(James Blunt - Wisemen)
It certainly has been a great ending to 2006 and a marvelous start to 2007. Well for me anyways.  I spent the final days of 2006 out and about with Diana. It was the New Years long weekend so it was like a mini holiday for me. Because i took Friday off as ell as it was our post office picnic day and i decided not to work. Rather go out than work. So on that day i went to Bondi Junction with Diana and we watched Happy Feet.
Afterwards had pancakes and crepe for dinner at this place in the food court called The Crepe Cafe, Bondi Junction Westfield. Was getting abit late afterwards so we decided to head home. We caught the train back to Lidcombe where i parked my car and then i drove Diana home. Dropped in for a little visit at her place and met her parents. Was kinda awkward but i seem to have pulled it off or so i've been told. haha. So had abit of a chit chat with her parents and i went on my way back home as it was getting pretty late.
The next morning met up with Diana on a train to the city where we went to Broadway Hoyts to watch Borat. I've previously seen it already but not on the big screen. One of those classic burst out laughing kinda movies. Had lunch at Inferno caffe, ordered a meatlovers pizza and a pasta dish. Wood fire pizzas are so nice. Ah...
 So we left so full and decided to go do abit of shopping and then for a walk in the park at the grounds University of Sydney.
And that in itself was another great day.
New Years eve Diana was working and i met up with her when she finished at QVB and we walked down to Capitol Square for dinner at Michitaro.
After dinner walked to Circular Quay to try to meet up with one of Diana's friends but the area was packed out so we ended up going to Darling Harbour for the 9pm fireworks. We stood on the footbridge and had the perfect view. Met up Alex, one of Diana's friends and he was with two of his other friends too and we all walked down to The Rocks where we camped out a few hours for the midnight session. In the process of getting a good spot we lost Alex's friends so it was just the three of us. haha. Anyways, we had a great time and i caught the train back to Lidcombe with Diana and then drove her home.
posted by FoxBlue @
9:07:00 PM
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2.1.07  |
(Keane - Somewhere Only We Know) Haven't been blogging lately because i've recently bought an Xbox 360 (finally!). And thus my time is spent these days going out with a certain someone and gaming and work. Last Tuesday was my so called shopping day and i had half the day off work. Went to work like normal, come eleven o'clock i was told to wrap it up and leave. haha Well i had the day all planned beforehand. Diana came to my work to meet up with me when i finished then we would decide what to do. Lunch was on the agenda first so we walked along while searching for a sandwich shop that Diana's friend had told her sold really huge sandwiches that were really nice. Found it along a little arcade on Bridge Street. The sandwich was seriously huge and we had to share it between the two of us. We sat near the Museum of Contempory Art and started munching away at the sandwich. Afterwards went to DFS down at The Rocks and had a drink at Gloria Jeans then walked around pretending to be Japanese tourists. :p We then walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milson's Point and down to Luna Park. The rides weren't operating so there wasn't much to see. They were repainting the face at the front entrance too. By this time we both had tired little legs so we caught a train back to Town Hall and decided to go watch a movie because it was still pretty early. Ended up seeing Eragon which was abit of a let down. It was majorly over hyped. Turned out to be crappy. Felt like it's a cheap rip off from various fantasy movies ie. LOTR and Narnia. Been there, done that.... nuff' said. Will back track abit on the past week or so later on. I'm getting pretty sleepy now.
posted by FoxBlue @
10:31:00 PM
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28.12.06 |
(Rogue Traders - Rescue Me)
Been a totally crazy week. Monday was kinda random though.
I caught up with Mandy over dinner on Monday night. She finished work at 7 so i had about 2 hours to kill. I decided to waste some time so i walked down Pitt St Mall then went by the State Theatre where i noticed a crowd gathering. I looked at the banner above the doorway and it said Welcome To The Australian Premier of Casino Royale. The red carpet was being unfolded so i knew some celebrities would be making there was here pretty soon. So i decided to stick around for abit. I grabbed a vantage point next to a couple with a baby stroller. Being the smart cookie that i am, i knew they wouldn't stick around too long so i stood nearby knowing that they would leave and i would get their spot which would be closer to the action. 
Obviously the highlight would be Daniel Craig, the new James Bond 007. He rocked up with his body guards about ten past seven and he did his thing in front of the media. Mandy called me up just then and she told me that she was on the way and i told her that i was sticking around the State Theatre checking out something. lol
Daniel Craig came around to greet the fans who have gathered on the streets, signing autographs and taking the odd photo here and there. It just so happened that i had my digital camera with me since i left it in my backpack from the Friday i had the Xmas work dinner/party. I was thiking that he wouldn't bother to come so far off to the right but he proved me wrong. Looks like he's nice to his fans. The couple with the stroller had left 30 mins previously left me with a front row spot up against the temporary barrier and when Daniel walked closer i was thinking whetheri should get his autograph or shake his hand. i had my pen in my pocket but it would be awkward because i had no real good paper. No problems if i had a marker pen though. So for the split second choice came and i stuck out my hand and i got that magic handshake from "The 007". haha. I said to him "Nice to meet you mate..." And he replied "It's certainly a pleasure. " Then he said that he had to go because the police need him to go inside. I was the last person from the crowd to interact with before he had to leave to attend the premier. Just before i shook his hand i managed to sneek in one close up shot of him. The timing couldn't be any better because just as he left, Mandy gave me another call letting me know that she was just looking for a parking spot and that we would best meet up at World Square. So i started walking down George St. Got there in about 7 mins but then got abit lost in World Square as to where to meet up. Finally managed to meet up and we walked decided to have dinner at Capital Square. Michitaro Japanese Restuarant. I ordered a Chicken Katsu curry and it was one of the best meals i've had in ages. So we just chatted away over dinner and were one of the last people to leave the premises. Still had more to talk about so we went nearby to Starbucks for a drink. Ah... the rest of the week is was nothing but problem after problem. Argument after argument. Thursday took it to my limit break and then Friday tipped the scales over the edge. Labels: Busy and Crazy week.
posted by FoxBlue @
3:51:00 PM
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10.12.06 |
Yesterday i got off work half an hour earlier to meet up with my friend Diana. We planned to pay a visit to the Lindt Cafe which we both have never been before. After a short while of searching up in Martin Place we found it and got a table for two. Items on the menu weren't exactly cheap but we just had to try.  Diana ordered  an Iced Mocha milkshake while i got an Iced Chocolate milkshake. I also ordered the St Moritz mousse cake which was so nice. Almond sponge cake layered with dark chocolate, white chocolate and milk chocolate mousse. Mouth watering and so rich in texture.
So we just relaxed and enjoyed the nice drink and cake and had a chat. We left 10 mins before closing and headed towards Darling Harbour. It was my work dinner/party booked at the Slip Inn. Diana and i arrived there pretty clueless and i had no idea where to go because the place just looked like a pub.  Then i get a call from one of my workmates saying that he got there but there wasn't anyone in sight, he asked around then went. He was on the train when i called him back. So oh well. It wasn't going too well it seemed. I had no idea too so i tried calling Maddie, which she didn't pick up. >_<  We walked in still confused because there were so many people and then suddenly bumped into Mai, the manager of Royal Exchange PO and some of her staff. And we all ventured forth in search of the Aussie Square crew. We found them in the far corner of the courtyard and just grabbed a seat. Got our hands stamped so we could get drinks on the tab and went and go ourselves some drinks. Started off with a Lemon, lime and bitters. Luck Laurence and Javier sat with Diana and I because we are of the youngest out of the whole office. hehe. Wouldn't be as fun with the older people. No offence to them. haha
So the evening we spent munching on finger food, chatting and having a few drinks. I only ended up having four drinks. Decide to leave abit early because Diana had to go by 9. So we left with Laurence and walked along Darling Harbour. Got some nice cool sea breeze on such a hot humid day. I walked with Diana to Central Station where we took the train home. Yeah i got to my platform to hear a broadcast that someone was injured at Circular Quay station so there wasn't any trains on my platform, i quicky called Diana to see where she was so ended up catching the train together to Lidcombe. This morning was in the news:
Train narrowly misses injured woman
December 2, 2006 - 9:35AM
A 59-year-old woman, who was pushed onto railway tracks in Sydney, narrowly missed being hit by a train, police say.
The woman was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg, after she was allegedly pushed onto the tracks at Circular Quay railway station in Sydney at 8.30pm (AEDT) last night.
Police said two women were arguing at the station when one woman was pushed.
A train, which was pulling into the station, managed to stop, narrowly missing the injured woman.
She was taken to St Vincents Hospital with a suspected broken leg and is in a stable condition.
A 35-year-old woman was arrested and later released.
Police inquiries are continuing.
posted by FoxBlue @
2:33:00 PM
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2.12.06 |
Back to work at Australia Square and we get a call from HR early in the morning requesting relief to cover staff at Leichhardt Post Office. Because i was pretty much redundant, i was given the option to take up the offer. And so i jumped onto a taxi and headed down to Leichhardt. The shop wasn't too big, only four counters. Got to meet new staff and work at another post office. That's the good thing.
Today i was back at the square for real and they didn't have any counters to spare so i was a loose cannon helping out with stock and doing passport applications and anything else. Was treated like supervisor even though i wasn't officially one at the moment. Maybe it was because the last time i worked at the office that was my role. Who knows.
posted by FoxBlue @
9:54:00 PM
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30.11.06 |
A crappy end to the working week but at least it's the weekend. I have no plans (Not surprising) but it's nice to relax at home. I was greeted by Sue (one of the team leaders) in the morning with some bad news.  Apparently someone from Aus Post called Mary, one of the assistant managers, telling her that they wanted me back in the field. Mary wanted me to stay as i was told and that they had just had a meeting the other day amongst all the team leaders, managers and state manager, discussing how good i was with my job and that i was truly an asset. But unfortunately, it was not up to DFAT to let me stay as one of their own because in the end i am appointed as a commomwealth officer to Australia Post. It wasn't up to DFAT to call the shots for my status so they had no choice but to release me upon advice from Aus Post Network Management. Mary told me she spoke to some woman but didn't end up getting her name. It would most likely be Nora Avila i bet. *Evil glare*. They had already planned a replacement, some guy named Paul Lai or something. Have no idea who he is but he's from Aus Post too. I am to leave everything with him upon close of business on Tuesday. So looks like i'll be training him for the PAS system and everythnig and anything else he might need to know.
Well my work at the Passport Office is short lived but i'll certainly walk away with a broader knowledge and meeting a whole new team of friendly people. Casual yet professional. And i'm glad that they have really accepted me as apart of their team. I've had past experience with working at another office and the staff didn't treat me as warmly. And this was Aus Post too, we wear the same uniform and work behind the same desk.
So to me, the working environment means alot when it comes to productivity and team work.
posted by FoxBlue @
1:30:00 PM
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25.11.06 |
(Denise Ho - Shampoo)
Been really busy during this whole week. Everyday my appointment slots are all booked out and in some instances, even my emergency slots are filled in. But i suppose that that is expected at this time of the year. People are preparing to travel during the Xmas period. Took a few random shots of the city Central surrounding areas. Railway Square and Central Station clock tower.
 
Monday afternoon when i finished work i went down to visit my friend who works at LUSH.
Ended up getting a custom showcase of all the products in the shop. haha Plus i got free demonstrations. Hands on! lol Got a few items. When i got home to open my bag i was greeted by the nice aroma from the shop. Surprisingly lasted a few days. haha. Diana made fun of me saying that i loved to purposely smell my bag. Funny.
posted by FoxBlue @
9:32:00 PM
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23.11.06 |
Finally got off my butt and applied the vinyl decals onto my car. Turned out alright. Now my ride is apart of the Rebel Alliance. haha Only a Star Wars fan would know.    
In the final pic, i am patiently waiting for dinner to be served. Lucky i brought my PSP. Gundam Battle Royale! Youshah!
posted by FoxBlue @
11:27:00 PM
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19.11.06 |
Today was an absolute shocker of a day at the passport office. All counters had crazy clients and it was just a mess. Argh... still have a headache. 
Anyways, trying to relax now.
Here's a pic of my work computer. All HP branded stuff. Especially like the LCD monitor, although it isn't really big or anything. It's really sharp and crisp. With the things i do on it, i don't require a large display.
posted by FoxBlue @
6:43:00 PM
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16.11.06 |
Last night met up with Christina for dinner and we saw The Grudge 2 afterwards at George St cinemas. It certainly has been a long time since we've seen each other. The last time was two days before i left Sydney to fly overseas for my holidays. And when i came back, Chris had exams on so it wasn't a good idea to meet up to socialise and stuff. 
So anyways i finished work kinda late yesterday mainly because i stayed back for another debriefing. *Rolls eyes* Finally got out and waited for Chris at the movies. She was running alittle late too but it wasn't an issue. When she turned up the first thing i got was a present for my birthday. She didn't forget. heh. So i gave her a big nice warm hug in return and a big thank you. We got tickets for a later session and went down to Chinatown for dinner first.
Had dinner at Mamma Chu's and we sat around for ages killing time by looking at photos on my digital camera and Chris was examining all the stuff i bought for her from HK. lol
We sat around for ages and were afraid that they would kick us out because we had pretty much finished eating already. But then again not all of their tables were occupied so we were safe.
But as they closed the front door shutter we decided to leave so we went to Starbucks to kills some more time. Sat around again looking at photos and catching up on things.
Time came for us to get ready for the movie so we went in to bag some good seats. Pretty packed because it was Tuesday. The Grudge 2 wasn't too bad a movie but obviously the original Japanese version does it better. When the movie finished it was pretty late. Was the last session and most of the building was closed up. We ended up walking to Central station. Said our byes and the trademark hug. :)
posted by FoxBlue @
9:58:00 PM
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15.11.06 |
New system today and it turned out alright. No dramas but some minor hiccups. We managed to get by on the most busiest day of the week too.
Stayed back afterwards for a debriefing which was a waste of time i thought. Discussion was over some good points but then they just kept repeating themselves and one woman wouldn't stop asking questions and kept talking. I was like... give it a rest! >_< haha
I was bored and took a picture of the view of Central Station from where i stood. Soon after it began to rain. So i retreated back indoors.
posted by FoxBlue @
9:45:00 PM
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13.11.06 |
 I was typing up an informative post about my day at the office until blogger had to crash and now i'm here again typing again. Whatever.
I spent the day at a training session in preparation for the new passports appointment system to be implemented this coming Monday. The old queue system (Invis-queue) will be replaced by a new system by KAZ which runs in conjuction with programs we use to manage the queue and our passport processing times. Everything looks complex but we shall see what happens when everything goes live on Monday. We will be holding debriefings each afternoon when the doors close to address any concerns and discuss any issues and possible new ideas to better improve or change the system.
During my lunch break i was sitting around and this seagull kept following me. It was the strangest thing. 
At first i didn't pay much attention. But i couldn't help but ot notice that i stayed around i proved it by walking away. It followed me. lol
posted by FoxBlue @
11:25:00 PM
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9.11.06 |
Level 7 is where all the action takes place. lol
posted by FoxBlue @
11:12:00 PM
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8.11.06 |
Yesterday went to the Sydney Motorshow with Andy and Serls. It was the 2nd last day and i was surprised to see so many people still.
It was a great opportunity to use my new camera again as it's still fresh from being used overseas.
IS250
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
Serls in the Peugeot 206 CC Convertible :P
With a close up shot you can make people think it's actually your car. lol
Mazda concept car: Kabura
Peugeot 207
Honda Sports 4 concept
A pretty cool lookin' mannikin dun you think? heh.
Pic with an F1 model. No comment. :P
Peugeot models on a Jetforce Compressor city scooter.
If only i could drive it home free of charge. haha
In a cool new VW Beetle Cabriolet but not going anywhere. heh.
Hard to take self portraits when you have to hold the camera with on hand. haha
Anyways, i have plenty of more photos taken from the show. I don't think i'll post them all obviously not cause there are too many. If anyone is interested, let me know and i'll send them to you via email or whatever. :)
posted by FoxBlue @
5:39:00 PM
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5.11.06 |
Came back to Aus on Oct 29th, late at night bout 12. Had one day rest before commencing work back at Aussie Square. Got back to find no manager, no supervisor... but an acting supervisor. Not much of a welcome back. Gave me an advance and told me to start working. It was a nightmare because they were short staffed and on that day there was a manager's meeting. I was greeted by familiar faces as they popped up. 
Got a call in the afternoon from HR support asking if i wanted to go work at the Passports Office because one of the staff there had some sort of emergency. I took the offer without hesitation and never regretted the decision.
A new month, a new job and a new work environment. Well not really a new job because i process passport applications anyway.
I get to have my own desk/counter with computer with a large LCD monitor. haha
And i have two access cards to open certain doors and get into the building, elevator etc. Feel so much more special now. lol
My desk faces the train tracks heading off to Redfern Station. What a blast it is to work at the Passport Office. Start 8:30 and doors close at 4:00.
posted by FoxBlue @
9:04:00 PM
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1.11.06 |
  It is Macau revisted. This time around i got to eat that pork chop in a bun that everyone says is so famous. Well i gotta say that it was nice but really isn't worth queuing up for again and again. Once is enough. And it wasn't exactly cheap mind you. Taipa is full of cheap eats and by the end of the day i was stuffed from all the food... pork chop bun, egg tarts, desserts etc.
The weather was hot and humid. Blue sky is blocked out at times by a haze of pollution. Lately the fumes are kinda bad.
posted by FoxBlue @
5:35:00 PM
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26.10.06 |
 I spent yesterday shopping around on my own in Mongkok and Kowloon. Walked around Langham Place then took the MTR to Diamond Hill. Hollywood Plaza wasn't all that exciting but i took my time at UML.
Had lunch at Maccas and i couldn't read chinese and they didn't understand much english. I told them i wanted the grilled chicken burger meal and the chic had a "wtf" look on her face. So what i did was point at the ad above her head so she could understand. >_>
Went back to Mongkok and walked around New Century shopping centre then took the bus back to Tuen Mun.
Went with Joe and Penny to see a movie. First time i get to see a HK movie at a HK cinema. Movie was called Exiled. About gangsters in Macau. Really enjoyed it. Had the typical gangster movie cast... Simon Yam, Francis Ng, Anthony Wong, and Nick Cheung. 
Tonight i'll be going to see a live concert! Omg i'm so excited!... never would've thought i'd get to see a live concert in HK. It's Denise Ho's live concert. I'm not really a fan of her's, honestly haven't heard much of her but i'm sure i'll enjoy the experience. Got front row tickets too all thanks to my cousin's connections. hehe
posted by FoxBlue @
1:12:00 PM
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