Life Chapter: Sydney Starter

JUST MOVED INTO CAMPSIE, NSW

I write this with a sense of tense internal pressure that has been building up, because things are not settling down.

I have been trying to hold back a whirlpool of emotions, just trying to ride the waves on the edge, but not get sucked into its endless depths. This is now my default state since leaving Malaysia in May this year.

It is coming to four months migration to Sydney, I thought adjustment wouldn't be so hard, I thought I was prepared since I've done it before in Melbourne, but the hardest part is actually a subconscious psychological issue - lonesomeness. 

Yes, we all have modern social media. However, I knew from the start of this techno-revolution, that it's a substandard way of connecting with your loved ones and cannot replace the soul-nourishing vibes of having their presence and company. 

Everyone says to be patient, "it (adapting to a new place) doesn't happen so fast, just take baby steps and you will get there, you will make new friends". 

It annoys me that they are right/justified and I have to pull out more patience where there is none. (If only throwing dramatised fits will get you somewhere, I would so achieve everything)

HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN TO GET HERE

I have waited over 7 years to get back to Australia, I stayed for 5 years in the same company just to fulfill the requirements of the Aussie immigration policies, initiated my migration application in Aug 2017, and finally got it in Jan 2019 thanks to NSW invitation letter. So it feels like I've invested so much already, but honestly, I was always aiming for Melbourne, not Sydney. So technically I'm still waiting.

I feel disappointed that the universe isn't making my path smoother, so I tell myself that perhaps there's a good reason that I was 'called' to Sydney, maybe some greater purpose I can't yet see. This leads me to have high self-expectations, to search for this purpose, and quickly open the door that might trigger all my dreams coming true. This is the internal stress/pressure I feel, why can't I see the Universe's point of me being here?

A PERIOD OF RESPITE IN MELBOURNE

Last month, I got myself into a situation where I asked to leave the rental room I was in, but the new unit was not yet vacated, so I became technically homeless for a month.

I decided to fly over to Melbourne for that long-awaited trip, reconnecting with Aunt LB and cousins. It was so satisfying to my soul, I really felt the difference of having people that can support you if disaster strikes, its a subconscious safety net operating across every decision I make.

I could totally see the purpose of this technically unplanned trip because I felt like a useful human being again, I bought a 1-way ticket and didn't know when I would fly back to Sydney, as there was no moving out date from the tenant then. 

There I was, waiting for my new apartment, living with Aunt Elbie in Ivana's pink room. The sense that I was a squatter was displaced by having family that I trust & the knowledge that I was back in my beloved city. 

HOW MELBOURNE HAS CHANGED FOR ME

It was wondrous to see the changes to Melbourne after 9 years! Walking around the CBD gave me tingles as new high-rises and shops overlayed familiar hangout spots from my Uni days. Everywhere I look, a mental screen pops up and plays flashbacks, stirring and bittersweet, faded in reminiscence but its emotional tones still ring clear to me.

I don't know why I've been chasing the dream of moving back to Melbourne CBD for nearly a decade. But finally being on Swanston street again, the deluge of memories, the ease of navigating, access to close friends and the presence of RMIT where both my degree studies and first job were. It was just confirmation that Melbourne's appeal has not reduced for me.

I was even blessed with a last-minute booking for an Airbnb right on Swanston & Collins, at Capitol Theatre. Kiani stayed with me, Jamie visited me; and for four blissful days, I lived my dream, my ideal life.

Then the unit in Campsie was finally ready, the fairytale clock struck twelve and I flew back to my new empty Chinatown pumpkin of a home, I'm referencing Cinderella because, like her, I worked hard for years just for a few nights of magic, which just as quickly ended.

I want to summarise that basically, I'm giving myself grief on top of the stress of this new move. My heart is torn between 2 places, stuck in Sydney because of my PR needs, yet completely emotionally attached to Melbourne and the friends & family there.

Self Emotional Processing & Recording Session Complete 

Roomate Hunt

I am so late for my rent.


Dear reader,
It has been a long time since you've heard from me. I have wanted to keep my silence for awhile, in hopes of diminishing the attention I give to my dramas and therefore seemingly reducing the intensity of each through ignorance.

It does not work.

As they say Life goes on, and sometimes, Shit happens.
The tragedy count for 2011 could rival that Christmas where the Grinch stole everything. I've lost 2 phones this year, my house keys, laptop, a luggage bag, had a stalker, complaint from work, news that my cousin has brain cancer...

That's only the list of major things.

Now, my housemate is moving out and someone close tries to sneak something behind my back. I am immensely furious because I feel betrayed and POOR. Which are two things you shouldn't have to experience  at the same time.

No more mister nice guy, this time I am putting down an iron clad room mate agreement so I never have to deal with shit like this. Guess it's true = Successful people make the right decisions, and you learn to make the right decisions through making the wrong ones. The point being, I'd better be a fucking successful person.

Clumff

My long pause meant that I was out living instead of stuck writing here. (listening to Live Your Life - T.I & Rihanna)
At least that's what I hope you're thinking.
Anyway, I was busy setting up my company. with 8 of us. With our powers combined. we are now CLUMFF.

I've always seen myself as a pan-asian type person, coming from Malaysia, being of a mixed heritage,i do identify with most of the Asian crowd here in Melbourne.

Since me and my partners party alot. We've made some connections and decided to do a membership card that gives you discounts and most of the popular asian businesses.

Clubbing Music Food and Fashion.

Check it out!

http://www.clumff.com.au

Four 1 Eight, The blog is dead

four hundred and eight posts.

This blog has had a good long run. It takes me on a roller coaster ride whenever I read through my whole blog. I laugh at my own stupid thoughts, I cringed at my childish words and I sometimes wonder if I had any sense at all.

There's always a beginning and an end.

I hate endings, endings to anything at all. But one thing I've learnt about the world, is that balance is a principle. There has to be an end to each begininng, otherwise the beginning has no meaning. Hard as that may be to accept. I claim this as my milestone of maturity.

Time to move forward.

I shall use Tumblr from now on

http://roycetan.tumblr.com/

Wrapper girls and Healing finger

short update. I'm moving!

I've been on a movie marathon - here's my ratings and recommendations :

As you can see, My favourite was Coraline, written by one of my fav authors : Neil Gaiman, known to you as the writer of Stardust.

I felt so inspired that I had to crate some art. So I pasted the chocolate wrapper from my movie snack and the kitchen towels together then drew the girls into the dress.

They look yummy don't they :)

And speaking of yummy ~ me and Suko had a wild night on Thursday.

You are under arrest for being too hot!

Le freak, Ces't Chic

Oh and this is the status of my finger :

Eew!

I know, THAT'S supposed to be healing.

Looks like a finger vagina.

Unemployed, Finger Cuts and Moonlight Movies

Warning for the squirmish, A while ago I mentioned that I sliced my finger really badly. I'm finally gonna post up a picture of it, so please do not scroll all the way if you don't wanna see it. It's not that bad though, cuz it was a clean cut from a kitchen knife, but the torrents of blood... Man I should have taken a pic of the 4 wads of kitchen towels that my blood soaked through.


Anyway, first let's talk about unemployment. I'm done with my Personal Shopping stint, which was pretty intensive while it lasted. I'm a much better shopper at Ikea now, knowing where the sections are and how to assemble large scale furniture.

This was an example of a day at Ikea, Thanks to Ryan who came along to help, otherwise I would have just slept over at Ikea just trying to get all the stuff needed.

Seriously, it was like raiding the Ikea warehouse 9 planks of these, 9 shelves, 9 long thingies, 10 doors, 10 whores and we fell to the floor. And it's not a trick of perspective, they're really taller than Ryan.

Personal Shopping is NOT easy.

On a more cheerful note, after the Xmas and the New Year's celebration, I prefer the more calm start of the new year. It's like breakfast time after being rudely awakened by the sonic boom of an alarm clock.

A bunch of us went to try the Moonlight cinema! A show under the stars, (=3)

Everyone's all cuddled up and lying on the grass

Ting    TingTong!

And that's how an inflatable screen gets blown into existence.

bzzrrr----Shinng!

We were watching Couples' Retreat, which ended up being a pretty good Rom-Com. Perhaps because I wasn't expecting much, but I'd give it a 7.5 / 10 as the show had a good sense of lead up jokes.

Finally!

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Sure you wanna see it??

 

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My bloody Finger!!

Hahah, I know it doesn't look that bad now, but my finger's not dirty you guys, its been STAINED from soaking in the blood. Till now, I still cannot feel the left side of my finger, and it's been 2-3 weeks. I guess all the nerves are permanently severed.


Oh NO! I shall never read Braille again T_T

FAIL

2010 Cycles Around the Sun

Astrologically, the Earth returns to its starting point on the track around the Sun.
Historically, 2010 years since Jesus started that whole A.D thing.
Chronologically, like a grain of sand in all the deserts of the world.
Psychologically, a reset button for us drones that run on strict calenders.
Pessimistically, 2 years before Armageddon?
Personally... a standstill.

I know it's rather ironic, I just repackaged my blog hoping that it would give me that kick in the back to get the motivation going. However, after finishing my studies and being faced with the daunting task of applying for a permanent residence and looking for a job and deciding what to do with my life.

It's just all... a bit much.

The currents are flowing, your boat rocks wildly, you're at the fork of the river. You need to make a decision right now. You can't see where they lead you, you're not even sure if you'll survive the turn. You know whichever branch you choose, there's no going back.
That river is my life. I just hope I'll get a sign soon.

I have narrowed it down to four options of four cities I dream of living in:
Deploy anchors (M)
Down the widest stream (S)
Return to mother ship (K)
Run into the sun (T)


Well, at least it feels like a full year is ahead, which gives me a little time to consider. The countdown already begins.

Sims and Interior Decoration

Like I said in my previous post, I am currently working as a Personal Shopper/ Interior Decorator. Mainly buying furniture and home essentials and what not. It is a pretty full on job :) but fun,

This was part of how I visualized the end product. It wasn't done to scale, but it does give me a pretty good idea of what I want it to look like.

This is the floor plan-

I started with the first room which is the Guest room.
My client wanted the customized Billy bookcase that costs around 2000++
I wanted to give it a Harvard library meets the philosopher kind of look. This will probably be the Billy Bookcase in black brown fixed with 9 Gruntal cabinet Lightings all from Ikea.
Next, you'd see the kitchen, which already has a built in countertop and a large cabinet for the fridge and microwave to sit in. A rather odd design with an unflattering light brown wood for the paneling.

These are my ideal look for him. A dark brown which makes it look a lot classier I think.
I'd love for him to have a chandelier or some kind of interesting lighting to spark interesting dinner conversations at the table. especially if you're entertaining guests. It'll be a good conversation piece. Swivel bar stools at the kitchen counter are genius! you'd want guests to feel entertained while you're preparing meals, at least by your cooking if not conversation, and they can always swivel around to speak to other guests as well.
For the bachelors and busy work people, this is a quick and fast way to grab a breakfast and run for the door.Sit at the kitchen counter.


Next comes the living room. The main feature of the home. My client has the view of the Melbourne Port, so instead of grass, think of the night lights of chic seafood restaurants reflected by yacht filled ocean waters coming through the balcony.


After doing the 3D model in The Sims, I figured that I should have done it to scale, as the model I made was way bigger than reality, or I didn't get the proportion right. It was still a good visual guide though. I think the black and white look goes well with the ocean. You'd want to go for cool colors or monotone so that you'd pick up the nice blue tinge view of the ocean outside.

Still shopping daily. Whoever said money can't buy happiness. Hasn't worked as a personal shopper.

fabrics and swatches

Note to amateur interior decorators everywhere. Take pictures of all permanent fixtures in the house. such as annoying air conditioning unit that takes up wall space. Make sure you take all measurements and write it onto a floor plan. It makes things alot easier

I was asking a furniture shop consultant on the decision of furniture color palettes.  turns out that Grey is pretty smart option if you think about it. Scuff marks and stains turn up really obviously on white furniture, but dust and fibres show on black, so with grey, you kinda maintain the illusion of cleanliness.

Leather is a really smart choice of material for the entertaining type. It keeps wine and food stains at bay as you can just wipe it off. cloth material is really comfy for the type that lounges at home. I have an issue with suede though as it has what the consultant described as Watermarks. The 'stain' that appears when you rub the fibers of the material a different way?
Luckily I found a new material called 'Tango' at king's furniture shop. Apparently they found a way to weave fibres in a crosshatch direction, which reduces the watermark effects on the material whilst still keeping the suede texture finish.


Tomorrow I'm heading to Ikea to buy some stuff. Remember how I made a 3D model in the Sims? Did you know you can also download IKEA furniture into the Sims3?
here's the link!
http://www.brothersoft.com/games/game-archives/addons/

you can get all types of Add-ons for the game like

How cool is that?

Interior Decoration 101

I am trained in the arts and creative practices. Specializing in advertising.
However, that leaves quite a broad spectrum of career paths for me, as anything can be done with creative skills. One such project that I have been asked to do is exactly that.

I am a Personal shopper/ Interior Decorator!

How amazing is that? I get paid to shop! hahaha. It sounds like the dream job, but it's not ALL fun and games, it does involve heavy administrative work and good organizational skills. I found that I am really good at organizing stuff for people, not so much for myself.


The Task:
So, my client has just bought a port view apartment unit with 3 rooms. Firstly, I'll explain that an interior designer actually designs the construction of the unit, a decorator simply picks and puts together furnishings and decor. I am working as the decorator, so I am not talking about space design and the actual construction of the unit.


I have to pick the color scheme, make orders to furniture shops, buy the bits and pieces that make it a home, get an electrician, find the discounts, wait for deliveries and manage all the bits and pieces in between.

It is actually a really fun job, as far as my first day went. I was briefed that I would be provided the use of a car, and a sub-credit card. But I'll have to run around and get things organized for my client. So he doesn't have to make all those annoying little decisions.


Solutions: Being the smart and creative person that I am, what would be the best way to visualize the space and decor for the client?

Create a 3-D model in the Sims using the floor plan of the apartment!! 
How smart am I"!?
If you think about it, you can totally test and change the design of the rooms with a click of the button.
Example :

After taking some pictures from the actual apartment, and some rough measurements. It's totally doable to just recreate it in The Sims. I even made a lil sim family to represent my client and his partner, along with matching personality and looks. haha, I wonder if any interior companies' ever did that.

Basically, today I've walked around with my client and locked in what he wants for his living room, understanding his taste and advising on basic color balancing elements as well as practical considerations.

From picking out the size, fabric, colour and placement of the couch. Making sure the colour would be easy to match, stain resistant, and brings out the color of the port view. It was actually quite difficult to decide on the handcrafted couch.

Even considerations for a matching coffee table, the dimensions and practicality. How would you add a statement to it, does it match with the client's personal taste. It really isn't easy. Now I totally get why personal shoppers and decorators get paid to do what sounds like fun. It just isn't as easy as we think.


I am still excited about the whole thing. I'll double check with my client if I can post any pictures of his home, but maybe just screenshots of my 3d Model will do :)

Till then, Royce is building knowledge on being an interior decorator!

Google Wave

Omg omg ! how exciting is this,
My wait for the new Social Networking platform that is said to take the world by storm is finally here.
Right now, it is in its fledgling state, so its true potential hasn't been realized yet.
I believe that its realtime function will prove to be greatly important to our future.

So I've asked for an invitation about a month ago, and it's finally here!
As you will notice, it still says Google Wave Preview, I think they've only just released it to the general public as beta testing. Then they will require the pioneers, like myself, to report bugs and inconsistencies.

In any case, I am very excited about it. G-Wave gives you 8 invitations to start off with. So any of you who wants an invitation, I have about 4 left. Let me know :)

Here's more on how Wave works.

Mom Advice

The first time my mom gives advice that I actually wanna remember

God did create us with brain and free choice. And it is utmost important to have ability to think wisely in Decision making. In fact I just read a book on How to Train your child to think.
It is a lot to do with our habits and attitude to be good decision makers.
The book gives us only 2 scenarios : When you want to think and When you do not want to...
When you want to for a specific decison like getting a right job. Then use the Thinking Caps. 1st, put on the Blue Cap which is on What is The Purpose and What is the 4 main Priorities. Better also to have the First Important Priority. 2nd , put on the Red Cap= What do I feel on this job? Emotions, 3rd, put on the Black cap= Caution, Is this Ok to go ahead?
4th, Put on the Green Cap= Any Benefits? Or any advantage on taking this job up to overcome the caution of Black cap.
5th, Put back Red cap= What do I feel now?
LAYCHI
12:46
If the decision is something you do Not want to make, then 1st, put on Red cap= Emotion, Do I have 3 emotions ie Fear, Greed and Laziness in this decision? 2nd Put on the Yellow Cap= Any Plus Point if I overcome the 3 Emotions. Weigh the Pros. Then 3rd, Put on Black Cap = Caution. Anything that is Cons or Minus on this decision. 4th, Back to Red Cap= Emotions, Do I still feel same or otherwise.

Wow suddenly my mom sounds so smart. It's not that I don't usually listen, just that over the internet, and in her emails, usually she says things that sound more like this:

11:11:59 PM LAYCHI: Not to worry about points too much. God has open the door for you to be in Australia and has seen you through financially till now. Trust in the Lord to be Jehovah Jireh Our Lord Provider. I trust that He will give you favor from Himself and from Immigration Dept and also your interviewers for a job where he will establish the works of your hands. Amen.

Sounds like God is just having my interest at heart and every one should just bend over backwards for me. Plus my mom also usually say stuff like :

11:12:41 PM Roycexegesis: My left eye is twitching
11:12:49 PM Roycexegesis: did anyone in our family die?

11:15:26 PM LAYCHI: No one died but today is Pui Yee's wedding. Ah Ma and Pa is now attending the wedding dinner in KL. Me and girl at home on net and studying.

Haha, I love how she is just never aware that she says the bitchiest things in the world without thinking.  I love her! It's a natural talent I tell you.

As my mom says "Call me Laychi the Sweet" (hand flourishes as if making a grand statement and hand goes on hips.)

Love my mom

400: Recipe + Dreams

This is a reverse chronological order of the Life of Royce, in 400 posts.
It's interesting how I've unintentionally documented my life here for all to see for so many years.
I remember when blogging first became a trend, I just thought it was something cool people did to show that you're tech-savvy.

Years later, I realize this is my history book. If I die, this would probably be revisited by those left behind.

Funny how we all say left behind. As if, we're all so sure that we're heading somewhere first, and then others will eventually follow.

Like I just read, "Reality is but a collective hunch". We all simply guessing at what 'Is' and what 'Will be'.
I hate it when I get into that philosophical impasse.


Today I made a super yummy meal by accident, So I am noting it down for future reference.


The Superb Salmon Soup :
Ingredients-

• half a fillet of salmon
• a handful of spinach
• sliced truss tomatoes
• 2 pork & mushroom balls
• one clove of shallot
• sliced swiss mushrooms
• pickled japanese ginger
• bits of turkey spam

Toss it all in a 13 or 15 inch pot and bring to boil
(I know it doesn't sound very appetizing, but HellO! I'm Royce. I know yummy when I taste it)

Flavouring-

• All Spice
• Soy Sauce
• Oyster Sauce
• Salt

Then stir and eat.

So simple. So tasty. Salivate.
Benefits : It heats up the body so prepare for a good sweat. It rids you of gas/wind because of the ginger; so not a very polite meal to have around guests. lol.


Operation dream

Last night I had another dream, I was on the operating table, looking at my open chest with the heart pumping in the middle. The surgeon was staring maniacally at my heart, as if shooting lasers with her crazy eyes.

I zoomed in on my heart, and saw that it was translucent. It's skin was the opaque layer of a jellyfish skin with bits of onyx in it. A tear in my heart appeared but did not bleed. Instead, my heart expanded and sprouted out of my chest.

The surgeon whose face was behind the surgical mask squinted hard, lifted her palms towards the operating table. Out of her hands shot many tiny silver pellets in slow motion. Like the 'Matrix', the little bullets headed for my sliced chest.

In panic, my outer self stretched out a hand in front of the pellets and held them in the air. With a very real pressure, I could feel myself push the air, pellets and kinetic force back towards the surgeon. The pellets move away and sped up towards the surgeons terrified eyes.

The silver pellet was reflected in the close up view of her eyes as her iris dilated in fear.
I woke up to the musty morning of Melbourne.

Wow my sketches remind me of Heroes- Isaac Mendez, the precognitive artist. I believe me and my sister have a little bit of that.

Or perhaps it's part of the whole Revelations chapter.

And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Never thought I'd quote scripture on my blog. But this is the way the bible probably started out as, before it was translated, reduced and reiterated into almost ridiculously accurate verses.
Verses that is still considered The Word of God by Christians today, as my Bible Knowledge teacher used to say " As Christians, for all debates on Christianity, we take the bible as the final word and the highest authority."

Therefore verses such as these remain our highest authority-
Deuteronomy 22:11

Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together

And Deuteronomy 22:12

Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear

Hurry! Go make cloaks of only pure wool or linen and make tassels on the four corners of the cloak! Thou shalt not commit anymore fashion sins anymore!


Haha, I really have issues with all these religious stuff.
That is why life should be simple and I should just sketch pretty women.

Melbourne Moving: Apartment for Rent

This is perfect for RMIT students, and whoever who wants to live in the city.
But you have to act fast as applications are pouring in.

Price $335.00 Per Week / 1452 per Month Location Melbourne Melbourne City Central Business District Bedrooms (#) 1 bedroom Dwelling Type Apartment Bathrooms (#) 1 bathroom Parking None

1 Bedroom apartment for rent - available for short term lease (6 months)
Serviced Apartments Nova Stargate Hotel
http://www.novastargate.com.au/
718/118 Franklin Street corner of Elizabeth Street.

• Fully Furnished
• Air Conditioned/Heater
• Toilet with Bathtub
• Daily cleaning service available
• Communal Laundry available
• Right Next to Victoria Market!
• One block away from RMIT University and 8mins walk to Melb Uni
• 2 minutes from tram stop. and 24 hour 7-Eleven
• 1 block from Melbourne Central
  
• opposite late night asian grocery store

1452 per calender month or 335 P/W
Available from 23rd November 2009, 6 months contract
Inspection starting from 6th November 2009 by appointment.

I am only moving out because of family matters and have enjoyed living close to RMIT and Vic market. A great option for students.

For inspection, please email me, Royce : rainaire@hotmail.com
include name,contact number, preferred date and time of inspection

For more information and PICTURES : this is the Gumtree ad I developed -

CLICK HERE