fuchsia fragments: sydney

Merry Christmas from SG to SYD!

12/27/2016 02:50:00 pm

Ending with a Bang

2/16/2016 09:45:00 am

It has been a very busy final few days in Sydney with barely any downtime at all.

Had three full days of workshops and training at the Spit. It is a beautiful location however needing to get to the office by 8 AM is kind of hard. And the bus actually left without people – wow. The first day we had 8 hours of training plus a dinner and networking evening. That was excellent but getting home from Chowder Bay is again a difficult feat. The training is definitely ‘transformational’ and unlike any other seminar that you would expect Finance experts to go to. Another thing about these events is that you will never go hungry… in fact, I’m pretty sure there is a high probability that you will gain weight. There’s breakfast Danishes and yoghurt on arrival, freshly baked cookies for morning tea, lunch buffet with an extensive range of salad and two hot options followed by fruit and cheese platters and afternoon tea is usually another sweet option. Of course, always served with a huge selection of tea, coffee and other cold beverages.

On the last day, we were treated to a team event and my boss may have potentially blown her yearly budget on this one afternoon! A chartered 4 hour cruise with canapes and drinks on a boat! Wow so amazing – we are definitely very fortunate to have her look after us (she is sacrificing her business class travel this year to save money!). The weather was hot and sunny with a cool breeze at times – absolute perfection. I really enjoyed myself and the boat was certainly big enough so you only had to chat to the people that you wanted to. This was followed by drinks at Bungalow 8 and it was over a year ago that I’d been there during the Christmas Party the year before. It was not going off… nevertheless, was there for a few hours and good to get to know other colleagues from interstate, especially those that I don’t work with directly.

Friday was the day where running around doing chores really takes it out of you. it was a hot day and driving around Sydney in Friday traffic (who would have thought?) makes everything seem so much harder. Got to have lunch with my parents and sister though – Vietnamese!!! I am going to miss pho and crispy chicken and bbw so much in Tokyo. I reckon Vietnamese is one of my favourite types of cuisine. Picked up my tank of helium which was enough to fill 100 balloons and about 20 enormous foil balloons that I bought off eBay. Winning… my sister was really concerned that we wouldn’t be able to use the existing nozzle on the tank and that we were going to run out of helium. Neither of those things happened but the back up plan was to go get them filled up in the shop and pay for it. We got our whole pig for the spit… and you are definitely desensitized when you see the animal. Salted it, iced it, dried it and got it ready for the morning to throw on the spit. Roasting a whole animal is a challenge: they are heavy, its raw, the spit is HOT, the rod needs to go through the animal precisely… it really is harder than you imagine. Anyway, I really want to say a huge thank you to my coz and Albert for helping on Friday and Saturday. Seriously could not have done it without you guys.

Saturday: party time! Can I please have more sleep? Got about 5 hours but getting up at 7 AM to get the fire going and mount the spit is kind of weird. We got it on just before 9 which meant we were on time. Our basting sauce had too much sugar and soy so it turned the pig black pretty quickly (it wasn’t burnt but you can really tell that the skin was charred) and we probably tried to over insure ourselves too much by getting the fire way hotter than it probably should have been. No matter because by 6 PM the pig and cooked and moist and freaking delicious. And yes, we had CRACKLING! And as usual, Asian mother means 50 people invited – cater for 100. The food. And Asian people don’t listen!!! NO GIFTS means… NO GIFTS! And it was not bring a dish. Why was everyone bringing a dish? Appreciated but it means you all have to take boxes of food home. We seriously could have had a lunch session and a dinner session and we would still have food leftover…

I am being quite hypocritical when I say the above as I actually made lots of things for a dessert table knowing that it will go to waste – I just wanted pretty pictures. The cake pops were made from the tops of the cake and the macarons were the culls from an event a few weeks earlier. The kids loved the jelly and the strawberry tree was so pretty but again everyone was so full of the meat and seafood that they barely had any room left for sweets. The best part of the night was spent outdoors by the spit and then playing with bubbles and sparklers with the kids and Maxxie. What I wouldn’t give to be 4 or 5 again… or a well-loved puppy. Such a carefree life!

Taking photos was another fun part of the night as we had a very keen amateur photographer in Carmen’s father. Thank you uncle! You bring humour and professionalism to the role in spades! It really was a great party and I think everyone had a really good time. The kids got to take balloons home (hilarious when you try to fit two gigantic helium aeroplanes into a Kluger already seated with 7 people… hahaha), everyone doggy bagged, cake was a hit, kids had fun (Ethan did a poop just before leaving and his parents had already packed his bag in the car… he seemed really proud of himself too which made it more funny), dogs had fun and the clean up began! This was one event where I was glad most things were disposable but there was a lot of garbage bags at the end of it. I was hydrating myself during the party more than I was eating. They say that the organisers of a party do not get to enjoy themselves – I kind of see where that comes from as you are too busy making sure everyone else is well fed and hydrated and having a good time!

Needless to say Sunday was a day of doing nothing except packing. My bag ended up being 30.3 kg talk about using up your allowance to the max! Who knew it was so hard (I actually think I did not pack any casual sweaters… oops, guess I will have to buy one on the weekend). Everything seemed to fit which was good. I guess I should look forward to unpacking now that I have arrived? I requested an upgrade but was declined – the flight was absolutely full which was so sad for me. I had an aisle seat but I actually think the window seat is better for sleeping. I didn’t get much sleep as there were constantly people walking up and down the aisles. Thankfully, we arrived early so I got to catch 3 hours in the apartment before work. It feels weird to sleep until 9:20 on a weekday (11:20 Sydney time no less). So lucky I got to rest as I think I would be shattered otherwise.

So looking forward to every challenge and experience over the next 5 months.

catch up

Catch ups to tide me over

2/06/2016 11:23:00 pm

I never considered myself to have a full social calendar. I love the occasional (some, more frequent) catch-ups with my friends and this week has been a full week of coffees, lunches, dinners and drinks with some of my favorite people - thank you so much for organising these, for the hugs (and a couple of tears), for the the laughs, for the gifts and for the excitement you all feel for me. I am so grateful and lucky to have the chance to see you all.

As eventhough I've switched off in the office, there is so much I feel like I need to do in this final week. It's Chinese New Year! It's my dad's birthday! I haven't packed... what am I going to do???

Last night, I had a fancy (overpriced) dinner at Black followed by drinks on the Sky Terrace at the Star. I couldn't think of a better Friday night to see the Sydney skyline afterdark and I couldn't think of better people to spend it with. I am going to miss my two blondes terribly... and I am absolutely hoping that Madison's bf will have a trip to Tokyo soon so she can visit with him. We would totally wreak havoc on the bars in Tokyo!!!

I actually didn't realise how much I'd had to drink until I got home. I pretty much crashed and woke up with a headache/ hangover. A needless reminder that I am no longer as young as I use to be. So it was quite a painful morning to get up and be in Cabramatta for Yum Cha with another bunch. The drive there and parking were a nightmare and I wondered if I should have been driving at all. I was fine once I got to the place and we started shoveling food like it was our last meal. You should have seen the overflowing lazy susan...! We all love to pick on Jack (sorry Jack). Brunch/lunch followed by my second official tour of Cabramatta where we went to get Avocado and Durian shakes, Red Lea chips (famous for its Paprika Salt) and Pork Rolls. And we finally found the shop selling Oriental Lillies for Li. We walked up and down each mall until we finally found them in BKK! Yay! Can't wait till I'm back for Rusty Chef and Christmas in July!!!! Woohooooooo. Definitely going to miss this bunch.

Then I got home to crash for an hour or so before CNY dinner at a family friends place. So stuffed there was steamed fish, abalone, chicken, prawns, roast pork and some traditional dishes. Then there was sesame glutinous rice balls and watermelon seeds and sugared candies... so much nostalgia. I think this is the first year where we've really felt the red exuding from a dinner. The luckiness and the tradition. I even got to see Lion Dancers at the Star on Friday night. And lanterns everywhere and crackers and so much more than I expected. So happy.

Another few full days. Let's see if I will have time to write about it. Time for bed.

home

WFH day

4/22/2015 12:11:00 pm

christmas

Christmas Parties!!!

12/07/2014 09:31:00 pm

Ahh... and here we were worried that we wouldn't make it onto the boat (by boat, i mean a massive ship that was subbed the "Starship Enterprise" for the rest of the night) on Wednesday evening for our work Christmas Party. I was so excited not only did we get to leave on time (4 p.m. is when the coaches departed our office) but we had an ABSOLUTE BLAST. Seeing the storm on the water was amazing although it did dampen much of the three level ship. It was a shame that we couldn't spend some more time with one of the two live bands on the rooftop level because it was stunning. We spent probably about a half hour up there after grabbing some toilet paper to wipe down the wet seats. That's when I managed to get this lovely night time shot of the bridge.

And so we spent much of the rest (if not most) of the evening mingling with the sales people and everyone else. One of the AEs were clearly trying to suck up by taking this awesome photo of my colleagues and I ;)

Yes we did have a pretty well organised after-party at Bungalow 8 where the real hard stuff (GnTs) came out. Surprisingly I managed to stick around until midnight and by that time, my feet were dead tired and my voice was so raspy that I definitely needed to go home and get some shut eye if I had any hope of functioning normally the next day.

I think I did alright. At least I did not have bloodshot eyes or embarrassed myself hahaha. Unlike some who partied ALL night. No one on Level 9 i don't think... good start!

And of course, I had my friends over for some christmas dinner last night. Doing it all yourself is actually really tiring so I think I would love to do what Velda & Nob did this year (and where I went to today) where everyone brings something. I was in charge of dessert of course so it was pavlova with mixed berries and one of the gingerbread houses which was DEMOLISHED but sooo good. I think half the fun is taking it apart! Winner!!! There was so much food and I didn't think we would finish it all but we did pretty good. Tons of sashimi, prawns, beef, chicken wings, skewers, steaks, salads, fruit and nibbles... and cider, beer and wine (duh!!). I didn't see it in them since some of them are such tiny things but I reckon that outeat yesterday's crowd by miles. Yes, there were a few more guys but still!!!

I literally had to take a powernap after the late lunch. I think we had 22 Jump St on which was pretty hilarious. So it was a very relaxing afternoon. A few rounds of taboo and some game that Velda made up. A few youtube videos (Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) and all around an easy day. Ate more of the leftovers for dinner and feeling so good. Oscar and Mac (the dogs) snoozed and played with us. They are soooo well behaved. Wish Maxxie or Nessie were as good and sociable. Would totally have bought them.

And the drive home was a breeze... it makes me want to drive to work. One day...

harbour bridge

Welcome to another year

7/02/2014 10:56:00 pm

Its been one year and nine days since I crossed the bridge with my new work family. There have been days that have been trying. Some that have been tiring but I can safely and quite happily say that I feel like I'm belonging and making an impact. I mean why not when your CFO asks for mates rates and volume discounts with your cakes???

For the first time since working in north Sydney, I walked across the bridge towards the city and home! Because I needed the exercise and also because we are recovering from quarter end and therefore not working... much. I did two things today and that was two more than I had on the list to quote my colleague!

Our team have a lovely 2 hour lunch with a few bottles or rose at the local liquor-turn-bar and nibbles. Lots of happy chatter and echoes of not wanting to return to work.

Some of us did... and some of us went back to collect and bags and proceed to go home. Hehehhe. It makes those long hours once every quarter more bearable.

I ended up leaving around 4:30 so went for a leisurely stroll from work back to the city and Westfield. Stopped by the Uniqlo pop up store (too expensive) and Nine West where I bought a new pair of flats cause the ones I was wearing had holes through them. My evening turned out great!! Exercising the mind, body... and wallet!

Met up with Janice to hear her woes about work... time she left that poisonous place! And we tried the new Korean place in the alley near the Albion hotel/bar/place. I rate it average. Nice decor and ambiance. Small menu. Food was Sydney Korean standard: price and taste wise. Nothing to rate extraordinary.

Ended up at Chanoma for a tea before home and I didn't expect our conversation to rehash the past. And especially not for her to apologise for her actions... specifically making me take a side. It's all forgotten now anyway but sincere of her to acknowledge. So I do appreciate that.

Came home third night in a row late and needing to make cake. I get use to it but i am also looking forward to normality next week!

Have jam packed my July and trying to make up for all the missed outings in June. YOLO!!!

north sydney

Fire chaos

3/12/2014 10:02:00 pm

baking

Not your average Friday night

2/08/2014 02:39:00 pm

beautiful day

Work Hard, Play Hard

1/11/2014 01:20:00 am

brunch

Mid-September

9/15/2013 03:45:00 pm

Finally get a few minutes this weekend to sit down with my laptop and just chill.

Brunch with two of my favorites in one of my favorite locations in sydney. Surry Hills! Chur & Rueben Hills. Was good although felt a little bit strange to be dressed up in such a low-key haunt. Don't think the coffee @ Rueben was all that great. Missing the one from Le Monde. Salted Caramel Milkshake and Milo Milkshake from Chur was yummy albeit a touch expensive. I still think the beef burger is the best at Chur. Although maybe next time (won't be for a while), might give the lamb one a go. Mmm. Have some new places on my list to go to!

Yesterday was Amanda & Andrew's wedding. Expected it to be a bit bigger... but it was quite a small wedding. Personally, I would never pick a place where it is in such a public location that people can just walk, sit, picnic, sunbathe, cycle and run in the background and around. Kind of ruins the moment. Not to mention the ferry horns, trains on the bridge and (just our luck) a helicopter flying over. Made it difficult to hear the vows. Nonetheless, it was definitely a beautiful backdrop and a lovely ceremony. Thank goodness it was short and sweet.

That left us with enough time to slowly make our way to the reception. We stopped at mega-tourist-ripoff Guylian cafe on the way (Janice's choice, not mine as I think I still prefer Lindt). $4.80 for a coffee? $10 for a milkshake? $16 for a tart? Come on please... the only decent and not overly expensive looking thing on the menu was this Iced Caramel Long Black. It was actually not too bad. Wasn't sweet at all... and well-priced at $5.50.

Anyways, we got to the reception around 6. And yeah, it was intimate. Bride and groom hadn't arrived yet so we found our table... and turns out there were three people on our table who were a no show. I thought that was pretty rude...

Pretty low key affair. Highlight of the evening was the fireworks outside. Not bad not bad. But burning money like that every weekend? To the government, please fix the roads and transport instead?!?!

Ended up home around 10:30 which is pretty early for a wedding. Was totally tired by then though so snoozed. Then this morning, being the ever dutiful daughter and driving mama cheung around to go grocery shopping and buying stuff for upcoming visit to HK-Land.