For your entertainment....
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Fine Dining dinner
Waiting for the food
Wagyu and Sirlon
Yileen's first taste of Wagyu
Potatoe and Salad
Last night, it was was another fine food and wine night. The house was a little small to accomodate more people, but when i have my new house i can do it properly.
The day's menu include
Entree
Sourdough Garlic Bread
Seafood Chowder
Mains
Mango Salad with Rockets
Curry Mashed potatoe
Seared Wagyu and Sirlon served with Wasbi / garlic butter and Soy sauce
Dessert
Vanilla Ice-cream
Cheese Platter
I think most people were bloating at the stomach after that. But all i can say is i may have converted a few Wagyu doubters. We tried the 2 different cut of beef and everyone agreed you can taste the difference between Wagyu and a Sirlon.
I think... once u had Wagyu nothing taste as close. Scotgch Fillet will be close.
The Seafood chowder was something new i tried, normally i use poatoe but this time i use double cream and no potatoe to give the thick creamy texture. Seems everyone love the soup. I made extrra and everyone had seconds...
For $30 i think that is a steal... next fine dining .... is up for booking...
Thinking of doing Saffron Smoked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce served with a side of Cous Cous.
Christabelle's Photo
Happy
Latest .... yesterday's Dinner party
Not happy
The sailor look
A snapshot of Miss Christabelle.... sometimes cranky sometimes happy... beginning to behave like a girl... hahaha.... mood swings... and all.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The mark of a leader
In every place and in every season, God often brings forth great leaders that makes a difference in our life. I can say in my Christian walk, there are a number of leaders that help shaped my christian walk and I truly believe that in this leaders I have learned some value truth that help me understand what makes a truly great leader.
The first person is Ps Jeff, one great thing about Ps Jeff is he is a genuine person. I have had the opportunity to work with him when he first went full time. It helps he has the same sense of humor as me. Really funny person but someone who is real. The one thing i have learned from him is that you must mean what you say and say what you mean. He is a no-nonsense leader who is gracious enough to allow feedback and also humble enough to accpe his shortcoming. It is not often you meet people who can be funny yet serious for God.
The seond person who shaped alot of my thinking is Ps Kong Hee. Never had a chance to work with him as we are from different church but i never cease to be inspired by his teachings. Insightful and a real man of God. What stood out for me was his willing to live by his teaching. Today he is a volunteer pastor who never take a salary from the church .
The third person is Ps Wayne Coderio, a very annointed preacher who taught me that leadership is servanthood and that we as leaders must always remain humble and that we need to be real
Here are some phases that really spoke to me : :
1. A great leader is one who is geniune and real not one who puts on a front
2. A great leader is humble and willing to accept feedback
3. A great leader will always build great leader.
But most importantly, a truly great leader will always inspires others with his life.
The first person is Ps Jeff, one great thing about Ps Jeff is he is a genuine person. I have had the opportunity to work with him when he first went full time. It helps he has the same sense of humor as me. Really funny person but someone who is real. The one thing i have learned from him is that you must mean what you say and say what you mean. He is a no-nonsense leader who is gracious enough to allow feedback and also humble enough to accpe his shortcoming. It is not often you meet people who can be funny yet serious for God.
The seond person who shaped alot of my thinking is Ps Kong Hee. Never had a chance to work with him as we are from different church but i never cease to be inspired by his teachings. Insightful and a real man of God. What stood out for me was his willing to live by his teaching. Today he is a volunteer pastor who never take a salary from the church .
The third person is Ps Wayne Coderio, a very annointed preacher who taught me that leadership is servanthood and that we as leaders must always remain humble and that we need to be real
Here are some phases that really spoke to me : :
1. A great leader is one who is geniune and real not one who puts on a front
2. A great leader is humble and willing to accept feedback
3. A great leader will always build great leader.
But most importantly, a truly great leader will always inspires others with his life.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Being Christlike is more than a word
What is right and what is wrong ? Sometimes some area are so grey that its hard to tell. As a christian, i always believe that the Bible is above anybody, rules, regulation and customs.
Because ultimately it is us who stand before God to answer for our action. I believe God put leader there to guide us but not to rule over us. Leaders are only as good as their life. Not because of title or for any other reason. Therefore it is imperative that we use our own conviction to determine our action.
The truth is leaders can also be wrong and leaders can also stray. Ihave come across leaders who taught me things which i thought were a little suspect and true enough they ultimate fell from God. There when in doubt consult the bible, consult many people, get different opinion, then make your own decision
The bible had one case, where some people say they follow Paul, while some say they follow apollo, but in truth we should all follow Jesus.
There are many things in the world that is not truly black nor truly white. But a little common sense, a little wisdom and a little prayer will hopefully give us the correct decision we need to make.
So being christlike sometimes takes more than simply follow orders.
Because ultimately it is us who stand before God to answer for our action. I believe God put leader there to guide us but not to rule over us. Leaders are only as good as their life. Not because of title or for any other reason. Therefore it is imperative that we use our own conviction to determine our action.
The truth is leaders can also be wrong and leaders can also stray. Ihave come across leaders who taught me things which i thought were a little suspect and true enough they ultimate fell from God. There when in doubt consult the bible, consult many people, get different opinion, then make your own decision
The bible had one case, where some people say they follow Paul, while some say they follow apollo, but in truth we should all follow Jesus.
There are many things in the world that is not truly black nor truly white. But a little common sense, a little wisdom and a little prayer will hopefully give us the correct decision we need to make.
So being christlike sometimes takes more than simply follow orders.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Prisoner dance !! Wow
Now who say Philippino can only sing.... Edwin and Edith will be proud... How on earth you get hard core criminals in Philippines to do this... they must love music..
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Bye Bye old house
Yes the old dame is no more. It had been a good run but this old house was build in the 70's so its was time to put it out of misery. It was not bad as a house but it prob has run its course. I went there to see and the land look so different and flat.
Now have to get council approval to do the retaining wall so that I can get the build under way. But i would expect some delay over the build due to the wall issue.
Lets hope we can get it sorted our soon
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Aussie Dollar is now in Crazy territory
Yes today it is official, Aussie dollar is going crazy, I never thought that Aussie would be this strong. Today we hit a 14month's high. 5 -8 months back Singapore Dollar was 1 : 1 now its 1.27.
Aussie may even go above parity with USD.. So now Aussie dollar is the world benchmark currency... Sad about US>.. with all their corporate failings and debt.
In fact i think this Aussie dollar inflation might do us more harm than good, because now export will be expensive and imports cheap.. so guess what. More China made products and those from Asia countries and who suffers ? Well Australia.
I don't know how long this will run, but lets just hope the other country start to pick up too.
Below is the report
Aussie dollar heads for parity as RBA chief agrees it could hit $US1.10
Michael Stutchbury, Economics editor | October 16, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE Australian dollar appears headed towards parity with the US dollar after Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens agreed the economy's strength could drive it "way up" to $US1.10.
The dollar jumped after Mr Stevens also suggested that the Reserve Bank would not be "too timid" in further increasing the official interest rate, breaking through US92c to reach 14-month highs.
His comments startled foreign exchange market analysts and encouraged money markets to bet that the Reserve would lift its cash rate from 3.25 per cent to at least 3.75 per cent before Christmas and keep lifting next year.
"I tend to agree with him," the Commonwealth Bank's chief currency strategist, Richard Grace, said of Mr Stevens's Aussie dollar bullishness.
But while Mr Stevens suggested the dollar's rise was the result of Australia's economic vigour, Wayne Swan warned that it would hurt farmers and other export industries.
"I do understand some people will do it really tough as a consequence of a higher dollar," the Treasurer said.
Since October 2, just before the Reserve Bank lifted its 3 per cent "emergency" cash rate, the dollar has gained nearly 7 per cent, from US86c to US92.11c in European trading last night.
The dollar's rise could further increase the tension between the Reserve Bank's rate rise move and the Rudd government's rejection of calls to unwind its budget stimulus more quickly.
In theory, an expansionary budget policy pushes up an economy's exchange rate.
The Reserve Bank is not intervening in foreign exchange markets to dampen the currency's ascent, which is akin to a policy tightening that mostly hits exporters and businesses that compete against imports. But it also contains inflation by making imports cheaper.
The Australian sharemarket rose again yesterday on the back of improved investor confidence in the Australian and global economies, with the All Ordinaries index gaining 28.5 points or 0.59 per cent to hit a one-year high.
Mr Stevens was asked at a breakfast function in Perth whether the Reserve Bank had any tools to prevent speculators driving the Australian dollar to $US1.10.
Mr Stevens replied that, rather than speculators, there usually was a rational reason for big exchange rate movements.
"You could do a scenario where the exchange rate goes way up," he said.
"We've got one of the better-performing economies in the world. Even at very low interest rates, we still have a positive differential and we're a country where the people here are, I think, reasonably confident about the future and foreigners are fairly confident about our future, and it's not entirely surprising that they're a bit keen on the currency."
Mr Stevens suggested that this could change if economic recoveries in other countries surprised on the upside.
"But you could do a scenario of the one you suggest and, in that world, perhaps inflation is lower, but the reason the exchange rate is up there is probably that there are some very strong growth dynamics and trade dynamics at work here."
The Australian dollar has not traded at parity with the US dollar since the local currency floated in late 1983, but appeared headed towards this level before the global crisis hit.
With its economy still sick and US official interest rates at zero, the US dollar is falling against most other currencies.
But it is falling harder against the Australian dollar after the Reserve Bank last week became the first in a G20 country to lift official interest rates since the global financial crisis hit just over a year ago.
This means the Australian dollar is rising against most other currencies, such as the British pound, which is being talked down by the Bank of England to cushion its economic downturn.
From only 37p a year ago, the Australian dollar now buys 57p.
The Commonwealth Bank's Mr Grace forecast that the dollar will reach US93c by the end of this year and US98c by the middle of next year.
He said it was possible the dollar could rise to more than $US1 because of an "almost perfect environment" for the Australian currency.
Firstly, Australia's economy was outperforming other developed economies and financial markets had yet to fully price in the coming rate rises.
Secondly, the global economy was starting to revive, helping lift commodity prices and hence Australia's export prospects.
Thirdly, the US Federal Reserve had signalled that it would keep its zero official interest rate "for an extended period", which was driving investors out of $US-denominated assets and into higher-yield currencies such as the Australian dollar.
"This is an environment in which the Aussie dollar could hit $US1.10," Mr Grace said.
Aussie may even go above parity with USD.. So now Aussie dollar is the world benchmark currency... Sad about US>.. with all their corporate failings and debt.
In fact i think this Aussie dollar inflation might do us more harm than good, because now export will be expensive and imports cheap.. so guess what. More China made products and those from Asia countries and who suffers ? Well Australia.
I don't know how long this will run, but lets just hope the other country start to pick up too.
Below is the report
Aussie dollar heads for parity as RBA chief agrees it could hit $US1.10
Michael Stutchbury, Economics editor | October 16, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE Australian dollar appears headed towards parity with the US dollar after Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens agreed the economy's strength could drive it "way up" to $US1.10.
The dollar jumped after Mr Stevens also suggested that the Reserve Bank would not be "too timid" in further increasing the official interest rate, breaking through US92c to reach 14-month highs.
His comments startled foreign exchange market analysts and encouraged money markets to bet that the Reserve would lift its cash rate from 3.25 per cent to at least 3.75 per cent before Christmas and keep lifting next year.
"I tend to agree with him," the Commonwealth Bank's chief currency strategist, Richard Grace, said of Mr Stevens's Aussie dollar bullishness.
But while Mr Stevens suggested the dollar's rise was the result of Australia's economic vigour, Wayne Swan warned that it would hurt farmers and other export industries.
"I do understand some people will do it really tough as a consequence of a higher dollar," the Treasurer said.
Since October 2, just before the Reserve Bank lifted its 3 per cent "emergency" cash rate, the dollar has gained nearly 7 per cent, from US86c to US92.11c in European trading last night.
The dollar's rise could further increase the tension between the Reserve Bank's rate rise move and the Rudd government's rejection of calls to unwind its budget stimulus more quickly.
In theory, an expansionary budget policy pushes up an economy's exchange rate.
The Reserve Bank is not intervening in foreign exchange markets to dampen the currency's ascent, which is akin to a policy tightening that mostly hits exporters and businesses that compete against imports. But it also contains inflation by making imports cheaper.
The Australian sharemarket rose again yesterday on the back of improved investor confidence in the Australian and global economies, with the All Ordinaries index gaining 28.5 points or 0.59 per cent to hit a one-year high.
Mr Stevens was asked at a breakfast function in Perth whether the Reserve Bank had any tools to prevent speculators driving the Australian dollar to $US1.10.
Mr Stevens replied that, rather than speculators, there usually was a rational reason for big exchange rate movements.
"You could do a scenario where the exchange rate goes way up," he said.
"We've got one of the better-performing economies in the world. Even at very low interest rates, we still have a positive differential and we're a country where the people here are, I think, reasonably confident about the future and foreigners are fairly confident about our future, and it's not entirely surprising that they're a bit keen on the currency."
Mr Stevens suggested that this could change if economic recoveries in other countries surprised on the upside.
"But you could do a scenario of the one you suggest and, in that world, perhaps inflation is lower, but the reason the exchange rate is up there is probably that there are some very strong growth dynamics and trade dynamics at work here."
The Australian dollar has not traded at parity with the US dollar since the local currency floated in late 1983, but appeared headed towards this level before the global crisis hit.
With its economy still sick and US official interest rates at zero, the US dollar is falling against most other currencies.
But it is falling harder against the Australian dollar after the Reserve Bank last week became the first in a G20 country to lift official interest rates since the global financial crisis hit just over a year ago.
This means the Australian dollar is rising against most other currencies, such as the British pound, which is being talked down by the Bank of England to cushion its economic downturn.
From only 37p a year ago, the Australian dollar now buys 57p.
The Commonwealth Bank's Mr Grace forecast that the dollar will reach US93c by the end of this year and US98c by the middle of next year.
He said it was possible the dollar could rise to more than $US1 because of an "almost perfect environment" for the Australian currency.
Firstly, Australia's economy was outperforming other developed economies and financial markets had yet to fully price in the coming rate rises.
Secondly, the global economy was starting to revive, helping lift commodity prices and hence Australia's export prospects.
Thirdly, the US Federal Reserve had signalled that it would keep its zero official interest rate "for an extended period", which was driving investors out of $US-denominated assets and into higher-yield currencies such as the Australian dollar.
"This is an environment in which the Aussie dollar could hit $US1.10," Mr Grace said.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Michael Jackson Final Song and Adam's first
This is MJ's final song, i had an opportunity to see him perform live once and it was an unforgetable experience. I can say he is a truly extraordinary singer regardless of the press about him.
You cannot deny his voice is truly unique and one of a kind. The only other person that can come close would be Adam lambert, when he sand Black or White cannot wait for his song to come out.
Here is also a video about his new soundtrack for the movie 2012.
You cannot deny his voice is truly unique and one of a kind. The only other person that can come close would be Adam lambert, when he sand Black or White cannot wait for his song to come out.
Here is also a video about his new soundtrack for the movie 2012.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Some rants....
This couple of weeks besides my usual work, house building project I was also busy playing some games. One being Mafia wars and Restaurant city... Its not too bad... getting a hang of it... must say this is one time i ever see my wife also play games like me...Will try to get into my texas poker... if i got time.
Anyway, caught up with alot of my friends. I think in recent times, there are more people joining the "Alumni Club". Well, lets just say I am not too surprise but I think time will only tell. Its important that people go to where they can be fully released.
I think with so many issues being brought out recently I come to realize there is no perfect organisation and that we should always be humble to learn from others. How fast should all christian run ? Personally, from my experience, God's work is endless and there will always be people to reach out.
Church growth is important but never at the expense of our own spiritual growth.
One of my uncle who is a missionary told me one thing..when we serve the Lord. Never never try to run ahead of God. Allow God to lead and we follow, this way we never burn out. We are all different and therefore grow at different rate and enjoy different ministry.
One of the reason our organisation such a big setback recently was because we were always pushing people to the limit and sometimes when they are stretched beyond their capacity they break and cracks appear.
I promise to learn from this.. and will make sure my christian will finish well... Its important that I run at the pace i feel led by the Lord and not because of any peer pressure.
Anyway, caught up with alot of my friends. I think in recent times, there are more people joining the "Alumni Club". Well, lets just say I am not too surprise but I think time will only tell. Its important that people go to where they can be fully released.
I think with so many issues being brought out recently I come to realize there is no perfect organisation and that we should always be humble to learn from others. How fast should all christian run ? Personally, from my experience, God's work is endless and there will always be people to reach out.
Church growth is important but never at the expense of our own spiritual growth.
One of my uncle who is a missionary told me one thing..when we serve the Lord. Never never try to run ahead of God. Allow God to lead and we follow, this way we never burn out. We are all different and therefore grow at different rate and enjoy different ministry.
One of the reason our organisation such a big setback recently was because we were always pushing people to the limit and sometimes when they are stretched beyond their capacity they break and cracks appear.
I promise to learn from this.. and will make sure my christian will finish well... Its important that I run at the pace i feel led by the Lord and not because of any peer pressure.
Our last farewell
Our back porch we saw so many parties and BBQ
Our living room all gutted...
This was how the house used to be before i put in the door. It was an outside toilet.
Victor's old mobile home... he grew up in the blue caravan.. and all his earthly possessions used to be stored in it
The salvage lorry... they took everything...
The old has truly gone and the new has come. I must admit i have been lazy this couple of weeks due to the hassle of settling my new house. We had our pre-start last week and now I can truly say its a new beginning.
This house has served me well for the last few years... happy and sad memories... Christabelle was born in this house. HOpefully when she grows up she will get to see this blog...
We had so many guest in our house.. since i bought it... the list just goes on ..
People who had stayed in this house.
1. Alan Lim
2. Kris bather
3. Victor Stewart
4. Edmond Ho
5. Duan Wei
6. Bird
7. Pep
Feels like a refugee camp.. hahah... but i suppose that is where friendships were forged... Now to a new beginning and to a 6 bedroom house... and yes... the house is alredy fully booked
1. Pep and Bird
2. Me and Esther
3. Boy and his wife
4. Jane ( Cousin)
5. Jeremy ( Cousin )
Of course it will not be free... so everyone must help me with the mortgage and share the bills. $ $ Accountant thinking.. if they all chip in I can reduce the mortgage pretty fast.. still thinking how to charge... Still deep in thought but... we shall see..
One auntie told me that more toilet means higher council rate... cause they got to clean more poo...
I shall post some old photos from the parties we had at our home...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Current Fav Artist
Yes thought i blog my current favourite singers.... here is my Top fav singers
1. Jay Chou
2. Adam Lambert
3. Kelly Clarkson
4. Aiza Seguerra
5. Michael Wong
This are the few singers I will definitely buy their album when it is released.
Adam lambert album is coming up this NOv 24 and i hope it will be available in Aust too.. cannot wait for the album. This guy can really sing.
My baby however loves Aiza's song... she will keep quiet everytime i play her songs... which is good for me
1. Jay Chou
2. Adam Lambert
3. Kelly Clarkson
4. Aiza Seguerra
5. Michael Wong
This are the few singers I will definitely buy their album when it is released.
Adam lambert album is coming up this NOv 24 and i hope it will be available in Aust too.. cannot wait for the album. This guy can really sing.
My baby however loves Aiza's song... she will keep quiet everytime i play her songs... which is good for me
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Perth Royal Show
This year we took another trip to the Perth royal show, i must say it was quite fund seeing that we refrain from spending money on winning those huge teddy bears. You always want the bear but when you bring it home, it sits on your selves and in 5 months goes into a box...
So this year I decided Food, Showbags and rides thats the way to go. They have a manchester united showbag. NO LIVERPOOL hahah... that was a good indication what the royal perth show thought of liverpool.
Anyway I believe someone was a Man U supporter. That is why they have such wonderful showbag
The fireworks is spectacular as usual and of course, the rides were great too. I sat the X-treme force. Really good... scary next year will remember to try it again Bird and Esther chicken out cause it was too high.
