Holy Mother of God, Virgin Mary

23O811 - Alicja's 20th Birthday.

Last Sunday, MG invited Alicja, Paz, Gynelle and I to a Marian Retreat Class of the Banal Na Pag-aaral to learn more about Mother Mary. We learnt about the importance of her birth, her role as the mother of Jesus and as a role model, and her disposition. Apparently, Catholic people pray with Mother Mary, not for her, for they only pray for God. This event was girls only, held at Bundilla Sout Camp, Winston Hills. The idea of waking up at 7AM on a Sunday morning wasn't my idea of a fun weekend, but I complied to MG's wishes. I was picked up at around 7:30AM, along with Paz, by a friendly male church-goer; he lived around our area and was free that morning. Neither Paz and I ate breakfast so when we got there, we dug into the free hot chocolate and biscuits. Wasn't a really good idea... I had a quick surge of sugar rush hahaha >.> . I felt a bit out of place since I was the only Chinese person there and, possibly, the only person who wasn't religious there =S. 

Despite that, I still enjoyed myself. I was enlighted by the talks about Mother Mary, her role and her life. I guess I was really tired, but near the end, I started to drift off to sleep a  bit when they told us to meditate. My senses started perking up again when I heard the speaker's voice start cracking. I was even more alert when I realised she started crying, along with the majority of the girls =S. She was talking about Mother Mary's sentiments during Jesus's crucifiction. By the end of it, we were moved to the chapel, in the next room, where we'd kneel in front of an image of Mother Mary and Jesus. Mother Mary would be sitting down with Jesus lying on her lap, the nails and all taken out, bloodied ligaments and, in my opinion, he looked so much like a child in the arms of Mother Mary. At that moment, while looking at the portrait, I felt like crying because the cruelty of humanity finally hit me, but I felt it was too late for me to do so ^_^'. Actually, it was more of the thought of how Mother Mary suffered so much during Jesus's dying ordeal. I was thinking how painful it must've been for Mother Mary, so painful to describe in words. Even if you want to empathize, it's hard because unless you've experienced it yourself, you really wouldn't know just how painful and sorrowful that type of insufferable experience is. I was also touched by the servers who gave each and everyone of us hugs as we left the chapel.  I sincerely thank you. I could feel their pain, sorrow and grief pouring out to me. I just wanted help ease some of their sufferings by just hugging them. I wasn't suffering from this, like them, but I also felt lighter and more loved when I was hugged by them.  

For the graduation ceremony, we wore white shirts and long white skirts. To be honest, I didn't even know I'd be graduated at all LOL. It sure was a surprise to me =). We were given a certificate, a rosary and a rose when we graduated. It was almost like a university graduation, because of the roses and all, but the atmosphere was much more exciting and enthusiastic =). The servers were extremely enthusiastic and they cheered a lot for and every one of us when we graduated =D. I sincerely thank MG's mum and dad for the peach coloured bouquet of roses =D they were lovely, and I felt loved =). I would also like to thank MG for inviting me =). No, I still have not converted. Do I want to be? I don't know. I'm not religious but I do admit that I believe that there's some sort of supernatural omnipotent being up there, whether it be a religious figure, spiritual energy/aura or just a powerful cluster of magical dust. So now, I have graduated from the Marian Retreat of Class No. 65-2011 of the Banal Na Pag-aaral. Many thanks to MG's dad for driving us home, the ride home was... interesting =).

PS. Thanks Paz for the photos =). 

Congratulations on graduating Adrian =)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADRIAN FOR GRADUATING =D !!!

I went to UNSW to congratulate Adrian for graduating from Commerce/Law on Monday. Luckily I bumped into Elwin and Vincent at the convenient store at Central station or else I would've had trouble looking for Adrian on campus =). So congratulations for graduating Adrian =D. It's been more than 5 years but you finally did it! You graduated =D. I hope you made wonderful memories during your last moments of being a university student =). To be honest, I felt quite tired that day since I only had one hour of sleep the night before but since I deeply respected Adrian, I was willing to make the trek down to UNSW =). He's been such a helpful, friendly and nice mentor/senior to me that the least I could do was to go there an congratulate him on graduating =). Anyways, many thanks to Elwin, Vincent, Chris and Tasman for accompanying me home =). If you didn't, I think I would've slept on the train... LOL! 

Can I have some more tea please?

16O811 - Jenny P.'s, Tony T.'s & Hanh's 20th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU GUYS =D !!!
14O811 - Nona's 20th Birthday. We still miss you every day Nona.

On Sunday, I went out to celebrate Jessica's 20th birthday at the Tea Room at QVB. We were supposed to meet up at 11AM at the Tea Room because that was when it starts. It was supposed to be an all girls' day out, but Richard was there too since he couldn't make it to Jessica's other birthday celebration. Anyways, on the night before, I asked mum to give me a wake up call at 9AM because I planned to take an early shower before I left the house. On that morning, after mum have called, I decided to sleep for another 15 minutes. Unfortunately, when I woke up again, it was 11AM. I was 'CRAP xO !!! I'm going to be late !!!' 

Cityrail was also working against me. When I got to the station, the next train via Granville was in abou half an hour ... I got to the Tea Room in 2 hours. Thank God they were still there. They were nice enough to leave me some food to munch, and I was particularly hungry since I didn't have breakfast. Who would've though that a scone could fill you up quite a bit? I didn't. It was a nice change from all the Asian food. The finger sandwiches tasted real good. I wasn't sure what was in it; I tasted some egg. I wanted of the finger sandwiches but all but one was left when I got there =(. Scones with butter and strawberry/raspberry jam was also delicious =). I also enjoyed all 3 types of tea that they've given us. To go with the English mood, I added a cube of sugar and milk to my cup of tea. I have to admit, it tasted good. I don't usually add sugar or milk or anything to my tea, I just drink it straight, unless it's pearl tea, so it was a nice change =). To pay $42 for high tea is a bit pricey but it's quite worth it. The cuisine, the atmosphere, the interior design and the flowery cutlery made it all worth while =).

After high tea, we went shopping around QVB and Westfields at Pitt Street. We spent approximately 5 hours shopping around. It honestly didn't feel that long LOL. We shopped around for Cyan's clothes, Jessica's dress and facial products. After the shopping, we all went home =). 

teen no more, part #5

11O811 - Yvonne and Jessica D.'s 20th Birthdays.

13O811 - Mimi's 20th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIMI =D !!!

Last Friday, Jenifer organized a dinner to celebrate mine and Mimi's 20th birthdays =). The dinner was held at the Bangkok Thai restaurant, inside Capitol Square. I met up with Mimi, Eric, Thanh and Carmen first before we went to Capitol Square. We saw Jenny and Julie at Chinatown and we caught up with them for a bit. While we waited for the others at Capitol Square, we went upstairs to play games or just to hang out. When we finally gathered up at Capitol Square, unfortunately, Jenifer couldn't reserve us a table because they didn't allow her to, so after Thanh put his name down, we hanged around again to wait for our tables. When we finally got our tables, we had to split into two groups because there wasn't a table big enough for such a big group. It was unfortunate, but dinner was still nice =). 

We also had the cake at the restaurant as well since we didn't have any utensils if we were to eat it anywhere else. The cake was mango flavoured =D !!! I think they got it because they know I love mangoes =D so much appreciation Jenifer, Carmen and Eric for buying the cake and Eric and Thanh for choosing the flavour =D. Many thanks to Kelly for making Mimi and I home-made chocolate mousse =D. Unfortunately, I was too full to finish it off there and then, so I took it home. Again, unfortunately, I forgot to take it out of the car and so when mum used the cake the next day, she had to chuck it since it's been in a car for more than a day =/. Sorry Kelly >.< !!!

The chocolate mousse that Kelly made =D.

The mango flavoured cake =D.

After dinner, we loitered around the city, as usual LOL. We had fun taking photos with Jenifer and Shirley's camera. Then we went home via the train. Before we reached Cabramatta station, we had a long discussion about who will drive who home. Since it was the first time that my mum let me drive the car out at night that night, I really wanted to drive people home. Unfortunately, when we reached the station, it was past 11PM, which was when my passenger restriction initiates. Hence, I only drove Kelly home. I still need to find a chance to use my GPS. Okay, I did accidentally called the GPS a GSP ... blah, still sounds the same to me >.< !!! Anyways, thanks Jenifer for organizing it, I had fun =D.

PS. Thanks Jenifer for the photos =).

teen no more, part #3

O8O811 - Marina 姐姐's 26th Birthday.

Last Sunday, I went to a family birthday celebration dinner for my cousin, Marina, and I. We went to Zilver Seafood Restaurant for dinner. I'm sorry to say but their services wasn't that good. It may be because of the event that was held that night but seriously, Can they be so busy that they made us serve our own food and stuff? The carpet floor was stained with various types wines, drinks, food and sauce. They were slow with their services, and when we finally receive our food, that pretty much just dropped it onto the round  glass spinner. Heck! We even have to ask for a round glass spinner, rather them having already provided us one. They may have had quite a few Hong Kong and Taiwanese celebrities visit their restaurant, but that doesn't make them a 5 star restaurant. 

For once, rather than just being satisfied with the food, I enjoyed my company. I sat next to Andrew, so I was able to talk to him more. It was nice getting to know him more since I've barely talked to him in the past, even if he was a family friend. I guess we connect in a way that we both sometimes feel that we're outsiders from the family. Well, for my part, I am part of the family, but I guess sometimes I don't really feel connected at family dinners because I just didn't really find interest or understanding in their conversations. I guess I talked particularly more than usual since half the dinner conversation was about me and Tae LOL. I didn't ask Tae along because I felt it was too early and he had work as well. May be he can join us next time =).

I gave Marina these cute doggie patterned PJs, which she quite like, and Marina and William chipped in a got me a GPS =D !!! I'm very happy !!! Now I'll won't get lost again when I'm driving !!! They bought the Navman GPS from JB Hi-5, and they've also given me the receipt in case something happens. The warrant's for 2 years =D. Thank you !!!

 

Unfortunately, they forgot to order chili pipis with XO sauce. When they did order it, the restaurant ran out =(. So, to make up for it,William took me to Passionflower for ice cream =). I had 2 scoops of sesame and green tea ice cream =). We all went our separate ways home after that. I had a wonderful night =). Unfortunately, my aunt ran through a red light and the security camera caught her. The lights were yellow/orange (whatever colour you want to call it) and my aunt thought she could make it. She passed the line, but the lights turned red before she crossed to the other side. Yeah... it's best not to speed past a yellow light. 

teen no more, part #2

Although I didn't plan anything to celebrate my birthday, Linh invited me out on Saturday night. She said she was going to take me out and shout me dinner as my birthday gift/celebration =). When she said we were going to go to Mizuya I was ecstatic!!! I was squealing so much that my mum was telling to shut up lol xD. I really wanted to go to Mizuya because I've walked passed there quite a few times and I heard it was a good place (even if it quite expensive). At around 5:30PM, after getting all dressed up, Linh and the boys came over to pick me up, and then we walked back to Linh's house. At linh's house, Linh pampered me (again xD); she did my make up, curled me hair and even let me borrow her headband =D. By 7:30PM, everyone pretty much arrived at Linh's house. Half of the group was nicely dressed while the other half was casually dressed. It was because half of the group were unable to dress up in time, ie. Jack, Elin and Matt were at the gym when Linh called and because they lived so far away, Linh didn't bother telling them to go back to get dressed up because it would've been inconvenient for them. Since Linh was going to drink, Kenny and Elin did the driving instead, many thanks to them =).

At around 9:30PM, we made it to the city. I guess something special was going on because when we got to Darling Harbor there were fireworks =D. Before we entered Mizuya, I received a pleasant surprise - Tae came =). It was a surprised because I actually told him not to come because he had work that night, at 11PM, until the next night. I rather have him sleep during his free time that come out and see me. Though, I really did wish he would be there =D. During the trip there, at the back of my mind, I wished he would come and give me a surprise, but I didn't hope too much for it. When we got there, I didn't suspect a thing until we stopped right outside the restaurant and Raymond was on the phone with someone. When I ask Linh what we were doing, she said we were waiting for a friend, I had an inkling feeling that Tae would be coming. I was right =). Apparently, because he knew he wouldn't be able to stay long, he canceled his shift to celebrate my birthday with me =D. I felt bad (he was getting paid Sunday rate!) but I was glad he was there =).

 

We went to the restaurant side of Mizuya, instead of the karaoke side. I'd like to try the karaoke side in the future (if I ever become rich enough LOL). The food was good, the drinks were nice and I had fun ordering =D It was a good thing that they allowed us to see what we've ordered and by how much we had to pay. I finally get to try the test tubes alcoholic drinks =D I also tried the Long Island ice tea and the Sex on the Beach =). The Long Island ice tea tasted a bit like coke, while the Sex on the Beach had this sweet, tropical taste. I would've liked the Sex on the Beach better if it didn't taste so strongly of vodka or whatever alcohol was in it. Seriously, although I wasn't drunk, my face was extremely red O_O! Like, tomato red. No joke. Because we were a group of 10, we were split into 2 tables but it was okay, we were next to each other =). Our table ended up eating ~$170 worth of food while the other ate ~$179 worth of food =P. I wish I ate more, not because Linh was shouting me, but because I forgot to try to seaweed salad! I love seaweed! But I did get to try the miso clam soup =) (I call clams pipi, but whatever =P it  means the same thing anyways =P). 

Of course, we didn't just eat, we had fun playing around too =P. I tried eating wasabi rice. I was fine at first, but then the taste hit me like a train O_O! It was so sudden and strong that I slammed my hand against the table and jolted back. I think I even teared up a bit LOL. What was I thinking?! I guess I wasn't think straight after all those drinks. I wasn't the only one not thinking straight either; the other table started chucking food over to our side, Matt drank a bit of soy sauce out of a shot glass, Kenny and Elin were feeding each other, etc. LOL. I hope we didn't disturb the other people too much =P.

It was a good thing that I didn't eat too much because we still had the birthday cakes. Yes, you read right - birthday cakes. Linh got me one and Tae got me one too =D I was happy because I didn't get any birthday cakes on my birthday, and that night I received 2 =D. One w as an Asian vanilla cake and the other was a chocolate mousse. I must say, the chocolate mousse was delicious and all, with the macaroons and all, but it was really sweet lol. While the cakes, we were close to having a food fight. Even if i want to try to have a food fight for once, luckily we didn't =). It would've been hard to clean and the food would've been wasted. We had a mini creaming session and I blame it on Linh since she was the one who started it. She creamed my face while I was cutting the cake LOL. I creamed her back when she was handing out the cake pieces =). Everyone else slowly joined it =). We had half of each cake. Unfortunately, we forgot to bring it out with us when we left >.<.

After dinner, we decided to go back to Fairfield to play laser tag. We separated to get the cars. Jack, Elvis and I went into Tae's car this time. We drove Elvis home first because he had to go to another party afterward. When we arrived at 7-10 Fairfield Bowling, laser tag was closed, so we played bowling instead. I don't know who shouted us the game, but I thank them for it =). Unfortunately, whatever was wrong with me, I bowled at my worst =/. Kenny, Raymond and Tae tried to teach how to bowl properly, but I just couldn't get it =(. We versed Linh, Matt, Jack and Elin. With my crappy bowling skills, they won but Kenny had the highest score out of both groups =). Tae drove Linh and I home after the game. It was much appreciated, thanks =). 

I want to sincerely thank everyone who celebrate my birthday with me, especially Linh. I am extremely grateful toward Linh for organizing the outing and shouting me dinner =D. It's been years since the last time someone actually took the time to organize something to celebrate my birthday. If I remember correctly, the last time would've been in year 7 when the girls tried to through me a surprise party at school =). Keyword: tried. That was because I figured it out lol! Either way, I'm very thankful toward Linh =D You don't know how happy you made me =D I LOVE YOU LINH =D !!! You are one of the kindest and loveliest people I know =D!!!