It baffles me how some people have the audacity to make unreasonable requests, then become aggressive and accusative when the other party objects. I'm gobsmacked by the ill manners, the poor form, the aggression displayed. How very barbaric. How very selfish. How very lacking of basic respect.

Disgusting.

I can forgive, but I will never forget.

Wedding Planning in a Pandemic

Dear Readers,

We cannot be more relieved that our 'wedding celebration' had finally taken place in the most ideal way possible under the circumstances of the time. I honestly didn't find wedding planning too stressful until we were faced with all the uncertainty caused by COVID19 (state) restrictions. Our wedding celebration was postponed once. We kept our marriage registration on the original date with a simple legal ceremony of 10 people. How did I feel initially about this postponement? Pretty damn devastated and upset. The decision was made early on in the pandemic during the first lockdown. To increase the chances of having both families present safely, we had no other options.

Two weeks before our wedding, a 3-day lockdown occurred throughout greater Queensland. Victoria classified us as "Red Zone" that instance. This meant that anyone who visits Queensland and (re)entering Victoria must complete 2 weeks of hotel quarantine. Luckily our lockdown was lifted after the 3 days and Victoria adjusted our restrictions to be "Orange Zone", where only a COVID19 test and self-isolation was required until test results returned as negative. Those 3 days were probably the most depressing 3 days of the whole wedding planning journey- as half of our family are travelling from Victoria. It rained everyday of the week leading up to our wedding. At that point, I wasn't too bothered anymore. AS LONG AS OUR WEDDING CAN GO AHEAD without further restrictions... then all is ok, #PEACEOUT.

Very luckily, our humble wedding day was filled with sunshine. It sprinkled mildly for a few minutes in the morning, then blue skies. Thinking back on every little event that happened during our wedding still puts a smile on my face. The atmosphere, our venue filled with our family and friends, music, food, fun... it was beautiful. It was as perfect as perfect could be. There were surely a few insignificant errors, but on the grand scheme of things... so insignificant they were. We enjoyed the celebration so much. What great memories we shared with our loved ones.

Day 22

Dear Readers,
It's been 22 days since I've stopped working. It started with restrictions within the dental industry, focused on limiting procedures which created aerosols. Then came limiting procedures to only treating emergency patients to reduce exposure and risks of spreading COVID19 within the community asymptomatically. With these restrictions, many dental professionals either decreased work hours or were stood down from their role. Being "stood down" means you do not go to work as there is no more work for you to do. However, you are still considered as employed and will be asked to return once the restrictions are lifted.

Although it was anticipated, I was still disappointed to hear about my stand down at the time. The disappointment was replaced with positivity rather quickly. Knowing that the situation could not be helped and there are many others in the exact same situation was somewhat reassuring that things will eventually get better. I took this stand-down period as a time to focus on myself, my hobbies, my health and well-being. I can finally take a break from dentistry and do something else!

The first week of social isolation was filled with setting up Centrelink (tip: to avoid waiting in line for 3 hours, one must call at 7am on the dot) in order to apply for a JobSeeker payment. I also revised my resumé to appeal towards employers of the retail industry, hoping to land a part time job. The job seeking didn't happen too eagerly in the end. People are being told to stay home for a reason. Some even chose to stay home voluntarily. By the second week, I completed a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. It kept me busy for 4 days. I road-cycled two to three times weekly, mostly along with Leon. And, I also mastered baking the chiffon cake (which I failed miserably during uni days).

Day 22 of social isolation. I've run out of ideas. At times I feel like I'm pretty good at staying at home. Other times I feel like I'm going crazy. I've lost my routine and purpose to having a routine. I'm unmotivated and frustrated from boredom. I sleep too late and wake up in a slump. So, I've decided this bumming around cannot go on. It's very unhealthy physically and mentally. I must escape from it and get back into a routine, a healthy diet, and a purpose. I need to remind myself this holiday will eventually end and I don't want to look back and regret not utilising well enough.

COVID19 Diary

Dear Readers,
It was exactly six months until our wedding from yesterday. I originally wanted to slowly share every stage of my wedding planning experience, but I'll leave that for later.

I'm sure everyone knows about COVID19, the novel coronavirus which started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 which has spread across the globe into a pandemic. For those who live in Mars (and just for the record at this point in time), countries have shut their borders; some cities in lockdown; policies have been placed to contain the virus and "flatten the curve". The current Australian law bans all overseas travel, travellers to enter Australia and gatherings of more than 100 people (500 was the limit last week).

Many industries and events have already been impacted, and there are definitely uncertainties about our upcoming September wedding. Will our overseas guests be able to enter Australia? Will there be further restrictions to group gatherings? Unsure. Frustrating. Don't want to think about it.

All we can do now is to hope for the best and do our part in this pandemic. Wash our hands and stay home when possible. Wait it out and carry on living.

Engaged

Dear Readers,
WE GOT ENGAGED!
On Monday 9th September, my dearest got on one knee and proposed.

After our anniversary dinner at Moo Moo Restaurant, we went for our usual walk. Usually our post-dinner walks were random. It could be around the park, along the river, to a nearby hospital (yes we've visited 2 hospitals so far, can't wait to see them all!), or around the block... anywhere really. This time, we chose to go through the Brisbane City botanic gardens as it was convenient and quiet. I was wearing the most uncomfortable heels and my feet started hurting. But he insisted that we continue walking "a bit more, towards the river". Okay babe, I just told you my feet are dying and you still want me to keep walking?

Eventually, we came close to the Trees of Light near the Goodwill bridge. The two fig trees had something magical about them. They were covered in thousands of fairy lights. We had passed by them once or twice before on another of our "usual walks". The lights were always mesmerising, enchanting, and beautiful. I noticed a few balloons and a string of photographs hanging on one of the fig trees. It must be someone's birthday party, how cute! We walked closer, babe leading the way.
Then I realised... the photos were of us! My feet froze, I was dazed.

The story from this point on is gathered from video footage and a vague memory caused by surprise and confusion. If you asked me what he said during his proposal, I would not be able to answer you. Because I was not concentrating. I was looking at the balloons, the photos, the bouquet of roses, looking at him; he's saying something appreciative, something about our time together, something about a poem, he's showing me cupcakes; I was already in tears from way back when I first noticed our photos (honestly I don't know which happy emotion got me crying), it was windy, there was music, I'm looking at his face but cannot process what he's saying...

Then, he takes out a small black box from his right pocket, and got on one knee...

"Zoe Chieh-Yu, will you marry me?"

Long distance sucks. There's 4 more weeks left of it and I can't wait for it to be over. Every meet-up has been so precious, and every good-bye so heart-wrenching. Video calls shorten the distance but it is still not the same as physically being next to each other. Some days I've been well occupied with work, family, friends or 'me-time' whilst leaving some thoughts for him. Other days the distance feels never ending...

Looking back, how quickly time had gone by. Indeed, three months was not a lengthy period. Just that some days dragged on more than others when one longed for another. I don't want to go through this again. I know I've been strong and I can be strong. But I can see it become tiring...

I really miss him...

Long distance relationships are not easy, as I have been told. From next Monday, it'll be three week intervals for when we can see each other- for the coming three months. It's gonna be tough, but I am determined to be strong and overcome the distance. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?

If you asked my brain, it'll tell you: Three months isn't long. Three week intervals are just right. I trust and have faith in us that we will sail through this together. But if you asked my heart: I'm afraid. I feel sad that we're going to be 1640km apart.

I'm sure the first departure will be the most difficult. The first week could be tough, then I'll start counting down to the next encounter. Somewhat exciting and daunting at the same time.

Grow

Learn to communicate expectations while controlling emotions.

Learn to balance my life.

Learn to balance my life along with yours.

Enjoy life at every stage.

There's a difference. My happiness alone vs. my happiness when I'm with you.

Don't become a liability. Be warriors who fight alongside one another. Understand that there may be days when one party will need more support from the other. Life is tough, work at it together.

x

First of Summer

Dear Readers,
Woke up 5:10am to send him to the airport. On the way back, Kingsford Smith drive was congested due to ducklings crossing. A kind hearted construction worker and a taxi driver were helping the ducklings off the road and out of the sewage. Slept at 6:30am. 9am, The house was getting steamy hot. Peaked 34 degrees Celsius today. Lunch was Korean cold noodles. Afternoon tea was iced hojicha latte. Dessert after dinner was iced bubble tea. Please provide me with ice cubes and liquids this summer for survival.

Exactly one year ago today, I moved back home from Cairns. How quickly the year had passed by. How blessed I am to be where I am now. My career, my family, my friends, and him. There is still so much for me to learn, so much of my future yet to unfold. Life is exciting. I am very grateful. I cannot thank God enough for the path he had paved for me. It's still the same bible verse, "All things work out for the good, for those who love God." (Romans 8:28)

The rest of Summer will be highlighted by Taiwan and Japan. Exploring Tokyo, Nagano and Kawaguchiko this time. Taiwan will feel familiarly unfamiliar as it has been three years since I returned. It will be unfamiliar, because grandma and grandpa won't be around...

My heart is sore from realising your wounds were fresh;
you hid your tears; you warmed my heart; it turned to Spring.
I hope I warmed your Winter, brought you Spring.
Will we last for Summer, watch Autumn leaves fall...

?

Twenty Seventeen

Dear Readers,
My 2017 had been a wonderfully eventful year. It started with returning to work in Cairns; attending seminars in Sydney; traveling to Japan; studying in Melbourne; obtaining new employment in Brisbane; successfully obtaining my post-graduate certificate (passed my exams!); and finally moving back home, where my heart had always been.

Working away had taught me so much. I am certain it had made me much more refined than if I hadn't left. The people I've met during these three years have also been such a blessing, especially those whom I am still in contact with. Thinking about the future gives me a pleasantly strange feeling. A mixture of uncertainty and excitement. Whatever 2018 brings, I hope I will whole-heartedly live in every moment. Furthermore, unveil my hidden character to the world without fearing judgement. Let my 2017 resolution carry on to the year starting tomorrow. Love more, care less, let my feelings free. Happy New Years, dear readers!

Crossroads

Dear Readers,
It's been a whole week since moving to Melbourne. I'm studying a post-graduate certificate at the University of Melbourne for one semester, which requires me to be in Melbourne for two months. I was meant to blog about the background story of this rather major life event 3 weeks ago prior to my move, but I was too busy cleaning and moving out of my apartment in Cairns.

It was near the end of May, many things were arranged hoping to change my monotonous life away from home. I was anticipating a particular contact which I was, and still am quite certain, would have been a game changer. Whilst waiting impatiently, I received an email one morning from the University of Melbourne in regards to this post-graduate course I had applied for earlier this year. I had one day to decide, accept or decline? In one hand, I had Plan A undergoing passively. Then Plan B appeared so abruptly, unable to co-exist with the former. I was quite torn to be honest. In the end, I chose this path which promised a big step in my career. So here I am, freezing my ass off in this beautiful city filled with good food good fashion and hipster vibes.

Singles' Appreciation Day

Dear Readers,

I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day with the love of your life because my Tuesday at work was fine like any other Tuesday of the year. By now you'd think I'm well aware of my relationship status so let's not name it Singles' Awareness Day and take a moment to appreciate my self-sufficiency and then move on to further discussion. Ok, by discussion, I really meant a monologue since you won't be able to talk back (unless you comment under this post).

As much as I want to be optimistic about being single, I must admit that in the long run being single sucks. Especially on special occasions throughout the year when the world around you rubs it in your face. Like ok, do you really think I want to be single for the rest of my life? No, and do you know what also really sucks? My personality when it comes to expressing emotions and opening up to another human being who could potentially get me out of my loner situation. *insert upside-down smiley emoji here :)*

I have a very traditional (haha I'm not sure which culture this tradition is even from) way of thinking in that I don't like being the one making a move. So yes, imagine me like a potato sitting amongst a pile of potatoes waiting to be chosen by a master chef. Yes, a master chef and not just any dodgy cook on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares TV programme. However, this potato doesn't just sit there, look pretty and wait to be chosen either. So like, even when a master chef appears, the potato would very naturally transform into the sous chef and help pick out potatoes. Not sure if you see the picture. Anyway, back to my human self now. It's not that I friend-zone people. It's more just me hiding in my comfort-zone. Befriending people is such an easy task for me my instincts is to become bros with the person so I would feel most at ease hanging around them. Like, how obscured is that? It's a catch-22 situation.

On a hopeful note (false hope? haha), I find being single ok sometimes and I'm not exactly in a hurry (yet). Perhaps the right person hasn't appeared, perhaps I have other priorities, or maybe I'm just using other things to distract myself from my fear of the unfamiliar zone of relationships. Happy Singles' Awareness Day!

Bennelong Point, Sydney 2016

Dear Readers,
Circular Quay was still as amazing as ever. The majestic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House gets me every time. It is also the wide emptiness between the two structures that adds peace and calm to the tourist-packed bay. The Rocks is also one of my favourite regions of Sydney city although we didn't visit this time round. The spotlight was shone on Bennelong Restaurant within the grand Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point.

As a low-key birthday celebration, I arranged a table for 2 one month in advance. Even so, we were only able to reserve a table for lunch instead of my preferred birthday dinner. No real compromise since the lighting during the day was brilliant for photos. The experience was amazing. The 3-course meal was served with complimentary sides of bread, roast potatoes and salad, so it was very filling. I don't want to go into a full-blown review because I'm not a food critic. I will, however, describe a few memorable dishes along the way.

Entree 1 | Hervey Bay scallops, Israeli couscous, young carrots, prawn custard, chili oil

Entree 2 | Spanner crab ravioli, golden trout roe, salted egg yolk, palm heart, creme fraiche 

 Main 1 | Arkady grass fed lamb, cipollini onions, artichoke cream, ice plant, pepitas, garlic blossoms

Main 2 |  Macleay Valley suckling pig, confit organic carrots, pickled onions, black & white garlic

The most amazing pork dish I had in my 21.9972 years of life and it still is until this day. Absolutely divine marriage of flavour and texture. I felt my front teeth break through the crisp superficial layer into the soft lean flesh underneath. The beautifully flavoured carrot hid the most tender and juicy thigh of the suckling pig. Perfectly seasoned, easy to ingest. It was simply a sensational main course to the degustation. 10/10 would recommend!

 Dessert 1 | Creme caramel vs mille-feuille

Dessert 2 | Chocolate cake from across the waters

With eight textures embedded in its compact cylindrical body, this signature dessert was extraordinary. The eighth layer was presented live, melted chocolate was poured in the centre of the cake at your table, in front of your eyes. The chocolate was rich and each aspect sophisticated. According to the waitress, many customers have attempted recreating this masterpiece, however failing to replicate its compact size. A must try!