Things are not always what they seem....

Google Earth image from SMH

What do you think it is?? An optical illusion, a bus shelter, a pergola, a hole in the ground or a car hovering above the ground in a suburban Perth car park?? Some things may look like one thing but be in actual fact be something totally different...


Young or Old??


A nice little story to begin the new year...

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guestroom. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it."

"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later...

Some people come into our lives and quickly go…

Some people
become friends
and
stay awhile...
leaving beautiful
footprints on our
hearts...
and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!


Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Guess the good thing about chinese new year is that you can start another list of new year resolutions - including those not achieved 29 days ago.

Wishing everyone a happy CNY...like they say, "gung hay fat choy"!!!

The Year of the Dog...what does it bring??

The Year 2006 for Each Animal


People born :
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 are Rats: Your lucky sector is the North (352.5º - 7.5º) of the homeor office. Use yellows or browns in your decoration if you have a bedroom here. Spend more time this year with your partner as your potential success for the year can cause you to overlook people that are important. Unmarried Rats can expect new relationships and even rekindle existing ones. Your year will be busy but leave some time for play and make sure you take plenty of rest. Be careful of stomach problems, usually resulting from a busy lifestyle and bad diet or fast eating.When at work, you may sit facing north direction but do not sit with your back to it (north) or you may find unscrupulous people working against you or you may encounter undue gossip and back stabbing during the year.

People born :
1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 are Buffalos / Ox: Your lucky sector is the Northeast (22.5º - 37.5º) of the home or office. A stable year offering good relationships and wealth although the Ox will need to take care of their health this year especially those who like to smoke or do not have a good diet. Please take a look at your health especially if you are a metal Ox. Money can be very good for you this year, place some small quartz crystals in the northeast sector of your bedroom or office to enhance wealth this year. Although the northeast is your astrological lucky sector, this may not be the best direction for you to face when seated at work or doing anything important this year.


People born :
1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 are Tigers: Your lucky sector is the Northeast (52.5º – 67.5º) Place some small quartz crystals in the northeast sector of your room. Tigers have a much better year to look forward to in 2006. For those who work for others you should expect rewards with a promotion.
You need to be very careful with legal problems involving courts and possibly to do with contracts so please be extremely careful signing contracts. Karma can also be on catch up time as the seeds you planted over the last few years good or bad can come back to haunt or reward you. All Tigers should avoid going into partnership with someone born in the year of Horse. Be careful of gossip/slander and people who are jealous of you, they may try and make you look bad.
An addition in the family will bring happiness. For singles Marriage is indicated. Make investments, buy a house.



People born :
1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 are Rabbits/ Cats: Your lucky sector is the East (82.5º – 97.5º) of the home or office; Rabbit will be very glad in 2006 but It is still a year of mixed fortunes although on the whole it will be very good especially if you compare it to last year. In business you may also be offered a partnership and you should look at this as being positive although spend time looking over any small print on contract.Opportunities from foreign countries will knock at your doors. If you are onto exports or imports, you will flourish. If you are in fields like direct marketing, MLM, public relations and insurance, you will set new standards in the speed in which the customers can be covered. Get engaged or married as this is a perfect time for you to get the right partner. Romance is very strong this year for you.


People born :
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 are Dragons: Your lucky sector is the Southeast (112.5º – 127.5º) of the home or office. With a Dog year the Dragon will clash so you will need to take extra care this year but remember being prepared will give you the edge to make sure the year is good for you. Overall the year will bring change and this can be good for career and also business as it can steer you in a different direction that will be better for you. To improve your luck, keep fresh red roses in your office and home and wear red clothes. All Dragons need to be careful of wealth this year, do not worry about this as you will have money coming in but you need to concentrate on retaining it, so no gambling or taking risks. 2006 will be a year of changes for the Dragon.The southeast is the location of the annual 2 black this year and if your bedroom is located here, you may encounter obstacles in your endeavours and weak health. To protect you hang a set of six Chinese coins tied with red ribbon or place some metal ornaments in the southeast corner of the room.


People born :
1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 are Snakes: Your lucky sector is the Southeast (142.5º – 157.5º) of the home. The Snake is in for a great year. Career and those in business for themselves will climb to new heights providing you apply yourself. There will be some fantastic opportunities in 2006. Single Snakes can expect fireworks this year,even expect wedding plans, if you are a married or committed Snake you should be careful not to neglect your partner as with a successful year this can easily happen. Although the year will be good you can expect some jealousy from colleagues. Snakes will see excellent returns on their investments this year. But you need to rest and take some light exercise as you will get more stressed this year and need to watch blood pressure. All Snakes can enjoy a good year.


People born:
1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 are Horses: Your lucky sector is the South (172.5º – 187.5º) of the home or office. This is an excellent year for you. You will receive lots of money. Your efforts and work will get due recognition and honour. New opportunities and invitations will come. For singles Engagement and marriage is assured, which can bring lifetime happiness.It will be a year of learning new skills; investment opportunities and career change.The rewards for the year can be very good if you are prepared to work hard and able to accept some changes, the changes will be good for you although it may not seem it at the time. This year can also be a year of learning and this is why changes are frequent as it could be learning a new job, ideas that you have had in last year whether for a new business, career or new hobby, this is the year you should put them in place.


People born :
1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 are Goats / Sheep / Ram:
Your lucky sector is the Southwest (202.5º – 217.5º) In business and career you should concentrate on what you have already, as it is not a good idea to start new projects or jobs. There will always be exceptions to this and if you do move job or start a new business do not worry. Goats need to take care of health this year and this is a year of changing lifestyle like giving up smoking, better diet or doing more exercise. Wealth will be OK. Avoid engagements and marriage this year.
Be bold, do not worry and do not lose your heart.You will need to be careful this year but with planning and following a good advice along the year should be good although better for the female than male.Take extra care in the months of April, May, September and November.



People born:
1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 are Monkeys: Your lucky sector is the Southwest (232.5º – 247.5º) of the home or office. To enhance, place some golden ornament in the southwest corner of your room. A mixed year for the Monkey, the year can be good for the Monkey and even exceptional if you are aware of potential problems as you can avoid them and this lets you move on. The later half of the year will be better regardless. Older Monkeys born need to take more care and look after health, in particular joints. 2006 is a good year to travel or look abroad for new work or business opportunities, if you are self employed look abroad for new business partners. For a fire Monkey born 1956 this is an important year for finance and please be careful and not lend money this year or take any risks.This is a good year to learn new skills or hobby and perfect for study and taking exams. Health problems will normally relate to the heart, eyes and joints. If you are a journalist, author, copy writer, script writer, designer, academic researcher or an artist, you will do well.


People born :
1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 are Rooster: Your lucky sector is the West (262.5º – 277.5º) of the home or office. The year will be good although the male Rooster will have a slightly better time. You will find you have many friends and helpful people looking after you and if you do run into any problem during 2006 you will get through it without many problems.Relationships should be good for single and committed Roosters and this is not just for romance it also relates to career and business. Increase this by making sure you enhance the northwest of your home or bedroom. Health issues will be minor. Expect a good year with the right attitude. All Roosters should avoid high risks sports like climbing/mountaineering this year as accidents involving heights is on the cards. Take care in May especially getting involved in other people's arguments or problems. Wood Roosters born 1969 can expect a good year but look after diet and stomach problems.

People born:
1946,1958, 1970, 1982 ,1994, 2006 are Dogs: Your lucky sector is the Northwest (292.5º – 307.5º) of the home or office. The year for the Dog will be exciting and can be very good, although a little up and down so expect the unexpected. You should be careful of rivals/competitors this year and remain humble without bragging of how great you are, as it will cost you dearly. Avoid criticism. You will need to be careful with money as it can arrive and depart very quickly, so some careful money management is needed. 2006 is a perfect time to gather your thoughts and take stock of what you have and your life. This year is ideal for those who are or want to be creative and if you are in a position you should really try and travel this year. All Dogs should try not to get involved in other peoples problems or arguments it will only cause you problems. Those born 1970 and 1982 can expect a trouble free year.



People born :
1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 are Pigs: Your lucky sector is the Northwest (322.5º – 337.5º) of the home or office. 2006 will be a nice year and full of surprises, you will still have a few ups and downs but that is part of life. Relationships will be good although the committed male Pig will need to spend more time with their partner to ensure they do not wander. Female Pigs will be able to pick and choose, as they like. You should take extra security checks on your home or car this year as the robbery star is quite strong, this is especially so for people who have offices or main doors in the south.There will be new opportunities in business, career and love this year and it will be a lucky year which is nice as 2005 you had the wind in front of you rather than behind. Earth Pigs born in 1959 will have a very good time.

Parramatta

Destination was parramatta today and amazingly we did not get lost! Made it to westfield but when we got there, didn't find it all that fascinating....the three hour free parking was more than enough

Sydney Observatory

Happy Australia Day!!! A nice sunny day...circular quay and the rocks were packed with people. Had a great arvo enjoying free entry into sydney observatory with part of the bevo gang - looking through telescopes, old history and watching 3D theatre.

had dinner at koko (think that's what it was called)...the korean food was pretty good. dessert was gelatissimo. i want to say so much more but i just can't remember what i wanted to say....too tired....haha

till laters...

Driving

Made my way to Chatswood today...took the wrong turn on the way there..and got lost coming back but still managed to reach our destination! Sometimes I do like the traffic jams cause the traffic moves slower.

Haircut...

Always dread going to the hairdressers cause more regularly than not, it usually turns out bad and this time is no exception. i think its too short!! way short for my liking!! what the...oh well...it will have 26 days for it to grow back before work starts! lets hope i don't look too weird by then! >_<

Boredom

I've given up writing daily recaps because if I find my daily life boring..i'm sure you readers will be bored by it too!!! No highlights in the last couple days.

Exactly one more month before I start full-time work!! :(

Movies update:
Seven Swords
Misleading Tracks

Currently:
Full House
Healing Hands 3

Feel like going away for a day or two away from sydney....those one day tours don't seem to have anything interesting. if going by myself - cannot drive far...guess that doesn't leave me with many options but to stay put. unless someone is willing to drive!!!! :p

Possible destinations:
Central coast - Terrigal, The Entrance
Kiama
Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie
Byron Bay
Manly
Jenolan Caves

Other thoughts:
Canoeing
Rock climbing
Climbing harbour bridge
Ten pin bowling

Upcoming events:
Australia Day
Chinese New Year

Sigh...obviously I'm getting a bit carried away!!

I really hope to do something before 13th February to make my holidays WORTHWHILE!!!!!!! Cause have relos from overseas from 13-19th Feb!

A newborn!!

If the old doesn't go then the new won't come. What am I going on about? Finally I got a new mobile phone - nokia 6230i. Time for my panasonic GD55 to retire. Bad news for some is that I'm still with telstra for another two years - which means calling me is still just as expensive as before!...not that I get many calls anyway :p

Feeling like a little kid all over again. getting excited over the novelty. but i know this excitement won't last. i definitely felt i was mentally challenged because i spent ages trying to take of the back cover of the phone to no success. but such difficult task for me was completed in less than a minute by my mum!! argghhh...that feeling of incompetence!!

Another outing..

this must have one of the busiest weekends for the entire holidays thus far. for lunch went to cousin's party..its been a year since I've seen some of my cousins - some have grown A LOT - especially the little ones. the evening was mostly stuffing myself with food and just sitting there.

the second half of the day was filled with the 'k' gang at big echo. the usual for me - more sitting and listening rather than singing! dinner at chinatown. 10 people yesterday and 6 people today - not a single companion catching the illawarra train line - wonder why???

Bevo gathering...

It has been two years since the last bevo gathering. Ten people altogether (with little E) at pancakes. It was a great catch up with lots of cameras, 'news' and pork ribs...then a walk to the domain for 'jazz in the domain'. started sprinkling but was happy it didn't get any heavier! jessica rowe was there to close the event! the best thing at the domain was the free sunday telegraph!..haha

thanks a and k for catching the train with me! :)

Stress

Who would have thought the holidays could be stressful? Maybe the holiday itself is not, but certain activities are. What I am talking about is driving - night driving in particular. I've been told that once you get use to it, night driving is better than day. But at the initial stages its harder, more stressful and energy draining. No street lights, relying just on the headlights of the car and those around you. Suddenly, you feel as though you lose some of your senses - you feel that you can no longer see where you are going. No longer can you see the surrounding cues which usually indicate how fast you are going. No longer can you see the street names or the streets themselves. You just feel so blinded...

Viewing update...

SPL
Election
Wait Until You Get Older
State of Divinity

Currently:
Just Love
Fantasy Hotel

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

the holiday has played with my mind making me very forgetful! last nite i set the time for my alarm but forgot to switch the alarm button on....movie was meant to be 9:30 but i ended up waking up at 9. made my way to bevo by 9:45. so i guess i didn't miss too much of the movie!

Who watches a 'kids' movie and cries!!...haha...its good to keep in touch with one's 'childish' side once in awhile! my last movie was madagascar...another wacky movie! and of course very happy to catch up with F and little E once again! :)

Restaurants..

Miss Saigon was average but none of the dishes that i tried was particularly great. we tried a tomato soup based noodles, beef noodles, a cold noodle dish with sugar cane and spring roll...

Is the new restaurant you're talking about the same one that I think you're talking about. it's opposite miss saigon right? if it is that one then i definitely agree with you! DO NOT GO THERE!!!...hahaha...the dishes were bad...

Ichiban-boshi

Dinner at ichiban-boshi tonight - near kinokuniya. must say its one of the better jap places that's not too expensive. the 40min wait was, i guess worth it - we were told its extra busy on thursday nights. for once i didn't end up chosing terrayaki chicken. instead i had tokyo ramen which was quite nice! the dumplings there were not bad either!

the train ride home: "cityrail apologises for the first two carriages being locked up because of water damage"..just thought it was funny comment made by cityrail..

Back to routine

Have reverted to my old routine with the 'all too frequent' visits to hurstville. its amazing no matter how often we go to buy grocery, we never fail to return home empty handed.

lunch at miss saigon today with cuz. a meal with a difference. everytime we eat viet its always beef noodles. but since today my cuz did the ordering we sampled a variety of dishes. a change at last!

added to my collection of watched series this holidays: Wars of In-Laws, Tin Long Bak Bo, The Gateau Affairs

Happy New Year

What a way to welcome the new year with the scorching hot weather!! Hope everyone had a wonderful new year whether it was spent with friends, family or alone...no matter how it was passed it's a new year, a new start...all for the better!

Ditch all the bad luck and unhappy thoughts. Bring in hope, opportunities and happiness for 2006. Retrospectively, every year passes very quickly but prospectively, it may be a long journey. Whatever the future holds, may it hold success and happiness.