Two years ago, while I was driving home from Mass in a soul-searching mood amidst uncertainty, I asked God what was I supposed to do about my life's direction. At the time, Lee and I had only spent about a week talking to each other online. But he'd already asked that I think about moving to Sydney. It was a ludicrous idea at that period, although I was searching for a change in my life.

What I didn't write in that blog entry was that in the car that Sunday evening, I said to God that if this was all meant to be I would be in Sydney for the World Youth Day. I looked up to the sky and then saw a rainbow. It was a sign He was telling me He would keep his promise.

He has.

By God-incidence, I was asked if I was the pilgrim group leader for St Augustine's before my arrival to Sydney in December last year. I took it as a sign that He wants me to do something in return for Him. So I said yes. Unfortunately, the road was hard to get a pilgrim group together from that small parish.

I had been mulling over what to do without a group. To spend $335 on a 5-day package and go on my own, or just attend the few events available to the general public.

I went to collect the WYD kit today for another parishioner who wanted to get one but was going to go on her own. I still hadn't decided about myself. What more, Lee said he was taking the week off to attend the event with me as well. That was a pleasant surprise. But $335 for each person was still too much.

The person behind the registration counter had a kit for seven pilgrims from my group. When I told him only one was paid for, he gave me two! I felt touched and thankful for the gesture. (I forgot to get your name, but to the American guy at the Chippendale pick-up station who's been working so hard against today's "logistical nightmare" - thank you!!)

It's a wonderful affirmation of His continuing blessings.

Zona Marie's at 11:12 PM | braincells (0)

It's amazing how after over five years of reading each other's blogs while living in the same city, having so many mutual friends and even probably been in the same clubs partying that we've never met each other in person. It took us to leave our home country and move to another before we finally shared a cuppa in Sydney. On Saturday, I finally met Stephanie.

Not complete strangers, we spoke to fill in the gaps of all the things we knew of each other from those years of reading. It's funny how life takes turns to bring people together. I know it's been like that even for me when I ended up marrying Lee, but I still feel wonderment to experience these little things.

One of the things Ste's said to me was how it seems that I've adapted really well. I couldn't help but think how ironic her statement was at this precise point in time. It has been welling up inside me for a while now, particularly after the wedding and getting my job that reality hit me.

Continue reading "Adaptating Australia" »

Zona Marie's at 9:44 PM | braincells (0)

Lee's got an eeeevil idea for world domination through young impressionables.

It's an animated children's series called Evil Genius Academy that is being pitched at the Animation Magazine's Pitch Party 2008. Now as his talented evil sidekick, I implore you to vote for him or suffer the consequences! You have until June 25 or this plan will fail!
http://www.animationmagazine.net/pitch_party_08_vote.html
His ad is on the second last row at the bottom, 2nd from left. Vote vote vote!

Failure is Genius! Muahahah....! =P

Zona Marie's at 6:45 PM | braincells (2)

Aus PM Kevin Rudd made an announcement that he'll push for Asian countries to end to petrol subsidies. Right, easy for him to talk. He's not a working class Asian citizen in a country that doesn't have minimum wage or executes CPI adjustments across the board, then has to pay the equivalent to US$ currency conversion for petrol.

I think he's just lost his favour rating with the Asians, especially Malaysians at this point in time.

Zona Marie's at 9:42 PM | braincells (1)

Never having bothered much about fashion seasons or what's "in style", because Malaysia is eternally summer, I'm beginning to understand the whole concept of "season styles" now. It's funny to try and answer people when they ask me "What's winter in Malaysia like?" without first giggling. But of course, that follows with me admitting that I don't know how to dress up for winter.

This is my second winter in Australia. I barely remember how I survived my first winter in Perth. But being a student and completely frugal, I didn't bother with styles at al . Now, with a disposable income and a whole new lifestyle to adapt to, I am suddenly quite conscious about the clothes I chose to wear. I absolutely love how Australia has great cuts and choices, amazing bright colours for their Spring/Summer collections; but find it madly ironic that Autumn/Winter sees the stores full of gloomy greys, black and browns.

Shopping for winter has been quite a task for me, because its a whole wardrobe that never existed in my life prior. I walk into the women's section and see all these daggy looking granny knits, and I dread that I could easily look like a bag lady with all that layering! Doesn't help that I'm not cold-weather friendly! Heh. What's worse for me though is, how do you dress up formally for winter?? Most dresses are cut sexy or short, so I end up figuring that I have to get more than one overcoat for different types of occasions.

I guess I'm doing alright... still capably "fashionable", despite the handicap. Tsk. I now understand why some women would be flipping those girly mags for tips. But I prefer the Internet to find out things like how to wear a scarf or even a beanie, because then you'll stumble on cool videos like these...

Zona Marie's at 9:22 PM | braincells (1)

Seems like I blog only when I've been tagged. Tsk. Dadeeyah tagged me with a meme that's inspired by the Malaysian politicians' (annoying) "Change your lifestyle" mantra.

This one's a bit of a toughie for me because there's no catalyst mentioned about why I'd want to consciously change my lifestyle, even if I were to assume the issue was from the rising cost of living. Nevertheless, my lifestyle has already changed since moving countries and cultures. So I'll make this a list about how my lifestyle has changed...

* I shop with a green bag
It's the Woolies "gay green bag", as Lee would call it. Instead of stocking up on plastic bags, I carry along a couple of green bags to do the grocery shopping. I also love how some fashion shops have their own calico bags that are a bit more fashionable to carry around, like Wittner's. Worst one I've got though, is 3's lolly pink calico bag! x_X Blegh.

* I take the bus to work
I love the fact that I don't have to worry about paying for petrol and the dreaded monthly car instalments anymore! Hehe... Since we live so close to the city and to work, I'm only a 20-15min bus ride away from the buzz. Convenience! I think one car for the both of us is more than enough.

* I don't eat out as much
I do miss those RM3 (AUD$1) bowl of noodles or plate of chap fan for my daily work lunch. I know those prices would've gone up by now, but at least its still better than paying AUD$7 for a sandwich. When I'm in the mood to cook, I actually do make my own lunch to take to work. Even for evening social occasions, we often end up entertaining at home or being entertained at someone's place who'll do the cooking.

* I walk more
"Too near to take a bus, too far to walk" was how my dad put it when he came to visit. Sydneysiders are just so fond of walking everywhere. It was a bit of a change to get used to (Malaysians don't walk places!!!), but I have found myself enjoying a nice walk on several occasions between Pyrmont to St Mary's cathedral, and Surry Hills to Pyrmont - about a 3-5km distance.

* I shop at factory outlets or vintage shops
I just love DFO, Birkenhead Point and the small vintage shops scattered around. Bargains for good quality goods! And places like the Salvos are great to keep wastage low. Oh, and gumtree is awesome for exchanges too! There are just so many opportunities in Australia to be frugal if you know where to look, despite a high cost of living.

* I recycle paper, plastic and glass
Most households (depending on local councils) are given two or three garbage bins - one for general household waste and one for recycling paper, plastic and glass. You're expected to separate your waste properly, or risk not getting your garbage picked up!

I can't think up anything else that's a significant change. But adjusting to the Australian lifestyle makes it so easy for me to be eco friendly!

So who else would make a lifestyle change? Sourrain? Mei? Lisa? eternity? Erna? Tag, you're it!

Zona Marie's at 10:14 PM | braincells (1)

mei and sourrain had this on their blogs, and because I am a strong believer in paying kindness forward, I am doing that here too. To repay my readers who've been lurking here despite my blog not being updated consistently anymore.

What is this?
This idea is based on the movie Pay it Forward. You know the one with Haley Joel Osment, that has that sad ending? ^_~ Anyway, the concept is that when someone does you a good turn, instead of repaying them back, you pay it forward to someone else. With the hope that kindness will be passed on constantly. Some would say "What goes around comes around"... Karma... That sort of thing.

How will it work here?
In this instance, I'll put together a care package for three random folks who leave a comment in this entry (valid til May 31st). To make it more interesting and less of a "I want a freebie" grab, share with me a favourite personal quote which inspires you. The three that gets my attention will be the lucky trio.

Oh and please, please leave a valid email address in your comments so I can email to ask your mailing address. If you hate those spambots, add the word REMOVE in caps after the @.

What's in the care package?
Let's make it a surprise. Of course, it'll be a practical care package. Or maybe a mix of practical and creative. I might even throw in a couple of my handmade jewellery pieces. The point is, nothing is junk! Even if it might not be useful to you, don't throw it away! Give it to someone else as a birthday present, or a "just thinking of you" present! That'll be paying it forward too! ^_~

When will it arrive?
I'm in Sydney, Australia and I'll be sending it via air mail parcel. Most of the time, it'll arrive to wherever you are outside Australia in a week or two from the time I mail it off. If you're in Aus, then it's within a working day or two.

What's the catch?
As the concept was mentioned earlier, you won't need to pay me back anything. You just need to pay it forward. If you have a blog, put this up on your blog and do the same for someone else. If not, do it in real life for someone you know... Or someone you haven't been in touch with in a long time, but have their contact via Facebook. ^_~

"Can I specify my gifts?"
Nope. This isn't a retail request. The concept of "paying it forward" means it has to come from the heart.

So what are you waiting for? I want to pay it forward now... ^_^

Zona Marie's at 6:51 PM | braincells (4)

I can't quite point out any single special significance to the first two weeks of being married, only because I think being married is special regardless of time. But since I've had the previous entry titled 'My first week as a journo', I was actually asked to write 'My first week as a wife'! =P

I feel it rather odd for people to be asking the question "How's married life?" looking at the circumstances that I've been in while having moved to Sydney for off and on the last two years now. I think that the big move, having a new career and starting a new life altogether has made "getting married" a small part of a bigger picture. But not insignificantly small, rather meaningfully minute. If you'd been following the events of my life here long enough, I'm sure you'll understand what I mean.

I wouldn't have married if I wasn't here. And I wouldn't be here if I wasn't married.

But if you want something less complicated, I'm lovin' it! ^_~

***
Blog ini dituju khas kepada Pak Muteaudio yang telah memintanya. Heheh... Mute tidak meminta saya menulis dalam Bahasa Malaysia, tetapi saya ingat ia mungkin idea bagus bagi saya berlatih bahasa ni sekali-sekala.

Zona Marie's at 10:45 PM | braincells (2)

Yes, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia began blogging yesterday. Welcome Tun, to the world of free speech and global interactivity.

Zona Marie's at 10:42 PM | braincells (0)

I had a big week at work... Well, I'm having big month technically! And my editor can't believe how calm I am. That plus my desk is still super clean and non-lived in yet. Though, she was impressed by the cask of white wine on my desk. Which isn't mine! Yeah, like you're going to believe that. =P

A week and a half into work and I've managed to work on two magazine stories and a web story. So begins my real foray into journalism in this new home down under. I couldn't be more proud of myself when my colleague posted my web story as an exclusive today!

IF exclusive: Industry leaders gear up for Australia 2020
The film industry is approaching the 2020 Summit with great optimism. Attendees Hal McElroy, Robert Connolly & Geoffrey Atherden speak with Inside Film about what they are bringing to the table.

The wedding is in exactly two weeks, and I've still a lot to do on the detail front. At least all the big things are out of the way, and we're set! Friends and family will start pouring into Sydney from Thursday on. It's going to get exciting. I just told Lee, I think that if it weren't for starting this new job now, I think I would've been stressed and needlessly nervous as hell about getting married. Heeh...

Mrs Sheppard... Hmm, I can't wait. *^_^*

Zona Marie's at 8:44 PM | braincells (4)