It's Me, Matty!

The 2013 Election in Australia continues...

2013-08-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

This says it all...

I have to join the band wagon here and exclaim in disgust at what I received in the mail yesterday, a flyer outlining the Liberal party's policies, with the final point (out of 5) being "Stop the boats". I mean the gaul of these people sending out a flyer to outline their policies with a an election a few weeks away.

Thank god for "A vote for Kevin will get you into Heaven" and the Labour party. At least with them they "just do it". That's right, don't ask us (Australia) or PNG on dumping those refugees into a Malaria infested country that can barely support itself, let alone the internal political turmoil that is going on. But how dare I receive a flyer in the mail!!

I don't support either of these parties, but the more alarming thing is the sheer ignorance that so many Australians have shown when their beloved Kevin Rudd has done something so vile and abhorrent, that I am sure has even shocked the right wing. Do we not have any respect anymore for ourselves let alone our neighbours?

Like many other Australians, my family migrated here for a better life after the atrocities of the 2nd world war, let alone the others that followed from subsequent wars in the following decades. Sure, my family had to pay their way and where not considered "refugees", but in a way, they were. They had lost their homes, their families and friends, seen things that I could never imagine, but most of all their faith in humanity was nearly gone. I guess it is the strength of these people to leave EVERYTHING that is familiar to them behind (food, culture, language etc), not knowing if they will or would ever see those remaining that they love, ever again.

I would like to think that I live in a country that is tolerant, accepting, welcoming and fair to those that come here, no matter how they get here. It is not up to you or I to decide on their legitimacy of "status" where being a refugee is concerned, that is why we have border control and immigration. What is up to us, is that we vote for people that will put something in place to process these people, all people, in a fair and timely fashion and in a safe, clean environment. Sure, there will be people trying to fraught the system, but they will be weeded out.

We have the power to change things, but must also remember that ignorance is NOT always bliss and at some point will come back ten fold to bite you on the ass. Vote smart and wise friends, not just for this issue, but for all the things that concern you and you think will make this a better place for all to live, now and in the future.

Deleted.

2013-05-31T18:18:00.004-07:00

I must have been born in the wrong era.

I don't understand how someone can just wipe their life clean of any memories that were shared with someone, someone you said you loved. People hurt, for sure, I feel this everyday at the moment, but to just remove any shred of wonderful times shared... why?

Have I been so awful that seeing me angers or pains you? Did I do something to you that makes you want to forget my very existence? What? I just wish people talked more and not ran away at the slightest hiccup or bit of fear. Not everyone will treat you bad, not everyone has a hidden agenda and some people will love you unconditionally.

One day you will wake up and see that this was real. That I would never hurt you and yes, I have flaws like everyone else, but you learn to love those flaws just as I would yours.

Loving yourself does not mean not allowing others to love you or be loved, it means thinking of number one but also remembering that a life shared with someone special can make things so much better, that there is someone by your side who will always have your back no matter what. That when you get to be old you can hopefully look back on a wonderful life, a wonderful life shared.

I hope that our paths will cross again one day. I have been so fortunate to have known such a lovely person who showed me a beautiful country full of wonderful memories, with beautiful friends and family. It just breaks my heart that things ended so abruptly and that I don't even get the chance to talk with you, to make sure you are ok, for you to know that I still care and will always care about you.

Maybe one of these days you will find me again, see me for who I truly am and who knows? But this is a path you need to walk and even though you don't see me, I will always be by your side...

In Love & Lost.

2013-05-17T02:23:00.003-07:00

I really wasn't expecting this, you know, the love thing. Well, not so soon after I had been dumped.

I had been in a relationship for nearly ten years, I mean who would think they would even want to look at another person let alone think about falling in love again. There I go again with that bloody word again, that word that everyone seems to get their knickers in a knot over, love. That's right, I said it. Love. Well I did and now I seem to be lost in the damn thing. I need to point out that I have NEVER been the "lovey dovey" type either. Really.

It all began via a picture. No really, it did. Mind you the picture was of a massive blister on my toe from a night out dancing, I think it was after new years eve. I'm not sure. Either way, the picture was NOT my best shot, kind of disgusting actually, but it attracted the attention of a lovely man. That's right, it all started over a blister on Instagram! How very modern romance of me.

The chats via the tiny box at the bottom of a picture quickly turned into chats via Face book and then into video chats. Before long, I found myself longing to get home from work and open my laptop to see if "he" was online. He always was. It was beautiful. As weird as that sounds, we always had something to chat over, pick a topic and we could discuss it. I would force myself to stay awake just so I could hear his voice. Then, I would do it all over again before work. Intense? Yeah, it was.

I found myself thinking about this man all day long. What was he doing now? Who was he hanging with? What is his country like? What is HE like? It never really entered my mind to jump on a plane and visit him. Well, it kind of did, but that would just be crazy, right?

I did it. Jumped on that plane.

I was so nervous as the plane touched down. So fucking nervous. But something inside me knew that this was the craziest and most ridiculous thing I had ever done, yet I never felt more right about what I was doing. Weird, huh?

A few weeks were spent laughing, eating, seeing, listening and walking all over one of the most beautiful cities I had ever been too. I had grown so fond of this man, so much so that I found myself falling madly in love. I guess I fell in love with him before I even got there, but being in front of his face most days for some three weeks, just confirmed what I had felt for some time now.

Before we knew it, the time had to come to part ways. I found myself crying beyond belief, my heart feeling like it had been ripped out of my chest and I am guessing that he was feeling the same way too. Now, having been back home for a few weeks, I find myself again longing for this man that I have grown so fond of.

I know that I am that guy that says "I love you" and "I miss you" and yes, it comes 100% from the deepest part of my heart. I know that some people find it hard to hear this based on their own personal experiences and ability to let someone "in". But you know what? As much as I try and change who I am, I can't and I don't want to. It is this very trait about myself, the fabric of who I am, that I see is lacking in so many people who walk this planet. I guess you do have to be mindful of what the other person is feeling and take that into account, but at the end of the day it comes down to a pretty simple thing, the fact that I LOVE YOU.

I promise I will not say it everyday, hell, I won't even say it every month, because yes you are right, you should be able to feel it. But when I do decide to say it again in the future, I hope that you receive it with an open heart. I never thought that I would find myself in this position again, but I have. One day I hope that I see your face again and you feel the same way as you did when I walked out of customs all those weeks ago.

I wake up everyday with the memory of the first thing you said to me when you saw me at the airport: "You are so fucking beautiful". No one has ever said this to me.

Thank you, you have changed my life for the better...

His Majesty, The King of Thailand, 85th Birthday Celebrations

2012-12-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

I would have to say that there could not be a more special day to be in Thailand, than today, December the 5th, better known as the Kings Birthday or Fathers Day.

For any of you that are not aware, The King is also known as the Father of Thailand and is the most revered person in Thailand. I have attached some pictures below for you to see the love and outpouring of this very kind and humble man. All pictures are not the property of myself and belong to the Royal household of Thailand. I am purely showing the rest of the world an amazing man and paying my humble respects to his majesty on this occasion.

Many happy returns to his Majesty and family! Long Live The King!

Mr.Clumsy.

2012-10-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am not sure where the term jaded originated from, yet when it's used I know exactly what is meant by it. As a matter of fact, it was only just recently that I heard this term used when describing sentiments towards dating. The same sentiments that seem to be echoed by many after a disastrous break up, more often than not when one party has cheated and/or there is no turning back.

I don't understand the jaded concept, which given my own personal situation of late, seems to be almost, well, weird. I guess I am an optimist where matters of the heart are concerned, that, or I am just plain stupid. I think I will go with the first option. Having been out of the singles scene for nearly 10 years has left me with little sensibility where matters of the heart are concerned. To be honest, pretty much nil sensibility. Kind of embarrassing actually.

So what does one do when they like someone? I mean if you like someone, doesn't that mean that you want to get to know them, and if the answer is yes, then doesn't that usually involve some sort of communication? Evidently you need to go slow, real slow. Well, slow if you have just ended a relationship recently, or so I have heard. Makes sense, sort of.

So here I am, 5 weeks later after being dumped and I find myself in this predicament. I am a communicator yet seem to not be listening to what is given to me, it's that damn heart of mine overriding every reasonable bit of common sense I so pride myself on having. Sitting at the dinner table with a friend this evening, I find myself constantly looking at my phone to see whether my mundane text has been answered yet. Mundane because I am looking for any excuse to send a text. Things like "How was your day?" or "I am not really crazy", what the hell am I writing!!?? Then there is the constant apologies for sending the bloody texts that really don't make for good or interesting conversation with someone new. Well, not in my books anyway. What has come over me?! It's like a Strawberry Shortcake doll has possessed my body and all I can do is watch on in disbelief as I slowly scratch and sniff my dignity away.

After being laughed at by my friend tonight as I sat there constantly looking at my phone, wishing I could just erase every idiotic thought that I felt was so needed to be put into a text format, I realised that this stupidity is what also makes me human, real. Sure, it must be annoying to receive them, even though annoyance is what I never wanted, but words like truthful, clumsy, silly, heartfelt and honest spring to mind. Actually in reality it's just me, plain old Matthew.

Can I redeem myself from this disastrous start to a new friendship? I hope so, but only time will tell. One thing is for sure, there will be no more texting until I am given the green light. Come to think of it, I might just lay off the texting altogether for a while, I know my fingers will truly appreciate the break. As will someone else's eyes.

Let's see what happens...

The exception to whose rule?

2012-10-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

I thought I had it all, I thought that I was the exception to the "rule". You know the rule, the one that forbids gay men from staying together for longer than a year and if you do, your relationship then needs to turn into an "open" one. Who made that rule, I am not entirely sure and I guess that I did break the rule in many ways, but maintaining it for eternity seemed a very real and likely possibility. That was until recently.

I grew up with very religious grandparents who had very strong ideas on what a relationship should entail. A man and a woman court (I LOVE that word, so ye olde), fall in love, get married, have children and stay together until the day they should both leave this world. A beautiful ideal and for their generation, a very real and attainable ideal. For my generation, my parents and everyone born after my generation, this kind of notion doesn't seem to exist too much anymore, or so I've heard.

Don't get me wrong, my Grandparents were quite liberal in all their religious views (Jewish and Catholic, Catholic dominated though) and my Oma even went so far as to speak of Gay marriage way back before it was fashionable to support it. However, when I came out to my family, the one thing they wanted for me the most was to have a long lasting relationship with ONE person. Easy peasy. Man, was I in for a shock when it came to relationships and what my expectations of a relationship were to be met with by those that were meant to mean the most to me, my partner(s).

I dated a slew of guys when I moved to Sydney that just wanted one thing, sex. I was the naive and innocent guy from the country town known as Adelaide, (over a million population mind you, one hell of a country town) the guy that evidently had no idea about the hustle and bustle of Sydney and all its harshness and reality on how life was to be lived. The guy as one person so kindly put it, had "outdated, archaic and ridiculous views on gay relationships". I was supposed to be grateful that someone just wanted to fuck me and that I shouldn't expect anything more. I tried it and sure, it was fun as sex usually is, but it wasn't what I wanted and more often than not, left me with a massive void.

Finally, I met someone who, although I did not fall for instantly, showed me so much love and kindness that it blew my mind. Almost as if it jolted me back to earth and awakened something that I had been suppressing for years, my long lost values. He was so caring and obviously yearning for the same thing I was, love. It wasn't long before we shacked up together, got a cat and plainly put, "set up shop" as a duo. Years passed and so did the many highs and lows, the good times and not so good times and then the one thing that I never thought would happen, happened. Death.

I was young when he passed, 29 years old to be precise. I was discussing his death with a new friend the other day, not as morbid as you may think, more remembering the way people treated his illness. Being gay and ill meant that he had HIV according to all his friends, some of mine and the usual pitying passerby. Actually, he had Leukaemia, but no one cared about what he really had, it was just assumed that we must have had an open relationship being gay and someone "slipped up". Couldn't have been further from the truth, we were in many ways the exception to that rule.

I never thought that I would ever meet another person as kind and generous as him, but as fate would have it, I did. A mutual friend introduced me to this new found handsome intellect and from the moment I met him, I was smitten. I was nervous though, I never prided myself on being "brainy" and knowing he was, made me so anxious on how he would receive me when he realised I was a crazy, emotional loon that loved hard. All my ridiculous insecurities were to put to rest and some 9.5 years later, I look back on the longest relationship I have had and can honestly say that I have had the best time of my life. I have been loved and have loved with all my heart.

There were lows, boy were there lows, none lower than what was to erupt a few weeks ago, but the highs were the greatest of highs and are something that I feel very fortunate to have shared and experienced. Relationships are complex things and more often than not, things that people would rather quit than work on, no matter what form they come in, sexual, friends, marriage, family, they all require great amounts of listening, loving and learning. I guess when I look back and read what I have written, it just reinforces to me that I am the exception to the rule, my rule, whatever that may be. I will continue to write my rules, learn from others rules and adapt them where necessary.

The future is bright. Very bright.

Sing.Sang.Sung?

2012-10-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

I met a lady recently who told me that she believes that everyone can sing, they just need to learn some breathing techniques, lots of practice and off you go. Hmmm. I mean sure, I step into my glass "recording studio" every morning and night and belt out classics from Stevie, Whitney and Aretha, and the acoustics are nothing short of amazing. I should add that my glass "recording studio" also goes by the name of "shower". Very powerful acoustics, especially if you have high water pressure.

So, with this new found information I am thinking that I just may have what it takes to fulfil my life long dream of being a back up singer, equipped with tambourine and finger clicking, arm extended dance moves. I mean, can it only take the above things, coupled with loads of practice? At a recent concert, Macy Gray told me that she saw me in the crowd swinging and swaying with all my rhythm, surely that must account for something in conjunction with vocal rhythm? Maybe not.

Being the music obsessed person that I am, I have decided to put that notion to the test and undertake lessons and really observe if this is in fact true. That's right people, I am about to undertake my first singing lesson in a LONG, LONG time and I am PETRIFIED. I am going to see a lady that is very well respected in the music business and I have made her promise me that should I be a complete and utter fuck up, we put it down to experience, get some food and drink my vocal sorrows away. Fair deal I think.

Stay tuned for some more musical ramblings... or not.

Life.

2012-10-19T17:28:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I sit outside staring at my Koi swimming in their pond and wonder how it must feel for them, swimming around all day long, usually in the same direction and not doing anything other than searching for food. Is it true that they have a 3 second memory, if so, why is that they seem to remember me every time my face leers over their home. Familiarity can be such a comforting feeling.

Life is funny like that, all of its complexities and unanswered questions, yet so beautiful on so many levels. It is those unanswered questions that also excite me, challenge me and of late, sometimes sadden me. I could never have imagined that my life would take so many turns this year, turns that have tested me in all my entirety. Health issues that although are not life threatening, have made me realise how important it is to take care of my “temple”, not just for the aesthetics (this used “model” has never had a healthy take on appearance) but for mental and physical clarity. And love, boy has love taken a turn in a new direction of late.

I am a lover, really, I am. I am not perfect in anyway what so ever, but I love with every vessel of my heart and to be told that you can not love anymore is well, for choice of a better phrase, heart breaking. Sure, I love my Family and friends, but it is the love of a partner that makes me wake up knowing how safe I feel to be in that persons presence, their arms and their heart. When it ends and not necessarily the way you wanted, it cuts. Deep. In some ways it feels like someone has ripped that organ out and is waving it just above your head, so close to your reach, yet so far and only time will slowly see it disappear into nothing more than a love lost. Lucky for us humans, this kind of broken heart does repair itself, in time, but the scar will always be there. Always.

Is it wrong to be passionate? I have always questioned this as so many people around me have criticised my passion, used it as a negative or portrayed it as one of my weaknesses. I know inside that it is my passion that will allow someone to come into my life again who wants it in all its complexity and it is this very passion that will see me succeed with my love of music, in all its varied formats. Why should anyone be limited to just one thing? Why can’t you try everything and do as much as humanly possible, especially if it makes you happy? I guess out of all the challenging moments, you realise who will be there and what you truly want out of life no matter how passionate you are.

Nearly four weeks ago I was scared, scared of where my life would take me and who would be there with me. Actually, do you want to know what scared me the most? Being alone when I was ill, who would care for me? Strange that out of everything, that is what scared me the most. Well, as mother nature would have it, she threw me a few extra curve balls and I get it now, all she was trying to say to me was “you can do it”.

I remember something that my Oma & Opa used to tell me as a child, “the day you stop learning is the day you stop living”. They passed away at 84 and 93 respectively and were still learning right up until the very end. Inspirational.

Life. I still have so much to learn.

The 18th Biennale of Sydney - An Art Exhibition For All

2012-08-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Every two years Sydney plays host to a free art exhibition aptly named The Biennale of Sydney. This year marks the 18th such exhibition that is spread across a few different places, namely Piers 2 and 3 at Walsh Bay, The MCA at Circular Quay and Cockatoo Island.

The settings are purely beautiful and ever so Sydney with Walsh Bay really epitomising what Sydney is all about. The MCA is more "now" and delivered yet again a beautiful, modern setting to view the Art and Cockatoo Island will be Part 2 of my artistic expedition through Sydney, scheduled for next week. Rather than write more, I will let some of the stunning images I captured today speak for themselves. Enjoy!

For more information on the 18th Biennale Of Sydney:

http://bos18.com

72 Hours in Singapore - July 2012

2012-07-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Singapore - 62 floors up and the view is still amazing

Ok, so there really is not much more left to say when it comes to my love of Singapore and the praise I have for my "other" home. I will say that although this trip was brief (and could not have come at a better time for me) I again managed to pack so much in. The highlights for me were definitely catching up with my new friend Marissa, being spoilt by her gorgeous Mum BB, with her phenomenal cooking (she made us a DELICIOUS red velvet cake filled with fresh cream and strawberries as seen below), seeing La Cage (The Bird Cage) @ The Esplanade Theatre, eating all of my favourite dishes, the new stunning Gardens By The Bay, trying my luck at the Casino in Marina Bay Sands and never forgetting the most important thing of all - SHOPPING!

Singapore has again welcomed me back with open arms, shown me the hospitality that I have always loved it for and even given me new friendships that I hope will continue for many, many years to come. I could never speak higher of this place and on that note, I will let the following pictures speak for themselves! Enjoy...

Maxwell Hawker Corner

Chicken Rice @ Maxwell

China Town

Only in Singapore - On the MRT

Mother & Daughter - The beautiful BB & Marissa

Dinner, Halal style

The AMAZING creation by BB - Red Velvet Cake filled with fresh cream & strawberries!

I just want to savour this moment forever

La Cage Aux Folles Live @ The Esplanade Theatre

Art Installation in the MRT Underpass

Thunder Tea Rice Set

Basil Chilli Chicken from Thunder Tea

Bling @ The MRT

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay & Marina Bay Sands

Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay Sands & Fireworks

Given all the beautiful pictures that I have posted from my brief but very busy three full days in Singapore, what better way to end this post than with a picture of an icon of Singapore, Mr.Durian.

Mr.Durian & me, a great name for a song me thinks!

8 The Play Live @ The Sydney Town Hall

2012-06-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

By now everyone would have or should have heard (and formed some sort of opinion) about the marriage equality movement that has been happening in Australia and the world for some time now. A major player in this movement has been a play about the highly sensitive Proposition 8 in California, which eliminates the rights of same sex couples to marry, passed down in November 2008. 8 The Play, debuted in Melbourne on June the 8th, followed by its only other performance on June the 9th at The Sydney Town Hall, all happening right before a decision is handed down in Australia on the rights of same sex couples to marry in the coming weeks.

I knew that I had to see this play and when the opportunity came for me to also lend my time as a volunteer at this monumental event, I jumped at the chance. I had also recently attended the marriage equality campaign in Martin Place, Sydney, put on by the AME (Australian Marriage Equality), Marie Claire and Sunrise, so it was important that I also attend and help with volunteering at this event. An important thing to note here is that the marriage act in Australia was CHANGED in 2004 following the "Federal Parliaments passage of a bill amending the marriage act of 1961 to rule out the legal recognition of marriages between same sex couples". This law was amended in the new millennium, not even ten years ago, in a time where people were far more educated about gay people and their rights and more than likely know, work with, or has someone in their family who is gay. Strange.

The cast of the Australian production was stellar, with actors like Magda Szubanski, Daniel MacPherson, Georgie Parker, Catherine McClements and Rachael Blake each giving brilliant performances, amongst others. On a few occasions, Magda got laughs and unanimous applause from the audience as her right wing character, Maggie Gallagher, delivered ridiculous lines that even she could not stop herself from having a little chuckle at. Gold.

Cate Faerhmann(Greens MP), Magda Szubanski & Alex Greenwich(AME) debate after the play

The show and debate that followed were great and have come at a time when marriage equality is high on many countries lists of things to "review, debate and decide on". Australia is on the cusp of being one of those countries that embraces equality for all, and if this play highlighted anything, it was that the argument against marriage equality really had no sound platform, rather, unfounded arguments mixed with vile and more often than not, highly offensive associations that have no basis whatsoever. Let's hope that in the coming weeks Australia does join the growing list of countries that recognise marriage equality, after all we promote equality in every other way in Australia, what makes this any different?

For more information on marriage equality:

http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/

For more information on 8, The Play:

http://www.8theplay.com/

96 Hours In Singapore...

2012-03-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Singapore

I love Singapore. It really is as simple as those three words. I have arrived into Singapore this time round feeling very under the weather and yet I still feel this overwhelming sense of love for this place. I am not sure if it has something to do with the fact that I have been in and out of this country since I was a little boy, or just the fact that this place too, feels like another home to me.

After arriving at our hotel, Swissotel, The Stamford, it was decided that some shopping was in order. I mean, this is Singapore after all, the famed shopping capital of the world, well more famed for the amount of people who constantly shop here all day long! I managed to drag my still sick butt out for some shopping, but no food at this stage la!

Thursday saw me at the Doctors first thing in the morning as my diet of Imodium tablets, water and bread was NOT curing this bug. Thirty minutes later and at a VERY affordable cost (take note Australian doctors, the whole excursion including drugs was cheaper than the consult fee alone in Australia, and I got my drugs at the doctors surgery too!) I am drugged up and ready to tackle Orchard Road and ION for some game on "shop offs". Firstly, I am going to put this out there, I love Thailand, but in all honesty, Singapore leaves Thailand for dead at the moment, especially where shopping and customer service are concerned. The staff are generally friendlier and definitely way more attentive (I remember seeing staff in Zen Department store in Bangkok asleep at the counter), there is more selection and very little difference in prices these days (plus there is ONE price for everyone, unlike in Thailand, which really needs to change).

The always bustling Orchard Road, Singapore

The first stop was Uniqlo, a Japanese brand that makes great, affordable basics along with the odd range of quirky t-shirts and the sometimes edgy capsule collection (plus they have a great ad campaign at the moment that uses a Eurasian family, very rare and very cool). After a stock up on a few things from Uniqlo, we headed over to H&M. Now, I can hear the sighs of disgust from some that think this brand just rips off high end designers, or even that the quality of their products can be quite "if-y". Well yes to both, and after some searching I found some good things (SUPER cheap) in pure cottons and a few bits of costume jewellery. With the never-ending streams of shops that were beginning to clutter my mind and my vision, one shone out from all the others - Y3. Y3 is the divine creation of Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto in collaboration with Adidas, where he fuses sportswear with fashion and the result, in my opinion is nothing short of amazing. Year after year, I can go back to this boutique and find a number of things that just stand out from all the rest. I did find one bag and this has made all the sickness just fade away from this trip, amazing what the power of shopping can do :)

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios was next on the list, something that I had been looking forward to for some time. Needless to say, like pretty much everything else on this trip, it was not going to go smoothly. I was yet again feeling slightly ill and when confronted with the Transformers ride, I chickened out as I was afraid I was going to puke over everyone. Not happy Jan! I stayed for a few hours and went on some of the easier rides which made up for it. The vibe there was nice, got to take some pictures with "celebrities", something every cheesy tourist should do and then I had a slushy, to give me that real "American" experience. Saturday saw some more shopping and a fashion parade that stopped Orchard Road (Fashion Steps Out) in its tracks, literally. Not forgetting to mention some well overdue eating, finally!

Fashion Steps Out on Orchard Rd, Singapore 2012

Singapore really is so much more than bright lights, shopping malls and ice-cream sandwich vendors, it is "home" to me. A place that encourages constant change and never settles for second best, somewhere where being "local" in not limited to your appearance or skin colour, but rather, whether or not you are proud to be Singaporean irregardless of those things that mean so much in many other countries. Singapore really is the most unique place on earth, anything but boring and if you scratch the surface you might just find out what I'm talking about.

For more information on Singapore:

www.yoursingapore.com

There is no place like home, Bangkok 2012.

2012-03-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ayutthaya

There is this very distinct smell in the air when you leave Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, its really hard to explain if you have never been here, but its almost like "burnt air", if that is even possible. So now I know I am home, well at my "other" home of sorts for just under two weeks and boy does it feel good.

After checking into the Renaissance Hotel, a modern yet kind of "way to busy with the decorations and ornaments" studio 54ish like Hotel (which I secretly love!), I decided to go for a quick walk around the area. I didn't get too far before I stumbled across the famed four faced Buddha. I felt that it was important to stop and pay homage to Buddha that covers every aspect, especially out of respect for my Grandmother and late partner, Pokky and to also bring good fortune to all those I care about. It really is a magnificent sight, and to the people that protect and clean this everyday, my heart goes out to you all.

The first morning in Bangkok and like any good traveller, I am dying to see what this lovely hotel has to offer in the form of a breakfast buffet. Boy does this place have a lot to offer in terms of food! The buffet was amazing to say the least and covered everything from Thai pancakes (topped with mango and coconut juice) to standard western styled breakfasts, Chinese dishes and all things sweet.

The amazing Thai breakfast samples on offer

So, it had been decided that today was going to be a "rest and relaxation day", sort of a "easing my way back in Bangkok" kind of day. Yeah right! First stop after the gym was Central World shopping mall, where Uniqlo (Japanese clothing store) called out to us to come and buy a few things. So we obliged, of course :) After much walking around and looking at the countless shops, lunch was very much needed.

We stumbled across a Thai eatery named "Yum Tum" that specialises in the Issan delicacy, Som Tum (a Thai salad heavy on the chili and papaya). The food was amazing (and ridiculously cheap), with lots of chili and the service was lovely, fast and efficient. After a delicious meal is had, a walk is usually needed and any walk in Thailand will inevitably involve shops, shopping or just window shopping.

Siam Paragon, one of Asia's largest shopping destinations, was next on my list. Rather than looking at the shops that were on offer, I decided to head to Siam Ocean World, Siam Paragons own aquarium located at the bottom of Siam Paragon. The Aquarium itself is beautiful and has an amazing display of pretty much every fish along with other creatures like reptiles and birds. As this was supposed to be a rest and relaxation day, I decided that MBK shopping mall would be my final destination for my first day in Bangkok, before heading home for that much desired (and now deserved) rest and relaxation.

Having been to the Grand Palace before, but quite some time ago, I decided that a visit to this stunning Royal and religious monument was well over due. Little did I realise (or shamefully forgotten!) that today was the most holy of days in Thailand, Makha Bucha, the day where all Thais pay respect for the teachings of Buddha. This meant that the Emerald Buddha would be closed to the public, so I decided to head to Wat Pho (the reclining Buddha) instead.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is a pretty amazing sight to see. It is enormous and you do wonder how it was created and by whom? Wat Pho is commonly known as the birthplace of Thai massage and yet I did not see one massage place anywhere. The surrounding smaller Wat's or temples, were equally as beautiful but it was when you see Wat Pho itself that you actually lose your breath a little. At the back of the reclining Buddha are 108 bronze bowls that are meant to represent the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. For 20 baht you can get a bowl of 1 baht coins and drop them continuously in each bowl with the hope that this will bring you good fortune. I quite enjoyed this little act of good luck.

After Wat Pho, we ate the most delicious Pad Thai I have had in ages and then boarded the "public boat", so named because most of the public seemed to be crammed onto this boat that chugged up the Chao Phraya River. An experience to say the least and I was totally happy when we landed back on ground and made our way back to the shopping mecca, Siam Paragon. While at Siam Paragon, we checked out more stores (so in love with Jaspal), had coffee at a super chic cafe named True and finished the day with some Som Tum (Papaya salad) and Kai Yang (grilled chicken).

My third full day in Thailand and I will head back to my original plan from yesterday, to visit the Grand Palace, famed for its majestic and beautiful Emerald Buddha. Well, guess what? The Emerald Buddha was closed again for a Royal ceremony that was taking place. All good though, I decided to continue on and once again explore this majestic Palace. Not much has changed since I was last here a few years ago, the major difference that I noticed was the over abundance of pushy Chinese and Russian tourists. Other than this, the palace was beautiful in all its glory and the pictures below will show you what I am talking about.

The Royal guards preparing for the Royal ceremony

The next couple of days saw lots of rest and relaxation except for a sojourn to a lovely open air restaurant named The Vertigo Moon Bar/Restaurant, atop the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok in all its open air glory, that's right an open air restaurant located on the 61st floor. The restaurant is beautiful, split into three levels, with our table being on the highest level of the three. The food was delicious and the service was lovely, the prices are not cheap but then again, you are 61 floors off the ground, overlooking beautiful Bangkok as the sun sets, so I don't think any price could be put on this. I definitely recommend everyone visiting this restaurant, even if just for a "treat".

The view @ Vertigo was amazing to say the least

The drop - I made sure I only had one drink

Sunset over Bangkok @ Vertigo

After a much needed trip to Chatuchak markets (JJ markets) for some shopping, and after a night out at The Blue Elephant Restaurant (simply the best Thai) and clubbing at Bed Supperclub, Ayutthaya was next on the list. Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand, the second after Sukhothai and is now a UNESCO world heritage listed site. The site is now sparsely littered with what historic remains there are, but in its heyday (1700) it was the largest city in the world with inhabitants exceeding 1 million. The beauty of this place along with many surrounding temples, exemplifies the beauty that existed and still exists today that only Thai's could create. One of the main highlights was seeing the oldest and largest Buddha in Thailand, Wat Phanan Choeng, which legend has it, the Buddha cried when the Burmese took Ayutthaya. Simply beautiful and majestic in every way.

After a drive on one of the golf carts through stunning Bang-Pa In Palace, It was time to make the journey across the river to the Temple to go and pay my respects to Pokky, where we dispersed his ashes. It is always a bittersweet thing coming here for this, it is such a beautiful place and brings back such wonderful memories, but also the loss of a loved one so young never leaves you and the emotional wounds that were once "healed" all of a sudden seem to re open. It was nice to feel his presence again.

Wat Phanan Choeng (The Crying Buddha)

The journey to see Pokky :)

Thailand has yet again, been simply amazing. I find myself constantly yearning for this place when I am at home In Australia for a number of reasons. The culture, the food and the people all make you feel so welcome, like you are at "home". Thailand is a place that in many ways is full of contradictions, not unlike most other Asian countries, but there is something more to this place than just the bright lights and shopping, it is the connection that Thai people have with their culture, their religion and of course their beloved King, that makes this country unlike any other.

For more information on Thailand:
http://www.amazing-thailand.com/

For more information on Chatuchak Markets:
http://chatuchak.org/

For more information on The Grand Palace:
http://grandpalacebangkok.com/

For more information on The Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant:
http://www.blueelephant.com/

For more information on Bed Supperclub, Bangkok:
http://www.bedsupperclub.com/bangkok/en/

The Sydney Mardi Gras 2012

2012-03-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I really don't think that there are enough words or even descriptive ones at that, that would begin to describe to enormity of this parade, let alone the cultural significance it plays both here in Australia and throughout the world.

This is my second time volunteering and boy did I pick a good year to volunteer again (and attend the after party). The headline name/act for this year was Ms. Kylie Minogue (the Queen of the gays) and the big names did not stop with her. Lady Miss Kier did a DJ and live music set (for which I did the video and still footage of), she was the reason that I attended the party this year, anyone remember Deee-Lite? That's right, she is the lead singer from that legendary group. RuPaul sashayed his was through Mardi Gras and Chicane, Sneaky Sound System and Sam Sparro all performed at the after party. Needless to say, it was a hoot!

Enough of my words now, I will let my pictures and videos do the talking below. Enjoy!

For more information on Mardi Gras visit:

http://www.mardigras.org.au/

The year that was for this little bunny...

2012-01-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

2011 was, and by the Chinese calendar still is, the year of the Rabbit. I am one of those little bunnies (24 years old in case anyone was wondering, no arguments or smirks please) and boy has this year been a pretty full on and amazing year on so many levels.

The year kicked off with a trip to Japan and Hong Kong, a trip that was made so much better by the fact that I was able to spend loads of quality time with my dear friends Shiori and Yuakri and Shiori's beautiful family. The week in Kyoto was spent wondering all over, eating delicious food between both Kyoto and Osaka and beautiful family dinners at Shiori's house full of reminiscing and a lot of laughter (plus the odd Chu hi or three!). Tokyo and Hong Kong followed and again, both cities offered us amazing cuisine, brilliant shopping and in Hong Kong's case, familiar family faces, which is always welcomed.

The beginning of 2011 also some horrific disasters in the form of the Queensland Floods which were catastrophic to say the least and the heart wrenching Tsunami and subsequent meltdown of the Fukushima Nuclear power plant outside of Tokyo. Many lives were lost, but no one could have imagined the devastating loss that Japan would face with over 15,000 lives lost, their worst loss of lives since World War II. The floods in Thailand later in the year, which left over 3 million people displaced was not only devastating but awful for me to watch on a more personal note, worrying about my family and friends there. As per usual, Thai people being their optimistic selves, let the world know that "they were ok, and not to worry". A truly amazing country full of optimism and strength.

2011 also saw an amazing amount of stars and events visit Australia and I was there for many of them. First off the ranks was volunteering at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, which is one of the most amazing things I have ever been involved in. Jersey Boys was first of the rank, Chelsea Handler followed (both at the taping of her show as well as her gig @ The State Theatre), The legendary Grace Jones @ The Enmore, Maroon 5 and Sara Bareilles, Kylie Minogue (such a fantastic show), Jennifer Coolidge, Hairspray The Musical, Margaret Cho (She used one of my pics of her too!), In The Mood, Jennifer Wong (one of the hottest new comedians), Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Taylor Dayne (my 80's & 90's dance goddess), Australia's Next Top Model finale (also the finale for host Sarah Murdoch), Kate Ceberano, Janet Jackson (12 years of waiting paid off, AH-MAZING!), Dolly Parton (I cried when she came on stage, nothing more needs to be said here), KD Lang (mind blowing and complete convert), Salt N Pepa, Kathy Griffin (again totally brilliant) and finally, the chic Sade, such a stylish and beautiful show to end the year with. As you can see, this year was full of some pretty sensational concerts and events for me and loved every one of them!

This year also saw the Royal wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, like his Mother Princess Diana's wedding, over a billion people around the globe watched this beautiful union take place. Later in the year saw her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip vista Australia (for the 16th time), a visit that many touted as being their last. It was just amazing to see the crowds turn out in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to welcome our head of state, something that I wish I had been able to join in on. The year also some amazing people leave this world and they are (in my opinion): Jane Russell (star of the 40's & 50's), Elizabeth Taylor (screen, fashion & pop culture legend), Loleatta Holloway (Disco Goddess), Amy Winehouse (so tragic and sad), Betty Ford (yes, that Betty Ford), Steve Jobs (Apple Chairman and C0-founder) and Heavy D (rapper).

On a more personal note, I started a new job "adding sparkle to peoples everyday lives" and for the last 6 months, have been loving every bit of the job. Three high school friends gave birth to their first born's (congratulations to Romina, Tracy and Kennelyn - three more little "bunnies") I purchased a new home, cleared a horrific amount of debt, finished my studies and learnt more about myself in 12 months than I have in the last 30 odd years. A lot of people have stated that they can not wait to see the end of 2011 whether it be for personal or professional reasons, but for me, coincidence or not, this year really has been my year, Rabbit or not :)

Bunny on Bunny action - Hong Kong 2011

Here's to a disaster free 2012 full of good health and fortune, amazing new challenges, lots of travel, more sensational music and live gigs, fashion to die for and being surrounded by my beloved partner, family and friends.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Here are a few shots from the fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hope you like them:

Merry Christmas from Sydney 2011...

2011-12-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of how we celebrate Christmas in Sydney. Merry Christmas everyone!

Hyde Park

Centre Point Tower & The Christmas Tree, Hyde Park

Hyde Park

St Mary's Cathedral with Choir

St Mary's Cathedral

The Christmas Night Markets

Christmas Tree in Martin Place

Martin Place

The Strand

Swarovski Lets It Sparkle @ The QVB

The QVB

Sydney Town Hall

Kathy Griffin Live @ The Sydney Opera House

2011-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

Kathy Griffin Live @ The Sydney Opera House

There is absolutely NOTHING D List about Kathy Griffin. In saying that though, I absolutely loved her show Kathy Griffin My Life On The D List and tonight I was indulged in seeing her live (again) which made me fall in love with her all over again.

Ms. Griffin strutted on to the stage at The Sydney Opera House wearing an "Australia" t-shirt and declared "take my pic, go on, I know you want to". No need to say that I was already clicking away before she had even finished that sentence, much to the disgust of the surrounding ushers evilly glaring at anyone they could see with a camera. In the words of Kathy Griffin "Suck it bitches!".

Ms. Kathy Griffin

There was talk of the Kardashians, loads of talk about them actually, as well as Oprah and how she tried to kill Hugh Jackman, allegedly. Remember the flying fox incident at the "Oprah" house last year? Nicole Kidman and her faces got a mention, as did her partner in "ranga" crime, Julia Gillard and her "partner". There were stories of Ms. Whitney Houston, both past and present (hilarious) and her love of Gwyneth Paltrow and "best friend" Jay Z. The story I loved the most (and I'm pretty sure the predominantly gay male crowd did too) was the story about her good friend Cher and the troubles they faced ordering a pizza late one night in Miami, Hilarious stuff!

Age has not changed Kathy Griffin in the slightest (51 and looking hot!), if anything it has made her even more attractive and I am sure her 33 year old lover will back this up. Her stories are even more hilarious than ever and her take on Hugh Jackman and his solo show amongst other things, had the whole audience in hysterics which was pretty typical of the entire show which lasted for nearly TWO hours! Pretty good for a lady who has made a living about being on the "D List". Ms. griffin, you are anything but "D List", a AAA+ more like it!

Ms. Kathy Griffin Live @ The Sydney Opera House

For more information of Kathy Griffin:

http://www.kathygriffin.net/

Kate Moss - an exhibition of...

2011-11-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Kate Moss in a ad for Calvin Klein

I have always had a "loving" fashion relationship with Ms.Moss. From the minute she burst onto the scene in the early 90's to 2011, she has kept her allure and never missed a year in being named "one of the most influential models of our time". Quite a feat.

As the article below discusses, "everyone has a favourite image" of Ms. Moss, no matter whether you like her or not. She is a fashion model in every sense and has been able to move through pretty much every fashion change and always emerge on top and "in vogue". Again, something that really only one other model has been able to do, Ms. Linda Evangelista.

She over came "height issues" to strut the catwalk with the Supermodel pack of the 90's, and has worked with every notable photographer and designer there is. My favourite image of Ms.Moss will always be that of the young Calvin Klein "model" of the early 90's, those images are some of the most iconic images to have ever been created. Like the McQueen exhibition being held in New York at the moment, I will not be able to attend this one and I hope that anyone who reads this gets to see it or at least let's someone know who can. Enjoy!

Check out the article @:

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/gathering-photos-of-kate-moss/?ref=fashion

Australia's Next Top Model Finale @ The Sydney Opera House

2011-10-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

If you have no idea what Australia's Next Top Model is, you need to stop reading right about now!

I am a fan, a MASSIVE fan of this ridiculous show and yet again, have somehow managed to score tickets to the hottest gig in town (other than the CHOGM meeting in Perth with the Queen of course), the finale of Australia's Next Top Model live @ The Sydney Opera House.

Just in case you forgot about last years finale, Sarah Murdoch was given the wrong name of the "first" winner, Kelsey Martinovich. Then after the confetti machines had gone off and Kelsey was half way down the runway in her victory lap, word came through Sarah's ear piece that it was Amanda Ware who had actually one. Awkward. And when I say awkward, I mean not only for Sarah, but all those production people out the back trying to find that centrelink card somewhere at the bottom of their bag cause Sarah has some serious connections when it comes to TV :) Needless to say, she fired everyone and started from scratch. Well, sort of.

The gorgeous Sarah Murdoch

So here we are, this time at the beautiful Sydney Opera House (last year was Luna Park) and all the usual suspects are here. Judges Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry are out in full force minus facial expressions (who am I to talk?!) Celebrities galore are here, Megan Gale (ridiculously beautiful in the flesh), Didier Cohen from the Celebrity Apprentice and pretty much every contestant from all the previous Australia's Next Top Model seasons. The highlight of my celebrity spotting was sitting a few rows in front of Megan Gale and then when the show finished, being completely starstruck and blurting out something like "we love you Megan" to which she responded "thank you sweetie". Cringe.

The stunning three finalists, which are made up of Simone Holtznagel (Hilarity in the extreme - a mini Charlotte), Liz Braithwaite (the next Megan Gale/Elle McPherson) and the cute as pie Montana Cox, are now parading in front of me. Man, I do not envy the judges one little bit with the decision making. Oh, hold on, it's up to Australia to decide. That to me is sort of ridiculous as this is a competition based on modelling potential and capability, not on popularity (insert slap of my face here!). Maybe I am taking it a little too serious, either way they all look absolutely beautiful and I am allowed a dramatic outburst!

The Three finalists, Montana, Liz & Simone

After a few parades of the final three and a group parade of all the contestants from this season (it always amazes me at how many of them are so unforgettable), Sarah (again, ridiculously stunning in the flesh) brought us to final three. Simone was eliminated first, a little farewell montage was shown and then she left the stage. Short, sharp and shiny. A performance from Short stack with their single Bang,Bang Sexy saw the final two on the stage again joined by 30 or so lace clad dancers.

Simone being farewelled by Sarah.

Then it all came down to this, the winner of Australia's Next Top Model, 2011. Again, we were shown the usual "look back" montage and then the winner was announced, Montana Cox. It was all pretty low key compared to last years gig at Luna Park. I am not sure that the venue was the best place to stage something like this and it just seemed to be missing something, that "spark". I am glad that I went but I am not sure that I would go again unless I get to have my picture taken with Megan Gale. That's what it all came down too, Megan and me!

Montana is congratulated by Liz

For more information on Australia's Next Top Model:

http://www.fox8.tv/shows/australias-next-top-model

Jennifer Wong in Battle Hymn of the Swan Luck Club @ The Factory Theatre

2011-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ms. Jennifer Wong in action...

It's always awkward going to see a friends performance, especially when you have never seen them "perform" before, no matter how amazing they may sing in the car to the Bangles (remember walk like an egyptian?) or how funny they are when they tell you a "knock, knock" joke.

I am very pleased to say that Ms.Jennifer Wong's first solo show, Battle Hymn of the Swan Luck Club was not only funny but also (as the Sydney Morning Herald described Jennifer's comedy) "smart wordplay with elegant cheek". This solo gig was part of the Sydney Fringe Festival and I can definitely see her being apart of this on a yearly basis and so much more.

The show centred around three books that affected Jennifer's life, Wild Swans, The Joy Luck Club & Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother. There was talk of religious uncertainty, she chose Catholicism as her weekly religious education gig because "Catholic sounded nice". There was also talk of racial prejudice and her fantasies of shopping for a home with one time real estate agent, Pauline Hanson.

I learnt that Asian Mothers dislodge fish bones stuck in their throats by eating rice or as Jennifer put it "Carbo overload". There was inclusions of depression and what depressed people hear versus what was actually said, like holding a shell to your ear to not hear the sounds of the ocean, rather "you suck, you suck, you suck". The Australia Post story by far was my favourite and this is where her wit and "smart wordplay" really were put to good use. Brilliant stuff!

This is her first solo performance and Jennifer Wong delivered a polished, witty and very funny account of how three books have impacted her life. She is a self described "quiet person" and there is no way that anyone who sees this lady of comedy, could ever keep quiet about this star on the rise.

For more info on Jennifer Wong check her out @:

http://jenniferwong.com.au/

https://twitter.com/#!/wojennifer

Margaret Cho in Cho Dependent:Live @ The Sydney Opera House

2011-09-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Margaret Cho. I first saw this lady in February 2008, and whilst her humour often borders on the taboo and down and out right dirty, she is in my opinion, one of the finest comediennes around today. These days she is well known for her role as Teri Lee on Drop Dead Diva, but my favourite role of hers, was that of Margaret Kim in All American Girl. The show only lasted one season, but I loved it and it was to be my foray into the one Ms. Margaret Cho (not literally in to her).

So, it's September 2011 and here I am watching Ms. Margaret Cho live @ The Sydney Opera House. She has just been introduced to the stage by her very funny opening act John Roberts (after ample googling I could not find, nor remember his last name. Then found it on Ms.Cho's FB page. Idiot that I am!) who had a real thing for wigs & the characters that were attached to them. Funny stuff.

There she is, right in front of me, a vision in conservative Gothic black dress, Ms. Margaret Cho. Much tinier than I remember her and with both tattooed arms on display, I was in fag heaven. She strutted the stage from side to side making it very clear that she had "arrived".

Things kicked off with an ode to Prime Minister Gillard's voice and stance on gay marriage. For a lady that just arrived here from America, she did a pretty good impersonation. The humour was "fast & foul" which is exactly what I was expecting, I am not sure that I could say that is what some around me were expecting. Margaret did a brilliant take on people who maybe had no idea who she was and if they thought they were "coming to see a nice Chinese girl", followed by the faces of interest through to shock, once they realised what she was all about. Hilarious!

There was talk of her recent stint on the US version of Dancing With The Stars and the unusual friendship that developed between her and Bristol Palin, daughter of Sarah Palin. This quickly turned sexual with Margaret explaining her desire to, in her words, "F#*K Sarah". Lord knows why you would want to, I mean sure she is attractive, but really?

Never being one to shy away from politics and all things gay, she spoke a lot of the right for gays to marry. She also spoke of her pubic hair issue and how she got dissed by a man after he took a trip down below and never called her back. She was pretty sure it was due to her uneven trimming skills of her anus hair. Needless to say, that was a slight, but "hilarious" over share.

The jokes were funny, foul and fresh. Ms.Cho is definitely not for the faint hearted and she has absolutely no shame, which to me, in this ultra conservative day and age, is very refreshing. She is open and honest and this comes through on top of the brilliant comic timing and her never ending phenomenal ability to deliver it all in a hilarious fashion. The biggest surprise of the night for me and many others, was the voice that came out of that delicate little mouth. This lady can sing and we were indulged in a few of her songs, my favourites were Eat S*#t And Die and the duet with John Roberts, My Puss.

Everyone needs to leave their conservative at home, even if its for one night only and see this truly amazing comedienne/actress/singer. I am now officially Cho Dependant.

For more information on Margaret Cho:

http://www.margaretcho.com/

Dear Oma...

2011-07-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Oma, December 3rd 2007, Sydney.

Dear Oma,

It has been two years now since you passed and not a day goes by that I don't think of you or wonder where you are. You always told me that if I was ever having trouble trying to articulate how I feel, that I should put it down on paper or in a letter. So, that is what I am doing.

It feels just like yesterday that I was walking with you throughout Europe, laughing with you at the funny people and sights that we saw. Or the time that I spent with you and Mum on Mother's Day at Brighton beach in Adelaide. But it's not, it's two years and much more that I did those things with you and not a single day passes that I don't miss you or even worse, that I find myself crying at the loss of you.

Oma @ The Tiergarten, Berlin in the early 1940's.

You always told me "that crying in public does no one any good, and it only shows others your weaknesses", I have been good with controlling that, but there are times that I know you can see me crying over you, I hope that you understand why. Sometimes I feel so lost that I scramble to the phone to dial your number, only to realise that it does not exist anymore and in a way, nor do you. Sure, your memories are in my head and my heart, your pictures and videos are all around me, but you, the physical you, is no longer here for me to speak to hold onto or get a hug when I really need it.

I know that you are happy now, happy to be with Opa and reunited with all those that have passed, but I can not imagine that for the rest of my life I will not see you again. I wonder what it was like when you saw your beloved Oma again for the first time. Or if you even did see her again, who knows? You have left a legacy of amazing accomplishments in your wake and I only hope that I will achieve as much as you did in your long and fulfilling lifetime.

Oma in Dresden, May 1939.

You have provided me with all the tools that I need in this life, honesty, integrity, responsibility and an undying commitment to those that we love and have loved. Every time that I am feeling sorry for myself I think of you and what you went through, especially with the bombing of your beautiful city, Dresden and the awful Holocaust, for which you lost many friends and family members. These things whilst extreme, always bring me back to reality and put my own "little" troubles into perspective. You also told me that "one should always put effort into their appearance as people will respond to you better and listen to you more, no matter how ridiculous this statement is, you will understand as you get older". My vanity is only rivalled by you Oma, and yes, we can both have a chuckle over this one.

For every moment that I spent with you when you were with me on earth, I am grateful "x" eternity. Do I miss you more than I could ever describe or convey? There just is no word, words or feelings that I could use to let you know how much I miss you. Where ever you are and whom ever you are with, I hope that you are smiling and remembering all the good times we shared in the 33 years we had together, cause I sure am. There was no greater gift than the one you allowed me to share with you as I held you in my arms, stroking your head as you took your final breaths and made your way out of this realm and onto somewhere else....

I miss you everyday.

The last pic of us all together, Mother's Day, 10th May 2009.

Chelsea Handler - Disgustingly Hilarious!

2011-05-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

A brilliant article on one of my favourite comediennes, Ms. Chelsea Handler.

Check out the article @:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/fashion/comedy-with-a-side-of-disgust.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=fashion