Vicksberry

48 hours in China, 9 hours in the US

2012-01-16T07:05:00.002+11:00

29 odd hours ago I left Guangzhou, China to board a 13 hour flight to LA, before taking a connecting flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is where I am now. I don't have much to say, besides the fact that it feels rather lonely to be sitting here in a hotel room, in a city you've never been before. However when I went to Walgreens before I had a pretty hilarious conversation with one of the sales reps which took the edge off things. It went along the lines of:

Me: "Um, this is going to sound like a really stupid question, but how do you cross the streets? Do you guys have lights here?"

Sales rep: "Nope, you pretty much gotta run for your life. Run for your life and don't turn back"

There is so much to get use to here! For example the insanely unhealthy food offered at insanely low prices. Just this morning I was gawking at the waffle machine in our hotel lobby. Basically the machine dispenses a premade waffle mix that you pour into a waffle maker and hey presto! you've got yourself deliciously fluffy waffles.

Hopefully when my roommate gets here I'll feel a bit more at home. Right now I pretty much have no idea where I am and what's going on. What do they call this? Home sick?

Naked and Famous

2012-01-06T21:24:00.000+11:00

Megga

2011-12-25T15:44:00.004+11:00

This is my bosses' cat called Megga. Its nose is kinda pressed into its face so you have to regularly wipe his tears. One day I'll get a fatty like this because call it ugly as you may, I think he is adorable!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Noses

2011-12-20T20:42:00.004+11:00

Apparently everyone's noses looks like one of the TMNTs.

Check out more here

Coming to You From the Land of Zs

2011-12-17T05:53:00.005+11:00

Heeeellllooooo!!!

So obviously I am pretty pumped after an awesome night out with the peeps. Jill and I were allured into a seedy alley and a red velvet tent by some strangely dressed actors and we also had a bit of fun with a silent disco. At "Kanapes with Krell" we sat by a virtual fireplace with a professor from COFA and an older couple, and talked about "art", or pretended to understand conversations about "art" hehe. Apparently the Professor's most current fascination is feet... Cue tumbleweed. Most importantly though, I got nominated for exchange at the University of Connecticut (aka UCon), which means God willing and money permitting, I will be going on exchange next year! I am soooo stoked about this, not that my 5 minutes of silent cheering gave it away last night haha. All I need is money now.

They have a marching band! (Y)

Sandpaper

2011-12-13T12:45:00.006+11:00

There's something about sandpapering windowsills with my brother and Super Bass blasting in the background that brings out the silly in me. Just a few minutes ago I was shaking my toosh in the dining room and I couldn't help thinking how comfortable home is! You can do anything without judgement and this brought me to a second thought. I am almost 20 which means sometime within the next 5 to 10 years I should reasonably speaking, be moving out. Will whoever I'm living with understand that I don't like the cream filling in Tim Tams and Oreos so I scoop them out? Or will they look at me like the biggest weirdo?

Anyways here's a photo reel recounting the past couple of weeks. I also when to a Gloria Jean's awards night/Xmas party which I will post about later. It was a hella lot of fun with heaps of food, laughter, karaoke and polaroid photos :)

Ben and Luke. Such a cute photo!

Bird cages in some random alley near Martin Place

I like to bake

Ditto

Va Va

2011-12-07T19:06:00.003+11:00

These funky glasses by Karen Walker have got me thinking what does it take to wear such sleek shades. I mean if I was wearing these I would feel like a cougar on the prowl.

New Tricks

2011-12-06T10:18:00.002+11:00

Come this new layout comes more head scratches and long silences. How do you get rid of the Twitter and FB links? How do you limit the number of posts per page? Maybe I should get cosy with a computer scientist so he can resolve all these problems. He could be a personal computer assistant that regularly scans my computer for viruses when I'm asleep and backs up all my work on to a hard drive when I turn my back. Yes I think a majority of those who are computer illiterate like myself or those who simply don't care about their technology need a pocket technician. That's one for the engineers!

So the past couple of weeks have been pretty eventful and not so much at the same time. It was eventful when we went on a road trip and we all felt a million dollars because we had a black and gold bathroom. It wasn't eventful when we realised the spa was cold and all you could hear were the bubbles breaking the surface of the water as disappointment lingered in the air. Also the bathroom spa had no door, the fridge was fragile and the window was weak. So all in all although on the outside the house looked brand spanking new, cracks were definitely appearing on the inside. However I don't think this could negative the fact that the house was huge and so close to the beach! I quickly learned to love early morning swims and Pan patented the human sand digging machine. During the night we got physical playing Jungle Speed and I gotta say, Patti is a fabulous drink mixer!

If you were wondering why there's a pictures of lollies below, it is because on Thursday I have a job trial at Happy Lab in Pitt Street Mall. Yesterday Jill accompanied me on a job search in the city and this was the only place that said yes straight up. The manager seemed exceptionally cool even though he had just sliced his finger open on a broken test tube...So yeh! If anyone is around the area on Thursday come to the shop so I can demonstrate my awesome (or lack thereof) customer service skills :D

Happy Lab

2011-12-05T20:10:00.004+11:00

Thursday @ 10:30, 8D

PS: I am contemplating changing this domain name to "The Adventure's of Vicky and Fifi", what do you think?

Missed Out

2011-11-24T11:14:00.002+11:00

Good vibes

2011-10-22T21:16:00.000+11:00

I feel good about myself because I made tacos for dinner.

Bad Habits

2011-10-16T20:59:00.002+11:00

I got asked on Saturday to list three bad habits:

1. I'm very messy
2. I forget what people say really easily
3. (Which I just thought of) I like to split my Tim Tam's in half with a knife, scope out the cream filling and just eat the biscuit. Weird or totally understandable?

In the Deep

2011-10-15T13:31:00.004+11:00

It's nice to be able to roll your head back sometimes and let yourself enjoy hearing those little cracks in your neck. It's like gently kneading a hard pillow until it becomes soft and airy.

This week has been really stressful with exchange applications and our final marketing report due on the same day. I slept on average at 4am every night and woke up each morning feeling like a groggy bear.

Finally I was able to unwind with Jill yesterday arvo at Star Bar. It was nice to able to have godly conversations about our week and the things that cause us stress, anxiety and impatience. All this happened whilst we gradually realised we have both become extremely light weight.

I felt this was an eventful week, but now that it's in writing, it doesn't seem so spectacular SPECTACULAR!

Oh yea, Jill's iphone autocorrected my msg from being 'my phone is being homo', to 'my phone is being homosexual'.

SUPER SNOB!

2011-10-08T19:44:00.002+11:00

Black leather, thin leopard acetate frames and gold detailing. Can I touch them??

Kevin Spacey*

2011-10-08T18:08:00.003+11:00

I'm always up for a bit of good old crime. So when I see this face it means its time to sit back and enjoy. For a while I though he was 'Kevin Bacon' haha.

Recommended movies:
- The Usual Suspects
- LA Confidential

* Thanks Anh!

Let's meet again...

2011-09-26T01:08:00.004+10:00

In 20 years!

Harry Potter Exhibition

2011-09-25T11:01:00.006+10:00

The first and only Australian stop of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition will open at the Powerhouse Museum on 19 November 2011, offering fans a first-hand look inside the famous wizard's magical world and the opportunity to experience the amazing craftsmanship of hundreds of authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films.

These artefacts will be displayed in immersive settings inspired by the film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut and the Gryffindor™ common room. Fans will encounter iconic props and costumes including Harry's original wand and glasses, costumes from Hogwarts™ Yule Ball, props from the most dramatic Quidditch™ matches, a study of Dobby™, the house elf and much more.

Along the way, visitors can enter the Quidditch area and toss a Quaffle, pull their own Mandrake in the Herbology vignette, tour a recreation of Hagrid's hut, encounter Buckbeak™ the Hippogriff and look into the many eyes of a giant Acromantula spider.

Showcasing the supreme artistry and amazing craftsmanship that went into the making of the ever popular film series, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is sure to spark curious minds and foster an excitement of discovery among visitors of all ages.

...

So.... who wants to go after exams? :D

Pinches

2011-09-18T13:14:00.007+10:00

Recent things to pinch myself for:

1. Getting accepted into the Business in the USA program. It's a 3 week course in North Carolina that pairs studies at the State's university with a range of business visits. I'm looking forward to (CV boosting and) making use of what would otherwise be long periods of vegetating at my cousin's house in San Fran. Also I met two girls earlier this year that live in North Carolina, so hopefully I will be able to visit them. One of them is a Christian and we were actually singing 'Here I am to Worship' at one of the hotel lobbies haha. Praise God for answering my prayers, and helping me find a Christian contact in the States :)

2. Visited a new church today that is within walking distance from my house! It's actually super close to where I used to go primary school and yeh, I get exercise out of going to church, whoo-hoo! Also and more importantly, I really liked the manner in which the minister preached so I hopefully this is the Church that I become 'planted' in.

3. A fantastic dinner at my Gloria Jeans bosses' house last night. We had hand made dumplings, viet food, handmade water chestnut pudding and it was all so delicious! We also had fun taking photos of their cats Megga (or Mecca, I'm not sure which is the right name) and Milo (post photos later). (This is partially the reason I'm still working there, free food, fun bosses and awesome workmates) (I'm using too many brackets)

(Janet and I at Michelle and William's house)

4. Finally, the great weather! (Really really want a pair of sunnies before summer officially arrives)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

A Will Too Many

2011-09-11T21:36:00.000+10:00

Luxury

2011-09-10T23:05:00.004+10:00

Other things besides Shiaparelli that would make me feel a million dollars:
1. Genuine leather
2. Fine quality chocolate. The chocolate by Koko Black that Felix had was really nice.
3. Rich flavoured coffee beans
4. Massage
5. Mohair and angora
6. Big arm chair with lots of cushions - no leather this time!
7. Studibaker Hawke printed dress from the 80s

Devotion

2011-09-10T12:36:00.003+10:00

Some of my favourite passages from Hebrews:

1. 2:18 - "For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted"

This passage reminds me that Jesus can answer all of our problems because he has experienced it all. Betrayal, deceit, jealously and unwarranted hatred.

2. 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near"

3. 11:3 - "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out things that are visible"

I see this as the answer to why we believe that God created the Earth. We don't need scientific proof because by faith in God's word and promises, we believe that all he says is true.

4. 12:6, 9 and 11

6 - "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives"

9 - "Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them"

11 - "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit righteousness to those who have been trained by it"

All three verses seem to be the answer to why there is suffering. Through suffering or 'painful discipline' we learn lifelong lessons, just like those we learn from our parents, and from these lessons we gain a better understanding of our wrongs and how to correct them.

5. 13:6 - "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

This passage reminds me that ultimately God is supreme. Nothing my friends, family, work colleagues or strangers do can hurt me, because God will be there to lift me up. Moreover it reminds me that 'the Lord' is my helper, not man. Therefore when I have troubles the first person I should turn to is God.

6. 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith"

A good instructive passage :) We should look at our leaders now, perceive how they live a godly life and put that into practice in our own lives. Of course it's not a copying act.

Awkwardly Funny

2011-09-08T20:53:00.002+10:00

Home

2011-09-03T20:28:00.003+10:00

Bikie

2011-08-28T20:02:00.002+10:00

Doubled on a motorbike after work today! It was freakin scary but so amazing!!

Shady Characters

2011-08-27T19:34:00.001+10:00

Currently very obsessed with black and gold as a colour combination

Kinda in Love

2011-08-27T15:42:00.003+10:00

I'm kinda in love with this chic for the obvious reason that she is an amazing model. However what you might not know is that Coco Rocha is one of the most down to earth models in the industry, she has the biggest of hearts and is just a liiiittle bit quirky. She's also married to an interior designer which kinda keeps her up there as one of my top idols. (Jokes, about the interior designer)

Super

2011-08-27T09:30:00.003+10:00

Completely mesmerized by these Lucia sunglasses from Super in black and gold

Dreams

2011-08-25T19:57:00.002+10:00

In the course of having a nice chat with Jill and Pan (over Lulu's patisseries!) about dreams, what really struck me was that their dreams have been very fine tuned to the people I know them to be.

Obviously I won't share what there dreams were, but this is one of mine. What do you think this says about me?

Ps: it's a sequence starting from the top!

Fun Fact

2011-08-24T23:33:00.003+10:00

Instead of doing my Crim essay today I decided to watch Suits, Fast 4 and Fast 5.

I also started playing with my brother's weights.

At the risk of stating the obvious...I feel like a boy =S

Fortunately I did manage to keep hold of my second X chromosome by drinking countless cups of tea and sampling every cake in the fridge.

I'm really curious to try the tofu cheesecake from Ella's in Hurstville!

A warning from across the breakfast table

2011-08-22T07:43:00.004+10:00

Don't eat juicy plump dumplings in front of your laptop unless you want a blast of dumpling juice on your keyboard and screen.

On a brighter note, the dumplings were DEEE-LICIOUS!

Highlights

2011-08-18T09:29:00.002+10:00

Highlights from USYD Law Revue:
* Congo Line
* Law related baby names: E-quit-tayyyyyyyy, Tor-tttiouuusss
* Everybody shuffle
* Voldemort and Draco's love waltz
* Handkerchiefs
* Domestic sex goddess, Nigella Lawson
* The band
* Random guy on the left who had a really interesting laugh
* Going home and falling asleep at the end of the night :)

Uhh..

2011-08-16T14:36:00.002+10:00

I feel like driving a screw driver through my head right now.

After nights of plowing through journals, news articles etc etc, I realised I have be looking at completely irrelevant stuff and now its time to highlight and delete all.

God's Great Love

2011-08-13T09:41:00.004+10:00

Learning to be content with God's great love means I can be happy being single. Why? Because I'm already in a relationship with the person who loves me more than anyone on this earth can.

The Perfect Woman

2011-08-10T20:30:00.000+10:00

A Proverbs 31 woman is better than a sexy one:

Proverbs 31
¹⁰ ^[a]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Olivier Green

2011-08-09T22:05:00.002+10:00

Olivier Green from Project Runway Season 9!

He has the sweetest English accent, and dare I say, I think he's beautiful??

Dissociation

2011-08-08T21:05:00.002+10:00

Recently thinking about pscyh/law.

Doing marketing because its the one I (probably) dislike the least doesn't seem to be a very good mentality.

100 years old

2011-08-06T09:28:00.003+10:00

Long gone are the days when we could run like gazelles!.... Long gone are the days when you didn't have to hold on to the hand railing to get down the stairs. Long gone are the days when we only felt unfit, not morbidly, grossly, someone get me a wheelchair and an oxygen mask unfit...

Netball and rock climbing has been a blast this week!

Regardless of having a 1:4 score ratio (or something like that) and being the slowest climber, it was still really fun to just move around and get owned.

I got rock climbing shoes which makes me look slightly less noob, but then again, even a person 100m away would be able to see my wobbling arms haha.

Netball was the 'usge' in that we suffered a tragic loss. But the moments when we burst out laughing or cheering because we finally scored a goal really reminded me of Oz Tag in high school :)

The challenge now is to build up my arm strength so I can lob over those giants who play in the mixed comp. So unfairr...... but rock climbing and netball are mutually beneficial, whoo-hoo!

PS: law ball tonight - trying to see how an aching body will not make me look an old lady

Salvos Legal

2011-07-21T17:25:00.005+10:00

So some of you may be aware that I volunteer weekly at the Salvos Legal law firm. The organisation opened up in 2010 and is the only one of its kind (under the Salvation Army) that offers free legal advice to clients.

Next week is our official launch and although I am relatively new there, I'm hella (whoo San Francisco slang!) excited :) We will be attending an evening function at NSW Parliament house hosted by the NSW Attorney General. The Chief Justice of NSW will be present as well as other honourable judges and lawyers. Subsequently to say I'm stoked is probably an understatement.

I think as a fledgling law student it is these experiences that make what seems impossible or distant, quite real. Volunteering has made me realise I thoroughly enjoy working within law and that yes, I want to practice law one day. Of course it helps heaps that the people at Salvos Legal are amazing! Contrary to popular belief not all lawyers are callous, manipulative and money chasing monsters.

Joke:
Q: Why did they stop printing famous lawyers on the front of postage stamps?
A: Because people were spitting on the wrong side.

So to end this post, I pose to you the question, how real does your dream or expectation of where you well up one day be? Are you waiting for some confirmation? Or has that confirmation already arrived without you realising it?

LaJessMess

2011-07-17T10:05:00.002+10:00

The following is a letter to my cousin Jess (visit her blog!), her mum Rosa and her dad (which I still don't know how to address........) We arrived in Sydney! (or the Ouuuuaaatback as you so hilariously call it) which you probably know thanks to international calling.

First things first, I miss the hype, I miss having a craazyyyy cousin run out of the house and welcome us home. Sharing a room with you while in San Fran was definitely a highlight which I was too embarrassed to admit when you asked (or was I?) I enjoyed waking up next to red velvet sheets (because I wanted to eat them) and then having the person in those sheets tell me my snoring ruined their dream haha. Jacky and I both enjoyed pigging out for half an hour at sushi train and getting squished in the back seat of our 'Dodge'. Was losing to you guys in multiple rounds of slapjack bearable though? I'm not so sure....... However despite the red hands, I personally enjoyed having those intellectually stimulating conversations with you, where I was mute most of the time and you kept on going about how great the American economy is relative to my sceptical opinions.

Jacky is going to miss you because he knows I'll never be as fun as you are and my parents are going to miss you because you're the only one who thinks they're cool - jokes :P

Thank you for taking us in during the past 3 weeks! You probably hated us chucking our crap all across your lounge room and now you have to wash Jacky's drool pillow haha. Say thanks to your mum for being an amazing tour guide and your dad for pulling the best farewell expression - you know what I'm talking about!

Before you come to Australia, I give you a list of preparatory tasks to complete:
1. Buy yourself a pair of thongs so you can march up to Santa at Bondi on Christmas
2. Learn how to say 'Oi', 'Mate', 'Cheers' and 'Chuck' in once sentence - just joking, no one does that
3. Get accustomed to vegemite - this is a personal task set by Jacky and I who are both fond consumers of the brown stuff
4. Keep your American accent because as you said, you'll be the coolest person around :)

Aim High!

2011-07-16T01:40:00.005+10:00

A series of aerial photos because we just lurrrrveee jumping photos. These were taken with our new Nikon Coolpix S9100! (not that anyone would notice the difference, because resizing just kills the original)

Edit: A fun series we shot while walking around in LA :)
I believe the immortalised Lakers player is Magic Johnson.
(I could be wrong though since I know less than a nutshell about NBA players)

Dual Identities

2011-07-15T02:42:00.005+10:00

Just a quick update as we're finally back in San Francisco (after visiting Vegas and LA - and no we have no awesome stories about how we got pissed drunk and ended up sleeping on Las Vegas Blvd)...WE RECEIVED OUR GREEN CARDS!! (or card I-551 technically speaking). This means my family and I are now official American permanent residents. We also have our social security numbers (American equivalent of the TFN) meaning we can begin working anytime we want (provided someone wants to hire a noob Australian haha).

It's rather surreal, because even though we're not American citizens, we actually have an American identity! How bizarre is that?! I completely flipped out when I saw my green card (internally of course), because as cliched as it may sound, it felt like a paramount step towards actually moving to the States. Even when I say it I get goosebumps! I'm thinking 'Holy mother of god, what the hell am I doing?'

Recently I've been looking forward a lot and asking myself whether I can really just leave. Just drop everything and walk into the gaping mouth of a giant monster! (no negative connotations intended of course) Can I really just walk away from a place called home, from friends, family, security?! Maybe I'm dramatising it, but every single day I'm in a new city, I ask myself 'Can I live here?'

It's unanswerable I guess until I actually live for more than a week in one place, and not in some 2 bed hotel room, sharing a room with my brother.

I feel yuck and moody when I think about it so instead of drowning myself in (now) meaningless questions, I'm going to go to the Golden Gate bridge and be a tourist. Not a prospective resident, but a TOURIST! Also I need to end this post because the battery is running out haha.

Ardios everyone! I hope you didn't take the time to read this stupid and introspective post because there was nothing about our frequent travels, which is what I expect you were expecting.

Photos in the next post -
Bye!

8 Days, 2 Countries

2011-07-07T12:19:00.010+10:00

We returned to New York today! After an 8 day whirlwind tour of the East Coast and Canada. The top attractions according to me included the boat cruise around the Statue of Liberty, Niagara falls and Quebec. Not many of you may know this, but Quebec is a French speaking province in Canada and visiting the city is like stepping into a quaint little European town. You walk through narrow stone pebbled pathways surrounded by ornate boutiques and there are flower baskets dangling off all the doorways. If that isn't enough to get your insides melting into a sugary mess, there are old men wearing newboy hats playing the harp and viola! Who knew just a few hundred miles away from ghetto carparks and hotdog stands you can experience a small slice of Parisian romance!

Other than that, its been nice to visit all the main cities (New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toroton and Boston) so at least I can say I've been to the main North American and Canadian attractions. I've made a lot of new friends! All of whom are from the US haha and last night we bonded over a few rounds of good old mafia. When we went to Harvard today, we joked that we'd see each other in a few years time at the school :)

Anyways instead of mind dumping here, why not enjoy a few photos. (Apologies for the crappy quality)

Needless to say why I was so excited when I saw a racoon in the wild (Meeko is from Pocahontas)

Squirrel in Manhattan

Mum, Dad and the Statue of Liberty

The Chrysler Building taken from the Empire State Building

Brooklyn Bridge - Where I believe Godzilla got brutally slain

New friends!

Our entire tour group - there were two couples from Cabramatta haha

Cutest baby ever :D

In the sky in old Quebec

Enjoying snails in Quebec

Look familiar? This is the statue featured in Social network. Apparently Harvard students pee on it =|

Street view in Quebec

Niagara Falls

Dad in front of Niagara

Hersheys! Sooooo good

Canadian hotdog > American hotdog

A Non-Travellers Post

2011-07-05T14:54:00.001+10:00

1. To what extent should my faith rule the decisions I make?
2. Am I Christian?
3. Am I Christian? Or Catholic? Or both?

Can-a-da, Can-a-da!

2011-07-05T14:15:00.004+10:00

Crossing the boarder into Canada, all I could think of was 'Shrimp Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice!'. I couldn't help but keep my eyes open for any clear indications that Canadians are indeed an inferior race, but no sooner having checked into the Universal Inn (just a 15 minute walk from Niagara Falls) I had to strike down Barney's conviction. People in Canada are more down to earth and their accent is easier on the ears lol. Everything is less cluttered than in the States - even though the area around the falls reminded me of Vegas. On the first night, having been down with the fever, it was hard to appreciate the dizzy array of neon lights.

Since visiting the falls we've moved on to Toronto, Ottawa and I'm currently in Montreal. We visited a place called Thousand Island, which, if you haven't guessed already is where thousand island dressing originated from. Its a complex of 1000 or so natural islands, bought by people with so much money, they could probably use their cash as paper napkins. I am extremely jelly and have made it my temporary dream to earn heaps of money so that one day I can retire here! (If not, I guess Tasmania will do...) We've visited places I've never heard of, because ultimately my mind has never bothered to look any further than the States. If there are places that you believe I should mention here I apologise. One of the only lasting memories from today is this awesome Canadian sausage I had for lucnh! Fat like chorizo, but more spicy with onion and corn relish - it was sooooooo good! Other than that, I will post photos later and hopefully you'll get a worthwhile glimpse of the maple country.

Crap - forgot to post about New York, Philadelphia and Washington =|

Shall do that next time! (with piccies)

See you :)

Photobombalaska

2011-06-29T11:01:00.008+10:00

Sex Test at the old arcade - Get your sexiness rated for only a quarter!

San Francisco's take on the three monkeys

The new generation of city tours!

Costco - the home of big and wonderfully cheap things :D

Streets

More Streets

And more streets...

Are you getting sick of seeing streets?

Candy from Salt Water Taffy

$2 pizza from Costco

Our first Maccas meal - surprisingly not that big

Zara...Cartier...GAP

and UO!

More photos to come...

Edit: The differences between American and Australian speech you probably never knew

* Brisbane = Bris-bane
* Albino = Al-by-no
* Lachlan = latch-lan
* Pearl milk tea = Tapioca
* Bumbag = Fanny pack

San Fran: Day Four

2011-06-29T10:21:00.003+10:00

It's currently raining outside, which is apparently a rare occurence in San Francisco. It's like those horrible days leading up to exams where it was raining and windy, which makes going to the Golden Gate Bridge not a very attractive idea at all. Rightfully, we went to the Academy of Science instead which is not a school for science as the name suggests, but a science museum. It's like most museums in that they will never cease to amaze you and go 'Look! It's moving!' - because what's more exciting than a Burmese python? A Burmese python that moves! We also saw an albino alligator which my cousin pronounces 'Al-by-no' and two penguins procreating. Whilst filming the procreation my cousin and I were mimicking the penguins along the lines of:

Lady Penguin: Oh Bill, you're squashing my flipper, get off me
Bill: Oh you have a nice ass, did you get fatter?
Lady Penguin: Bill don't call me fat, people are watching!
Bill: Who cares? People watch all the time.
(end of procreation - Bill flexes his mussels and extends his wings)
Bill: Ohhhhh yea

(A totally plausible conversation between caged penguins)

Afterwards we went public transport hopping until we finally arrived wet and exhausted, back at my cousins house. Even though we're on vacation and technically should be out absorbing the new environs; there is nothing more comforting than receding back into one's house on a rainy day. Hence dear cousin, if you decide to read this, thank you for letting my family and I invade your house. The couch I'm sitting on at the moment is really comfortable and I really like the paintjob in your room (my cousin is currently lying no more a metre away from me haha)

I will try to update as frequently as possible as there are new things to see and do everyday. I hope everyone is enjoying their break and doing more interesting things than reading this blog That's right stop reading, and get out of the house!

See you soon :)

Vicky

San Francisco: The Industrial City

2011-06-28T14:31:00.006+10:00

So Day 3 in San Francisco is coming to an end and what kind of friend would I be if I didn't allow you guys to live vicariously through the photos we've taken. We've been to San Fran's Westfields which is like Pitt Street Mall, Gilroy Outlets which is DFO x 4, as well as the San Fran equivalent of the Sydney Fish Markets. What's most mind blowing isn't the readily available fast food, but the compactness of all the buildings! From a distance all the houses are in line and identical! They have this really Edward-Scissorhands feel with their pastel paintjobs, however most houses are two stories. I've taken more photos of the street architecture than actual people!

In more recent news, today we went to an all old arcade on the pier and took black and white photos in the photobooths - it has pretty rad. It's apparently the same arcade that featured in one of the Princess Diary movies (if you guys can recall Anne Hathaway from way back then) Also my brother paid a quarter to get his sexiness rated and apparently he's a sex-bomb. Rightfully, I must say I don't see it.

So here are some photos of our holiday so far. Other places that we've visited that deserve a mention are UO and Costco - alcohol is so cheap there! (You will see below)

-

Sorry I lied, no photos.
I don't know how to resize them so you don't see a blow up of my face, blargh!

Ps: if you guys are looking for something entertaining to read, I suggest you buy the July/August edition of Frankie and flip to Benjamin Something's (his last name isn't actually Something - people aren't thaaaatt cool) advice to his future kid. It's super hilarious and honest. Alternatively just plan a trip to your local newsagents. Its worth it!

Musings/reflections?

2011-05-08T11:42:00.002+10:00

So come the end of mid semester break (which was actually a week ago) life still seems to be full speed ahead. Either that or its traveling at a very moderate speed where its too fast to suddenly stop without crashing.

I have netball, mooting (judging and competing), work, volunteer work, church and uni but for some reason I still find the time to bake. Of course, Mother's Day is always a helpful excuse :)
Currently sitting in my oven is a brownie cheesecake which I am quite proud of (from an aesthetics point of view), but in terms of taste and technique, I have a feeling I overcooked it =| I actually intended to make an orange and coconut marmalade cheesecake instead, but I burnt the marmalade last night and it tastes crap. Hmmm I really do like to add minutes to the recommended cooking time...

In other less taste bud stimulating news, I played my first netball game this Tuesday! I also jarred my finger in the first pass of the game, but real athletes play on! The other team had three guys who were huge and basically it was impossible to compete, especially with one of them as GS (goal shooter) and Vivs as GK (goal keeper). We should play more strategically haha. The aftermath of the game involved two days of body pain and feeling 100 years old.

Finally 'what's doing' for the upcoming weeks? More mooting, the END OF ALL LAW ASSESSMENTS (except finals) and a mixed bag of the stuff I just listed before. Come the end of this semester I shall be in America! Getting a taste of the life I have been wanting for so long :)

Cheerios from me,

Vicky

My daughter, when you grow up you'll fall in love with a dangerously hot vampire

2011-04-13T21:43:00.003+10:00

So these were the most popular baby names in NSW's last year.
Does anyone find it funny that Isabella was the most popular girls name? ---> Twilight? =S
And does having vampire fantasies count as unfaithfulness?

Cambrdige Satchels

2011-04-10T17:48:00.002+10:00

Description:

The perfect messenger bag. Suitable for students and trendy professionals - a great, stylish work bag. Large enough for A4 binders, and notebook computers. This is the fun, funky colour and will brighten those dark winter days. Available in the shoulder strap style.

Dimensions: 15" across the top flap (slightly smaller interior), 10" height, 4" depth.

If you would like embossing then please select the options below, please enter the letters (with or without full stops, upper or lower case) in exactly the way you would like them to appear. There is no charge for full stops.

------

Ah I want! You can even get it embossed!

Amazing :O

Concerts Galore

2011-04-09T13:04:00.003+10:00

I'm so excited to hear Imogen Heap and Kate Miller Heidke are performing at State theatre within the upcoming months. Unfortunately Kate is only the supporting act to Ben Folds, so will that be the deciding factor when it comes to who I fork my money out for? Both artists are amazing though!!

Ps: please tell me if anyone wants to come! I can't think of anything lonelier than going to a concernt alone.

Here's a taste of their music which I often forget how much I like.

Kate Miller Heidke: I'm pretty sure I've posted this before

Imogen Heap

In 2000 A.D

2011-04-07T15:10:00.001+10:00

Again from Coco. I like the electrical headlight and climate adjusting dress :D

Sacrifice

2011-03-28T18:34:00.003+11:00

Sacrifice isn't only giving up something precious. It's also taking the grunt of an offense against you. It's not seeking vengeance or an apology, it's not wanting an explanation why. It's about unconditional forgiveness.

Busy

2011-03-26T21:22:00.003+11:00

Upcoming Weeks 5, 6 & 7:

Monday:
- One-to-one bible readings
- CBS
- Law bible study group

Tuesday:
- Netball OR
- Beginners moot judging

Wednesday:
- Salvos legal OR
- E.law OR
- Intermediate mooting

Thursday:
- Salvos legal OR
- E.law OR
- Intermediate mooting

Friday:
- BCG: bible study or social

Saturday:
- NO GLORIAS!! WHOOOOOO

Sunday:
- Church
- Driving lessons

Time to stop being complacent and be aware! (Of opportunities that is :) )

More breathtaking-ness

2011-03-23T20:50:00.002+11:00

Anna Della Russo at Vogue's Paris Masquerade Ball.
She's not a man!

Kudos again to JakandJill. Look at the rest of the photos! They're amazing as well

Wonders of the World!

2011-03-22T20:42:00.003+11:00

1. What does horse meat taste like? Is it better medium rare?

Madame Butterfly

2011-03-13T21:43:00.004+11:00

One of my favourite photos shot by Tommy Ton at Paris Fashion Week

Ring the bell! It's a new academic year

2011-03-01T09:42:00.003+11:00

So yesterday, I was STARSTRUCK! Standing no more than a metre away from me was a renowned fashion blogger who has inspired thrift shoppers in Australia and I suspect in some other parts of the world. Come on, its the internet, word gets around. She was in my marketing lecture and I couldn't believe I was within the 1 metre bubble of an internet sensation. Am I exaggerating here? Maybe. But what also came to mind was how she has now become on of us. Half enthusiastic uni students who live off quad food and watch a beloved friend unveil her sultry birthday present. Oh wait, that's just us haha. On paper she is one of us, and it got me thinking will she melt into the wave of uni students that crowd our campus? Or will she stand out like a lighthouse? With the pressure to always shine. Oh how I like thinking about other peoples' life!

But seriously, this is all I took back from the first day of uni. This and a HUGE load of textbooks and photocopies. Maybe its a sign of my waning enthusiasm. Or maybe (secretly) I want to go back to kinokuniya and flip through the pages of Alexander McQueen's book. Yesterday we were asked in Public Law what we would be doing if we weren't here. My answer was textiles and design at UTS. I like looking over the fence which contrastingly is what a fellow student in public vowed not to do as her new years resolution. Hmm should I be inspired?

It really is too early for introspective babble.

ps: I am so saddened by this D:

Awkward

2011-02-12T17:34:00.001+11:00

What's more awkward than watching the Victoria's Secret fashion show during a family dinner? Watching Burlesque with your dad reading the paper next to you. Now I have to pause it and entertain you guys.

What a travesty

Nemesis

2011-02-09T21:04:00.003+11:00

Did I tell you instead of buying shoes for work I splurged on these babies? Nemesis boots by Tony Bianco which were originally $189 but i got them for $80, whoooo!! what a steal :D

I still haven't told my mum. So when I wear them I'm going to scuttle out with towels around my feet.

Misses Messes Mrs

2011-02-07T19:53:00.004+11:00

I miss seeing and conversing with everyone, although I am partly to blame for this. Ever since coming back from the Gold Coast I have had one and a half days break with work in between. I come home, cursing at the heat, then slump into the shower before dragging myself to the bed. What's worse, it has been impossible to sleep.

So while lamenting over my recent companionship drought, I am, to quote 'getting somewhere in life'. Thanks to Shirley I have a training session with the peeps at E.Law Australia. Apparently I'm applying for a paralegal position, although from what I've gathered, they are not a law firm. They specialise in legal research, aiding law firms. Confusing. Either way, thanks again Shirley! Regardless of whether I get the job or not.

Speaking of jobs, I believe someone has recently found one after a yearrrrrrrrr of self-professed determination. Hehe, congrats and may you rape my wallet with mercy.

Today I took a half day off work to buy work clothes and it was quite therapeutical. I loved it so much I decided to come home and browse at more clothes! Or more specifically, the lack thereof by watching this year's Victoria's Secret fashion show. I'm quite devastated that Heidi Klum is no longer hosting, where's the class, cheek and humour?! However when it's out with the old, it's in with the new and renewed. (Sorry for rambling here! I love the show) Adriana Lima returned and I still find her a bit weird looking and less hot than she apparently is. Alessandra is still steaming hot and skinny and Chanel is super cute. The biggest hit for me was Behati Prinsloo aka Coco Rocha's best friend!! Just like her Canadian confidante, she is so awesome as a person and model. Hoho I love these two girls! In case you didn't know, Coco Rocha is my favourite model.

Anyways even though I HIGHLY doubt I can be celebrating my friendship/s by riding to the Sacre Coeur in Paris like these girls anytime soon, I CAN have a Valentine's dinner with the girls. I'm highly anticipating a small quiet dinner, celebrating a year that's been and swooning at the red and pink decorations, unattended for us. Wheeeeee :)

Until then, to those who still read this poorly attended blog, wish me luck for tomorrow!

Red Velvet

2011-01-19T19:22:00.001+11:00

Craving Amanda's delicious red velvet cupcakes that she made for today's picnic.

Sorry no piccies!

infant lessons

2011-01-15T21:12:00.001+11:00

If only we could all wake up with such positivity :D

Newtown Adventure

2011-01-13T16:37:00.007+11:00

Today I went to Newtown with a mission to buy a book, magazine and a diary. I succeeded with the first two and got very frustrated with my failure to achieve the third. Why? Because diaries are expensive! and don't look very attractive, unlike their cousins, the 'journal' or second cousins the 'notebook'. The entire extended family looks so friggin adorable on the outside, but unfortunately on most occasions, are blank and inefficient.

So I sulked with my back against the window of a pretty rad cafe. Right after I shook it's entire interior because I landed like a crane against said window.

Anyhoos, photo time!

Snow Falling on Cedars

Yen magazine with Laneway Loves 2 which I'm currently listening to

Finishing off a textile...

Meet cat lady! Whom we met at Sydney Festival last weekend

My white grandma if I had one haha

Shirley's cheesecake at Kobe Jones

Mine..

Lava roll

Green tea salmon

Smell App

2011-01-13T16:20:00.002+11:00

With so much rapid technological change someone ought to create an app that releases the smell of the food you have searched. For example the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones or the devilish scent of a rich chocolate cake. Insufferable train rides as your stomach grumbles will be improved remarkably as you select 'mum's cooking' and the heart warming scent of her pasta crawls up your nose.

paiiiinnnn

2011-01-06T23:16:00.002+11:00

It feels like someone is repeatedly playing really bad games of minesweeper in my stomach

Food training

2010-10-30T11:00:00.002+11:00

Chilli training? How about blue cheese training?
Oh god, this stuff knocks you out, oof!!

Vicky

A Little Piece of Michaelson

2010-10-28T20:02:00.001+11:00

1. Soldier

2. Maybe

Vicky

Dilly Daddle

2010-10-27T16:05:00.002+11:00

Ho hum so what matters of interest have occurred since the last time I attended to this pathetic excuse of a blog?

Well for one I have found myself quite happily in a relationship. Just a couple of days ago it was our one month, so here's to the end of the honey moon period and the beginning of genuine awesomeness :)

Exams are also coming up like a high speed train yet I'm still dilly daddling over Gossip Girl ep 6- Easy J and free Fitness First trial in the holidays. Epic loooooollllll in my mind. Good thing timetable is quite spaced out though, and I will not be experiencing the wrath of another Saturday exam (soz finance kiddos!) Looking over this giant hill, I can't wait for holidays! A long list of plans have already started to build up, with the first being Ingrid Michaelson concert! Really can't wait for this as it will be the first concert since Twins in Year 8 (REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE SO FOB WE LISTENED TO JAP, KOREAN AND CHINESE?! - me anyways....) and recently just downloaded Ingrid's 2009 album - Everybody (oh god, I'm behind) and it's epic!

Speaking of concerts, several of us scored tickets to Usher's second performance in March next year. They milked the announcement of it so bad that I almost ripped a hole in the table as first concert tickets were running out. Therefore, the $100 better be worth it! I'm expecting a mind blowing show from Usher.

Ho hum, okay I've lost my writing mojo. When this happens I dot point everything else I set out to say (oh no! fail law student)
* CAMPING! can't wait to go all naturale.... no seediness intended
* ROAD TRIP - I don't know why but the phrase "I'm on a boat!" just popped into mind. Either way with or without the irrelevant brain fart that just occurred, this is definitely going to be a highlight of the holidays (I believe). All 24 of us sharing meals like Jesus and his bros, its going to be awesome 8D
* Gold Coast: this is why I need fitness first lol. Can't get the best of vitamin D under layers upon layers of flannel
* oh yes and finally before I forget, the more mundane plans for the upcoming holidays include driving lessons, getting a bar position and my RCG

That's it! I know this was incredibly boring, but why did you read this instead of studying?! hehe :P

Good luck everyone!

Vicky

Concentration is a game

2010-09-20T21:37:00.000+10:00

Focus on macro.
Focus on macro.

Dear Fabian

2010-09-15T23:15:00.001+10:00

Today's Heckler article

English for dummies

September 15, 2010

Living abroad for more than a decade, I have observed with voyeuristic fascination the creeping bastardisation of the English language in Australia.

First, I watched as the word ''are'' died a slow, wretched death.

Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I was brought up to say, ''There are seven words in this sentence'', not ''There is seven words.'' Yet this blunder has even been adopted by all forms of media, supposed custodians of the language.

Next against the wall were ''me'' and ''I''. No one seems to know the difference any more. My flesh crawls each time I hear ''between you and I'', a mistake so patent as to be insulting.

''Me'' has been deprived of its once proud standing, while ''I'' enjoys the untrammelled right of way of a presidential motorcade. Oh woe is me.

Most recently, I have been left dumbfounded by the unstoppable rise of what I call the stillborn simile. For example, ''Geez, it's hot as.''

Hot as what exactly? In days of yore, the speaker would have had sufficient imagination to complete the sentence. Now the hapless listener is left hanging, exasperated.

Imagine poor old Wordsworth: I wandered lonely as. This is linguistic sex without an orgasm.

In this age of viruses, I have already resigned myself to the inevitable mutation of the stillborn simile into the stillborn comparative: Geez, it's hotter than. You mark my words.

Less egregious, but equally annoying, is the über-usage of foreign ''it'' words. Like über.

I am all for incorporating foreign words into English. They add colour and texture. But is it too much to ask that they be spelt or transliterated correctly?

As someone who speaks fluent German, it pains me each time I see ü¨ber/ueber printed as uber. This is simple laziness.

And none of this even touches on more complex developments: the rape of the adverb, the extermination of the subjunctive, the butchering of the past conditional.

How did this happen?

Is it the natural consequence of a dynamic, living language that is constantly morphing and moving beyond fluid boundaries? Or is it the consequence of mental apathy, of a failure to teach grammar at school, of standards lowered by slipshod media?

It seems to me that all too soon the majority of my fellow Australians - their brains spongified by texting and Twitter - will be socially networked on an unprecedented scale yet communicating in monosyllables more reminiscent of caveman grunts.

We are on a superhighway to linguistic hell. Between you and I, I find this tragic as.

Fabian Muir

And here's my response, written some weeks ago. Don't worry Mr Muir, we are well aware that linguistic sex doesn't have the same drive as it used to!

---

Have you ever met a person whose spoken words sound like poetry? The way they string sentences together is so lyrical you almost forget you're talking about some mundane matter like the filling in your sandwich.

Have you ever felt yourself admiring the metaphorical banter of your friends? Losing count of the references made in conversation to politics, media and literature alike, wondering..... how did they become so worldly?

As you all know I am not the best at English and studying law has really made me worried and somewhat embarrassed. Many people in my law class can give their two cents in the form of a mumble free sentence, there is none of the 'blah blah.... oh you know' nonsense, where we assume our audience can read our mind. There's always words to convey your message and as Dom (our lecturer) has said 'those who use the words the best, will get the best marks'

I really regret neglecting reading throughout high school and now I'm paying the price through struggles in legal writing. What's stopping me? Laziness I suppose! I need to start reading more .......

This is one of the more pressing issues on my mind...

Negotiations

2010-09-07T11:03:00.003+10:00

Seeing as I never post about the mundane happenings of my life, I will continue with that trend and post about something awesome that happened last night! (imo it was awesome...)

Vivian and I had the second round of our negotiations comp and while coming to uni during mid sem seems like a horrible idea, we had a loss to two JD students to make up for. We worked on our scenario pretty much the whole day, except for that period where we both collapsed and went to sleep hehehe :)

Obviously since I'm posting about it, we won!! Albeit only by one point (no strange looks plleeassee) it still felt absolutely amazing because we DID feel we improved by a mile. A lot less stuttering, talking over each other and random pauses, whoo!

Law comps definitely make everything seem more real and fingers crossed we'll make it to the next round!

Stop the Boat Shoe People

2010-08-31T07:47:00.002+10:00

Yesterday's Heckler article which I found pleasantly amusing while waiting for Stats.

Stop the boat shoe people

August 30, 2010

The federal election had a focus on the huge numbers of boat people on our shores. And rightly so. They're everywhere. And their numbers are increasing.

I see them in Sydney Harbour, flaunting their expensive yachts and catamarans. Some obstruct walkways by forming queues to get on party cruises.

I see them lining the north shore and eastern suburbs, docking their boats wherever they see fit. Others have tinnies, shamelessly practising their primitive fishing culture when there are good fish and chip shops down the road.

Their attitude is rude and aloof. They don't assimilate with wider society and display anti-social behaviours. Once I saw a boat person park their four-wheel drive across two parking spots. I saw another not tip the wait staff after breakfast at an eastern suburbs cafe.

The children of boat people take all the university places. They take our jobs, or perhaps they just take the better jobs. They keep to themselves, choosing only to mingle with others who own boats. They build large houses with huge driveways needed to park their boats. They wake early on weekend mornings to take the boat out, with little regard for the boatless who might be sleeping.

Call me xenophobic, but I believe their clothing should be legislated against. Boat shoes and stripey polo shirts have no place in our society. They can wear white sun visors at home if they want, but in public it could be considered a security risk, obscuring their faces and hiding their identities.

Their festivals, commonly called boat shows, are loud, annoying and crowded, taking over entire convention centres. Those without boats are shunned and discriminated against, as the boat people seek out bigger and more impressive boats to rub into the boatless's faces. At these festivals they openly speak in their own language, speaking of ''knots'' and ''cats''.

It's a worrying trend to see them recruit young boaters to perform dangerous feats in the name of spreading boating culture around the world, a la Jessica Watson.

Most irritatingly, boat people complain endlessly about the inadequate big boat facilities in Sydney Harbour, the price of petrol, the current prime minister, even the rising cost of caviar.

Tony Abbot was correct. We must stop the boats. And the boat shows and boat shoes. If you're not careful, your next-door neighbour could become a dreaded boat person.

Rachael Jacobs

Could the next load of illegal immigrants arrive with iron-pressed polos, stylishly folded up cuff jeans, a pair of aviators dangling coolly between the buttons and of course...boat shoes?

Flow-ior

2010-08-28T21:52:00.006+10:00

Dior Haute Couture 2011, as beautiful as a flower...

And that's the reason Galliano remains to be my favourite designer :)

More of Coco

2010-08-28T00:05:00.005+10:00

To the girlies specifically, if you have 3 minutes, 19 minutes or 22 minutes altogether you should definitely give these videos a go. Maybe it's because I love Coco so much, but there is something seriously magical and whimsical about this wedding...it's even at a chateauuuuu aka castle!

Coco and James Trailer - 3 minutes

Coco + James // Teaser from Americana Cinema on Vimeo.

Coco and James Full - 19 minutes

Coco + James // Short film from Americana Cinema on Vimeo.

Coco and James Full - 19 minutes

Enjoy!
(as much as I did while "studying" for accounting)

ohsococo

2010-08-22T17:14:00.003+10:00

A video of the beautiful Coco on the set Nordstrom's Fall 2010 collection shoot. It's really amazing! And sorry I fail to bring the events of my mundane life to this blog D:

Compilations and Poetry

2010-08-14T07:47:00.002+10:00

Lets start with the poetry!

There are three types of essay writers:
1. The Ant: who scuttles around collecting all the info they can, however fail to let THEIR voice emerge
2. The Spider: the lazy/highly opinionated one who just spins crap out of their ass
3. The Bee: flies around looking for the best produce, then uses it to produce the finest honey

All in all, a good essay is like good honey!

D:... if only we could submit in jars of honey

Now to the compilations:
1) I supposedly have work at 9 but there is a high possibility I will have no students
2) I have the most awesome bandaid on my finger, although it looks like its growing mold
3) Leatherwood honey is one of those foods that smell weird but taste fine
4) Our UO order shipped! Should be 4-7 days left and counting :D
5) This list is exhaustive so, I shall stop here and go get changed for work

Ardios!

Shoe-ch a dilemma

2010-08-01T17:58:00.003+10:00

Once again UO is tickling my temptations with two VERY similar shoes and a $10 flat rate on shipping for orders under $150, or free shipping for orders above.
Gah! Which ones to get?! Can't possibly get two, that's like getting the same pair of jeans, or same jacket except in a different colour!

Btw if anyone (that's you Michelle haha) wants to join in a hoard please contact me on my email: vicky.chen@live.com.au and I will get back to you as soon as I can :D

Thanks!

ps: Michelle pleaseeeeeee talk to me soon, I'm falling off my seat checking msn every 2 seconds. Yes I am sad that way D:

Reptilian dreams

2010-07-31T17:13:00.002+10:00

Reptilian dreams: just need to put these two words here so I don't forget the dream I had two nights in a row.

What a waste of space.

Heaven on a Stick

2010-07-31T09:16:00.005+10:00

So Michelle asked me to go Ashfield this coming Monday for foods, and obviously the first thing you think is Shang cuisine. That's what I thought too when I got invited to a work dinner, but little did I know I would be having another bbq (why the bosses sure do love bbq); but Chinese style!

You walk into this narrow restaurant, each fitted with its mini bbq station that's filled with ready to use searing coals. As you place down your bags you notice the plethora of metal skewers waiting to be tried and a hot and cold counter with bain maries filled with your typical Shang salads; and to my personal delight, stewed eggplant and cheung you bing --> shallot cakes!

A couple of us headed to the bottle shop next door despite a clear not BYO sign, out front. But who cares right? I mean its bbq afterall!! We stocked up generously with colourful alchopops and some other canned varieties. The night was filled with continuous marveling at the automated bbq contraption (It spins your skewers for you!), with intense speculation about whether our food was cooked and more intense drinking games.

The restaurant operates buffet style so you won't leave empty stomached. For approx $29.00 there is quite a wide variety of meats (chicken hearts! - how novel and chewy....maybe that's why its novel) and enough side dishes to cleanse your palate once in a while.

All in all it was a great night, and definitely a recommendation. Maybe save up for it? Because in the words of food loving Felix, $29.00 is huuuuuuuggeeeeeeeeee

That's all for now!

I'll upload piccies later. Meanwhile check out this review on the Telegraph

On the slopes

2010-07-18T20:16:00.002+10:00

Two piccies on the way up at Thredbo.
Thank god I didn't drop my phone!

Meal 1: Pan Roasted Chicken with Potato and Zucchini Rosti

2010-07-18T19:43:00.004+10:00

So to herald my first stab at the recipes in Masterchef Season 1, I have chosen Sam's pan roasted chicken which was the first to win the Invention test. The result was not nearly good enough to take me up against Manu Feidel, however it was a good enough , that I didn't revert to the rice my dad was cooking. The dish involves pan searing some chicken portions with halved garlic bulbs, before chucking them in the oven with some vine rippened tomatoes. On the side, a garlic and parsley butter with potato and zucchini rosti, or fried patty.
So chicken legs already cut up, three simple vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes and potatoes), what could go wrong?

Eating the dish, nothing really, my brother scoffed it down quite happily... however the mess that was left in the kitchen! My dad was not pleased. The recipe calls for grated potato and zucchini, meaning there was grated bits of green and white everywhere!!! It was stuck all over my hands, hanging daintily off the grater.... sigh..... I guess at this stage I'm Julie Goodwin, and not in the good way. I'm a messy chef D:<

Here's a picture of the final product. Unfortunately, or fortunately there are no photos during the cooking process. So, thinking of cooking a roast? :D

Has Alvin made the switch?!

2010-07-18T13:49:00.006+10:00

At first glance, I thought this was Alvin from Masterchef, they have the same bald cut!
But judging by the source of this image, JakandJill, how could it possibly be Alvin? Could his signature steam bums really make it in the gruelling fashion industry? Maybe so as the new rabbit food... I don't know, not prepared just yet to go into the fine line between food and fashion (not luxirare yet!)

But here's a post just to avoid a nearly approaching 2 month blog drought.

Thanks guys for the Masterchef book! It's been quite awesome having a hardcopy of the recipes and did I mention food porn? :D'

On the menu tonight, Sam's winning chicken dish: Pan roasted chicken with potato and zucchini rosti

Check back later to see how it goes?

ps: in some sort of fashion, inspired by the Julie/Julia project I hope to cook my way through the book. However my skills are not nearly enough to create Adriano's croqeumbouche, so that will have to wait... unless you don't mind something worse than Jimmy's stack of pillows :P

see you soon!

pss: just a short note, the JakandJill link above is not to the coveted blog regularly posted to by Tommy Ton, this is: Jak&Jil

Shake the coconut!

2010-06-07T00:54:00.002+10:00

Is what I have been told you should do when choosing a ripe coconut either to drink or cook with.
If you hear the distinct waves of coconut juice rolling within, then ding ding! you have found a good coconut.

:D

and I guess you're wondering.... why is she talking about coconuts?
Well simply put, recent adventures to Chat Thai and a love of coconut cream with sticky rice has tickled an interest of mine in rich, flavoursome curries.

Green curry, red curry, pineapple curry!!

Hopefully after finals I'll be able to cook up some hearty winter curries, then you all come over and we share curry, naan and papadums!

Yum yum!

Jolene or jolie?

2010-06-02T21:03:00.006+10:00

Well back again and feeling like death decided to chew me up and spit me back out.

Here's a live performance of Dolly Parton's, Jolene.
Very addictive, and who can keep their eyes off those flares?!

Saucyness

2010-05-08T18:06:00.003+10:00

There are a few Asian sauces that I will simply never get sick of:

1) Lee Kum Kee's char sui sauce that my mum lathers on to pork ribs. Om nom nom nom!!! The smearing of sauce on to my face doubles the length of my lips and makes me look the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland! :D

2) Sweet and sour, my Achilles heal in terms of white-Asian food. I eat sweet and sour pork like popcorn and quadruple dip my spring rolls D:

3) Maggi soy sauce. Used to love mixing it with semi raw egg yolk in rice

4) Sweet chilli, I like staring at the man's face on this bottle

5) Lee Kum Kee's Hoi Sin sauce. good with rice noodles *thumbs up*

6) I am on the fence with fish sauce, maybe if Annie's mum conjured a personalised bottle hehe? :P

ps: I don't know what made me post about sauces. Maybe it arose from buying lunch at Satay Delight where this other girl ordered rice with chicken. I subconsciously thought, 'wouldn't that be really dry, you need sauce to moisten it up! so I don't know.... do you get spontaneous thoughts like this dear reader/fellow bloggers? If so, let's blog share! :)

That's all for now,
Vicky

You're invited to:

2010-05-05T22:20:00.003+10:00

1) BSXC @ Home Bar, the 20th of May. Tickets are $15 each, tell me if you want! :D

2) BSOC SKI TRIP! $560 for arc, $600 non-arc. Please consider as deposits are due end of next week. You won't regret it!

Dear Michelle

2010-05-04T21:11:00.001+10:00

Hi Michelle!

I know I promised a jeans post, but I can't find an adequate camera or canvas to place my jeans on so here's a formal apology! They were a pair of Lees for $20 and Cassette Society for $50. I'll try to wear them asap!

Bye!

Yours sincerely,
Vicky

Re: Pananas

2010-05-03T18:58:00.002+10:00

So sitting here, supposedly studying for microl, I decided a little break was called for with the regular blog roll stalk. From one to another I hoped, until I came upon a big mass of writing from none other than meowchowpan; it was begging to be read!!

About 2 minutes ago when I started to read, I realized the post was published today and that we're probably in the same situation, except I don't have stats and its currently 7:00. Yes this is some dramatic new layout change Pan, so dramatic in fact it mirrors the magnitude of my enthusiasm towards taxes and tariffs. Holla!

I'm starting to feel hungry... and I wonder, is hunger a distraction?
Also there's a group of Indians in a room who think we can't hear them. But we can, and it's rather off putting. But hey! That's what happened this morning when Anthony died in room 411 from successive cramps and stabs in bed. Poor Anthony hahah.

But before you start mourning!
Anthony came back from the dead at around 10 to 2 this afternoon :D He had so much energy in fact he was able to attend pro one-on-one skateboard lessons with Will Tang AND do some awesome swivelly trick.

Well that is all, question 7 beckons

- Vicky

This Moment

2010-05-01T01:36:00.002+10:00

Vicky says:
*ahahahhahah
*adrian getting into a fight?
*just that idea is funny
*xD

Adrian says:
*whoa.
*ok yeah its pretty outrageous
*wouldnt be a fight
*more like me getting bashed up agaisnt a wall

Vicky says:
*oh okay
*now thats scary
*wait
*thats the perfect time to execute the through the legs trick!
*oh man hahahah

Adrian says:
*lol!
*maybe kinda bob my head up halfway through as well right? =P

(insert facial expression)
HAHA ADRIAN ANG! <3
(and sorry for making you read this :P )

- Vicky

Orange and blue

2010-04-30T17:31:00.004+10:00

Who said these colours don't match????
Just like pink and green, purple and yellow ...

Hmm I think this blog if fuelled by our groups love of black cotton, wool, polyester and all fabrics alike....

should we not add colour? Dark candle apple red is nice
and yes... as you can see I am quite out of it
headache derived from stepping on cold tiles is emerging and the need to study is becoming increasingly pressing.

BUT like always i fail to seek a remedy for these illnesses until its too late.
wait two nights, I will be stressing over micro.

moooting: from now, until time indefinite
mooting: Friday Week 11, need to go suit shopping!

Galliano is amazing.

Cravings - but I'm not pregnant

2010-04-28T20:27:00.004+10:00

As the days get colder
I become bolder, searching for that tiny bit of sugar that spreads like warm butter through my body. Glucose turns to fat, fat turns to rolls, and as I ask for a chicken roll please, I specify I want wholemeal.

note: MY MUM FOUND THE HONEY JAR!! Always trust your mum to know which cupboard you haven't opened. =)

WOW BULGOGI!

2010-04-28T12:40:00.007+10:00

have you seen that restaurant on the way to uni?
btw I'm not sure that's the correct spelling =|
It could be WOW BUGOBI or WOW BULOGI haha...the possibilities :)

Anyways, so I'm sitting here in the library, facing a pillar that partially obstructs my vision of the carpark behind. Exciting stuff yeh? -_-'

But what is exciting, or rather would have been, is Fashion Weekend.
The long passed Fashion weekend ending on the 16th of May D:
Sigh... I can't believe I forgot and in light that I am currently having a winter-wear drought, Fashion Weekend would have been the perfect one day retreat not to far away from home D:

Also guys, anyone want to come Powerhouse Museum with me before th week ends?
There's some fashion exhibitions I'm keen to see and as I have been in a stage of complete amazement these past couple of weeks, I thought why not attend something that's truly amazing. You know, amazing in that its not the irrational behaviours of you and people around you.

So here's my incoherent 2 minute post.
I wonder where everyone is now...
lower campus, upper campus...
maybe sitting at home because they don't have uni??

Until next time!
Vickyicky

edit://

Just had lunch and realised LOL it's not even May yet!
So now, Fashion Weekend is an option!
Guys tell me if you want to come (shopping, some hair and makeup trials + one catwalk)
We can buy tickets and chillax like the ladettes we are :)
Gentlemen welcome if you bear some metro/homo tendencies and/or a credit card
weeeeeeeeeeeee

zzz law is making me sleepy -_-

Ladettes and Gents

2010-04-27T23:15:00.003+10:00

"The word gluttony makes me extremely happy!"

So does: excess, extremity, raw and organic

Welcome back to vicksberry! :)

from yours truly,

Thank You

2010-04-17T12:27:00.003+10:00

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door
And you feel that you can't take anymore

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You're caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Because there has always been heartache and pain
And when it's over you'll breathe again
You'll breathe again

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild wild heart

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

(Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Honey to cure

2010-04-13T18:21:00.003+10:00

I feel scared, overwhelmed, excited, jittery, confused and frustrated.

Someone please drop honey down my throat
I want to feel it slide to the bottom of my stomach, soothing all those emotions into a golden mess.

Yes this was what everything is.
A mess.

Too much, too fast

2010-03-29T21:10:00.000+11:00

I want to call overseas, I want to go overseas D:

Thanks guys

2010-03-23T21:57:00.002+11:00

For keeping me grounded at uni :)

i really like

2010-03-23T20:26:00.002+11:00

straws.

And this blog is becoming more a transcript of my thought processes rather than a every couple of day brain dump canvas.

I need

2010-03-23T19:42:00.004+11:00

* for someone to tell me what I think is normal
* for people to be around me
* for people to drown out my thoughts and my voice with theirs
* for someone to explain EVERYTHING to me
* sleep

- Vicky