Conversations with the brother can be pretty fruitless sometimes.
He was telling me about certain acts he has done over the weekend.
I was appalled and told him, "Don't lie! You're joking right?"
He replied, "Why not? Why are you so surprised?"
I said, "Because...it's...wrong! How would you feel if I did what you did?"
He said, "Well, its not good."
I retorted, "See! Exactly my point!"
He replied, "Well, its different. You're the girl."
No rebuttal from my end. What do I say to that?
In another conversation, I told my brother to stop acting so barbaric and caveman-like. To emphasize my disgust I said, "Most girls will not like it if you burp so loudly in front of others."
He said, "I don't do it in front of girls."
I said rhetorically, "I am a girl!"
He said definitively, "You are different."
No point arguing sometimes.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Still in pain
It's Day 3 and I'm definitely not feeling any better. Urgh.
My appetite has been greatly suppressed too. It's like my nerves are all screwed up. I can't seem to feel full or hungry. I take my next meal based on a conscious recall of what I ate in my previous meal. It's so strange. For example, I ate two eggs for breakfast. So, logically, that should keep me content but not full. As such, I ate a normal portion for lunch.
I feel inhuman.
My appetite has been greatly suppressed too. It's like my nerves are all screwed up. I can't seem to feel full or hungry. I take my next meal based on a conscious recall of what I ate in my previous meal. It's so strange. For example, I ate two eggs for breakfast. So, logically, that should keep me content but not full. As such, I ate a normal portion for lunch.
I feel inhuman.
Mum and I
Today our mini task at hand reaffirmed the fact that mum and I has strikingly different personalities. Mum was trying to find an appropriate plastic bag to place the spare mattress in. The spare mattress was limp on the floor, ill fitted in a plastic bag that was way too big for the mattress.
Mum approached me and asked whether I had smaller plastic bags to fit the mattress in. I looked across the room and my first thoughts were, “Why must the mattress be protected? Can’t we just dump it in the cupboard?” Knowing mum who is pretty meticulous, the answer would be a clear no. First point of difference.
“No, I don’t think we have such big plastic bags,” I replied.
Mum then takes an old bed sheet from the linen cupboard.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Since no bags can fit, I’ll wrap it up in old bed sheets.”
“But it’s so troublesome!” I protested. Second point of contradiction. I hate unnecessary hard labour. Imagine having to wash the old bed sheets.
I looked at the mattress and said to her, “Why can’t we just cut up the plastic bag?”
Mum retorted, “No. We might need such a huge plastic bag in the future.”
“I’ll figure out a solution when the necessity calls in the future. Anyway, how often do we need such big plastic bags,” I said. Mum likes to keep spare stuff around for “just-in-case” situations. I, on the hand, hates clutter. Sometimes, mum would buy a bag, shoes or clothes and keep it for months, till the right occasion arises. On the contrary, sometimes, I take my shoes off in the middle of the shopping centre and swap it for the ones I just bought. What’s the point of buying things if you are not going to use them? Instant gratification is so satisfying sometimes.
With much hesitation, mum agreed with my suggestion as that seemed like the most viable option.
So I took out my scissors and set out to cut up the plastic bag.
“Make sure you cut a straight line across,” mum said as she observed me.
“I’m certain it’s not going to be a straight line but it doesn’t matter anyway.” Fourth point of contradiction. Mum is a bit of a perfectionist which is great in many ways because you can almost be certain that if she does something, it will be a job well done. I on the hand, sometimes just want the job to be done. Who is going to notice whether it is a straight line or not. It’s just a plastic bag anyway.
With such clashing personalities, life has not always been peaceful. But as my wise (only sometimes) younger brother, the man of little words said, “Sometimes we need to compromise because at the end of the day, it is family that is of utmost importance.” I’m still learning that.
Mum approached me and asked whether I had smaller plastic bags to fit the mattress in. I looked across the room and my first thoughts were, “Why must the mattress be protected? Can’t we just dump it in the cupboard?” Knowing mum who is pretty meticulous, the answer would be a clear no. First point of difference.
“No, I don’t think we have such big plastic bags,” I replied.
Mum then takes an old bed sheet from the linen cupboard.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Since no bags can fit, I’ll wrap it up in old bed sheets.”
“But it’s so troublesome!” I protested. Second point of contradiction. I hate unnecessary hard labour. Imagine having to wash the old bed sheets.
I looked at the mattress and said to her, “Why can’t we just cut up the plastic bag?”
Mum retorted, “No. We might need such a huge plastic bag in the future.”
“I’ll figure out a solution when the necessity calls in the future. Anyway, how often do we need such big plastic bags,” I said. Mum likes to keep spare stuff around for “just-in-case” situations. I, on the hand, hates clutter. Sometimes, mum would buy a bag, shoes or clothes and keep it for months, till the right occasion arises. On the contrary, sometimes, I take my shoes off in the middle of the shopping centre and swap it for the ones I just bought. What’s the point of buying things if you are not going to use them? Instant gratification is so satisfying sometimes.
With much hesitation, mum agreed with my suggestion as that seemed like the most viable option.
So I took out my scissors and set out to cut up the plastic bag.
“Make sure you cut a straight line across,” mum said as she observed me.
“I’m certain it’s not going to be a straight line but it doesn’t matter anyway.” Fourth point of contradiction. Mum is a bit of a perfectionist which is great in many ways because you can almost be certain that if she does something, it will be a job well done. I on the hand, sometimes just want the job to be done. Who is going to notice whether it is a straight line or not. It’s just a plastic bag anyway.
With such clashing personalities, life has not always been peaceful. But as my wise (only sometimes) younger brother, the man of little words said, “Sometimes we need to compromise because at the end of the day, it is family that is of utmost importance.” I’m still learning that.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Short Updates
Stomach bug
I've been in bed all day. I think I have contracted some sort of stomach virus, as diagnosed by yours truly. I've been running a fever and my stomach has been churning and cramping up. It's a horrible feeling. The last time I've had the unfortunate luck to be acquainted with similar viruses was during my trip to India.
The unhygienic level in India is absolutely off the scale. Pavements trampled by millions served as plates to kids eating samosas. I saw waiters in supposedly high-class restaurants using their hands to reposition food on huge white plates as they carried out food from the kitchen to the tables (I'm sure that happens here as well. I maintain that ignorance is bliss). No one was spared from all filth. The stomach bug I contracted in India five years ago led to the irritable bowel syndrome I now have. My stomach has never been the same since the trip. Nonetheless, I still love India and would definitely return to that place. They say that India is a place you'll either hate or love. Nothing in between because nothing there is mediocre. I chose to love it.
Thousand steps
Last Saturday saw me climbing up a thousand steps. It was my second time doing it. It's a popular route at Mt Dandenong which is near Melbourne. I'll be heading there again this weekend!
Seafood feast at Queenscliff
A couple of us spent the Easter weekend being charitable. So we would like to think =) More like, being gluttons. We were are a festival at Queenscliff where volunteers cooked up a huge seafood feast for tens of thousands of people. The proceeds went to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital.
The food was mediocre at best. I guess, we couldn't expect much from mass cooking. We had to wait in line for about half hour to one hour to buy our food. Trust me, that was not fun at all. That being said, the company and good weather made it a pretty relaxing and enjoyable day.
A volunteer serving food
The masses
Queenscliff is such a pretty quaint town. Many of its houses were refurbished and converted into commercial buildings/retail outlets/hotels. However, most of the facades were beautifully maintained.
A quaint secondhand bookstore! I think it used to be a church
I bought the Three Musketeers with a classic hard leather cover for $7.
A pretty garden we walked past
Jason Mraz concert
Last night, I was at Jason Mraz's concert. For the past two months, I've been so hyped up about the concert. He is definitely one of my favourite songs - not just because I like his songs but how he as a person, has impacted the world. I love how he is such a huge advocate for the environment, world peace and even, personal health. You should hop over to his blog to check out his writings. He keeps it so real in his blog.
His performance last night was exactly what I expected. He is such a natural performer. He didnt look like he had to try very hard. His songs are beautiful and he sounds exactly like how he does in his albums.
I liked how he interacted heaps with the crowd. He told us last night, "Don't tell anyone but Melbourne is my favourite city". Does he say that in every city he performs? I know he constantly says that Korea is his favourite country. Did he contradict himself there? Can he have Melbourne as his favourite city and Korea as his favourite country? Are both not the same thing? Mraz, are you betraying our feelings???
He performed the song 'Lucky' last night. The part by Colbie Caillat was performed by this local artist, Lisa Mitchell. Who is she??? I goggled her after I got back. She was a contender on Australian Idol. Her singing was absolutely atrocious - it was completely the wrong key and tune at various parts of the song. Her rhythm was wrong. She had zero stage presence. She looked like a mesmerized fan gawking at Mraz when they were dueting. I heard one lady behind me say, "She's a piece of sh*t" when the song ended. That basically summarized everybody's reaction.
The photo is a little blurry because the lens was really dirty. I didn't realise till I uploaded the photo =(
Before the concert
If you're interested, here's the duet 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz and Lisa Mitchell
I've been in bed all day. I think I have contracted some sort of stomach virus, as diagnosed by yours truly. I've been running a fever and my stomach has been churning and cramping up. It's a horrible feeling. The last time I've had the unfortunate luck to be acquainted with similar viruses was during my trip to India.
The unhygienic level in India is absolutely off the scale. Pavements trampled by millions served as plates to kids eating samosas. I saw waiters in supposedly high-class restaurants using their hands to reposition food on huge white plates as they carried out food from the kitchen to the tables (I'm sure that happens here as well. I maintain that ignorance is bliss). No one was spared from all filth. The stomach bug I contracted in India five years ago led to the irritable bowel syndrome I now have. My stomach has never been the same since the trip. Nonetheless, I still love India and would definitely return to that place. They say that India is a place you'll either hate or love. Nothing in between because nothing there is mediocre. I chose to love it.
Thousand steps
Last Saturday saw me climbing up a thousand steps. It was my second time doing it. It's a popular route at Mt Dandenong which is near Melbourne. I'll be heading there again this weekend!
Seafood feast at Queenscliff
A couple of us spent the Easter weekend being charitable. So we would like to think =) More like, being gluttons. We were are a festival at Queenscliff where volunteers cooked up a huge seafood feast for tens of thousands of people. The proceeds went to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital.
The food was mediocre at best. I guess, we couldn't expect much from mass cooking. We had to wait in line for about half hour to one hour to buy our food. Trust me, that was not fun at all. That being said, the company and good weather made it a pretty relaxing and enjoyable day.
A volunteer serving food
The masses
Queenscliff is such a pretty quaint town. Many of its houses were refurbished and converted into commercial buildings/retail outlets/hotels. However, most of the facades were beautifully maintained.
A quaint secondhand bookstore! I think it used to be a church
I bought the Three Musketeers with a classic hard leather cover for $7.
A pretty garden we walked past
Jason Mraz concert
Last night, I was at Jason Mraz's concert. For the past two months, I've been so hyped up about the concert. He is definitely one of my favourite songs - not just because I like his songs but how he as a person, has impacted the world. I love how he is such a huge advocate for the environment, world peace and even, personal health. You should hop over to his blog to check out his writings. He keeps it so real in his blog.
His performance last night was exactly what I expected. He is such a natural performer. He didnt look like he had to try very hard. His songs are beautiful and he sounds exactly like how he does in his albums.
I liked how he interacted heaps with the crowd. He told us last night, "Don't tell anyone but Melbourne is my favourite city". Does he say that in every city he performs? I know he constantly says that Korea is his favourite country. Did he contradict himself there? Can he have Melbourne as his favourite city and Korea as his favourite country? Are both not the same thing? Mraz, are you betraying our feelings???
He performed the song 'Lucky' last night. The part by Colbie Caillat was performed by this local artist, Lisa Mitchell. Who is she??? I goggled her after I got back. She was a contender on Australian Idol. Her singing was absolutely atrocious - it was completely the wrong key and tune at various parts of the song. Her rhythm was wrong. She had zero stage presence. She looked like a mesmerized fan gawking at Mraz when they were dueting. I heard one lady behind me say, "She's a piece of sh*t" when the song ended. That basically summarized everybody's reaction.
The photo is a little blurry because the lens was really dirty. I didn't realise till I uploaded the photo =(
Before the concert
If you're interested, here's the duet 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz and Lisa Mitchell
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
10 Day detox plan
As of yesterday, I've decided to go on a detox plan for 10 days! For the longest time, I've always had digestive problems - commonly known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a blanket term for a variety of diseases causing discomfort in the gastro-intestinal tract. In short, it's uncertain what's the exact causes for such gastro discomforts and there's no known cure for it. However, having a good lifestyle will definitely reduce the symptoms. So, I'm doing this detox plan for two reasons - to improve my digestive system and to decrease my fat percentage.
I've decided to go on a more relax plan - basically, a plan I can sort of sustain in the long-run. I rather do this than allow my body to go into starvation mode and in turn, reduce my metabolic rate. I currently take in about 1500 calories to 2000 calories per day (approximate count). I don't want to take in a lesser amount than that.
I foresee that my biggest challenge would be abstaining from pasta and white rice. I live to eat pasta! Sometimes I eat pasta for breakfast, lunch, dinner a few days in a row.
Below will be the food I'm allowed to consume:
Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Egg whites
Feta cheese
White fish (no salmon or tuna)
Beans (Lots of beans! Main source of sustenance and protein)
Avocado
Seeds (I just bought a huge packet of sesame seeds)
Raw honey (Preferably manuka honey but its too expensive)
Sweet potato and pumpkin (for sustenance. No normal potatoes because its too starchy)
Soy milk
Muesli
On top of that, I'm following a herbal detox program from A. Vogel.
This is my diet so far. On impulse, I started this detox plan on Monday afternoon.
Monday – Day 1
Greek salad and roast vegetables for afternoon tea.
Dinner – muesli with milk [Yet to purchase soy milk] and mixed veges with beancurd.
Custard apple
Tuesday – Day 2
Muesli with milk [yet to purchase soy milk]
Banana
Roast vegetables + greek salad
Chick peas salad + kidney beans salad
[Body acting up a little. Probably not used to the sudden increase in fibre intake]
Pomegranate
Corn + pumpkin soup
Fish
Parsley + onions + tomato salad
Pear
Passion fruit
Eggs
Muesli with soy milk
Thursday – Day 4
[Digestive system has improved. Don’t feel as bloated and there’s less water retention]
Muesli with soy milk
Fish
Pear
Baby cos lettuce
[Feeling full but dissatisfied because I have not been eating rice/pasta nor drinking coffee]
Noodles [argh! I succumbed to temptation! =( I couldn’t resist. Mum was cooking it]
Fish
Smoothie
Friday – Day 5
[Is it only day 5? I’m not even half-way then. OMG.]
Passionfruit x2
Tofu
Lettuce
[To be continued]
Hopefully, my digestive system would improve after the 10 days (it better!). Then, I would re-introduce brown rice and occasional unhealthy eating (on weekends) to my system.
Wish me luck!
I've decided to go on a more relax plan - basically, a plan I can sort of sustain in the long-run. I rather do this than allow my body to go into starvation mode and in turn, reduce my metabolic rate. I currently take in about 1500 calories to 2000 calories per day (approximate count). I don't want to take in a lesser amount than that.
I foresee that my biggest challenge would be abstaining from pasta and white rice. I live to eat pasta! Sometimes I eat pasta for breakfast, lunch, dinner a few days in a row.
Below will be the food I'm allowed to consume:
Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Egg whites
Feta cheese
White fish (no salmon or tuna)
Beans (Lots of beans! Main source of sustenance and protein)
Avocado
Seeds (I just bought a huge packet of sesame seeds)
Raw honey (Preferably manuka honey but its too expensive)
Sweet potato and pumpkin (for sustenance. No normal potatoes because its too starchy)
Soy milk
Muesli
On top of that, I'm following a herbal detox program from A. Vogel.
This is my diet so far. On impulse, I started this detox plan on Monday afternoon.
Monday – Day 1
Greek salad and roast vegetables for afternoon tea.
Dinner – muesli with milk [Yet to purchase soy milk] and mixed veges with beancurd.
Custard apple
Tuesday – Day 2
Muesli with milk [yet to purchase soy milk]
Banana
Roast vegetables + greek salad
Chick peas salad + kidney beans salad
[Body acting up a little. Probably not used to the sudden increase in fibre intake]
Pomegranate
Corn + pumpkin soup
Fish
Parsley + onions + tomato salad
Pear
Passion fruit
Eggs
Muesli with soy milk
Thursday – Day 4
[Digestive system has improved. Don’t feel as bloated and there’s less water retention]
Muesli with soy milk
Fish
Pear
Baby cos lettuce
[Feeling full but dissatisfied because I have not been eating rice/pasta nor drinking coffee]
Noodles [argh! I succumbed to temptation! =( I couldn’t resist. Mum was cooking it]
Fish
Smoothie
Friday – Day 5
[Is it only day 5? I’m not even half-way then. OMG.]
Passionfruit x2
Tofu
Lettuce
[To be continued]
Hopefully, my digestive system would improve after the 10 days (it better!). Then, I would re-introduce brown rice and occasional unhealthy eating (on weekends) to my system.
Wish me luck!
Monday, April 06, 2009
Von Haus, Melbourne
On Saturday night, J and I took the opportunity to dine at Von Haus. The first time I was there was two weeks ago for Krystin's birthday. As I didn't try any of the dishes the first time round, I've decided to venture there again.
I must say that the second visit proved to be an equally delightful experience.
I had cacciatore sausauge, chickpea and olive stew with sourdough bread on the side. Price: $16. The cacciatora sausage was relatively strong in flavour. This was balanced out by the mild gravy and chickpeas. The gravy had a tinge of herb-y taste. The tomatoes added a little bit of sweetness to the dish. Overall, it was a pretty light and healthy dish. It's not one for a meat lover but it was perfect for someone like me who preferred simple yet delicious meals.
J had the beef mushroom & casserole with potato salad and sourdough bread on the side. Price: $16. The gravy was relatively rich in flavour, infused in bay leaves and other herbs. The gravy was of the right consistency. However, the beef could be just a tad more tender. Overall, I think the dish was pretty good.
Although the dishes ain't nothing fancy, I give two thumbs up for this place. The dishes looked like something that were whipped up in someone's grandmother's kitchen. This is no surprise, as the restaurant brands itself as "rustic", evident with its red and white enamel plates. With so many commercial restaurants popping up serving artery-clogging dishes, sometimes I prefer simpler meals. J said it right, "taste like a home-cooked meal".
O, apparently they serve different dishes everyday at the chef's fancy. Looks like I'll never be bored of this place with it's ever changing menu.
There are three tables in the courtyard. The picture is blurry because I took a quick, shaky snapshot of it. I was too embarrassed taking so many pictures of the tiny restaurant. I felt like an Asian tourist.
Satisfied customer
Von Haus
1a Crossley Street, Melbourne
(off Bourke St, between Exhibition St and Spring St)
Phone: (03) 9662 2756
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm
I must say that the second visit proved to be an equally delightful experience.
I had cacciatore sausauge, chickpea and olive stew with sourdough bread on the side. Price: $16. The cacciatora sausage was relatively strong in flavour. This was balanced out by the mild gravy and chickpeas. The gravy had a tinge of herb-y taste. The tomatoes added a little bit of sweetness to the dish. Overall, it was a pretty light and healthy dish. It's not one for a meat lover but it was perfect for someone like me who preferred simple yet delicious meals.
J had the beef mushroom & casserole with potato salad and sourdough bread on the side. Price: $16. The gravy was relatively rich in flavour, infused in bay leaves and other herbs. The gravy was of the right consistency. However, the beef could be just a tad more tender. Overall, I think the dish was pretty good.
Although the dishes ain't nothing fancy, I give two thumbs up for this place. The dishes looked like something that were whipped up in someone's grandmother's kitchen. This is no surprise, as the restaurant brands itself as "rustic", evident with its red and white enamel plates. With so many commercial restaurants popping up serving artery-clogging dishes, sometimes I prefer simpler meals. J said it right, "taste like a home-cooked meal".
O, apparently they serve different dishes everyday at the chef's fancy. Looks like I'll never be bored of this place with it's ever changing menu.
There are three tables in the courtyard. The picture is blurry because I took a quick, shaky snapshot of it. I was too embarrassed taking so many pictures of the tiny restaurant. I felt like an Asian tourist.
Satisfied customer
Von Haus
1a Crossley Street, Melbourne
(off Bourke St, between Exhibition St and Spring St)
Phone: (03) 9662 2756
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm
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