I couldn’t believe it my last blog post was back in November 2008! This is definitely not good!!
Lot’s happened during the past 8 months. Work had taken over and went above my head since my last trip back to KL in Dec 08/Jan 09. That was a long break, about 4 weeks but I knew there was alot of catch up to do when I touch down. True enough!
During this vacuum period of “no blog posts from Max”, many people have come and gone here in Sydney. For my new friends in Sydney, “WELCOME!!” and for those who left “Good luck in your next adventure or search for renewed hope!”.
There were alot of events in the first half of the year but everything went too quickly - we were at Nelsons Bay for easter in late March and that felt so long ago and I was in Melb to see my cousin sister get married in May - that was good.
Was good to see my brother and mom during the wedding in Melb and they continued to stay on in Sydney. =) but it was a busy busy period.
Move to my new crib in July 2009 - it’s been 3 weeks now, kinda like it and it is definitely more suburban style living compared to my previous place which is 10 min walk to Chinatown and the city! I have to train to work now and the journey actually takes about the same time as I would have by bus from my past unit. Not bad given I pay 20% less rent! Pictures will come -
This new place gives me renewed motivation:
1. Fitness First is only a stone throw away and I went for my first Combat class since 2 1/2 years! - getting the hang of it and it really ached after the first day. There is a pool in the gym as well - so i can train my swimming before i go back into the sea for diving.
2. My decision to quit smoking - By October 22nd I will be smoke free. This is a progressive reduction of my intake and it has been working pretty well. Guys, show me some support!
3. North Shore is not that bad after all - I tell many that I dislike the North Shore. Well I am in it now. Given a choice, I would still live near the city on the “right side of the bridge”. =P but I ain’t someone who’s unadaptable to change. Let’s see!
Okay - time to go for my weekly futsal game! Adios amigos!
This song brings back alot of memories - one of my favourite songs like 10 years ago and I used to listen to it so many times. My mates love it as well. This song was played or sung for a few reasons - good and bad times. I stumbled on this song while I was surfing youtube today and gosh… what a beautiful song.
Ling’s website is finally up! After working afternoons and nights to get this up and running, her ultimate car rental guide for Australia has been unleashed - CarHireInsider
If you are visiting Australia and want a one-stop website to help you decide what you need for your land travels around the country… this is it! Visit this site and give your comments!
10 years ago, my friends were set to go over to Australia to complete their degree and experience campus life while I stayed back to study at the cement campus in Sunway.
Today, as I was walking around the University of Wollongong campus making my way to see lecturers, I thought to myself…
"How ironic is this… 10 years ago I didn’t have a chance of experiencing campus life in Australia but 10 years later, I am walking around 4 campuses all over New South Wales working!"
While I am in Wollongong, texted my sister in Sydney asking how things were. She fell sick. 3rd time since she arrived in May. Another irony statement made by my sister..
"Why is it that I have a healthier lifestyle than you, and I end up being the sickling"
Thredbo!! Whatever happens at Thredbo, STAYS in Thredbo!! (That’s the tagline used in the advertisement on TV).
BUT I cannot hold up what happened there… it was just too exciting and hilarious!
I planned for this trip with my mates (including my sister and mom) and we, all 14 of us went to Thredbo to ski on Aug 1 - 3. The snow was fantastic and it was powdery. I managed to do the blue run this time and with minimal injury and tumbling! woohoooo!!
However, for some first timers like Billy, Vivienne and Samantha… it was just hilarious!! here are some pictures - we had a grrrrrreat time there!
This is one hilarious video! Samantha ’skiing’ down the slope and then Billy doing his stance on the ski!
Coping with my transition from a Senior to being a Manager - there were heaps of training and e-learning shit i needed to do…
I had 5 reports due during the 3rd week of July - you can imagine how my stress level was the 2 weeks leading to that
Mom’s here! - this part was not actually hectic but juggling my time between work and accompanying her was a challenge.
Basically nothing much happened in July except for work and good home cook food!
Went to some touristy places with my mom and she was not used to the cold - but at least it was better than Melbourne (where she spent a week before coming to Sydney).
I am at the Airport now heading to Melbourne for a training and had just dropped mom off at the International Airport - yea 1 month lasted as long as yesterday.. but it was great having her here and although we didn’t go far (except for the snow) she kept herself entertained with Lotto while we were at work! hahahah she made $130 off that - so not bad!
YES - the month of June 2008 was SO busy for me and I was so FLAT OUT(aussie slang for extremely busy).
It’s been 1 month + since my last post and I know that I’ve not been in touch with many. Just a quick update about June:
1. Moved House
I have planned to move away from Kingsford closer to the city when my sister arrives. She has been here since May and by the end of May, I found a new place at Broadway - LOVE THIS PLACE! ahha got my sister’s buy in on the location and signed the papers! Here are some pictures.. it’s a split level unit.
The balcony faced the city and my favourite spot in the house - for my ciggie and the view of the city lights….
2. Visitor from KL/SG - Kit
Friends from high school and Uni would know who this bloke is and he paid myself and Sng a visit in Sydney - on his way to Melbourne for his cousin’s wedding. Had loads of fun going around town and bringing him to good food. It was good catching up with this old time buddy of ours. Pictures still to come and yet to receive from SNG!! (Sng.. u still owe me heaps of pictures!)
3. Career Progression
Since I was working my arse off the last couple of months / the past year, this was what I am working towards. Promotion of course! Got the good news from my Partner of the firm on 25th June while I was up at Newcastle for a project - I am looking forward to my new role and contribution to the practice.
4. Deloitte Mid Year Ball
It was only yesterday that I attended my first ever Deloitte Sydney ball. Missed that last year and must go this year. So, this was my outfit - a tux! Theme was Glitz & Glamour… (quite there?)
It was held in the Darling Harbour Convention Centre, with great entertainment. I guess they have predicted that everyone would be mingling around and not pay high attention to food - conclusion… food was NOTHING to shout/even speak about. Totally forgot what I ate. Nevertheless, the performances were fantastic; cabaret singers and dancers.. and a highly energetic band. Everyone danced the night through till 1am. Some pictures..
This my first week long business trip out of Sydney - down at Wollongong, a.k.a "The Gong". It is a southern New South Wales City with a great coastal line. This is a city but like other smaller cities, the level of activity dies down after 5pm. I checked into the Rydges Hotel today and after taking a 30 min rest, went out lookin for food.
It was 6.30pm and we went out to the main road, Crown St. to see if there are any restaurants open. We walked about 15-20 mins and only found Sub-Way… no way we are going for that! So we went into a closing Gloria Jeans and asked if there were any food outlets open. Funny… this conversation:
Me: "Excuse me, I just wanna ask if you know whether there are any food outlets open around here?"
Barrista: "What sorta food outlet?"
Me: "Any food, like for dinner???"
Barrista: "Oh - like a restaurant?"
Me (thinking to myself): *DUHH!!*
Anyway, we went towards the direction given to us and found the first restaurant. It’s THAI! It’s called Coconut Thai.
So - we gave it a try..
BAM! One of the best Green Curry I’ve tried in Australia! We also ordered the Chilli & Basil Lamb. Both dishes were awesome and just makes you asking for more!
It’s been exactly a year since I moved to Sydney. I still remember on May 1st 2007, I arrived at the Sydney airport and made my way to the city to check into my apartment.
Well, it’s really quick how time flies. I could have been in London for a year but instead I think it was a blessing in disguise for me to come to Sydney instead.
The first year working in a new environment where no one knows you or know what your abilities are is ……. challenging, I would say. Stepping 1/2 a step back from where I was in KL, reestablishing your credentials and building the trust from my new peers and bosses took a lot of effort. I was pushing myself to a level which I have not been before - hence, more grey hair…
