Hopeful

Ah, time to blog again.

It's been a while, I know. Almost a month, in fact. And guess who's going to Germany in a month?? ME !!! :DD

I get so excited thinking about this in bed that I end up tossing and turning, grinning from ear to ear, imagining how much fun it's going to be. It's probably why I've gotta get into the 'work hard, play hard' attitude. I don't think my life would be complete without travel. Does it sound insane to want to hire a car from London and drive it around Europe? Or even purchase a Complete Europe Rail Pass and visit villages, enter museums, maybe take up some odd jobs to earn a few bucks, then spend it all on food. I guess for Asians, being brought up by a very sheltered environment makes you timid; afraid to take that extra step.

Only this morning, when I told my mum I had gone jogging in the morning, she would frown, saying "You shouldn't run around in the morning, the cold winter air will hurt your lungs". A more extreme situation would be her trying to dissuade me from going to the City. She had heard about drunkards and beggars mugging Asian teenagers from the Chinese newspapers - DAMN the Chinese Newspapers !

I'm worried I may never be allowed out clubbing or partying - I'd be murdered if I returned home at 2 or 3am.

But there's SO much more to this world than just staying at home, studying. I wanna get out there and experience it. The only trouble is, I don't know whether these experiences should be when I'm young, or when I'm older.

On one hand, I have this vision where I would go overseas to study - possibly Music, if I get into Colburn Music School. And I would probably have the best time in my life. I would go overseas once or twice a year, travelling to Europe for Music Festivals, Concerts and International Competitions everywhere. There would be pressure, stress, plenty of sleepless nights, but I would enjoy it in retrospect. Then I'm thinking I might do Medicine at Melbourne University or Sydney University, settling down with a good job and hopefully a wonderful family.

But by then, I'd be quite old. Is that a problem?? I'd graduate when I'm 28/29, then enter a specialty, I'd only start earning 6 digit figures when I'm at least 35.

I'm just worried I'd grow old with lots of wonderful memories and experiences of when I was young, but without much more than a penny to live out the rest of my old age.

On the other hand, if I started studying now, getting into a good course (UNSW Med), graduate at around 25, occasionally travelling to Asia, maybe to Europe on a rare occasion, then earning, saving lots of money. Ultimately, I'd retire early and live out the rest of my life (with someone :P) and THEN travel and experience the world.

I'm just not so sure which path I'm supposed to take. Any advice?

Anyway, to a more cheerier subject - what I've been up to recently!

I've been out and about a little more and boy, everyone I talk to now seems to be partying late, going out and meeting girls/guys. It must be University, and I don't think I can wait any longer for a dose of it.

I realise I've been going out on quite a few lunch 'dates'. It's actually very very fun to meet up with people and have brunch or even a cup of coffee. If there's anybody who's up for lunch/coffee, let me know ! :) Recently, I've taken a keen interest in Cafes, and I'd love to go out and try out a few more :D So who's up for lunch?

June 22

Mindy texted me one morning after my piano lesson and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't heard from her in AGES and knowing how busy she usually is, how I'm always at home XD, it's no wonder I hadn't had a chance to chat. SY decided she would tag along (what a loser haha) and so we met up at Epping station and walked down to Cafe Topiary.

I had opted for this place because having bought the Entertainment Book, I had a '25% off the bill' voucher - yes, I'm serious. I had never tried it and neither had they, so why not? :)

Here's Mindy posing with my cup of VERY strong coffee. I had decided that I would try something different and new. Little did I know that what I had picked would come in such a small size!

Luckily, I had ordered soy milk with it and that served to nullify some of the bitter quality of the Coffee.

Wow, my camera is quite amazing hehe. This is Mindy with her Mocha, I think.

The Cafe had their own website until recently, and now it's down.... I was counting on it to remember some of the Menu. And Here comes the Food !

This would be my Big Breakfast Deluxe or something. It doesn't look like a lot, but it was definitely filling. I really like what they did with the Smoked Salmon - it looks like one of those Salmon Rolls at a Sushi Train. I have to admit, I wasn't very daring with this choice, but nevertheless, very tasty :D

SY had some Chicken Parmigiana with Smoked Salmon and a generous slice of Avocado. I remember her being quite full and happy with that, so it was probably worth it :)

This was Blue Cheese and Chicken wrapped with Bacon. Oh boy, that doesn't sound very appetising - I'm certain it sounded better on the Menu. This, was also very nice.

I think I can safely say that Cafe Topiary was quite a tasty experience. The service was very friendly and though the food was slightly overpriced, it was delivered with generous portions. The place could have been decorated a bit more - I saw some cushions and bean bags still unwrapped in a corner, so they're probably still in the process of decorating the place. I think the total price of that was around $41.60 (with my voucher), so that's pretty good !

I must leave now.

Richard just called and has offered me a job accompanying this girl for her competitions - which happens to be in the same place as mine!

The songs she's singing are absolutely beautiful - short (which is good :P), quite easy to play but so pretty!

I shall leave you with this song which I have liked for..ever, really. I used to listen to Rage on ABC every morning before it was no more, along with Video Hits. This was a song which never made it to like Take 40 or those countdowns, but SUCH a good song. I love Twista's rapping and the words in this song. It has clips from Coach Carter which are also interesting.

I especially like the Chorus:

Cuz I'm hopeful, yes I am, hopeful for today,

Take this music and use it

Let it take you away,

And be hopeful (hopeful) and He'll make a way

I know it ain't easy but that's okay.

Let's be hopeful!

Enjoy !