Sunday, February 26, 2012

Day 327: Beach Bum - Again


Yes, I went to the beach again!

         sorry friends :-/

                     Ok, I'm not really that sorry. It was awesome and much needed.

*Patting myself on the back* for dealing with two deflating tires and putting my chain back on after it popped out of place all by myself. Woot!

*Diana looks around and whispers a secret*
Deep down inside, I wish Adonis was here to handle that for me lol. Yes, I realize my "independent woman" points just went down a bit but I don't care. I like my man to do guy stuff for me. Sure, I can do it all by myself buuuuuut I don't wanna.  There, I said it. 

Day 326: Friday Rush Hour



 Yes, I know the weather is crap back home and you're probably hating me right now. I have to appreciate the weather while I can!

After work, I rushed home, packed my bag, hopped on my bike, and raced to the beach! I laid out and read my book (Mockingjay, Hunger Games) <-- it was so relaxing. The only thing missing was my Adonis laying right by my side listening to the ipod and occasionally glancing over at me to say something silly.

I couldn't help but think how proud he'd be of me riding my bike through the city streets solo! I knew I'd make it OK but I was a bit nervous. I'm so used to making that ride with Adonis leading the way.

Day 325: Cutest Dentist




My plan was to hold out on all doc appointments until I got back home but I couldn't hold out. I made an appointment to see the dentist. I was so surprised when I walked into the dentist office. It was so cute! It was stylish and colorful, unlike the ones back home. I wonder if it's just this doctor's style or if this is a common thing. AND, I didn't spend an hour and a half in the waiting area! I was in and out in a matter of 20-25 minutes! I was so impressed. It made me think that maybe I should have made all my appointments with Aussie doctors.

P.S. All good with my teeth! Still cavity-free!

P.P.S. The cat statues were a lil' freaky lol.

Day 324: Bimbo Deluxe




I met up for dinner and drinks with my friends at Bimbo Deluxe. I've passed by this place every time I've been to Brunswick St. and I never bothered to look in because it doesn't look like much from the outside. I was surprised at how big this place was. It's quirky, it's funky, it's stylish.... it's so Melbourne. 

We went for the Wednesday $4 pizza deal! Yup, a $4 meal in Melbourne actually exists! Their pizzas were tasty, but we had to wait 40 minutes for them. And, their chocolate dessert pizza is A-MAZING. We were all convinced that we should have ordered at least two each. I'll be going back for more chocolate pizza. 


Day 323: Hometown Boost


I stopped by the candy shop a few weeks ago and I picked up a few of these lollipops because (1) I love them and (2) they remind me of home. 

I remember going to the corner store in the Bronx with my sister and getting these for 5 cents! I have a specific way of eating these. It's just one of the many quirky things I do. Unfortunately, this is my last one. I'm off the sweets but I had to indulge for a little bit. 

Day 322: Lunch Walk



I don't rush home anymore simply because Adonis isn't there waiting for me. So, today I decided to go for a walk during lunch. The wind on my face and the sun on my skin was so refreshing. It gave me the pick-me-up I needed to start my week (even though it was already noon).

Note to self:
Take one of those corny tourist boat tours on the Yarra River before I leave! I don't know why but I really want to lol.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Day 321: HUGE Lilies



Check out how HUGE my lilies are now! They are gorgeous and they have the apartment smelling so good.  But, I think I'm starting to get allergic to these too! They are so strong that my eyes are now itchy and watery. Uh-oh! 

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Day 320: I love Dancehall








Last weekend I saw a billboard for a dancehall event and dance competition. I was so excited when I saw this because I absolutely love dancehall so there was NO way I was going to miss this event. The only problem is that I didn't have anyone to go with so this meant that I was going to be hanging out in a club all alone -- awkward. I didn't care. I went anyway but luckily a friend ended up meeting me.

Anyway -- this event played nothing but dancehall all night (loved it!!). I was longing for Adonis to be there with me so that I could wine on him all night! The competition part was the highlight of the night. I was a bit disappointed at the first round because they played "Dutty Wine" for them and not one of those dancers did the dutty wine! I would have called them out on that (and yes, I dutty wined on the sidelines lol). Overall the competition was OK. I'm glad they weeded out the non-dancehall dancers quickly. In the end I think the right person one.

There's another event on March 10th. I shall be in attendance too!

Day 319: Flower Power & Power Nap

Not used to seeing flowers so gloomy, right?

Ok so my photo above has nothing to do with today.

I usually take power naps when I come home from work: 15 mins on weekdays and 1 hour on Fridays. Well this time I slept until 10PM! This completely messed me up for tonight. What a waste.... but I'm not going to lie. It felt good!

Day 318: No Beach!


I had all intentions of going to beach after work. I was going to hop on my bike, read my book on the beach and relax. But noooo -- this crazy Melbourne weather ruined all plans. When I walked back to work after lunch I was so determined but by the time I reached my desk the dark clouds came in and it started to POUR! Not drizzle -- a full thunderstorm.

I'm seriously tired of Melbourne's unpredictable, ever-changing weather.

Day 317: New Baby Lunch


My team likes to eat so we find any excuse to try a new restaurant. This time we are celebrating our co-worker's second baby. Ah! The joys of work.

As you can see... I haven't had much to say lately.

    Life is a little dull now that my P.I.C. isn't around.


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Day 316: Lunch in the city




I escaped the office and found my way to Cafe Vue for lunch. My friend said their burgers were supposed to be bomb... but I thought they were OK and actually overpriced. On my way back to work I stopped by a small bakery to pick up some surprise Valentine's Day pastries for two of my lady co-workers. I remembered that they loooooved this place, so I couldn't pass by without picking up a little something for them.  They were so surprised and delighted when they found their pastries.  

Happy Valentine's Day.

In case you were wondering, Adonis and I don't do the V-Day thing. 

Day 315: Chinese Goodies!


I love it when co-workers bring goodies back for the team from their vacation! We got this chinese decorative goodie today. It was a small gesture, but it made my morning. 

Do you bring back goodies for co-workers when you've been away for a long time? If not, I think you should (if you like your co-workers lol) because they are picking up your work while you're away. So, bringing back a little something is a small way to say "Thank you." It doesn't have to be expensive. For example, I brought back cookies from Japan. It didn't break the back and everyone liked them! 

Day 314: Lazy Sunday

eh.
 
    cuz sometimes you just feel... eh.

Day 313: Cafe-ing



My day started off with being convinced that I wasn't stepping a foot outside. But early afternoon hit and I stepped out on the balcony.... glad I did! It was a nice cool summer day. I packed up my stuff and headed to a local cafe. For some reason I've always wanted to be one of those people that worked on their laptops in cafes lol. This time I actually have a reason to do so because I'm working on a top-secret project and needed to get out the apartment to make progress. I had my coffee and blueberry muffin while I Skyped with my sister at the cafe (thank you free wifi!). Then, I spent about two hours in the cafe! No one harassed me or tried to kick me out for staying without ordering more food. Melbourne is cool like that. I'll be back next weekend.

Oh... Have we talked about coffee in Australia? Just in case we haven't I'd like to let you know that you don't order coffee the same way you do in the U.S.  For example, I like coffee with milk and sugar. In Australia I have to order a "flat white" with sugar. Other types of coffee include "long black", "short black", and then the regular lattes, cappuccinos, etc. Before I landed in Australia I rarely drank coffee. I might have a cup a month.  But, the delicious Aussie coffee has turned me into a coffee drinker. I now drink one cup a day or every other day. Geeze. How am I supposed to go back to American coffee?! My co-workers like it when I say "coffee" because you can really hear my New York accent: "caw-fee" lol.

Day 312: Friday + Friends = Fun

Sarah + Tung




A Friday evening with friends is exactly what I needed! We started with 2 for 1 drinks, ate a gazillion dumplings, and continued with drinking on a rooftop. I'll admit that I did think about my lover-man all night because I wish he was with us. Ugh... so sappy *barf* lol. 

Day 311: Bright Mornings


I've had early mornings at work recently. I like it because there is no one in the office to interrupt and I actually get some work done at my desk. The bad part about having early mornings is that sometimes it's too early for the drama and confusion on my calls. After my morning calls are done, I grab some breakfast and officially begin my work day. 

I'm missing the hubsteroo like crazy so I try to find the bright side of him not being here.  Here's what I have so far:
(1) He's at work taking care of our "affairs"
(2) When I'm getting ready for work, I don't have to worry about waking him up
(3) I now have more closet space

No. I'm not going to list the cons. 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Day 310: Catching Fire


On our trip to the Northern Territory I devoured the book "The Hunger Games". I'm half way through the second book of the trilogy, "Catching Fire". I'm completely hooked and I can't wait until the movie to be released. Oh, and I love reading out on the balcony. The wind on my face feels so good as I read.

Day 309: City Library


I'm a MAC/Apple girl now but I found myself actually needing a Windows machine. It pained me but I had to get stuff done so I headed to one of Melbourne's libraries. It was an interesting experience for a few reasons:

(1) I applied for my first library card in years.
(2) The library was full of students. I felt like I was in college, kinda weird. 
(3) The library had a gaming station.
(4) There were people in the library just reading magazines. Why? Were they waiting for something? Is reading your favorite magazine in the library a money-saver? <-- Maybe since magazines are $10 here!
(5) There was a cafe in the library which gave it a "Borders" kind of feel.

Day 308: 2012 flowers are here




Keeping fresh flowers in our home was a 2011 resolution but I'm going to continue with it in 2012. There's just something comforting about having fresh flowers at home.

Day 307: Jordanian Yogurt Sauce!


As you know we have attended many cook-offs and collaborations dinners. Our good friend has made a Jordanian dish where the yogurt sauce is the star. He's right when he says that you can't ever have too much sauce... so i asked him to teach me how to make it! In return he asked me to teach him how to make two of my specialty items. I won't say the specifics because if I do, some of you will be a little salty. Anyway, we spent the afternoon making breakfast for lunch and learning how to make the yogurt sauce. Mucho yum!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Day 306: Smile!


I met up with a friend for some retail therapy and ran into these little guys in the train tunnel. They started at the steps and ran the entire length of the train tunnel/underpass. 

If this isn't a sign to cheer up... then I don't know what is!

Day 305: Ophelia


I haven't been home for lunch since Adonis left. This week of sulking has costing me money! I used to run home just to see Adonis. I would open the door and say "Honey! I'm hoooome!" (in a very cornball voice/tone) and he'd reply with some sly and silly remark.

I had a kebab today and passed by this statue named "Ophelia".

Day 304: Our friends are the best


Today is my second day of moping around.  Our friends are the best because they keep checking up on me and asking how I'm doing now that my love is gone. They extra love and concern is soooo nice! Honestly, I'm OK since it's only been a day but I know it'll feel worst in about 3 weeks. I know I can definitely count on our Aussie friends to keep me busy and distracted!

So far I have a shopping trip, dinner, and lunch planned for this weekend and early next week.

Some people may not understand why people are being so dramatic asking me if I'm OK. Well, let me explain. My man is the one that takes care of me mentally, emotionally, and physically. On stressful work days he rubs my hands and feet with sugar rub or prepares my lunch just so that my day is a little easier.  I don't have to feel guilty about watching episodes of my favorite shows for hours and hours in a day because he's right there cuddled up with me. He's the one that I say my dinner prayers with thanking the higher ups for taking care of us and our families. My husband is the one that makes sure I go to bed with a smile on my face and the one that ensures I wake up smiling too. Yes, of course I can do all these things on my own, but it's 200% better when he's there with me. So yes... I do feel it when my P.I.C. isn't with me.

Day 303: He Left

Adonis' large coffee mug

Adonis left today.  He went home for good and I won't be seeing him until the end of April. Yup, that's 3 months from now. I'll admit that I held back my tears as I kissed him goodbye this morning. As soon as I got back upstairs, the apartment just felt empty. 

I'm giving myself one week to sulk. 

Day 302: Thank You for Good Times


I don't think I can say it enough on this blog: Adonis' support this past year has been amazing. I am one lucky woman to have him as my life partner. 

I snuck away today to pick up his "Thank You" gift.  Saying the words "thank you" and buying him this gift just doesn't seem like enough, but I hope the sincerity and true appreciation from me to him is felt. Adonis loves watches. When in doubt, buy him a watch. I found one of the most perfect gifts for him. Check out these babies!


Dear Adonis,

        Thank you for your time and thank you for all the good times this past year.
     
                                                Love Always and Forever,
                                                                    Diana

Day 301: Recovery & Packing

Adonis 1st attempt at packing

These recovery days are reminding me we're not as young as we feel under the influence. Actually this one isn't so bad. I wanted to leave on a good note so we made it out of Alumbra by 1am. By then, the place was packed and the music was only getting better. However, I didn't want to keep people out late on a sunday. After all, we have responsibilities right. We drank, but did so responsibly and sweated it all out while we danced anyway. Last night with great friends....

Now on to finishing season 4 of Breaking Bad. Damn this show has us hooked!!