Beach Hopping Saturdays

After our trip to Moreton bay two weeks ago, we haven't stopped going to the beach on the weekends.

Last week we took a drive to Mooloolaba, sunshine coast and had a great time with our body boards. The surf was beautiful and the weather was perfect for a summer's day. Clayton had so much fun with the body board and he was good at catching the waves! It was amazing how he overcame the dislike of stepping on sand and now, he's so good with the ocean.

This morning, we went beach hopping at Kings beach at Caloundra and it was such a great family beach. The surf is more gentle compared to Mooloolaba and the water is equally nice. We bought another Mambo body board two days ago and it was a good buy indeed. We had a lovely time at the beach and with that intense heat, it was just impossible to hang out in the sun for too long! I'm glad I persuaded hubby to buy the beach umbrella and with that, we could sit in the shade and had a little picnic. With all these snacks, I sure need to find out how to lose belly fat very soon! After Kings beach, we had fish and chips at The Fishmonger's Wife, a famous speciality fish n chips place. The fish was fresh and it was a good meal for what we paid for.

It's nice to be able to hang out at the beach as a family on a nice Saturday. The drive was an easy hour and we did so much together and enjoyed the outdoors in old fashioned fun. I'm looking forward to another exciting week ahead and this is life for me in Brissy.

Settling Well Down Under

As the popular saying goes, "Time flies!" and true enough, it's already the last week of February and we are entering the month of March in a couple days' time.

It's been an amazing month with so much happening. We are quite settled now and I'm glad that Clayton is getting used to Citipointe too. I am thankful that he had a good teacher who is good with active kids and I had observed her lesson on some occasions and have been pleased with her style. The school is very focused on lower primary and they believe in giving the kids a good foundation. I am certain we had made the right choice in sending him to Citipointe.

On the home front, I have been busy with cooking and getting things organized. I have met few moms from school and became friends over coffee and meals. Last week, I started my first lesson in Bible Study Fellowship after being invited by a friend I just got to know from school. It was a good experience as I was introduced to the book of Isaiah. Hubby had attended BSF in the men's group too and we are both learning the same book this year. It is a good opportunity for us to know God's word more as we also network with other Christians from other churches.

I have been doing more cooking than before and eating in is the norm here down under. Last week, i was shocked when I saw the numbers on the digital weighing scale and I had decided to do more exercise since. I may not need OxyElite Pro for now but if I don't keep watch, I may need a weight loss plan soon! I blame it on the desserts after meals and the snacks on the table. It's hard to resist those yummy cookies when you shop in Woolworths or Coles! I can't resist choc chip cookies!

We have been beach hopping every weekend and the weather has been nice. More about our beach hopping in the next post...

Shopping and More Shopping

I have been very good since coming to live in Brisbane. I don't go shopping anymore! Other than supermarkets and grocery stores, I hardly go shopping unless I need to buy something for the house or for Clayton.

What I like about here is that I can get decent stuff for the house without spending big bucks. Big W and KMart have lots to offer and shopping in these places taught me that there is no need to buy branded. Big W has lots of good kids clothing and KMart offers lots of good deals every now and then. Target is also a good place to shop but sometimes the stock can be a little dodgy.

That day, I was searching for an adult acne book and found it selling cheap at Big W. That's when I realized that I can buy lots of stuff at good prices in local stores like this. Besides shopping in these stores, I have been buying online from private sale sites and the savings have been rather substantial!

Let me just say that shopping online can be addictive and I'm pinching myself each time I feel like buying something on the web. Sometimes the bargains are so real that you feel that you are missing out if you don't grab it! Maybe I should stop opening those emails and this way, I can curb my shopping habits!

Life in Brissy Continues...

We are back in our home office blogging, researching in the internet and getting our online business going in this new country.

DH has been very diligent in doing all the necessary research and I'm counting on him to set the business directions. I like where we are now in Carindale and hope that we can buy a place in this lovely suburb when the time is right. As for now, staying in Solito is good with the shopping center just across the estate. Sending Clayton to school only takes less than 10 minutes so it's perfect for us!

Since moving into this townhouse, we had done much to settle ourselves down and I've even bought a few herb plants for the yard. I've always love to grow my own herbs and I'm so glad they are growing well. I'm hoping to add more to the collection in weeks to come but first I must find the right nursery to buy them.

Lately I had noticed some pimples appearing on my face. I read about some best acne treatments but I sincerely hope I won't need to use any of them. I'm just trying to sleep earlier so that my skin will look better on its own. It's just been very busy trying to make things right at home and I'm sure it will get better soon.

Clayton has started chinese classes in Tong Xin and I hope he'll enjoy his lessons. He's learning hanyu pinyin and though he's reluctant about going for classes, I can see a slightly more positive attitude after his first lesson with Ni Lau Shi.

It's back to worship centre tomorrow. I'm still praying that we'll settle down in the church He has planned for us to be.

Brissy Life: Trip to Moreton Bay

Has it been two weeks since my last update! Time passes so quickly!

It's already the fourth week of school for Clayton and we are getting used to the time table and schedule. Every friday, I help up in the class after their swimming lesson and it's interesting to see them in action. Clayton loves Tuesday where he has technology and library and Friday for swimming. He is still trying to find some true friends but I'm glad he's happier now.

As for me, I've been busy exploring and experimenting recipes and trying to find time to enjoy the Brissy lifestyle. Last weekend, we went to Moreton Bay and we had a great time with my cousin and her family. The boys had so much fun and the waters at Tangalooma was fabulous. We even bought tickets for another trip as they were offering a 50% discount on the trip. I only wish Rachel and family could join us again as Clayton loves to play with his cousins, Gerald and Gabriel. Alex snorkelled with Alvin and they had a nice time. But let me tell you what was even better... we went boom netting and it was incredibly fun! It was our first time and everyone else's and Clayton enjoyed it 101%! I was glad that the twin boys did it even though they were frightened. It was a fantastic trip and we are now looking forward to visit STradbroke Island with them in one or two weeks' time!

I'm also liking shopping online is deals site and private shopping sites here in Oz. Sometimes it can become addictive! These private shopping sites sell from homeware to baby gifts and the bargains are real and attractive.

It's weekends again and we are heading to the beach if the sun is smiling tomorrow... we can't wait!

Brisbane Updates - February

What a busy and exciting week in the month of February!

This has been a very eventful week and I'm so thankful that the weekends is here. Clayton had finished the second week of school and I'm glad that he's made a few friends this week. This is a very pro active school and there are announcements and notes for parents almost everyday. Being our first year, we are still getting used to the programs and school systems. I'm happy that he ended up with a nice teacher and I can see that he's happy at Citipointe. He told me that the teacher is less 'angry' than his JC teacher - how funny!

Last week was Clayton's first 'Show and Tell' and he had the chance to share his Perhentian trip with his class. The 'show and tell' trains them to speak before the class and teaches them presentations skills at this early age, which is a good thing. He started tennis and I'm glad he had a good session with Mark too. Swimming was less scary than he thought and I hope he improves with time.

More on the homefront, hubby had gout few days ago and it was a painful experience for him. He went to a doctor who prescribed some anti inflammatory drugs and what we didn't know was that he was actually allergic to indomethacin. His eyes started to swell and his nose became stuffy. I got very scared as I had never seen him in this state. Thankfully our cousins took us to the emergency ward at Mater Hospital and they warded him straight away. It was a relief to see that he had looked better after the night's observation and treatment and Mater and he is now recovering from gout. It looks like we need to cut down red meat from now on and he needs to be more careful about his diet.

It's the weekends again and I'm so glad I can take a break from early morning rush. Though it takes only 8 minutes to get to school, I don't normally get home till half past nine. I often end up talking to someone which isn't a bad thing. We are planning to inspect a property at Holland Park West today and then to Super Amart for some furniture shopping. Furniture shopping can be fun here and they sell all kinds of things, from outdoor furniture to clawfoot tubs. DH and Clayton will be heading to school to register for the soccer teams - it will be a fun experience for them.

That's it for the weekends and I look forward to Moreton Bay with my cousin and her family next week.

School, Food and Chinese New Year

It's week two for Clayton next week and I'm excited that he's starting tennis and swimming in school. I only wish he can do more but I thought it's suffice for now.

School week has been smooth so far and I can spot his mischief in class already. I'm glad he has a nice teacher who has more than 20 years of experience and I'm sure he can learn well under her supervision. I haven't made many friends since arriving except for a couple of moms I met in school. I'm not in a hurry to do that right now but I'm focusing on getting Clayton all settled in Citipointe.

I love grocery shopping here. We go to all stores including Woolworths, Coles, Supa IGA, Crisp on Creek and many more. The health and chemist stores here are good too and they sell all kinds of supplements and vitamins, from Olive extract to phenphedrine... the prices are attractive too.

I find myself cooking better over here and I love the turbo oven we bought from Clive Peeters. We had Siew Yok yesterday and it turned out perfect. I'm attempting to do more in the coming months and it's nice experimenting recipes and learning new ones. Inala is a great place to shop for meat and fish and this vietnamese town has much to offer.

It's chinese new year next week and we'll be having reunion dinner at Peter and Rebecca's. It's our first CNY in Brisbane and though it isn't like home, it's a good time to get together with families.

Our Brisbane Activities on a Summer Saturday

After a break for one week, I'm out for my morning walk at the Bulimba Creek this morning. The breeze was nice and the heat wasn't as intense as the last few days. It's a nice summer's day and we are heading to Burleigh Heads later today.

Yesterday we bought couple of body boards and are geared up for the surf today. We thought we should enjoy the summer and do more beach outings before autumn and winter... it would be too cold by then! It's nice to take morning walks here in the parklands and I can some quiet time with God as I walk through the bush. The air is fresh and the surroundings is serene... what a great way to start the day!

Just a while ago, I bought a couple of 'deals' to Moreton island and it was very good at $55 which includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Everyday I get a buzz on daily deals from several Australian sites which includes deals for spa, hair treatments, fitness memberships, best thermogenic fat burner packages, restaurant discounts...etc. Daily deals can be a way to save so I'm looking out for them everyday, that's what it means by convenient online shopping!

It's time to do some packing after clearing up all the boxes so that we can head to the beach earlier. It's going to be a great weekend.

Getting Started and Working From Home

The first week of school has ended and I'm glad that Clayton is enjoying his new school. Now that he's in school. we can start to work from home but before we can get started, we need to unpack all the boxes in the garage.

Hubby and myself have been very diligent in our unpacking. After a few days of unpacking and organizing, we had finished opening up all the boxes. The movers had 'repacked' all our stuff so it's been alot of work organizing and repacking for us. I only wish they don't touch what we had packed. We need to clear up the clutter in the garage as we would need the space for a second car in the near future.

DH can't wait to get started with our online consulting business. Basically we will be extending our services to small enterprises or business owners, helping them to gain awareness and increase sales via internet marketing. Whether the company deals with spa packages or funeral arrangements, we can teach them how to optimize their sites and be a consultant to these companies.

I know the weekends is here and I shouldn't be working. I made a resolution to cut down on work when Clayton is at home so that we can spend more quality time together. We are planning to make a day trip to Burleigh Heads and I can't wait to practice on my body board. It is going to be fun and I know Clayton will be the happiest boy as we head for the beaches!

Eumundi and the Beaches

Down at the Eumundi markets, there are lots of crafts and local delicatessen for sale and it's no wonder why it's so popular with locals and visitors all over the world.

It took us one half hours to reach Eumundi but the drive was a smooth and enjoyable one. There are many beaded jewlery stores and I believe there must be many good jewelry making supplies stores in Australia. There is no doubt that Australians are an artistic bunch of people.

There are lots of nice beaches along the Sunshine Coast and Coolum is one of the many great ones. I told hubby that we should visit a new beach every month and the reality is, it might be too cold to head to the beaches in winter. Summer is a great time for beach outings but it's important to put on a good sunblock to protect yourself from the strong UV rays.

Talking about the sun, I have been wearing my sun hat and sunglasses whenever I'm out and about. I'm not too keen in getting more pigmentation at this stage and I would have to work harder to keep them getting worse!

Loving Carindale, the Parks and Bike Trails

School has started this week and my morning walk has been disrupted as I'm in charge of sending him to school in the mornings.

Though I'm missing my walks it is nice to drive him to school without the usual traffic jam I experienced in KL in the last two years. It was a smooth and short drive and I find myself liking Carindale for that reason! But Carindale is a just suburb with lots of nice parks and bike trails, and I'm very happy to be here. Being near Westfield Shopping Centre means we can hop into the shops when we need something in the pantry and banks and amenities are close by.

With the many parks and bike trails, I'm motivated to exercise more and I need to get back to an exercise routine once Clayton settles down in school. Then again, it's too warm to go for walks after 9am so I would need to consider walking in the early evenings when the sun is more gentle. I am considering Fernwood Women's health club which is few minutes walk from Solito as they have many good classes lined up all day. Those who go to gym regularly won't be needing chromium picolinate and weight loss pills if they are disciplined and consistent in their exercise routines.

We have started the ball rolling in the home office and it's time to replan for Midas Mediaworks in the next few weeks/months. For now, I'm looking forward to the weekends and we are heading to Burleigh Heads for more sun and surf before summer ends.

Australia Day in Eumundi and Coolum

It was Australia Day on Wednesday and we made a day trip to the Sunshine Coast. It's been years since I last visited Sunshine Coast so it was nice revisiting the beautiful beaches again.

We have been busy with our boxes in the last one week and there is so much to be done. DH was so busy clearing the clutter in the home office that he has not even fixed up the home speakers yet. We set out very early to get to the Eumundi markets which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. WE didn't expect ourselves to travel pass the toll bridge but registration was easily done on line. Thank God for relatives which are able to advise us when we are uncertain on local policies and rules. It sure helps a great deal to avoid blunders that way.

Eumundi Markets was nice and there were lots of local stores which is what I like about markets. It's pretty big and I didn't expect myself to end up with a hat, couple of scent pots and some homeware. I would love to revisit this lovely market. After Lunch, we headed off to Noosa heads for the warm waters.

The beach at Noosa was closed when we were there due to stingers being found on the waters. We then drove to Coolum beach which was 15mins away from Noosa. Coolum beach was beautiful and the surf was fantastic. Clayton couldn't wait to jump into the waters!

It was a full day out but we came home feeling happy that we had a great time at the beach.

Heading to Sunshine Coast

Finally, school has started for Clayton yesterday and it's a milestone for him and us!

He woke up cranky and I think he was having some jitteries on his new school. After some coaxing, he finally got to school and I was glad that he was feeling comfortable about his new class. We spent some time in the class organizing his stationery and books before saying good bye. And we were off to our first 'day off'! We spent an afternoon in west end and southbank before heading back to school to pick him up.

It's been a very week since our shipment arrived and we managed to clear up all the clutter in the living room. At least we can position our furnitures at the right place so that we can live comfortably. There are still a dozen of boxes sitting in the garage waiting to be cleared. It was stressful that all our things were repacked by the Msia packers and it was hard locating some things.

It's hubby's birthday next week and I'm at a loss of buying him the right gift. Unlike my girlfriend who grabbed some good cigar deals for her hubby, I find it hard to buy hubby anything! I would love to buy him a bike but I have no idea what he wants!

Tomorrow is Australia Day and we'll be heading to Sunshine Coast to the Eumundi Markets. We will be exploring queensland whenever we can and I enjoy these quality family times spent together. I am thankful for these wonderful times and I treasure every moment spent with hubby and Clayton. That's it for now... it's going to be a great day tomorrow!

Settling Down in Carindale Brisbane

A month before we arrived in Brisbane, we had planned to rent a house since DH wanted more space. But when we arrived, plans change.

After a few inspections, DH had decided that a townhouse will suit him best as he wasn't used to the quietness. Being a citysider, staying in a house where neighbours seem metres apart is not something very comfortable to begin with. But I am so thankful that the resident manager in Solito Carindale had informed me of a vacancy in the area weeks before our arrival and that was an answer to my prayer. I had prayed for a place in the area and God heard me. We inspected the townhouse and DH liked the location as the four bedder is just metres from the parklands. The best part is, the townhouse is across one of the largest mall in Brisbane, westfield Carindale. In fact I can even walk to the shops on a good day but so far, driving seems the best choice as there are often too much to carry returning home.

The townhouse is a simple three bedder with a study near the entrance, I and glad that we have windows looking out from our study or home office now. The furnishings are modern with two living spaces which is a good size compared to some smaller townhomes. Though no glass mosaic tile were used in the kitchen, I love the open concept and the dining is just next to the ktichen. It is cosy and I'm beginning to like it here. DH goes for his jogs every morning at the creek and I did my walks every other day too. We can't wait to get our bikes and start our biking in the parklands.

The weather is getting better and that is all good for those who are helping out in the flood crisis recovery. Though it will take them months to reconstruct the damages, the spirit of the queenslanders is positive and with that, things will be restored very soon.

Container Had Arrived!

After a few weeks of waiting, the container had finally arrived two days ago! It's both excitement and stress for us as we know that the real work will begin!

The only person who is happy and stress free is my six year old who can't wait to reunite with his toys... he was so happy when the container arrived. We didn't have time to think once the shipment came... there was more load than we expected! The delivery was smooth and it was rather mind boggling at first to see those huge boxes entering the doorway. It wasn't long that those boxes were unpacked and we could see bits and pieces of our furniture coming together. My worse fears was the big king bed but they were delivered and moved to the room without much problems. I have to appreciate hubby for fixing the bed so quickly cos the packers claimed that they couldn't help to assemble brand new furniture. And we were told a different story when we confirmed the contract with the packers in Malaysia. Thank God the assembly wasn't a complicated one. We were most thankful that we weren't held up at the customs. Neither did the flood crisis affect our container timing.

The next few days will be lots of unpacking for us as we try to fit everything into our townhouse. Hubby must be pretty stressed as I can see the acne on his face - haha! Maybe I should find him some natural acne treatments since he's been working so hard to put everything in place. I don't think he'll have time to feel homesick when there's so much to do. At the point of writing, there are more than a dozen bags of junk paper to be dumped and they are all sitting in the garage for now!

School Holidays are Out Soon

While kids are happy about holidays, the adults or parents aren't. Clayton is out of school for more than six weeks and I can see that boredom has caused him more trouble than good. Children like routine and when they are out of it, they go wacko.

We went for the interview with the headmaster two days ago and I was so glad that he was well behaved. I am praying everyday that he'll settle down well in his new school and I pray that he will like it there too. He's so bored that he's been irritating us with all kinds of ways and he's probably trying to get our attention. Sometimes he plays pretend games with DH such as wrestler game though he spends lots of time with his lego pieces. I know he can't wait for his toys to arrive from Malaysia.

Carindale is a nice place and we are just a couple of minutes to the bulimia creek. I took a few walks at the creek and bush lands and it was nice. Once we settle down, we will get our bikes and do some family biking fun at the parks. Tomorrow we will be attending Citipointe Church and I heard that they have a very active kids program. I know that Clayton is going to enjoy it and hopefully we can settle down well with a ministry that is close to our individual heart.

A Month in Brisbane

It's been a month plus since we arrived in Brisbane and I'm glad we had finally moved into our new house six days ago. Though we had no furniture in the last few days, we managed to organize our things and unpack our luggges. We finally made a trip to Bunnings and ikea to get all our storages and got all we need for the house before our shipment arrives next week.

It's been nice so far though we were very sad about the current flood crisis in Queensland. Though we may not be as emotional as the locals here we could feel the sadness and pain. Just two weeks ago, we were still strolling, walking and jogging along the riverbanks and traveling in the city ferries but now, all is gone. It will be a while before things are up and running again. The city is still closed and the workers are doing their best to restore powers, clean up the debris and help those who are affected by the floods.

This week, we managed to get our home essentials. Hubby got his Samsung tv and I got my LG stainless steel fridge. I am very happy with my french door fridge and the washing machine had arrived in time too. In a few days' time, the shipment will arrive and we will be busy with all the unpacking and organzing work. And soon, Clayton will be starting and I can't wait for that day to come!

Loving the City, Southbank and West End

The holidays are especially long during Christmas and New Year and I'm glad that all businesses are back at work today! I know some private companies may stay shut but most will resume business and I'm so happy we can finally see some activity in the city and inner suburbs.

We had a great time exploring with the City ferries and Citycat last few weeks despite the drizzly weather here and there. It was disappointing to see so many shops closing at the west end when we were there due to the New Year holidays and I can't wait to check out this lovely suburb again. We've been doing lots of walks and it's amazing that clayton is doing so well with the walking. I can't believe we actually walked from west end to kangaroo point... it was a real long walk. We did it despite the rain on Saturday. My hubby can't wait to revisit that suburb for some nice Vietnamese noodles! At the west end, you find some quirky stores selling from memorabilia to cigars humidor, artistic fashion and organic stores, this suburb has a character.

Yesterday we had hot chocolate at Max Brenner and DH wasn't happy with the queue at all. But we had a nice long walk at the Botanic gardens and Clayton was so happy to spot few monitor lizards who posed smartly for the camera. Southbank is beautiful though touristy and there are still fun things to do.

Today we are planning for another visit to the botanic gardens and Clayton has promised to wake up early for walks too!

it's 2011!

Time really flies and we have been in Brisbane for coming four weeks since we arrived on the 10 Dec 2010 and now it's 2011! Just within less than a month of being here, we had spent Christmas and New Year here... it's been good!

I like the serviced apartment we are currently staying at The Docks. I love waking up with a view of the river and I know I will miss this next monday. As much as I am excited to set up our new home office and new home in Carindale, it's going to be a different experience. We spent a quiet Christmas at The Docks and New Year is the same. Nothing spectacular but just the three of us and a a simple dinner. God is faithful and He has been very faithful to us.

I'm not certain how is it like work wise but I know that God will lead us and open doors for us. What's cool about Australia is that you can get very complete office equipment and all kinds of document management when you walk into stores like Officeworks. We will be visiting the store to stock up our supplies for the new home office.

We will be leaving the Docks in two days' time for the gold coast. It's been an amazing four weeks here and I'm thankful to God for giving us this temporary place to have a nice head start. It's going to be a great year and a wonderful year of new adventures and meaning.

Settling Down in Brisbane - Part 1

It's been slightly more than two weeks since we arrived in Brisbane. We had done so much in the last two weeks - from house inspection to test driving various cars, it's been a busy time for us.

We are quite comfortable in our serviced apartment in Kangaroo Point during this transit period and using a rental car to get around was a breeze with the help of a GPS. It was a change for each one of us and it would take some time before we get used to a daily routine. After a few house inspections, DH decided that he preferred a townhouse over a big house and it was a contrary to what he used to say. Being a city folk for so long, he finds living in a stand alone house very quiet and maintaining a yard is just too much for him. God is good and He provided an available townhouse in Solito Carindale, who happened to be an area I was eyeing on. Months before the arrival, I had contacted the resident manager and she said that she would keep a lookout for me should there be a vacancy and she contacted me few weeks before our arrival on one.

DH liked the place and it is conveniently situated opposite Westfield Carindale, one of the bigger and nicer malls in Brisbane. It was quite fun inspecting houses and finding our way around suburbs with the GPS. Now comes the car. I was eyeing for a Volkswagen and we test drove the mazda CX7, the toyota Rav4, the Subaru Forrester and lastly the VW Tiguan. The Mazda CX7 impressed DH the most and the price was good too. In Malaysia, we would need to cough out RM260,000 for this car but in Brissy, we managed to get it at less than AUD$37K after all the stamp duties and insurance costs. Now we have to shop for a cheap car insurance when everyone returns to work.

Christmas here was a quiet one as everyone celebrates with their family and friends. We had a simple dinner of hot chicken from Coles, a simple salad and roasted potatoes. Though simple, it was meaningful as we dined together overlooking the Brisbane River. It's boxing day today and it's going to be packed in the malls and shops. We are without a car for the next few days cos the car rental companies had their cars all booked out. So we will be moving around in city ferries until our car is ready next week.

More Brissy updates coming soon as we settle down in our new haven.