On World Jandals' Day, we had the 1st BBQ in Ronald's new place in Royal Court.
Mark has already painstakingly started cleaning the mussels Hock brought. 15 kgs worth of them in the bag. We couldn't wait for some late arrivals coz most of us were hungry. So the BBQ was started, the food put on. Cheong started skewing the tofus, capsicums, onions, bacon etc.
Due to Cheong's special dietary needs, Mark brought some gurnard to pacify Cheong as the rest of us dig into the beer-cooked mussels, chicken wings, beef etc.. nyuummm nyuummm.... However, I do have to stress that the fish, when sprinkled with garlic salt and freshly squeeze lemon, was yummy. Not to mentioned peri-peri sauce from Nandos.
A certain individual which I haven't met until this BBQ day came and ate mussels... and more mussels....and then more mussels... and he cooked ONCE (when there were no more cooked mussels on the table). Obviously this certain individual didn't make a very good impression on me especially since Mark has cleaned those mussels for perhaps 2 hours. We gently reminded this certain individual that there are other food in store, and his good friend even chuck some potatoes his way, all to not much avail as he help himself to more mussels. Sigh, never mind the manners.
Christmas-do at work, as well as a Citizenship team BBQ out in Heathcote came and went too. All I am looking forward now is the arrival of my sis and Gav, as well as the opening of my Christmas presents. Although I already know what they are. Hahahha!
Finally. Finally admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Hight Court of New Zealand after missing so many ceremonies since I left for Japan. Somehow, I see admission as a meeting point of a closure of one chapter of my life, and a start to another one.
All dressed up in gown, wig, barrister's band etc. 12 of us were admitted that day with Justice Fogarty as the presiding judge. Mom and Dad were there of course, as well as Anna and Barry. My first address to the Court was quite emotional for me I don't know why. Therefore, it didn't sound too good.. darn!
Anyway, photos were taken around the High Court after the ceremony and obviously I have to pose in the Judge's seat as well as in the dock because who knows, these are the seats I may well end up in one day. Preferably in the former, than in the latter.
Oh, watched QUANTUM of SOLACE just before. Summary - I didn't understand it. Conclusion - I still don't. Opinion - How can a Bond movie be so deep and emo? It's almost like the heroes these days needs to be a bit dark and struggling with their inner self in order for the society to accept them (i.e., similar to Spiderman). It is a freaking movie, so much so, it is a Bond movie. So make it as it is suppose to be - action - that's it. I don't want to think.
Ever since I knew of the existence of this martial art/dance, I have been quite interested in watching it. Capoeira moves somehow look a bit flimsy yet deadly, seems less to-the-target as compared to Chinese or Thai martial arts.
Dance-like moves seem capable of confusing the opponent, perhaps before a sweep or a lash on the opponent takes place? Check it out.
The much anticipated family affair finally unfurled on September 27, 2008.
Sis and Gavin tied the knot in Brisbane.
I woke up at 6am that morning and soon after, the professional make-up artists were over at sis (and Gav's) place. At first, when I saw one of the make-up artists, I was like.. riiightt... she has no pants/bottoms whatsoever on, but a pink large oversized shirt with a black vest over it if I am not mistaken. With her stilettos, and coffee balancing precariously on her hands (her other hand dragging a zebra print luggage full of gear)....I was a bit skeptical.
Professional make-up artist curled my already curled hair, sweeping it to the side. She then dusted my face, powdered it 4 inches thick, brushed on eye shadow and with great accuracy she completed my Chinese eyes.
Ta-da! Look like from the 70s Shanghai era or not?
Enough about me...
I have never seen sis so beautiful.. don’t get me wrong, she has always been charming with that priceless smile of hers, but when we finally put her bridal gown on her, fixed up her jewellery etc, with her hair all swooped up....I am so proud to tell everyone THAT is my sis..
The professional photographers took ten million photos of sis and the bridal party, as well as our side of the family. Nearer the time, the rest of our family went off to the church, leaving only Dad, Sis and the Bridal Party in the house..
We (the starving gurls) took the moment to munch on the salmon rolls, fruit tarts, guava paste on crackers etc (food prepared courtesy from our sweet Aunty Gerry). As the time got nearer to 1pm, our drivers appeared looking much like mafia members (with sunglasses, earphones, constant calls, gold chains and rings). We then trooped off to the church.
I was nervous.. Fark, it’s not even my marriage. Michelle’s and Aimee’s singing filled the church, everyone rise to welcome the bride, and I am the first to walk in during the bridal procession... Perfect. Do not trip.
I managed to “glide” on the aisle in time with the beat of the song. Managed a smile and doing a quick scan for familiar faces. Do not trip.
I reached the end, smiled at Gav who then has the EXACT same expression he had when he bungy jump in Hanmer nearly 2 years ago. Was he that nervous? As the rest of the bridesmaids follow suit, Sis finally appeared at the entrance on Dad’s arm. Absolutely breathtaking.
Jono (the best man) shot me a glance and silently motion to his packet of tissues.. I declined with a great big smile. BUT unfortunately, Mr. Gavin Lai decided to start sniffling, then tears, then THAT set me off....I started crying as well... GREAT! Did my 4 inches thick worth of make-up run? Apparently not. Jono managed to pass his tissues to me through the pastor standing between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. How come he thought in advance?
Dad helped Sis up to the “stage” and the pastor begin...the love, the bonding, God, the couple, the vows (which Sis was tongue-tied a little), the rings (due to heat, Gav had to pushed the ring into Sis’s finger.. ehhehe), the signing of the marriage certificate.....THE KISS OF THE BRIDE..awww..I nearly started crying again....
Recession – out onto the church steps, honks from public cars passing by, huge group photo and I have to fuss round Sis making sure no one is stepping on her train. At the same time, Do not trip.
Photo-taking in the botanical gardens during the afternoon.. By then, I was totally STARVING. The groomsmen got some sushi for us gurls which was nice. Anything for my empty stomach then was bliss. Hours of photography and we went off to Victoria Golf Complex for the Reception.
