Christmas at a beach

3O121O - Joes's 19th Birthday.

31121O - Cindy T.'s 19th birthday.

We had a spontaneous road trip to La Perouse beach on Christmas afternoon. Seeing that we were driving with five cars, 15 people in total, difficulties were expected to rise; and they did. Honestly, I strongly believe it was the faults of the two cars which sped off in front of the rest when they didn't even know where the place was. Their excuse was that we were driving so slowly, we were almost stopping traffic. We were only going slow enough to let the others follow, to watch out for the right sign to turn at and to follow the car that was leading. I didn't mind if they sped off, but at least know where you were going. If you didn't, then don't act all mighty and drive off like that =.=. Either way, it's their own fault for getting lost and having to turn back to exit at the right place. 

When we got there, it took us a while to find parking. I guess it was our fault, seeing that we left pretty late in the afternoon. The beach was pretty small, almost like a bay. We practically did all the things you usually do at a beach: build stuff with sand; play in the water; play football; tan; run around; etc. For some reason, the water seemed much colder than normal beach water =S To me, it was extremely cold, or maybe I just don't really like the cold in general. With football, my deepest apologies to Stephen and Raymond for ripping their clothes T_T I swear it wasn't intentionally. It's just ... with sport, I tend to get a bit aggressive; adrenaline pumps through my veins when there's competition. Sometimes, when I feel unwanted, I want to prove that it's their loss when they don't want me and that I'm actually a fierce opponent. Though, I think my behaviour may have ruined their game, so I apologise for that as well. Jack and Evan joined us later on.

It was not until around 7:30PM before we decided to leave. Strangely enough, rather than getting dressing inside the changing room, even if it was pretty small, we were changing at the back. Why? Apparently, it was because it smells =S ? I just hope no one was looking at us >.<. We all decided to go back to Canley Heights to eat, except for Sandra, Thanh and friends because they were going to go to another party. While driving back, it vexed yet amused me to see Jack and Ellen do tricks on their motorcycles. Jack even burnt himself while trying to dry off his pants LOL. Oh, and unbelievable thing happened: A guy in a civic wanted to race Steven and his sports car, and the civic actually won O_O. Never have I thought that a sports car could lose to a civic O_O. Apparently, it had something to do with the engine of the civic. My Linh said something about it being a turbo. I have no idea about cars, so I'll just stop there. 

After dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant, Steven, Alan and Bonny left to someone's house while the rest of us went to have desserts at Little Star, at Canley Vale, which used to be Blue Haven. We had an 8 scoops of ice-cream desserts. The place looks pretty modern and its style seem to aim more at younger customers. They even have an aquarium full of fish, exactly like the ones in the movie Finding Nemo =D. They were so pretty =D. After desserts, we all went our separate ways. Many thanks to Linh for driving me and for inviting me out =). Many thanks to Raymond for shouting me Maccas for lunch and for listening to me talk =).

Odd. We went out on Christmas day, but we didn't really celebrate it LOL.

Mr. Claus is a Miss ?!!!

Just kidding =).

Linh and her family held a Christmas party on Christmas eve and she invited her friends over, including me. It was a BBQ Christmas party in her backyard; friends were separated on a different table to family. I guess not everyone was too hungry because after a half an hour of eating, the kids, Linh and friends decided to go to the park to play some football. It was pretty fun but I must apologise to Alan and Bonny for scratching them. It was unintentional of course! I also felt sorry for Jack because he did most of the running while the rest of just stayed back LOL. It was cute to see the kids run around though =) one of the little boys even tried to take me down; he was so cute =D. After an hour or so, when we were playing stuck-in-the-mud, Anthony and friend met up with us. Surprisingly, Anthony's friend was Long. When we saw each other, we were quite surprised because we didn't expect to see each other at ALL. It's bee a couple of years since I last saw him.

I had to leave them at around 8:30PM to get my hair cut. I must say, I now understand how people feel when they miss their long hair after cutting it off. I MISS MY HAIR T_T WHY DID I CUT IT FOR T_T. Actually, I just wanted to cut my fringe shorter and my hair shorter, but the hairdresser cut it too short T_T!!! *sigh* I'll just have to wait for it to grow again =(. 

I got back to Linh's house an hour later. We were watching some Christmas shows on television before everyone got hungry again. By then, Linh's relatives have left so we had the backyard and BBQ all to ourselves =). So for the next couple of hours, we ate, drank and talked. Cool weather, bright Christmas decoration lights and good company; it was a great night to be out. Hearing fireworks in the neighborhood made me wish to have sparklers of our own. Oh wells. 

For the rest of the night, we played Bloody Mary, drank cruisers, ate chocolate, sang karaoke and took photos. There were some things that I realised by then: guys really suck at playing Bloody Mary - and I mean REALLY; don't drink too much cruisers of the same colour because it'll just stain your lips; and some guys just don't like following the notes while singing. We played until midnight because Linda didn't want to open the presents until Christmas Day. Tradition is that you're suppose to open presents on Boxing Day, but whatever. Our hostess, generous Linh, have bought all her friends that she invited gifts for Christmas =). Isn't she sweet? For 30 minutes, on Christmas morning, she was Santa Claus =) just without the beard and all. Mind you, although she didn't have flying reindeers, she transformed her car into a reindeer =D. I received a leather handbag and a box of Rose chocolates. Don't worry, Linh also received her own fair share of presents too, just at different times of the week =p. 

Linh, you're a sweet, generous and considerate girl. I wish you all the happiness of the world because you deserve it =). I thank my lucky stars for having someone like you as friend. Merry Christmas and thank you for your generosity and hospitality. Good things will happen to good people =). 

Linh's Reindeer Jazz Car =P.

PS. Thanks Long for driving me home =).
PSS. Thanks My Linh for the photos =).

My Grown Up Christmas List

My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow (can you still help somehow)
I'm not a child,
But my heart still can dream.

So here's my lifelong wish,
My grown-up Christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start (and wars would never start)
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree (wrapped beneath the tree)

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth.
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end, oh.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

This is my grown-up Christmas list.

Merry Christmas everyone =). I know it's a day late, but that's okay =). I hope that you're enjoying the celebratory season with happiness, laughter and loved ones. I hope that no one is lonely during this time and that miracles will occur =). I know it happens every year, like birthdays, but every year Christmas will always be a special time for family and friends. Whether it's snowing or not, I hope every one is smiling during this time of the year =).

This is the Kelly Clarkson version of the song: 

Firework

Firework by Katy Perry

To view her official website, press here.

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper-thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the Fourth of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane, comes a rainbow

Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time you know

You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the Fourth of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through-ough-ough

‘Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, Oh, Oh”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "ah, ah, ah!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

This song is dedicated to those who feel insignificant and replaceable. I know that when you do feel like that, you feel as though nothing will change and that you will always be unimportant; but just keep facing forward with a smile because there will always be something or someone special out there to keep you going; to make you feel as beautiful and extraordinary as a firework =). 

To others, it's a reminder to give some acknowledgment to those who are important to you. Sometimes, those who are special to you forget that they are or are unaware of your feelings completely. So take the time to express your gratitude or your feelings towards them every once in a while. Call it 'strengthening a bond' if you like =).

여행 (A Short Journey)

여행 (A Short Journey) by Super Junior

 

널 사랑했던 이 내 맘이, 널 바라봤던 내 두 눈이 아직도 여기에…

* Oh Baby say Goodbye Oh 잠시만 Goodbye 안녕이란 말은 잠시 접어둘게
저 문을 열고서 한 걸음 내밀면 코 끝으로 전해지는 너의 숨결

차가운 그 바람 속에 따뜻한 너의 손길이 한동안 남아 있는 걸
온통 그대 흔적이 눈물이 되어 내 두 뺨 위에 머무는 걸
잠 시 동안 여행을 떠나 가슴 아픈 상처 닦아 내고서 시간 흘러 그댈 만나면 보고 싶었다 네게 말해줄게

*Oh Baby say Goodbye Oh 잠시만 Goodbye 안녕이란 말은 잠시 접어둘게
저 문을 열고서 한 걸음 내밀면 코 끝으로 전해지는 너의 숨결

그렇게 또 해가 지고 달이 뜨는 오늘 역시 변함이 없는데
Oh, 왜 자꾸만 내 맘은 이렇게 빠르게 달라지는지
파란 하늘 닮은 그대의 모습은 어느 샌가 비를 내리고
이 빗속에 몸이 젖으면 흐르는 눈물 따윈 감춰둘게 yeah~

* Oh Baby say Goodbye Oh 잠시만 Goodbye 안녕이란 말은 잠시 접어둘게
저 문을 열고서 한 걸음 내밀면 코 끝으로 전해지는 너의 숨결

지난 시간 너무 어리석었던 내 멋대로였던 그런 내 모습 모두 감싸줬던 네가 너무 소중한 걸

* Oh Baby say Goodbye Oh 잠시만 Goodbye 안녕이란 말은 잠시 접어둘게
저 문을 열고서 한 걸음 내밀면 코 끝으로 전해지는 너의 숨결

*Oh Baby say Goodbye Oh 잠시만 Goodbye 내가 있던 그 자리로 돌아갈게
저 문을 열고서 한 걸음 내밀어 보고 싶던 네 앞에 설 수 있도록
널 사랑했던 이 내 맘이, 널 바라봤던 내 두 눈이… 기다릴게

PS. The music was composed by Donghae and the lyrics were composed by Eunhyuk (Lee Hyuk-Jae) with thoughts of their fans, E.L.F.s (Ever Lasting Friends), and Kang In (Kim Young-Woon), of Super Junior, who went to the army. It'll be 2 years before he can reunite with the rest of his band members.

receiving life lessons from a drunk drug-addict

15121O - Christine N.'s 19th Birthday.

16121O - Katherine W.'s 19th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY =D !!!

Yes, you've read right. But before I go on to that, let me start from the beginning. Last Sunday, we were taking Linh's cousin, Tracey, out for the last time before her flight the next day. She wanted to go to karaoke, so we went to GreenboxPLUS at Townhall. I guess it wasn't so bad. The rooms were okay and we initially had some trouble with the audio and remote control but it was because we weren't pointing it at the right place. The service wasn't so bad and the decorations were pretty nice. For 3 hours, we sang our lungs out, danced like maniacs and had some drinks and snacks while we were at it. It's been almost a year since I last went to karaoke, so it was pretty fun for me though I wished there was more hms... craziness? Either way, I hope Tracey had fun =).

Just going to the city for karaoke was a bit mundane so we decided to show Tracey Bondi beach afterward. Oh, it was actually around 11PM when we got to the beach because we only started karaoke at around 6:30PM. Benefits of having cars xD. I was actually pretty excited to go to the beach because I've never been to the beach at night before =D.At the beach, although throughout the whole day it was around 30 degrees Celsius, it was pretty cold at night with the sea breeze and all. Hence, before facing the cold, we had a pit-stop at Maccas. It amazed me to see so many people wearing almost nothing in such cold weather. Then again, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt as well; but that was because I was already out during the hottest time of the day. 

I digress. Anyways, to warm ourselves up, we ran around and played touch football with a thong because we had no ball =P. After a couple of minutes, a couple of friends/lovers asked to join in as well. They were pretty good; actually the boys in general was good since they all liked doing sports. I mean, come on, Anthony's even a personal trainer lol. But us girls weren't so easy to deal with either =). I actually managed to tackle Anthony done a couple of times; well, more like pull/drag xD. It was really fun; I haven't played sport with a group of people for so long so I enjoyed it a lot. Of course, I ate sand;  been forced to hi-5 sand with my face, been showered with sand; been scraped by sand; been pushed, pulled and sandwiched by people but it was still fun =). After many games, it ended up being 3-2 with the other team winning. They were all good games though =). 

The couple left us afterward and we decided to take a break. We all sat in a circle and started playing that rule game, but it got on everyone's nerves quicker than usual; must be because we were all tired already. We were just about to finish when a middle-aged man with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist came towards us and just sat down between Linh and Raymond. Since he didn't seem like he was leaving soon, we asked him if he was okay and he replied yes. It was the most awkward and weirdest moment ever ... He then began asking us things like 'what do you think life is?' and all those philosophical things O_O For first couple of minutes, we kept laughing at what the guy was saying. Must've been the nervousness or awkwardness of the situation. He talked about his job and his life, he asked us to talk about ourselves, etc. Throughout our conversation, he kept going on about life and all, and even made a metaphor about stars and life =S In my opinion, I think he just wanted to talk to someone about his unhappiness or his own understanding about things and strangers were the best audience since it's not like you'll meet them again. Yes, he was a drug-addict because he confessed of taking in 'so much drugs that it'll be more than all of us put together' or something like that. At one stage, we even thought he was gay because he said he was from Kings Cross and was paying extra attention to Raymond. Apparently, he was half naked because he just went swimming naked. I don't think he was gay because he didn't really act like one, or maybe I was just being stereotypical. 

Christoph's in the middle, with the towel around his waist.

I think we were all too nice to actually tell him to go away or something. It was all thanks to time and parents, or else we might've had to stay there til morning or something. By around 1AM we decided to take our leave. We bid our goodbyes, told him to take care of himself and to have a good life. In the car, Raymond and Anthony said that he was actually drunk because they could strongly smell the alcohol on him. Linh also thought he was a drug dealer and maker from the description he gave us about his job. By the way, his name was Christof. Either way, it was the weirdest night I've ever had. Many thanks to Linh for driving us all home =). 

PS. Congratulations on the ex-HSC students of 2010 for passing their HSC and getting their marks back =). May you have a bright future in front of you and good luckies to you all =). Congratulations to the students of Canley Vale High School for being in top 200 again, for 3 consecutive years. I'm very proud of you =).
PSS. Thanks My Linh for the photo =).

dreaming about death

I know Asians tend to be quite illogical and ridiculous as times with their myths and fallacies, but as unlucky or superstitious as it sounds, with every rumor, there's a small percentile that it's true. Call it coincidence or supernatural, but there are people who do dream about other people or their own deaths. Kind of like how there are people who are capable of seeing ghosts. Call it pseudoscience or just being mentally challenged but sometimes, there are even things that science can't completely explain - just yet anyways. Yes, I am one of those people who are superstitious, or just mentally disturbed - either way, the definition's pretty close in my world. 

Just the other day, I went to visit a friend's dad at the hospital. He's a very friendly, nice person and every time I visited their house, he would warmly greet me back. On the way, my friend told me about the night before her dad suffered an attack so serious that he was sent to the hospital for some sort of operation. Apparently, her sister and her cousin both had a similar dream where they were subconscious, when they were actually asleep already, and that the heavy breathing of the father/uncle came closer to them. It got louder and louder and eventually, they felt something heavy on them. They couldn't scream even when they tried to, so they reached for the phone to try to call someone. And that's how their dream ended. Right after they woke up from their dreams, the father/uncle suffered an attack. The oldest sister suggested that it was their father/uncle sending out a message to them that he was about to die. The attack was so serious that even the doctors didn't think he could get pass to the next day. Luckily, he survived and it resting up at the hospital right now =). 

I told my mother about this and apparently, she had similar dreams about deaths of relatives as well. Every time when her relatives died, the few nights before she always had the same dream. It was a dream where her teeth feel out and that she was bleeding. Confused, I asked her isn't it normal for your mouth to bleed if teeth was falling about. According to her, in her dream, when she bleeds, it actually meant that a relative was going to die; if she doesn't bleed, it was okay. 

Luckily, I don't have those types of dreams because it would just be depressing to know someone close was going to die soon. I do have a couple of dreams that repeat every once in a while, but they're nothing like premonitions or whatever. Whether that's true or not, it's up to you to believe but being the superstitious person as I am, I think it's true, to a certain extent.

PS. Thanks to my friend, for driving me to the hospital her dad was in =).