Michelle the Addict!

I've been shopping madly these days and it's becoming a problem. I acknowledge the problem - I'm a bargain sucker and my adrenalin pumps whenever I see SAVINGS!! Although some things (most things actually) I buy, I don't need them, they are more just to soothe my addiction. I'm addicted to bargains!! How can I not buy these shoes when they were discounted from the original price of $149.95 to $99 and now, final reduction 50% of the reduced price?!?!?!??!?! Tell me how can anyone resist?!?!?!?!? As a result, over the past 3 weeks, i purchased 5 pairs of shoes!! Clothes bargains were equally as bad!! Cutest pair of shorts from Sportsgirl, from $59.95 down to $29.95. As a result, I bought a pair in White, a pair in Mint and another pair in Yellow!! I also bought a few dresses. One of them, the best bargain among the lot were from $99 down to $70 and 50% off the reduced price. To my *surprise* *surprise* at the checkout, the dress was down to $50 and %50 off $50 makes it $25!! I also bought singlets from Giordano to wear as layers and they were from $25 down to $10!! All these bargains are seriously driving me insane!! I buy and buy and buy and get soooooooooo hyped up when I see the discount tags being thrown in my faceeeeeeeeeee!! Please don't get me started on lingerie and pyjamas!! I'm a serial shopper!!

Michelle: Hi all! My name is Michelle and I'm a Shopaholic.

Shopaholic Anonymous: Hi Michelle! We welcome you!

Second month of 2008...

Lots happened in this fresh new 2008:

1) Edison Chen and Cecelia Cheung Scandal

This I personally think is stupid! Why is the public so concerned over some fellow's personal life that it has been known as the 9-11 of Hong Kong's entertainment industry?!?!?!? What about spending the time and effort finding solutions to rectify our filthy environment?? Is there any positive impact for speculating scandals as such?!?!?!? It's their business, their problem!! Too bad, too sad for them!! 

2) The passing of the great "Happy Fruit" of Hong Kong, the late Lydia Shum

This I feel a little upset. Afterall, I grew up watching "Happy Fruit" in TVB movies, talk shows, reality programs and game shows. I'm sure TVB fans will miss her laughter and most of all her very cheerful and bubbly personality. She left behind her 20 year old only daughter and I do sincerely hope she remains strong through this whole mourning process. 

3) Queensland is flooding

From drought to flood! Not easy being the weather man here in Queensland. Changes from one extreme to the other. One minute we had farmers committing suicide as their crops dry up and die and the next we had people drowning and being swept away by the flood waters. Not complaining with the down pour of rain as the level of water restriction will stop rising and that would mean we can clean ourselves better when in the shower. 

4) Interest rates rise (again!)

This is not funny at all. Everything is rising in price - interest rates, fuel, groceries --> necessities!! But we've not heard of this one very important thing rising - our wages!! How would an average income earner cope with this?? Only God knows!!

Valentine's Day 2008

No flowers, no chocolate for me this year (not that I fancy being part of the victims of overpriced florists!)...

We only managed to book for a table for dinner at SONO last night - was a disaster!! Not the food but we argued over some mundane shit - as we do!!

Dinner was (as usual) good with a very tensed atmosphere as both head-strong people were not prepared to give in - welcome to our world!!

This afternoon however I had my surprise(!) I had lunch delivered to me at work. I had my favourite Chicken Namban, Taro milk tea with herbal jelly (slurpsssss!!) and a box of variety of 4 beard papa dessert! Yummy-dooooo-dahhhhhh!! 

Got picked up from work to get home (although home from work is only a mere 7 minutes stroll up and down the hill and up again), and was given a stalk of origami rose, hahahha!! Apparently, someone learnt to fold it on You Tube!! They do teach you some useful stuff in the cyber space these days!! For those of you who didn't manage to buy any overpriced roses for this occasion, perhaps try You Tube!! =)

My Addiction

I have quite a serious addiction ---> SHOPPING!!

My colleague and I have concluded that I shop out of boredom. 

There's nothing much to do here in Brisbane, therefore I shop. 

Shopping becomes a comfort thing because I link that to my shopping-Sundays in KL with my family. 

Each time I hit the shops, I spend money. 

Spending too much money unnecessarily is worrying...becomes a problem...an addiction problem!

p/s: Myers is having crazy clearance sale...50% off already reduced shoes, discounted lingerie from $5!! Hurry, check it out...sale won't last!!

Lesson No. ONE!!

Lesson No. One: Never lift up the cover of a covered toilet bowl in public toilets!!

I always get bitten...always bitten and never shy, that's me!!

Disgusting art work of mother nature is what I see each time I lift open covered toilet bowls in public toilets. Each time I remind myself never to let such mishap happen again - "If the toilet bowl is covered, leave it and move on to the next cubicle!" But over and over again, Michelle thinks to herself, "Aha, covered toilet bowl! Means some clean freak covered the bowl while flushing!" Wrong AGAIN!! How many times can one be wrong??

Folks, if you never get anything from reading my posts, please at least get this one in your head. A friendly reminder to all: NEXT TIME YOU SEE A COVERED TOILET BOWL, MOVE ON TO THE NEXT CUBICLE!!

Home Alone

What do I do when I'm home alone??

• Tidy up my room
• Blast the music
• Watch "Raising Helen" half-way
• Out to dinner with friends
• Paint my finger and toe nails
• AND I DON'T WANNA GO TO BED KNOWING I'M HOME ALONE!!

I think I'm so very spoilt to the core. I don't like being home alone and I think it all boils down to laziness...At least when he is at home, he does the cooking, cleaning, washing, bringing me water, passing me the remote control, bringing in the daily mail, empty the bins, bring in the wheelie bin, tug me in bed and turn off the lights!! 

I don't wanna go to bed because I don't like switching off the lights and walking into my bed in the dark!!

It's been decided...

I'm sick of Brisbane, it is time to move on...

Here is the plan...

I will be moving back to KL for approximately 2 years to further my studies in Managerial Psychology and at the same time (hopefully) gain some work experience in the field of corporate training/HR. Once my two years is up in KL, I'll probably be so irritated and agitated by the politics happening that I'd wanna escape the country. I will then return to Australia and hopefully start a new chapter of my life in my favourite city, Melbourne!! =) 

Sounds like a good plan?? Ahhahahah, that's the ideal plan...so let's all keep our fingers crossed, and hope for my reality to unfold the way I desire!

The tentative date for this plan to take action is set to be some time in mid September, and hopefully hit the books in November. 

As part of my performance review last year, my boss promised that she will try to persuade the Marketing Director to let me go on a marketing trip to Hong Kong (yay!)/East Malaysia (boo!). My boss has recently told me that the trip could take place in September. Grrrrr...every time she talks about the trip in September, I feel so darn guilty!! (I obviously have not told her my intentions). I'm suppose to give one month's notice, but because my boss is so nice to me, I've decided to give 3...and that will not happen till June. Looks like I'll have to feel the guilt for the next 4 months. *sighz*

Torn between two lovers...

Last month, I applied for a place to study at TAFE to study Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology. I rang both TAFE and QTAC prior to applying and both advised that chances are really slim as the waiting list for students wanting to study this particular course is really long. Being stubborn, it didn't really bother me what their advise were. Paid $150 and applied for it anyway. 

A week after applying, I didn't think much about it. Went home to Malaysia for Christmas holidays. While in Malaysia, I realised how much I missed home and longed to be home with my family. As such I explored options for me to go back to Malaysia. Went to check out a couple of study options as well. Narrowed down to going back to work and studying at the same time. Proposed the great idea to my family and surprisingly, they couldn't be more pleased. More research were done and I found myself really keen with the idea that I could return back home to study in the comfort of my own home! Perfect! Time was great too. My parents were very encouraging. I left Malaysia very light hearted (usually it's the complete opposite - as I leave Malaysia balling my eyes off!), knowing that I will return soon after I settle my stuff in Brisbane. 

Returned to Brisbane with the greatest plan of the year. I find myself thinking more about going home each and everyday - not a day passes without entertaining the thought of being a student again back home. The timing was set for me to go home around about September this year. Everything is almost confirmed and settled. 

Two days ago, received a letter in the mail. First thought: "unsuccessful application from TAFE". Ripped open the envelope and it said, "CONGRATULATIONS!" and I went "Oh, shit!!" Now I am torn between two lovers!! It sucks to have choices!! 

At this present moment, not finalised but take a peak on what my thoughts are:

Advanced Diploma in Applied Fashion and Technology : Masters in Managerial Psychology

                                                                                             40 : 60

                                                                             Hobby sake : Practical 

I need to make a decision by the 21st January 2008. Hopefully by then I will not regret my final decision made. 

Michelle went Snorkeling

Last weekend, my family and I made a trip down to Pulau Pangkor which is an island off the coast or Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia. We took a coach there via Lumut and then by ferry across to the island. There is not much to do there besides sleeping and playing by the beach. No proper shops, no clubs, no nothing...a very low-key tourist destination. The only highlight of the trip is that I went snorkeling! Was it worth it? No, because the fishes were all like ikan bilis and the corals being so sharp cut me everywhere. Would I go snoekeling again? Yes but definitely not Pulau Pangkor.

Farah's 23rd on the 23rd of December 2007!

Last evening we celebrated Farah's 23rd Birthday on the 23rd of December 2007! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FARAH!!" It was an awesome party which Farah had organised. I truly am greatful for such a fun-loving and genuine friend. Farah was my saviour during the boring Uni days - we'd meet and bitch and gloat and sulk! We have so many similarities which proved the saying "birds of a feather flock together". The only two things that we differ are probably, the BRIANS and the BURPS, hahahaha! Farah is very intelligent and a serial burper.

Anyway, at some point during Farah's party, I had this sudden urge of coming back to live in KL permanently! For a while, I couldn't decipher which part of me passed the thought on to my brain, leading me to think of coming home. But you know what, I SERIOUSLY DO MISS HOME!! That is it! Nothing complicated and nothing sophisticated, I just miss home...I wanna be here, in this place which I am totally familiar and have friends whom I grew up with to do things with me, to listen to me, to chill out, to have fun, to party, to dance, to laugh. I miss being myself in my own home. I always say "home is where my heart is" and my heart is here, therefore my home is here. I want to come home to Malaysia...the only place which will forever be home to my heart. Should I, or should I not? Will I regret my decision? This is a freaking HUGE decision.

I was telling one of my friends that I am 24 now...and gee time is ticking!! I am 24 and I have not yet achieved all the things I wanted to achieve in my ideal life!! I don't want to be wearing a bagage of regrets in later days, feeling guilty about the "what ifs" and the "if onlys".

Michelle is in a serious dilemma!

Tis' the season to be silly!

And I've finally started packing after continuos shopping which almost gave me a nervous breakdown! I am still shopping despite the inner voice stopping me. Anyway, as Christmas is now only days away, there are lots of bargain everywhere, which I freely admit I gave in to temptations. I seem to get better and better at justifying the things I buy as presents...*Surprise* *Surprise*

One suitcase full of chocolates another full of things for under the tree! 

Question: Will I have space for some clothes?

Hint Hint: Not having space for clothes is not my biggest concern as the lesser necessities I bring home, the more reasons for shopping, muahahhahah!! 

Time of the year...

9 more sleeps to Christmas 2007 and I think I have completed Christmas shopping this year. I've seriously lost count of how many boxes of Lindt chocolates I've purchased! Gawd I wished people would just put in their requests for their presents. It's brains numbing trying to figure out what goes with who...phew! I don't even know if I have a present for each person but I've had enough! Enough of the hustling and bustling around in the malls and about. Tough luck if you miss out!

I'm currently overdose with Christmas dinners/gatherings/drinks/lunches. I've had one almost every single night for the past week and again, I've just about had enough! One last one before we call it a year (here in Brissy at least). Christmas lunch with the remaining colleagues on Thursday before I fly out on Friday. 

I've never felt this tired...I'm so tired that I cannot think straight, concentrate, and focus! Gawd help me! I just need to stop and rest! Although admittedly, I'm not doing as much physical work (which explains the weight gain), but mentally I'm freaking not coping! The brain is moving like 100 miles per hour and the heart is pumping 10 million times a second! I think I've had enough this year. 

I'm just so waiting to go home to my family and milk all the attention I possibly can in the world!! 

p/s: Market has finally concluded this week for the year! Will be a well deserving 3 weeks break for us before we reopen for business again next year! 

Christmas Lights

My first year witnessing Christmas lights in the suburban areas of Brisbane. We chose to visit the Calypso Court street which were winners from last year's best Christmas street. I have never seen so much so colourful lights in my life being lit in a residential area. It was fantastic!! Somewhat a magical moment. While I was there, I felt like I was lost in one of the Christmas movie scenes. Amazing! While we were on the way there (which seemed forever, because we took a longer route), Andrew mentioned about how much energy is used yearly for such events, and I was thinking to myself, so much about carbon emissions and green house gasses blah blah blah...wonder when will some smarty pants voice to put a stop to such activities. As society becomes more extreme in the things we do, ever wondered what would life hold for our future generations if more bans and restrictions are implemented?

Whatever the future holds...take each day as it comes...treasure what you have today as tomorrow may be different. 

Btw, only 10 more sleeps to  Christmas 2007!! =)

Conversation

Pepe: Haven't seen you in a while! Heard you're seeing someone. Who's the lucky girl??

Dodo: Hahhaha, what lucky girl? 

Pepe: The girl you're currently dating, dumbo!

Dodo: Oh, same old...

Pepe: YOU MEAN THE GIRL WHO CHEATED ON YOU MORE THAN ONCE?!?!??!? Gee, you're a REAL dumbo aren't you??

**God, please help some people who constantly leave their brains in the pantry!!**

Do you make my eyes roll??

It annoys the shit out of me when people do everything revolving around the subject, MONEY! Gosh, I know money is important, but when everything you do revolves around it...it can pretty well be SAD!

A: I'm really sorry that I scratched the car bumper
B: Never mind, we will worry about it when we SELL the car next time!
**Yeah, yeah doesn't matter if I break a bone in me, as long as the car is still able to maintain a high price!**

A: It feels like I've just swallowed a fish bone
B: You okay?? If not I'll BUY a bottle of water.
**Fine, whatever! Do I need to really have swallowed a fish bone before you can buy me a bottle of water??**

A: What would you like to have for dinner?
B: Maccas $5 meal!
**Well, yeah of course. Won't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out why!**

Some people are simply shocking with their money. The things they do and say. Gosh, they can be in denial all they want, but I truly think it's DISGUSTING! The more you give the more you will receive, guess some people just cannot grasp the idea!

You can tell so much about a person by the way the person views money. The way some people react to money is really pathetic. Somehow makes your stomach churns and sends your eyes rolling. I wish people who are like that take a good look in the mirror and realise how much discomfort your filthy habit has caused the rest of us who are trying to live in this world peacefully!

Today I Saw You...

Today I saw you from the corner of the coffee shop. I was sitting at the corner of the shop having fruit toast and butter when I suddenly saw a familiar image past my sight. I knew it had to be you. I have not seen you in the longest time. Each time while walking by myself, I would always steal some time to think of a possible chance of us crossing paths. I cannot remember the last time we exchanged smiles. Almost as if I could not remember how you looked physically. This familiar image was suddenly very fresh and sent shivers down my spine. I secretly hoped you recognised me but also having the fear of false hopes, I just kept to myself and had my eyes followed every inch of your foot steps. Suddenly, you turned, we engaged in eye contact, but I quickly broke it by blinking away as if I never noticed your existence. I cringed, not knowing what to do, dropped my knife and felt like a complete fool! He had a big smile plastered on his face and I could sense that he was walking towards my table. As he came nearer, I managed to put on a oh-what-a-coincidence smile on my face, under my skin, I knew every cell was jumping with excitement to have him noticed me. It has been years...it ended up with I-love-you-dearly-as-a-friend on the surface kind of relationship, but deep down when he told me he had a crush on this other girl, my heart felt like it has just been stabbed. This was the guy who put the idea of "soul mate" into my head. We once were lovers, but broke up and became best friends. Like as if becoming best friends with your ex works?? Total bullshit! Never before I had my feelings altered for him although the person who proposed for a break up was yours truly. "Young and naive" did not make sense to me before, did not even know of an appropriate time to put them in use. Anyway, he was approaching and in no time, I was in his arms! We hugged and he said something along the lines of "can't believe it's really you..." I was just melting and a stood there like a tree trunk! Not knowing what to say or how to react I just replied, "Gosh same!" By now I felt like a total idiot for deliberately avoiding eye contact with him when our eyes met. What a fool! As I was on cloud nine enjoying his presence and his familiarity, something happened...

Someone was constantly tapping on my shoulder. Who could it be? It was supposed to be a "you and me" moment and nothing should interrupt. By now I am almost annoyed by the tapping on my shoulder.

I turned over and opened my eyes and saw this person who does not even resemble an inch of the person in my dream. It was then that I realised...it was only a dream after all.


**Ever after, forever and ever, till death do us part, soul mate, true love...these will only ever be perfect in our other world**

Okay, I'm off now...going SHOPPING...*WooHoo!*

My dad...

I love my dad to bits...he's my all time partner in crime! My dad's always to the rescue whenever I get into trouble with my mom. Eg; my mom goes bananas whenever I spill drinks on the floor, and knowing the clumsy me, I do it all the time. My dad always helps me clean up my mess to avoid us two having to live with "naggy-mom" for a day, ahahahhah!

My Mom and I...

Miss my mommy...if mothers were flowers in the garden, I'd pick my mom! She's the best! I'm 23 and I still have everything prepared for me at home. I should really be embarrassed, but I figured, I should be thankful that I have my lovely parents to pamper me every second of my life! =) *Thanks mom!*

Cutie Pie...