The math freaks

On Budgeting in 2007:

"Maybe we should go to breakunch only three out of four times a month."

"But that's only saving, like, $20 for 12 months."

"Yeahhh..."

"That's like, what, $240 a year only."

"Whoah! You did that calculation in your head?"

Which goes to show, you can take the girl out of blonde, but you can't take the blonde out of the girl ;)

PS Gio and I decided that we would not sacrifice our weekly routine of breakunch devouring, and Gio admitted that this was only a rhetorical and/or comical suggestion that was never intended to be actioned.

Hot like a sauna seat

Well, you know how I told you my brother is now Youth Pastor at his church?

Well, I lied. He actually joined a boy band, but I was just too embarassed to say. Please forgive me?

LOL jokes jokes, but my brother has joined forces with a few of his friends to create a 'boy band' - the Soldier Boyz. Check out their MySpace, where you can hear their 'singles': 'Light up My World' and 'Bring that Beat' (if I had to describe the style, I'd say: East 17 meets Westlife meets Revenge of the Nerds meet Napoleon Dynamite).

It's so cute, Zac can do the actions for the song and tries to sing whenever he can (in his very limited English) Hee hee.

And my Dad keeps on insisting they should try to release the song for real. Oh, only the love of a father. (though I must say, it's a catchy beat!)

PS The title of this entry is the lyrics in one of their songs. Grammy's a-comin their way.

Diamonds on the inside

Perth was divine.

Our family's very own Mr T; I have to say, this trip revealed the extent of Michelle's cooking talents. Oh i am so embarassed; my beautiful sisters, xoxo

my first time at rottnest island! had such amazing beaches and i snorkelled for the first time! So much fun that I managed to put up with riding for 15km in 37 degree heat... barely my friends, barely.

we went down to dunsborough for a few days - the gorgeous Amberley Estate in Margaret River for lunch; my bro thinks he's very very good-looking; i think zac is very very good-looking; second double-scoop Simmo's icecream for the day but don't you dare steal a bite buddy

voyager estate was stunning and...comfortable...

the beach at margaret river

these munchkins light up my world...

my handy tip to you for 2007: live it UP!!

happy new year!

and seriously guys... live it up...

He rocks and he rolls

"Dem paparrazzi always up in mah face"

All milk and honey

Quick update

I am in Perth!! Yay for me! Zac is as lovable as always and Natedogg is the cutest little fatty ever! As usual, family has been on the agenda 24/7 - needless to say, it's been lovely seeing everyone and chillin out not doing much at all.

And just because I'm in Perth doesn't mean I have to miss out on breakunch! I just came home from breakunch with the siblings at Harvest in North Freo, and it was so good! I had an insanely good macadamia, white chocolate and orange muffin, and souffle cakes (essentially pancakes) with strawberries and maple syrup, and two cups of good coffee. And the venue itself is so messy cute and rustic-y - a must-try if you're in the area! (Thanks Michelle!, you got the goods!!!)

"All I Want for Christmas, is..."

And little drummer boy Chris will be making a Perth appearance next week too, which will be very very nice :)

Christmas is my most favourite time of the year. I love listening to Christmas carols in shops, I love seeing Christmas colours everywhere, I love all the sparkly decorations and poxy lights, I love that it brings families together, I love that it rekindles my faith in the abundance of love, joy, generosity and kindness in the world.

And most of all, though it can be rather hidden in this society obsessed by consumerism and self-indulgence (I myself am extra-guilty), I love that Jesus is the reason for the Season.

What are the odds hey

Meanwhile, it's reported that my Great Love is going to be in Melbourne for Christmas/New Year. *ROAR* This is so unfair! I mean, you know, because it's so probable that I'd be hanging out at the same parties as him and that we would have: locked eyes, been transfixed by each other after one conversation, consequently hooked up and lived happily ever after.

Spread the love

I doubt I'll be writing until after the New Year, so until then my oompa loompas, have a wonderful festive season. Hope you all give and receive pretty presents and take the opportunity to drown yourself in Christmas cheer and fun.

xoxo

It's another day for you and me in paradise

The past weekend was spent in the Sunshine Coast in Queensland! (And I'm going to assume y'all as stupid as me when it comes to Australia and geography: Sunshine Coast is below Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast and above the Gold Coast and Brisbane.)

It was amazing weather (oh how I love the sun) and I had a fanpantastic time exploring the area, and swimming in the beach each morning, and just revelling in the beauty of nature. And of course, seeing Chris always garuntees (a) adventure of some sort, as the boy doesn't really know the meaning of sitting still, and (b) fun, as the boy is a goof to the max.

And it's actually quite funny because I am, at best, "a little" averse to physical activity. Though I didn't always used to be like this. In fact, I used to be very athletic - but hey, you're not here to listen to my days in Primary School are you.

Well anyway, I think that deep (and I mean deep, peoples, so deep I can't even find it myself) inside me is a girl who actually likes to do things and Chris happens to be a rare person who manages to find and harness/force the outdoor girl outta me.

But without further ado, I present you my speedy 48 hours in the Sunshine Coast...

We spent the Saturday at Noosa, which is just an amazing place to be. It just oozes a Holiday Vibe that just washes over you and makes you feel dreamy and all that other good stuff.

before and after swimming: Chris looks like he belongs to the revenge of the nerds in the picture on the right, what is up with that hair? I'm allowed to say that because "wow" look at me, and how picture perfect I look.

After Noosa beach, we went on a mountain biking and kayaking tour. We started off with our guide driving us up Mt Tinbeerwah in the Noosa State forest, where we went for a short hike to get to the top to see a 360 degree view of Noosa. It was amazing:

The mountain in the background in the picture below is Mt Tinbeerwah - I am not joking with you, just the first leg of the mountain bike ride was from the top of the mountain to the point where I was standing taking this photo:

The ride was so much fun though, and I didn't fall down and I used the gears alright and everything - I was so proud of myself! The speed and adrenalin from going downhill and going upndown little hills and just the pure beauty of the scenery (we saw a kangaroo in the forest!) was actually really exciting.

And then we went kayaking! Which was also pretty fun, and like mountain biking, something I've never done before. And so it wans't my fault I was very weak/unco at it, but it was still plenty fun and again, beautiful scenery and perfect weather.

Sunday was spent exploring the hinterlands - checking out forests and quaint little villages. It was so pretty, everything was just so lush and beautiful. It really makes you appreciate nature and realise how important it is to nurture the world we live in.

No littering okay peoples, and recycle! recycle! recycle!

koondalilla national park: rockpool above (woohoooo... and let me tell you: I did that jumping off from a rope too! *blows fingernails* that's right, i am self-appointed queen of this jungle.) and below, the scenery and walk

Anyway, it was a really beautiful place and I had an unforgettable time, you guys have to go and check it out when you get the chance.

But for now, remember peoples: Love life!

It's a lovely day

It has been a good week. I passed my CA exam, all thanks to God, who I could not have possibly done this without (trust me on that one).

I ate Las Chicas (my most favouritest breakunch joint ever ever) two weekends in a row, which meant two weeks of their amazing French toast with strawberries, pistachio ricotta and maple syrup (above left with homegirl Naomi, as well as other goodies like their BLAT [bacon letuce avocado tomato salsa] above right).

I like how my friends make me laugh, that they are witty and smart, and forgiving, and sensible.

I like (the abundance of) funny emails.

I like that the weather has warmed up (although you can never speak to soon in Melbourne).

I like it how people at my work inspire me.

And I lovvve that tomorrow is Friday.