On the Shortness of Life by Seneca

Thought of the day:

Have you ever waited for the appropriate time in order to do/say something important to someone? Ever thought to yourself "when I live to 30, I will start investing for my retirement fund"? Have you ever neglected to a dear friend, thinking your friendship will always be forever?

Something to think about:

"You are living as if destined to live for ever... You act like mortals in all that you fear, and like immortals in all that you desire."

- Seneca

Maybe it's about time you do something about it?

.A Fight Within.

Not going to be updating for a while.... maybe till at least Saturday.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Be back soon!

- Ms Shooter

Edited: 1st August 2008

Yup, haven't been updating my blog in a while... plenty of things have happened: good, bad and neither (is such description possible?). All of which I'm sure in all honesty no one really cares to read about. He he he... I know, I'm known for my brutal honesty....

Just a quick update: as of tomorrow, 7am, my whole family will be staying with us in Melbourne. So there will be plenty of stuff added to the "already done" Melbourne list... I'm hoping my dad brought along the family p&s for me to play with, that way I can update this blog with the lovely, vibrant, colourful pictures of the world!

"But you lied to me when you said that, baby no worries I promise to get us back"

One of Many...

I'm quite sure that last night will be one of many that will eventually happen during the duration of my stay here in Melbourne. Last night was a good night - one that has now turned into a fond memory for all of those who were present. It was night when the magical twinkling stars shined its brightest for us as Mr Canon, one of our dearly close friends leave us to return into the workforce and go back home.

Ms DT, Liverpoolian and Visual Acid with Ka' Jah: who also is leaving Melbourne.

It was a farewell dinner that took place in one of his many favourite Melbournian restaurants, The ChilliPadi - yes, the very restaurant where we celebrated Kim's birthday. There were many people about... the atmosphere was pleasant and cosy against the cruel winter breeze outside. Smiles and laughters lingered up into the air as we all mingled and greeted one another. We certainly enjoyed the night over good food and great company. I think it was the first time i actually realised that there were a lot of Melbruneians, easily surpassing thirty people and unfortunately, our booking approximation. Hence, dinner took place between two separate tables: one being indoor and the other out on the balcony.

I took some time to table-hop around, allowing myself to become acquainted with some new faces such as Din the Architect.... then there were some old familiar ones, whom I hadn't seen in a long time such as Ms Giggles, CameraGuru and the Prahran Boys.... not to mention Neeze (whom unfortunately had to leave early), Mr P, Visual Acid and even Ms Crocs was there! Then there were those who also brought along their families. It was a great time.... with a certainly fun-loving crowd. It came to the point where I think the waiter himself couldn't help but join in the fun... well join in the fun with the boys on taking the mickey out of me... hmph!

Ms DT, Ms Giggles and Ms Crocs...camera hogging!

After dinner, everyone stayed on for a while, lingering outside the restaurant as we indulged ourselves with photo sessions.... By then everyone was in photo-mode, flashing out their cameras and video cams.... It was pandemonium as flash lights blinded everyone one after another, squeals and laughter echo into the night, people hugging, smiling and some even cried.... eventually it was time to bid everyone goodbye.

Unfortunately I didn't take much photos as I wanted to enjoy the night with my friends although Ms DT did manage to get some video shots of the crowd with our video cam... Mr Canon, this is for you:

Compliments from Giggles

One for the boys...

It is all ending....the time has come for us to bid you farewell.
For the longest time, we knew you were going away and how terribly we wished it weren't so.
Today comes and we know that right now, you have begun your journey back home.
We wish you an ease of mind and a pleasant flight.
It saddens us to lose such a good friend - one whose friendship we've gained and valued immensely in the shortest of time.
This is an ending of the Melbruneian story.
It is one of many endings that are sure to come our way but the memories of the laughter and tears we've all shared with you will stay with us.

You are a good friend, father, teacher and more.
As summed up by Gwen Stefani in her song... "You're really lovely, underneath it all".
We are supremely lucky to have been destined to meet you, you certainly add bright colours to our lives. It really isn't easy to say goodbye... Perhaps we will all meet again.
The future holds so many possibilities. We will miss you dearly Mr Canon.

"You make it easier when life gets hard"
-Lucky by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat.

The Year of the Joker

You may have noticed it as well: 2008 has produced some BIG, EXPLOSIVE, MIND-STOPPING superhero movies, most of which are comic-based such as: Hell's Boy, Ironman, the Incredible Hulk and quite recently Batman: the Dark Knight. Of all the movies released for this year, so far I reckon Batman was and perhaps still is the most highly-anticipated movie of the year.

Here down under, a week has passed since it's public debut and virtually all the cinemas that I know of either have literally sold out all it's tickets or is in the process of being sold out very fast! Until last night, I had never known how it felt like to sit in a full theater! There were so many people that there was a queue just to get into the theater room and due to the long queue, they had to play at least 30mins of previews before starting the movie! Insane, right?

Batman: the Dark Knight is more than just seeing a hero battle fancy-skilled villains and striving to save the fate of mankind... this movie is raw, dark, dangerous, surreal and essentially human... You see will see Batman, not Bruce Wayne at his most weakest, lowest and most human point. So how could someone so strong and so incorruptible be thrown into chaos? Only person can do it: the Joker.




Of all the villains that Batman has encountered, Joker is his arch nemesis - the one and only guy who manages to unnerve Batman. This guy is real sick in the head, a real trickster and Heath Ledger certainly portrays this character very well. From his spooky dead stare to the fading echoes of his callous, cold laughter.... Joker will send a spine-tingling human chill down your back as you watch him descend Gotham city into chaos - playing physical, emotional and psychological games not only on Batman but on everyone one in the city! I walked out of the cinema, thinking: how could someone do such a thing? But I suppose that's what makes Joker one of the best superhero villains of all time.

If you ever get the opportunity to catch this film, then go for it. This movie certainly ranks high up in my book! Unforgettable performance by high-class actors and a very talented director. This is Batman: the Dark Knight.

The Director, Christopher Nolan

Source of photos: Yahoo! Movies

.Happy Times.

Won't be doing some updates for a while. Mummy is in town! Whoopie!

A Valueable Lesson Learnt

Memories.... Bittersweet memories....

Earlier today, I finally had the chance to catch up with a good old friend from home. One thing I'm certainly appreciative of is that in today's world, modern technology has created convenience in global communication: regardless where you are in the world (provided that you have a reliable internet service provider and a working laptop) you can still keep in contact with friends miles and miles away from home as though they are physically there with you!


It certainly felt good to able to talk to you again, pinknose - definitely one of the highlights of my day. Our conversations brought on a series of memories for me to reminisce, it made me realise that I miss your company sorely and of the others as well. I look forward to going back home and spending more time with you guys.

Pinknose, wish you were here!

As our conversation went on, she recommended a video from youtube, called Who Moved My Cheese? Originally derived from a motivational book and later made into a short cartoon-animation flick, it is an inspirational video about our dealings on life and change - it is quite good. I recommend watching it.




After watching the animation, it certainly had got me thinking about my situation. Change is one of the many things that happen in life, whether we like it or not - it does happen. Most of us take for granted the security of comfort provided to us by familiarity such as everyday schedules and routines but to what extent is this familiarity reliable? What would happen if something were to break this cycle of routine? How would we cope? What would happen to us?

This animation also reminded me of a book I recently received from Ms Sunshine in Toronto. It's called On the shortness of life written by renowned world philosopher Seneca. It has many ideas and arguments to ponder on but mainly an argument on the shortness of life (as I'm pretty sure you can gather from the title). However don't be fooled by the size of this small book, the reading is quite intensive - i certainly wouldn't call it light reading because the things they discuss in the book are pretty hardcore.

"life is long if you know how to use it"

- excerpt from On the Shortness of Life by Seneca.

A Walk Down Marriage Lane...

Marriage

Of Melodies and Swollen Cheekies

Last Thursday the uber-insane group decided it was high time that we hit the karaoke bars. Knowing that Mr Canon will be leaving Melbourne very soon (perhaps for good), we were all eager to spend more time with him before releasing him into the workforce world. To add more character and humorous delight to the group, Visual Acid brought along his friend, Frenchie!

Earlier the day we met up at DFO to help Mr Canon shop for his graduation suit, also took the opportunity to engage in some discussion on Visual Acid's special project over lunch. DFO (short for Direct Factory Outlet) is one of Australia's shopper's paradise: often you may find branded items sold at lesser prices than big name retailers as the products are sold directly from the factory. In our case, we were at the DFO located at Southern Cross. It's quite a huge DFO mall with over 100 stores, including local and international brand names like Country Road, Converse, Sketchers, etc. The location is also quite convenient: being one of the many bus shuttle stops and also one of the main train stops within the city.

Picking the drinks and food for the room...

By the time we were done, the sun was already setting... so we made our way across the city, up Exhibition Street towards K-box for karaoke time, meeting up with Frenchie on the way. According to my friends, K-box is one of the few cheap karaoke bars in Melbourne where between 3pm-6pm one may sing for 3 hours straight with 2 complimentary drinks for $16.





The music selections were quite good - I was surprised to find that they had an extensive collection of malay songs (indonesian and malay) as well as other international languages. We tried to sing one hindu song but couldn't manage because we were rolling with laughter.



Certainly a fun night with non-stop laughter and joyful singing. We even sang Khayalan loudly as one group in an attempt to drown out other people's voices coming from the neighbouring karaoke rooms.


















If I am not mistaken, Thursday was also the night where we created a tradition (that has since been played whenever we meet up) where everyone attempt to punk'd each other.... one of them being: cheek pinching... now how did this game come to be? I have no idea... all I know is that of all the people in the group.... i get punk'd at this game the most... and ALWAYS after spending a day with them, end up with RED SWOLLEN CHEEKS.... *sigh*.... you can tell that I am oh-so loved by them!

To view more photos of Karaoke Night:
Melodies & Swollen Cheekies
Melodies & Swollen Cheekies II

An End is Another Beginning...

*Cracks knuckles*

Ok, Me thinks it's high time that I update my blog. So many things have happened these past few weeks, it's a shame I haven't included much of it in this blog. With the coming of the a new school semester, the Melbruneian gang is losing some good ole friends and gaining friendships with new ones. Before I start, I would just like to congratulate Mr Canon on the his successful end at Swinburne University, graduating with a Master's Degree!

Tahniah Mr Canon, the Melbruneian gang wish you the best. We all have many fond memories of you and the fabulous outings we did. You are certainly one of the best characters that made living in Melbourne a great and fun experience.
A day spent with you is a day full of non-stop laughter and joy - you bring out the inner child in us all. Stay true to yourself and never change - if you change pun, we hope it's in your favour.
Cheers to all the unforgettable moments we shared with you by our side!

Note: Mr Canon was one of the very few main people who triggered my interest in cameras & photography. Since an early start, he has been nice enough to lend me his 40D for most shootings. I am certainly going to miss him and his camera.... it's high time i start saving to buy myself one! Thank you for the new discovery!

another sunset photo

Ladies...

Ladies, it's time to vote for your favourite shirtless man!

The contenders:

• Mr Canon

A man of many mysteries. Ladies, do not be fooled by his age or appearance ... for this man is sweeter than honey and adorable to the bone! He will have you swayed off your feet before the end of the night! Funny. Charming. Cheeky and oh-so-adorable like a teddy bear... this sensitive crooner may even steal your heart...

• Visual Acid

Perhaps the answer to your heart's desires: Ever so young at heart, this fun-loving lad may bring magic into your life. Funny, charismatic and *ehem* sweet... i think? haha... He always has a smile upon his face that will brighten your day, come rain or shine.... what more could a girl want?

The More, The Merrier

Yes, the locals love to have their photos taken... even with strangers...

Earlier this week we had another one of our ULTRA-UBER outrageous group outings. Being as it is the school holidays, pretty much every day was a weekend day for us! hahaha... Oh how I cherish these days... where the sun never seem to set in the horizon... but alas, all good things must come to an end.

During the train ride to Chadstone Mall...

It was another fun-filled day - full of laughter, jokes, screams and all. We were quite the huge group, seven of us in total: beginning with the typical trio (myself, Ms DT & Mr DG), Mr Canon, Neez, Visual Acid and Mr DG's long time buddy, Poland. It was definitely a crowd - and a noisy lot we were, i tell you!

Neez havin' a merry ole time...

Visual Acid as his sexy porky self...

Having met up in the city, we traveled to Chadstone Mall in order to catch the latest blockbuster hit Hancock. In the mall, the queue for the theater was ridiculously long, so before heading off to play we decided that perhaps it was best that we bought the tickets early.

Another passenger wanting to join in the fun on the train...

During the exchange of jokes during the train ride

Together with Ms DT, I went to buy the tickets whilst the rest waited ever so patiently for us. It was after that, that we all headed to Toys R' US to indulge in our childish humour...for the whole day we all acted like 5-year-olds.

Queue-ing to buy the tickets

As soon as we stepped within the perimeters of the store, each one of us went wackoo.... Swinging foamed pirate swords, thrusting brightly lit sabers into the air and punching the world with ULTRA-HUGE Green Hulk Hands, we were all in fantasy world as we meandered from aisle to aisle, playing with EVERY SINGLE toy within our reach.

Mr Canon & his weapon of choice...

She looks soo... innocent.... but I know the truth... hahaha

The toys available to kids nowadays are so sophisticated and AWESOME! *sob* why couldn't they have made these when i was a kid?! argghh... hehe.. *venting*

He's never gone horse-riding before, so now was his chance!


Having exhausted our energy, we went for a quick fuel recharge in the nearest food court where Visual Acid tried his latest magic trick on me... note: that guy knows his stuff... Mind-bully, i say! hehehe...

The ever-so charming Visual Acid and his lunch

Smile ladies! Neez & Ms DT

We hit the Arcades after the pit stop where Ms DT showed off her mad skills on the gun-swinging game, Ghost Squad. She even beat the guys... so boys, don't ever mess with Ms DT when she has a guy in hand... hahahaha....

For more photos of the day: The More, The Merrier

Now a quick description about Chadstone. Chadstone Mall is one of the many grand malls to be found in Melbourne, a city that prides itself as one of Australia's fashion capitals. Here in Chadstone Mall, there are over 100 retailers to be found - offering a variety of locally and internationally renowned brand names! It is truly a shopper's paradise!!

This mall offers more than just a simple swipe of cards, as it is also a culture-entertainment complex: offering family-entertainment, food and art galore. Its certainly one of the must see places of Melbourne, so if you're ever in town... make sure Chadstone is in your to-visit list.