One year in Australia

9th August 2008 marked my 1 year in Australia. Can't believe how time flies. I still remember when we first moved over to Australia, I was telling myself over and over again "It is only for 2 years, it's only for 2 years". Well, 1 year had passed us by and this is generally what I think and feel about Australia:

The first 6 months of my stay in Australia has been anything but happy. I have no family, no friends, no work (being a stay home mum is not work since I am not paid for it ;-)), no support, no church to belong to. I was constantly pestering Tex to go back to Malaysia. I missed my family, I missed our CG, I missed DUMC, I missed LDP (can you imagine I just said that?!) and definitely missing the FOOD. I know it is God's plan for us to be in Australia for now but I just can't see His purpose through the clouds hovering above my head. I know Tex is very upset that I wasn't happy in Australia. After an argument that started from my "unhappiness" complains, he told me that he has decided to call it quit after the 2 years contract ends because he missed my smiles and laughter and he wanted me to be happy. It strucked me then of how selfish I was. I was only looking for my own happiness and wanting to be pampered by the comfort and familiarities of it all back in Malaysia. It was a wake up call. I made a resolution from that day onwards to embrace this country and God truly works wonders, slowly but surely.

When I got back from CNY08 break, I reminded myself again and again that a successful person is not a victim to the circumstances he or she is in, but making the best out of whatever he or she is put in. It wasn't easy but I learned to be more friendly, made more first moves, learning more "pick up lines" etc., practical steps to help me build relationship with others. Things got better and as though to "reward" my effort, God blessed me with a new friend - Tamara. She totally opened me up and boost my self confidence. I enjoy church better and getting myself involved in Bible Study and playgroup. I began to enjoy and "see" more good things that I have been taking for granted for in Australia. For example, the community in our suburb. We have such lovely neighbours here. People greet you when you walk pass them, neighbours comeby your house to get to know you a lil better and our immediate neighbours have been just wonderful. Whenever we travel interstate over the weekend, they will push the rubbish bins in for us (we have to push the rubbish, garden and recycvle bins out to the kerb for Monday's collection by the trucks), keep the mails and catalogues and place them at our doorstep. Aren't they lovely- those 3 bachelor boys? Muahahaha. Besides the men, er I mean people (which is the biggest plus factor), there is the efficient transport system; fair government; child friendly facilities; family focused activities and relatively cheaper lifestyle.

So a year on, I have come to see Australia from a totally different angle. Malaysia will always hold a special place in my heart but for now, I can look at our rented house and affectionately calling it our home.

Lord, who can comprehend Your ways. Your ways are definitely higher than mine. Teach me Lord, to walk in Your ways....Amen.

Beautiful memories of Tassie and Tasmanians...Day 1

Tex had to travel to give training again, and this time it is in the beautiful Tasmania. He was to go to Launceston, the 2nd biggest city there, after Hobart. I thought it was too good a place to miss (although I was very concern about the notorious chilling wind) and Tex thought that we should come along too since Tasmania is not one of his frequent travel places.

We left home at 6.30am to the airport. Poor Ashley just got out of bed and was carried straight into the cab. She must have been confused. This smart mummy dressed her in her outing clothes the night before so that I didn't have to worry about dressing her and get all kelam-kabut. We had McD (the Aussies call it Macca, short for McDonald cafe) at the airport foodcourt and then it was time to board. Ashley was the perfect baby throughout the flight. She slept! Muahahaha....I was so happy to be able to sit back and relax for once. When we almost reached Tassie, ice flakes formed on the plane's window. That showed how cold the air was. But the sight of the island took my breath away. It was just so beautiful. Once again I was awestrucked by how beautiful and green Australia is. After checking into the hotel and lunch, daddy left us for work and thus began the adventures of Ashley and her cute mama ;-P.

Launceston is a small city, so we decided to do things slowly. We started the day with a walk to the City Park. There was a very old working radio station cum museum at the entrance gate and I thought to myself, I might as well go in to have a look. Well, I am sure antique collectors would have loved the place. The collection of old radio, old broadcasting technology, gramaphone, antennas etc were quite impressive. Oh, there was a 170 years old wisteria tree too. All it cost me was a coin donation because the museum was taken care by volunteers. Then I took Ashley to look at snow monkeys from Japan. She understand alot of things now and by showing her real animals helped her relate better to her books. There was a fernery, statues, structures, a floor chess, a duck pond and some Victorian structures all around the park. We took a ride on the park's train for AUD2. The driver was very friendly and he tried to shake Ashley's hands. Well, the closest he got was to get her to touch the train's head. Next I let her play at the playground and miggle with other kids. She had fun climbing onto toy train, going down the slippery dip and ride on the bouncy wombat.

Opposite the park was the National Automobile museum. Ashley loves cars and trains so I gave it a go. Well, she fell asleep halfway there so I ended up doing a quick browse of the museum's shop and got her a toy police car. Then I crossed over to the otherside of the river to look at the old tram station and Queen Victoria's Art Gallery and Museum. Launceston doesn't have train service because the roads were too small and the area was well, 20 minutes into driving and you are out of the town. It was getting dark and Tex was on his way back to the hotel so that's all for Day 1.

My girl did "IT" today!

Since Ashley was 2 months old, we "trained" her to do her big business in the potty. Every morning after her morning feed, we would sit her in the potty and "stimulate" her to push (by saying ngk-ngk) and she did it without fail. By the way, we weren't kiasu parents, just very obedient new parents listening to advise from elders. Hehe. This continued on for 3 months until the time we came to Australia. It was winter then and it was too cold to have her naked butt exposed to the cold air. Diapers are fairly cheap here so this mummy here gave the training a break. It was not a very wise decision and Ashley had been refusing potty ever since.

When we got back to Australia after the CNY break this year, on and off I will show Ashley the potty and she will do all sorts of funny thing with it. For example, she'll put her toys into the potty, put it over her head like a hat, push it around like a pushchair etc. Kids.....funny. 2 days ago, Tex casually told Ashley that if she needs to do "IT", she should say "ng-ng" and we'll give her a potty. This morning, halfway through her cartoon, she shouted "ng-ng" really loud. I was wondering what she was shouting at and it took me awhile to realise that she wanted her potty. I ran into the bathroom, grabbed her potty and took off her diapers just in time for it.

I am so proud of my girl. Children are such amazement sometimes. They understand so much and yet they are so innocent too. I treated Ashley a chocolate croissant as her reward for being so good. My girl, my darling girl.

Day 4 - Home Sweet Home

Today is the last day in Adelaide for us. Joanna took half day off to spend more time with her kai baby. We drove around the city, changed my boots because hubby didn't like the one I choose yesterday, (Joanna made me get a very high heeled pair instead because she says it looks sexy. It is pretty and hubby loved it but I need LOTS of practise before I can walk normally in those pair of boots!) and did a self guided tour at St Peter cathedral. The interior of the church was just magnificent. There is a piped organ (gasped) and carved sculptures of Jesus at the altar. There were painted windows all over the hall and ceiling. I have always admired ancient architecture and I surely did love this one.

Joanna took us for lunch at a Malaysian cafe near her university. The owner is from Penang. I really craved for authentic Malaysia wo tan hor so I opted for that. I have tried a couple of wo tan hor in Sydney but the taste is very Hong Kong-ish. The pork tastes different over here too and I think that is a BIG factor. Anyway, the verdict...not too bad. After another stop for coffee at Rundle Mall, Joanna sent us off to the airport. The flight back to Sydney? Same old story lah, my gal was being all drama queen and upset the other kids on board. Aih......

Adios Adelaide, till we meet again someday.....soon. Thank you kaima for a wonderful trip!

Day 3 - Around the city....on FOOT!

Joanna had to work today. So Ashley is going to have a city tour with mummy....on foot (er, and stroller). Adelaide city is lovely to be explored on foot. It ain't too big and it ain't too busy. It reminds me of Malacca city as compared KL. Malacca is just nice. (Personal view aje ok, KLites, don't be offended). We started off with Central Market. It is a fresh food market which opens every other day during weekdays. I love to browse through the stalls because the colours of the vegetables and fruits are just so.....fresh! and cheap. Bought some Charlestown peanuts under Joanna's recommendation. Then we proceeded to Chinatown. The shops are very systematic and organised. One can find almost anything there. We had Korean hot soup lunch...yum.

Next stop, RUNDLE STREET MALLLLLLL!!!!!! I bought a pair of high heeled boots there (Joanna made me wear high heels because she thinks I am turning into a selekeh si lai). One of the attraction that I was very very interested in along Rundle Street is the underground opal mining cave. But I was so disappointed when it was actually a shop with 2 sides of the wall designed like a cave with a few opal stones engraved on it. Oh well, perhaps I expected too much from this "cave".

The day ended with a super yummy Chinese dinner (reminds us of Esquire Kitchen restaurant back home).

Day 2 - Victor Harbour, Adelaide

Joanna picked us up at 8.30am from the hotel. We had a big breakfast together (those who have not tried grilled fresh mushroom MUST try it. Super YUMMY!) before heading to Victor Harbour. It was a very windy and chilly morning. We took a coach-pulled-by-a-horse ride from Victor Harbour to Granite Island. It was a great experience but I did pity the horse for working so hard to earn his "living". Granite Island is where the penguin rescue center is. Too bad it was closed on the day we were there. We did however catch a great view of the ocean from the many lookout points on Granite Island. Ashley kept standing by the penguin sign that says:"Senior's Lunch. AUD8.90 two course meal". We were laughing at her when it suddenly dawned on me that she IS hungry. It was way past her lunch time. This mummy is really not so good at her "job". We had a fish and chips lunch by the beach before driving back home. Oh, we did another stop at Whaler's lookout point. It was BEAUTIFUL! Too bad my camera was running low on batteries and I couldn't get a good shot.

Dinner time was with Joanna and Tex at the Brazilian restaurant in the city. It was alright but Ashley didn't enjoy her meal and it kinda upsets me. She is a rice person. The Brazilian restaurant that we had eaten before in Shanghai was much better and the spread was more attractive. Oh well, perhaps Brazilian food is not a favourite in Adelaide.

Ashley fell asleep halfway through dinner and that's Day 2 for her in Adelaide.

Day 1 - Hahndorf, Adelaide

We arrived Adelaide at 11.30am local time. Ashley was very cheeky in the plane. While the plane was descending and "suffered" some turbulence, Ashley was acting all dramatic (as though we were going to crash). She wasn't really scared because she was smiling while wailing for help. It did however upset some other kids. Aih.....my girl la. From the airport, it was a short drive to the hotel where we were to call home for the next 3 days. It was a nice and spacious hotel. (Hotels in Australia are not very impressive one lor. The buffet breakfast is always the same and it is not complimentary- bacon, scrambled egg, mushroom, baked beans, hot dog and cereal). In my opinion, India is still at the top when it comes to hospitality and service. Anyway, Joanna came to meet us at noon and I was glad that Ashley immediately took a liking to her kaima.

We took a public bus to Handorf, which is a German themed village. The journey was about 1 hour from the city. We started off with the petting farm (Joanna's suggestion because she thinks Ashley will enjoy it). It was a small farm but rather interesting for Ashley. Then we took a slow walk along the main streets and tried out some German food and bakery. I love the handmade cuckoo clock and it was not too expensive too. We couldn't buy it though because we can't drill any nails into the walls of our rented home. Perhaps one day, when we could afford to buy our own home. Overall, it was a lovely place but the travelling and sight seeing finally took a toll on me. I was so exhausted by the end of the day.

Ahh......come to me, sleep.

A visit to dear kaima Joanna

We are going to Adelaide to visit kaima Joanna tomorrow. It has been a year since Ashley last saw her. She left for Adelaide when Ashley was 2 months plus to further her studies. Yeah, Joanna is a single, young, gorgeous and happening kaima. Many people were surprised when I told them that Ashley's kaima is a mid twenties hottie. "Oh, I thought she would be much older" was the normal comment I get. (Joanna is gonna jump when she reads this). But I couldn't have ask for a better kaima than Joanna.

I met Joanna in Astro's Health and Safety week campaign. Our companies were involved in the exhibition and her booth was facing mine. We had quite alot of free time in between and some how we started talking. One thing led to another and soon we were hanging out quite often. Our favourite place was Alamanda Putrajaya. We found out that we have so much in common- our fathers are estate managers, our taste for fashion, religion & principles etc. Yeah, she is a kindred spirit (we love Anne of the Green Gables) and before long we were calling each other bosom buddies. Joanna was very involved in Ashley since the beginning. She would come along for the monthly check up and was so excited when she saw Ashley in the ultrasound. She was there the night I was admitted for the delivery and she was there again in the morning when Ashley was born. She came to visit every night while I was still in hospital and she came to visit when we were back home. She even changed her diapers!

So our move to Australia was rather timely. At least we can still visit Joanna more often and vice versa. Joanna has Ashley's vacation planned out for the next 10 years- teaching her how to surf, look out for leng chai, self defense, shopping spree etc.

Looking back, it is amazing how God has planned for our paths to cross since the beginning. We are truly blessed to have a bosom buddy and a kaima like you. The Joan in Ashley's name is dedicated to you Joanna. Thank you for loving her.

How it all started.....

Many, many months back
Rachel: Eh, blog lah
Me: No time la.

A couple of months back
Me: I have got so much to tell you.
Rachel: Blog lah
Me: Alright. I will start blogging as soon as I found a great name for my blog

So here I am, finally found the name (and time) that I love for my blog- Amazing GRACE. It is such a common name and it is everywhere (song, movie, book title etc.), yet it has such significance in my life. I love and cherish it with all my heart.

Ashley-Joan is one of the reason to start off this love affair I have with Amazing Grace. Whenever I look at her, I am reminded of what a wonderful miracle she is. We almost lost her at birth due to entanglement of the cord around her neck not once but twice. Her right lung didn't expand and Tex (hubby) said she didn't cry at first when the doctor took her out of the womb. She was put into the incubator and the pediatrician told us that if her lung still didn't expand by morning, we might have to transfer her to an infant ICU. All the time the drama was going on, my wonderful hubby kept the news to himself because he knew what a worry freak I was and still am. Praise God, after 5 hours in the incubator, Ashley's lung expanded and she was breathing normally. I still remember the first time the doctor carried her to me while I was being stitched and she was crying by then. I called her name and immediately she stopped crying and opened her eyes to look at me. The first impression I had was "Wow, she is gorgeous!". She had deep double eyelid, dark brown eyes and hair, a cute sharp nose and dimples just like her dad's.

Today she is a very active and cheeky 16 months old girl. Still ever so gorgeous in my eyes (ask the boys who "fight" to play with her in playgroup and church or her grandparents or her aunts & uncles or her kaimas........you get the idea?). She is smart and is always surprising us with the things she can do. She is a constant joy and a great entertainer. We love her heaps. Muax.

"Thank you Lord for Ashley-Joan Ting. What more can I say but....thank you for Your Amazing GRACE. Amen."