Steamboat Christmas Dinner.

Since my auntie and uncle are here for my cousin's (Joyce) graduation, we would as well take this opportunity to make a Christmas gathering dinner with them at our 'Home Sweet Home'. Steamboat is the easiest and convenient way for us to prepare. So, we decided to have a steamboat Christmas dinner.

I was working on Christmas Eve night shift but finished at 12 midnight. Then, had few drinks with my colleagues before heading home. Therefore, I woke up around 2pm - 3pm. Luckily sis. Simone, her bf and dad had prepared most of the stuff already when I woke up. Hence, I don't have to rush myself like hell. Thanks everyone!

Here's our steamboat dinner! Yummy!!!

After dinner, we played "Home and Away" board game. Something new! It's kind of like monopoly. The only differences are instead of road names, it use countries; instead of getting fine or go to jail, one have to answer geograhy questions to get bonus; and instead of buying houses, one have to get visas to reach the destination. However, before finishing the game I had to get ready to head to work as I started at 12 midnight. I was getting a lift from Regan. So, that's good as I don't have to drive all the way down just to work for 4 hours shift.

Overall, it was an enjoyable night.

Family photo... (Mom and youngest sis. not here >.<) Joining us pretty soon.

This is the group photo. Just in case you guys are wandering who are the two guys in front with red tees; the one without glasses is Wiliam (sis. Simone's bf) and the one with glasses is Sam (Joyce, my cousin's bf).

Christmas Present from my sister (Part 1) ^.^

Just want to show off a little bit with the Christmas present I got from my sister, Simone. Below are some photos of the present. Thanks, sis!

Want to know what's inside? Follow up with "Christmas Present from my sister (Part 2)".

'Twilight' movie night...

Me, Regan and Winnie had a day off on Tuesday (23.12.2007). So, we planned for a movie night. Since the day my youngest sister watch the movie 'Twilight', she always recommend me to watch and have it kind of "advertised" in her blog so much; I decided to see how good is the movie.

Plannigng started. Searching for movie session for "Twilight" and the price. Tuesday is "cheap cheap" day as we normally get cheapest petrol, cheapest movie ticket, cheapest pizza (Dominoes), etc. on that day. By the way, forgot to mention the price for the ticket 'cause too excited about the "cheap cheap" day. The normal adult price is $12-$13 but on "cheap cheap" day is $9.50. Then, we decided to go for the 21:20 (9.20pm) session. Usually, Regan is the one who drive but with a good excuse (have no idea where and how to get there...) he had me to drive him instead. Thought to get out from my home at 21:00, allowing 20 min. to pick him up and then go to Arndale's Greater Union cinema straight away to meet up with Winnie will be more than enough. Arrived around 21:40, which is quite late and with the news that Winnie just told us (cashier told her that the movie actually start at 21:00) makes us not only quite late but VERY LATE. Since we were there already, we decided to go ahead with the plan eventhough we had to pay for the full price of the ticket and knowing that we had missed 40 min. of the movie. (What to do? Huhuhuh... ;_C ).

This is the only part that I manage to curi-curi record when inside the cinema. Didn't manage to record the good and romantic scene. D*mn it!

After the movie, we took some photos around just before we left. There were so many cute, expressive, beautiful posters and cardboards that advertised current on show movies or coming soon movies.

"Twilight" movie's poster.

"Confessions of a shopaholic" big shopping bag made from cardboard. ^.^

"High School Musical 3" actor and actress made from cardboard as well. Look real, heh?

This movie is coming soon movie. But don't know what is the title, oh... Sorry, folks!

Shopping Bargain!!!

Went to rent a van at 'Budget' to move lounge set and a matress from Modbury. On the way home, then go shopping at sam's warehouse and JB Hi-Fi. Bought a lot of stuff with a good bargain prize.

Above are some of the stuff that I bought. Didn't manage to take photo for the other stuff as it's already open or use. =P

Will take some photo of my lounge set later on and post it, if there's a chance. Till then...

Pre-Christmas Dinner

Tonight we (me, dad, sis. Simone and William) went to Serene's house for Pre-Chistmas dinner. Each of us have to bring a Christmas present that cost $10 or less. When we arrived, we were guided to the backyard where a small reception was set up. At the reception, we were asked to select from a list of names of fruits, plants or spices. I then chose "watercrest", dad chose "TBA" (forgot what's in English but in Chinese it's called "bak lei hiong"), Simone chose "rosemary" and William chose "carrot". The Christmas present that we brought were then asked to leave it under the Christmas tree inside the house.

Dinner started not long after. Everyone have to 'Q'... >.<>

After dinner, there was a short presentation about what gathering and social outing that they had during the year 2008. Follwed by the presentation was a 'guessing opponent game' which help people to mix around and get to know each other. The people were divided into 2 groups. In the middle was a long and high curtain. Everytime, each of the group had to sent 1 people to stand behind the curtain. As soon as the curtain drops. they have to guess who is their opponent. Whoever lost, have to go to the other group. It was quite fun.

After the game, we gathered back outside. We were then handed a small greeting card. Each of us had to pick a name from the box. The name that's written on the paper would be the one that received our Christmas present. Therefore, we had to write a message on the small greeting card that was just handed to us and stick it on the present we had left under the Christmas tree earlier on. Santa Claus will pick and distribute the present later on.

I was searching for my present to stick the Christmas card on it. So hard to find as my present was a bit small and chucked in with heaps of others present together.

After 15 min. break, we were all ready awating Santa for our present. Let's guess what each of us get! Mine is just a little Christmas decoration teddy, dad got 'Tim Tam' biscuit, Simone got a pack of puzzle and not sure what William had.

Santa Claus was giving presents away. Yeah, my turn! Come, come, help me take a photo with Santa!

This is my Christmas decoration teddy! >.<

Just before the end of the gathering, we all got to eat 'tong yun' (For those of you who don't know what 'tong yun' is, it is a kind of desert made with glutinuous rice in ginger sweet soup.)

This is because on that day was mid-winter festival as well. Officially known as "Dongzhi" festival which falls directly on or around Dec 22 each year. This holiday is strongly associated with Yin (Female) forces diminishing and Yang (Masculine) forces growing stronger in the cosmos. A tradition that families come together on this day to celebrate. The inhabitants of the south generally make and enjoy tong yun, which represents UNITY.

Chrismas Present

Just got my Christmas Gift from my employer on the 18th Dec. which was few days ago. Nothing really special, especially compare with my sister's one that she got from her employer. I'll curi-curi snap a photo of her Christmas Gift as well later and you will know what I mean.

This is the Chrismas gift from my employer : Skycity.

This is the Christmas Card.

Greetings inside the card. By the way, this card can be plant. At the back of the card is written: "Plant this card and watch it grow! Lemon-scented Bottlebrush (Callistemon Citrinus) Soak card in water until soft. Place card on seed raising mix (in pot or ground). Lightly cover with more mix, water and keep moist. Germination should take 7-21 days."

*Tedeng*... This is the Christmas gift that my sister got from her employer. Nicer than mine leh? Kedekut punya Skycity... >.<>

Traffic Expiation Notice!!!

Yesterday evening just before getting to work, I opened a letter which arrived earlier during the day and saw it was a 'traffic expiation notice'. I tried to recall when did I actually offence the traffic law... X*%&%#

I always drive very careful as I know to break or offence the traffic law will cost me an arm and a leg. ...*Trying to find out how much is the fine*... D*mn!!! $327. Serious? Now not only cost me an arm and a leg. Perhaps a head and half body as well... :.C Huhuh...

Now, there's no point to cry over spilled milk. Since I can't recalled I did any traffic offence, I have to apply for review of the photographic. Hhrrmm... *Pocket start to get a hole => money dropping out of the pocket*

"Sat waen yu" (lit. means fish that lost its soul)

Just now after changing my uniform, I called dad to ask him to check on the car rental price. Then, continue talking something else (which I totally forget what is it. ;I) . After awhile, I checked the time on my watch and only then I realise it's 8pm already. WHAT!!! 8pm? Yes, it is. So, I quickly hang up the phone and rush all the way down and thinking that I'll be in a deep sh*t this time. Even 1-2 minutes late. When arriving at the pit that we usually check our swing, I saw no one except the pit manager. Ooohhhh nnnooooo..... As soon as I got to the pit manager I keep apologizing so that he won't take any action against me. Huhuhuh.... =C

*With a suprising look and a lot of question mark above his head... ????=I * He said: "Yvonne, you start at 8:30pm..." ME: "Ermmmm... Whuuwhu... (Still short of breath due to the running and rushing down) Really? (Feeling a bit silly and embarass)"

Just to make sure, the pit manager double check on the roster. "Yes." He confirmed to me. Therefore, just came back up to the staff canteen. Sitting there for a while. Doing nothing. And out of a sudden, though might just came in the staff lounge and use the internet to write up this funny and embarass moment.

Upgrading myself?

Since graduated from Uni., never really do any reading or writing. So, feel that my English not only doesn't improve but going backwards. Hhhrrmmmm..... I told my dad about it and he asked me to go attend some English classes. Hahaha.... Do I really need to? Perhaps do some self 'upgrading' by reading more English books, novels or magazines. Unfortunately, I'm so busy at the the time being until no spare time to do other stuff. It has reach a certain stage where I had to steal some time out from my sleep to actually do some blogging recently. So, where else can I actually get or even buy MORE TIME to do the readings? HHHHEELLLPPPP..... !!! Desperately need to improve myself! >.<

Belly Dancing Class

Above photo was taken at the end of one of my belly dance's class. Just got so excited as that day we learn the new dancing move with new tool (veil--> the one that looks like sarong). Will buy my belly dancing full costume when going back to Malaysia next year as those here are quite expensive. So that I can have it ready for my next new semester (Elementary 2 class). Will post it up in my blog once I get one, ok?

Handorf Trip (Part 8 - Final)

Finally, here's the last episode of the Handorf trip. Last stop of the journey was at one of the restaurant/pub to fill our roaring stomach.

We saw this quite yummy and something special and more German style's food. "A taste of Germany Platter". Very expensive! Cost us almost an arm and a leg. It's $58.90 (Serves 2) but four of us share 1 plus another "Damper Roll" = basically just a big bun. (Taste quite nice. Worth a try!) It cost about $7.80 for one.

By the way, the first photo was taken from the menu. Whereas, the second one which is just above was our food that just arrived. Looks a lot better, huh?

Expensive food, man! *Let's take a photo with it first before we start to eat.* Connie, Winnie and me, then strike a pose for the camera. =-D

After the brunch/dinner, we headed to Winnie's house for a Wii's session before heading back home. What a fun and tiring day!!!

Handorf Trip (Part 7)

How unbelievable long!!! It's part 7 already and still haven't even finish yet. Well, I'll try to make it as short as possible. Or else, everyone will go ZZZzzz...

As we tried to look for something to eat, Winnie recommended us to try the "Home Made, Hand Made" ice cream.

This is the owner of the home made ice-cream shop. As I tried to capture the photos of my friends, the owner thought that I'm taking a photo of him and try to post for me (Haha... Ya, a bit perasan but still took a photo of him so that he won't get embarrass). After taken the photo, I told him that I would put the photo in my blog. He quickly mentioned that don't let his wife see it, or else he'll be a piece o dead meat (Should be joking...) I told him not to worry as I will use it to help him advertise in my blog so that people who visit Handorf must have to try his home made ice-cream.

These two is Winnie's housemates (Forget what's their name >.<). Sharing one ice-cream but still deciding who will eat first. (Air liur pun keluar sudah...)

Since the shop is quite small, after buying ice-cream everyone had to just come out from the shop straight away. However, they were all just standing in front of the shop and start to enjoy their ice-cream until no one wants to make a move unless they have had enough taste of their ice-creams.

Handorf Trip (Part 6)

On the way to another shop, we saw these statue on the sideway and decided to stop by to take some photos.

The dog looks like real one, eh? ;p

Then, we went to a shop that sells different kind of jewellery like earings, rings, and head accessories. Then, I found this ring and got it for a really good bargain! Guess how much? $5... How unbelievable! Hehe... Interested? Can go get one in Handorf...

Handorf Trip (Part 5)

Next to that souvenier shop, is another slightly bigger souvenier shop which mostly sell decorating stuff.

This is one of the 'Hand-made' Christmas tree decoration => Lizard.

This is so true: "Life is made of choices..." However, when at my house the choices are "remove your shoes or scrub the floor". Hahaha... ;D

Then, I saw this funny, lovely married frogs couple.

Next to it, was this adorable little kitten which I had bought it for myself. (Only a dollar, why not?)

And on the same shelf was this little doggie which looks like my cousin's (Matthew) pet, "Lou Lou". So, might as well bought it as a souvenier to him when going back Malaysia next year as he loves dog so much. Not that he has a dog as pet but also a lot of dogs collection. *Don't tell him yet that I had bought this for him. Ssshhhhh..... Wanna give him a suprise!

Handorf Trip (Part 4)

Then we head onto a souvenier shop. Here I found there are quite a few interesting banner and had took some photos as well.

Handorf Trip (Part 3)

The second shop that we went into was a shop that sell mini donuts and lolies.

Guess what? I saw lollies that I used to eat when I was in primary school and it had stopped selling in the market ages ago. It's pretty cheap as well! (10 in a pack for a dollar) Therefore, I grab 2 pack of that.

Here are some of my 'memoir' lolies. It's called 'Hart Beat Love Candy'. with blackcurrent, melon and peach flavor.

On the way to the cashier, I saw a mini cutie lolies on sale (which is the one that shows on the above photo). Guess how much? You won't believe it. It's just 50 cents. So, I grab one of those and head on my way to pay.

Look! How beautiful are those chocolate and lolies roses. Hope i would get some of those at Valentine's Day. =p