Fell,cut, bruise & injured

I woke up early this morning as I have an early class. As I was crossing the road. (The corner of Market and George Street), I fell down. I felt like someone behind me was rushing or hurrying me and the next moment, I was on the ground with blood on my knee. A lady on my left, lifted me. How kind of her. Now, where in the world is a chemist or pharmacy is open around 7.30 am plus. I walked to Priceline and it was close, walk to Coles Supermarket thinking they might sell plaster. They only sell small plaster. The place where I injured my knee is exactly at the join. That irritates me because I walk a lot and slapping a plaster there will not sit for long. I walk slightly further from coles and Soul Pattinson Chemist is open. Luckily. They open at 8.00 am. Went to see a pharmacist and they told me which plaster and bandage to use. Came back home, Jake was kinda awake. I told him that I fell down and he was surprised and equally mad. I went to clean my wound and dress it. Sigh !, A morning that did not work well for me. 

Holidays, ANZAC, 3 am shift & Home

Holidays. I love holidays. I am now having my autumn holidays. It is 2 weeks. Sigh it is so short. It is not as long as winter break. During the holidays, I went to work – making coffee, going out with Jake shopping – finding his winter jacket, jeans, belt and wallet. Went shopping for iMac and his camera. I started cooking. I enjoy cooking. Cook for myself and for Jake. Went to Coles and Woolworth for groceries shopping and etc. We did not go out of the city but we enjoy the city. Getting involved in coffee event. Passing people drip coffee. Seeing how the warmth of the coffee shield them from the cold. Giving free muffins and etc. Improving myself by making espresso beverage. I love doing art on the espresso. So far I managed to do love. It is a big thing to me. Every cup I do is filled with love. On Thursday, I went to work as my shift said I am  working from 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm. When I was in the store, Pookie (my store manager) was wondering why am I here. I told her that I am working. She had 2 people working on that time. She let Tony to stay in the shift as he is new and would be good in practicing on the bar. So we went to Met Centre – Hokka Hokka for lunch. She paid my meal. We chatted. I did not feel that she was the store manager. We chat and talk openly. The lunch was so much that both of us decided to take away for our dinner. The night before Anzac Morning, I was trying to get some sleep. Unfortunately I can’t. I was tossing and turning just lying on the bed.At 1.30 am, prepared to go to work. The streets seems to be with people. It was 2.30 am. How sweet of Jake to walk me to work. We went to Hungry Jack and off to work. He was the first customer of the day. He ordered Mocha Java Chip Frapuccino. It did him a special cup with much customization. People were just coming in. Countless people ordering flat white, cappucino, latte, mocha and hot chocolate. About 4 people ordered Frapuccino and Ice Latte. I was asking customer about ANZAC Dawn Service. I have never been. At 4.30, much to my curiosity, Pookie allowed me to go to Martin Place which is like 5 minutes on George Street. It was full with people. From the beginning to the end of Martin Place. Families coming together to remember their love one’s who went to battle and did not return. 

This is what ANZAC Day is all about. At this hour upon the 25th of April in 1915, ANZAC became one of the immortal names in history. We who are gathered here think of those who went out to battefields of all wars, but did not return. We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice. Let us therefore once more dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which they died. As the dawn is even now to pierce the night so let their memory inspire us to work for the coming new light into the dark places of the world. 

So, I told them how the service was. It was more of a reflecting service. Once the service was done, people came in to get their breakfast and a dose of coffee to start their morning. I was surprised that although I did not drink any espresso beverage, I am still awake at 5.30 am, I drank White Hot Chocolate. It was a creamy one as the creamer and milk was poured into the pitcher and proceed for steaming together topped with whipped cream. A truly creamy indulgence. 

On the 25th May, Jake and I decided to change the look of the hall. We shifted our sofa, dining table, and computer table. We decided to do it because we grew tired and bored of our previous arrangement which we call summer (07/08) arrangement. We had a spring – 07 season in our living hall. Among all the seasons, the both of us like our current that is ‘ Autumn Winter ‘ design. After much thinking, we decided to stick the sofa to where it used to belong (spring and summer) and only change the dining and computer table. The 3 tables ( 2 computer table) are next to each other and a lamp is in between our computer table and the light shadow reflecting on the glass dining table with lilies giving the carpet a slight touch. With this arrangement, we have open space (to dance or simply lie on the carpet). Jake placed his guitar behind the french door with the blinds touching the ground. I I put 4 pillows together with Eeyore and a sheep fur pillow with a basket of magazine and book on the left. Opposite the guitar is a white table where we put our wallet, keys and etc. (A table to put things but not a mess). I bought 3 white church candle. Sitting down thinking, it would be romantic and relaxing when Jake sits on the grown playing his guitar and I lying down on his lap with the candle. I love the feeling of orange / warm light and candles. Love the hug. It is comfy when I lie of it just relaxing or reading. This is what I call home. 

 

Starbucks Summer fun event

Firstly, it is now autumn and we are having summer fun event. You are wondering how come ? Well, although it is autumn, we are dressed in yellow shirt and giving out free coffee and muffins so that can be equivalent to summer. Yesterday Pookie (my store manager) and I decorated our store. The store was not suppose to be decorated but we just want it to be a summer store with bright colours. Most of the colours were red, yellow, green and orange.

Today as we were on the roll for morning rush, our regulars and customers received a free muffin. Some of them noticed the store and was curious. We told them that we are having a summer fun event. It will start around 12 noon. People still kept coming. There is one customer particularly, he always order a Grande Flat White and 30 minutes later, he came and ordered 2 tall flat white so as another lady who started her day with Espresso Frapuccino light and later for a Strawberry and Cream frapuccino. This was before noon. We make good espresso beverages and frapuccino’s. 11.30 am, Jake came as he wanted to see the summer fun event. He was our photographer. He took about 100 ’s photo’s together with 5 videos. Edwin, Azzy and I was interacting with clients. Edwin was pouring drip coffee, Azzy was passing muffin and I was passing free coffee. Its ironic that not many people take drip coffee even though it is free. Oh well… A customer came up to me and ” Is this free coffee everyday”. I was like well, it is only for today because it is summer coffee event. I was saying ” free coffee” – milk and sugar are at the condiment bar. I was dehydrated and about to loose my voice. Jake enjoyed his time too although he is not working with Starbucks. He was capturing image of partner’s doing espresso hot or blended beverages and also summer fun event team. Other Starbucks are going karoake, games. live performances partly because they have a bigger store and sitting area. There is not much things that we can do as we are a take away store so the best is sampling. It’s just grab and go. I enjoyed. I love working with Starbucks. 

Fantastic Friday

It is a good fantastic friday although I was woken up by a call to go to work as Ben did not come. Prepared in 5 minutes and of to work. Before I looked at my mobile phone, it was Starbucks Wynyard. It took me 5 minutes to prepare as I know i have to wear all black. No breakfast and did not wash up. (confession time). Counted my till and on the register taking orders. It’s amazing that although I did not have breakfast, I was so full of energy. Nothing makes me happier that serving, making or getting orders to a great cup coffee that makes people’s day. We were so busy. Cups were just on the roll, so as pastry making way out of the shelf to the customer. My biggest fear, when doing morning shift is not the shift, but counting and knowing my variances. I am so scared about that. To me anything above $ 1 is bad although we are allow at $ 2. When I counted my till together with the system. I called my manager to check as I want to know my variance. She was happy before I knew it. I had 0 for my variance. I am so happy. It was my first morning shift with no variance. I made my manager happy and myself. I feel like rewarding myself. I am so proud. Later, my store manager and I are going to Starbucks Circular Quay for a Summer Coffee Event.

So, here I am at my table continuing my post about my fantastic friday. I went to Wynyard (the Starbucks that I am working) and I got so surprised that I received an award. It is not a trophy award. But it is a green apron card award. I got it within my probation month. I am so grateful. I can’t say how much thankful to our team. I was presented with a ” Be Considerate” Award. Be Considerate is all about taking care yourself, each other and our enviroment, view the store from a customer’s perspective – How does it look and feel. Offer help and support to fellow partners at work, take the intiative: When you see something that needs to be done, do itm learn and follow guidelines for recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation and Earth Day, recognise partners for their effort and quality of work, always be punctual – it affects customers, partners and store business, contribute to a safe, secure and accident – free enviroment for everyone and communicate to partners with openness and sincerity. Next Pookie (my store manager) and I headed to Starbucks Circular Quay to help with Summer Fun Event. I volunteer for it what I like to do. We were like shadow in the store to get people coming it. We did sampling on frapuccino – Dulce and Apple and Strawberry freeze and Dulce Latte. Nothing brings me more joy when I see people enjoying a great cup of coffee. I am also happy knowing that when I see customer has a smile on the drink, I feel good and when I feel good, I think about the coffee planters for they did an excellence job that we are able to produce a good cup of coffee for customers to have a productive day. It took me a while sampling Dulce because it has coffee in it  and not much people would like as it is a little heavy for night. Apple and Strawberry went in a blink of an eye. Much of doing cold drinks we did Latte. That went fast as we are now in the cold season of Autumn. We took a break as the management of Circular Quay allow us to relax and enjoy. I met so many people there. New partners, important people in Starbucks Australia. Then all of a sudden , John – Shift supervisor of Circular Quay gave Pookie and me an award. It was a ” Be Genuine ” – Always be aware that customer service is communicated verbally and nonverbally, remember that basic service meets customers expectations: Legendary service exceeds customers expectation’, provide customer with prompt and professional service, as well as quality beverage and products, focus on the positive, on what you can do and not on what you cannot do, be enthusiastic about your customers experiences and invite them back, exceed expectations and anticipate customers needs. . This is just mind blowing. I did not expect this. Everything that I do regardless its pay or not, it from my heart. Its my servant hood heart felt. As walking from Circular Quay to Wynyard to see our store, we were talking about our store and other stores. I am so glad that I am working in our store. I feel a sense of belonging, my 3rd home..my everything. The trip from Wynyard to home got me thinking on things. I see people clubbing, lovers walking and etc, but I feel proud of what I did today. A day with a rush to go to work and rewarding day to remember and cherish. Everytime when I wear my ‘ Green Apron’, its all about customers, beverage quality, customer service and excellence beyond my reach or capacity. =)

Just a break

I want a break. Tomorrow is my last day of class and I have 2 weeks of holidays. I am not craving to go back home. Its not that I don’t miss home. I just need to go away from Sydney and others. May it be a domestic flight or drive in Australia or going to UK to see my cousin. There are so many things that I want to tell her, how I miss her, her Oreo Cheese Cookies. I want it. Why do we have to be so far Ling ? If only finances would drop down from heaven to send me a ticket or I winning a lottery to go to UK. It means a lot to me especially when I really need and crave for a break. To get myself away from the cold season in Sydney. It feels that the adrenalin of life has taken over me. Work, class, assignment, meal, sleep and etc. Seldom have time to go shopping, hanging out with my girl friends. Maybe shopping for Groceries. I miss shopping for a whole day regardless it is buying or just looking. I lost my zest in life. Each day drains me. Therefore there is a deep longing within me for a holiday. Sick then feeling alright , then down with flu and about to loose my voice again. Sigh. The loneliness, frustration, speed of life, and everything tangling in life is taking me slowly. It looks that I am about to loose my sanity. Sigh !

love, in love and ?

Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle – Crystal Middlemas

If you judge people, you have no time to love them – Mother Theresa

Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration – D.H Lawewnce

The best proof in love is trust – Joyce Brothers

It is astonishing how little one feels alone when one loves – John Bulwer

Love is a game that two can play and both win – Eva Gabor

Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile – Franklin P.Jones

True love never lives happily ever after – true love has no ending – K.Knight

Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop – Anoymous

Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation – Kahlil Gibran

The hottest love has the coldest end – Socrates

It takes a couple seconds to say Hello, but forever to say Goodbye – Anoymous

Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together – Anoymous

When love has come
But soon is gone
It begs the question
Was it there

The love was lost
And never found
Lost without you
Lost without me
Lost into eternity

The love was just a figment
A figment of our minds
Something we could ponder
But never express

Was it love or just a feeling
Was it love or just healing

Healing from the hatred
The hatred of our hearts
Our past was deep and full of pain
We needed this to release the stain
For this I do not regret
The time with you that I had spen
(Gary.R Hess)

I loved you more than I have ever known
Those starry eyes
Those tender lips
You made my heart melt
Then boil into a roaring fire
I now know
What my eyes could not see
You are the only one that is for me
Many nights those tears flew
Being myself without anyone
Anyone to care about the thoughts
Looking at the sky and knowing
Many mistakes I had
Many mistakes I have had
(Gary .R Hess)

Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, / That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
(Romeo & Juliet play)

Autumn comes then winter

I do not like middle spring and summer. Simply because I came from a country with a tropical humid climate. Our nights are like 25 celcius and day is like 30 plus. Now that I am Sydney, I enjoy most is autumn and winter. At times, I do complain when its windy. I can stand the cold but not if the cold wind is blowing. This is my second autumn. I felt sick frequently during autumn and winter last year. This year, its the same. I have been sick for 4 days and battling with a terrible  flu, sore throat and feeling cold. I hate the feeling that I have to have a tissue everywhere I go. Of course as a girl, I do carry tissue but I don’t really rely. When I am having flu, having tissue papers with me is more important then my mobile. I hate the feeling when I need to blow and there is no tissue within my reach. I bought a Kleenex Anti – Viral tissue and I hope it will do me some good. Today after class, I was walking to the city from Paddington. It took me 35 minutes to walk. I was walking against the wind as there was shade comparing to the other side of the road which had sun shining on it. It was the worst walk ever. The wind was blowing cold wind and my nose just need tissue. I went to the nearest convenient store and bought 2 packets of tissue. It finishes so fast. I must say the Kleenex – Anti Viral tissue  works. My nose now is much clearer from being runny and congestion. Of course, I won’t be fully cured but at least it does leave my nostril semi dry before I need the next piece. So far my nose is better after using these Anti – Viral.