Before & After

We've finally sorted out everything with our new property. It looks incredible! I am so happy that it's over too, because it was extremely stressful while it lasted. Luckily Stan's mum looked adfter all the issues with the bathroom renovations, which we couldnt have done on our own.

We're now living in the North Shore again, which I'm really loving. I grew up on the north, and while I love Bondi, and love the Eastern Suburbs with its beaches and vibrant jewish community, I still prefer the greeny, leafy, fresh-air feel of the north shore, the wide open spaces, and the relatively chilled out attitude. None of this honking of horns and generally impatient people...

Here's our new apartment before and after renovations:











Another bathroom shot:



<3 <3 <3 it....

In other news, I've finished my CPA Program (well, not officially, as I havent received the results of my last exam) but pretty confident that i did well. I'll know in a couple of weeks, and then it will definately be time to celebrate :D Now I only have 3 more subjects to do for my Masters' degree, and then a public practice certificate, and then i'm done studying for a very long time =D

Recently saw the Time Travellers' Wife, absolutely loved it, almost as much as I loved reading the book. love eric bana. Also love twilight & edward cullen. Looking forward to New Moon. Well, I'm off to eat Yum Cha with my mum.

xx

Settled!

We just bought a new property! Its in the same building as the first property we bought together. So excited :) Settlement happened today, so we officially own 2 units in the building now :) Renovations on the bathroom begin today. Also, hubby and I have booked flights to Canada and Israel in January :D and we're living back on the north shore over summer with my cute adorable little sister. Good times.

An update

I came back from the snow with a fractured rib. Whoops. Only took 6 weeks to heal. I've been spending the last 4 weeks exercising on bondi beach with my sweet husband who is very harsh when training me but very cute otherwise. We've been watching ROCKY videos to stay motivated. hehe. I've read several harry potter books (again) in the post-latest-harry-potter-film-release-hype... then moved on to twilight (again)... I think I have a sickness where I get addicted to reading things and watching things over and over again, hence, my 400 or so DVD collection. Right now I am reading Patrick Suskind's "Perfume" which is strangely good. Once I finish that, its back to the Dresden Files. God I love wizards. They are just too cool. Looking forward to the following films: times traveller's wife, new moon, holmes, deathly hallows. Hmm.. what else. ah. work is major stressful, I'm also trying to study for this blasted CPA exam which is on 22nd October (my last exam, and then I'll be a fully fledged CPA, bebe!) and last but not least, Stan and I have bought a new apartment! Now we own two apartments in our building. They have identical floorplans, but are very different otherwise. So excited. Thats all folks.

Snow Bound

We're going to the snow!! Just for the weekend, but still... Havent been for so long, and Im so excited about trying out my new gear. I hated to think it would be sitting in a closet never to be used. We're staying at perisher right on the snow. Can't wait :)

Winding down now

The last few weeks have been so crazy. I have never worked so hard in my life, and so many hours!!! I've barely seen my husband, and haven’t been in touch with friends. Its been tough. Now its the new financial year and I can finally relax and start fresh. Stan and I are going to the snow this weekend, just because. I'm really excited to test out my new snowboard. Last night, being 30th June, I didn’t get home til 1am from work, and I still have a lot of work to do, but the pressure is gone, and I feel so much better, I even managed to sleep in today and then had a leisurely breakfast while reading one of the Dresden Files books. Which by the way, is AWESOME. I *heart* Harry Dresden. Only thing harshing my mellow right now is that Michael Jackson has passed away :(

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Its so surreal, I dont even know what to think or how to react. I just know that I'm shocked and very sad. I've been listening to MJ a lot since I bought an ipod a couple of weeks ago, but now it almost feels perveted to listen to his music. I'm writing that as I listen to 'earth song' and its eery. It feels strangely hollow. Of course michael jackson was going to pass away eventually, but it just seems so wrong that its happened now, and just before his comeback shows. So much regret and tragedy. I feel thankful that I was able to see him in person a few years ago. I feel thankful that I have had the pleasure of experiencing his music and dance for the last 14 years that ive been a fan in one way or another. I feel lucky that i lived in the time of MJ. I'm going to miss having Michael Jackson in the world. I really do worry about his children, and hope that they grow up living a normal life, and remember their father as an amazing and inspirational person.

Michael Jackson

I really really really really dont want to believe that michael jackson is dead. no no no. I am trying to tell myself that he is alive and this is a publicity stunt to hype up his upcoming 'comeback' concerts. I know what the media is like, piggybacking on each others' hot tips from shady sources. Until its absolutely official, I just wont believe it. :(

Scenic Sunday - Hunter Valley

Im posting my scenic sunday picture on Wednesday because Ive been completely snowed under an avalanche of work. Im using that metaphor because I am simultaneously dreaming of going to the snow; which is quite a contrast with this photo, which i snapped up from the window of a moving car, in the hunter valley in 2007 as storm clouds were approaching, and we were just on our way home. My husband believes he took this photo, but that is absolutely impossible because he never lets me drive. :P I really love this photo. It captures the enchanting beauty of the valley perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version.

All work and no play

I feel like a zombie. But also like a machine. Im so tired, and working til late at night each day.. eating unhealthy food at odd times, and not getting any exercise. My body is struggling. i really cant wait til the end of the financial year so I can relax. Might need to book a weekend in the snow. Mmmm...

Scenic Sunday - 12 Apostles

This photo was taken on the great ocean road in southern victoria (please click on the image to enlarge). I'm posting it for scenic sunday. A beautiful view, but a long way to get there from sydney (by car). It was a memorable easter long weekend from 2008 which I thought was a fitting thing to post, since I just had a long weekend this sunday. Although my long weekend consisted of working and studying. But I did manage to squeeze in enough time to take my lovely new car for a spin up to the north shore, went for a picnic with my brother, friend, and a poodle, and also managed to finish a book I was reading about a wizard detective, who is not harry potter, but shares the same first name. Coincidence? Hmm. Great book but.