Family picnic at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

Life here in Canberra is very different from the comfort zone we had in Sabah. It has changed dramatically from the weather to our lifestyle. Adjusting to a different climate, looking for jobs, re-tuning my ears from Malaysian English to Aussie English, re-tuning my accent so that locals can understand me and so forth.

The biggest challenge so far is looking for a job, whatever it is. Trixie and Kimo both go to school and I am doing my part by sending and picking them up. But still, I feel very weird not doing anything. I have applied, and still am applying, for all kinds of jobs here and there, but it seems it takes time to get reply, so now is just a waiting game.

Earlier today we had a brunch at Auntie Connie's house cos a Sabahan friend came by from Sydney so we Sabahans had a small get together. Enjoyed the curry and the roti canai.

Anyway, after last week's hospital stint, we felt we needed to chill out and go out for a picnic as a family. Trixie packed a small snack for us and off we went driving till we ended up seeing multitudes of people by Lake Burley Griffin (only found out the lake's name from the internet after we got home), so we also looked for a spot. The day was warm and we had time to take a family photo, something we always wanted to do since Kimo was born, actually these photos could be one of the best we had taken.

More picnic photos in my Facebook.

Kimo in hospital

After lunch last Saturday, Kimo suddenly started shivering uncontrollably. We rushed him to the emergency room at Calvary Hospital around 5 km away and he was diagnosed with pneumonia in his right lung. The doctor suggested to admit him into Canberra Hospital where they have a pediatric department for further treatment. Kimo was admitted there for 3 days and 2 nights and he was on an IV drip the whole time.

We, as parents and as international students in a new country and city, felt a kind of fear that we don't have any moral support from anyone in Canberra. But we were blessed with our Sabahan friend here, Auntie Connie Lupang, a Sabahan living here for the past 40 years, who came to the ER to give us support.

On the 2nd day there, the specialist said that the bacteria that caused Kimo's pneumonia had spread into his left lung, but he said that is normal and the antibiotics administered would take care of that. On the third day, Kimo was given the green light to go home as there was no more wheezing in either lungs.

We thank God, the doctors and nurses for helping Kimo get better in such a short time. Kimo is now at home, active as ever. However, we are still giving him his antibiotics and he has to use a puffer a few times a day.

A Month in Canberra

Its been a month since we moved to Canberra, but it feels longer, I dunno why. Well, we have settled in nicely and already have a schedule. Kimo goes to childcare/playschool 4 times a week while Trixie goes to school. I basically send them, do household chores while applying for jobs and waiting for their replies...soooo long. I have not been able to get around taking photos lately, apart from the ones posted, but next week, a good Malaysian friend and I are going to do some bushwalking photography.

Product Tasting at CoffeeBean & Tea Leaf, Waterfront

Late this afternoon, I got an invitation from Shan thru Jacquelin to come and sample some promotional products at the CoffeeBean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), Waterfront. Wah, the power of blogging, but truthfully, this could be my first time blogging about food on a personal level.

The food that was to be sampled was the Red Bean Ice-Blended and the Mandarin Orange Cheesecake. I am not a great critique of food, but a I am great eater. LOL....but I guess I qualify!

Red Bean Ice-Blended key ingredients are the red beans, yes, the kacang merah our wives, moms, moms-in-law and grandmothers use to make bubur with. Well, CBTL has it in the powdered form too, making the ice-blend even more kaw-kaw with red bean flavor.

I suggest having the ice-blend with whipped cream (who wouldn't). By the way, the availability of this drink last as long as the red beans and red bean powder is still in stock.

Drink faster Flan! You might be in time for a second round!

Next product to sample was the Mandarin Orange Cheesecake. Dang, ya'll gotta try this one. You can really taste the citrus! Kalah-kalah Cheesecake Factory bah!



I think one slice of this cake can feed two people, my size. LOL. Unless you don't wanna share, like me. Well, this cake will only be around till mid March 2009, so folks, better rush to get your taste of this fantastic cheesecake.



Now the management did not stop at feeding us only red beans drinks and cheesecakes, they also provided a light dinner of salads, pasta and sandwiches, to my delight of my carb driven diet/stomach/life.

Alice on a diet

I think I had some fun with other bloggers tonight, have never met some of them, and am hoping to see more of them in other functions like this one.



I also would like to thank the great management and staff, notably Andrew, Shan and Charles, of CoffeeBean and Tea Leaf, Waterfront, who also graciously gave me an extra slice of the cheesecake to take back to my wife (a baker), the real foodie (by the way, she finished the cake in less than 10 minutes).

Aaron & Cathy's Tambunan Wedding

I was invited by my old Tamparuli neighbor, Aaron, to his Tambunan wedding last weekend. What a small world it was when I found out that Cathy's father, was someone I knew. Here are some photos I took.

Susella and Sauflee's Wedding