The Savior Of The Broken

[Welcome To The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance]

This post was written by Alex but posted by her lovely “master”, Jenny.

Yesterday was Jenny’s 18th birthday, and she had a BBQ at Jells Park. At least, she thought that was all there was.

I got up really early and went with my parents to Springvale so they would be able to drop me off at Glen on time. Had some weird but enlightening conversation with my mom regarding problems in her side of the family.

Got to the Glen at past 9:30 (after Jenny had called me almost 3 times demanding to know where I was) and met up with her at Safeway. We went around shopping, and then drove up to Jells.

It was warm but windy, and still getting better from feeling slightly coughy, I wasd worried. But then people started arriving, and I forgot about it. We started blowing up balloons (“ballons”, as Jenny’s shopping list read) and strung them up like a free-flying kite. It actually looked pretty nice. Met Alex C (I’ll call him AC in this post) and Hele-.

So when more guys came we started cooking. Steph played her awful K-Pop music.

Steph really wanted to go to the playground. She actually whinged about it. So we (Sam, Hele-, Steph, Ven- I think and myself) went to the swings. Then we went back, and by the time we’d gotten back most of the good meat were eaten.

We all sat down and had lunch. Hele- drowned my food in tomato sauce, making my lunch look like road kill. So I tried to kill hers in BBQ sauce. I remarked that my lunch looked like it was bleeding; she retorted that her lunch looked like it was taking a dump.

After lunch, and after taking about 2 hours to buy some drinks and change pants, Lois and AC arrived with a whole box of Cruisers. Thus the drinking started.

Jenny had maybe a total of 3/4 of a bottle before she felt ill. So ill that…well you can imagine. We figured, since she’d downed vodka shots before, maybe it was something in the Cruiser that didn’t agree with her. The best moment in what was a pretty awful moment was Nashi running up to Jenny with a bag and, standing like he was about to haul ass and run, thrusted the bag at her.

Pom was left to carry the (leaking) bad dripping with the stuffs to the bathroom. That was sorta funny too.

Anyway, sat with Jenny while she was trying to feel better, and watched Pom fail at frisbee with the boys.

After Jenny felt good enough to stop staring at a wall, we joined the others playing Blackjack: loser has to do a dare nominated. I sided with Jenny seeing as I forgot mostly how to play Blackjack, and so when we busted to 25, as the birthday girl, Jenny had to do the dare.

I think I won’t re-mention what she had to do. Because not mentioning it makes the dare sound even more…dare I say…Juizy?

Then came cake cutting time! Pom stayed up late and made the most beautiful pink cake. Then after that people had to start leaving. Some for the day…some…for what we made Jenny think was the day.

When everyone had more or less left, I was left with Jenny, waiting for her dad to arrive to “drop me off at the Glen”. Well, what was REALLY happening was that Lois had organized a surprise dinner for Jenny at the Sichuan Hotpot!

Apparently, though, the special girl knew about it (or rather knew there was something going on) because when I’d called her parents the previous night (and explained the situation in my crappy Chinese) she’d sussed already. Still. She looked reasonably pleased.

We ordered way too much food (and Pom spilled AC’s Smirnoff Ice that we snuck in) and so we sat there for over 2 hours eating our way through nearly 15 plates of food. Near the end, we smelled burning in the hotpot, and told the waitress whom we’d already pissed off (and who Kevin tried to boil) that we burned the hotpot.

3 minutes later, Andrew started scooping in the murky water, and lo and behold scooped out a metal ladle that had been sitting in there for maybe 20 good minutes. Burning? Try boiled metal.

I hope we didn’t get food/metal poisoning.

I got home ready to burst and collapse at the same time. But I was happy that (despite minor setbacks and regurgitations) Jenny seemed to have enjoyed herself very much.

Happy Birthday Love!

Alex.

But Now, But Now It’s Gone Away

[Love Today - Mika]

Just a quick update: Today I went to the training/second round interview thing for Advance Fitness (the telemarketing company I applied for). They haven’t called back yet and seeing as Alex (the supervisor) said they’d do so this afternoon, I think I didn’t get picked. FML. And it took so long getting there and back! In the rain!

Ah I’ll stop whinging.

The whole session was pretty long but it wasn’t too hard. I unintentionally insulted one of the my fellow interviewees though.

Still, they might call back soon?

Fingers crossed.

Alex (the…not the supervisor. Trust me when he told me his name I was thinking, “Oh dear this will be confusing.”)

Clouds Are Shrouding Us In Moments Unforgettable

[Sunday Mornings - Maroon 5]

Yesterday Jenny came over to my house. Which was great except Dad didn’t leave any food lying around so I served her instant noodles. Now, we owe her a meal as a family.

We played three games of pool. Well technically two and a half. I lost the 1st game fair and square, I lost the 2nd game having potted the black on my first shot, and I gave up halfway through the third game. It is shameful how I lost to Jenny. JENNY! Of all people.

Then we started to watch a Detective Conan movie, but I kept on making fun of it so we stopped. Instead we went through all my movies and decided to watch The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which was really awesome because a) Jenny was there (she’s yelling at me on the phone right now to write that part) b) one of the characters was a vampire and c) they had so much ass kicking! Ace movie.

After the movie we had about 2 hours left until she had to go, so we went upstairs with nothing to do. She saw my Tom and Jerry DVD (that DVD has got me through some boring times) so we watched it. She is the first person I met who rejoiced when Jerry is hurt and whimpers when Tom is hurt.

Well, it was quite a fun day. I know this wouldn’t strike the interest of many readers, but this was written for my own benefit.

Alex.

These Words Are My Heart And Soul

[With Me - Sum 41]

Congratulations Ula! Beautiful beautiful girl.

Some readers may remember that around this time last year I posted “A Beautiful Dream Come True“. Well, on Sunday the 24th of January, 2010, my awesome friend Ula wedded her husband (wow) Vlad.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Protassow, may your lives together be as blessed and beautiful as your story of meeting and proposal!

Alex.

P.S. Thank you Whitty for the photo.

Hello, Good Friend

[Never Knew - The Rocket Summer]

Yesterday I had my first job interview, and then I went to Lois’ place.

Before I went into the city I had some time to kill, so I quickly met up with Jenny at the Glen, and she walked me to the station. It was very very much appreciated!

It wasn’t really an one-on-one interview anyway, it was more of a group thing. I went to Advance Fitness on Bridge Rd. After filling out some forms and all, Zoe (the HR girl) came in and we all introduced ourselves and why we were interested in the role (I was the only one who said, “Because I don’t know how to do anything else”). Then we read through a very simple sample script. I felt like I sounded like a hoarse transvestite (that’s what I get for yelling at Spanna’s), but as I got on the tram to leave later on I got a call from them, and now I have a 2nd round interview next Thursday.

I got to Lois’ house (which is, in one simple word, huge) and they were making cake. Jenny greeted me with a hug (which I have to make a big deal out of, despite everything else haha) and then put cream on my face from the cake she was making. Nashi, Kev and Steph were already there, and Andrew was getting a haircut. Steph played some fail pool (when I say fail pool, I meant she disregarded all rules and regulations, but still failed), and then Pom arrived. Basically sat around for a bit and watched the girls play DDR (I don’t think Pom understood the fact that standing on the down button meant the menu will keep scrolling down), then we started watching Scary Movie 3 which skipped, so we moved onto Scary Movie 4. I tried and was half successful in falling asleep until in one “scary” scene Jenny screamed and woke me up. Apparently Scary Movie is scary…

“Tempura sushi sashimiiiiiiiii”

You’ll understand if you’ve seen it.

After the movie we went back out and they started making dumplings. They chopped up all the ingredients, and I was put in charge of cooking the eels – which Pom has never eaten. I don’t know if she enjoyed it – which was weird, because apparently you cook them with the packet on. Anyway.

Steph started chugging down the Aloe “frog sperm” that she became addicted to (she’s never had that either. What a surprise!) and so we (Pom, Steph and I) sat at the kitchen bench watching Lois, Jenny and Andrew make the dumplings.

Andrew failed.

I laughed at his failure.

When Lois went to cook the dumplings, she complained that there were loose meat just floating around the water. I laughed and pointed at Andrew. Well, he did try to make dumplings without dabbing some water onto the skin. HOW ELSE DOES IT STICK?!

There was flour on the dumpling skins, so it prompted Jenny to mark everyone with flour. Love, I know you’re reading this, if you’re going to mark your territory…

Pom had to leave before we ate dinner (we were cooking dinner at 8:30) but otherwise everyone else stayed to eat at the table like a family. We made jokes about the dumplings, and then it was discovered that Kev wasn’t very skilled in drinking. Sorry I had to mention it! But at least, now, Kev, you know.

Jenny wanted to change the music upstairs, but was scared to go up by herself as it was dark and she was paranoid that a “green baby” (like the ones from The Grudge) would climb down the walls and eat her. So she took Lois upstairs with her. Unanimously, we all stood up and hid behind the walls near the stairs, waiting for those two to come down. In the end, when Jenny came down, I shouted “RAH!” and she started screaming while walking calmly towards the sofa, where she buried her face.

Then she tried to squeeze the living heck out of me as punishment. It really. Really. Hurt.

I left after that, and it was a really great night filled with laughter, funny shit, and lovely hugs.

(Jenny just said, “What the hell?” because I am on the phone with her. Apparently we didn’t do lovely hugs. Well. Eh.)

Alex.

You Say The Storm Will Pass

[That 70's Song - The Cab]

(Alright I started writing this before I left on the 29th. Who knows when I’ll finish it).

Yesterday was Spanna’s birthday party deal at her place. She lives quite near Jenny so I got the two sets of instructions mixed up, and got off at the bus stop that would have been for Jenny’s place. Well, it was an extra 100 meters walk, so I managed.

Spanna as one of those kids’ playgrounds just behind her house, and we were all mighty envious of that.

Met Spanna’s cousin May, who despite appearing to be 15-17, was actually 25. She became the source of entertainment as everyone arrived, they had to guess May’s age. The closest was 20.

When I arrived, Tiff, Sonam and Vania were there already. We nibbled on some snacks and generally talked. I realized Tiff is going to QLD, where Cathy’s going (same course). (Speaking of which, Dani’s going to ACT, it seems, which is depressing.)

I sat with May for a while just chatting and “watching” tennis (I don’t really follow it) and after a while Susan, Shar-, Bel and Julia arrived. So the party got moved to the living room, and we continued eating and watching tennis (the scene was very reminiscent of Sorrento, where we sat around eating. Indeed, Sonam held the same slouched pose).

Jen arrived, and then we basically started on all the food and drinks. Spanna had her “Oppa” Ray there, and being the only guy he retreated into Spanna’s fort-like bedroom and listened to the Backstreet Boys (we could hear him when it was quiet).

After downing enough food to drown a small hippo, Jen left.

Oh wait my wording made it sound like Jen ate shitloads and left. I meant, we all ate shitloads, and then Jen left. Ah forget it.

Viv and Eve arrived later on, and we cut the insanely huge Black Forest Cake. And then when everyone started leaving, We opened presents, and Spanna received her first pair of pants (I kid you not, she has not worn pants for the better part of the last decade). Then when everyone started to leave, Lily arrived.

We ate more food, had ice cream on mini cones, and then got all high. I left at around quarter to six, stuffed to my eyeballs and tired as hell.

Memorable quotes of the day, since Tiff was around:

Tiff: “I know you’ll miss me but get your hand out from other there!”

And:

Spanna: [looking at the mini cones] “Oh my God they’re so small!”

Me: “You’ll be saying that a lot more from now on.”

And:

Jen: “Look how drunk my text sounds!” [Text read: Hey jen has no more basterrym whsrtt time and place?]

Happy birthday, Spanna, and I wish you the best of luck learning how to make 2 minute noodles.

Alex.

Interlude

I came across this “Ice cream theory” on Mai’s Tumblr just then, and I read it. I found it very very interesting.

The Ice Cream Theory.

This I suppose in a very self centered sort of way runs tangent with my Life Is A Meal theory (as Katherine had posted for me a while back).

Enjoy.

Alex.

P.S. I will write about Spanna’s birthday maybe tomorrow. And write about today…tomorrow. I’m so behind.

Breathe In So Deep

[Fall For You - Secondhand Serenade]

(I’m pretty sure I’ve used this song already.) Yesterday was the Melb Uni AAD and my audience participation in TAYG! So it was a long and very tiring day.

I got up at 7 so I could be at the Glen by 8:30 (it takes a while for Mom to get ready even though she seems to be okay to go back to work now). Why would I want to be at the Glen at this ungodly hour, you ask? Yes because Jenny said she’ll meet me there at that time. In the end she was 40 minutes late.

Took the train up to Melb Central with Jenny and walked around Borders while she tried to find the book that she wanted for her birthday. Couldn’t find it (I think if Borders didn’t have it…then…I mean…seriously…).

Waited under the clock for Pris who was 10 minutes late and made me worry a lot because I didn’t want to be late to our Info Session. Saw MacRob girls already, which was a prelude to how many we’d see throughout the day. Said bye to Jenny, as she was going to RMIT [insert giggle here...just kidding!] so Pris and I went up.

Saw some Brentwood people upon arrival, such as Huey, Swin and Jonga. Looks like the 2 parts of my life is going to join at Melbourne!

Then went on to Redmond Barry hall, and said morning to Mai and Jen. Went into our lecture theatre and there was greeted by the surprise of the month.

Spanna yelled out my name as I walked in. I had not known (despite apparently everyone else being clued in) that she was going to be in course, so you can imagine the speed with which I bounded up the steps to hug her.

The Info Sesh itself was pretty boring, and the lady and the guy more or less told us what we already knew. It was strange to see Esther from the previous year in our Info Sesh though. Asking around later I found out she’d deferred a year which is why she is now in our “year level”. It’s quite weird to think about that!

After the Info Sesh Spanna stayed in the Redmond Barry hall place, and Jen and I went to Union House with Pris. Pris left when we got to Union House and I met up with Mai and Jen again, and sat with them. Failing to remind me that there was a free BBQ, I bought lunch.

Oh, this is the point where I gloat that I managed to make one friend! (Yes, one.) There are probably around 6 Asians in our course, two of whom are males. So it was easy to notice the other Asians in the room. I saw a girl who was sitting by herself two rows ahead, and later on at Union House when I saw Sab- and Esther (different to the one doing my course) I saw that girl tagging along too. Her name is Anna, and turns out we have mutual friends! So there. I made a friend.

We saw many many MacRob girls there (and I saw Clare there too. I’d forgotten she was doing BA as well). So many, in fact, that we took up two picnic tables with our awesomeness (there were numerous MHS guys as well).

After lunch Jen went to a Diploma of Languages lecture and Spanna and I went to this lecture for Chinese. Saw Pam-, Andy, Theresa and many many other Chinese folks (duh). The guy who was in charge of the lecture was, as he reminded us many times, “only an ACTING consultant” as the real guy was on some “China Trip”. So in all senses he had no idea what any of the details were.

For example, when asked a question regarding which sort of classes to be in: “I really am not the person to ask that question. If you ask me I would probably say go to the website.” Pause. “Did that answer your question?”

No.

After that I found Jen again and we went to Brunetti’s near Lygon St and met up with her friend Martin. We had a drink, and talked about university, and then I had to leave to meet up with Swin so we could go to TAYG.

It was stressful to make sure that Mani and Michelle were at Southern Cross properly because, when I asked Michelle where she was, as I saw her train pull up a few moments ago, she replied, “the station.” Well d-fucking-uh.

Took the tram up to Docklands and went to the Channel 10 Studios. We waited outside for a bit, then got ushered into the audience foyer. Everyone was dressed very colorfully as the invitation suggests.

As we were going into the actual recording studio, we had to pair up, and since we were a group of 5, Wilson didn’t have anyone. So one of the security guards grabbed Wilson and shouted out to the rest of the audience: “THIS GUY DOESN’T HAVE A FRIEND! HE’S ALL ALONE IN THIS WORLD!” (Or something hilarious along those lines.)

The filming itself took over 3 hours. There was a guy called Michael who warmed up the crowd with some jokes and stuff. Then all the cast came out and greeted us. We cheered, applauded, whooped and pretended that we heard some jokes for the first time. I won’t give away what happened; you’d just have to watch it (it’s the 3rd episode of the new season). They threw lollies at us (and missed) and tried to get our cheer maintained so we were an awesome audience.

The show ended filming at around 8:30, and we stayed outside until Michelle got picked up by her family friend. Then we took the tram and trains back to Glenny. On the way back, Swin kept on making fun of me because I couldn’t hear her through my music. I COULD STILL TELL SHE WAS LAUGHING AT ME!

Today I went to Spanna’s house for her birthday, but that would be a different post which I am too tired to write right now. Tomorrow I have an interview at a Telemarketing company for a job (yes I know the irony is many layered), and going to one of Jenny’s friend’s house to hang out and have dinner. It will be a hectic day tomorrow as well.

Wish me luck!

Alex.

It Makes Me Burn To Learn

[If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5]

At the moment I’m working out of this ASUS Gateway thing which gives me access to internet however limiting me to no access to my Hard Drive.

So I’m using this thing called “Splashtop Browser” which looks like IE and works like IE…slowly.

Still better than nothing.

I’ll keep you guys posted on how my computer fares from now on.

It seems I have managed (with about 99.99999% help from Mani and Tarquin) to kill the virus, however when I am working in normal mode my computer screen still restarts me back to the blue screen of death, and when I work in safe mode with networking I can’t get an internet connecting (clearly I have one…).

So I am waiting on my family IT friend who is in Sydney right now to come back.

Tomorrow is the AAD for Melb Uni and also I got a spot to be an audience member of Talkin’ About Your Generation! Very excited.

Alex.

Telemarketer: 1 Alex: 1

I got a call from this number which I’ve been missing for a while now. Picked it up, and it was a telemarketer of sorts from Optus.

My house gets bad reception so I was sort of running around trying to get reception while she talked to me. I missed about half a sentence so I said, “I’m sorry I have bad reception I can’t hear you.” She replied back, “I can hear you perfectly.”

I suppose all those hang ups have made her cynical and straightforward. I should give her that point.

However, since we’ve been getting Chinese telemarketers, the next time I get one and I accidentally respond in Chinese, I’ll say, “Sorry I don’t speak Japanese.” And hang up. Sure, I’m being racist toward my own people, but I’m allowed to be.

Alex