Currently, being able to even sit down in front of a computer and hear myself take every breath of air is a rare moment worth savouring. Over the past 2 weeks, I've had to have my Energiser batteries running on full mode for 70 hrs/week. At the moment, no word comes to my mind to describe just how crazy it has been.
On top of my current commitments at uni and church, I had to pick up a few extra shifts at work due to staff shortage and dramas. It was organised weeks before and I agreed to it. I was restrained enough to only commit to an extra 2 days and not 3 , which I could easily have said yes to. However, it has still meant that I do 2x20hr days + a 17hrs day to follow and add that to the othe days I've either got other classes, training, work or church.
I have been running on adrenalin for most of the fortnight but despite being so completely drained, I can still say that I love what I do. In that sense, it has been very reassuring that I am in the right industry and it is something I can see myself continue doing for a long time. This decision that I made 5 yrs ago for my career has so far been the best decision I have made for myself, no regrets.
This week is yet another 70 hr week, unfortunately. Fingers crossed that this will be the last of it. However, even if the hours drop next week the madness still goes on as we are fast approaching the Junior Culinary Fare which is being held on July 5&6. Training is well underway for that and for the most part is has been going well. There is just a fair bit of refining to do to my dish before I can be happy with it.
Besides training for the Regionals, I've also been training for Nationals which is being held in September. Soudns crazy to be training SO far in advance but nothign beats being prepared. Training for this event hasn't been going as smoothly and at times does take a lot out of my and create more frustration and grief then it does satisfaction.
So for this current moment, I can only take each minute as it comes and just continue to breath. I am very much looking forward to the break I will have after Regionals but til then...
Monday, June 09, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Been thinking...(surprise surprise)
During the drive home from work last Saturday nite/early Sunday morning, my work mate and I (we car-pooled) were talking and the subject of alcohol came up. I don't think that it comes as a surprise that chefs are generally placed in the same category as alcoholics, in fact it is rather common.
I knew going into this industry that alcohol played a HUGE part in the rise and fall of a chef. I also knew full well that if I didn't make some serious choices and put certain boundaries in place as well as ensure that I surrounded myself with accountability relationships that I'd run the risk of following in the footsteps of many EX-great chefs. (These were footsteps I didn't want to follow).
Some of these choices, boundaries and relationships included:
• No consumption of alcohol is to take place if I have to get behind the wheel afterwards, a great excuse for not drinking at the end of the nite after work. See next point…
• Upon returning home, no consumption of alcohol is to take place as a regular part of winding down at the end of a working nite. This is normally where the problem starts, alcohol is used to help with getting to sleep so you actually get some sleep before starting another LONG day
• Alcohol is consumed as a once off/occasionally for pleasure, NOT to get drunk on
• Telling close friends of the boundaries put in place so that the chances of me slipping up are highly unlikely. I have a real fear of seeing the disappointment that could possibly be written all over their faces if they ask and I have to tell that I stuffed up
• Sometimes the choice not to drink is a sacrifice. Drinking is a social thing to do and it’s something often done at the end of the nite while winding down with the rest of the brigade and by not drinking, it is considered uncool. This often leads to being left out and not being invited to events.
So back to the conversation that I was having that nite...as we talked the topic of drinking as being a sociable thing and a kind of "bonding session" came up. My work mate was of the opinion that he felt pressured into drinking as a way of building a relationship and as a way of being sociable. He felt that if he started to say no that he'd start to feel isolated and thought of differently. There was also a notion of "I have done this all my life and why not? I don't see anything wrong with driving home after having numerous bottles of beers".
I kinda tried to explain to him where I stood on this subject, without offending him. It wasn't so much to get him to change, although obviously that would be ideal, but it was more to try and get him to take a look at this issue from my point of view, to get him thinking. I don't know if it fell on deaf ears but it sure felt like it.
This is an issue that I will continuously wrestle with. Not that I see myself going down the route of hitting the piss or getting into alcohol related problems but more so the social aspect of alcohol and standing by the tough boundaries I have set up for myself and what it means for me to have to sacrifice certain relationships for self preservation.
I knew going into this industry that alcohol played a HUGE part in the rise and fall of a chef. I also knew full well that if I didn't make some serious choices and put certain boundaries in place as well as ensure that I surrounded myself with accountability relationships that I'd run the risk of following in the footsteps of many EX-great chefs. (These were footsteps I didn't want to follow).
Some of these choices, boundaries and relationships included:
• No consumption of alcohol is to take place if I have to get behind the wheel afterwards, a great excuse for not drinking at the end of the nite after work. See next point…
• Upon returning home, no consumption of alcohol is to take place as a regular part of winding down at the end of a working nite. This is normally where the problem starts, alcohol is used to help with getting to sleep so you actually get some sleep before starting another LONG day
• Alcohol is consumed as a once off/occasionally for pleasure, NOT to get drunk on
• Telling close friends of the boundaries put in place so that the chances of me slipping up are highly unlikely. I have a real fear of seeing the disappointment that could possibly be written all over their faces if they ask and I have to tell that I stuffed up
• Sometimes the choice not to drink is a sacrifice. Drinking is a social thing to do and it’s something often done at the end of the nite while winding down with the rest of the brigade and by not drinking, it is considered uncool. This often leads to being left out and not being invited to events.
So back to the conversation that I was having that nite...as we talked the topic of drinking as being a sociable thing and a kind of "bonding session" came up. My work mate was of the opinion that he felt pressured into drinking as a way of building a relationship and as a way of being sociable. He felt that if he started to say no that he'd start to feel isolated and thought of differently. There was also a notion of "I have done this all my life and why not? I don't see anything wrong with driving home after having numerous bottles of beers".
I kinda tried to explain to him where I stood on this subject, without offending him. It wasn't so much to get him to change, although obviously that would be ideal, but it was more to try and get him to take a look at this issue from my point of view, to get him thinking. I don't know if it fell on deaf ears but it sure felt like it.
This is an issue that I will continuously wrestle with. Not that I see myself going down the route of hitting the piss or getting into alcohol related problems but more so the social aspect of alcohol and standing by the tough boundaries I have set up for myself and what it means for me to have to sacrifice certain relationships for self preservation.
Monday, May 05, 2008
holidays/work/Savour NZ
The last 2 weeks saw me on a mid semester break. It wasn't a break I was looking forward to (I know that this wouldn't come as a surprise to many). This was mainly due to the fact that I didn't have much on to keep me occupied til this past weekend.
So as the first week went by I pretty much just bummed around and did bugger all. I was quite ready to head back to uni by the end of the week! As the second week rolled round, I helped dad out with a dinner that he was asked to cater for. That was very much welcomed as it broke the monotony of doing nothing much.
Before the holidays, myself and a few others from uni were asked to help out at the latest Savour NZ. I was looking forward to this the entire holidays and though it was great to be busy it was a big let down. Unfortunately, we ended up being used as slaves for the hotel instead of being used to help out the celebrity chefs, which was what we were told we were gonna be used for.
Fortunately, my boss was at Savour doing demos and I was able to give him a hand. After the demos, I was able to then head into work with him and give them a hand for service. The days I ended up work mounted to bout 15-20hrs each day but I have no regrets. I actually had a blast being back at work!
Since my 5 week holiday, I had yet to go back to work as my boss was finding it tricky to fit me in and I was living off my savings. It was getting pretty dire that I go back to work, not so much for the money (though that is always helpful) but more for my sanity. I was getting really restless each week as the weekend rolled around. I desperately needed to and wanted to go back to work.
So, even though I've had a very very full on weekend with absolute minimal sleep it was a blessing in disguise. My boss finally said OK to me coming back to work and I officially start back this Saturday. Yay...
It started off as a holiday that I dreaded but ended on a fairly high note.
I'm back at uni now and we're back into the swing of things with assessments and assignments to keep me going. This term will be pretty full on with Regional competition looming in the near future it will also entail competition training. Mind you, a friend and I have already started on training for Nationals which is in late August. So, I guess I can now truly say...life is back on the go, finally!
So as the first week went by I pretty much just bummed around and did bugger all. I was quite ready to head back to uni by the end of the week! As the second week rolled round, I helped dad out with a dinner that he was asked to cater for. That was very much welcomed as it broke the monotony of doing nothing much.
Before the holidays, myself and a few others from uni were asked to help out at the latest Savour NZ. I was looking forward to this the entire holidays and though it was great to be busy it was a big let down. Unfortunately, we ended up being used as slaves for the hotel instead of being used to help out the celebrity chefs, which was what we were told we were gonna be used for.
Fortunately, my boss was at Savour doing demos and I was able to give him a hand. After the demos, I was able to then head into work with him and give them a hand for service. The days I ended up work mounted to bout 15-20hrs each day but I have no regrets. I actually had a blast being back at work!
Since my 5 week holiday, I had yet to go back to work as my boss was finding it tricky to fit me in and I was living off my savings. It was getting pretty dire that I go back to work, not so much for the money (though that is always helpful) but more for my sanity. I was getting really restless each week as the weekend rolled around. I desperately needed to and wanted to go back to work.
So, even though I've had a very very full on weekend with absolute minimal sleep it was a blessing in disguise. My boss finally said OK to me coming back to work and I officially start back this Saturday. Yay...
It started off as a holiday that I dreaded but ended on a fairly high note.
I'm back at uni now and we're back into the swing of things with assessments and assignments to keep me going. This term will be pretty full on with Regional competition looming in the near future it will also entail competition training. Mind you, a friend and I have already started on training for Nationals which is in late August. So, I guess I can now truly say...life is back on the go, finally!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"Jean time"
Well, it wouldn't be news that I am no good at taking time out for myself. I'm often more worried about getting things done, what's the next big thing that I need to complete, who needs a babysitter..and the list goes on.
Over the last few mentoring sessions, 'taking time out for Jean' has been on the list of things to do but to no avail...At the back of my mind I know that it is of some importance that I am able to carve out time in my crazyness to just chill on my own. But it is often something that I let fall by the way side. I find it easier to make up excuses of why I don't need to take time out for me.
As part of something for me to work towards, I was to put aside 1hr a week to myself. The good news is, I managed to drive myself to Howick beach on Sunday arvo and spent a good hour singing, getting some mentoring homework done and just watching the waves break on the beach from my car. (It was an extremely gloomy and windy day, filled with showers-for those that don't reside in Auckland).
I must say, prior to getting to the beach I was rather nervous about the idea of spending an hour with myself. I wasn't quite sure what I'd do or how I'd entertain myself for a whole hour. I don't often do well or chose to do things on my own. I tend to enjoy intimate company with a small number of ppl. But once I got there, put some good music on and started putting pen to paper, it was great.
Something else that caught my attention during the last mentoring session, (aside from sensing some frustration for my lack of want to express how I was feeling besides one or two words, that is) was my lack of attention to how and why I view or do certain things. I've never quite noticed what makes me tick. I got asked, "Do you think that is a problem?". Judging by the tone of the question...I'm thinking that it is.
So apart from making sure I get my 1 hr a week, I'm working on taking a bit more notice as to why I am me...
Over the last few mentoring sessions, 'taking time out for Jean' has been on the list of things to do but to no avail...At the back of my mind I know that it is of some importance that I am able to carve out time in my crazyness to just chill on my own. But it is often something that I let fall by the way side. I find it easier to make up excuses of why I don't need to take time out for me.
As part of something for me to work towards, I was to put aside 1hr a week to myself. The good news is, I managed to drive myself to Howick beach on Sunday arvo and spent a good hour singing, getting some mentoring homework done and just watching the waves break on the beach from my car. (It was an extremely gloomy and windy day, filled with showers-for those that don't reside in Auckland).
I must say, prior to getting to the beach I was rather nervous about the idea of spending an hour with myself. I wasn't quite sure what I'd do or how I'd entertain myself for a whole hour. I don't often do well or chose to do things on my own. I tend to enjoy intimate company with a small number of ppl. But once I got there, put some good music on and started putting pen to paper, it was great.
Something else that caught my attention during the last mentoring session, (aside from sensing some frustration for my lack of want to express how I was feeling besides one or two words, that is) was my lack of attention to how and why I view or do certain things. I've never quite noticed what makes me tick. I got asked, "Do you think that is a problem?". Judging by the tone of the question...I'm thinking that it is.
So apart from making sure I get my 1 hr a week, I'm working on taking a bit more notice as to why I am me...
Monday, April 07, 2008
Rough
It's been a rough few weeks...
The manic-ness started the week prior to Easter with the first of 3 assessments. I did surprisingly well as it was a pretty nervy time, with it being the first assessment of the year and a new lecturer as well as a harder, more challenging work load. This happened on Maundy Thursday.
On Good Friday, I had to start on the prep necessary for a friend's wedding that was taking place the following day. It was pretty full on as it was also the weekend that cession put on Stations of the Cross (an art and media installation that tells the story of Easter). The good thing was that I was able to leave the setting up of our station to my other friends and concentrate on the wedding prep. But I made sure that I was well and truly done so that I could make it to the Prayer Walk prior to the service later that nite.
Saturday rolled round and it was pretty crazy but was definitely glad it was over. To the credit of my brilliant helpers, it went rather smoothly and not a lot for me to complain or pick on. A rather successful job done! (Enjoy this...it doesn't come around often!).
After the wedding it was off to a friends birthday do which fortunately didn't last too long. I was pretty over it by the early evening. But it was still good to chill out with some decent company before heading home to hit the sack.
Easter Sunday was a rather LONG day with our first ever morning service. It was still a little bit of a sleep in but after the weekend I just had it was not long enough! So after the morning service, it was lunch with mom and dad then back to church to mind the doors for our last gallery opening which then extended to the evening service. It was rather low key and after 40mins or so, I had to go if I were to make it home without falling asleep behind the wheel.
The next 2 days involved me getting ready for my practical assessment which was to happen on Wed. It;s the first assessment that I'd ever felt SO worried about and I was right to be that worried...For the first time in 4 yrs, I failed one of the items which requires me to do a resit with the maximum mark able to be obtained is 50%. It was hard and I'm still struggling with that...I still try to not think about it until I have to when the resit day comes around.
This happened on a day that I was supposed to be celebrating my 4 yrs of being in NZ. Needless to say, it wasn't a very good day!
After that rather demoralising day, I had to get my butt into gear and get a 1500word assignment started and done before the following Mon, which was when it was due. I was able to get it done in 2 days flat...
After the assignment was done, I thought I was finally able to relax for a bit before the whole assessment season started again but I thought wrong! My body decided it would get sick the following day instead of hanging out til the holidays to get sick...
So this last week has seen me a real grump. Instead of being sick for a few days, I've been sick for a week and a half now and am only just starting to recover...Kinda frustrating for miss perfectionist here!
It's also been rather discouraging to see that my body can't handle as much abuse as it used to. I guess, it is probably a good thing but when you are so dependant on the rush of constant adrenalin pumping through you, it's hard to have to slow down.
But yea, so that's just a little update of the past few weeks...Hopefully things start looking brighter this week. :)
The manic-ness started the week prior to Easter with the first of 3 assessments. I did surprisingly well as it was a pretty nervy time, with it being the first assessment of the year and a new lecturer as well as a harder, more challenging work load. This happened on Maundy Thursday.
On Good Friday, I had to start on the prep necessary for a friend's wedding that was taking place the following day. It was pretty full on as it was also the weekend that cession put on Stations of the Cross (an art and media installation that tells the story of Easter). The good thing was that I was able to leave the setting up of our station to my other friends and concentrate on the wedding prep. But I made sure that I was well and truly done so that I could make it to the Prayer Walk prior to the service later that nite.
Saturday rolled round and it was pretty crazy but was definitely glad it was over. To the credit of my brilliant helpers, it went rather smoothly and not a lot for me to complain or pick on. A rather successful job done! (Enjoy this...it doesn't come around often!).
After the wedding it was off to a friends birthday do which fortunately didn't last too long. I was pretty over it by the early evening. But it was still good to chill out with some decent company before heading home to hit the sack.
Easter Sunday was a rather LONG day with our first ever morning service. It was still a little bit of a sleep in but after the weekend I just had it was not long enough! So after the morning service, it was lunch with mom and dad then back to church to mind the doors for our last gallery opening which then extended to the evening service. It was rather low key and after 40mins or so, I had to go if I were to make it home without falling asleep behind the wheel.
The next 2 days involved me getting ready for my practical assessment which was to happen on Wed. It;s the first assessment that I'd ever felt SO worried about and I was right to be that worried...For the first time in 4 yrs, I failed one of the items which requires me to do a resit with the maximum mark able to be obtained is 50%. It was hard and I'm still struggling with that...I still try to not think about it until I have to when the resit day comes around.
This happened on a day that I was supposed to be celebrating my 4 yrs of being in NZ. Needless to say, it wasn't a very good day!
After that rather demoralising day, I had to get my butt into gear and get a 1500word assignment started and done before the following Mon, which was when it was due. I was able to get it done in 2 days flat...
After the assignment was done, I thought I was finally able to relax for a bit before the whole assessment season started again but I thought wrong! My body decided it would get sick the following day instead of hanging out til the holidays to get sick...
So this last week has seen me a real grump. Instead of being sick for a few days, I've been sick for a week and a half now and am only just starting to recover...Kinda frustrating for miss perfectionist here!
It's also been rather discouraging to see that my body can't handle as much abuse as it used to. I guess, it is probably a good thing but when you are so dependant on the rush of constant adrenalin pumping through you, it's hard to have to slow down.
But yea, so that's just a little update of the past few weeks...Hopefully things start looking brighter this week. :)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Almost half a decade
As the title suggests, it has been almost half a decade...since I left Melb for NZ-actually it's just gone 4 yrs to be exact. March 26 marked that day. I would have got this post written a lot sooner except that the last 2 weeks have seen an extremely busy girl.
The day came and went so quickly it almost slipped my mine. Maybe I was in the midst of a ridiculously busy 2 weeks of my life or that it's not that big of a deal anymore...Personally, I don't think it's the latter coz it is still a rather big deal for me.
It really hasn't felt like 4 yrs. It has gone by so quickly that it feels like I only left yesterday. Much has happened and much has def changed but the time in which all that change has happened really doesn't feel like 4 yrs has gone by.
As noted in my earlier posts, it really is starting to feel more like home here in NZ. I seem to have this sense of calm over most things. They just feel right, like being here and not in Melb. (Even though at this point Melb is not where I should be, I do think that I will be back there one day...)
So what's the latest haps in the life of Jean over the past year? Simply put, it was an absolute nutter of a year. One that I wish never to have again!
The year saw me back at uni again in a whole new class with a whole new bunch of classmates. It saw me become a poor student again as opposed to the slightly less pore full time chef. It saw me run myself down physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and therefore saw me take time off from ministry (something I never thought I'd ever have to ever confront). It saw me with a free trip back to Melb at the Good Food and Wine Show as well as being able to catch up with those who mean a lot to me. It saw me leave Sky City, where I had been working for 1.5 years and it also saw me at a new job. A job that I really love with a bunch of ppl that are amazing to work with. The year also saw me with my best results ever academically and it saw me gain enthusiasm and love for patisserie. By the end of the year, it basically saw a very overwork, high strung, extremely stressed Jean that was very much in need of a holiday.
Fortunately, I got one. Earlier this year, I had a 5 weeks holiday to Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. It was well deserved and much needed. Scroll down to earlier posts on my holiday.
Despite the rather discouraging year, it wasn't all bad.
Through the hard weeks and months, I was comforted by the fact that I have a great support system around me. With those friends, I got through it. And I guess, it is this support system that has made the last 4 yrs a real joy and I know that as long as this support is around me, all is good.
So what's in store for the coming year?
Uni has has a fairly good start with a slight mishap on the way already-not really such a good start to the year but hopefully it'll get better. The rest of the year should be as much fun as the last year has been but the workload is def a lot more challenging. In a way, it's good thing. I need to be constantly challenged so as to not get bored and to keep me on my toes. I'll try and keep you updated...
Work started off really well and I will head back soon. But til then, I'll enjoy having Saturdays off...
Church has been a lot more enjoyable since I've been back. I think that time away really helped me to gain some perspective as well as get some space. And I think, once you are refresh, things seem a lot brighter!
That's all I've got to keep you entertained about me. So...in due time, there will be another update.
The day came and went so quickly it almost slipped my mine. Maybe I was in the midst of a ridiculously busy 2 weeks of my life or that it's not that big of a deal anymore...Personally, I don't think it's the latter coz it is still a rather big deal for me.
It really hasn't felt like 4 yrs. It has gone by so quickly that it feels like I only left yesterday. Much has happened and much has def changed but the time in which all that change has happened really doesn't feel like 4 yrs has gone by.
As noted in my earlier posts, it really is starting to feel more like home here in NZ. I seem to have this sense of calm over most things. They just feel right, like being here and not in Melb. (Even though at this point Melb is not where I should be, I do think that I will be back there one day...)
So what's the latest haps in the life of Jean over the past year? Simply put, it was an absolute nutter of a year. One that I wish never to have again!
The year saw me back at uni again in a whole new class with a whole new bunch of classmates. It saw me become a poor student again as opposed to the slightly less pore full time chef. It saw me run myself down physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and therefore saw me take time off from ministry (something I never thought I'd ever have to ever confront). It saw me with a free trip back to Melb at the Good Food and Wine Show as well as being able to catch up with those who mean a lot to me. It saw me leave Sky City, where I had been working for 1.5 years and it also saw me at a new job. A job that I really love with a bunch of ppl that are amazing to work with. The year also saw me with my best results ever academically and it saw me gain enthusiasm and love for patisserie. By the end of the year, it basically saw a very overwork, high strung, extremely stressed Jean that was very much in need of a holiday.
Fortunately, I got one. Earlier this year, I had a 5 weeks holiday to Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. It was well deserved and much needed. Scroll down to earlier posts on my holiday.
Despite the rather discouraging year, it wasn't all bad.
Through the hard weeks and months, I was comforted by the fact that I have a great support system around me. With those friends, I got through it. And I guess, it is this support system that has made the last 4 yrs a real joy and I know that as long as this support is around me, all is good.
So what's in store for the coming year?
Uni has has a fairly good start with a slight mishap on the way already-not really such a good start to the year but hopefully it'll get better. The rest of the year should be as much fun as the last year has been but the workload is def a lot more challenging. In a way, it's good thing. I need to be constantly challenged so as to not get bored and to keep me on my toes. I'll try and keep you updated...
Work started off really well and I will head back soon. But til then, I'll enjoy having Saturdays off...
Church has been a lot more enjoyable since I've been back. I think that time away really helped me to gain some perspective as well as get some space. And I think, once you are refresh, things seem a lot brighter!
That's all I've got to keep you entertained about me. So...in due time, there will be another update.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Photos from Vietnam, Malaysia & Singapore
Well, this post has been a long time coming but it's finally here...
I have been ridiculously busy over the past few weeks trying to get back into the swing of things with uni, church and work. The good thing is that everything has been going well and I am yet to start back at work. On the other hand, I managed to get myself into a bit of a whirlwind by commiting myself to a whole lot of stuff that is due in the space of 2 weeks, which has made up for the fact that I'm not back at work yet.
Anyhow, I am surviving. Do enjoy these photos...A word of warning though, you have to make sure that you have some free time up your sleeve to check them out-there's about 300 photos to get through!
Click here to view...
I have been ridiculously busy over the past few weeks trying to get back into the swing of things with uni, church and work. The good thing is that everything has been going well and I am yet to start back at work. On the other hand, I managed to get myself into a bit of a whirlwind by commiting myself to a whole lot of stuff that is due in the space of 2 weeks, which has made up for the fact that I'm not back at work yet.
Anyhow, I am surviving. Do enjoy these photos...A word of warning though, you have to make sure that you have some free time up your sleeve to check them out-there's about 300 photos to get through!
Click here to view...
Monday, March 03, 2008
Life as it is...
Well, I've been back in NZ for just over a week now and it seems like I have never left. Everything seems just right, just like it's suppose to-just like home...
I'm back running around and keeping busy. I'm back singing on the worship team and it was awesome being back singing! I'm back at uni today and I'm really worried about what is to come...
So really, I'm back in my element.
I guess, I wouldn't have it any other way really. I enjoy being busy and having things to do to keep me occupied. Coz otherwise, I really wouldn't have a clue what to do with myself! Well, it's def gonna be a busy year but we'll get through it I'm sure. They year has started well so hopefully it'll stay that way.
I'm back running around and keeping busy. I'm back singing on the worship team and it was awesome being back singing! I'm back at uni today and I'm really worried about what is to come...
So really, I'm back in my element.
I guess, I wouldn't have it any other way really. I enjoy being busy and having things to do to keep me occupied. Coz otherwise, I really wouldn't have a clue what to do with myself! Well, it's def gonna be a busy year but we'll get through it I'm sure. They year has started well so hopefully it'll stay that way.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Back into the swing of things
Finally, I'm back in NZ and I am glad to be back! Yes, you heard right...for the past few weeks, I have been rather open about the fact that NZ is the right place for me at this present moment of my life.
So, I touched down at 12.10pm yesterday and arrived home bout 1.45pm...Then it was straight back into my crazy life. I unpacked and freshened up (not that I needed to considering the weather I was greeted with!) and headed out the door to run some errands. No surprise really...Jean = busy!
I'm still very jet lagged but the feeling of being back in NZ where my friends are and life is, trumps the overwhelming tiredness I am currently feeling. It was great to be back at cession again tonite. And what was better was that feeling of freshness and renewed perspective and hunger to be back at church and 'getting stuck in'.
I was also a recipient of some rather exciting news but coz it's not my place to tell, that named person can announce it to the world (if you choose to) in their own time! I was very stoked...
Well, I'm off to try and get some decent 40 winks before the week ahead creeps up.
It's good to be back........Aaaaahhhhhh
p/s: photos will come when I have some time to organise the mammoth pile.
So, I touched down at 12.10pm yesterday and arrived home bout 1.45pm...Then it was straight back into my crazy life. I unpacked and freshened up (not that I needed to considering the weather I was greeted with!) and headed out the door to run some errands. No surprise really...Jean = busy!
I'm still very jet lagged but the feeling of being back in NZ where my friends are and life is, trumps the overwhelming tiredness I am currently feeling. It was great to be back at cession again tonite. And what was better was that feeling of freshness and renewed perspective and hunger to be back at church and 'getting stuck in'.
I was also a recipient of some rather exciting news but coz it's not my place to tell, that named person can announce it to the world (if you choose to) in their own time! I was very stoked...
Well, I'm off to try and get some decent 40 winks before the week ahead creeps up.
It's good to be back........Aaaaahhhhhh
p/s: photos will come when I have some time to organise the mammoth pile.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
4 weeks down, 1 more to go
Well, well, well...I can't believe it's been a motnh since I left Auckland for my holiday. Since then I've been in 3 cities (1 new city and 2 others I've been to), travel many miles, hopped on and off the plane too many times to count and eaten WAY too much.
It has been a good month and it was definitely a much needed holiday. I needed to go away and gain some perspective on things in my life. I just needed space, clearity of mind. Last year, I fell victim to a build up (over a few years) of doing too much, expecting too much and giving back too little to myself.
I started to lose interest in a lot of what I was doing. The area that suffered most was ministry. There was no more hunger, passion and love in what I did/gave. I hated that feeling and by trying to make up for the lack of everything, I pushed myself harder in other areas (work, uni) to try and find this hunger, passion, drive and love again. Even though I really enjoyed uni and competition season last year and found a job that I now love, it did more harm then good at the time. I was a tap whose reserves were running out and instead of turning the tap off to let the reserve refill, I kept draining it.
I had nothing left to give to anyone, esp myself, by the year's end...
So with 1 more week left of my holiday to go, I can't wait to get back into the swing of things again. I already have a list of things (that started even before I left for my holiday!!!) that need to be attended to the minute I arrive home. However, it will require a lot of smart planning so as to not end up in the same position again.
I had a hard year and instead of leaning on God, trusting Him and listening to what He was trying to say to me through my friends, I decided to do it my way. It was very humbling. The big man and myself didn't have a particularly good year together. At the time, it didn't seem like He was there but He was. How do I know this? Well, just look at the amazing support system He has put around me...my awesome friends (there's too many of you to name and I don't want to be guilty of leaving anyone out). These people aren't just those that I see on a fairly regular basis but also those who are overseas, those that I can just pick up the phone and have a conversation with for hours on end.
This year will very much be a year for me to be intentional with every part of my walk with God. Sounds so contrived...having to be intentional but I guess I need to start somewhere or it'll never happen. And this will start with me making sure I have at least 1 conversation with Him and then 2, then 3 then hopefully it'll just happen without thinking. After making the step to start talking to Him, I then need to learn to listen. I tend to be really bad at that. Since I suck at keeping to my Bible reading, I'll have to try and figure out a way to keep at it...
I can't wait to go back to Auckland and get going with uni and work and church this year. But with 1 more week remaining of my holiday, I am going to enjoy it and make the most of it!
It has been a good month and it was definitely a much needed holiday. I needed to go away and gain some perspective on things in my life. I just needed space, clearity of mind. Last year, I fell victim to a build up (over a few years) of doing too much, expecting too much and giving back too little to myself.
I started to lose interest in a lot of what I was doing. The area that suffered most was ministry. There was no more hunger, passion and love in what I did/gave. I hated that feeling and by trying to make up for the lack of everything, I pushed myself harder in other areas (work, uni) to try and find this hunger, passion, drive and love again. Even though I really enjoyed uni and competition season last year and found a job that I now love, it did more harm then good at the time. I was a tap whose reserves were running out and instead of turning the tap off to let the reserve refill, I kept draining it.
I had nothing left to give to anyone, esp myself, by the year's end...
So with 1 more week left of my holiday to go, I can't wait to get back into the swing of things again. I already have a list of things (that started even before I left for my holiday!!!) that need to be attended to the minute I arrive home. However, it will require a lot of smart planning so as to not end up in the same position again.
I had a hard year and instead of leaning on God, trusting Him and listening to what He was trying to say to me through my friends, I decided to do it my way. It was very humbling. The big man and myself didn't have a particularly good year together. At the time, it didn't seem like He was there but He was. How do I know this? Well, just look at the amazing support system He has put around me...my awesome friends (there's too many of you to name and I don't want to be guilty of leaving anyone out). These people aren't just those that I see on a fairly regular basis but also those who are overseas, those that I can just pick up the phone and have a conversation with for hours on end.
This year will very much be a year for me to be intentional with every part of my walk with God. Sounds so contrived...having to be intentional but I guess I need to start somewhere or it'll never happen. And this will start with me making sure I have at least 1 conversation with Him and then 2, then 3 then hopefully it'll just happen without thinking. After making the step to start talking to Him, I then need to learn to listen. I tend to be really bad at that. Since I suck at keeping to my Bible reading, I'll have to try and figure out a way to keep at it...
I can't wait to go back to Auckland and get going with uni and work and church this year. But with 1 more week remaining of my holiday, I am going to enjoy it and make the most of it!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Too much eating...
...pretty much sums up what I've been doing over the past week! Since being back in Malaysia, I've been doing more eating than I really should, esp since I have friends around.
I've put on WAY too much weight and losing it is definitely a priority when I get back to NZ. It's been good taking my friends around and letting them experience proper Malaysian food as opposed to the crap that is being served in Auckland. Sad but true...
Everyone has enjoyed every meal that we've had. It's a pity that one of them will be heading back home tomoz as there is so much more to try and we have barely scratched the surface; and this is after 14 meals + snacks over the past week! The others will be here for another week so will be taking them to have more food. They've also been able to experience the Malaysia shopping malls in between all the eating to try and walk off some of the food consumed. Again, it's way better than Sylvia Park.
Apart from that, I really don't have much to offer in terms of news. I was looking at my diary the otehr day and noticed that I'm already looking really busy the minute I set foot back into Auckland. Oh well...I'll just leave that at the back of my mind until the time comes. In the mean time, I'll just keep eating...
I've put on WAY too much weight and losing it is definitely a priority when I get back to NZ. It's been good taking my friends around and letting them experience proper Malaysian food as opposed to the crap that is being served in Auckland. Sad but true...
Everyone has enjoyed every meal that we've had. It's a pity that one of them will be heading back home tomoz as there is so much more to try and we have barely scratched the surface; and this is after 14 meals + snacks over the past week! The others will be here for another week so will be taking them to have more food. They've also been able to experience the Malaysia shopping malls in between all the eating to try and walk off some of the food consumed. Again, it's way better than Sylvia Park.
Apart from that, I really don't have much to offer in terms of news. I was looking at my diary the otehr day and noticed that I'm already looking really busy the minute I set foot back into Auckland. Oh well...I'll just leave that at the back of my mind until the time comes. In the mean time, I'll just keep eating...
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Vietnam, Singapore
It is the 2nd day of Chinese New Year and celebrations are much different to when I was growing up. This time round, it is a lot quieter and low key; no big family get together and dinner or big queues from auntie to auntie/uncle to uncle asking for red packets (a tradition where the unmarrieds receive red packets from marrieds filled with money).
Anyhow, I'm back in KL after being in Vietnam and Singapore for 1.5 weeks. The trip started off in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a reunion with my friends. It was nice to see familiar NZ faces again after such a long time. I hadn't seent these friends seen they left NZ 2 months ago.
In general, I found Vietnam extremely over rated. I was very disappointed but nonetheless a good experience. Traffic in Vietnam came as a total shock to me. I thought Malaysian traffic was bad but Vietnam was 10x worse! There is no sense of care or safety. There are also no road rules. On a one way street, don't expect traffic to come from only 1 way...traffic still comes from the other direction! Car/motorcycle horns constantly fill the air. Horns are not used as they are in NZ to voice annoyance or anger but more as a way to say that "I'm behind you" or "Watch it, I'm coming through and get out of my way". It was a rare sight to see only 1 or 2ppl on a motorcycle but rather a family of 4 or 5! It was unbelievable...
Back to food, most food was sub-par. A lot of eating was seen but not a lot of feeding. We never felt like we ever had been fed after each meal, feeling hungry again after 2 hrs. Having said that, there were 2 meals that were VERY enjoyable-'Pho' and 'Ban Xeo', traditional Vietnamese soup noodles and Vietnamese panckae respectively. Apart from that, all very disappointing.
My reflections on Vietnam: it's worse than Malaysia...I guess I can't complian anymore; Malaysia, though I never intend to leave here ever again is much better than Vietnam in terms of economically, hygiene, food and mentality.
After a week in Vietnam, we headed of to Singapore. Originally, this was the leg of the trip that I was least looking forward to but I was proven wrong.
The highlight of the Singapore trip was a dinner at Aurum. It is one of the few molecular gastronomy restaurants in Asia. My friend found the website while we were still in NZ and after checking it out and asking round we decided we'd make a nite of it. We were VERY impressed with the food, service needed some work but the food made up for it. You'll have to wait for photos....
I had their degustation menu that was on offer that nite. 9 courses, 1 cocktail & 2 glasses of wine later...I was very very satisfied. I'd be back in a heartbeat. (I'll dedicate a seperate post to do justice to the food and along with it photos, so hang in there).
The following nite, we went to try out Les Amis. It has been up and running for many years now and has definitely made a real name for itself in the Culinary scene. However, we were quite disappointed especially after the meal we had the nite before at Aurum. A real anti climax...Service was amazing but food didn't match up to it. Wine list was ridiculously huge but interior design and layout was good. They just needed to work on the flavours and combination of each dish considering the prices they charge! Oh well...now I know.
So, I'm back in KL now with the mob and it's pretty quiet. But we are still doing heaps of eating, what else?! They'll be here for another week or so, which equates to MORE eating...
Tomoz we are heading up to Genting Highlands. As the name suggests it is a highlands situated in the East Coast of mainland Malaysia. It is a popular holiday location for both locals and tourists alike as it is nice a cool (~16-20C) as oppose to the usual hot and humid weather. It should be a good day out...
Til the next post...
p/s: I don't have anyway of downloading photos from my camera to the computer thus I have not posted any. I will do so asap when I get my hands on a cable or wait til I get back to NZ. I do apologise...I am very annoyed at myself for forgetting to bring it with me. :(
Anyhow, I'm back in KL after being in Vietnam and Singapore for 1.5 weeks. The trip started off in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a reunion with my friends. It was nice to see familiar NZ faces again after such a long time. I hadn't seent these friends seen they left NZ 2 months ago.
In general, I found Vietnam extremely over rated. I was very disappointed but nonetheless a good experience. Traffic in Vietnam came as a total shock to me. I thought Malaysian traffic was bad but Vietnam was 10x worse! There is no sense of care or safety. There are also no road rules. On a one way street, don't expect traffic to come from only 1 way...traffic still comes from the other direction! Car/motorcycle horns constantly fill the air. Horns are not used as they are in NZ to voice annoyance or anger but more as a way to say that "I'm behind you" or "Watch it, I'm coming through and get out of my way". It was a rare sight to see only 1 or 2ppl on a motorcycle but rather a family of 4 or 5! It was unbelievable...
Back to food, most food was sub-par. A lot of eating was seen but not a lot of feeding. We never felt like we ever had been fed after each meal, feeling hungry again after 2 hrs. Having said that, there were 2 meals that were VERY enjoyable-'Pho' and 'Ban Xeo', traditional Vietnamese soup noodles and Vietnamese panckae respectively. Apart from that, all very disappointing.
My reflections on Vietnam: it's worse than Malaysia...I guess I can't complian anymore; Malaysia, though I never intend to leave here ever again is much better than Vietnam in terms of economically, hygiene, food and mentality.
After a week in Vietnam, we headed of to Singapore. Originally, this was the leg of the trip that I was least looking forward to but I was proven wrong.
The highlight of the Singapore trip was a dinner at Aurum. It is one of the few molecular gastronomy restaurants in Asia. My friend found the website while we were still in NZ and after checking it out and asking round we decided we'd make a nite of it. We were VERY impressed with the food, service needed some work but the food made up for it. You'll have to wait for photos....
I had their degustation menu that was on offer that nite. 9 courses, 1 cocktail & 2 glasses of wine later...I was very very satisfied. I'd be back in a heartbeat. (I'll dedicate a seperate post to do justice to the food and along with it photos, so hang in there).
The following nite, we went to try out Les Amis. It has been up and running for many years now and has definitely made a real name for itself in the Culinary scene. However, we were quite disappointed especially after the meal we had the nite before at Aurum. A real anti climax...Service was amazing but food didn't match up to it. Wine list was ridiculously huge but interior design and layout was good. They just needed to work on the flavours and combination of each dish considering the prices they charge! Oh well...now I know.
So, I'm back in KL now with the mob and it's pretty quiet. But we are still doing heaps of eating, what else?! They'll be here for another week or so, which equates to MORE eating...
Tomoz we are heading up to Genting Highlands. As the name suggests it is a highlands situated in the East Coast of mainland Malaysia. It is a popular holiday location for both locals and tourists alike as it is nice a cool (~16-20C) as oppose to the usual hot and humid weather. It should be a good day out...
Til the next post...
p/s: I don't have anyway of downloading photos from my camera to the computer thus I have not posted any. I will do so asap when I get my hands on a cable or wait til I get back to NZ. I do apologise...I am very annoyed at myself for forgetting to bring it with me. :(
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Latest haps
As most of you know, I was very much looking forward to the plethora of food that is normally on offer in Malaysia. The variety is still evident and probably even increased. However, I have been sadly disappointed...
I don't know if it is just me and my standards/expectations have gone up or the the care and quality that goes into preparing a dish has gone down the drain! I think in some occasions it is me but more often than not, the care factor is definitely no more there. Very sad...
For a country with such incredible food to offer, why is it that they can't even get that right?! *sigh*
Anyhow, despite a few sub-par experiences there have been a couple of meals that have been rather good. Last nite I had dinner with my cousin, his new girlfriend and Auntie Jacqie and the family. What we had was a typical Chinese meal where you order an array of dishes to share and it is to be eaten with rice. We had 1 large crab tossed in a spiced salted egg sauce, vege medley in spicy shrimp paste, a whole chix just light poached serve with spring onion/ginger oil, bbq pork, red wine braised pork ribs and a traditional Chinese New Year dish (this I can't explain..). I forgot to bring the camera out but we will be back there again when my friends are up in KL. I will make sure I don't forget it then!
Earlier in the day, dad and I headed into the city-something I hate with utter passion-but it had to be done. We needed to go into the bank to sort some stuff out. But we then headed to a Japanese restaurant a little while away. This place was called Wa-Raku. It is supposed to be a fine-dining Jap restaurant. It's prices definitely reflected that but the food, though not bad but for it's prices, I expected a little more...
We've yet to battle the shopping malls again as today is a public holiday, I told dad I'm not even attempting that feat. If you think Botany and Sylvia Park are a nightmare....multiply that by 20 and that's what it's like here!
On Mon, I spent a few hours at the hairdressers and treated myself. The photo will come, Mrs O...I promise. Just be patient.... :D It's much shorter, which I really wanted and it has been thinned out. It is also no longer copper/goldish rather light brown with a redish tinge through out. I quite like it though it wasn't quite what I expected. Actually, I didn't really know what to expect since I told the hairdresser that she could do whatever she wanted but within reason. A rather interesting experience, I must say...You proud of me, Melissa...?
Well, only a few days to go before I'm off to Vietnam and catching up with the gang.
Til the next adventures...
I don't know if it is just me and my standards/expectations have gone up or the the care and quality that goes into preparing a dish has gone down the drain! I think in some occasions it is me but more often than not, the care factor is definitely no more there. Very sad...
For a country with such incredible food to offer, why is it that they can't even get that right?! *sigh*
Anyhow, despite a few sub-par experiences there have been a couple of meals that have been rather good. Last nite I had dinner with my cousin, his new girlfriend and Auntie Jacqie and the family. What we had was a typical Chinese meal where you order an array of dishes to share and it is to be eaten with rice. We had 1 large crab tossed in a spiced salted egg sauce, vege medley in spicy shrimp paste, a whole chix just light poached serve with spring onion/ginger oil, bbq pork, red wine braised pork ribs and a traditional Chinese New Year dish (this I can't explain..). I forgot to bring the camera out but we will be back there again when my friends are up in KL. I will make sure I don't forget it then!
Earlier in the day, dad and I headed into the city-something I hate with utter passion-but it had to be done. We needed to go into the bank to sort some stuff out. But we then headed to a Japanese restaurant a little while away. This place was called Wa-Raku. It is supposed to be a fine-dining Jap restaurant. It's prices definitely reflected that but the food, though not bad but for it's prices, I expected a little more...
We've yet to battle the shopping malls again as today is a public holiday, I told dad I'm not even attempting that feat. If you think Botany and Sylvia Park are a nightmare....multiply that by 20 and that's what it's like here!
On Mon, I spent a few hours at the hairdressers and treated myself. The photo will come, Mrs O...I promise. Just be patient.... :D It's much shorter, which I really wanted and it has been thinned out. It is also no longer copper/goldish rather light brown with a redish tinge through out. I quite like it though it wasn't quite what I expected. Actually, I didn't really know what to expect since I told the hairdresser that she could do whatever she wanted but within reason. A rather interesting experience, I must say...You proud of me, Melissa...?
Well, only a few days to go before I'm off to Vietnam and catching up with the gang.
Til the next adventures...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
OFFICIALLY and finally on holiday
Well, well, well...As of yesterday, I am officially on holiday. By this, I mean that I am many many miles away from receiving calls from work asking me to fill in when I'm supposed to have finish work on NY eve. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my new job but when you are suppose to be on holiday and have to go into work..that's not so cool).
Anyhow, I flew out early arvo yesterday and arrived safely in KL later that nite. There is a 5hr time difference and currently still running on NZ time. Thus, haven't had much sleep; actually, sleep has been rather lacking all week. The 10hr flight was torture but nonetheless, I'm off the plane now. Since being in Melb, I've had quite a strong hatred for flying. Every year for 3.5yrs, I flew back and forth between Melb and KL 4 times a year with each leg of the trip taking 8hrs long. So now, the thought of flying really fills me with dread.
So, dad and Auntie Jacqie (a long time family friend of ours) came by and picked me up from the airport and we headed for supper. It was good...I'm looking forward to more food to come. Tonite, we are having dinner with my dad's sister and the family. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids again and just reconnecting with them. They have grown up HEAPS....and of course, I'm looking forward to the food too! I'll try and remember to take photos.
This past week was originally assigned for me to get a whole heap of cleaning, organising and packing done before I left. However, for those of you whom I have told bout my boss and his arm, I ended giving him Mon & Tues. But me being me, I sucked myself into working Wed as well and somehow managed to say to him that I'll give him a half day on Fri. So, I pretty much worked all week. How do I always get myself into situations like that?!
Due to the work situation, I was rather stressed out and rushed when it came to organising my packing. It did get done and I remembered everything that I needed to bring too. Oh, and I came in under weight!!! Considering how much I had to bring back as prezzies, I was VERY surprised.
I can't really say in one word how I feel bout this trip coz there is no one word to describe it but rather many words; excited, nervous, apprehensive...I'm excited to reconnect with family that I haven't seen for many years and had very little communication with them too. I'm excited about my trip to Vietnam and Singapore. I'm excited about being able to travel with friends. But I am nervous and apprehensive because everything is different. Nervous coz I don't know what to expect. Apprehensive coz I am away from my home (I never thought I'd say it but yes, NZ is home) and my support system for 5 weeks. It's the longest I have ever been away from my friends, whom I so heavily rely on to stay sane. (If I have never said how much I appreciate you...hear it now: I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!!!). I'm nervous and apprehensive coz I feel like an outsider, a foreigner in my country of birth-will elaborate on this at a later time/day/post.
Despite this though, I will definitely make sure I enjoy this trip. It is a much needed break from work, uni & cooking in general. I guess what I hoping to gain from this trip is some perspective. Having had a rough year last year, I'm really hoping that with this break I'll come back refresh and ready for what the year has installed but also to be able to handle the bad as well as the good with greater strength and knowledge that in the larger scheme of things, ALL IS GOOD.
Anyhow, I flew out early arvo yesterday and arrived safely in KL later that nite. There is a 5hr time difference and currently still running on NZ time. Thus, haven't had much sleep; actually, sleep has been rather lacking all week. The 10hr flight was torture but nonetheless, I'm off the plane now. Since being in Melb, I've had quite a strong hatred for flying. Every year for 3.5yrs, I flew back and forth between Melb and KL 4 times a year with each leg of the trip taking 8hrs long. So now, the thought of flying really fills me with dread.
So, dad and Auntie Jacqie (a long time family friend of ours) came by and picked me up from the airport and we headed for supper. It was good...I'm looking forward to more food to come. Tonite, we are having dinner with my dad's sister and the family. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids again and just reconnecting with them. They have grown up HEAPS....and of course, I'm looking forward to the food too! I'll try and remember to take photos.
This past week was originally assigned for me to get a whole heap of cleaning, organising and packing done before I left. However, for those of you whom I have told bout my boss and his arm, I ended giving him Mon & Tues. But me being me, I sucked myself into working Wed as well and somehow managed to say to him that I'll give him a half day on Fri. So, I pretty much worked all week. How do I always get myself into situations like that?!
Due to the work situation, I was rather stressed out and rushed when it came to organising my packing. It did get done and I remembered everything that I needed to bring too. Oh, and I came in under weight!!! Considering how much I had to bring back as prezzies, I was VERY surprised.
I can't really say in one word how I feel bout this trip coz there is no one word to describe it but rather many words; excited, nervous, apprehensive...I'm excited to reconnect with family that I haven't seen for many years and had very little communication with them too. I'm excited about my trip to Vietnam and Singapore. I'm excited about being able to travel with friends. But I am nervous and apprehensive because everything is different. Nervous coz I don't know what to expect. Apprehensive coz I am away from my home (I never thought I'd say it but yes, NZ is home) and my support system for 5 weeks. It's the longest I have ever been away from my friends, whom I so heavily rely on to stay sane. (If I have never said how much I appreciate you...hear it now: I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!!!). I'm nervous and apprehensive coz I feel like an outsider, a foreigner in my country of birth-will elaborate on this at a later time/day/post.
Despite this though, I will definitely make sure I enjoy this trip. It is a much needed break from work, uni & cooking in general. I guess what I hoping to gain from this trip is some perspective. Having had a rough year last year, I'm really hoping that with this break I'll come back refresh and ready for what the year has installed but also to be able to handle the bad as well as the good with greater strength and knowledge that in the larger scheme of things, ALL IS GOOD.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
More painting
Rebecca and I have been talking bout getting a piece of painting done for a while now. And tonite, she came over and we finally got it done. It's similar to the one that I did yesterday but obviously slightly different. Enjoy...
The finished product
I'm really enjoying this painting business...Hopefully, it's something I can keep at when I'm back at uni and have a manic timetable. :)
The finished product
I'm really enjoying this painting business...Hopefully, it's something I can keep at when I'm back at uni and have a manic timetable. :)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Entertainment
I'm bored!
Yes, what else is new?!! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying my time off but with nothing much to do I get bored easily...
I have found something to entertain myself...PAINTING! Now, I'm not a painter nor am I artistic in any way but it's something I've always wanted to dabble in. So here is my first...It's not great but I guess it'll do for a first go.
The writing on it is people, places, events, things that all have speacial significance to me
Yes, what else is new?!! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying my time off but with nothing much to do I get bored easily...
I have found something to entertain myself...PAINTING! Now, I'm not a painter nor am I artistic in any way but it's something I've always wanted to dabble in. So here is my first...It's not great but I guess it'll do for a first go.
The writing on it is people, places, events, things that all have speacial significance to me
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Back to reality
The past month has been a rather mad one, filled with many (ridiculous) hours at work and lack of sleep.
As most of you would know I've started a new job at Merediths. It's been bout a month and a half now and I have to say...I really love it. There's no feeling of dread of having to go to work each day and no counting down the hours til the end of the shift and I get to go home. The rest of the team are brilliant-not just as people but at their work too. It just makes it so much more enjoyable when others that you work with know their job well too. We work together like a very well oiled machine.
I've had a few nites (Xmas break and New Yrs Eve) where I'd be the social bunny and have a few drinks with them and it's been great getting to know them on a slightly more casual level. (I am otherwise very 'unsociable'. I refuse to have a staffy coz I've got to drive home and would much rather hit the sack then stay up any later).
It has however, been extremely hard work. The hours more than anything else. I did 2 weeks of full time work and clocked up about 60+hrs each week. But it's been worth it, esp with being able to pick up things a little faster than if I were to only work 2 days-which was the original plan.
Apart from work, I've been house sitting out in Sandringham and am back home now. It was nice to be closer to work and save on the travelling but it wasn't a particularly nice house so you won't see me back there in a hurry...
I managed to get Xmas off last yr and I had a good Xmas too. Mom got a few invites and so we had lunch at the Fussner's and then dinner at the Lee's. All in all, great food and awesome company. I was also able to spend Xmas eve at the beach to start the tanning process and the weather permitted it!!! Boxing day was pretty low key considering I was back at work the following day.
My New Yrs Eve plans went out the window real quickly when I found out I had to work. Oh the things we sacrifice when working in the Hospo Industry...It didn't actually turn out too badly though. We ended up finishing work bout 11.45pm. We then popped some Champerz and had our own lil' countdown. We then just chilled out at work for the next few hours over numerous bottles of opened wine, which obviously wouldn't keep over the 2 weeks that we would be closed. Hunger started to set in and we made our way down the road to some Chinese shop which opened til 5am and had supper. So it was a nice way to usher in the New Year with some very decent people.
We are now officially on holiday-we are closed til Jan 15. And I'm totally digging it! It's been great to have some time off. I've spent 1 day at the beach already and have a few more planned before I head away. I've also been able to catch some movies and will be catching a jazz gig this Friday. I'm really looking forward to that, seeing as I've been working and haven't been able to go to any. Should be good.
So what's install for this coming year for Jean? A lot!
For starters, I'm going away for a much deserved 5 week holiday to Kl, Vietnam and Singapore. Then back to uni for 1 final yr (and this time it really is the last year!). In the midst of the madness of uni, we'll be starting plans for competition and maybe trying to fit in a few more small competitions on the side. I'm also hoping to make a weekend trip to Melb for my 5yr reunion at PLC.
I guess most of all, I really want this year to be a year where things start to come together and make sense. For me to build a better relationship with God. To be able to call Him "Father" and really mean it. To be able to REALLY lean on Him. To be able to REALLY trust Him. To be able to just TRUST that what will be is what is...
2007 was a particularly trying year and I can't say that it was my favourite year. But, I'll try and learn from what the year was to make this year a better one...
Here's to 2008! Happy New Year, all...
As most of you would know I've started a new job at Merediths. It's been bout a month and a half now and I have to say...I really love it. There's no feeling of dread of having to go to work each day and no counting down the hours til the end of the shift and I get to go home. The rest of the team are brilliant-not just as people but at their work too. It just makes it so much more enjoyable when others that you work with know their job well too. We work together like a very well oiled machine.
I've had a few nites (Xmas break and New Yrs Eve) where I'd be the social bunny and have a few drinks with them and it's been great getting to know them on a slightly more casual level. (I am otherwise very 'unsociable'. I refuse to have a staffy coz I've got to drive home and would much rather hit the sack then stay up any later).
It has however, been extremely hard work. The hours more than anything else. I did 2 weeks of full time work and clocked up about 60+hrs each week. But it's been worth it, esp with being able to pick up things a little faster than if I were to only work 2 days-which was the original plan.
Apart from work, I've been house sitting out in Sandringham and am back home now. It was nice to be closer to work and save on the travelling but it wasn't a particularly nice house so you won't see me back there in a hurry...
I managed to get Xmas off last yr and I had a good Xmas too. Mom got a few invites and so we had lunch at the Fussner's and then dinner at the Lee's. All in all, great food and awesome company. I was also able to spend Xmas eve at the beach to start the tanning process and the weather permitted it!!! Boxing day was pretty low key considering I was back at work the following day.
My New Yrs Eve plans went out the window real quickly when I found out I had to work. Oh the things we sacrifice when working in the Hospo Industry...It didn't actually turn out too badly though. We ended up finishing work bout 11.45pm. We then popped some Champerz and had our own lil' countdown. We then just chilled out at work for the next few hours over numerous bottles of opened wine, which obviously wouldn't keep over the 2 weeks that we would be closed. Hunger started to set in and we made our way down the road to some Chinese shop which opened til 5am and had supper. So it was a nice way to usher in the New Year with some very decent people.
We are now officially on holiday-we are closed til Jan 15. And I'm totally digging it! It's been great to have some time off. I've spent 1 day at the beach already and have a few more planned before I head away. I've also been able to catch some movies and will be catching a jazz gig this Friday. I'm really looking forward to that, seeing as I've been working and haven't been able to go to any. Should be good.
So what's install for this coming year for Jean? A lot!
For starters, I'm going away for a much deserved 5 week holiday to Kl, Vietnam and Singapore. Then back to uni for 1 final yr (and this time it really is the last year!). In the midst of the madness of uni, we'll be starting plans for competition and maybe trying to fit in a few more small competitions on the side. I'm also hoping to make a weekend trip to Melb for my 5yr reunion at PLC.
I guess most of all, I really want this year to be a year where things start to come together and make sense. For me to build a better relationship with God. To be able to call Him "Father" and really mean it. To be able to REALLY lean on Him. To be able to REALLY trust Him. To be able to just TRUST that what will be is what is...
2007 was a particularly trying year and I can't say that it was my favourite year. But, I'll try and learn from what the year was to make this year a better one...
Here's to 2008! Happy New Year, all...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
A week on
Currently, I'm well into my second week of holidays. It sure feels like I've been on holiday a lot longer...
Anyhow, aside from being good to myself and taking time out during the first week of holidays I started work at Merediths. It is a good place and very different to SkyCity. I don't regret taking the job there at all. It hasn't been easy though. Because I am only there a couple of times a week, it makes it harder for me to pick things up and personally, I find that frustrating. Some may not see that as a problem at all but being a perfectionist and having such high standards for myself, I hate not being able to just 'get it'. So it's def a learning curve for me...I'm back at work again today for the next 2 days. Hopefully what I learnt last week, I haven't forgotten.
So after work last week, I was going to just laze around at home on Thursday. But I got a call asking if I was keen to do some painting. So off I went and spent the day with Rebecca and Kate in the garden painting the day away. It was nice to have some company as oppose to just vege-ing out in front of the tv. Friday included sending dad off to the airport and taking the Dunn girls out for the afternoon. It was awesome...I had a blast and I think the girls did too. Unfortunately, I got sun-burnt!!! Once on Thurs and again on Fri. Come Friday evening and I was rather sore...
I didn't do much during the day on Saturday. Some friends and I went out for dinner at Bracu in the evening, though, and it was good. Us four have spent a lot of dinners together this year and it's nice to enjoy dinner with some other chefs...Jie Min was heading back the following day so we thought it would be nice to have one more dinner before we went our separate ways only to be meeting up again in late Jan.
So, despite keeping busy and out of trouble I have been pretty disciplined in making time for myself. I guess, it's a little easier to make sure I keep this going at this present point in time as it is the holidays. The true test will be if I can maintain it when I'm back at uni. Oh well...I've got a few more months before I have to worry bout it.
Anyhow, aside from being good to myself and taking time out during the first week of holidays I started work at Merediths. It is a good place and very different to SkyCity. I don't regret taking the job there at all. It hasn't been easy though. Because I am only there a couple of times a week, it makes it harder for me to pick things up and personally, I find that frustrating. Some may not see that as a problem at all but being a perfectionist and having such high standards for myself, I hate not being able to just 'get it'. So it's def a learning curve for me...I'm back at work again today for the next 2 days. Hopefully what I learnt last week, I haven't forgotten.
So after work last week, I was going to just laze around at home on Thursday. But I got a call asking if I was keen to do some painting. So off I went and spent the day with Rebecca and Kate in the garden painting the day away. It was nice to have some company as oppose to just vege-ing out in front of the tv. Friday included sending dad off to the airport and taking the Dunn girls out for the afternoon. It was awesome...I had a blast and I think the girls did too. Unfortunately, I got sun-burnt!!! Once on Thurs and again on Fri. Come Friday evening and I was rather sore...
I didn't do much during the day on Saturday. Some friends and I went out for dinner at Bracu in the evening, though, and it was good. Us four have spent a lot of dinners together this year and it's nice to enjoy dinner with some other chefs...Jie Min was heading back the following day so we thought it would be nice to have one more dinner before we went our separate ways only to be meeting up again in late Jan.
So, despite keeping busy and out of trouble I have been pretty disciplined in making time for myself. I guess, it's a little easier to make sure I keep this going at this present point in time as it is the holidays. The true test will be if I can maintain it when I'm back at uni. Oh well...I've got a few more months before I have to worry bout it.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Photos and more
Well, I am officially done with uni for the year. We finished up with a HUGE deep clean of the kitchen, which took a good part of 4 hours, and then lunch with the rest of the class and our lecturer. It's been a great year and def no regrets for deciding to go back down the road of being a poor student.
Though much of what I did this year in class was repetition of the previous two year I was at uni, there was still loads to learn and repetition was very much welcomed. I picked up new skills and honed the ones I already had. So next year looks to be another brilliant year. But before that comes round, I'm looking forward to the upcoming break that I'll be having.
For photos from the final buffet, head to this website and scroll down to the photos link and enjoy...The photos on there are of the whole buffet but for some shots of my work here they are:
And all those tiny mice and frogs that you see with the labels..it's a joint effort between myself and a friend of mine, Jie Min. We spent 3 days making them out of marzipan. There is a reason why we made them mice and frogs-a little inside joke, you have to be there to get it...but enjoy the photos anyway.
So I start work at this new job next week. I'm both looking forward to it as well as nervous but I guess that's expected when starting at a new job. Anyhow, I do have the next few days off before starting so I'll be enjoying them...however, I do have a yucky cold which came down on the day of our Final Buffet!!
Plans over the holidays? Aside from working, I've just been asked to house sit for a friend's friend. It'll be a nice month of having my own place so I'm looking forward to that. And then I head away to KL, Vietnam and Singapore before I'm back at uni for my final year. (And it will be my last year of uni for a nice little while when I'm done...). Another friend and I will also be meeting up with a lecturer to start discussions rolling for next year's competitions. We will also be getting a one on one masterclass on sugar work. Now that...I'm looking forward to! Should be fun. I'll also be keeping busy making X'mas presents, as I do every year, and that will keep me out of trouble for a few weeks.
So, I'll be occupied but not exceptionally busy...
Though much of what I did this year in class was repetition of the previous two year I was at uni, there was still loads to learn and repetition was very much welcomed. I picked up new skills and honed the ones I already had. So next year looks to be another brilliant year. But before that comes round, I'm looking forward to the upcoming break that I'll be having.
For photos from the final buffet, head to this website and scroll down to the photos link and enjoy...The photos on there are of the whole buffet but for some shots of my work here they are:
And all those tiny mice and frogs that you see with the labels..it's a joint effort between myself and a friend of mine, Jie Min. We spent 3 days making them out of marzipan. There is a reason why we made them mice and frogs-a little inside joke, you have to be there to get it...but enjoy the photos anyway.
So I start work at this new job next week. I'm both looking forward to it as well as nervous but I guess that's expected when starting at a new job. Anyhow, I do have the next few days off before starting so I'll be enjoying them...however, I do have a yucky cold which came down on the day of our Final Buffet!!
Plans over the holidays? Aside from working, I've just been asked to house sit for a friend's friend. It'll be a nice month of having my own place so I'm looking forward to that. And then I head away to KL, Vietnam and Singapore before I'm back at uni for my final year. (And it will be my last year of uni for a nice little while when I'm done...). Another friend and I will also be meeting up with a lecturer to start discussions rolling for next year's competitions. We will also be getting a one on one masterclass on sugar work. Now that...I'm looking forward to! Should be fun. I'll also be keeping busy making X'mas presents, as I do every year, and that will keep me out of trouble for a few weeks.
So, I'll be occupied but not exceptionally busy...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Updates
I know...I know...I've been VERY VERY slack with updating. Let me try and make it up with this post:
Well it's been a pretty crazy few months since starting term 4. It's gone by with extreme speed, I must say! 3 weeks into the term and we had our first assessment, 2 weeks later it was our final assignment was due in along with having our final theory assessment and the following week we had our final practical assessment. So it's been full steam ahead, as you can see. No complains from me though, that assessments and assignments are over and done with for the year. As much as I enjoy them, they were getting a bit draggy and I was starting to really dread them. But it's done now.
Since we've finished with the business end of the year, we've been starting on some things that need to be done for our final buffet that is being put on next week. A friend and I have been spending all our free time at uni making marzipan animals and a potrait for the buffet. It looks pretty cool, dare I say. I'll post some pictures next week of the buffet when it's all set up.
In the midst of all that, I resigned from Sky City and landed myself a job at a new fine dining restaurant on Dominion Rd, Merediths. The chef/owner is Michael Meredith who was the previous head chef at The Grove.
I'm yet to start work at Merediths but I have officially been offered the job. I'm very much looking forward to it; with much to learn. It's a tiny 28 seater restaurant with an open kitchen, gorgeous interior and toilets are quite spectacualr too! (I know it sounds crazy to be analysing a toilet but toilets are one of the few tell tale signs of whether or not the restaurant is about to go under!).
Everything, with the exception of breads and cheese are all made on site, including desserts! That was just such an awesoem thing for me when I saw that. At least this course will come in very handy for me to put what I have learnt into practise.
However, landing this job meant that I have had to put my trip to Melb on the back burner again. But I'm not too annoyed about it, considering I got a free trip earlier in the year and saw eveyrone I wanted to see then. Granted, it was a very rushed trip but it was still a trip. So it'll just have to be next time...
I am still making the trip back to KL in Jan. It's a month long trip with 2 weeks of it spent in Vietnam and Singapore. My friends and I are doing a trip to each others countries and they will be spending 2 weeks after Vietnam and Singpore in KL with me. We are all looking forward to it...however, I'm not looking forward to the pounds that I will pack on from that month long food-filled constant-eating trip!!! Oh the sacrifice...
With this new job, I will also be having Xmas and New Year's off! A rare occasion and one that I'm looking forward to. It's because the restaurant closes over that period, so I get time off...Otherwise, I would've spent another Xmas and New YEar staring at pots and pans and stoves-though, I really shouldn't complain...it's part of the industry and I knew that before I got myself into it. But I will def savour this time off over New Year and Xmas.
Besides, work and uni there hasn't been much else happening. I'm still on a break from ministry. I'm still not sure when I will get stuck into it again but it is being considered at the moment. It's been hard to take a break but I know that it was needed. It's often even hard to think about it but it needs to be done. So we'll see what happens when the new year rolls round.
Well, that's about it for news for now. I hope it has made up for the lack of posts over the last month and I will endeavour to put a few more posts up when holidays roll round in the next week or so.
Well it's been a pretty crazy few months since starting term 4. It's gone by with extreme speed, I must say! 3 weeks into the term and we had our first assessment, 2 weeks later it was our final assignment was due in along with having our final theory assessment and the following week we had our final practical assessment. So it's been full steam ahead, as you can see. No complains from me though, that assessments and assignments are over and done with for the year. As much as I enjoy them, they were getting a bit draggy and I was starting to really dread them. But it's done now.
Since we've finished with the business end of the year, we've been starting on some things that need to be done for our final buffet that is being put on next week. A friend and I have been spending all our free time at uni making marzipan animals and a potrait for the buffet. It looks pretty cool, dare I say. I'll post some pictures next week of the buffet when it's all set up.
In the midst of all that, I resigned from Sky City and landed myself a job at a new fine dining restaurant on Dominion Rd, Merediths. The chef/owner is Michael Meredith who was the previous head chef at The Grove.
I'm yet to start work at Merediths but I have officially been offered the job. I'm very much looking forward to it; with much to learn. It's a tiny 28 seater restaurant with an open kitchen, gorgeous interior and toilets are quite spectacualr too! (I know it sounds crazy to be analysing a toilet but toilets are one of the few tell tale signs of whether or not the restaurant is about to go under!).
Everything, with the exception of breads and cheese are all made on site, including desserts! That was just such an awesoem thing for me when I saw that. At least this course will come in very handy for me to put what I have learnt into practise.
However, landing this job meant that I have had to put my trip to Melb on the back burner again. But I'm not too annoyed about it, considering I got a free trip earlier in the year and saw eveyrone I wanted to see then. Granted, it was a very rushed trip but it was still a trip. So it'll just have to be next time...
I am still making the trip back to KL in Jan. It's a month long trip with 2 weeks of it spent in Vietnam and Singapore. My friends and I are doing a trip to each others countries and they will be spending 2 weeks after Vietnam and Singpore in KL with me. We are all looking forward to it...however, I'm not looking forward to the pounds that I will pack on from that month long food-filled constant-eating trip!!! Oh the sacrifice...
With this new job, I will also be having Xmas and New Year's off! A rare occasion and one that I'm looking forward to. It's because the restaurant closes over that period, so I get time off...Otherwise, I would've spent another Xmas and New YEar staring at pots and pans and stoves-though, I really shouldn't complain...it's part of the industry and I knew that before I got myself into it. But I will def savour this time off over New Year and Xmas.
Besides, work and uni there hasn't been much else happening. I'm still on a break from ministry. I'm still not sure when I will get stuck into it again but it is being considered at the moment. It's been hard to take a break but I know that it was needed. It's often even hard to think about it but it needs to be done. So we'll see what happens when the new year rolls round.
Well, that's about it for news for now. I hope it has made up for the lack of posts over the last month and I will endeavour to put a few more posts up when holidays roll round in the next week or so.
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