin. I couldn't make the texture right. Somehow, it was too dry.



But finally, my forestberry muffin is near perfect!!! I read couple few different recipes to make muffin. One tricks that helping me is by filling the paper cups with water before baking, to keep the paper moist. I tried this recipe from RasaMalaysia. I enjoy eating them with a cuppa of taiwanese green tea (All San High Mountain tea). My lovely teaset shown above was a Christmas present from "my-not-yet-bf" ^^It's such a sweet teapot.



So I spent my last Monday, relaxing… drinking tea… muching my delicious muffin :P The weather has been so nice. It's been so calming just staying at home (since I've got the whole house for my self and I've tidy up the house yesterday). There's nowhere else better to be rather then just stay at home^^

Bulgogi stew

I cooked bulgogi stew the other night. It's quite a hearty meals to have during this autumn seasons. It has been quite chilly lately.

People always think when it comes to bulgogi, as such a meaty meal. But it's really up to you, depends what do you want to put in. The beef is necessary for the broth but you could balance everything with lot's of veges and mushrooms. That's what the right bulgogi stew all about! Not just purely meat like normal bulgogi.

I love eating more of the mushrooms and usually leave all the meat behind for my sister to finish :P (well, I am always towards more to vegetarian, just incase you don't know). With the beef, there's two type you can use… the big chunk of tenderloins meat chopped or just the bulgogi beef that you could buy at Korean's shop. With the chunk of meat, long marinating is necessary (a day would be perfect). when it comes to cook it, you just boiled them in long hours, it will produce so much better broth. Since I am not a big fan of meat, I just use the thin strips bulgogi beef. With this type of meat, an hour marinate will do. However, when it comes cooking this meat. You don't want to really over cooked them (it'll become hard). You have to have your broth ready first (drained the marinate sauce from the beef, put them in. Add in chicken stock, soy sauce and sugar for taste). Put the potato noodle (needs about 20 min to be soft) and mushrooms into the stew before you put the meat in. When everything boiled and the noodle is quite soft put in the bulgogi beef (serve portions only). It will cook pretty fast since it's very thin (2 minutes will do). Have the soups straight away. You could just add in the beef everytime you want to eat.

One other thing to note, if you are using enoki (golden) mushrooms. Just blanch this mushroom with hot water for few sec then top it up in your bowl (you could see in the picture, the enoki just placed in the corner by it self :p). Don't put in enoki mushrooms together with the stew. This mushroom is just as nice to eat it raw. I just knew this recently btw ;)

For the recipe, please visit here. It's slightly differents steps since it used the big chunk of meat. It's really up to you. But remember, in order to have soft chewy potato noodles you need to boil it for awhile. Hope you'll like it.