homeowner - yeuh!

Today marks the occasion where my brother and I have purchased a property in Hawthorn. I didnt attend the auction as I was in Sydney catching a flight back to Melbourne. Nevertheless, Vivi stood his ground and outbidded an AFL Hawthorn star.

A description of the property:

Enjoying views directly over the majestic trees of the Smart Street Reserve this attractive 2-level apartment is secured in a boutique contemporary complex. Offers entry hall, 2 double Bedrooms (BIR's and ensuite), generous Living/Meals area, granite Kitchen with Blanco stainless-steel appliances, stylish bathroom, powder room, European laundry, heating/cooling, 2 balconies, intercom, 2 basement car spaces and storage cage. Stroll to Church Street cafes and trams from this quality-finished apartment that represents an exceptional lifestyle opening or terrific investment.

Some photos of the apartment:


Living Room

Dining & Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Second Bedroom

Master Bedroom - Ensuite

Balcony

yeah... I know...

This has been sitting in my drafts for a very long time... In fact, I initially wrote this on 26 April 2008. I did face some technical faults but it seems to be all fixed now.

----- Original Delayed Post -----

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know, Iknow. I do realise that I should post something here. But, I cant be bothered. If you want an update call me or catch up with me in Melbourne (or on the rare occasions in Sydney when I up there for work) or when I am in Europe come August 2008 or when I hope to be in Perth sometime in November 2008

Here are my European trip details (loose dates, as I am arriving in Amsterdam on 20 August and depart from Frankfurt on 30 August):

• Amsterdam: 20 - 22
• Copenhagen: 22 - 25
• Lithuiana: 25 - 28
• Frankfurt (via Bonn or Vienna): 28-30 August

Looking forward to catching up with as many people as possible in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Lithuiana and Germany!

----- Original Delayed Post -----

In short, I did enjoy my trip. Even though the dates, above, changed (I travelled between 8 - 22 September 2008). It was awesome. Absolutely loved seeing and catching up with friends abroad - many thanks to them for the great time being together. For a photographic review, follow the links below for my photos:

Amsterdam: http://www.flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157607444117712/
Copenhagen: http://www.flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157607447856251/
Vilnius: http://www.flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157607445760018/

you waited long enough!

My very last, true, update ended up on Sunday, 9 September. It has been three months since that update. That post on Nov 1 was a gap filler. A teaser, if you could call it that.

So, these long awaited updates... Hey boys, hey girls, superstar DJs, here we go!

September

• 11 Sept - Australia vs. Argentina @ MCG. Great match. Messi was sublime. Socceroos really gave it to the Argentinians. 1-0 loss to the Socceroos. Went with James, James, Tim, Alvin, Ash, Nick and Bri. Also saw Doogs and Simon. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157602014725792/
• 12 Sept - Breakkie with Marina. I haven't caught up with Marina for a long time, so an 8am breakfast on Degraves Street was in order. I only had a coffee due to having a few beers the previous night.
• Various group assignments. All is good. Fair results.
• Plenty of Indoor Soccer action with the Zebra Tonsil's and Ari's Agents.
• Melbourne Victory. Have only missed on match. We need to score goals. Ernie Merrick, I plead you, give young Kaz Patafta a run!
• 21 - 23 Sept - Rosebud 2007. Three days, two nights. 16 people. Truck loads of booze. Fly food. Projector, Surround Sound, Wii, Board Games (Twister), Drinking Games, Wineries, Beach, Sun and the Sea that belongs to the Mornington Peninsula. Too much fun. Spent too much money. Great accommodation. You can read my summary and view some photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157602121373492/ We even had an Indoor Soccer match after Rosebud!
• 28 Sept - The very first Breakfast in the City Series! The last Friday of each month, Breakfast in the City happens between mates who enjoys a decent breakfast, some bantering and perving on suits. The Mess Hall was the venue for September with Mel, Simon and myself. Yum, yum.
• 28 Sept - Makka's Japanese Birthday. I have always enjoyed going to Ippei's restaurant: Dontac Japanese Restaurant. Great food, plenty of free flowing booze and good company. Plus, hearing to some fun speeches. To continue with the Japanese theme, had drinks at the Robot Sushi Bar - I love their cold milky sake - and to go long into the night. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157602211903043/
• 29 Sept - AFL Grand Final. The Cats smashed Port Power to oblivion. Shu, thanks for hosting the viewing at your place. At half-time, Simon and I left to finalise Doogs' birthday gift.
• 29 Sept - The following night, Doogs' hosted his Birthday Drinks at Curve Bar (upon my recommendation. One too many Long Island Ice Teas, at the expense of Doogs, really got the night going on. Great to catch up with quite a few old faces. Dragged the celebrations to Transit Lounge for more drinks and conversation. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157602211925201/ for my summary and photos.

October

• The usual things... Indoor Soccer, Group Assignments and Presentations, Weekly Coffee Club, Studying with Makka, Melbourne Victory matches...
• 5 Oct - Work Drinks & Yi's Birthday Drinks @ the Long Room. After a long hard day slaving at work Sharon, Nevi, Stephen, Salih and I went to the Long Room to wind down with a few drinks. At the same venue, Yi was hosting her birthday drinks - how convenient! I don't have any photos with me, but it was a grand night. Chatting and catching up with people. Meeting new people. A really great night.
• 11 Oct - Catch up dinner with Doogs, Courtney, Oliver, Bri and myself at Nyala African Restaurant. In a bid to ensure that our "4-6 Weekly Catch Up" was happening, Africa food was the calling. Fantastic banquet, to which we struggled to finish. Interesting food, and a place I wouldn't mind going back in trying some more and something different.
• 12 Oct - Drinks with Simon at the Deanery, Alley Bar and Charles Dickens (to watch the Melbourne Victory match)
• 14 Oct - Hindal - JDRF Walk @ Albert Park Lake. A very enjoyable event for a worthy cause; to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research. Walk around the Albert Park Lake, had some good food and met some new and wonderful people.
• 13 - 26 Oct - Study, study, study. Exams!
• 26 Oct - End of exams and some drinks to celebrate with the boys.

November

• The usual things... Melbourne Victory matches and Indoor Soccer.
• I love Simon's effort with Mo for Movember!
• 2 Nov - Breakfast in the City Series. For the month of October, European (name of the restaurant) was the place to be. The Big Breakfast was good, but not that good, and expensive. This time, Simon and I was joined by Warrick, Nick, and Bri.
• 6 Nov - Melbourne Cup @ Mathur Lodge. The Maharajah, of Mathur Lodge, invited us to a day full of entertainment. Got smashed, had a good time. For my summary and photos see: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157603099952168/
• 8 Nov - Oaks Day. So much fun and got burnt (financially and on my face). Simon, WeyMin and I headed off to the Flemington Racecourse to soak up the day full of lovely ladies and of course the horses. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157603100071728/
• 10 Nov - Chena's Farewell v2.0. To farewell the man, for a month, before he departed for Italy, the boys went out to watch the Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC match. Then had drinks at Alley Bar and more drinks at Madame Brussels. A very good night, despite Melbourne not getting the three points needed from the match. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157603104585179/
• 17 - 19 Nov - Sydney! Went to Sydney using the tickets that I won the previous year from HP. Had an awesome catch up and breakfast with Terri at Kazbah - GREAT food. Dinner at Chintia Ria's with Bri. Caught up with Bretto, Laura, Caesar, Ralph, Westy, Kyle, Di, Will, Jessie, James, Maike and Goranka at the Sydney City RSL. Had a wonderful day at Bondi Beach with Daz to see the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit and I always enjoy my time at the Bondi Hotel. Caught up with Dan Mayoh at the Three Wise Monkeys. Late dinner at Blackbird (I am a fan of Paul Mathis) with Bri. Breakfast at Portobello Cafe and then the whole day at Sydney's Toranga Zoo! See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157603306916097/
• 21 Nov - Philips Fox Young Professionals Event. Chris invited a few of us to the Young Professionals events that Philips Fox hosts throughout the year. Good food, plenty of drinks, and some mingling around to meet new people. Thanks Chris, I had a good time!
• 22 Nov - Shu's 21st. Ah... Where to begin? Plenty of booze, some pizzas, meeting some new wonderful and strange people. Great party - I had fun. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157603302672492/
• 23 Nov - RMIT Visual Arts Graduate Exhibition was good to finally see Tamara's work being displayed and to appreciate and understand the effort needed and sustained throughout the year. Some interesting pieces, some colours, some weird, some great, some just out there, some that suits me. Congratulations Tamara!
• 24 Nov - (1) Voted in the Federal Elections. Well done Labor. (2) Went to the Corporate Games Soccer Matches to support Simon and VAGO. Got ridiculously burnt in the sun. (3) Doogs and I raced to see Fernanda and Tom at St Kilda Beach for their farewell. Despite being late, we managed to catch them and have a quick conversation. (4) Melbourne Victory Match. (5) Lucy's Election BBQ. Lucy hosts great parties, I want to see more! Yummy food, and free flowing drinks. One very long day.
• 30 Nov - (1) Breakfast in the City @ Ludo. OMG, the mushrooms are simply the best. Was joined by Simon, Bri, Mel, Oen, Ash and Doogs. (2) Drinks at Little Peninsula with Lucy, Ash, Doogs and Camille. (3) Movies, went to see Lions for Lambs.
• 30 Nov - I am done with uni! That is, I passed my subjects and did much better than I expected!!! But, I haven't put in my application to graduation. Ops!

December

• 1 Dec - Christmas Shopping. Bri bought some stuff, I got Mum (from Vivi and I) Scan Pan Titanium Four Piece Set.
• 2 Dec - Hindal End of Year Function @ Sandringham Yacht Club. A fun and very family oriented event with face painters, jumping castle, Santa and gifts, and backyard cricket. Great food, it was soooooooooooooo good and an unlimited tab. Pity I had to drive and was unable to make use of it. Great conversations with Luly and Nick, Christoph and Lara, Peter and Romy, Neil and Linh, Sharon, Nevi and everyone else from work.

That's the summary of the past few months... The month of December is pretty much packed to the rim. Especially that Vivi is back in town for Christmas and New Years.

Hope that you enjoyed the update and lets hope *fingers crossed* that I don't take too long to provide an update of whats going on with me.

PS: I'll be updating this post from time to time, adding in links, fixing things here and there... Just looking at this effort doesn't really satisfy me...

PPS: My sincerest apology to those leaving me messages in my Facebook inbox and my email inbox. I have countless unanswered emails, numerous pop-up reminders in outlook and several emails that I have marked to respond. So, I'm instituting a no-reply policy (unless you're hot), for now, because I'm sick of feeling guilty about it. In advance, and for those who are waiting, I thank you for your email.

its about time

It's about time that I got off my sorry ass to post something on these neglected pages. Alas, it will just have to wait. Like any story, there is the central character who believes in something. This character happens to be me, who is too lazy to flip out his diary to provide his usual "one liner updates". I haven't backed myself as a winning horse to share such stories, like a year ago or so, but it's a work in progress. Perhaps, it is still healthy to have the thoughts of "I should do it, but..." and that's all I have.

Anyhow, in short, there are two things:

1. its about time I've updated these pages - tick.
2. its about time I've completed my studies (pending on results) - tick.

That's all I have to say... For now.

Oh! My sincerest apology to those leaving me messages in my Facebook inbox and my email inbox. I have countless unanswered emails, numerous pop-up reminders in outlook and several emails that I have marked to respond. So, I'm instituting a no-reply policy (unless you're hot), for now, because I'm sick of feeling guilty about it. In advance, and for those who are waiting, I thank you for your email.

And this I have to share... In breaking news: A380 sex seekers brought back to earth.

i am a...

Published artist. No, that's going a bit too far. A published photographer. =)

And I find this highly amusing. Let me tell you a story...

I received the following email from the managing editor of Schmap Guides:

"Hi Huy, I am writing to let you know that one of your photos has been short-listed for inclusion in the third edition of our Schmap Perth Guide, to be published early September 2007..."

The email also details the terms and conditions and other fine print. In the end, I do not get paid - so I am still a poor man. I thought, "yeah why not". Clicked on the link to submit my photo.

So a couple of weeks later, I received the following email:

"Schmap Perth Third Edition: Photo Inclusion
Hi Huy, I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released third edition of our Schmap Perth Guide:
Perth Glory Soccer Club
www.schmap.com/perth/events_sporting/p=157250/i=157250.jpg"

That's pretty neat. Here are my thoughts on this:

• In the first email it has "Photos are published at a maximum width of 150 pixels, are clearly attributed, and link to high-resolution originals at Flickr." All photos that I upload on Flickr has been reduced in size, pixels and quality. hahaha
• I never took that photo in Perth. In fact, I haven't been to Perth since December 2000. The photo was taken at Olympic Park in Melbourne.

Some of the information on the above link is highly incorrect. Let me detail them:

• Perry Lakes Stadium no longer exists, it was demolished in 2006. Perth Glory (wiki) never played at this stadium (they have only played Subiaco Oval and Members Equity Stadium (formerly known as Perth Oval)). If it is reference to their HQ / Office, they currently occupy space on Pier Street, Perth CBD.
• It is true that Perth Glory played in the National Soccer League ('NSL'), but the NSL has been disbanded / defunct since 2004. It has been replaced by the Hyundai A-League (wiki).
• Ericsson Cup was only linked to the NSL. There are two trophies on prize for the A-League - Premiers and Champions.
• As mentioned before, HQ is not at Perry Lakes Stadium but in the Perth CBD.
• Review is copyrighted for 2007... So who actually did the research and has it ever been updated?

Maybe I should apply to be on their research / review team instead of being a published photographer! =)

a little update...

It's been a little over a month since a decent update. So here it goes for the August wrap up.

• Toby's Birthday Bash. Starting at Manchuria for Peking Duck Rolls, Wasabi Peas and a few drinks to loosen us up. Then headed to Baroq to hit the dance floor with the hard house beats to get us into the groove. But, that wasn't enough. Off we went to The Loft for Club R&B. Another Asian Night, I wasn't too pleased with myself, but I was in good company. So, no real complaints there. Toby, Yi, Chena and myself needed bit of a sober up time at the Supper Club. A great night. See: http://flickr.com/photos/HuyC/sets/72157601212491137/
• The Chau family met up for my Grandparent's Anniversary of death. A family gathering where there was plenty of food, playing pool and just catching up with everyone.
• Had work drinks at Penny Blue, the little sister to MOO (owned and operated by the guys at MOO). This was probably a dumb idea. I was battling a cold and went out for a night of booze. Met up with Doogs, Chena, Nick, Weymin, Simon, Brendon, Betsy and went on our merry way to Liz's birthday drinks at Ondergrond Lounge. A few drinks, a few catch ups with the likes of Wendy, Susie and Mira. Of course, the birthday girl had a blast!
• A phone conversation with my pal Bergio. Who was in Sydney for a business trip all the way from Amsterdam. Was great talking to you buddy.
• Had dinner and movie date with Brianna. Die Hard 4.0 was an enjoyable film with some pretty crazy scenes.
• Doogs invited Kay, Ash and myself to Cindy & Allan's Cocktail Party in Southbank. A fantastic venue and plenty of booze. It was all fine and dandy until I mixed myself a killer drink: One part vodka, one part white rum, one part peach liqueur, one part gin, one part soho and half a part of green tea. All I remember was Ash saying that my breathe smelt good (go the Soho!)
• The massive Yum Cha. I booked 26 people at the Golden Dragon Palace in Lower Templestowe for a huge feast. All I can say is that (1) It satisfied my Yum Cha cravings and (2) We ate like kings.
• Quite a number of Indoor Soccer matches with the Zebra Tonsils. Currently sitting 3rd on the ladder and looks like we could be in the mix for the finals. Some highlights (1) Our usual dumpling rituals, (2) Meeting up at Wu's place, (3) Playing indoor after my massive feast from Yum Cha, (4) Playing some decent football.
• Coffee Club is back.
• Had a DVD night of watching all the Bourne flicks before watching The Bourne Ultimatum.
• Lunch / catch up with Flic! It's been a long time since I have seen the biggest smile from her face. Had a very long lunch catchup at Ludo. Was great seeing you babe!
• A grand BBQ, at the House of Hello Kitty, to farewell Yaozer before he embarks on his HKU study experience.
• Finally have booked my HP Free Flights! Last year, I won a return flight from Melbourne to Sydney. Will be in the Harbour City in mid November.
• Jing & Mayling's B'Day drinks and catch at Transit. Was great catching up with Susie, Mira, Wendy, MJ, Chena, Wei, Bee, Leanne (and finally meeting her beau), Doogs and of course the birthday couple.
• Tee in town! Brianna and I took Tee to see the Melbourne Victory vs. Perth Glory match at the Telstra Dome. Afterwards, went to Grossi Florentino's Cellar Bar for some delish pasta! Introduced Tee to Melbourne's bar scene; heading out to Gin Palace (where Tee got a free drink!), Kitten Club and ended up at New Gold Mountain.
• Father's Day lunch. Yum, yum.
• Went to see Ratatouille. A very enjoyable film, the Pixar guys are still producing the goods. Afterwards, had dinner with Mel, Bri and Dino at Pelligrini's.
• Had a great catch up with Courts, Nanda, Tom and Bri at Basque on Chapel. Some fine Tapas was consumed and great conversations. Oh, and it was for me to finally give Court, Nanda and Rita's belated birthday pressie of Pole Dancing lessons!
• One big night in September. Simon's birthday! It started off with dinner at the Waiter's Restaurant, lots of drinks at Loop and ended up at some bar and coming home at 6am. There is now a massive hole in my wallet, but it was all good. The following day, headed to Simon's place to help install his new DVD Home Theatre system that we got for him. It was real sweet.
• Finally took Brianna to Xocatl on Maling Road in Canterbury. Yum, yum. Also did a little shopping at the Lolly Store and the Fine Foods store.
• My packed Sunday - Another Yum Cha, this time with Courts, Oliver, Bianca, Marcel, Kat, Anna, James, Bri and myself. Oh my gawd. We simply ate too much but it was good. Then off to the city to do a market research survey. Back to the Eastern Suburbs for indoor soccer, a new team, with Ari's Agents. Playing with Toby, Doogs, Chena, Nick, and Warrick.

Things coming up... Socceroos vs. Argentina on Tuesday. Melbourne Victory's second home match. Rosebud 2007. Studies...

Also, I do apologise for virtually no photos. The camera comes along to most events, but I just dont take any photos. You will have to see the photo albums of Doogs and Yi for most of them. I know that WeyMin took a few snaps on the Yum Cha gathering... So yeah, hopefully I'll get my groove back to take some photos.

omg!!!

This is fantastic news for Australian Football Fans.

I nearly creamed my pants with such news!

"It’s official. Every A-League team will appear in EA Sports’ new FIFA 08 game.

au.fourfourtwo.com can today end speculation and confirm the new FIFA 08 game will indeed feature all eight A-League teams in the series' new version.

The A-League is one of three new leagues confirmed for FIFA 08 and will debut alongside the Irish Eircom League and the Czech Gambrinus League, taking the game's total number of leagues to 30."

FIFA08 will be heaven. Cannot wait to take the big clubs around the world with my little club Melbourne Victory.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/59393,aleague-will-be-in-fifa-08.aspx