The fragility of life

A lot of the time, we get distracted by the small things in life - what we will have for lunch, dreading going to work or worrying about what other people think about us. Sometimes, it takes a near-death- experience to put things into perspective. Today when Jeffy was driving to plaza he had one of these at an intersection.

The light turned green // Jeffy started to drive forward // A car ran a red light and drove at 80km/hr straight towards his body on his left // Jeffy braked hard // The other car swerved and missed hitting J's car by a small distance

This got us thinking how blessed J is to survive that: 

1. Jeffy only just changed his break pads last week - if he hadn't, he wouldn't have stopped in time to avoid a crash/fatal accident. 
2. The car behind him stopped in time to not hit him from behind. 
3. Jeffy didn't move forward straight away after the light turned green and avoided the crash.

God's timing:

1. Jeffy losing his close shifts (main source of income) - We think it's God forcing him to find a full time job and to learn to rely on Him to provide. 

It's pretty amazing. In the wise words of Wells Fargo: "God still has a mission for you" We aren't in control, no matter how much we think we are. Our lives can be taken away in just a few seconds. I implore you to think about why you are living. To earn money so you can live a comfortable life? To have fun and live life to the fullest? Whatever it is, is this worth living for? Will it last or is it fleeting? 

Friend time!

Today, we were so determined to make perfect macarons - that turned into a failure. Several things went wrong >> they were cracked, mixture wasn't runny enough and was too grainy, undercooked. 

This is a speculation of what I think went wrong: The almondmeal and icing sugar mixture wasn't fine enough (might need to put it in a food processer and sieve it again) // The mixture was overmixed and aerated (explains why the foot is so fat and fluffy) // The castor sugar wasn't incorporated enough (next time will make sugar syrup) // Not enough egg white (our eggs were small which explains the thickness of the mixture - will use a weight next time) // The heat was too low (I'm still experimenting with temperatures in my oven)

With macarons, there's always things to amend and that's part of life. Aside from macarons, I had a really fun time with my two friends. We go way back and it's nice to spend some time together. :) 

At least we ended up together :') 

Our fail macarons :) 

Giant Bubbles

My mum entrusted Jeffy and I the task of testing out giant bubbles for the children's holiday program at church. We were supplied with two rods, and a bottle of glycerol. In our first attempt, we used a method (found online) that made a triangular shape, using washers and screw eyes. At first we used plastic rope (I used to make scoobys with them back in the day), but that failed because we found out that the rope needed to be able to soak up the bubble mixture to create bubbles. In the first attempt, we used crappy Aldi detergent that wasn't very viscous. 

So. Next attempt. We used the same bubble recipe but bought Morningfresh instead. We also used wool to make the bubble enclosing. 

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Giant Bubble Recipe 

1/2 cup of Morningfresh detergent 

1/2 cup of cornflour 

6 cups of water

1 tbsp of baking powder

1 tbsp of glycerol 

Mix and stir the cornflour with the water // Add the remaining ingredients into the mixture // Leave for 1 hour, occasionally stirring to ensure cornflour doesn't drift to the bottom // PLAY WITH BUBBLES :D

We had plenty of fun playing with these bubbles - I felt like a kid (maybe I am at heart hehe)! I'm sure the kids will enjoy them too :) 

10/01/14

A chill day together

I've been trying to invest more effort in my creativity and here was a preliminary effort. J and I decided to have a chill day today (I've had a big week with family friends over). 

J and I are trying to go swimming once a week to keep our exercise level up. Today he taught me better techniques for the freestyle stroke. Apparently have to: 

a) Push one shoulder forward at a time instead of keeping both at the same level. 

b) Make sure my hand isn't flat when it hits the water - point it down so it slides into the water effortlessly 

c) Make sure my forearm isn't externally rotating beyond my elbow so my hand doesn't have to go too far up (creating an awkward position) 

d) Keep my hips in the same position and only turning my upper body when raising my arms

I discovered that using these techniques, I swam much faster and got tired slower! I'm keen to practice more and get it right eventually.

HAKATAYA for lunch :) I ordered a Shio Spicy Mien - much better than the Karaka Mien that Jeffy usually orders (too spicy). The Shio has a seafood soup base that was less spicy than the Karaka and not too bland like the original flavour. I will order this next time. 

Of course afterwards I did a bit of shopping - bought a cropped cardi that I've been looking for for ages, some milk and a basic black singlet for layering. I'm running out of money these days, but I'm sure I'll earn it back when I start working at the special school later on.

This week... continued!

Today (wednesday), our family friends decided to go to go-karting. Not my thing - plus it's a waste to pay $70 for a few 10 minute rounds when I can already drive. My mum and brother shared the same opinion, so we just chilled at home. I read my book and when it was time for lunch, we went to Kingsfood. 

Here is my drink. I have developed a new liking to milk tea with grass jelly. The texture is so unique! I think I will buy it every week on Sunday now.

That day family friends from our old church cell group came over for a reunion. I couldn't stay for very long because I had to go to small group at Kwany's. We combined groups with Mel and Jason's for a summer series of Ecclesiastes. I was a happily surprised at the turnout. I'm glad to be mixing with another group and having more people participating rather than like 2:2 ratio (leader:member) haha. 

After SG, I went to visit Jeffy on his close. I took some photos (which I haven't uploaded) to remember his time here. He says more management is taking over his store, so they have priority in terms of hours. Looks like it's time to find a FT job! :) 

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On Thursday, we went to up to the mountains for a gallery walk. I love this place because there are lots of unique shops and buildings around. Here is a breakfast in bed hotel. 

This was parked outside one of the shops - I'm sure motorcycle enthusiasts would love to see one of these :D So strong and steady.. and well... ducati! :) 

Up here in the mountains, it's much cooler (I had a cardi but it was still freezing!) so the roses grow better. How beautiful is God's creation!

I thought this bookstore was pretty cute. It had lots of different books - novels, cookbooks, fairytale books, diaries, books to express appreciation to a sister/mother etc., travel books. Not the conventional books you find in a bookstore I have to say. I found a macaron book which I was tempted to buy but didn't (it was $25).

It was getting late and we were all pretty hungry by the time we started looking for a place to eat. The restaurant where our family usually goes to happened to be closed on Thursdays. We had a look at another place but it was ridiculously priced for the mediocre food that they served. We were left with George's Paragon (not complaining!). Our guests hadn't heard of this place before, so it was interesting to try it out. I had always wanted to go there since everybody keeps on raving about their amazing seafood. 

The food did not disappoint! I ordered a garlic prawn - all the elements were cooked to perfection! The prawns were flavoursome, tender and most importantly gutless. The chips were not too thick or thin and crispy as, and the rice was complimented well by the spinach and creamy white wine sauce. It's safe to say that everyone enjoyed their meal. :)  

Next, we went to the Natural Bridge. When we arrived, I recognised it immediately because two years ago after Refresh, a group of us BCACers visited this place. As I got out of the car, I was immediately greeted with a freshness in the air. YAY :) 

Hello Mr Turkey.

We travelled home, and I went to worship rehearsal. It was very brief (alex style) and we sat down for some ice-cream afterwards. It was nice having Harry and Rizzo around. Mikey lent me some Wii games for tomorrow, and when I left, I found that my shoe was missing. When we found it, a piece of it was chewed off.. I wonder who it was (Rizzo has a particular liking for women's shoes haha). Becki was so nice and gave me a pair of thongs to go home :) 

This week of holidays

On Saturday night, the trio went to Casamia Paris for dessert. Chibi joked around how he didn't like sweet stuff, so I made it a point to bring him there one time. We ordered a creme brulee and had a nice deep chat. It's good to have this once in a while.  

On Sunday, a bunch of us chilled at Ray's house and swam. I decided to be an introvert and read. Jeff was a genius and suggested hotpot. I know! It was so hot but we decided to anyways. No-one thought it was a good idea, but when we started eating, EVERYONE THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA. Even Borthi who isn't asian at all. hehehe. Chibi bought weiss bars for us to eat afterwards. The night was filled with laughter and .. oh yeah I cut chilli and rubbed my eyes so.. the night was filled with tears as well haha. I got it out eventually - Thank God! :) Jeffy was so good to me and looked after me so well by being with me and bringing me tissues to wipe the water out of my eyes and asking how I am. hehe 

Borthi (church) introduced me to a series by Veronica Roth. It's about a girl called Tris who lives in a dystopian society which is split up into factions. Each faction represents a particular personality trait - Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (courage), Erudite (knowledge), Candor (truth), and Amity (peace). When every child turns 16, they take a test which is an indicator of their aptitude, which will help them decide which faction to choose. They must undertake a series of tasks "initiation", and their performance determines if they have a place in their chosen faction. If they fail, they will become factionless - doomed to live in poverty for the rest of their lives with no role or purpose. As the story goes, Tris uncovers corruption within the factions and accumulates secrets which threaten her life and the life of others.

On Tuesday, family friends came to stay with us for a couple of holidays. We took them to a park we used to play in as kids to reminisce and take some photos. 

Afterward, dad took us to drink some coffee/lemonade (for us), at a coffee store. According to my dad, their coffee could've been made better. Nonetheless, I found the decor of the place very appealing and cute :) 

Hot hot hot

When it's 42.9 degrees, what should one do with their day? I for one slept in, went swimming (and got my shoulders sunburnt), ate some vietnamese salad for lunch and did some reading in the a/c at home. 

Here I am with Jeffy, in my very fashionable toggs that were purchased when I was in primary school probably, and equipped with two sets of glasses on my face - one for when I'm underwater, and one for above the water. 110% hottie material. We usually swim in the indoor pool (more hot and humid), but today was an exception. The water was cool and refreshing, and I enjoyed not having to shudder and shiver when pulling myself out of the water when it was time to leave.

This morning, my grandma was admitted to the hospital for a chest examination. X-rays had shown a shadow within the thoracic region of her body (not a good sign) and it was possible that it represented a cancer of some sort. Our family quickly met in the lounge room and prayed for her. Later on when I was reading, my mum came in and announced that it was only pneumonia - easily treated by antibiotics and fluids. Praise God! What a wonderful testimony that He listens to our prayers. :)