It has been 5 years long..

Compared to the last two years's old and new, this year was much more peaceful and I felt blessed. Gratitude was the words to depict, for having this momentum to countdown towards 2012 and to view the fireworks, accompanied by my sole closest friend that I had at that moment. Looking at the sky together, viewing the blasting colour of the fire, it was a very pleasant time, as we both were looking at the same sky, the same fire, at the exact similar location, 5 years ago, back in 2007.
For this another unexpected opportunity, I truly thank God.
Sometimes, certain friendships are hard to maintain.
The most precious ones need to pass through fires and pains, and the one that stands out the most and survive, is the most valuable, the most beautiful and the most precious. Sometimes, you might not know how to express it, sometimes your thanksgiving are kept only for yourself .For we would not know what friendship truly is, and might would not fully understand it. However, all the sharing, the keeping of gifts for years and all the thoughts, & time spent would prove on how much we value this. For sure, You wouldn't know how long it would last, and how long you are permitted by the Author of Life to maintain it.
Each second is precious, each moment is memorable. Will cherish this always.

好朋友的特殊烹饪

New Year's Eve lunch : 2011
我的好朋友的特殊烹饪特别棒. 萧友，好高兴，对我们的友情，我非常感恩。

Mon Anniversaire 2011

Being grateful for another year that I am entrusted to live with, indeed. Sincerely I could not be thankful enough for all that have happened. As for this year birthday, I would like to thank you as much as I could, for all the people in my lives, all the wishes, all the cares, all the gifts, and most importantly, the sincere hearts.

28th December 2011 noon, my Dondon ex colleagues; Alan, Mindy, Jay, Yong & Fiona had organized an awesome Korean dinner together and Cake time. Although we had been busy and hardly spent time with one another, reflecting back on how much they still care and loyal up to this day, I could not help it, but just smile whenever I remember them. Thank you all. Thank you also for Alan, Mindy & Jay for the lovely presents.

In a certain manner, honestly I missed the company that I had similar to the year before, but for 29th December 2011.. it was rare a solitary birthday. Perhaps suitable for me as it is amiably private moment for me. Pleasant indeed to indulge in my own world, ripping off the gifts with the love of mystery. Thank you and thank you for all of the gifts. I love each one of them, and all of them made brought happiness. And surprisingly, there are certain items that I have been always wanting to buy, yet, are given on my birthdays. Example : Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow (from Tika),2012 Diary (from my dear Liv) & Peter Alexander's clothes with Napoleon make up kit (from dear Syella). It must be Him, who knew what I need and put it in their hearts...Thank you Father.

And also, I will never forget my three companions, who have always been there. I love their gifts so much... It truly depicts who much they know me and understand who i really am. Thank you very much: Al, El & Ben. These are really, truly, marvelous. Also, thank you so much for Anastasya, who was the first giver of the year. I love that Paris box a lot. Missing her. Apart from that, thank you for Kristi, who celebrated my birthday on the 31st, thank you for your effort and the sharing that we shared. Thank You also for my FA members who celebrated my birthday on the 1st of January 2012. And as for all the wishes and greetings, may all of you be blessed !

Lastly, the dinner for this year birthday: a nonetheless moment that is as important, for it is a tradition for me to spend that hours with people who are essentially special and impertinent on my special day. And as for this year, it was a privilege to have my most loyal & closest friend to accompany me. It was simple , memorable & the loveliest dinner I have for my birthday throughout my life. One of a great gift that I really could never ever say thank you enough, is the long lasting quality times and friendship, that is extremely costly. With all of my heart : Merci Beaucoup.

As Time Goes By - A Tribute

When no one's around, when everyone's gone, the time you have with the only company left would be much valuable. These 3 consistent Saturdays have been pleasant, and worth to cherish, especially when you don't really have much chances throughout the year to have such quality times together. However, when you are permitted to spend time with, after such a long separation, it is beautiful.

Appreciate the endless generosity, the hours spent, all the wonderful meals, all the sharing and life experiences that I am entrusted with. All the ups and downs, all the goods and the ugly sides of life, to be able to know all... I would say, more than I deserve to know.. made me treasure this more. To think about it, this is the longest, lasting, friendship that I really have in Melbourne.. and I pray that it will last..I would never forget the time when you stand by me when no one else does, to offer me helps and company without complaining when no one else around.. Ceaseless gratitude... Words would not be able to describe how much this meant a lot to me. And since, I am limited and lacking in verbal expression, writing and prayers would be the only perfect channel of thoughts and emotions, the Lord knows best.

Christmas Eve, 24 December 2011, has been a memorable dinner, a wonderful Christmas present for me. We smiled, remembering that we had our first fine dining together in 31st December 2007, such a long time, but it just seems like yesterday. Amazing it is, to meet a person, similar to you, who has shared so much, with such a strong bond. I may or not know how do you view on this. But knowing myself how truth and precious this is for me, it is more than enough.

My only wish, is to ask for nothing for myself, but to have this friendship continues, as time goes by, to be able to witness how you beat the winds and conquer all the challenges, to be able to witness you grow more and more in Him, to be able to witness you to gain the best of the best, and to be able to see you happy and smile always.

The Cat and the Butterflies

The Cat & the Butterflies

Simple artwork, dedicated to my workmate, Phoebe.
Her smile always encourage me and made my days better.
It will never be coincident that we both like cat and purple =p
I love you and this painting is for you and it comes with a message:

" For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
~ Psalam 139 : 13-14

You are precious in His sight.

Thank you Lord for allowing us to work together :)

Moomba Festival

Moomba Festival 2011 ~ 13th March : Moomba outing with my beloved friends Tika, Erlin, Ben, Mik & Stephen =p Though it was only an hour and we had to left because of the rain.. most of us had a great time. The fireworks were cool and the 3 rides !!!! I love them all !!!!!! That moments were just.. Super Fun ! Made me feel younger, excited and vibrant! The night was followed by a mini rendezvous at the cafe as the rain poured and the temperature dropped ~ hot chocolate and mud cake was simply bliss ~~ Best Moomba Trip compared to the last 3 times in the past. Thank God for the friendships and thank God for the fun !

Nasi Tumpeng

29th January 2011, House Warming at Robert & Nina 's residential home =p

The hosts had been very generous in providing us the meals. We had Indonesia's famous Nasi Tumpeng. Which usually, is only served to celebrate important event. The philosophy of Tumpeng signifies the geographical condition in Indonesia, especially Java to be fertile island. The tall cone shape of the rice symbolized the mountain in Java as tall and magnificent. This unique dishes was served as a means to signify blessings for the house. This was followed by prayers and blessings by the invited pastor and many friends who love and supports this family.

All foods were delicious, including Nina's home-cook 'Bak mi', or Indonesian noodles. The guests had great time enjoying themselves in the house. The house-warming was a success. And not to forget, Himelda's Indonesian style cheesecakes and her signature Tiramisu were really wonderful :)

Marleen & Virgon's Wedding : 15th January 2011

15th January 2011, Saturday.. a fine sunny day finally, after days of endless pouring rain, sweeping Melbourne as if it never ended, would always be remembered for Marleen & Virgondo's wedding.

What would be more blessed then witnessing two loving souls, triumphantly going through all obstacles for 8 years and finally pledging vows to be husband and wife ? Been knowing Marleen since the day she stepped into Dondon 3 years ago allowed my mind to be dived into memorable pensive. It was joyful, to look at her, so beautiful on this day. I have seen her many times on different number of days. However, she never looked as radiant as this before.. on such a special day, and I couldn't help it but, smile as I know, I love this girl very much !

However....silently, I did shed my tears watching them standing proudly in the pulpit. Though, genuinely happy and feel at ease for them, inside my heart I heard myself saying : might or might not this could happen to me ?.. a complex thoughts that I prefer not to discuss further at the moment.

The whole afternoon prior to the reception was spent preparing myself for the night. Yes, I was excited and wanted to have a perfect night. Weeks had been devoted for the presentation, which I sought for the emphasis of classy and elegance, and indeed, all went satisfyingly well.

Royce Hotel Ballroom portrayed excellent choice, I simply love the stairs leading tranquilly towards the ballroom. All the decorations that adorned the silky table, with carefully chosen ornaments reflect the delicacy of Marleen's choice. I know well, they both have fine taste.

My two good friends had delivered profound skills as Emcees. Meals were tastefully appropriate, and the entree of Duck Risotto was delightful to my taste. I also had my debut, singing in a wedding, which was included in 'one of my wishes since I was a little girl each time I attended a wedding' and was very grateful for such privilege.

Most of all, gathering with my ex-colleagues and good friends in this very occasion had the most value. Everyone I knew were merry and really enjoyed the whole reception. It would be a great journey for the bride and groom, and many blessings would certainly, be bestowed upon them as the rewards of their faithfulness for one another..

A Touching Gift

Who would ever know who would ever expect that, you would get a sudden delivery out of the blue. Seems like no one would ever send me flower during this time. I don't have anyone that close and there isn't any occasion or special event around some more. When I received this news from my boss, I wondered ... At the moment I picked up the flower and opened the card to read , my tears just flowed..

Such a gentle message, such a simple lines. Yet, it is so deep. I never expect the giver to understand the pain so well what I am going through without me telling. Even though, I never even show it every time we met. However, since there were times when I really wanted to go far far away and disappear, knowing from the message that.. I still have people around who really want me to be happy, knowing that I still have people around who still love me.. it really comfort me. I will always remember the giver's care and never forget.

My Day-Off and... my best guy friend

I can't remember when was the last time I had a weekday off. Well, today I had one and it was good. I could wake up at 9 instead of the usual 7.. then head of to the city for medical check up. Unfortunately, I had fasted too long and the nurse refused to take my blood. Sigh, I was very hungry at that time, but nothing I could do. So, I have to come again next Wednesday morning. Followed by this, I went for reading accompanied by my fav. mocha at Starbuck and waited for my friend. We went for lunch, then window shopping at many places along Collins, Myer & David Jones.

At Tiffany & Co., I saw one very nice necklace, but I will not buy it. It's against my principle to buy myself a necklace. Haha. I like necklace but the thing is, I don't need necklace now. What I really need now is a keychain. The last one that I had was a gift from a friend, but it's time to change it. I have been looking around for a very long time, but I never find it. Thus I give up looking for a suitable one. Hope that one day I will have it. Perhaps, if I had one close friend who were willing to buy one for me, it would be great. Jk.

The day continued on when my close friend, Mikha met up with me (Such an irony that the night before I just missed hanging out with him). We went for nice French coffee & cake, walked around city and chit-chat, then went to inspect some nice cars. Afterward, we went home, gathered with other friends then attended staff's farewell dinner at night. One thing I could say is: thanks a lot for the genuine company. Really grateful for the pleasant quality time, meant a lot for me, and that's what I need so much for now..

adios..my friends

An old friend told me once :' you won't miss a thing until you lose it.' 

It is true.. to a certain extent. But that depends on how much you cherish that particular something. We do meet new people everyday. The thing is, they come and go. And we do feel empty sometimes by the person's absentee.. The basic simple answer: that person means
nothing to you. 
However, it will always be sad to have someone close leaving. 
Wish I could spend more time with them when they were around.....

24 hours ago, I went to the airport to send off my close friend (wil) back to Indonesia.
The same thing happened 96 hours ago, who was Sandra. I have known both of them for minimum of 4 years.. and I do 
appreciate both of them. 

Sandra had been a good advicer. For me, she is wise and trustworthy. 
I remember She took care of me when I was ill
and I will never forget her. 

As for Wil, we were always together since 2003.
I dare say, he is so far the longest lasting friend that I had while in Melbourne.

well..I didn't feel much sadness when they left..
maybe the time will come when I could feel the lost.. it will be definite..

Perhaps.. I should learn to cherish more the time that 
I have with whom I have at the moment...
If God permits, I would be given certain genuine close friends again. 

As for Sandra and William, you guys will always be remembered.
Thank you for everything.

N.B.
1st pic (my design dedicated to William) -scrapbook.
2nd pic sandra.

A very good Farewell to 2007

To close of 2007, the last dining I had for the 31st, which was also probably the best dining of the year, was at Borsari - Italian Fine Dining Restaurant with my very best friend, Mikha. Thanks to him, I didn't have to spend my New Year myself. LOl ~ The place has a very cozy, private kind of feel dining, the food was delicious and the sparkling wine was great. I love the pudding with the brandy sauce most.

As for the countdown, we had the chance to view fabulous fireworks display, adorning Melbourne's sky....despite having no choice but to walk around the crowded streets for some reasons. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take any good picture of it. Happy New Year 2008 !