Dysgeusia

Food for Thought

Right, there isnt much time to spend on weekday meals but we do have some time to waste on weekends to prepare some decent meal. Few weeks back, we managed to get cheap lamb steaks from Woolies and we did the usual stuff with it, marinate them with oyster sauce, pinch of salt, pepper, soy sauce and sugar. Then we fry it, yes fry but im sure it taste better if we managed to grill them. These lamb cant stay under high heat for too long as it will get too tender and harden up eventually. They are served with steamed brocollis, cauliflower, carrots, half grilled tomatoes and mashed potatoes (thanks to Max’s idea). Here is the final product.

Next will be the Fried Basa Fish Cutlet with Chilli Onion toppings. Not much I can say about it. The fish cutlets are just marinated with salt and pepper. The toppings consists of onions (doesnt matter which type), fresh chilli, garlic, chopped lemongrass, soy sauce, pinch of salt, sugar and fish sauce. You can always add some lime juice to it. Here is the final product.

Home and Away

Its been quite a while, no doubt I have been missing in action. Probably I am too lazy to blog anything or I’ve not into Blogging anymore? Anyhow, there’s been too many things happened in these few months.

First thing first, I’m currently in Canberra working with Rider Levett Bucknall. Why Canberra? not a surprising nor alienated question since the moment i made up my mind. If I have a stable and permanent job in Adelaide, I will not consider moving interstate. So far I’ve just been offered a casual position in the Adelaide firm (Currie & Brown). Well, opportunity came when Max applied for jobs all over (well..almost) Australia and he got offered a position in Canberra. He accepted the offer and surprisingly, there’s another space to accomodate one more in the office. The employer asked if he has any friends… and its ME !! I applied and well.. off i go.. and there.. here I am. To date, I’ve been in Canberra for 3 weeks already. I’m here and I’ll be here.

We recently had a major make-over in our Adelaide Mambos. Min Fui, Max, Pan graduated recently and both Fui and Pan decided to start off their career in Davis Langdon & Seah (DLS), Singapore meanwhile Max and myself left Adelaide for Canberra. Its not easy at all, for those leaving and those staying to go through this period of time. Eventho we know these farewells cant be avoided, we are still unable to contain our tears and emptiness in ourselves.

Dinner on Min Fui, Max & Pan’s Grad night

Trip to Victor Harbour with their families - pic with Fui’s sisters

I am all good, Max is all good. Everything’s good. Does that forsee good stuff in future? I hope so…

Aim

Is it ridiculous to fail before you even give it a try? That doesn’t sound reasonable, does it?

Have you ever feel lost, aimless and not enjoying what you are doing? I am sure we had once felt that way. This is possibly caused by lack of determination and the will to fight on, other than the obvious, not having an aim.

Have an aim, aim for yourself, aim for the future.

First Day

It is the first day of work.. well, not as server, not as IT support staff, not as librarian nor as a student helper in college. This is a real career start off. Well, although it is only on a casual position, i see it as a great potential in moving forward.

Approximately a week ago, I am still wondering if I should be staying here in Adelaide but it seems the decision has been made. Good luck !

Life as an Unemployed

Having yourself stranded in the wide open woods, you will often find yourself looking at all the fishes in the water, considering the snow that has been falling since two weeks ago.

what? sounds complicated? nah… it can be worse. Well, there are lots happened when i was away and this blog or i should say 3pigeons.com is nearly forced to shut down as we face some complications with the hosting services, but Im trying to move the server somewhere soon.. we’ll see how it goes within the next two months.

Lets see, working as a server in Just Thai wasnt that bad afterall. Started off with heavy hands, legs, bums and ah.. eyes.. yup, when u get sleepy, but ended with lots of experience how to run a simple noodle house. It is true that, when you are still pursuing your studies, you always tend to look forward to graduating, putting on your Ragalia and Mortar board.. taking pictures with family and friends .. it is joyful and you have the well, some sort of a feel of satisfaction…good, the ceremony ended and whats next? Very soon you will realize you are actually UNEMPLOYED! (what a word….)

Considering the fact that i cant get a part time job after a 2-month lookout.. i decided to return home earlier. Well, sure things get differently when you are at home compared to what you called bachelor’s life during the uni days.. but.. hey, its just the beginning of everything !! Things will start anew but old things doesnt just vanish away… they stay on haunting you day and night.. well, sometimes?

Worry is the word to use, defining how bad is the situation of being unemployed and NOT being able to get hold of one.. Patience is the virtue but.. how long can it last…??? Good question.. the answer lies ahead…

Significance

What is significant to me is the bond we build together. Lets not lose it. Never. It worth every single drop of tear and sweat.

New Year, New Vision

Its another new year again!! What is your new year revolution?

Some may answer you right away, some might not even try to answer you. Me.. im the one who might not even answer you as I know my aim is always too far from reach. While everyone congratulate you upon your graduation but in my heart, i was worried with my decision to return to down under to pursue my career. I just hope things will work out as I planned. Speaking of planning ahead, he said he used to plan ahead, and he is still planning ahead of everything he is doing, for the sake of his future, and looking for unforeseables so he can prepare for the worse… but, sometimes it just cant click with the other half of you.

Now tell me, I have always been loving her so much, but i dont have the courage to tell her as I has always been her buddy. I just doesnt want to dissapoint her that someone who she has been trusting so far is kinda betraying her…. well, in a sense. For the past years, I have been a friend to lots of people.. hi-bye friends, good friends, good good friends and extremely good friends… .. erm..yeah and taking me as her brother even !! but… the most is .. just a FRIEND! Cant i go any further? Has anyone ever tried to treasure me MORE than a friend? … Probably im asking too much…

I know some of my loyal readers might feel dissapointed im expressing myself in this childish manner.. well.. sometimes i hope i can be childish to someone i love so much.. but does she know that?

Finishing to Engage

Well, many of us know lots of people around us wore their Ragalia, touched their Mortar Board and walked the red carpet recently… Most of us are struggling to look for a job and killing themselves to stand by themselves. True, I’m not left out. Looking for a job isnt easy… not at all. Imagine how insecure you will feel not getting any income, any financial support and you dont have anything thing to do at home other than just sit right in front of the computer and surf job search websites… The intensity is so high that you can feel the stress that at some point, you might feel you want to give up, pack up and go home.

But come to think of your future, your probable wages you can earn here, you think twice. Sigh.. its so tiring. (how weak !) Oh well, everyone has their weak moments… unless they are cold hearted.

Here’s some graduation snaps with my mum and sis.

Their visit makes me think twice….

Needle in Hay Stack

This is the day.

Before the day is here, the urge is so strong that i hope it will be tomorrow. I am pretty sure that the burden you have for so many years, the obligations and commitments will be dropped… I will be free and … freeeee.

but..

its weird that, right after my final exams, there was not much difference. I still dun have the much relaxed and free mind feeling. Why? I doesnt know why. The thing is, I have let go my full time academic obligations, but joined the job slavery. Looking for both part time and full time job isnt easy at all. I dont have the sense of security now without a job. What can i do?

Another wave hits me when the earlier wave have yet to leave…

Departed

She left on Sunday. The feeling has been hard heavy, even when i left Msia for Adel two years ago doesnt have that emotions. I dont know why, but it seems like my heart is having a cramp. I know it might be just another bye for some people.. its just too new to me. Im still trying to cope with it. People say it will go off in 3/4 days later. Lets just hope that way.

Dissapearing & Reappearing Again

Its for sure, its been for a while that the author, me, did not pen down anything here. Forgive me, studies, thesis and assignments are just simply killing me. Now, i can say that, only thesis left to be finalized.

There has been too many things to update you guys. First of all, its my birthday. Thanks to my bunch of friends especially my housemates to make my birthday celebration possible. Initially, i told them i wasnt in the mood to do any celebrations due to the heavy workload, but, it seems, they insisted and encouraged me to throw a party to bring our morale up. This gathering did serves its purpose… cheered me up, motivated us and the most importantly, cheered everyone up.
Enjoy some of the photos… please take note of the roasted suckling pig…

Then we have mooncake celebrations… we wrote some words with those little sparkling sticks… erm.. i forget what they called…

oh well, then there’s this BOSS dinner.. Building Organization of Students and Staff and we went to have some guai lou round table style.. oh well, first timer.. we did what we saw.. as the cutleries seems to have more than what i normally sees.. so.. i just have to becareful before picking up the wrong fork for the wrong course!

Oh well.. things seems to fantastic.. well, they ARE, im just glad that these events slip in between all my busy days.. just fantastic..

Reappearing

Its been quite some time that i’ve blogged about something… well, i apologize for those who actually comes on and read and wait for my post.. (i doubt there’s any tho) but well, its been a busy period, although i do have had my winter break ended like 2 weeks ago, but its just too hectic to do anything.

Sometimes its good to talk to some old friends but, it seems like nowadays everyone has their part in their life and stepping into another realm of role for themselves. Same goes with me soon.. soon enough. I wonder sometimes what are the choices i have after i graduated. But come to think of it, it seems like i dont have much choices taking into account of aims and goals, but in some way i might be happier if i go on with another path… but who knows the path im planning to take isnt benefiting me in anyway? Decision decision…

How good if there’s someone to analyse these with me… Oh well, i might be posting some new pics on… Be hold !

Forms of Buddhism

Its been quite some time nothing is new over here. Well, here it is, due to the upcoming Wesak Day…

Most people of other faiths are not aware that there are different types of Buddhism. Here, we enlighten them.

i) Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism is the oldest form of Buddhism that originated thousands of years ago in India. It is based on the original Suttas or Sanskrit documents which have recordings of Buddha’s teachings, once writing became available.

Theravada Buddhism is practised in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. It sticks firmly to the teachings of the Vinaya Pitaka.

Theravada Buddhists believe in Nibbana, which is enlightenment and the cessation of all sufferings – the highest spiritual goal one can attain.

ii) Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is a new strand that branched out from Theravada Buddhism after the religion moved out of India into new countries where it had to compete with other religions.

Mahayana speaks of Buddha land (heaven) where faithful Buddhists go to after death. It is practised in countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Mahayana Buddhism has since branched out into different variants and they each now stand on its own.

iii) Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment mainly through meditation and mental development.

Zen came to Japan in the 13th century – five centuries after the orthodox forms of Buddhism evolved. It emphasises the uselessness of words and the insistence of actions without thought. It teaches that enlightenment is a spontaneous event, totally independent of concepts, techniques or rituals.

iv) Pure Land Buddhism

Pure Land Buddhism worships the Amitabha (the Buddha of infinite light and lord of the pure land) hoping that by praying and reciting his name, they will go to the pure land when they die and move closer to Nibbana.

v) Vajarayanna tradition

One of the followers of this tradition is the Dalai Lama, who was the chief monk in Tibet during his time. He later settled down in India, and until today, certain parts of the country are still practicing the ritual and rights of this tradition.

vi) Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren is a 13th century Japanese Buddhist reformer whose teachings are based on the Mahayana Sutra (scripture), known as the Lotus Sutra which, according to him, contains the essence of all the Buddhist teachings and the path of attaining enlightenment.

The central practice of Nichiren Buddhism is reciting the mantra namo myoho rengye kyo.

IMO, most of us are practising Zen. So now you know who we are…

Touring South

Went to a few places … well actually i’ve been there before but this time we uses a different route. Travelled along the coastline down south to Victor Harbor. Managed to capture a few photos…

On the way there, its raining, drizzling.. however, fortunately it turns out a bright day.

Read the rest of this entry »

Countries I’ve Visited

create your own visited countries map

Enough said. That’s China, Hong Kong (also china now), Singapore and here now, Australia. Paiseh…

us, me, Him or ur out!

Have you ever faced dissapointment? bah, what a question. But, this is serious and still on going.

Once there is this pal who is close to me. We talked on lots of stuff. Sharing thoughts and jokes. But, because of some gap, the distance getting further apart. Why? I felt, its cause of im not one of them…. yup christians. Sorry, im not discriminating fellow christians, and not being one who likes to talk about sensitive issue, but im just voicing out my opinion on this situation.

Since long ago, christians fight blood and flesh for their believe and their lands. Its terrible, but its history. Furthermore not only them, but muslims too. Well, its proven of their strong believe and aggresiveness. They are like the dominating party of the world. You see, there are aunties who picks on us who prays to Kuan Yin and they said.. why are u praying to a ’statue’ ? Why do they have to say that? is it that only jesus is the only god in the world.. oh sorry, to them it is. But, why does buddhism doesnt not criticise other religions? They did not say that, oh… buddha is the only god in the world .. bla bla bla.. they always say that kuan yin or buddha is just an imaginary figure where we humans created them.. whereas jesus is someone really existed … but.. jesus is just the messenger from god.. he is NOT. why worship him? sigh.. well this is not the point here…

The point is.. i felt one of my good friend, who used to talk to me every now and then, cared for me, but she was like… lost me.. when she converted and loves her god so much that, what she has in mind is only god and her christian friends…. or am i wrong? I dont know. I just feel that she is drifting away from me.. real far.. real real far… is it a trend or… attitude that.. christian people doesnt like to mix with non-christians? do they think that we non-christians .. like… dont deserve to be with them? or sorta?? sigh.. i dont know..

us, me, Him or ur out!

Have you ever faced dissapointment? bah, what a question. But, this is serious and still on going.

Once there is this pal who is close to me. We talked on lots of stuff. Sharing thoughts and jokes. But, because of some gap, the distance getting further apart. Why? I felt, its cause of im not one of them…. yup christians. Sorry, im not discriminating fellow christians, and not being one who likes to talk about sensitive issue, but im just voicing out my opinion on this situation.

Since long ago, christians fight blood and flesh for their believe and their lands. Its terrible, but its history. Furthermore not only them, but muslims too. Well, its proven of their strong believe and aggresiveness. They are like the dominating party of the world. You see, there are aunties who picks on us who prays to Kuan Yin and they said.. why are u praying to a ’statue’ ? Why do they have to say that? is it that only jesus is the only god in the world.. oh sorry, to them it is. But, why does buddhism doesnt not criticise other religions? They did not say that, oh… buddha is the only god in the world .. bla bla bla.. they always say that kuan yin or buddha is just an imaginary figure where we humans created them.. whereas jesus is someone really existed … but.. jesus is just the messenger from god.. he is NOT. why worship him? sigh.. well this is not the point here…

The point is.. i felt one of my good friend, who used to talk to me every now and then, cared for me, but she was like… lost me.. when she converted and loves her god so much that, what she has in mind is only god and her christian friends…. or am i wrong? I dont know. I just feel that she is drifting away from me.. real far.. real real far… is it a trend or… attitude that.. christian people doesnt like to mix with non-christians? do they think that we non-christians .. like… dont deserve to be with them? or sorta?? sigh.. i dont know..

House Warming @ Herbert Rd

Although its only the house for a just merely a year, we think that you cant escape having a house warming to harmonize the whole house into a home. Invited quite a few friends over and did some pot lucky thingy. Its regreted that some friends cant make it. Sigh.

Anyway, here it is.

Eating Healthy?

Just a thought, take a look at the picture below and gimme some comments on it.

Life By Itself

How easy is it to compare one person with another? Have you ever thought of it?

Well, have ever thought of.. why you love your companion, what makes you love him/her? Sometimes, the reasons behind it are unreasonable. Even the tiniest and the slightest reason is also a reason for it. Is that what you call love is blind? If he speaks sweetly, pampering and promised to take kaer of you for the rest of your life and always stood up to protect you, is he the one .. the one? Many will think that yup, thats the criteria i want. But have you ever thought of , is he the one you want to share everything with him? (the above example is for a feminine situation)

You might be thinking, this is something so common, something everyone should be able to figure out themselves and time will tell everything, but.. it sometimes do become something very important… at some moment, its like your decision of life. One wrong move, thats it.

Its always the urge, the influences, the pressure affected by external factors. Studies, work, peers and even sometimes from your family. They give you different kinds of problems emotionally and physically. You consider everything to meet their needs and satisfy their wants, but… who is going to satisfy you? who is going to fulfil your needs? (dun think crookedly) You! Yourself !! We are blessed by feelings and rationality. We are the one who controls ourselves, (this is what u called self control) remind ourselves. This is the step to the real world. People around us are just to remind us, to recall ourselves. In the end, we are the one who get hands on. Be tough , be strong… its just the matter of time.. ..