The return...

One year has come and almost gone. I still had quite a bit of work left outstanding... was trying to get them done before the year ends, but still awaiting lots of information from the client. Oh well, there's always next year.

We had our annual secret santa exchanging of presents at the office. I got a leather key wallet... quite normal compared to the other more exciting presents that some got. Sex for dummies book, blow-up doll, a framed sock for someone who just happens to be a chatterbox (telling her to put a sock in it!). Yup, all in good fun. Our Partner-in-Charge was given a whole attire comprising of a cap, a t-shirt and big gold chain... all with dollar signs all over.

The annual Christmas party had its ups and downs. It was buffet lunch at Fraser's Kings Park. The food was good... but the trays got finished pretty quickly and the catering staff took quite a while to replenish the food. So, lots of impatient, hungry guests.

This year's grad skit was also pretty good... really funny. Although somewhat crossing the line that separates humour and indecency. We have really sporting partners who don't mind people taking the piss out of them... which was the main theme of the skit every year anyway, to make fun of the bosses. I'd still like to think that my grad year put on a better show though :P

It was also amusing to see fellow colleagues getting more and more inebriated by the minute.

Would be leaving on a jet plane in about 8.5 hours time. Can't wait to get home...

Housekeeping

Li-Ann just left for home yesterday. Although it has only been about 25 hours since she left, I must admit that I can't help feeling some slight emptiness.

So what have I been doing... HOUSE CLEANING!!

... also because we have a rental inspection this coming Monday.

I started off by clearing my room a bit... and stumbled upon some old pictures, cards and other memorabilia.

So after 5 years of staying in the same house... I FINALLY decided to beautify my room a bit.

Shocking eh? How one can change SO much just over a FEW years...

Less than a week to home!

'Un-title-able' weekend

Last weekend before darling returns home...

Saturday dinner at Cafe Villa, Leederville...

Followed by dessert at Oriels, Subiaco...


Sunday morning trip to Rottnest Island...

Home of the quokkas...

We moved around the island on hired bikes...

Had an hour of historical gun tour...

Sun bathed at The Basin... touted to be the best Australian beach... I found the sand a bit hard...

And finally, dinner at Sandrino's, Fremantle... seafood pizza, yum!

My Christmas present to myself

Avanti Monza bought from TBE. It DEFINITELY feels lighter than my previous bike.

Specialized Speedzone Sport cycle computer... Look sis, it's WIRELESS!

Bike was on special... was AUD1,199 selling for AUD960. Including cycle computer and drink cage... total spent was AUD1,040.

Cycling shoes would have to wait. It's a lot cheaper back home... only 2 more weeks!

Full response

Just after 3 weeks from getting my Asics Gel DS Trainer, I got myself a new pair of Asics Gel 1120, courtesy of another Amart Allsports gift voucher worth AUD100, given by my manager for a job well done :)

It was selling for AUD120 from its original price of AUD160. There was also a pair of Gel Kayano old model which was originally priced at AUD240, but selling at AUD120 too. But the 1120 fitted me better, so I decided not to be kiasu and get myself a pair of shoes that fitted me well... rather than one that was originally more expensive.

I tested the shoes on Wednesday evening. Like the DS Trainer, they were pretty responsive. The springy effect could be due to them being new... see how they cope after a few runs. They were slightly heavier than the DS Trainer, but no doubt felt more supportive. Would serve me well as my training shoes, while the DS Trainer would be for my fast N' furious racing!

Saturday was Eric's housewarming at Balcatta. It was pot luck and there were PLENTY of food. The hosts dished out lemang and chicken rendang. Darling made salad and I bought turkish bread. Other mouth watering dishes include curry fish balls, sushi, char siew and KFC popcorn chicken courtesy of Marc. For desert, we had sago and tong yun. We also had a chocolate mudcake from Miss Maud for Brendan's upcoming birthday and champagne as a toast to the new BEAUTIFUL home of Eric and Renee.

Needless to say, I put on an extra kilo or two after that (the scales at the gym confirms this).

But that's not the end. Sunday evening, Li-Ann and I got another friendly invitation to Jasmine's for steamboat. Thanks, Jasmine... and for the take-away too!

BURP...