today...
Sunday 31 August 2008
Tulip Paradise
367 photos later... and I've finally finished walking through the Garden of Eden! Check out some of my pictures!!! I'm so gleefully happy!!!
I can't believe I haven't been to Araluen ever - until yesterday. I heard from my sister that they're closing the place down next year because they don't have enough volunteer support!!! Boo! If I had never gone, I wouldn't have known what splendour I was missing out on! It seriously is a photographers paradise.
Chichi came to pick me up around 12pm... we went to pump petrol then later we stopped by Hungry Jacks because she hadn't eaten yet. So I drove her little-bo-beep to Araluen! It wasn't difficult to get there... super easy... and not that far from my house! =P
The roads were long and winded... and it totally reminded me of the scenery in Melbourne when we went on our Road Trip to Mt. Buller! The lush green rolling hills in the country-side, lavendar fields, horses and SHEEP! baaaa~ and then we arrived at Araluen Botanical Gardens!
Wah lau... *excitement* was in the air. The minute we were at the gates (of heaven) there were pink and purple tulips to greet us! Cannot get anymore heavenly than that ok!!! They were my favourite!!! Too bad there's no such thing as green tulips - otherwise they might be my favourite! =P
We walked down the path towards the garden - and when we looked out over the field... there were wonderous tulips everywhere! EVERYWHERE!!! My crazy little brain was chucking fits of excited-ness from all the colour, bloom and anticipation in the air! The minute we walked into the park the cameras were ON, and they didn't stop till we left!
SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP!!!! SO BEAUTIFUL ARE TULIPS... I wish I were creative enough to write a poem about beautiful tulips!!!! *daze* I was running around the park like a child with lollies in her hand... but of course, I was holding my baby. Words can't describe the feeling of being there... *sigh* I wish I could live in a house surrounded by tulips. If only tulips were full blossom 365 days a year... but that might mean I have to live in the hills! hoho~ *sings merrily* "the hills are aliveeeee...with the sound of tulips..."!!!
Next destination - HOLLAND!!! I'm so going to go see the tulip fields there!!! We basically walked around the whole park twice snapping all the different beautiful coloured tulips and flowers on display. There was pink, purple, yellow, red, maroon, orange... and there was even THIS kind of tulip! I never ever knew such a tulip existed!!!! It looks like someone got a pair of scissors and cut up the edges of the tulip!
Whilst frolicking around the tulips a butterfly came to play gleefully!!! *scary* but I managed to snap a half decent shot with the butterfly... the other photos were ruined because... heh-heh... bad amateur photography skills.
Chichi and I also played with the bees. Super headache trying to capture these pollen-spreaders!!! Flying all over the place! But, I still managed to capture a couple of great shots with the bees!
After that, we decided to drive around the "hills" to see what was out there. We stumbled upon this little precinct where they had a coffee shop with a great look out over the valley. There were other little shops there selling snacks and books etc... but the best part was the lookout. You can sit on this rock and look out over the valley. It was HUGE... we sat there a while taking photos. I was thinking about... wouldn't it be cool... if we could fly over the valleys and just soar with the birds. Maybe one day.
Then we went to Freo for dinner. We had dessert first at Armano which was oh so delicious - I had the Snickers ice-cream! Then we had dinner at the Mexican Kitchen. I had a beef burrito... which was alright. It was kinda dry - I don't know if it's supposed to be like that. So full afterwards. Then we went back to my place and looked through all the photos we'd took for the day - divulging in our oh-so-KABOOM-ed faces!!! Sian... what to do. The realisation from all of this - I want need a macro lens!
If you want to see more photos that I took from Araluen - head to my flickr and view the photos large, just because they look uber better when viewed large! =)
today...
@4:16 pm
Saturday 30 August 2008
Tulips!
Today I'm going to Araluen Botanical Gardens! Hoho Spoofy yeah?
I've lived here for 2 decades and I've never been to Araluen! Can you believe that? What kinda Aussie am I to not have been to Araluen! I'm sooo super excited, cannot take it! I love love love tulips - they're my favourite!!!
I googled and flickred lots of ideas for tulip photos and photography angles! So I'll be testing my amateur photography skills today... so long I haven't played with my baby! =P
More pics to come... over and out!
today...
@10:20 am
Thursday 28 August 2008
Numb Tongue!
In recent times with the explosion of the internet, people seem to get the idea of self-diagnosing diseases, illnesses or even a simple headache! Alas, I have fallen into this trap many times. We shouldn't give ourselves an honorary medical degree just because we can search for symptoms or conditions on the internet and diagnose our symptoms.Ever since Monday, I've had a strange feeling on my tongue. Actually I think I've had it for the past week and maybe even the past two weeks. It's like a numb sensation on the tip of my tongue which is on-going 24/7. It doesn't stop being numb. How do I describe the feeling? Well, when my mouth is closed, there is this sensation at the tip of my tongue even though it's just sitting there relxaing in my mouth. It just feels different to the rest of my tongue, and when I rub the tip of my tongue on the roof of my mouth, there is a slight tingly/numbing feeling.
But since Monday, it's been bothering me. It doesn't hurt but the feeling is just annoying. I'm not sure if I burnt my tongue from drinking hot coffee… I doubt it. Usually it'll heal and be alright within the next few days. I can still taste my food which is a good thing…so far. If I ever lost my taste buds… noooo!!! My mouth does tend to be super super dry when I wake up in the morning, causing my teeth to stick to the walls of my mouth and leaving teeth imprints! Haha… I think that's kinda funny… but hmm, maybe it's not.
So I did an honorary google search for my condition. "Numb tongue" "Tingling tongue." There were many and varied responses as you would expect from our friend google.
#1. Paresthesia
Paresthesia is a term that refers to an abnormal burning or prickling sensation which is generally felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but may occur in any part of the body. The sensation, which arises spontaneously without apparent stimulus and is usually not painful, may also be described as tingling or numbness, skin crawling, buzzing, or itching. Most people have experienced transient (temporary) paresthesia at some time in their lives; it occurs whenever inadvertent pressure is placed on a nerve and causes what many describe as a "pins and needles" feeling. The feeling quickly goes away once the pressure is relieved. For some people, however, paresthesia can become a chronic condition caused by an underlying disorder.
Ook… it's not like I've got my tongue to a wall and have been applying pressure to it ok! My tongue has not been doing any funny business!
#2. Food Allergy
I've never had any food allergies since small… so I doubt this would be the case.
#3. Vitamin D Deficiency
Hmm.. Well I do sit in my little corner cubicle for 8 hours a day! The only time I'm out in the sun is early in the morning when I'm driving to work and walking to the office, and when I return to my car and drive home. On the weekends, I see lots of sunshine, but maybe it's not enough?
#4. Vitamin B Deficiency
Hmm… I take Vitamin B12 tablets everyday.
#5. Multiple Sclerosis
Ok that could be a bit extreme!
Maybe there is a serious underlying issue for the numb tongue! *gasp* I really hope it's nothing bad!!! I'm going to go see the doctor about it tomorrow, so pray it's nothing serious!
today...
@1:06 pm
Wednesday 27 August 2008
This is the day...
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Sometimes in everyday chores and duties of life, we lose to buzz of awakening to a new day. Choose to live your days towards excellence.
Have a great day!
today...
@8:39 am
Thursday 21 August 2008
What Not to Wear if You’re a Pear
There are certain things that fashion dictators and experts say that a “pear shaped woman” cannot wear. As I’m a pear-shaped woman, we are smaller above the waist and larger below. The key for pear shaped figures is to draw attention to the upper half of the body in order to divert attention from the hips and thighs; the result is a seemingly more balanced body.
They say that when it comes to clothing for a pear shaped woman, the pants can be the downfall of the entire outfit. Apparently the area below the knee should always flow away from the body, never tapering or tightening. Oops... too bad! I bought two pairs of skinny jeans already! But I do understand that wearing a cut that flares at the bottom will even out the leg’s proportions, but, the fashion world dictated that skinny jeans were all the rage and so I had to get myself a pair – or two! I don’t actually think skinny jeans look too bad when paired with a long cardi and heels... or do they?
They say that as extremely popular and comfortable ballet flats are, you don’t ever see pear shaped celebrities wearing them! That’s because their stylist is telling them not to. Well, that’s fashion tragedy number 2 for me, because I love to love ballet flats! They’re generally comfortable and make your feet look small! They say that women with pear shaped figures need to balance out their look by almost always wearing something with a heel no less than 2 inches! Heels will be the death of me! Imagine trying to wear them for 8 hours a day ok! Impossible...for me! Even worse is the fact that I have thick calves, extra wide hips and short legs... ballet flats should definitely be a no no for me, but oh well, I’m still going to wear them! Neh!
Belts around the waist. I’ve never actually picked up on this stylish trend. I see that it looks good on some girls. Skinny belts wrapped around the smallest part of the waist look fine, but wearing a large belt around the stomach can create lumps on those big hips of ours. Lucky for me, I have a super-extra-ordinarily long torso and it kind of eliminates the muffin-top look (I hope!) Some say I look toned... bahahaha XD are you serious, seriously?
They say we should stay away from tight shirts that drape over the hips such as tunics. Hmm I used to wear these, but realised how much longer they actually make my torso look with my already ultra long torso. However, shirts that touch the middle of the hipline are usually much more flattering than anything cropped or that hits at the natural hipline. The problem with this is my super-extra-ordinarily long torso ... whereby I find it so difficult to find tops that actually are long enough. Speaking of tops, they say that we should buy tops with patterns and fabrics to create more attention on the top half of our body rather than the lower half. So far, I haven’t had the courage to buy a top with full prints. As much as I think they look great, I’m too chicken to buy them. Most of my tops are plain solid colours as you may have noticed...
They say that we should wear A line skirts and dresses. Amen! I love love LOVE A line dresses! In fact, I wish I had more. I really love the 50’s era when A line dresses and skirts were a big thing! I did however, happen to buy a pencil-skirted-dress which was an ultimate big boo boo, but the dress was so pretty, I couldn’t resist... and I refused to see my huge fat ass in the dressing room mirror popping out of the pencil-skirted-dress before I swiped the credit card on that! But yeah, I kind of regret buying the dress now since I only ever wore it once, not that I had any other occasion to wear it to...
In light of having said all that, I do think girls are way too harsh on their image and too self-critical of what they look like. I guess it’s the un-seen influence of celebrities and the fashion world telling us what we should look like. But I think we are all beautiful women and each to our own uniqueness and attributes that make us beautiful. I feel concerned for girls that really are too harsh on themselves, calling themselves obese when they really are actually “normal sized.”
Sometimes I do wonder though, are people bad guessers? I don’t like to divulge my weight to the public...not even close friends ok! But are people just being modest out of kindness or are they really bad guessers about my weight? Some people even tell me I’ve lost weight, when I actually gained weight. Err... hello?! Can see or not? Need glasses? I can lend you mine for a better look?! How heavy do I really look to you?
*gasps* I’m getting towards the heavy end of the scales *wails* So, I’ve set in place a “diet plan.” Moo-ha-ha! My diet plan lets me eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I want... the only rule is... I have to lose 3 kg by my birthday! Moo-ha-ha! Well... that’s the plan anyway.
today...
@9:51 pm
Monday 18 August 2008
Gotta love Google
It's nice to be recognised once in a while and once in a while, I'm sure that everyone in one stage of their life or another will eventually google their name! Dont' deny it! I'm sure you've all done it too... we are all vain human beings!
So today I did the humblest thing I could and googled myself! huhu.
To my shock, the first thing that came up was this!
In case you couldn't read it, it says: "Most Geeky photographer, Sue-Anne Hoh Wei Wei THE REAL GEEK Name : Miss HOH, Moved to Perth, Western Australia .. since 20 years ago or something! ..."
I wonder what DUNGU wrote this about me.... *GLARES at Pawleen* and how on earth did that get to be the number #1 search for my name!!!
So if I googled my name and that came up, I just wanted to see what Pauline Tay gets googled:
If you can't read it, it says:
"Whoah I bumped into my primary school teacher Mrs Pauline Tay today!"
BAHAHAHHAA XD... maybe this is your destiny Teacher Tay! Neh!
today...
@8:51 pm
Thursday 14 August 2008
What's the point?
If we know what kind of characteristics should encompass a "good person", why aren't we at our peak potential to make a difference and change to this world knowing that we can be this person?
If we know that a good person is compassionate, caring, encouraging, supportive etc, what is dragging us down and preventing us from being at our best as a human being?
All these thoughts came flowing from our discussion during YA, with sharing led by Genesis. He asked everyone, "What is the point?" What is the point for doing the things we do? What's the point in trying to make a difference? What's the point in giving up our time, money, talents and effort?
Then I was thinking about it in the car this morning… if I know what I can be… why aren't I? Why do I still think negatively, why do I still gossip, why am I not what I know I can be?
Negative thoughts, slander and gossip bring people down. It drags us down and keeps us there. Even though I've come leaps and bounds from what I used to be, today I'm going to make a change to my pessimistic thinking once and for all, I'm going to finally set goals for things I'd like to achieve by the end of the year *secret,* I'm going to create boundaries and limit myself from what I say, who I see and what I'm doing with my time. I'm going to seek wisdom rather than dwell on earthly things.
We can be serving in church and our various ministries, but where does our heart lie? Is it to seek attention, for self satisfaction, for self-glory? Why are we doing what we're doing in the church? What are our intentions? Do our hearts lie in self-centredness carrying out our duties in vain and responsibility, or are we willing to soften out hearts enough for God to mould it and change it according to His will and plan for us so that all our actions will be glorifying to Him and we will have a heart of teachability. It really really got me thinking. Do we have hearts that are motivated by love?
Then today, my colleague Vans emailed me. We only sit metres apart, but we still email each other for fun. In fact, she is in clear view when I turn my head left to look at her. It's our little secret that only we will get. =) Anyway, she emailed me,
"Was just thinking.. Actually im amazed by you. Though u have tummy probz, u stil manage to do so many things. How on earth do u do that? Like go to work, cell, serve in church, church activities, class, etc!!! How do u manage to put aside ur tummy probz to do all these? Isnt it tiring?"
It's tiring, but I can say confidently that by God's grace, I can do all of this. If you asked me if I would never imagine myself being able to do all these things 2 years ago, I think I would have vehemently denied it! Sometimes I'm amazed at how much I can actually fit into my schedule in one day, but still, it is all by God's grace and strength that I can complete all that I need to do at this moment in time. It's an exciting time!
So after I recieved her email, I was so deeply encouraged that words just flowed from my heart and I shared with her my perosnal thoughts at that moment. I'm so blessed to have met her and become so close to her that I'm able to share with her my most personal thoughts which I often find difficult to share with others.
We make use of our time the way we see fit. If we don't think we can fit something into our schedule, then we probably won't be able to fit it in because we have already got the mentality that we "don't have time." But if we make time for it and make a commitment to it, then for sure we'll be able to fit it into our schedule. I can't believe how many things I've been able to fit into my schedule by just making time. By being consistent and not slacking, by going through with your word, you can achieve so many things. Looking back, I can say that I'm a little proud that I've been able to achieve the things I have, but God humble me and my big head! huhu, for it is only by Your grace that I could have done all these things!
"Where your heart is lies your treasure," said the wise Dave!
Do you know how true that statement is? The things in our heart are the things we keep and treasure most. They are the things that we are willing to protect for what it's worth. If we keep God number one in our hearts, we are ultimately motivated by love for He loved us first. When we are motivated by pure love, our every action and thought will be with good intentions. When we are motivated by love, we do things that are extra-ordinary and others will be able to see that. They will question, "Why is that person, so good, so kind, so caring?" and they'll want a piece of it too!
So what's the point? You should know now if you've followed my train of thought thus far. =)
Strive for excellence, strive to be the BEST, strive to change old habits, strive to make a difference and strive to embrace change!
today...
@11:27 pm
Wednesday 13 August 2008
Exhaust-ed
*der dem DOOM*
*der dem DOOM*
This is the sound my alarm makes at 6:45am to wake me up every morning.
*der dem DOOM* you should hear it. It's pretty awesome... the last part sounds like DOOM... because it's DOOM to wake up at 6:45am!!! *so early*
So 6:45am, I woke up... and snoozed and went back to sleep. Then I had a mini dream. I dreamt it was 7am! I was awake and getting ready to go to work...then I was in the car on South Street and from my house to South Street, I didn't have my seatbelt on... I was thinking to myself, why wouldn't I have the seatbelt on after so many years of driving!!! And then... I woke up again... only 9 minutes had passed and it was actually 6:54am.
Then I decided I shall take a sickie today after much contemplation because I'm so exhausted from all the recent happenings and it's not a good time of the month and I think I need a good day off today. So I slept in till 8:30am and then got up. Even though it will still be quite eventful today. Not sure if I will have time to squeeze in a movie, but I need to do my colouring homework. hoho~~~ I have to colour a Mandala that I drew =) ... and then... I shall have to fix up my resume to send off... and then I shall have to wash my car inside out and vacuum my car... and then I shall have to pay all my bills and settle accounts... and then I shall have to check up on SFAS and see what's going on... and then around noon I think I shall have a $5.95 meatball subway... or maybe I should have leftovers that have already been prepared for me in the fridge... and then I shall continue reading this awesome book by Joshua Harris called Boy meets Girl... and then I suppose I should do some laundry and clean the house (if applicable).... oh yeah and shower in between there some where too! =)
Ahhh loving it! I'm eating hello panda and blogging... tis the life! If only I hadn't drunk my cup of tea so quickly, I would be sipping my tea peacefully while blogging too.
Anyway that's all. Have a good day! =)
today...
@10:45 am
Tuesday 12 August 2008
Busy times
Sometimes when your life is so filled with activities, every single day, every hour without a break, it almost will drive you to the brink of insanity for not being able to have "a day off" or time to yourself. I feel so exhausted from all the weekly things I do that I just want to curl into a ball and nod off into hibernation.
Sometimes, life throws things at you that you just don't want to deal with or don't have the energy to deal with. "When the going gets tough, the grace gets going." said Stanley Tan. It was kinda lame at the time when he said it, and everyone laughed. But I think there's an element of truth in that. When the going gets tough, we can only depend on His grace and His strength to get us through.
When you're working full time, you really learn to appreciate your time and make the most of every ounce of time you have! I see my time just slip away so quickly. Days come and go so quickly that I lose track of the days, suddenly it's the weekend and then suddenly is Monday... then suddenly it's the weekend again, day turns into night and day with the click of your fingers. It's almost like a fast forward version on life where everything is just go go go and I don't have the time to sit back, relax, have a cuppa and enjoy the ride. Days are now filled with work and extra curricular activities and I'm doing more with life now than ever before!
This week it seems there's hardly enough time to myself... let alone time to catch up with friends. Sometimes I'm suprised that 'friends' still want to keep in contact with me, especially since I've been so bad in keeping in touch with them. Life right now is just so hectic. I don't know when it's going to end or whether it will ever end. I guess when one project is done, another will place itself in my lap and so the cycle of being busy starts again.
But I wouldn't choose it any other way =) I have so many things planned and booked on my calendar for the next few months already and it's going to be exciting!!!
Thank you for Your strength!
today...
@10:31 pm
Friday 8 August 2008
Thank God it's Friday!
Today is Friday!
It's 08-08-08!
...
and of all days, I thought it was Thursday! I rocked up to work in full suit attire... and then realised it's Friday - casual dress day!!!
But it's all good! The weekend is finally here!!!
*happy happy*
Have a good weekend everyone!
today...
@6:38 pm
Thursday 7 August 2008
Rotten teeth
We live in a world where good looks are highly valued and having straight, pearly white teeth is important in conveying that beauty. Afterall, if models and celebrities didn't have the colgate smile ... we'd all be a little, or very put off!
Often when I dream... I can dream about all sorts of things from flying, to people I don't know doing strange things, to people I do know doing strange things, to people morphing into each other. Sometimes I dream about strange morbid things like ghosts, monsters, my own death and I've even dreamt of someone, presumably Jesus dying on the cross outside my bedroom window!!! Any how, I often also dream about my teeth falling out!
It's the wierdest thing ever, and you would think it's such a wierd dream to have but it's more common than most people think. Most recently when I had this dream on Sunday morning, I remember the front of my teeth were gone. The wisdom teeth were all loose and ready to fall out just like when you have your baby teeth that are ready to fall out. When I spat into my palm, teeth would fall out... and the sensation of all these teeth falling out and broken against my soft gums was painful. I couldn't speak properly and it was just such an uncomfortable feeling. I even remember looking at myself and there was a black gaping hole in the front of my teeth!!! I woke up in a sweat because the dream was so vivid and so real. I had to check if my teeth were still all there by running my tongue against my pearly whites to make sure they're still intact!
The feeling of your teeth falling out is such a disturbing feeling. As an adult, you wouldn't want your teeth to fall out because it's presents such an awful image. As a child, it's ok, because that's the process you go through to get to maturity. But as an adult, if your teeth are falling out, you got problems mate!
There are many interpretations to what this particular dream means... but I think it's a load of rubbish! I googled "dreaming about teeth falling out" and the general consensus of what this dream means is:
Fear of death and growing old: Well it's not like I fear getting old... but I don't particularly want to grow old.
Symbol of powerlessness: Perhaps in the workplace referring to someone specifically beginning with the letter L. So anyway, my boss is going to speak to Mrs. L. to see if something can be done about the situation since I brought up the issue AGAIN. (Insider story for those who know what's going on!)
Fear of change: Well... no I'm not afraid of change. Sometimes I wish things would change!
Fear of failure or embarrassment: Hmm... perhaps... failing in some of the things that I've been doing. They haven't been up to the standard that I would have hoped.
Poor health and financial stability: Well, poor health. You got that right... of course I have poor health! I don't even exercise, I eat carbs like I drink water and... I sit in front of the computer slaving away for 8 hours + a day! What kind of health condition do you think I would be in! Financial stability, well I just got my final HECS debt and well, the amount I owe doesn't look good!
The point of this post: I just wanted to share about my awful dream and wonder if anyone else has such morbid dreams as I do... or do I have a really demented physco world inside my head?!
today...
@10:33 pm
Tuesday 5 August 2008
It's your birthday!
Happy birthday to
Miss Pauline Tay...
Miss Vanessa Sim...
and Mr Kenny Yong...
May your special day be filled with fun, love and joy =)
today...
@12:00 am
Saturday 2 August 2008
What is this!
What is this?!I can't access my own website!
today...
@7:07 pm
bye bye~