Like Autumn Colours.

I originally wanted to add a bit of colour to the pre-existing masthead, maybe even do up a new one but i couldn't think of a new design. And as i was writing out my "Things To Do" list this morning, somehow i got distracted. What started off as 'i'm-only-just-browsing', ended up 4 hours later me actually changing it all.

So i did what everyone else does when wanting a blog face-lift and googled 'blogspot templates'. And after looking at dozens of sites and hundreds of templates, i finally chose this one. The colours remind me of Autumn. I like watching those beautiful golden auburn leaves dance in the wind just before they hit the ground.

Anyway, please bear with me, as this is still a work in progress and i'm still sorting out my links.

I also tweaked the coding because some areas were a bit wonky and misaligned. I honestly have no idea when it comes to javascript or html coding, so don't ask me any questions. It was pretty much a 'trial and error' kinda deal.

But i do have some issues still...

1. Just below the header are some rollovers: HOME, POST RSS, COMMENTS RSS, EDIT. How does one remove the tab 'EDIT'? It doesn't really link to anywhere since i'm guessing this template was originally made for Wordpress and when they translated it into blogger, there was some glitch somewhere.
   
   
2. How does one remove the READ MORE and that fat pencil at the end of each post? Because from what i see, each post is showing everything and there isn't anymore to read. I checked the HTML coding but i can't seem to find it.
   
   
3. And when it comes to links in the main body copy, how does one make links bold or permanently underlined? It's currently only set so when there is a link it's only underlined when rolled over.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Oh yea and if you spot anything else wrong or find something not quite kosher, please share your thoughts or forever hold your peace.

Gross with a capital G.

J and i managed to hunt down a second hand store in the neighboring city. And amongst the variety of furniture was one piece which i found interesting. Not because i wanted to buy it but i wondered. Who in their right mind would want to purchase a blemished, armless, left nipple-less mannequin?

Anyway that's not where this post is going...

So we were in search for a small fridge to replace the nasty, fly/fungus infested one that was in the apartment that we cleaned up last weekend.

It wasn't our apartment.

Here's some background: A certain somebody who shall be left unnamed had forgotten to inform the landlady that he moved out. In a disorganised fashion he also forgot to return the keys. So now, 6 months later, she's threatening to sue the father [who was the one who co-signed for the rent of the place] something like 4,000€ and has even hired lawyers! And all these months that have passed the rent has not been paid by the person who shall be not be named. Apparently she contacted the certain somebody but he conveniently forgot to reply back.

Why? We have no idea.

His forgetfulness and can't-be-fucked attitude means somebody's gotta pay. Literally.

Stupid dumb arse.


And since the apartment wasn't cleaned up properly and cleared out, we, the little faeries of good deeds and karma, took the initiative to do the dirty work. We brought with us all the cleaning stuff as it was obvious the place hadn't seen a mop and a sponge for awhile. Plus we figured the dad has helped us out so many times before, it was the least we could do to help with the situation.

There was no time to bitch and moan. Like Nike would say, Just Do It!


My job was to clean up the kitchen, throw away any food related items and scrub down the cupboards. I was all up there with my Karate Kid's "Wax On. Wax Off" movements. And while i was in the process of cleaning, i realised it must have been awhile since anyone even bothered to clean up on top. I found newspapers dated back to 2004 lining the top. And areas that weren't covered by the paper were covered in a thick oil substance.

Yea, it wasn't so pretty!


J's little brother helped paint the walls since they were pretty much stained yellow from old cigarette smoke. Not like we had much of a choice.

Aaaaand to top it all off, the certain somebody who shall be left unnamed couldn't even be fucked to even show up over the weekend to clean up his own filth and mess!

Disappointed. Yes. I am We are very disappointed and i think it's just damn right rude!

So yea, back to the nasty arse fridge. Let me paint a picture for you...

Imagine a fridge a little less than a metre in height. Now imagine it partially filled with various items like half used bottles, opened cans of whatnot, half a slab of butter, some kind of meat and other mysterious items. Now switch off the electricity for about 4 months and let the condensation inside collect.
.
.
.
Well let's just say the meat was no longer recognisable and those little specks of blackness which we thought was fungus were in fact flies that had found its' way INTO the fridge.

How? I have no idea.

The fridge was in such a bad shape and the smell was beyond disgusting, i had to stand in the other room while poor J had to clear it out. I cut out a garbage bag so J could put it over his head and to cover the top half of his body. Who knows what kind of spores and deadly toxins were brewing inside!


TOTALLY GROSS!

It took us about 10 hours to scrub, clean, paint and disinfect the whole place! And that's not including the 3 hours we spent the Wednesday before clearing out garbage bags full of crap.

And had we have had the same attitude as the person who shall be left unnamed and not give a shit, we reckon the cost of the clean up would be far more since the landlady would have had to hire professionals before leasing it out for rent again. So the dad would have had to bear all the costs on top of the lawyers bill - which has yet to arrive.

...

But lucky for us we managed to find a second hand fridge at a store for 60€ - which was a pretty good deal since a new one would have cost at least 300€.

Our original plan was to drive the 2 hour drive to Hannover to where the apartment is but J decided not to since next week we have to drive there anyway. We're getting someone to rip out the old carpet and replace it with tiles [as requested by the landlady who's willing to pay for half the cost].

So instead we're relaxing this weekend and spending quality time together. After all we just spent the last few weeks stressing over the move and setting up our own home.

And with the stress of J's new job, he definitely deserves a bit of a time-out.

The Past and His Future under one roof.

I can't decide whether i should be excited or throw a hissy fit that i'll be spending the day helping my current boyfriend help his ex move her furniture out. Ok so we're inheriting a bunch of her furniture, not because she has decided to live all minimal but because she plans to move to Ireland next week. She's fallen in "love" and she's taking his children with her.

I guess the only next best thing for her to do is to follow her heart. I can understand that.

The move has been in the pipeline for the past few months so i guess now the date is official. It's on April Fool's. Surely it's not a joke since she's already given us a number of items like her mixer, DVD player and random kitchen items. Items that are in perfect working condition but she has chosen not to take them with her.

Time is running out and she's apparently just throwing out a lot of her things including a fridge, washing machine and various items that J has financed years before. But we said we'd take some of her shelving, Little L's wardrobe and things. Apparently, we're also storing a few of the Ex's items in our cellar until she can come back to get them.

I could be childish and say i don't want anything of hers and proclaim she has cooties! After all, J and her have had a history why should i want something of hers under my own roof?

But i tell myself they're only material things and they have no attachment. Have a heart, Chrissie! Plus they're items that would ordinarily cost us money. Money that we're supposed to be saving. Savings that take longer than expected.

J has said, he's not taking anything that they had bought together or they had when they were living under the same roof. And i'm sure he heard my sigh of relief after he said that. I had this absurd thought that the particular item would have eyes and it had perhaps watched them have sex. And having it sit in our home, staring at me staring at it doesn't sit so well with me.

But oh joy.

I get to spend the day with my boyfriend's Ex at her apartment. I get to take her stuff and have Little L spend one last night at our place. Little L was supposed to stay over last night and i even baked her cookies. But J got a sms from her mother to say she wanted to stay at home yesterday because it was Little L's last night at her place with furniture. I couldn't help but feel sad for her.

There was talk that we'd get her key so that we can go in there and take any additional items. But i dunno, i'm a little hesitant on going back into their apartment after they move out. After all, i'm thinking we're not her bloody movers. But then J informs me yet again that it costs money to hire movers. Money that he would probably have to fork out and money he does not have to give. Then i think, well then doesn't she have any other friends? And again i tell myself, have a heart Chrissie it's only for a few more days.

I don't know why but why am i feeling a little confused and emotional about all of this? I better start getting ready...

Free Rice

Usually when i get links to websites or groups i usually i dismiss them unless i really can be bothered or the headline tickles my fancy. Upon clicking the groups' link i saw a simple image on the right hand side and i was intrigued. But i can't be arsed to rephrase what i read, so this is what it said;

It's a simple word game.

One right answer is 10 grains of rice for someone without food. If everyone answers just a few questions a day, it will add up.

Make it your home page.
Invite your friends.

Feed the hungry.
Improve your vocabulary.

Here's how it works:
They're not sitting on a pile of rice, waiting to decide how much to give... Nor are they manipulating poor farmers to donate rice. The ads at the bottom of the page fund the purchace of the rice, which is distributed through the United Nations World Food Program.

So if you're into words and their definitions, i say head to freerice[dot]com now! Perfect if you have a bit of time between chatting with a friend and checking your facebook account.

And you can even change the topic, difficulty level and have the choice between playing in English, German, Italian and Spanish. Best part is, the sponsors pay for your donated rice and you don't even have to get out of your comfy chair!

Go on, you know you want to.
It's like Pringles, once you pop you can't stop!

Victoria's Killer Fires continue to burn.

"A bushfire burns in the Bunyip State Forest near the township of Tonimbuk."
Picture: AAP/Andrew Brownbill

"Trees, looking like burnt matches, show the fury of the fire."

Picture: Mark Smith

Unbelievable images and video footage continue to float around the internet of the devastation. Some even give me goosebumps! The Herald Sun newspaper has a gallery called Victoria's Killer Fires on their website. And just flicking through some of the photos brings a tear to my eye. They even have a shot of my friend, Captain H and what's left of Roslyn.

"CFA volunteer Hayden looks at the remains
of 100-year-old Roslyn House, in Taggerty, which he rented."
Picture: Norm Oorloff

Not too long ago, i received an email from KatieBaby to say that their 100-year old farmhouse was swallowed up by the flames. Luckily nobody was there at the time. I guess in times of disaster one only hopes one doesn't know anyone directly involved. And kudos to Hayden for volunteering to help put out the fires.

My thoughts go out to those who have family and friends affected by the fires. But i cannot begin to imagine what the people of Victoria or Australia for that matter, are going through right now. Loved ones perished in the flames, homes burnt down to a crisp and memories down to pieces of ash. I'm sure the fear of their safety, loved ones, friends and well-being plagues the back of most minds.

I can only thank my Guardian Angels and those looking out for me that i've never been put in a Life-Death situation like that. BUT if i ever was *knocks on wood* and only had 10 minutes to pick 3 personal items to grab before running out of a burning house, i'm thinking they would be;

1.) My handbag which holds a USB memory stick of photographs and current saved working files. My camera, tobacco/filters/rolling paper, loose change, ATM card, Health Insurance card and Passport.
2.) My teddy bear, Timmey, that i got from my parents when i turned 2 years old.
3.) A fully charged mobile phone. Only because i don't own an Address book and my phone has all my numbers such as loved ones and family.

So without thinking for too long, what would YOU take?

...

"CFA volunteer David Tree helps a distressed koala in burnt-out forest at Mirboo North."
Picture Russell Vickery

Here's an amazing moment captured that i'm sure has touched many hearts around the world. Perhaps you've seen that image of a particular Koala being given water? Well i found the shot in the gallery and it's of CFA volunteer David Tree helping Sam the Koala in a burnt-out forest at Mirboo North. There's even a mini video of the moment Sam was found [here].

And you will be pleased to know that Sam is in good hands and will be released back into the Wild once she has recovered. So cute. I want a Koala too!

Donations can be made at the Australian Red Cross website or you can do so by clicking [here].

Feeling all Pretzel-like.

I've spent the last couple of days hunched behind my laptop all thanks to my bad posture and a tight schedule. My undisciplined ways has not only caused my shoulders to scream for attention but has now caused my lower back to ache.

When J and i moved to our new flat, we inherited my sister's 2-seater kitchen bench. Of which she got it from her ex in-laws, so that would make it 3rd hand then? Anyway that's not the point, there was no dire need for an office chair since i figured sitting on the candy cane striped bench would be sufficient when cruising online. But imagine sitting on a slightly cushioned wooden chair for 12 hours straight and doing work.

"Aua!"

Even sitting on 2 pillows doesn't help. I try to keep both feet planted on the ground but before i know it, i'm cross-legged and in a weird angle. Seriously, i can feel my arse flatten by the hour! So i am on a mission to hunt for a super comfortable office chair with excellent back support and of course one that won't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

...

But i could barely sleep last night. Unlike Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, The Princess & The Pea, i am no princess and i didn't need a pea to be hidden under my mattress to prove anything. Put simply, the main pain ranges from the bottom of my neck/shoulders down to my lower back. Unfortunately, it has been my ultimate bitch since way back in the days.

We went to the Pharmacy and they recommended ThermaCare Heat Wraps for neck, shoulders and wrists. They say one should only have it on for 8 hours. I should also bump up my Magnesium intake to at least 3 times and remember to take regular brisk walks outside to get the muscles moving. I've run out of tobacco so i guess that's one way of forcing me to get dressed and go outside.

Hmmmpf.


The heating wraps remind me of an over-sized sanitary pad but just the wings part. However there is no absorption strip, only strategically placed knobs. Yes knobs! Little nodules that seem to heat up when contacted with air. I left it on overnight and it seemed like the tension in the area reduced. Each box contains only 2 of these wing-like knob miracles and for 6€ a box, it can get quite expensive *does the calculations*.

But that was a few days ago and the pain has returned! I wish i had my very own masseuse available 24/7.

Not only has it traveled to my lower back but it's pinching every pressure point. I can feel my muscles knotting up even as i type. My back is transforming itself into one massive pretzel!

I moaned about my pains this morning and J insisted i try out the soothing bath sea salts he bought for me; Lavender for Relaxation and the other to relax muscles. I wonder if they're better than that Pee-coloured soak i had some time back? I guess there's only one way to find out...

... dot com

We're on a super tight budget and bills/expenses are closely examined, no thanks to Christmas! More reasons to straddle the Design horse and work my creative juices i say.

J and i have been toying around with a domain name since i intend to eventually jump on the freelance bandwagon. Yes. I am serious. So i googled where i can check the availability of domains and was directed to Net Names. With just at a click of a button you can check if it's registered.

*Click!* It's that simple!

But i think we have a name. Now we just have to let it sit for awhile and digest it all.

In the meantime we're going to look into more web hosting sites and do more research. I've been told by a happy customer that DreamHost dot com is reliable and efficient. Apparently the Customer Service is spot on and what is included in the package is quite extensive. Most importantly since i'm on this side of the world, i need a host company that deals with customers in English and actually know what they're talking about.

J managed to track down a site called HostSearch dot com, where the public can rate domain sites. Once you get to the homepage, just click on the Reviews tab. We typed in "DreamHost" and after reading the comments we came to the conclusion that the overall ratings were good however there are others that have even better ratings. [Continue here].

The hunt continues.

So, if any of my silent readers know of any respectable and [most importantly] legit company that registers and hosts names at an affordable price, please feel free to post a comment. Much appreciated!

*Puts thinking cap back on*

That Thing Germans call a "Handy".

Yesterday i was waiting for the tram and this random guy came up to me, i reckon he's in his 50's, and started to talk to me in German. He began by saying that he hasn't seen me before. [I think he must be that tram stop regular and perhaps a little on the crazy side. I don't know.] So then he went on to make small talk and i tried my best to answer him in German.

We understood each other, so that's good.

He continues to stare at me and is curious about where i am from. Then he goes on to ask whereabouts i live. I say nearby and tell him the suburb. Of course NOT revealing the street or location, in case he ends up being some crazy stalker or wants to chop me up into pieces.


Then he passes me this paper with curled corners. Written is his phone number and instructions when he can be reached. He goes by the name of 'Christoph'. I eventually introduce myself and wish harder for my tram to hurry up. Seriously, it was the longest 3 minutes ever!

I'm thinking he lives on his own since the area seems to be highly populated by pensioners and nearby is the Unemployment office. And he goes on to say, that any time i can call him. He seems friendly. But then again, so do rapists and murderers.

He bids me farewell and hops on the tram. Then waves good-bye to me as though we've known each other longer than the 5 minutes. It's only polite to wave back. So i return the gesture.

Thank god i didn't have to take the same line because that would have meant i'd be stuck talking to him. I wasn't in a very buddy-buddy mood.

And i'm sure it's not common practice in Germany or in most countries to be handing out numbers at the tram stop to random Asian girls. But i was courteous and wished him a good day.

...

I told J that story and then he got me all paranoid.

Then he busts out with, "Should you leave and i don't receive a call, what is the latest i should wait before i raise the alarm?" Then it got me thinking. OMG. What if there was an emergency and i was unable to find a pay phone or was in trouble?

It gets dark around 5pm now and the walk back to the flat is very quiet. It runs off the main road and although it's not that far before i get to the front door, it can be quite scary.

I've passed J my handphone to use, since calls from the hospital cost a handful. So the past week i've been calling him the second that i leave and the minute i return.

Believe it or not but J is one of the very few the only person that i know that doesn't own a handphone. For him, the idea of being contacted 24/7 and hounded by calls from work/pesky individuals/strangers are more of a nuisance than a convenience.

...

So after the hospital, i dropped by Saturn [a big electronic store] and checked out how much a cheap pre-paid handphone would cost. And considering J's handphone usage was about 25 Euro every 2 days, i figured there must be some cheaper alternative.

Apparently calls from one Vodafone to another Vodafone as well as to fixed lines costs only 29 cents the first minute and after the 2nd minute it's free!

oOOoo free is good.


So for 30 Euro i get a basic Nokia 2310 which has an inbuilt radio. [One never knows when one gets stranded and needs some tunes to keep company]. Plus it has 5 Euro credit... wooOoohoo *cracks open the party poppers!*

So what, it's not the latest in technology. It's not a touch-screen or have fancy little buttons arranged like a mini keyboard. And so what if the pixel quality is questionable and it can't check my facebook or read my spam email.

It's affordable. It does what it says it does. And it keeps communication channels open.

[That said, i still miss my Sony Ericsson. FYI I will be temporarily using J's SIM card/number until he checks out of hospital.]

UV NATION press conference in need of "dancers"

A guy called from EMI Entertainment asked if i was interested to dance for the UV NATION press conference which is on the 17 MAY 2007. Due to various reasons i declined the offer however i did say i'd pass the word around.

Requirements:
They are in need of 3-4 "shufflers" for the PRESS CONFERENCE ONLY at ONE UTAMA 2pm.

Which will mean YES YOU WILL HAVE TO DANCE in front of the media, so don't just turn up looking like a stunned mullet. And in return you will get a free ticket to UV NATION on June 9th..

So if you know someone who isn't camera shy and is willing to spare 2 hours on Thursday 17 MAY 2007 and can dance to the beat of the music.

Feel free to contact the following person ASAP:

EMI Entertainment
Meng
012.3465.333

Cheers!

HEARTFUL SPRING

I received an email from Miss YC and the following words were typed out. I figured i'd do my bit in helping out and here's a chance to spread the word. So please have a read...

What's the story?
I stumbled upon Yvonne Foong's website by chance. Being a drama queen who whines n complains gila babi when the world doesn't revolve around me puts me to shame after spending more time understanding her situation.

At the peak of her youth, Yvonne's diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (A rare inherited disorder resulted by genetic mutations which causes growth of tumors in the nervous system, commonly involving the cranial, spinal and auditory nerves (brain, spine and ears). With its broad clinical spectrum, NF2 patient may develop a wide range of distinct problems such as symptoms of nausea, balance problems, partial facial paralysis, changes of vision, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, fluid buildup in the brain and most importantly the loss of hearing.)

Yvonne suffered sudden health deteriorations that robbed her bodily capabilities, became deaf, and soon had difficulty balancing. To date, Yvonne has undergone 1 spine and 3 brain surgeries.

Despite having went through four surgeries, many tumours are growing in Yvonne's brain, spine, and along peripheral nerves. To monitor her health, Yvonne requires periodic MRIs, expensive doctor consultations, eye examinations, X-Rays, and many more.

Just recently, a cluster of tumours were newly discovered inhibiting her right optic nerve. Doctors in Malaysia tested her eyes and concluded that they could not do anything about it. Yvonne is set to see an Neuro-Ophthalmologist at UCLA in May. She is determined to save her eyesight, and nothing can stop her from believing.

Yvonne's one of the most courageous young women I've ever met, she deserves every single piece of respect that I have to offer. Instead of letting the incurable disease get in the way of her dreams, she took the world with all the strength that she has.

What's YC's deal?
I've sponsored four handmade dresses by Drama Mama under the label of Blackjettas Design for Yvonne's fundraising which will soon be up for auction on Ebay. During the month-long charity auction, a new dress will be up for bidding each week.

The charity auction will span from March 22 to April 22, 2007. All biddings will be conducted on Ebay, making worldwide participation possible. Winning bidders will have the option of paying by Paypal which has credit card facilities. Dresses may be shipped worldwide.

100% of the making from the auction will go to Yvonne's medical fund.

How can you help?
Please be and angel. Pimp us. Help spread the word. Feel free to use these banners (done by Yvonne herself) on your website, blog, e-mail or online bulletin boards!