WHITE CANVAS TOTE

Lotus Pond

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000+11:00

Lotus Pond

Aromatic Tea

Roasted Duck

The making of our little 'duck meat and rice paper folds'

Mushroom and Duck Meat Soup

Scallops and Vermicilli Noodles

Fried Rice with Pork and Egg

Lobster

Not quite sure what this seafood dish is called...it had asparagus and mushrooms

Fried fish

Fried Chicken

Shiitake Mushrooms, Broccoli and Bok Choy

Beef in Plum Sauce

Posy cousins photo

Dessert

Hello Pimpy Uncle

Family

What I wore: Summer Casual (I was quite disappointed about how wrinkly my silk shorts became after sitting)

Tania being one of those poles

Andriano Zumbo Patisserie

I stayed at home doing absolutely nothing on Christmas Day other than paint my nails green and watched the half-working Christmas lights at the front of my house and so my parents compensated for that by taking me out yesterday on Boxing Day, to dine out at a restaurant in 'The Star' (I'm so use to calling it Star City) called Lotus Pond. The food there had a similar taste to Iron Chef and wasn't too amazing, but I really liked how fancy the restaurant was. I had never been to a restaurant that required booking beforehand in my life.

Since we parked our car in the Darling Harbourside Parking Lot, we also shopped around for a bit. I really liked the atmosphere there but because it was sweating hot and stuffy, we didn't spend much time shopping before making our way to the restaurant. I met Shannen Tran and Larissa Tran in Temt and I was unlucky in finding a nice Bikini. :( I guess it's online shopping from now on and exercising too, I have gotten too chubby lately.

After we ate, we took a stroll about the newly renovated The Star or Star City, whichever name suits your liking, to familiarize ourselves with the clothing (G-Star, Calvin Klein and Chanel/Gucci) and food stores. My first time being at Adriano Zumbo and I didn't buy a single thing, not even a Macaroon, because I was so full after dinner. Mum said she'll drop by after work to buy me something frequently. Yay!

So that sums up how I spent Christmas and Boxing Day. I'm sure you guys probably spent them better than how my family did, I'm guessing fun House BBQs and sparking sticks? You see, the cleaning up is too much for us so we're rarely bothered, hehe. Hope you all had a wonder Christmas and received lots of presents!

Beginning, Christmas Holidays 2011-2012

2011-12-23T15:50:00.002+11:00

Hello there, chicken

why you're rather white and clean

Spongebob Squarepants Nutella cup

Baby-G watch

My favourite pen

Mum's Christmas present for me: Calvin Klein Jean shorts

'Envy' nail polish from Sportsgirl

745g of fat

I felt pretty smart :)

How are the holidays my dear friends? There was a chicken in my front yard, that was the critical point of my holidays so far. I can say that I am uber relaxed, relaxed to the point that I cannot even bring myself to look at my school folder. I left it somewhere to collect dust and I don't want to touch it one bit, uh uh! :( It's Christmas, everyone deserves a break and that includes Year 12 students too!

You see, I've been yearning for the Canon Powershot G12 for months because it is supposedly the best prosumer camera out that could do the job of a DSLR. But after fiddling with my sister's Sony HX9V, I really don't see a reason to buy the G12, it's quite overrated actually...just like the GHD which I should have not gotten a year ago. -.- The Sony HX9V is a splendid camera for those interested. The photos above have been taken with the HX9V.

I hope everyone are enjoying their Christmas holidays and make sure to stay safe!

40 hour shopping

2011-12-22T16:39:00.000+11:00

Sitting impatiently in the car as we drove to the mall

Muffin Man!

I like those little figurines too

Mimi's Christmas present from my mum from Build a Bear

At the Food Court eating fast food...

I bought a gorgeous pair of green, silky shorts from Bardot

Guess who was at Parramatta!

That's right, Reece Mastin

Corelli Sandals

The Bardot shorts

Amongst the thousand of heads at Parramatta Westfields was mine as I was shoved, pushed and swashed whilst trying to shop in the mall. I shopped with my mum, sister, aunties and cousins from 12:00 to 10:00pm so it wasn't surprising that I couldn't feel the souls of my feet at the end of the night. I bought cute sandals for summer and a pair of green, silky shorts from Bardot which I can't wait to wear next Monday when my family will be dining out.

It was such a shame that I couldn't even see the celebrity's face, yet he was so close to me. :( Thanks to my sister's 16x optical zoom, we managed to see his face through a photo...Even taking the photos were troublesome! My sister had to go up and down the escalators to be able to get a good angle of Reece Mastin's face.

HBD Grandpa!

2011-12-06T21:20:00.000+11:00

My wise Grandpa

Shell-patterned ceiling and garlic lights

Sister: Tania Tran

Fried rice dish

Tom Yum Soup

Lao Sausages

Fried Fish and Vegetables

Birthday Cake

I guess all birthdays are celebrated the same way in my family, and it does get a tad boring but it gives me an opportunity to try out many more restaurants! We went to Sitney Thai Restaurant, a restaurant which has just opened recently at Canley Vale. We ordered many more dishes than what the photos show, but since Tania and I helped ourselves with the food, we forgot the take photos of the rest.

I thought the interior design of the restaurant was very inviting and cosy. I especially liked the lantern lights and thought they well suited the red walls. Gotta love the red in every Thai restaurant, on the walls and in the food too! Red makes me hungry.

Grandpa's in his mid 70s now, but still very healthy. He still has a spring in his walk and drives his red Corolla elsewhere. I love the old man.

White Curtains

2011-10-23T15:59:00.002+11:00

I'm saying bye to these curtains forever because in a few days, people are coming to hang white, vertical drapes. My family have had them since the time we moved to the house we're currently living in. It has been 11 years since I last moved houses, and though it's hard to recall all of the memories I've had with my family in my little, weatherboard house, I know that they were all lovely past memories, full of laughter and love.

Hot weather and Yu-Gi-Oh!

2011-10-21T23:29:00.002+11:00

Hurlstone boys: Kenny Tieu, Simon Chau, Miss Vo, Thomson Trang, Alan Ly

Yu-Gi-Oh! cards

What our "healthy" school canteen sells

Left to right: Ashley Wu, Anh Le, Me

I cannot exaggerate enough how hot today was. My mum's car read 38 degrees and I thought that it was pretty extreme for Spring. The weather isn't helping the Year 12 workload at all too. I am constantly stressed about homework and notes and exams which are springing up in a couple of weeks.

My plan for lunchtime, was to look through some Senior Science books, but the library was closed for ex-Year 12 students to study for the HSC. So Ashley, Anh and I decided to keep ourselves entertained by watching the intense Yo-Gi-Oh battles between the boys. Yes, why are they still playing card games? I don't know. Yu-Gi-Oh was primary school stuff, stuff of 5 years ago!

But you know what, it's not surprising at all that the boys started playing Yu-Gi-Oh again. Although we're the oldest kids at school now, we're still running for trains, playing tips and what not. Kenny's deck was astonishing. He said he spent $100 plus on that deck and it shows, because he has red/black protective sleeves for all of his cards. He must have been spoilt. Enough words said. I'm only kidding, he's very hard-working now, that is, in the classroom.

The Prefects are back! I looked at photos on Facebook and it seemed like a really fun camp. Oh well, I had fun at school...right?

Aphids and Agriculture

2011-10-20T20:45:00.000+11:00

Diligent Hurlstone students


"Cute, little Aphid"

So all the Prefects (cool kids) are gone to camp and that's basically means that all my bestfriends are gone too. The weather is warming up and I don't know if I'm fancying that. Though I am in Year 12 along with my Hurlstone friends, it seems as though we're still interested in looking at flies flying in circles. Today in Agriculture, we looked at Aphids: sap sucking insects. "Aren't they cute?" Mr Schippers said. I'm just amazed at the photo above. It was taken through the lenses of a microscope.

"Magic Outside of Hogwarts"

2011-10-18T22:30:00.000+11:00

EOS Club

My birthday cake from my bestie, Julia!

Julia Tran and me

Christie Duong's butt slice

Eating out at Sands Restaurant

Beautiful wink Miss Tran!

Cute little tea cups

Crab and Vermicelli Noodles

Sweet crab meat

Salty prawns...

Sweet and Sour Oysters

Fish...

That's my mummy and our messy table!

Coconut Jelly Dessert

Beautiful Tania

Hey, it says 17, I wonder what for...

My Ferrero Rocher Ice-cream Cake

All the cards I was given


I'm guessing that I've been an ass (annoying) to some this year, hehe.

I love this card, it's lovely!

I've officially turned 17 today and can now "do magic outside of Hogwarts"(Quote Nathan)! Although no birthday I've ever had could beat my 16th birthday, today was quite a splendid day. The day started off with a 'BANG', I'm being punny here. Julia was sneakily handing out poppers to the train kids at Cabramatta Station and as I was trying to talk Vivian into making a friendship bracelet for me, my friends popped colourful streamers all over me and sang me happy birthday.

I received many cards, hugs and 'happy birthday' greetings as I got to school. Period 1-Extension English was a bore because I had to get on with my own work which was Exercise 6 on Series and Sequences, as I dropped Extension English. But as expected, Agriculture was fun. We sprayed herbicide all over our lettuces and were told that we'll be harvesting next Monday! "Lettuce for dinner!" Simon Banh said.

Julia made me an oh-so-moist chocolate cake which was scrumptious! You're a wonderful friend Julia and everything that you've done for me or given to me, I will cherish and never forget. I also started Senior Science today and for now, it seems rather interesting and easy. The rest of the school day was quite boring.

My godmother and godmother's mother (HAHA) came over to my house in the afternoon to celebrate my 17th birthday. We ate out at Sands Restaurant, located in Cabramatta Rugby League Club for the first time, and my first impression of the food there is a rather good one. As Miss Tran and her mother are vegetarians, we had "seafood" on our minds when ordering the food. The food was delicious! We were also given Coconut Jelly dessert which I didn't like very much.

For a change, my godmother bought ice-cream cake for me, instead of the usual, spongy cakes, and it was very nice.

That pretty much sums up my first day of being 17. Thank you to everyone who wrote me lovely cards or sang 'happy birthday' to me, you made my day amazing!

Little Girl's Makeup

2011-10-15T14:36:00.000+11:00

My makeup collection

I know I don't have much makeup at all and most of it is consists of lip balms, but I am hoping that one day soon, I'll be able to expand on this little collection of mine. The Lancome cosmetics were from my mum.

From left to right, top to bottom:

"Play" Perfume by Givenchy
Teint Miracle Foundation #1 by Lancome
Tinted Moisturiser by NIVEA
Parure Extreme #3 by Guerlain
Juicy Tube in "Tickled Pink" by Lancome
"Paris Hilton" Perfume by Paris Hilston
Carmex Lip Balm
Hypnose Mascara by Lancome
Body Shop Lip Balm
"Summer Fruits" EOS Lip Balm
"Fruity Shine Strawberry" by NIVEA
All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun by Missha
Japanese Apple scented Lip Balm bought from Missha

ABC Kids

2011-10-14T22:34:00.001+11:00

I really like Mr Pernickety, and Mr Scatterbrain!

Well actually, Mr Gee likes making jokes more than teaching..

I have chosen 'McBean' as my Varsity Jacket nickname. Tracey McBean, get it? The famous inventor with short orange hair, freckles and glasses. My other options were: TNT, TRACEthesmell, tracesofnuts. I cannot put to words how indecisive I was about that decision. It took me months to decide...Last night, I was still asking all my friends on MSN for their opinion. I'm happy with my final decision because I know I won't be embarrassed to wear my jacket out in a few years time, unlike TRACEthesmell.

I came home from school and wasted half an hour watching cartoon shows on ABC Kids. They've got like 4 channels now? Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, the cartoons were very amusing and cute. I watched Peppa Pig, Mr Men Show and Yo Gaba Gaba! That green, furry long-armed blob is so cute! For Show and Tell, he made a lobster, HAHA!

Too bad this photo blurred...he's so cute!

I know I'm turning 17 soon, but what can I say. I have a weak spot for cartoons and will always love them, even if they have turned weird and freaky like Yo Gaba Gaba. I remember the times when I used to watch Arthur, Yoko Jakamoto Toto, Koala Brothers, Angelina the Ballerina, Banana in Pajama...Yes, I did watch alot of T.V. Like many other Year 12 students at Hurlstone, I think I'm still a kid at heart. It's a shocking thought that we're even in Year 12!

Time to Exhale

2011-10-13T17:14:00.000+11:00


My dad went and bought all these books a while back for me...

The thought of coming back to school was a daunting one for me. The reality was that I completely flunked my Yearly Exams and I knew this because I wasn't really trying towards the end of the year and found myself falling to sleep as I crammed in my bed.

I luckily did not perform too badly as expected and ended Year 11 on a sound note, maintaining most of my ranks if not, only slipping a few. HOWEVER, my maths result was shocking, so so shocking. I cried myself to bed for two days thinking that I would not be accepted in 4u. But guess what? I'm in for it and am jumping for joy! (so are my lovely parents)

Danica Huynh, you honestly are a great friend to me, something that I often take for granted. You were there to counsel me when I had little faith left inside of me and could barely see the future. You are such a wonderful person and you clearly care about me because you looked for my name!

And thank you Margaret Tram, you comforted me and kept me in good spirits whilst I sulked, ranted and complained to you at school and at home on the phone. I love you so much! I am so happy for both of us, we must push ourselves to the limits in this final high school year. You and me Marge, I'll install an engine on our little boat.

I also hope I get Sproule as my Advanced English teacher, otherwise I would rather stay with Mrs Davis because I'm kind of scared and worried about the pressure I might get from being in Top class. I will not let myself side track this year like I did with Year 11. I've changed to Senior Science from Physics and Mathematics Extension 2 from English Extension, and I am very keen to start Year 12 now.

'Flamingo' Wallet

2011-10-09T16:27:00.000+11:00


It's rather spacious hey?

Mum bought me this Oroton wallet and I'm just loving its 'Flamingo' colour! It's sparkly, but the sparkles don't seem to show up in photos...It's rather big for a person like me too. I only have a few cards other than my school ID, train pass and library card, but my pink phone fits into it perfectly. I LOVE IT, THANKS MUM! I think I'll make this wallet my 'going out' wallet, it's too precious to be thrown into my school bag. School starts tomorrow, and tomorrow marks a significant turning point of my life, the beginning of the HSC battle. Bring it B.O.S, lets see how torturing you can be.

When Trans Meet City

2011-10-04T20:40:00.002+11:00

Lily got two Smurfs from a skill-tester

My sister and cousins, Cindy and Lily

Playing with 'Smile Detector' whilst walking to Capitol Square

We were flooded with all these coin eating machines

Tania and I clawed a Domo-Kun!

Hello cute little girl

Walked to Market City for food

Morning Glory Sale

Not quite sure if this is a woman or a chicken...

Miss Tran and her funky glasses

We found the shop's name to be quite amusing

Hadn't been to Galaxy World for years

Seems like someone has grown a little big for these cars

Token for Bumper Cars!

Tania's fast, red car

Dance, Dance, Revolution! That white shirt guy was pro and made us feel bad.

Giant Domo-Kun

This camera just needs good lens and it'll be superb

Mother's Crepe. Look at all the choices!


Our Caramel Strawberry Cheesecake Green Tea Crepe!

I went City today with my sister, Godmother and cousins and we watched Spy Kids 4D! It was a cute movie, but we should have watched 'The Smurfs' instead or 'Johnny English Reborn' which I still haven't watched! The weather was nice and sunny as we walked from place to place. After the movie, we went Capitol Square, then we went to Market City to look for food. Being girls, we were a little caught up with the Morning Glory Sale which wasn't too great because none of us ended up buying anything. Miss Tran bought Sushi, but the rest of us didn't feel like it, having eaten sushi at the Buffet yesterday. (We end up eating Hungry Jacks and McDonalds...boring!) We then went Galaxy World which I hadn't been to since Yr 8. I was so surprised at it's size, it's huge now! We played Bumper Cars, DDR and Angry Bird skill-testers...my cousins love skill-testers because they're quite 'skilled' at it.

I went to JB Hi Fi to look at the Canon G12 too and it's not as big as I thought it'll be. I'm still juggling between the Canon G12 and the soon to come Canon S100. Tania and I shared a Caramel Strawberry Cheesecake Green Tea Crepe. It was our first and I really had no idea what to choose! There was savoury or sweet, cold or hot, ice-cream or no-icecream and many more choices!

I had a great time today, but it's now time to get on with my mountain of school and tutor work.

Labour Night

2011-10-03T23:33:00.000+11:00

Star Buffet

A little of every Asian stir-fry there was available

We made Spiders!

Not really sure what these were called...but they were tasty!

Sushi Train queue was very long :|

You caught me pigging out

Toothless Dylan

Tania making a chocolate marshmallow stick

An assortment of cakes

My lovely family

Thanks to Labour Day, my parents were finally both home to go out for dinner together as a family. We went to 'Star Buffet' at Bankstown RSL Club with aunties, uncles, grandma and a few relatives from Melbourne. Everyone was enjoying themselves with plates of food, telling jokes and talking of moments in the past. Soon after, we realised we lost our little baby cousin and family friend. We found Dylan, the toothless one, in the female's toilet crying. He'll grow up manly, hopefully. Mimi, our girl cousin was just wandering around looking at legs...I'm assuming she didn't observe much, being 1m tall. We stayed there for 3 hours, shifting back and forth from savoury to dessert to chocolate marshmallow sticks to 'Spiders', and had quite a 'Labour Night'. Good bye for now, I'll be resting my head for a City outing tomorrow!