How Do You Do Etiquette

I wonder what the deal is with How do you dos. I don't think I've ever had so many how are yous thrown my way back in Malaysia. The most I get as a way of greeting is a Good morning/afternoon/evening. It's probably an Australian thing. I get at least 4 of that everyday and one of my colleague has a tendency to ask me that everytime we walk pass each other.(hopefully not because he sees me frowning all the time) My responses have always been predictable and lame. "I'm fine thank you" (remembering to smile here)..and I sometimes like to vary it with "I'm good! How about you?" or "I'm ok..it's a bit hot today don't you think?" To spice things up, I sometimes just said good morning, smile and left it at that. Even if my house had been swept away by typhoon and my body is crippled with a disease, I'd probably still answer "I am fine thank you" (with a smile). I've never really felt comfortable talking about myself and I am almost sure no one would want a long winded story of how I REALLY am. Everyone probably just ask that and expect to hear the customary answer. Imagine asking that and having someone answer "Not good...not good at all. I just found out that I am in the last stage of cancer" (silencee~~~~sounds of crickets) (-___-)

I have a client who always seems to be in a hurry. An example of our phone conversation would be as follows;-

Me: Hi..Peggy speaking
Client: Hi Peggy. xxx here. How are you?
Me: Fine thanks. Yourself?
Client: Peggy, can you help me with.......

See that? See how he didnt answer my question and left me hanging?? He did that EVERY SINGLE TIME!! and still I am obligated to ask as it is common courtesy. *sigh* I sometimes think why bother.

Canberra Trip

Back from Canberra! I guess it's a blessing in disguise that we have to fly all the way there to get our passports renewed. Eventhough it's an inconvenience, not to mention made us a few hundred dollars poorer, I really needed the break.

The trip started badly enough. I took a half day off on Thursday so that I can slot in a doctor's appointment before leaving for the airport. Unfortunately, I missed my bus and had to wait for the next one. The downfall of taking public transport is that a domino effect starts to take place once this happens. Missing my bus in turn made me miss my train which in turn made me late for my appointment. When we reached the clinic, we were informed that my doctor had left for the day. I had to reschedule my appointment to a Monday night and pay for overtime. *sigh*

Reaching home I had a quick lunch and shower before making sure that everything we need is packed and ready to go. And then came the waiting...and waiting...and waiting. My brother had asked one of his friend who lives near the airport to fetch us. We stupidly did not anticipate that there would be a horrible jam at that particular hour. When he failed to turn up more than half an hour after the designated time, we panicked and my brother contemplated calling up another friend to drive us there. At the last minute, he drove up our driveway and we frantically began shoving bags into his car boot. It was a torturous drive to the airport. The traffic was pretty bad and we had to drop by my sister's office to pick her up which made us even more late. Everyone was pretty tense, my brother's poor friend tried his hardest to tackle the traffic and mum prayed real hard for us not to miss our plane. The counter was supposed to close 45 minutes before the flight and by the time we reach the airport, it's already well pass our check-in time. My sis and myself dashed off to the counter as soon as the car stops while my bro and mum trailed behind with our luggages. Fortunately, we managed to check-in just before the counter closes.

Reaching Canberra, we got into our rented car (we received a free upgrade to a bigger car which is a good turn of event) and started the drive to our motel. We took a wrong turn as soon as we got out of the airport and ended up getting lost. Everyone's temper was pretty frayed by this time and blames started flying. We only reached our motel after an hour plus of driving as well as furious thumbing of the local directory. The receptionist had left but fortunately we were able to check-in ourselves. The room was really small but serves our purpose well as it's cheap enough and has an attached bathroom.

After dumping our bags in the room, we left again in search of dinner eventho it's already well pass 10pm. Driving around, we settled on good ol' McD. After dinner, we drove around the city and stopped by the casino to take a few photos. As everyone is already tired out from all the rushing, we agreed to call it a day.

The next morning, we left early for our appointment at the High Commision of Malaysia and were able to reach there without getting lost. There's a hitch when my brother was told that they require a copy of his student visa which he'd left in Adelaide. After sheding much cold sweats and thinking that his journey was going to be a total waste, my dad phoned to say that he has an electronic copy of my brother's visa. Everything went well after that. We bought 4 packets of Nasi Lemak from a jolly man who works in the High Comm. and was told to be back to collect our passports by 3pm.

We stopped by a park in Yarralumla to have our lunch and took a few photos. The next stop was the Cockington Greens Garden. Entry fee was pretty expensive at about aud16++ per person but we enjoyed ourselves as everything looks gorgeous! We then drove back to the city to check out Canberra Centre. A security guard saw me taking photos while we were on an escalator and reprimanded me. He told me rather firmly that photo taking is illegal in the building. I apologized but was mightily pissed off. Well excuse me for being ignorant as to the reason why. I mean if that were to happen in a Casino or a museum, I'd understand but a shopping mall???
-_-"

Our planned destination after that was the War Memorial but reaching there, we couldnt bring ourselves to leave the car as the day had turned really hot and mr.sun is in full glory. We changed our mind and decided to stop by the High Comm. earlier to get our passports. After that, we went on towards the Parliament House. It's a spectacular building. The landscape which is pretty minimal is impressive nonetheless and suits the building to a T. And the view from the rooftop towards the War Memorial is so well planned out it gave me goosebumps.

We drove back to the War Memorial soon after as my brother has set his heart on a photo of the Centurion Tank. We did not get to go inside as the Memorial is already closed which is a pity. After driving all the way to Woden for dinner, we decided to go back to the motel as we have an early flight to catch the next morning and everyone's bushed by that time.

I enjoyed the trip. Really. Eventhough there's a lot of hitches along the way and I felt that we were not being a real tourist by choosing to miss out on museums, I'm just glad to have the chance to visit the capital of Australia.

p/s: Photos to be posted when the author is less lazy. In the meantime, please check facebook for uploaded photos of the trip. =p

Gift confusion

I received a package from a friend back in Malaysia a few days ago. There's a cute little bag with earrings and a bracelet inside. I loOove accessories and I guess everyone is aware of that as I always seem to get them for birthdays, farewells and as gifts. \(^^)/

Well, two days ago a postman came to our house to deliver another package for me. Mum was in the kitchen so didnt hear the knock and mr.postman slipped a notice requesting that we retrive the package from a post office nearby. My brother went to get it yesterday while I was at work but left it in the car and forgot about it. While I was at gym this morning though, mum suddenly remembered and asked my sis to get it from the car. She went to the car and saw the jacket immediately. She tried it on to show mum while I was still at the gym. Apparently, my brother was a little confused by the whole thing but didnt have the chance to say anything as everyone was rushing around getting ready to go out.

When I got into the car at the train station, my sis told me that the package is a jacket and that it's from the same friend who sent me the accessories. I asked her to describe the jacket to me. She told me that it's a little bulky and black. She didnt seem enthusiastic so I guessed that it wont be to my taste. Surprised as well since she sent such a bulky item. Must've cost a bomb. My brother then informed me that there's another package for me in the front console. It's a box with mooncakes inside. From the same friend. By this point I was thinking, wow, what's the occassion?

Anyway, we went on to the shopping mall and spent lots of money as always. When we got home, my sis got the jacket out and tried it on for me to see. It's black and bulky...that's all I can say. I even remarked..hey..so not my taste. It looks too manly and I asked my brother if he wants to try it on. While my sis was strutting around and twirling in the jacket, my bro who was watching from the sink suddenly remarked "Eh! Where the hell did you find that jacket?" My sis replied "From the car-lah" at which point my brother collapsed laughing. He told us that it's the jacket that his friend left in our car the night before. He belatedly told us that the only package he got from the post office is the box of mooncakes. He initially thought that the postman delivered the jacket personally this morning (Stupid..who works on a saturday??) hence the confusion.

*sigh* My stupid, blur but beloved family.

Festival of Aidilfitri at Adelaide Uni

Here goes...this is long overdue. The event happened like 2 weeks ago and I have put off writing for as long as I can. Frankly, I am too lazy (also because Detective Conan has taken up most of my time. Kyah!! >__<) If anyone asks me, I would say that the hobby I am most dedicated to is procrastinating. *sigh*

That saturday (26th Sept. 2009 to be exact) after our yoga class at the gym, my sis and I joined mum, bro and his friends for free meals at Adelaide Uni. *hic* It's actually an 'open house' sponsored by UMNO for the festival of Aidilfitri. This is the first time I've set foot in the Uni and , honestly, I am impressed. I love the 'feel' of it - Oldish buildings with quirky sculptures and structures thrown in, biggish courtyards, lots of trees, lots of steps and open spaces. What's not to love? Especially since it's situated almost in the centre of the city. I would have loved to study there. Argh..really miss my uni days. Hanging out with friends after class - everyday is different and promises variety. Working life sucks. Everything's so regimented these days!

My brother and friends. ( They look like quintuplets dont they? Same height, same build)

Me and mum

Bro and Sis

The er..event was already in full swing by the time we arrive. There's 2 separate tents set up for food. One's where everyone lines up, holds out their plastic plates and the persons in charge dishes out different kinds of Malay food. We said 'Terima Kasih' and everyone smiled benignly. It's pretty embarrassing for me to tell the truth. I felt like a refugee lining up for food. There's bite-till-your-teeth-fall-off lemang (rice cooked in bamboo), chicken curries (there's 2 types I think but I cant differentiate. I am a failure) which are nice but a little too spicy, nasi biryani (nice!), acar(a type of vegetable pickles cum salad), drinks and cookies. The cornflakes cookie is my fav. I am sure they have a more glamourous name but I dont bake and I dont know so I'll stick to that name.
Rojak - The only food we took picture of

The second tent houses the laksa and rojak. The laksa was a little worrying as I've never had a green coloured laksa with tuna. I initially thought that it's because they couldn't afford to put in prawns and so substituted that with tuna. har har...em..all I can say is it's my first and probably last. My mum and bro liked it though. My friend soon informed me Terengganu laksa uses fish so the laugh's on me. =p Rojak is nice but by that time I am really full.

'Karaoke session'

It's a lovely event. Wish there's something like this for Chinese New Year as well in Adelaide. Probably when hell freezes over?

Face Fact

We were having dinner at a vietnamese restaurant today when mum started to recount a joke that we've read somewhere before. It's about a japanese, chinese and I think an american , all of whom are male, who decided to go for a skinny dip on a deserted beach. After stripping down and while walking across the beach, a gaggle of girls suddenly appeared out of nowhere and shocked the living daylights out of the guys. Embarrassed, the japanese and american tried to cover their private parts with their hands. The chinese however, covered his face and remarked to the other two "I dont know about you guys, but in my country, people tell you apart by your face and not your private part". My lovely brother then turned to me and said "You remember when your skirt fell off while you were on the bus not long ago? Well, I think when you pulled up your skirt, you should've pulled it all the way up to ur head and zip it to hide your face. That way no one would've known what you look like". I nearly urinate myself laughing.
p/s: We had crispy combination noodle, beef slices and brisket noodle soup and a stewed beef noodle soup. Dessert was a drive-through McD soft serve. *burp*

Royal Adelaide Show

We went to the Royal Adelaide Show yesterday and took public transport as parking tickets around the area would be astronomical. Happily, the weather is just purrfect...blue sky, sunny and not too hot. I've been to the event twice but it's mum's first visit and I can fairly say that we all enjoyed the outing. We took the 1.30pm train down to the city and then an express train to the show ground. Reached there around 2pm. Luckily my sis bought the tickets beforehand so we didnt have to queue up (Yeay!)

We planned to stay on until the fireworks display at 9pm and anticipated that the temperature would drop drastically at night. Unfortunately, my brother who was wearing a very thin t-shirt, either forgot to bring his jacket or have the misguided notion that he is a super-being with the ability to withstand cold. We spent the day keeping our eyes peeled for jackets on sale as well as taking in the scenes. Funnily, the very first thing we bought on site is a hair removal product and exfoliator. (Smooooth legs - with extra emphasise on the Os..lol)

While browsing around, we happened upon a flower costume show. (Jenny Gillies Wearable Blooms) It's...interesting...but not enough to hold our attention for long. Some of the costumes are ravishing and I would have loved to own them but as mum said..walk down the street in them and you'd have swept everyone else out of your path.

There's arts and craft display ranging from open cake decorations, embroideries, soft toys, pastries, etc. All the cakes, cookies and muffins look yummylicious. Even the ginger bread houses. I wonder what would happen to them once the show comes to a conclusion. Brings to mind the phrase 'All beautiful things come to an end'

After that, we headed on towards the carnival and rides area. We were only there for a 'look see' as none of us feels up to the 'thrill' of rides. And we were cautious not to waste money on skills we have no confidence in testing. What I regretted most is that we went home without any soft toys or goodie bags to show for our time there!

Dog Pavilion was next on the list. All cute and well groom but searching high and low, we couldnt find the gigantic dogs that we saw on our previous visit. Very disappointing. I was rather hoping to ride on their backs this time around. *sigh* We didnt get to see any of the competitions (pig racing which would have been cute, woodcutting, sheep judging and I dare say many many more).

Luckily for my brother, we found him a jacket just as night was approaching and there's a cold bite to the air. After buying our dinners (lamb yiros and chips - the food is quite frankly really yucky), we headed on towards the main arena to search for seats. We were just in time to watch the pony trot which was hilarious. One of the ponies has really stubby legs and kept on getting left behind. Next on were the Farm Skills Challenge which is not as interesting. The Toyota Hilux Heroes is ok but some scenes were repetative, the Double Dan I cant remember anything about (yeah..looking at the programs listing now), the Trackskill Holden V8 Ute vs Nissan Silvia Drift Car is boring as well and we think that the 'volunteer' driving the Holden is actually a pro. The show we enjoyed most is the Freestyle MotorX Team. The bikers were absolutely awesome. The stunts were outrageous and had the crowds going wild. And then last but not least, the event that we have all been waiting for...the fireworks display. It's not living up to standard but we enjoyed it nevertheless.

All in all, a well spent day eventhough I still feel a little deprived as there's no 'memoriabilia' to show for our outing. Even a tiny ugly pink panther or tweety bird won from the carnival would have been acceptable! Argh!

Fitness Craze

My sis and I signed up as members of Fitness First about 2 weeks ago in our bid to lose weight and we officially started going last Monday. We went everyday after work and after a 1 1/2-hour workout, hit the showers before heading back home by train. Mum was supposed to join with us but changed her mind as the membership fees are so expensive. She's currently on our guest pass though and has been twice. We havent tried out any of the classes on offer but there's a yoga session tomorrow and we will check that out. I personally would really like to try the Body Combat session as they look really cool. It's a bit daunting though coz they all look like pros and am able to follow instructions whereas I am a klutz and will probably end out sprawled flat on my face. I looOoOove the whole experience. The thrill of counting all those calories that I am able to burn off everyday makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Here's hoping that by the end of the year I'll be able to shop for clothes half the size I wear now. KL shopping here we come!

Was chatting with elder sis and she told me how she was 'informed' by my baby nephew that he wants her to buy him a new small toy car. I was like...huh? excuse me?? he can talk? and she was like"..no..he still talks in his own language but I understand..it's parent's instinct" (at this point an image of her and the baby trying to make sense of what each other was saying popped into mind x_x) She went on to explain that my nephew woke up in a really good mood that morning and was happily playing with his toy cars (how come baby boys know that they should play with cars and not dolls?? has it been programmed into their subconciousness from embryo-hood?) but when he couldnt get one of the cars to go through the hole of a ladder, he lost his temper, threw the car away and went to his toy storage box to search for smaller cars. Failing to find any, he started bawling and showed my sis that there's no small cars available (I know..my sis is psychic..if he'd shown me the box crying I'd have thought that he peed in it) Anyway, my brother in-law promised to buy him one and all's well in the end. That sounds fun-ner than playing mystery games on the net rite?

p/s: sis accidentally said 'delivious' instead of delicious one time so now it's stored in our dictionary as a bad for you but scrumptious foods. Delivious = Devil + Delicious