Bye, bye Millers and packing for Aus

This morning we were up early for some reason. We had breakfast and then got organized by making a list of things that we still had left to do before traveling tomorrow. We worked for a couple of hours before heading out to Great Eastern to pick up a bit of shopping. We had to go in the morning because our car was being picked up this afternoon to be serviced and cleaned.

Back at home we had some lunch and continued on with our tasks. About 3.30 Brian and Sonja popped over for one last time. Brian had to give back all his work stuff and Sonja just wanted to say goodbye. We chatted for a while and then said goodbye accompanied by tears from Sonja and I. It was really hard to see them go. I will miss them a lot.

Obviously after that I was feeling a bit flat so we watched Black Adder's Christmas Carol to try and cheer up. It was pretty funny and did work a little bit to make me feel better. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening pottering around doing last minute things. As you can see from the photo our bag is nearly packed.

Ross made spaghetti to use up the last of the fresh veg in the fridge for dinner and we watched some crap TV. I made some last minute Christmas presents for friends before putting away all my beading stuff for the first time in a couple of months. It seems weird to be able to see the dining room table again!

We didn't do too much else before heading to bed.

Holiday Friday

Today was Islamic New Year and therefore a holiday. Ross and I woke up reasonably early and decided to go for a walk around Lake Titiwangsa. It seems that a lot of other people had the same idea. It was nice to be out in the cool of the morning and always interesting to see what the locals are up to. We walked for about 40 minutes before heading home.

At home we showered and then drove to Pavillion for breakfast. We ate outside at the Coffee Bean which was really nice. From there, we went up to the bookstore so I could buy My Sister's Keeper. I then walked over to Starhill Gallery for my massage appointment at Kanebo. My favourite masseuse, Azura was there to great me and gave me a great 2 hour hot stone massage and worked out some of the knots in my calves and shoulders. I hadn't been for a long time so the staff hadn't seen me since I lost the last couple of kg and they all commented that I looked much slimmer. I took it as a compliment and not that they thought I looked fat before :-)

I rang Ross when I finished and he came to pick me up. We spent the afternoon doing some things around the house before he dropped me over at KLCC to meet up with Sonja so we could get our nails done. We spent an hour and a half getting a mani and pedi and walked out with much nicer looking nails. Mine had been so long they almost looked like talons but I didn't want to cut them because I knew I would get them done before going back to Aus.

From there, Sonja and I walked up to Changkat Bukit Bintang to meet up with Ross who had gone for a massage at the Thai place. We met him at Havana Bar which had been recently renovated - it was really nice now and had been a bit of a dive before. We had a drink before Brian arrived and so had another round with him.

We walked next door to Ciccio - an Italian restaurant for dinner. Sonja and Brian's daughter was there with her friend and their family. It was quite a coincidence that out of all the restaurants in KL we both ended up at the same one! We enjoyed our dinner - the food was amazing and it was nice to just have a casual night with the Miller's before they left. Sonja had the pumpkin ravioli - yum! Brian had gorgonzola gnocchi - unbelievable! Ross had chicken ravioli which was nice and I had the most tender lamb shank I have ever had! About 11, we drove them home and dropped them off at the Prince before heading home ourselves after a great night.

Ross and I read for a little while before going to sleep after a good day with friends.

Last day of work for Ross

This morning I woke up, showered and headed out to Ikano for a waxing appointment. I had breakfast at Dome first and wandered around the shops for a bit before going to my appointment. Once that was done, I looked around a little bit more but then decided to head home.

Back at home I had a pretty boring day. I did a few bits and pieces on the computer and tried to start updating my CV but soon lost interest. I rented some movies off iTunes for the plane. I then laid on the bed and read my book until I had finished. It was a great series - all three books were good and I really enjoyed reading them. I had it when you finish a good series or book because you know the next thing you pick up will not live up to your expectations. I plan to read My Sister's Keeper next so then I can watch the movie.

By about 3.30, I was incredible bored so I text Ross to see what he was up to - no response. I sat on the couch and watched crap TV for a couple of hours until he came home. It was so nice to have some company again! We spent the night making portobello burgers, having a glass of red wine and watching Shawshank Redemption on DVD - a great show. It's so nice to have Ross back home.

Since I finished my book this afternoon, I started reading "Malaysia at Random"; a book that was recommended to us by the Millers. Maddie had gotten it as a going away present from one of her friends and it is filled with interesting and unusual facts about Malaysia such as the fine for killing a tiger is 15,000 ringgit and how to artificially inseminate an Asian elephant!

Afternoon tea at Carcosa Seri Negara

This morning I woke up about 8.30. Around 10, I heard a knock on the back door. The contractors were here to fix the holes in the ceiling... an hour early. So I showed them what they needed to fix and they got busy. I made myself some breakfast and sat around watching TV and doing a few chores. There wasn't too much else I could do with the workmen in the house.

By about 12.30, the maintenance guy from Stonor Park, Mark, finally showed up. They were still working on fixing the holes and none of them had been completed yet. Around 2, they were still working and I knew that I had to leave soon. Our landlord's niece was supposed to have been here all day with them so that I didn't have to sit there but of course she didn't show up. When the workers said that they would be there until 5, I called her and asked her to come so that I could go out. Ross was also on his way back from Vietnam so he would be there around 3.30.

Kelly hadn't arrived before I had to leave but I left anyway about 2.30 to pick up Sonja so we could go to Carcosa Seri Negara for afternoon tea. Carcosa Seri Negara is the old Governor of Kuala Lumpur's house back in the day of British rule. I had been there once before with the netball girls and it was beautiful. It is being shut down on the 26th of December for "renovation" and no-one is quite sure what is going to happen to it so we thought we would make the most of our last opportunity to go.

We went to the building where I had had afternoon tea last time - it was deserted. So we tried the other building which I hadn't been to and sure enough that is where we were. We sat on the verandah with our tea and sandwiches and cakes chatting for a couple of hours. I did try and get us a gin and tonic but although I asked twice and the staff said yes, it seemed we were not destined to get a drink.

We left just before 5 and got stuck in traffic and completely lost but somehow we got home by 5.30. Ross was home but on his way out again when we arrived. We had a gin and tonic together with Sonja before she left to check on the apartment with Brian. Ross headed out for Christmas drinks with his work mates and I settled in for another boring night by myself.

I went to bed about 9 because there was nothing else to do. I kept reading my book until 12.30 and then finally I couldn't keep my eyes open any more. Ross must have got home some time after that.

A pretty crappy Tuesday

I woke up still with the headache this morning. Not impressed. I put on my workout gear to go for a walk but just did not feel up for it. Instead I spent the morning scraping rubber bits of the spare bedroom floor where the rubber backing for the rug had stuck to the wood. Not that much fun.

I had some breakfast still feeling like crap. I took some Panadol but still no relief. Sonja text to catch up but I just didn't feel up for it so instead I plonked myself in the bath with my book and lazed about for and hour and a half. While I was in the bath, Daisy and Sheila were busy cleaning the house. When I eventually got out, I chatted with Daisy for a while about the jobs that I would like her to do while we were away.

I did some more beading in the afternoon before Sonja called again and asked if she could come up. She dropped off a gift for us - a beautiful ceramic lamp that we had seen together at the Craft Complex late last week. Such a nice gift! She was on her way to the dentist but we made plans to catch up for dinner.

About 6.30, Sonja came by and picked my up and we went to the Prince where they were staying. I caught up with the whole family before Brian headed out to drop Emma at a party. Sonja, Ian, Maddie and I went downstairs to the buffet and Brian joined us not long after. The food was really good but as always I ate too much.

Sonja offered to drive me home about 9. It was a nice night out and got me out of the house. My headache was finally gone and I walked in the door and went straight to bed.

Today's photo is of the construction site. A lot has changed since the last time - see September 4!

Mondayitis

This morning I made myself get up and go for a walk around KLCC. Ross headed off for Vietnam before I left and then I strapped on my iPod and got out of the apartment. I walked for 45 minutes and did 4 laps before walking home again.

I showered, had some breakfast and then text Sonja to see if she needed any help or company with the packers being there today. I went around and picked up the booze that they couldn't take with them and also scored a couple of bedside lamps and a toaster. Brian came home while I was there so I left them to it.

In the afternoon I didn't do much at all. I tried out some more beading, had a nap, did a couple of things on the list and then cooked myself a sausage and bean casserole using up the sausages in the freezer, a can of baked beans, some kidney beans and some refried beans. I chucked it all in together with some onion and smoked tabasco sauce and cooked it for 30 minutes. It turned out pretty well although it was super filling.

I watched crap TV until I went to bed. I had a stinking headache by the time I got to bed but I managed to fall asleep anyway.

Today's photo is of the rug that we swapped in Singapore for the one that I bought at the rug auction.

Sunday roast again with different friends

We woke up late this morning and pottered around the house for a few hours. We then walked over to Pavillion to have a look at some furniture and also to pick up Ross some new shorts from Espirit. From Pavillion we walked via the convention center in time to meet Debbie and Dan at Chinoz for lunch.

It was nice to see them again as it had been quite a while - since the rug auction. We spent about 3 hours, chatting and eating outside. It was really nice. In the morning I had made Debbie a bracelet as a gift for Christmas. Coincidentally, it matched the top she was wearing. About 3.30 we parted ways and promised to catch up in the new year.

Ross and I walked home and spent the afternoon on the couch watching TV. Well, that lasted about 10 minutes before Ross fell asleep. I went and did some more beading and managed to create a pair of earrings that I had been wanting to try for a while using wire and beating it with a hammer to make a matte finish. I think they turned out quite well.

In the evening, we dropped over to see Sonja and Brian to give them their gift. We didn't stay for too long before we walked over to KLCC to look around for some DVDs and to buy some books and magazines. We ended up having dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen but we were both so exhausted that by the time we got home, I was ready for bed.

Ross packed for his trip to Vietnam and I laid in bed reading my news mags before falling asleep.

A productive Saturday

Although we slept in this morning, we were pretty busy for most of the day doing bits and pieces around the house. We drove out to Great Eastern and bought some cat litter and some food before stopping for a coffee at Starbucks.

Back at home we did some more chores and then spent the afternoon on the bed relaxing, reading our books. Of course we both fell asleep. I woke up about quarter to 6 and decided to have a shower and start getting ready for our night out. Ross woke up while I was in the shower and we both got ready to go to dinner out in Bangsar with colleagues from Ross' work.

About 7.20 we jumped in the car and drove out to Bangsar. The traffic was pretty good - we were surprised. We parked in the shopping center and then walked until we found the restaurant, Planter Jim's. A massive table had been booked and we were the first to arrive so we went down to La Bodega for a drink while we waited for the others.

After we had finished our sangrias, the table was starting to fill up at the restaurant. We sat next to Chris and Mary-Lou (Aussies) and Paul and Janet (Brits). It was a nice night with great food and company. It was good to meet more people that work with Ross as I hadn't met many before.

About 11, we headed home and again the traffic wasn't very busy. We fell into bed exhausted.

More of the list and dinner with good friends

Today I spent the day slowly working my way through the list of things to do. I managed to get through quite a few things. I searched around online for some more Christmas presents and things, sorted out the spare bedrooms, fertilized and trimmed the herbs, tidied out "the top drawer" and went through all the DVDs to see which ones the Millers still had (only 1!).

In the afternoon, I watched some TV until Ross came home. At about 7, we met up with the Millers and walked over to the Bavarian Beirhaus to have dinner with Phil and another friend Brian and his wife Eleece. It was nice to go back to one of our favourite restaurants again. As you can see from the photo, the boys enjoyed their pork knuckles while Sonja had pumpkin soup! Brian and Eleece joined us after dinner for a few drinks.

By about 11, I was being bitten alive by mosquitoes - it was time to go. We walked home with Sonja and Brian. It was a nice night out with good friends.

Lunch with the girls

This morning, Sonja and I went walking around KLCC. We did a few laps and then headed home as Sonja had the moving company coming for a quote. After a shower, I drove over to Pavillion where I picked up a couple of things before stopping at The Coffee Bean for a coffee and scone.

Just before 12, I left and drove to Delicious. I was the first one there but before long, Kiki and Rimma turned up. Sonja was next and we moved to the table to catch up while waiting for Julia to arrive. Julia text her order through before she arrived so by the time she got there, the food was almost ready.

We spent an hour or so chatting over lunch. The place was completely full so it took forever to get our food. It was nice to see the girls again before the end of the year. We hardly see Julia now since she has started working and it would be the last time that Sonja would get to see Kiki and Rimma. I gave the girls their earrings that I had made for them which I think they liked.

Julia headed back to work and slowly we all made our own separate ways. Sonja and I didn't have anything else to do for the rest of the day so we thought we would go and have a look at the craft complex which despite being just down the road, neither of us had been to. It was basically just a bunch of shops selling traditional Malay crafts but there was also a small museum of textiles and ceramics. We wandered around for a while before heading back to the car.

From there we drove to AmpWalk mall to have a look in a couple of houseware stores and then finally we ended up at Great Eastern where we had a coffee at Starbucks before driving home.

Ross made us spaghetti for dinner and we didn't do too much for the rest of the night.

Working on "the list"

In preparation for the end of the year and also before we head back to Aus for Xmas, Ross and I have been making a list of all the things we need to do. This morning I did a few things on the list around the house before picking Ross up at 12 for lunch.

We drove over to Pavillion and went to a photo store so that Ross could have his picture taken for his work passes and things. The guy took us in the back room, pulled down a white backdrop and pulled out a dodgy old digital camera and took a photo of Ross, of which most was white background! I asked him if he could take one with a professional camera and with less background. He pulled out one of the display Nikon digital SLRs and snapped off a photo with awful lighting, shadows and still too much background. So we just left. I knew I could do that!

So after our misadventure, we went to Yo Sushi for lunch then bought Ross a hairbrush - also on the list - before I dropped him home.

I went home and did a couple of things before driving over to KLCC to pick up a present for Sonja and Brian. I ended up buying a pewter hand in a gesture signifying protection (hard to explain). But I figured it was Asian, from Malaysian and also pretty meaningful. I also picked up some Christmas cards - not easy to find - and a bit of food shopping before heading home.

At home I got busy organizing Xmas presents. I sorted out Dad's and Ann's as well as the Miller's going away present. I knocked up some gifts for the girls as we were having lunch tomorrow at Delicious and I wanted to give them some of my jewellery.

By this time Ross came home and we tried again to take a photo of him. I set up the tripod, pulled the curtains so it was dark and posed him in front of the white wall. We did quite a few shots (as you can see from the photo) but in the end we had a good one.

For dinner, I had made salmon patties which Ross cooked for us. They were pretty good and also used up more stuff from the pantry. In the evening I did some research into how to take good photos of jewellery. I realised that the best way was to have a light "tent" or box so I will have to get Dad onto this when he comes over in January.

Not much happening today

Today I felt a bit low so I hung around the house for most of the day. I watched crap TV, laid on the bed and generally just kept to myself. I did manage to get some things done like book our return flights from Japan and pay the deposit for our Cambodia trip.

About 3 Ross came home to meet the workman that came to look at the lights in the bathroom. As usual they were useless and basically after 30 minutes they left saying that they needed to get an electrician - no shit!

I dropped Ross back at the office and drove to Great Eastern. I picked up some contact lenses and tried to do some other things but it was all a little to hard so I picked up a sandwich from O'Briens and a coffee before driving home. I spent the rest of the day on the bed or on the computer.

Ross came home and cooked a tuna pasta bake for dinner while I busied myself with organizing my new beads. We watched TV and I did some more work on my jewellery blog (www.cheriesbeads.blogspot.com) before heading to bed.

Today's photo is of my earring tree.

Roast lunch with friends

After the shenanigans of last night, we slept in until 8 and then I dozed on and off until 12. We quickly got organized and then drove to KLCC to meet up with Rimma and Simon and their three kids Amy, Hayley and Luke for a Sunday roast.

As we arrived, Rimma was on her way out to pick up Hayley from a party. We walked to Chinoz where Simon, Amy and Luke were waiting. While we waited for Rimma, we had some food from the salad bar. The food was amazing! As soon as Rimma got back we tucked into the roast meat, veg and Yorkshire puddings. It was certainly a full meal. The dessert table was also good.

About 3.30 we rolled out of there full and happy. We said goodbye to the Cornell's and headed home. We spent the rest of the afternoon reorganizing the study - no small task! First we started with all the bookshelves and drawers and then we decided to reorganize the computer tables. This took the most time as we switched the tables around and the unplugged and replugged all the computer stuff. We finally finished about 7.30.

Although we had had such a big lunch, we were hungry again about 8 o'clock so we drove over to Pavillion and had Nando's for dinner. It hit the spot. We pretty much drove home and headed to bed.

Today's photo is off the Christmas display in KLCC.

Miller's Thank-you party

This morning we were up early and were super busy sorting out the cupboards in the spare bedrooms and organizing the sheets and winter clothes. We threw a heap of stuff out and put a lot aside to give to Daisy our cleaner.

Before we knew it, it was time to take Blue to the vet. We drove out to Ikano with Blue in the back and he was pretty quiet. Ross went up to the vet with him while I did a few things around the place. I bought some candles from IKEA and did some food shopping before Ross met back up with me.

We went to Starbucks for a coffee before running some more errands. I bought a new iron, Ross picked up some water and I also picked up some memory sticks before we decided it was time to head home.

We had about an hour before I had to go to my hairdresser appointment. Ross came with me and got his hair cut too. He left after about half and hour. Gary and Roy were very busy with my hair. Gary cut it while Roy did the colour. While I was waiting for my colour to go on, Gary and I chatted for ages.

About 5.30 I was done and rang Ross to pick me up. Back at home we relaxed for about an hour before getting ready for Sonja and Brian's thank-you party. Sonja had hired the function room downstairs and had a party planner organize food, activities and other things for the evening. She had invited everyone who played some part in helping out the family during the crisis with Brian.

We went downstairs to meet up with Sonja and Brian before the party started. Slowly people arrived. It was amazing to see 140 people arrive - everyone from the Aussie paramedics that Emma ran into in Starbucks just as her Dad had been shot to the nurses and doctors who looked after him in Prince Court medical center during his recovery.

It was such a great event. The Miller's did so well to get everyone together. I don't know too many other families that would be able to do this let alone think to hold an event like this. It was a great closure to the whole event with Brian.

As usual, at the end of the night, Brian, Sonja, Phil, Julia, Ross and I ended up sitting around drinking the remaining wine and chatting until the wee hours of the morning.

Rainy Friday

This morning was supposed to be netball but we didn't have enough players and by the time I woke up it was pouring rain so we wouldn't have played anyway. We did however make plans to meet for breakfast for one last final goodbye to Sam.

I drove out to Plaza Damas early and did a quick bit of grocery shopping before heading to the Blue Cow to meet up with the girls. There were about 8 of us who made it in total. It was a nice morning and Dino, the Kiwi guy who owns the Blue Cow, sent us over two bottles of champagne because he knew Sam was leaving - how nice! Needless to say, breakfast lingered on until lunchtime.

As you can see from the photo, Sam liked her caricature that we had organized. It really is a great gift for someone who is leaving!

After "brunch", we had a walk around the shops as Sam wanted to buy a Korean medicine chest from one of the stores so we all traipsed down to look at the furniture with her. From there we all went our own ways.

It took me about an hour to get home - traffic was nuts! Normally it would take 15 minutes but I forgot it was Friday prayers. Anyway, I finally got home and for some reason I was exhausted. I put my PJs on and got into bed to read my book. Obviously this led to me napping for a couple of hours. I finally woke up about 4.

Ross surprised me by coming home early - about quarter to 5 - and we made chilli con carne for dinner. During dinner we watched Ross' favourite show - Wipeout Australia - and then played a long game of Upwords (which I won) before heading to bed.

A lot of beading

This morning I busied myself with getting the house tidy. Over the past couple of weeks, bits and pieces have been piling up around the place. It took me a few hours to get everything straightened out again. I did some more washing and other bits and pieces before sitting down and having the leftovers of last night's salad for lunch.

After lunch I got busy beading. I finally made the other earring of the designs I had been trying out and I also started making some for gifts. It's so hard to decide what people might like! I ended up making 8 new pairs of earrings including some red and green Christmas stars and some flower earrings for kids.

I started photographing all my designs so that when I give them away for presents at least I will remember what I have done. I am thinking I will use the photos and start another blog - kind of like a catalogue of my designs.

After finishing the earrings, I got busy making a fritatta for dinner. My goal is to use up all the stuff in the freezers and cupboards before we head home. I used frozen spinach, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, the left over chicken from last night, eggs and cheese. I did have to borrow an egg from the Miller's though. I had never made a fritatta before but it was so easy - just like a big omellette. I cooked it first on stove top and then finished cooking it under the grill.

Tonight we didn't watch any TV and headed to bed early which was nice.

A great day watching New Moon

I woke up with Ross this morning and text Sonja to see if she wanted to go walking around KLCC Park. I met her just before 8 and we walked for about an hour before having breakfast at Chinoz. We did a couple of errands before walking back to the apartment to shower and then head out again.

I met Sonja again about 10.30 and we drove over to the Gardens to go and see New Moon at the Gold Class cinemas. We bought our tickets and then went to have coffee at the Starbucks in Borders. Just before 12, we headed back up to the cinemas, made ourselves comfortable with our doonas and pillows and settled in for the movie. As you can see from the photo, we were the only ones in the cinema.

Basically, the movie, just like the first one, followed the book pretty well. This movie had a lot more action than the first but the acting and script writing was still pretty crap - laughable at points. But it was still a pretty good show.

After the movie, we looked around a few shops and then headed to Yo Sushi for some late lunch. We did a few more bits of shopping before heading back to the car and driving home.

I didn't do much in the afternoon and when Ross got home I was too tired to cook so he picked up a salad from California Pizza Kitchen for us for dinner.

As usual, we watched some TV before heading to bed.

Bits and pieces in Chinatown

This morning I woke up around 8.30 and got ready to head out. Before I went, I caught up with Daisy to ask her to do a few things around the house. Then I drove over to Pavillion where I had some breakfast at The Coffee Bean. All the Christmas displays were up. After breakfast I picked up some batteries and some vitamins for Ross before heading back to the car.

I drove to Chinatown and parked in the Central Market. Julia had asked me to get a caricature done of our friend and netball captain Sam who is leaving KL in a couple of weeks to go to Abu Dhabi. I found the caricature guy and dropped off a photo of Sam and also an example of a caricature netball player for him to copy. He said he would drop it off tomorrow at my house.

From there I walked to Peter Ho and picked up a couple of presents before going to a new bead store. They were selling tiny Chinese crystals so I picked up a bunch and also bought a display for my earrings in the shape of a palm tree (sounds cheesy but it is actually pretty good). I then headed down Petaling Street to try and find a back for my friend Kate but without success. It was like Xmas had thrown up in a lot of the stores along the back streets as they were all selling tacky Xmas decorations and gifts.

On my way back to the car, I picked up some orchids and had some lunch at Central Market. I drove home and spent the afternoon doing some beading before Ross came home about 6. We made mushroom and onion pasta with the 2 leftover portobello mushrooms. We watched some more TV and then headed to bed about 9.30.

Back to reality

I met Sonja this morning to go walking. But first we dropped her kids off at school with all their projects. We decided to go walking around the lake that is near FRIM for a change. We did one lap around the lake which took us about an hour. It was a really nice walk with great scenery.

From there we drove back into KLCC and had breakfast at Dome. We did a couple more things in the mall and then headed home. I spent the rest of the day on the computer doing bits and pieces. I also caught up on the washing.

Ross came home about 8 and I had made portobello mushroom burgers for dinner. They were really yummy especially with the Turkish bread that I found in the freezer section of Cold Storage. We watched some TV before heading to bed.

Getting ready for the long weekend

This morning I slept in and then drove out to Ikano to do a couple of things. I went up to Strip to make a booking and had to wait a couple of hours for a slot. So I spent my time walking around the mall. I bought some underwear and socks for Ross at Debenhams and a pair of 3/4 denims for me at Espirit before stopping for some lunch at The Coffee Bean.

I walked across the road and stocked up on cat food and picked up some snack foods for the trip on the weekend. I dropped everything off in the car and then headed back up to Strip for a bit of maintenance.

I drove home and spent the afternoon not doing too much just waiting for Ross to get home. He was pretty late home from work so about 8 we drove over to KLCC and had dinner at the Thai restaurant. It was pretty good.

We drove home and pretty much went to bed.