My Hectic October Weekend...

It started from Thursday 7th October when our choir have to sing for every first Thursday of the month.  The following day, we have a pre-ceremony for the First Saint of Australia, Mary MacKillop and also your choir Hong An 1st Anniversary.  Everyone dressed so nicely in our uniform and after the Mass we gathered in the school hall for the celebration with foods and cutting the cake.

Still haven't recovered from last night's party yet.  I had to wake up early on Saturday morning to attend our termly youth leaders' gathering Lua Thieng at Cabramatta.  Fortunately, this time we spent most of the time playing, singing and eating so the day wasn't too bad.

That afternoon, however, I have to attend my work colleague "Maria & Tim" wedding.  The ceremony took place at Sacred Heart, Cabramatta.  The ceremony were in both English & Vietnamese, the bride looks so beautiful and the groom is not far from it.

Everyone then go back home to get change and ready for the reception that night at Crystal Palace, Canley Heights.  We had so much fun, the food was delicious and the music was groovy.  All of us were on the dance floor.  I enjoyed every moment of the wedding.  Congratulations and goodluck to Maria & Timothy.  All the best for the rest of your life.

Over the next day, my body was so sored from all the dancing, yet I still have to get up early for another long day trip.  I guess because it was the 10/10/10 so many people wanted to celebrate just anything.  First I drove to my boyfriend's house and both of us go to Bankstown Centro to choose a present for my niece's christening.  Then I got back to his place to change into my traditional dress 'ao dai' to attend the ceremony at St. Felix de Valois, Bankstown.  There are families and relatives of 2 sides present, the ceremony was short but everyone was so happy for the couple.

Then we have to head straight to St. Therese, Lakemba for my old friend's wedding ceremony Hoai & Ngan.  The flowers were so beautiful and everything went on quite well despite the priest was a bit late.

We then head back to my cousin's house in Fairfield for the christening party (and helping out).  There were so much foods, and a live band from my cousin's work place "The TNT" composed of everyone in the same family was helping with the entertainment.  It was so much fun.  The kids got their own jumping castle and leave the adults alone :)

Right after that, we head back to Bankstown for a bit of a rest then get ready for the reception that evening.  Only a few more hours before we can go back home and sleep.  What a long day already.  We had a lot of fun during the reception.  Even my boyfriend asked me to dance lol...that was a very rare occasion.  My whole family is sitting together in one table.  All my friends are at other tables but we ran around chatting and catching up, dancing and laughing.  It was a great night to see everyone again!!

Once again, congratulations to Hoai & Ngan, wish you all the best on your marriage life!!

Vợ tốt, chồng tốt

Mình đọc được hai bài thơ này từ những người bạn, thấy hay hay nên post lên đây để lưu trữ.

Vợ Tốt

Phải đẹp gái
Không kiêu sa
Thích ở nhà
Lo nội trợ
Không cắc cớ
Chửi chồng con
Không phấn son
Không nhiều chuyện
Không hà tiện
Không càm ràm
Phải siêng năng
Không lười biếng
Nói nhỏ tiếng
Biết chiều chồng
Giỏi nữ công
Và gia chánh.
Biết làm bánh
Nấu ăn ngon
Biết dạy con
Ứng xử tốt
Không quá dốt
Không quá khôn
Không ôm đồm
Không ủy mị
Không thiên vị
Không cầu kỳ
Không quá phì...

Chồng Tốt

phải đẹp giai
không dê gái
thích ở nhà
lo giặt giũ
thích "đồ" cũ hơn "đồ" mới
thích mua sắm cho vợ con
phải lo toan cho cuộc sống
thấy vợ nóng phải vuốt ve
chớ xách xe đi tìm gái
thấy gà gáy dậy nấu cơm
phải sớm hôm chăm lo vợ
thấy giấy nợ (bill) phải làm thinh
phải một mình lo nội trợ
khi gặp "mợ" phải dạ thưa
đến trưa trưa lo chợ búa
ăn mặc phải như hai lúa
cần tiết kiệm cho vợ xài
phải miệt mài lo làm việc
lỡ có tiệc cũng không đi
mà có đi phải trình báo
không bố láo, với phu nhân
phải biết thân không toi mạng

Braces - is it worth it?

10 years ago I went to different dentists to consult about getting braces.  At that time I was so scared of getting my teeth pulled out for the preparation of braces so I didn't go ahead with the procedure.

It has been a long time since I started to visit dentists again.  All these times I still don't like to visit a dental surgery.  Other than getting my teeth cleaned every 6 months I rarely like to visit my dentist.

There are suggestions from family and friends that I should get braces because as I get older my teeth is pushing forward.  And it's true whenever I look at the photos all I see are my teeth.

I have been visiting a few dentists to get consultation about getting braces at this age.  We have to go through examination, X-rays and then pulling out certain teeth for space before getting braces on.

Last Friday, I got 2 of my teeth pulled out.  It was bleeding until the next morning.  I could not eat much except congee for the whole weekend.  Since my body is so used to rice, without it for a few days my body was so weak and I needed a lot of sleep.

Even now, I could not chew rice at all because it took so long to finish my food and it was so uncomfortable.  Only at this stage I could not eat much at all, I wonder how when I get my braces on - this coming Friday, how can I survive for the next 1 and 1/2 years.  People said I will definitely lose weight.  I'm a food lover I think this is the worst punishment ever.

Oh well, you have to sacrifice something to look pretty after all.

Skills Update

Last week I finished most of my tests so I was pretty "free".  I took that chance to actually learn more new tests for later use.  It was great that I have learnt:

• Emulsifer
• Trehalose
• Vitamin C
• Fat Soxhlet

So altogether I have learnt 17 tests in the past 3 months.  I was supposed to learn Lactic acid but I was caught up on Friday so I missed out the chance to learn something new.

Unfortunately, this week I am so tie down with my tests that I have no time for rests at all :( well I guess there are ups and downs sometimes.

Thuy & Thanh's Big Day

It has been more than 10 years since they met each other.  And on the 14th August, Thuy & Thanh decided to finally tie the know.  I was so happy for them and no words could describe my feeling at the time.  When Thuy walked down the St. Felix de Valois church, she was so radiant and beautiful.  I wish you both happiness from now and for the rest of your lives.

Eggplant

On Vivian birthday, Dotti was cooking a very nice looking eggplant dish. Eggplant is one of my favourite dish but I overheard something about eggplant allergy so my curiorsity was aroused. I did a bit of literature search about eggplant and found some good papers I would like to share with you guys.

Eggplant allergy

Only a few cases about eggplant allergy have been reported based on the allergic reactions of itching, rashes and edema due to the ingestion of eggplant. Specific IgE antibodies against eggplant antigens were detected by skin prick test and ELISA. Proteins (eggplant extracts) with molecular weight of 71 kDa, 64 kDa and 60 kDa (Pramod & Venkatesh, 2004) were detected by IgE immunoblotting only in allergic patients. It was found that eggplant allergens have cross-reactivity with some latex antigens (Lee et al., 2004) suggesting epitope mimicry is having a role in triggering the allergic response. Further investigation is required to understand the pathogenesis of this allergenic reaction.

Diabetes Treatment

National Diabetes Education Program of NIH, Mayo Clinic and American Diabetes Association recommend eggplant-based diet as a choice for management of type 2 diabetes. Eggplant contains high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate. In addition, eggplant also possess high levels of phenolic-linked antioxidant activity, alpha-glucosidase inhibitiory activity and high angiotensisn I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity in which could reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis. Inhibition of these enzymes provide a strong biochemical basis for management of type 2 diabetes by controlling glucose absorption and reducing associated hypertension (Kwon et al., 2008).

Cholesterol Regulator

In many countries eggplant have been used as hypocholesterolemic agent to control the cholesterol metabolism. However, eggplant was found to increase oxidative stress (Botelho et al., 2004), which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis (thickening of the artery wall due to high levels of cholesterol).

There are great controversies about the benefits and dangers of eggplant consumption. There are no definite risks of eating eggplant but if you are hypersensitive to the eggplant extracts or lack of oxidative stress and antherogensis receptor then you should avoid taking it. By all means if you have diabetes and can still consume eggplant then there is no harm having it in your dietary intake.

Cheers!

References

1. Eggplant anaphylaxis in a patient with latex allergy (2004). Lee et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, pg 995-996

2. Allergy to eggplant (Solanum melongena) (2004). Pradmod, S. N, Venkatesh, Y. P. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunlogy, Volume 13 (1), 171-173.

3. In vitro studies of eggplant (Solanum melongena) phenolics as inhibitors of key enzymes relevant for type 2 diabetes and hypertension (2008). Kwon, Y. I., Apostolidis, E., Shetty, K. Bioresource Technology, Volume 99, 2981-2988.

4. Effects of eggplant (Solanum melongena) on the atherogenesis and oxidative stress in LDD receptor knock out mice (LDLR -/-) (2004). Botelho et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 42, 1259-1267.

Is loving life at this moment

For the whole weekend I was so depressed because of the decision I will have to make.  So this morning I decided to have a chat with my 'boss'.  I was so relieved that everything worked out as I wanted.  I could've talked to her in the first place to save all the hassles.  Oh well I was so worried over nothing really.

Having a work dilemma

For the last 2 days I was so stressed out about the work choices I have to make.  I am so inexperienced about this and I don't want to upset anyone.  I was told to think for myself and what is better for me first.  I really don't know.  I like both positions being offered.  One provides me with stability and security, the other opens opportunities for me to grow however, it do not guarantee security for me.

I feel so bad because I don't know what is the right choice to make.  And I have to act fast also otherwise it won't come again.  What should I do now?  What is best for me?  Arghh...I'm so confused!!

My analytical chemistry skills...updated

Let's recall on how much I have learnt in the past 2 months at the analytical chemistry laboratory:

• Determination of fat by acid hydrolysis
• Determination for minerals by ash
• Determination for moisture by vacuum oven
• Determination for glycogen in yeast
• Acid Determination of Fibre (ADF) using FibreCap
• Neutral Determination of Fibre (NDF) using FibreCap
• Determination of crude fibre (CF) using FibreCap
• Determination of fermentable substances
• Determination of reducible substances
• Determination of urea by Megazyme
• Determination of ammonia by Megazyme
• Determination of pH
• Determination for water activity

 

Now looking back, I have learnt so much for someone who just started working in an analytical laboratory.  I am anticipate to learn more new tests along the way.  I am like a new sponge that can easily absorb in new information.  The two tests I heard that is very hard to do is TDF and ICP.  I just hope one day I have a chance to learn them!

Workaholic

It has been two weeks since I engaging in all the new tests.  At first my group leader thinks that I already have too much on my plate and was concerns for my ability to juggle all this.  Fortunately, I have been able to juggle them pretty well.  Beside trying to get all my tests up to date, I can even manage to help out 3 new tests.  Sometimes I wonder if I am truly a workaholic.  My colleagues think I work too hard.  Sometimes I don't know why, I just can't help myself.  I just want to get the work done and I kept doing it.  I guess I really enjoy what I am doing at the moment.

It has been an encouragement for me when I know how much the people in the work place express their interest in me.  I once heard "Don't just settle for what is just good.  Be ambitious and strive for the best".  I guess that will be my motto from now on.  That is why I have been working so hard at work and as well as when I get home.  I have to put in more effort to get my PhD submit because once I get a PhD it will opens more avenues and opportunities for me.  Not only that, if I don't get my PhD submitted all my hard work would go down the drain and a lot of people who care for me will be very disappointed.

I now have to shut myself out from all temptations and social events as much as I could to get things done.  I have not have much time to spend with my boyfriend and I miss him dearly but thankfully he is such an understanding person and thinks what is best for me.  I really love him even though sometimes I was frustrated because I didn't hear a word from him.  I guess I am just too selfish and wants everything my way.

Synopsis plan

I better write this down somewhere before I lose it again...

Title: Mapping Polymorphisms in the Soluble Wheat Grain Subproteome

3 different strategies:

1. Physical mapping
2. Functional mapping
3. Immunoreactivities mapping

Chapter 4: Amylase Polymorphisms in Australian Wheat Varieties

5 objectives:

1. Systematic nomenclature
2. Distinguish (a) from (b) forms
3. Relational interrogation
4. Inadvertent selection
5. LMA

Justification:

1. Broad range pH coverage
2. Polymorphisms in a wide range of wheat varieties 
3. Comparison between grains and germinated grains
4. Validation of heat treatment by antibodies
5. Interrogation for relationships from a database

Chapter 5: ??

Keywords: polymorphisms and immunoreactivities.

A mistake I will never forget!

This week is a transistion time between our work rotations.  I have so many new tests to learn.  For the past 2 days I keep getting funny results.  The first day I found out that I did not place the tube in the correct side up.  That 1 day work went down the drain.  Today, it seems funny again.  I found that I didn't zero the UV reader.  And since it's Friday I don't want to repeat the test next Monday so I stayed back a little longer to re-do the test.  And guess what? I found out that I used the wrong enzyme.  So this lesson costs me 2 days of labour and from now on I will never ever forget what should and should not do for this test.

But Murphy's law kept following me, a different test also produce funny results.  And the person who trained me could not reason out why.  So next week I have to find some other people to look at the results and give me suggestions of what to do next.  I guess because this week everyone is running around trying to learn new tests and also have to teach others, it became a bit hectic and out time is out of schedule.  Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can settle down with all this new tests without bothering others.

Into the first month

I have started working at my new work place for almost a month now. And so far I am really enjoying it. Everything is so different from what I used to do before. All the new tests I have to learn and I have been so busy every minute of the day. However, the feeling is very satisfying.

I really like this work place, everyone is so friendly, the environment is great, best of all the the availability of coffee, hot chocolate and breads for employees to enjoy. We also have monthly birthday celebrations and monthly BBQ get together for the whole site.

Where else can I find a good place like this? I will definitely enjoy my time here.

So far I have learnt 3 tests: acid hydrolysis, ash and moisture (vacuum). I am anticipated for the coming challenges. From next week on, I need to learn another 8 more tests. I can't wait for it.

I think the best feeling I got from this job is the chasing of deadlines. I like to keep myself ahead of schedule that's why I don't feel bored or tired of the job.

Family...family

Yesterday was a great day with my cousins and friends but today was a bit gloomy just like the weather over this weekend.

After attending Patrick's 1 month old, I headed over to my cousin's house.  We planned to go to the city to have dinner then take my 2 cousins from Vietnam to the Opera House to take a few photos.

Although we didn't get to have dinner until 9.30pm but we had a delicious feast with pippes in XO sauce, abelone, seafood congee, crab congree and Singapore crab & noodles.  I also got my cousins a few presents and she was so happy.  I'm glad!

We then headed towards The Rocks unfortunately there was road closed so we have to take a detour.  Since we travelled in 3 different cars, it took us a while to find a parking space which most of the time we spent waiting for each other.

My boyfriend was having stomach cramp after dinner, probably due to late dinner as he was so hungry after work.  I'm so thankful that's he's not too fussy about his pain and keep up a good spirit for us.

At least in the end my cousins took some nice photos of the Habour Bridge and the Opera House.  Lucky for us, last night the Opera House was lighted up with beautiful images reflected on the shells.  They are absolutely stunning!

Then today, I got up a bit upset because my parents were having a fight, I don't know what it was about but my dad went out for almost the whole day.  I hope they are ok.  I hate seeing them in an argument.  I could not concentrate on working if the mood around the house is gloomy.

After mass, I could not stand the atmosphere, so I went to my boyfriend's house for dinner and watch a dvd.  At least being with him brighten up my mood.

Ok now I have to do a bit of work and get some good sleep because tomorrow is my first day at a new place and I don't want to look so dead on the first meeting!

The Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder

After weeks engrossing with vampire books, I started to seek out for something different.  Actually, it didn't start like that.  I was at Big W one day and saw 3 beautiful books on displayed.  The first thing that captured my attention was the book cover.  So I bought the whole collection.  I guess I have a thing for book series.  I don't like to buy a single book, maybe I find one book is not enough to sastify my adoration for it.

Seriously, I have never expected to be so indulged in this kind of genre, so magical, so much action, adventure and fantasy.  Even after I finished reading all the 3 books, I still yearned for more.  And lucky enough, Maria V. Snyder still write some short stories on these characters.  So you have to visit her website www.mariavsnyder.com and sign up the monthly newsletter to get more from it.

Because I love her writing style so much I have to seek out her other books.  At the moment I'm following the Glass Trilogy, a spin-off from the Study Trilogy.  So if you have a sense of love for adventures, then Snyder books are what you should look for.

Some of the comments below are written awhile ago after I finished each book!

This is the first book of the Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder. I have not read such a captivating young adult book for a while. This book is truly amazing and intersting.

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander’s food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.

So now I must choose: a quick death… or slow poison…

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape, her dilemma deepens. Rebels plot to seize Ixia while she develops magical powers she cannot control. Her life is at stake again and choices must be made, but this time the outcomes are not so clear!

This is the second book of the Study Trilogy. I could not put down this book and when I looked at the time it's 5am in the morning. Within a night and a day, I have finished such a well written book.

Yelena is on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago. Although she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better. Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magical training. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies.

 

At last I have finished the last book of the Study Trilogy. A great series to read and highly recommended.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder -able to capture and release souls -spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before. Honour sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself -and save the land she holds dear.

 

These books are widely available in most of the bookstore at RRP $18.95 to $20.95 (depends on which store) but you could also get cheaper deals at Big W where all books are 35% everyday.  If you don't have time to go shopping then you can buy them online either at Amazon or the links below.  However, Amazon only have free delivery to U.S residents I believe.  But if you visit the Book Depository it's always free delivery worldwide.

 

Poison Study AUD $10.90

Magic Study  AUD $10.90

Fire Study AUD $10.90

 

Please note the price will varies slightly due to the value of the Australian dollar.  But in general, these are the best deals I found so far, they are cheaper and free delivery worldwide, which means you don't need to get out of the house to buy the books!!  

My last day at work and yet I was late

Today is my last day working at The Herb Booth but somehow I forgot to set the alarm.  Couldn't blame anything because last night I stayed up late blogging...as so I am now.

It's been a great journey learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine and because I cannot totally detach from it yet. I offered to come around some Saturday to help out :)

Next week I will be starting at a new place and I just cannot wait to learn new skills.

Now I am definitely dead.  When I got home today I couldn't open my eye during dinner and now I am still blogging.  Sometimes I wonder if I have spent my time wisely online.  I never seem to get much work done except doing unnecessary things...or wasting my time.

Concepts in modern vampire novels

I really wanted to write this blog for a very long time and today I have to write this otherwise I can't sleep.  It's 12.18am and I should be sleeping rather than sitting here and write this blog...

It all started with Twilight by Stephanie Myer.  It was my first time actually reading a book regarding to vampires realm.  My favourite genres are adventures, detectives and children fantasy.  Since Twilight I started to seek out most of the modern young adult vampire novels.

Vampire stories have gone back to centuries ago but for me I have only encountered a few series by modern authors.  These inlcude:

• 
  
  Claudia Gray - Evernight Series
• 
  
  L. J Smith - The Vampire Diaries
• 
  
  Melissa de la Cruz - Blue Bloods Series
• 
  
  P. C & Kristin Cast - House of Night Series
• 
  
  Richelle Mead - Vampire Academy Series
• 
  
  Stephanie Myer - Twilight Saga

So here I will only discuss the concepts these authors used in their stories.  Of course there are more theories introduced if I have a chance to read a wider range of books.

There are 6 main concepts I would like to compare between these stories.  In general, vampires need blood to stay healthy just like humans need our daily nutrition.  The main difference between these writers are some introduce the idea of vegetarian vampires who only feed on animal blood such as in The Vampire Diaries.

Oh and vampires are not invincible they can be killed by 3 main methods: decapitation, burning or by a wooden stake to the heart.  Mead suggests that vampires cannot go into direct sunlight otherwise they will be turn into dust, Smith claim that if they have a protective ring then they will be fine.  While Myer, Cast, Gray and de la Cruz have no problems of vampires roaming in broad daylight.

Now talking about the evolution and origin of vampires, this is the interesting part.  Most authors don't mention much about how or where they come from.  However, de la Cruz introduce that they are fallen angels, Myer briefly mention about a cause by a disease, Cast said it's genetic modification and I think Mead did mention something which I cannot remember.  I have to ask her again!

So who are vampires worst enemy? Both Myer and Smith stated werewolves, Gray and Smith also said vampire hunters.  Cast, de la Cruz and Mead claimed that the corrupted vampires - red blood, silver blood and strigoi respectively.

The majority of modern vampire stories are about romance.  Both Myer and Smith stories revolve around the two main characters, although their love is complicated but always happy ending.  Somehow I found it a bit cliche.  Since I have not finished the other 3 series but I guess most of the stories are happy ending.  I found Mead portrays a very tragic and complicated love story.  Gray and de la Cruz provide reader with a different kind of romance, a forbidden kind of love, which somehow is quite interesting.  Although Cast also mention the complication in the love relationship but it revolve too much about the main character and I think the story is too long, 12 books in total.  I sort of bored when I got to book 7.

Lastly, we want to know how will the vampire race survive?  Do they reproduce?  Well Smith and Cast did not mention on how they mate but Cast suggest there is a switch in junk human DNA and that's how they becomes vampyre.  Myer, Mead and de la Cruz suggest that they can mate with human (female) to give birth to a child.  Only Mead's offspring do not need to feed on human blood.  de la Cruz also mention about the souls cycling to keep them forever human turn vampire.  Mead also said that two vampires (moroi) can produce a vampire off-spring beside mating with a human.  The most interesting concept is Gray, she stated that vampire is the human-dead-half and ghost is the spirit-dead-half.  So to produce a child, it needs the power of both vampire and ghost, however, at certain age, the child will choose to become either a vampire or a ghost...but what will happen in the end? Will that child be human? I have to find out in the last book!

Having discuss these issues, I still think these stories are interesting in their own sense.  Each author has successfully captured the audience with their story-telling skills.  Far most of all, my best pick would be the Blue Bloods and the Vampire Academy series.  The stories are very unique, the concepts are unexpected and the actions and adventures are heart-throbbing, you could never put the book down once you started.  I have a hard time trying to get a good sleep once the book is opened.  Sometime I even stayed up almost all night to finish the book even though I know I have to go to work the next day.

Although the Twilight Saga introduced me to the vampire world, however, the second book really made me depressed.  Overall, it was a great series, however, I think it's too much Bella and Edward.  I like Jacob more, his love is unconditioning, well although a bit.  And I think Bella abused his feelings for her somehow.  I guess most of the heroines in these novels are spoilt like that.

Evernight series is very interesting and I find it similar to the storyline of Vampire Knight, a manga series by Matsuri Hino.  However, as the story progress it started to becomes unique in its own way.  The House of Night series really hooked me up at first but due to its long span in books I started to get tired of it.  Also with The Vampire Diaries, I really like the TV series, I think the plot there is better than the book.  Well the original 4 books was great but expanding to The Return series, I find it starting to bore me out although Smith has introduced other supernatural powers out there.  Some books are great if you just finished it off at a point.

Best of all, I vote for de la Cruz Blue Blood series because it focuses on 3 main heroines rather than 1, and they all have their own problems but it also follows their growth in life.  A highly recommended series to read!

Ok now it's getting very very late 1.26am.  I will be very dead at work tomorrow...I mean later today!!

I survived 3 months probation...yet another 3 months to come...

Today marked my 3 months at The Herb Booth.  Although I really enjoyed working here I have to quit after this week because I have another offer at a different place.

The Herb Booth is a small business that caters for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, we look after despatching herbal medicines to patients according to the prescribed formualations.  Chris, my boss is a great person, very flexible and nice in every aspects.

I felt bad for leaving him at this stage when he needs me most.  His wife will give birth to the twins soon and he needs someone who is capable and experienced with the new system for this time.  Unfortunately, the new place offers me greater opportunities for my future careers even though the pay is slightly lower than what I am getting at the moment.

Over the past 2 months, for my lunch, I have tried out different lasagna brands including Lean Cuisine, McCain, Sara Lee and Homebrand.  So far I voted for Homebrand because the cheese is so soft and the meat mixture is not too salty.  What other bonus? Homebrand is almost 50% cheaper than the other brands.  So next time you want to have some lasagna, head straight to Woolworths and try out the Homebrand one.

On the way home from work, I usually stopped at Priceline, generally I don't really buy things in there, but somehow today I spent a bit on pretty much things I don't need.  I think I better watch my pocket otherwise I will go broke very soon.

Another good day!

I would have started with "don't leave things till tomorrow" because I could not get up at 6am this morning to do my writing as I have planned last night.  Although I was worried that I could not get my things done and my supervisor would be unhappy with my progress.  But as I got to his place this morning, things went pretty good.  We have the plan for Chapter 4 of my thesis which is a good sign.  He also commentted on my writing progress "it's not that great but definitely getting better".  That's all I wanted to hear at this stage because I don't want to know that I am not improving at all.

I then went to Macarthur Square to buy a few things, well I have not visit here for a while since I started working at The Herb Booth.  My plan was to get a pack of bottled water and a new installment of Vampire Academy series.  However, I got a great catch of things, although I spent quite a bit today.

First I stopped at Ally Fashion and bought 2 coats...OMG they are sooo nice!!  I am very fussy about the style and fabric material for coats.  It has to be soft and should not produce any furry feel after washing.  However, this season coats really captured my attention.  I got 2 military double breasted coat.  They are actually look much better outside than in pictures.  There was another really nice white coat but it doesn't have my size unfortunately :(

I really like clothes from Ally, Valley Girl, Forcast, SES and Bootilicious because they tailored clothes for petite people like myself.  If you are looking for something warm this season, then head straight to Ally Fashion,  they have some great stuffs at very affordable prices.

I then stopped at Reuben F Scarf, a gentlemen's clothing store and got a jacket for my boyfriend and a coat for my dad.  What a bargain because they are having 50% off everything, yay!!  I also stopped at a Homeart and got a  3 piece comforter set for my boyfriend :) It's so comfortable and cheap!

Now let's talk about the shoes department.  I first stopped at Taylor's Shoes and got a pair of red sandles, so hot and the price slashed from $79.95 to $19.95.  How good is that?  I thought that's all but I once again stopped at Williams and got another 2 pairs of boots.  Can you believe it?

Talk about being fussy again, I have been searching for a pair of boots for months, but why can't I find a pair? Well I have specifications for boots.  First, I don't like zipper boots.  Second, the heels cannot be too high or too low, it cannot be too pointy or too broad.  Thirdly, the material have to be soft and the style have to suit my personality.  So when I saw these boots, I have to get them because I know how hard it is to find a pair that I like.  On top of that, the price at Williams are quite affordable too.  Now thinking back I have bought a few pairs of shoes here.  I think this is the only shoe shop that suits my taste.

I then went to Wooworths to get some groceries for the week.  I thought I would have finished my shopping trip because I was so hungry and tired and spent quite a bit for today already.  But when I went past Angus & Robertson, I saw the book I was searching for the past few days.  And oh yeah I grabbed it straight away.  So I ended up with 2 books - Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead and Marie Claire Real + Simple cookbook by Michelle Cranston.

Today I could say is a very successful shopping day but not financially wise :) but what can you say? A girl needs to treat herself sometimes with nice things don't you think?

At least I did get something for my most 2 important people.  Oh yes, I did get my pack of bottled water lol.

So I will be having a new book to read and some great recipes to try out.

Oh I forgot to mention, tonight we cooked something really good too "chicken salad".  The chicken was freshly bought yesterday so the meat is quite tender and delicious!!

I'm having a blast!!

P.S If you like anything I have posted, please check out the links to buy it!

tweetie

xox

What a wonderful day!

Although, I only had 5 hrs of 'disturbed' sleep last night but today really paid off.

I started the day at 7.30am, dressed up and get ready to go to the poultry farm to get some ducks and roosters.  We ended up with 4 ducks, 4 roosters and 6 dozen of eggs.  Everything is so cheap!

When we got back, we continued to shop for vegetables and other needs for 'tiet canh' aka 'Vietnamese pizza', a famous dish made out of duck's blood jelly.

This was my first time experience in the process of making this dish from the start to finish...and oh dear it was so long, 3-4 hrs from preparation to a finished dish.  However, everyone was very happy and we had a great time!

Beside 'tiet canh' we also have 'bun mang vit' and 'lau', now my stomach is killing me.  Maybe I had too much foods.

I very much appreciated my other half for making today so special for my uncle and his family as today is my aunt and cousin's birthdays as well as my uncle and aunt wedding anniversary.

In the past, I never really treasure moments spending time with my family and relatives, now I know what it feel like.  I wish I could have realised this sooner because this moment is priceless!

Love you all!

tweetie

xox

Blogging Networks

It's almost midnight and once again I have wasted the whole day configuring my blogs...

Initially, I only want to start with one blog but then I realised I have too many "likes" and I don't want to mix everything up.  So I have a novel idea "why don't I set up a whole network of blogs?"

So in the end I have created 6 different blogs under the name of "tweetie"

1. Tweetie Anime - my anime collections and the ones I have seen and where to find them
2. Tweetie Books - my book collections and where to get the best deals
3. Tweetie Journal - my train of thoughts where I composed anything that I wanted to write
4. Tweetie Movies - my movie collections or the lastest movie I have seen
5. Tweetie Music - my music collections and the best songs out there
6. Tweetie Perfumes - my perfume collections and my favourite fragrances

Alright, that should be all for now.  I better get some work done before heading to bed.

Tomorrow will be a very long day.  Hopefully I can survive after the party!!

Online Gambling

I don't really like to gamble and generally don't encourage people to go gambling. However, here I will put up links to these online casino for whoever would like to go and have fun. You can either play fun or real money.

MansionCasino.com is the world's most trusted online casino. MANSION's online casino offers a great variety of thrilling online casino games. It's a known fact that no other online casino offers the bonuses found at MANSION casino. To join the millions who already know where the real casino game begins, download now.  This is the time to let yourself experience a great online casino at MansionCasino.com.

MansionCasino.com is licensed and regulated to offer online casino gaming services under the jurisdiction of Gibraltar. Copyright 2010. MansionCasino.com is an internationally regitered trademark. www.gambleaware.co.uk

This is my first time actually gamble with real money and I won $33 lol...I know it's a small amount compare to a lot of people out there. I don't know if this is the right thing to do because I don't want to get addicted to it. I have told myself never to gamble due to certain incidence...

I remembered once I was around 9 yrs old, we were refugees in the Philippines. One day, after school I stopped at one of the street stall and played something similar to instant scratchies. At that time I only have 10 pesos on me, but that 10 pesos means a lot, almost a week of my breakfast allowance.

Anyway, after I lost with the first scratchies, the owner told me to buy more maybe I'll be lucky next time. At that time, I was so young, all I wanted is to get back the money I lost more than winning. One after another, I lost all 10 pesos. I then promise myself never to do anything relating to gambling.

I have kept my word for almost 18 years. I do play poker with friends sometimes for fun but I am very reluctant to play with real money. Sometime we tip in a small amount. As long as non-addictive games then I will play. I only bought lotto ticket once and actually made a profit of $15 but it ended up as breakfast allowance for my little brother.

From my past experience, I realised it was so wrong for an adult to coerced young children to participate in any forms of gambling. I am so glad that we have the laws to protect vulnerable children in Australia.

In the end I decided to cancel my account as gambling is 'so not me'.

Oh well easy money like this does not suit me at all!!

iRewards...where everyone is rewarded

Get paid for fun stuff like reading emails, taking surveys and playing games. It's totally free!

Register and become an iReward member now and start earning rewards, prizes, cash cheques and enter our competition prize draws. Winning up to $1000AUD cash!

Click here to become a member!

The best thing I like about this is the game Imperial Kitchen aka Meal or No Meal, it is a mirrored version of "Deal or No Deal" game show in Australia from Network 7.

Even though I'm not good with playing games but I still return everyday to participate in it. First is to earn some participation points. There is no way I can win anything as being the top 100 players. But what I really like about this game is the cute animated food dishes. That's all!

Get Paid for Your Opinion

Hi there,

Do you ever wonder how to make real money in an easy way. Well yes there is. With the online surveys you get paid for your time and effort. And of course this is not a scam.

I just found this great website that gives you cash for your opinion on new products, services, and websites. They reward you for each evaluation and survey you complete, and you can even choose to keep the products you review! The surveys are really easy, and the membership is FREE, so what is there to lose, right?

You may think it's a scam. No I can assured and guaranteed that it is true. I have spent the last few days trying test if earning money online is possible. Usually I think they are all scam. I have stumbled on a few and this is the only one I found so far that paid well. The best thing is it does not charge any money to join not like some other websites asked you to pay certain amount to buy from their tips and tricks. So why not try it out.

Tweetie

P.S You need a paypal account to get your money deposit.

A touch of online trading...

I have always heard about shares and online trading but never actually spend some time to find out about it.

The common website I have seen one of my colleague visited is "asx".

I can't remember what and why but somehow I went onto the asx website and started to sign up as members. Since then I started to read about share market, online trading, dividends, share broker etc...it was actually very interesting.

From looking for a share broker I entered the CommSec website and learn a bit more about their online trading business...

I don't know how but I got carried away to credit cards.

Although, I have wasted my precious time for writing my thesis, I somehow learn something about the share market and online trading with a bonus about credit cards.

Talking about credit, I still have not found 'the one' that is suitable for my need just yet. Maybe I have too many criterias like low interests, low annual fees and good rewards. Well you can't have every good deals in one card I suppose but I will keep looking because I am not in a need for a credit card just yet.

Anyway, getting back with the share business, well I cannot afford to buy any shares at this moment, but I still want to learn about it for now because it might be a good use for later.