liveˈliv:v; to have a life rich in experience
a life abroad in australia & adventures along the way
10/09/2013
Mom’s Visit to Brisbane
Like I said in the previous post: (*4 weeks in the states) my mom and I arrived Sunday evening where poor Ryan had to wait for our arrival due to delays.
My mom and I were terribly jet lagged the next day waking up at 4 am and starting our day at 6am, where the three of us went to Moray Cafe for brekky. We then walked to the Sydney Ferry Stop so that my mom could see the CityCat, Story Bridge and the City in the distance. Ryan went to work, and my mom and I started our first day together.
Our first stop was Merthyr Centre so that we could drop off Ryan’s drycleaning, and went to Coles and looked around the stores nearby.
I took my mom to Inala, so that she can see the Vietnamese community and stores out that way. We bought our groceries there and had lunch at Tan Thanh. My mom gave away her foreign-ness when ordering in pounds instead of kilos when buying meat at the butchery.
After Inala, we returned home, and my mom prepared food for the week, and we relaxed and had dinner when Ryan got back from work. My mom got to see us play dodgeball, which we won 16-10. She seemed to enjoyed it.
Today was picture day. We went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and took photos with Koalas and Kangaroos. Afterwards we spend some time at the Botanical Gardens near Mt Coot tha, and also checked out the lookout spot and had lunch there. We shared Barramundi and Chips.
It was a good day, and now we are relaxing, then off to the dry cleaners to pick up Ry’s shirts…then wait for Ry to come home and have dinner. Photos to follow…
09/09/2013
Jenny and Ryan’s Wedding, 10 Aug 2013
My cousin and nephew
from the same womb at different times
Currently, I am sitting in the living room, as my mom is in the kitchen preparing dinner. How lucky am I?! Never in a million years would I have thought my mom would visit me here in Brisbane, and see how I’ve been living, so it’s pretty cool. I still can’t believe she is here. We arrived on Sunday evening after a 10.5 hr delay with our flights. Thought I’d take this time to reflect on my trip home, since I did not have any down time to blog. I found myself describe the whole trip as a whirlwind of activities. I did not get to see or spend time with all the people I wanted to see, it was difficult to match up times, and be accommodating towards friends with a tight schedule, and also when I did not have a car everyday. I left Brisbane and arrived at LAX on Friday 8/8, and was greeted by my friend Krystal. It was so sweet for her to pick me up, and we got to catch up on the way down to Westminster. We had lunch at Brodard’s and had a delicious meal- and I had my nem nuong fix. That day I hung out with Lilly and my nephew, Minh. We drove to Val’s house to pick her and Chloe up to go to South Coast Plaza. Afterwards, Lilly dropped me off to pick up the car from Thay’s house so that I have one to drive for the next few days. Friday, I hung out with my mom and we went shopping in Costa Mesa, and then I went home to get ready for my cousin’s wedding/reception. It was so great getting to see most of my rellies at the same time. Saturday was Minh’s 2nd birthday party celebration -and the theme was Mickey Mouse. Mom and I spent the morning running around getting stuff to prepare for the party. There was a good turn out and the weather, of course was great. 10 July 2014: I started this post…but never completed. I can’t remember that far back. But I will post this anyway.
09/01/2013
Celebrating Ryan’s Birthday
Ryan’s birthday celebration included both his dad and his brother this year, which was pretty fantastic. We all went to the Norman Hotel to celebrate.
28/12/2012
Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium
Ryan’s sister won some tickets to see the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, and we got to all go together while their brother and his son were in town.
17/12/2012
Class of 2012 Graduation
Two years passed by quickly. Ryan and I came out to do what we set off to do. He graduated with a Master’s of Environmental Resource Management, and me, Master’s of Social Work. Now let’s get some real life hands on experience!
Video | 12/12/2012
12-12-12 Gotye at Riverstage
Ryan got me tickets to see Gotye for my birthday this year. We took the CityCat from Sydney Street to QUT Gardens Point and walked to Riverstage around 5:30pm when doors open. We then made our way to the front (whenever possible, I love to be in the front). It was an incredible show, and Gotye performed brilliantly.
Gotye started off the show with Making Mirrors, followed by The Only Way. My favorite was State of the Art, and of course, I Feel Better. It was all quite quirky and entertaining. He had his whole band up there. It was awesome.
I took many photos and video footage, to share, but being there live, front row was sensational. Once it was over, I managed to get the set list from one of the stage men who was nice enough to get me it.
The Setlist:
- Making Mirrors
- The Only Way
- What Do You Want
- Easy Way Out
- Smoke
- Thanks for Your Time
- State of the Art
- Don’t Worry
- Dig Your Own Hole
- Eyes Wide Open
- Night Drive
- Giving Me a Chance
- Bronte
- Somebody That I Used to Know
- Save Me
- Hearts a Mess
Encore
- Backseat Driver
- I Feel Better
- Learnalilgivinanlovin
27/11/2012
Potluck at our Place
Kate was returning to UK after spending some time back in QLD for her brother’s wedding, and catching up with family and friends. What better excuse to have a potluck and invite friends over for dinner. Ryan was amazing and made lamb roast and cupcakes for me (since I had to work). Everyone made scrumptious dishes, and I learned how to make a dish or two.
liveˈliv:v; to have a life rich in experience 