Jenny’s Journies

Thursday, 26 June 2008 @ 11:00am.

Plenty of people probably already know this or have experienced this themselves… I have recently felt (again) that as I grow older, I find more and more similarities with my mother that I didn’t see earlier…

Today’s phone conversation included these gems:

“People can change.”

“Prayer is the answer.”

” I love pizza. I looooovvveee pizza. I like Canadian ham and pineapple with the thick crust and oozy with the cheese. It’s really something.”

“That’s life.”

“Prancer [the old cat] pissed me off so much. He pee-peed on the couch. I think he watched me and did it on purpose.”

“Everybody has a different life destiny.”

“People are selling furniture on Craigslist. Have you heard of that?”

“Nothing at the dollar store is a dollar. More than that. Two dollars or three dollars.”

“Out there in the jungle, there are many snakes. ”

“Don’t wear bling-bling-bling on the bus.”

:)

Wednesday, 25 June 2008 @ 12:24pm.

Graffiti art in St. Kilda:

Interested in all things graffiti? Check out http://www.graffiti.org/ and for a specific taste of Aussie art, see http://www.melbournegraffiti.com/ .

Personalized license plate of interest (”Ask God”):

May 18th Buddha Day celebration in downtown Melbourne at Federation Square:

I was especially touched by the prayers for those affected by natural disasters.

Smiling after Buddha Day prayers:

About one hour from downtown Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway on the way to Phillip Island, travelers will find the Caldermeade Farm. The farm has been around since the late 1800s and today it is mainly a dairy farm. There are almost 400 Holstein cows milked daily. If you’ve never seen this in person, it’s worth a trip. My favorite part of the farm was the animal nursery where visitors can hold, pet, and help feed baby animals. We saw three baby cows, a very small lamb, a big ol’ turkey, and plenty of chickens. Some of the fancier chickens were quite interesting with their feathers. The baby animals were a big hit with the children visitors I saw that day:

With a name like “Max Brenner” and a statement like “Chocolate by the Bald Man,” how could a person not be curious and tempted to check out the place? Max Brenner is a chain, but still has a cool, comfy atmosphere. I went to the one located at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong. I had a difficult time deciding on what to order from the chocolate menu. Everything really looked good and you can tell by all the goodies on view and the wonderful smells that Max Brenner uses quality chocolate in everything they make. I finally chose a chocolate babka drizzled in warm chocolate sauce with a side of rich vanilla ice cream:

We recently went to a winter event called “Ignite” at the Docklands. We walked around the waterfront area, admired the beautiful expensive yachts, saw a fun musical art performance (Pyrophone, a fire fuelled organ), and ate at a nice buffet place nearby:

June 22nd, Run Melbourne event, me gearing up for 10 whole kilometers:

Hills? Nobody said anything about hills, but cross that finish line I did!

In this picture, I may have been sweaty, wet from the rain, wearing soggy socks, and totally sore, but it was all worth it. Great run and for a great cause, too: Oxfam.

Thursday, 19 June 2008 @ 3:41pm.

Have you updated your Mozilla web browser yet? If not, go to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/?utm_id=Q108&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CP-DlNrl_5MCFSMYagod1DE_XA for Firefox 3.

Americans make great puddings, but Australians have their own interpretation of pudding and it sure is different (and oh-so-yummy). Check out http://www.cuisine.com.au/recipe/bread-pudding for a great chocolate pudding recipe.

I’ve recently seen the new Bushells Tea advertisement and enjoy its take on being Aussie. See a copy at Youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=ju2AHSXhA9c.

Wednesday, 18 June 2008 @ 8:47pm.

I’ve been immersed in my dissertation, so please forgive the gap between postings as of late. I don’t have much news to tell, but in brief…

* I finally bought a new pair of running shoes - New Balance - and love ‘em. The cushion support is fabulous and I got such a kick out of the special laces that don’t come undone and do not require being tied twice.

* I enjoyed dim sum/yum cha in Chinatown, but still wonder why the bill gets to be so expensive when the dishes are small.

* I’ve been reading a ton about Islam for my dissertation. So much to learn!

* The Run Melbourne event is on Sunday! I’m nervous, but staying positive about crossing the finish line.

* My partner and pup are doing well. It seems like we’ve all hit our groove or something.

* Saw the old film “Cujo” - scary.

* Been praying that all family and friends are safe, especially when traveling in cars given some close calls people I really care about have recently experienced.

Saturday, 07 June 2008 @ 12:29pm.

The recent FPI attacks during a peaceful protest in Jakarta at the National Monument (Monas) park saddened me. President SBY appeared to take a firm stance during a press conference, but only time will tell if anyone will actually be taken to jail or court. I hope that those in the hospital recover as soon as possible. I also hope that all those affected in other ways don’t lose hope, continue to do good works, and support one another in their own communities and the communities of others.

An Oprah question from yesterday: Are you using things to define who you are?

It is amazing and frustrating how wasteful we all can be. It is so easy to get caught up in a particular lifestyle mode that we forget some of the “basics.” Simple ways to make a difference include:

1) Avoid buying one-off water bottles and use a durable alternative instead.
2) Bring a mug to work (and coffee shops) instead of using a paper or plastic cup.
3) Recycle whenever possible at home and work.
4) Turn off lights and all electronics if they are not in use.
5) Watch less television.
6) Try reducing purchases of clothes and shoes, buy second-hand, and/or donate unwanted items to charity.
7) Keep your thermostats, heaters, air conditioners, etc. at lower temperatures than usual.

Imagine what we could do if everyone just did a little bit…

A special shout-out to my cousin who just got married. I was so sorry to miss the grand event, but I was there in spirit. And, um, just when did you get all grown up? I still remember you running around as a little one at family reunions!

A big congrats to Kurt for finishing medical school. What an achievement!!!

Nervous about my pup Pluto traveling to the U.S. later this summer/winter, but the travel agent who met with me today was very helpful. My eyes did bug out of my head, though, upon hearing about all of the costs involved.

Sunday, 01 June 2008 @ 9:49pm.

I had a splendid day…

…in Frankston. Despite negative stereotypes for this town/outer suburb, I found the area to be quite nice. My friend and her family showed me a bit and I’m looking forward to experiencing more in the coming weeks. I especially liked the waterfront and beach, the children’s park, and gelati from Sofia restaurant. It’s too bad it takes two hours for me to get from Sunshine to Frankston, though!

I don’t have much else to report…

…but I like the fact that it’s clementine or Mandarin orange season. I am unhappy that I still haven’t found a solution to the dog poo dilemma. I’ve been monitoring the situation as best I can. Running is going so-so. I’m determined to cross the finish line come June 22nd, however. I’ve been working on the dissertation. It feels good when I can put aside an article or book knowing that I have taken all I can from it and it can be packed away for now. I could be getting better quality sleep. I have been thinking a lot about budgets, traveling, much needed home repairs back in the States, languages, and “work-life balance.” My sweet tooth has been bugging me lately. I’m trying to convince myself to make time to post pictures online. I appreciate the dishwasher. I’m also thankful for juice popsicles.