September 2023

When you get to a certain age, you feel ready to tackle on more challenges than you think you can handle, but you keep thrusting yourself into them, as you just never know what the rewards might be.

I am embarking on learning about all the entrapment of cruise and how difficult can it be?

Travelling on cruise ship requires carrying cash in several currencies. Ah.Pain. Sadly, most of my old money card products have been terminated after COVID. I now have to try some new ones out there. Many do not offer much as in cash withdrawal. Um.

Work

I am looking into how to use AI to further our work, I would like to see AI being able to fetch mass data and do mathematical calculations.At least, search through our collection and tell us that subject heading was not used but these other records look similar.

PoGo

I cannot believe it my gotcha caught a hundo Meltan from the Mystery Box. One too many GBL seasons later. lol. Now it is no longer meta relevant. Also, I was about to hit remote raid cap when I encountered my hundo Kartana (ultrea beast). Man, this is what I call amazing stuff. You just cannot make these things up.

Dating

Nothing but fake accounts so far and people who are just angry at the world for their failures. I mean I curse companies at times when their product fail me. However, there are 8 billion people whom I have never met ,and so, I cannot blame them for my failures. Besides I have too much reading to do about AI prompts.

August 2023

The topic of brain washing. My father have taught me never to let such psychological activity infect me. I have to say, his teaching has taught me well. I now enjoy throwing shades at controlling individuals. Yummy Yummy in my Tummy is my favourite line to date.

Work

Applying lots of policies at work. Only 1 out of 1 million patron would blame staff for not telling them the correct thing, despite some of these patrons have been regularly visiting the library for years. WTF. Are you kidding me?

On the flip side, we have some first time visitors who have watched our webinars and finally, came into the library, and remembered our face, and to bring a USB memory stick. I feel so proud that we have touched people and they feel more confident in using the collection.

PoGo

I finally got a hundo Lickitung. Yay! Time to celebrate. Aw, it sure did feel like forever - not getting a hundo of it. Dialga was once like that for me. Well, Giratina Altered is still being a biatch. lol.

Dating

Nothing seems to stick. Nice or funny or intelligent. Every guy seems ticked off when I talk about Australian foraging ways. Why, is mushrooms gonna kill you? Maybe, but still, it is a great conversation starter.

July 2023

Cold as always. The sun's warmth does come through occasionally. When we had a staff BBQ recently it was really sunny, it made cooking for 45 minutes all the much easier. A few people peaked through to say Hi by the barbie. Which was nice.

Work 

I am on three work streams now. A co-lead in one. Hosting meeting in another. Helping to create resources for training in another. All the while doing my core duties. Next month I will have to put much of these work streams projects on pause and work on Family History month.

PoGo

Not much hundo this month even though I have traded heaps of pokemon with my friends. Also, not much luck in the raids or task either. The game is pretty buggy. Freezes a lot. Pokemon that has been caught remains in the map. Odd.

Dating

I keep coming across men who have distance and travel phobia. They keep blaming city folks  and saying things are expensive. Then they say there is nothing to do in their suburb. Sheesh. Talk about sad. No creativity in their bones. These men only watch streaming service and all day too. They call that living it up while envying others. Maybe for people with mobility issues watching stuff on the screen is most ideal way of living. But I am rather fit still, and so prefer to travel instead than to sit in front of the telly all day.

June 2023

Winter teaches where your joints and pain are. What I did not anticipate is dry skin across my face and neck. Ageing presents you many challenges and this is one of them.

Work

I am helping my colleagues by carrying out their previous responsibilities while they are away on holiday. It isn't much of a burden when you have many other colleagues who willing to teach you and take over the work if it requires senior level permission thingy. I am sure learning a great deal. Sure there is no extra pay but you get rewarded with knowledge you did not possess previously. On another note, we are playing word game puzzles on a daily basis and it is a new experience for me. I have seen the word game on television shows and newspapers, but I have tried it myself. It is a confidence builder and initiates conversations among staff.

PoGo

I got some task hundo, gotcha picked a few hundo, and several raid hundo. I think, I am doing great despite my right foot hurts like hell everyday. The plantar fasciitis likes to acts up when I am on the move. Someone told me I looked like a cripple. Thanks, but no thanks. Comments such are not funny. I'm blessed to have friends who are willing to catch some pokemon on my behalf and trade them to me. Very kind of them indeed.

Dating

Nothing but fake accounts lately. They keep trying and making excuses to move the conversation over to WhatsApp. Sadly, I felt no chemistry or romance. These fakes do not even ask me what my dreams are or what I like to do. It is all about them and what they are up to, not an invite to dinner or meet up. How rude!

=========================

A trip to Lake Entrance

⛳️

Wednesday 21st June

It took 2 coach bus rides to reach Lake Entrance. Three road works slowed us down. Bairnsdale train station is the mecca for regional coach transfers. Decent toilet facility.  The road into Lake Entrance is hilly and curvy. I’m amazed how the bus driver was able to drive down this road with such gusto. 

Everything was closed by the time we got here. The main road of Lake Entrance was wide. The footpath was wide. Probably to accomodate summer crowds. There were only a few people here and there. Sis found Woolies. We got some basic supplies. We checked in quickly and went to a pub to have dinner. At the Central motel we had scallop with bacon crisps & pea purée entree. It was delicious. Sis had entree fried calamari. I had a brick Gippsland brisket. Then we shared a sticky date. For a winter night it warmed our bellies alright. 

We set the heated blankets on and warmed our room to ease our sleep shivers. I put my Daiso cat portable humidifier to the test. It worked a treat. You can hear the waves crash against the shores as walked home from dinner. 

Thursday 22nd June

We went and did the Entrance Walk 3km. Lovely weather. We saw finches. Fur seals. An old signal station. Historic houses. An old relic stone mason ship. Broken colourful scallop sea shells. Strut birds. The path itself was windy, filled with twisted tree roots and logs. Quite the hike. 5.5km in total. 

The mini golf places were closed except for 1. Even so, Sis wanted lunch as it was getting late in the afternoon. Polar bear donuts has the best looking dessert in town. Sis ordered the rainbow one with gold dust on the menagerie clouds with sour rainbow band. I had a lemon curd one. For lunch we had fish n chips it was good. 

Then we went to check out the shell museum. Wow the amount of shark jaws there was incredible. We saw glow in the dark rocks from the abyss. The shells from Thailand were most colourful and spike stuck from its body. We managed to find a button hole shape abalone shell and two purple dotted shells for mom. Sis got a dream catcher. While I bought two nice brown swirly looking shells. None of them had the weight of the one sis I found in the fossil route though. 

Dropped off the shells and went to Zephyr cafe  at Lake Entrance Bowls for dinner. For entree we had yellow tin tuna tartare with avocado. They make yummy parmas. Also, The Debortolli rose  drink was a nice blush pink and dry.

The locals come here to gamble, listen to live music, and gain points for food. Neat. 

Friday 23rd June

Metung Hot Springs is completely outdoors. It is made up of several tiny pools. Most of very warm. Only three had views of the Gippsland river. The barrel bath was in another area and on a hill top. You had to ask staff to drive up with their golf buggy.  We felt awkward going past private residence in a robe and swim wear. I enjoyed floating in the medium barrel and stare into the sky. 

The hot springs had 1 sauna to warm you up. It was hard to keep the towel dry. We had some sunshine. Not enough to keep us from shivering. After a good 2 hrs. Sis got hungry. 

We walked to The Clubhouse, Metung Country Club for a late lunch. We ordered vegan lasagna, local Maffra cheese board, and molten lava cake for dessert. We just sat there sipping our mocktails looking over the golf course. 

By the late noon we felt full and sleepy. After a nice nap. We had KFC for dinner and watched some music video clip from the 80s. Sure made us laugh. 

Saturday 24th June

11am Boat cruise with lunch and wine tasting.

Wayne our skipper on Stormbird drove us to see the fur seals up close. They are chonky and cute. A few went into the waters and synchronised their fin flaps for us. Giggles. No need. You are cute as you are. Ah. Watching them interact is interesting as can be. 

We continued our way up North Arm and saw many beautiful hill top homes. Some had jetty connect to their yards. One had a dome rooftop garden. Talk about posh. 

The jetty we parked at had bird pool towards the right had side. At the bottom of the hill a mini van came to pick us up. The cosy cottage was welcoming. A bar next to a small fire place. Our group table was in the upper terrace courtyard. The blazing sun beamed down at us.

We tasted several whites and reds. The warm bread with the cheeseboard was the star. The butter a bit frozen. The jam was nice. The hard cheese was good but not delicious. The rose wine had a good colour and dry. The frozen muscat was syrupy nice. For mains I had gummy shark with chips and sis had lamb shank with mash. Sis wanted cola and fried waffle with de Luce sauce vanilla ice cream which was an extra cost. 

By far the most tastiest wine tasting session yet. Back on the boat Wayne drove us past the fishing industry packing office by the pier. They are extending their cafe and got a new trawler called Tommy Norton. Then we were back in the main area of the town. 

Sis and I went home for a nap. Then caught a taxi to Medieval Winter Fire Festival behind Bruthen Mechanics Hall. 

Upon arrival we were greeted with a metal sculpture of a dragon head! Kapow! I couldn’t help but pose with it. I had a cup of warm quince and apple spice non-alcoholic. Pulled pork with slaw sandwich. Fresh fried gluten free donut. Ah, the big bonfire was able to warm my hands and face from a far. We watch troupe do some English dance. A medieval interest group perform sword fight with flame blades. The last act was an outdoor juggler using fiery objects. Very skilled individuals. We missed the 3-6pm acts as we were sleepy but we managed to watch 3 acts. That’s not bad. 

Sunday 25th June

We went to Boat Shed for brekkie. Then went over the river by the rental boats area to take snap shots of pelicans. Oh my they are huge! They have a blue line that runs across their beak. Nearby was the Lakes Entrance Visitor information centre. There was a small gallery upstairs. 

We went to play mini golf at three different outlets on the main street. Woo Hoo!

Mini Golf

This one felt like welcome to Hollywood. Lots of sculptures. One or two moving objects.

Esplanade mini golf

Pirate themed mini golf. Great to see families play together. Including grandpa.

Footbridge mini golf

Sis won twice on the laughing clown skill board. My golf ball kept getting stuck at various spots. Plenty of candy inside the store.

6:30pm Dinner: Sodafish

The dishes were moorish and dessert was a highlight for Sis. Interesting use of a floating building. 

Monday 26th June

We took the coach and a train back to Melbourne safely. 

There was guy trying to catch a coach to Sydney from Lake Entrance. Sadly, there are no official looking stands or staff to assist. Just a local post office and you just have to ticket office ring for assistance. 

May 2023

Many people want to be instantly rich but do not want to compete for money. How sad. I have never agreed to be people’s punching bag. I mean I’m happy to be a support person, but it gets dull to listen to people go on and on how the world is unfair towards them. In the form of monetary riches. I really don’t think they have not met all 8 billion people in-person. Blanket blame doesn’t hold compared to a blanket policy.

I prefer talking about non-sense and planning for events. More desirable, actionable, and pragmatic.

It seems if a parent does not have nutrition knowledge, then they have nothing to share with the child. Recently, I learned eating food in a certain order can avoid sugar level spikes in our glucose. By doing so we reduce inflammation and low energy. However, some food have no nutrition value at all.

I do feel much more balance in terms of energy. I have dumped the sugary instant packet tea mom makes for me every morning. I avoid oats and I choose a savoury option for breakfast after 10am. To allow my body to fast and burn up the food I ate last night. I eat avocado in my lunches. I drink a bitter before eating sweets. My skin is beginning to look better. Better than when I was a teenager.

Cutting down sugar, starchy (noodles, rice, pasta, potato), and nitrate food (hot dogs, ham) is all it took. I haven't given up on them totally. like the scientist said, veggies first or a spoon of vinegar before eating starchy food. Protein first before sugary food.

April 2023

The air is much colder than last month. We still some lovely sunny morning though. Which isn't all too bad.

While having some serenity to myself lately, I'm starting to recognise cycles in many humans who have this perpetual desire to self sabotage. 

For example, those who wish to run a business but never really ever start one. Or those who wish to be financially independent yet live pay check to pay check. And those who want to save money for their early retirement goes off to buy $2000 monitors for work purposes. 

Humans build their own cycle of hell. 

Also, I'm learning: 

people have ideals and desires, but they do not communicating them. 

people do not respect that everyone grew up differently.

people do not respect that some people have different health conditions.

people refuse to try natural medicine to heal themselves.

Humans build their own walls to the community and to better health.

Work

Trying out software that offer AI interaction.

PoGo

Still not getting a hundo of pokemon I desire. One just have to keep on trying harder.

Dating

Last guy I met shouted me a cider then after an hour he wanted $12 back. He asked for my Pay ID, I gave him cash instead. Ha. A Korean single dad of two teenagers. He still sends ex-wife alimony and child support. What a sad, sad state of affairs for the shorty. Man states he can earn a million dollars easily. Ah. One can only see that alimony climb sky high. No thank you.

March 2023

Autumn is upon us and the sky is perpetually grey. I am doing a spring clean out of paper notes and stationery at home and at work. We humans accumulate so much objects. At work we have a share cupboard, which we can drop left over stuff. Neat.

Work

A flurry of talks about including AI into our work.

I am researching about a ballerina. I chose a name randomly and found many gems. When I could not find her birth or death date, I figured she might be still alive. However, on the 9/2/2023 scrolling through Facebook I found out she died on 2/2/2022. Omg! That is freaky! Vale Jennifer Anne Stielow.

PoGo 

Slow month ahead. For hardcorre players there is nothing new. As for casual players they game mechanics is proving to tedious to use and too many mini events to follow anymore.

Dating

The last guy finally gave up on me - he kept going on about being frugal and skipping on major food events (e.g. birthday/BBQ) means early retirement. Yet he does not have a house of his own or an investment property. Also, after 9 dates he went to apply for a home loan. Weird. I said I'm not funding your dates and your home loan, when in the end, the property will not be mine. he event chose a property on his own. Sigh. He sure does not like to consult people about big purchase. Only his way or high way. Ugh.

February 2023

Nothing is forever. Things come and go. One thing does seem to stay forever - racism and sexism. The youth of today are bringing back racism and sexism. It seems like there has been no progress at all. With the access to Internet, youth can gather is the masses online. Morals are harder to teach when the masses can ignore mass media and live in their filter bubble.

Work

Project ideas floating about. Researching other countries and their record storage being one of them. 

PoGo

I started the year with a bang and scoring hundo legendary raid bosses on the first week of their re-introduction. I am amazed at my in-game success.

Dating

Nothing but fake profiles.so far. I won't be celebrating valentines this year like every other year. 

The men I have dated seem to piss me off around summer with "my way or the high way" attitude. They so need to improve their financial literacy before they retire. They have no side gig, no digital sales and keep whingeing about having to work. Then they complain how everyone is making a profit off of them another snore fest. Overall not exactly romantic or pragmatic.

 

January 2023

We are going to experiment with a stick vacuum this year. Hopefully, it arrives in one piece. We are going to start off with a budget one from a trusted company who can be trusted to deal with complaints and refunds.

Work

Thinking of ideas for enhancing research guides and blogs for staff use and students doing homework.

PoGo

No luck in scoring a costume hundo in the Christmas event. Oh well.

Dating

Carryover from 2022. I am seeing a guy at the moment. He likes to replace electronic parts with equipment and does his own 3D printing. He enjoys camping, kayaking, and scuba diving. I will try and see if he likes day trips. 

Apparently, he does not like a great of things. Man plans to retire early but does not run a business and has no digital side gig, but wants a child. Guys who say, it is my way or the high way, they leaves me no choice but to go our separate ways. A real partner would try to find a middle ground and not shit your form of happiness. Travel is the only saving grace and the only area of my life where I can invest my money. Since all house hold goods get thrown out whenever mom throws a tantrum.

Family

A sample of adult children family drama during inflation.

Mom wanted to grab her false teeth from the bathroom when Sis begun to use the bathroom. Sis got angry then mom got angry too. Bro thought Sis was using the bathroom for 5 mins. Umm. Chicks use the bathroom for longer than that. Sis eventually handed over the false teeth to mom after she managed to dress. However, mom is still upset that Sis was upset. So upset that she cannot stop talking about it the whole afternoon with Bro. 

But why was I called crazy? When it is logical. 😂 whack-a-tack-tack. 

a) chicks do take long baths/showers; 

b) besides who makes intimidating phone calls outside of the bathroom window while someone is in it? 

Now Bro (unemployed) wish to take my name off the house title. I say pay the stamp duty, and I will. 🤗 For now, I am not budging because these hoarders want the property for equity loan after I had paid for 99% of the repairs.

Weekend trips are made even better when you gain a new skill. While in Sydney, we went on Wild Plants, Foraging, Food, Art and Culture tour hosted by Diego Bonetto. I feel more confident in identifying plant families and eating them. https://t.co/5lMasuAwI5 pic.twitter.com/UHvr2ectA2

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) January 24, 2023

祝大家新年快樂！身體健康。健康就是幸福。出入平安。希望2023更加好過2022啦。 pic.twitter.com/5A5gRM3qVW

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) January 22, 2023

Truffle sauce burger and apple pie thick-shake with @sngo1982 #nomnomnom (at @Wahlburgers in Sydney, NSW) https://t.co/TfJXZ3ekam pic.twitter.com/ZozI2iRqIs

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) January 22, 2023

#hols learned about edible weeds in #Randwick and having multi leaders is bad for Council activity. Today my sister and I found our love of Rockpool among the beach. Also, we had fried tacos for dinner. Hee Hee. Greasy. acc @sngo1982 pic.twitter.com/VnAdwo3gQP

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) January 21, 2023

#hols #Sydney #Manly loving the rock pools and living creatures in the area. Also, we had lumch at Fika’s cafe and deli. #nomnomnom a nice way to unwind on a light rainy day with @sngo1982 pic.twitter.com/CYKC5rA21G

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) January 20, 2023

December 2022

We are beginning to see some warmer days this month. I can get to wear my sandals out again.

Work

LSP and DAAWG are making some progress on what we could focus on. Wording on the catalogue is vital to removing barriers to the library.Not only does it impact search results, it impacts people's decision to request an item. Too much obstacles deters people from seeking the item out.

PoGo

Lots of instability. The server was down for a few hours before the mega raid day during tea break. I was at work for Friday's outage, so no impact on me besides I couldn't run my gotcha. Then they switched off raids in the morning before mega raid day. hours 2-5pm Without event tasks, many of us were left bored. If the raid event falls on my dating hours, I just give it a miss. Nowadays it is come to be known it as glitch day than a proper event. 

Dating

 

One the two guys I have been messaging has decided to come out and meet in-person. He is kind and knowledgeable. We went to watch Red Bull Go Cart race on Saturday 3rd December. Good fun.

Attending: Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse [exhibition] with @sngo1982 #NGVMcQueen (@ National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) - @ngv_melbourne in Southbank, VIC) https://t.co/08DpSuHA5X pic.twitter.com/PSmdfWkZXb

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 29, 2022

We smile on despite challenges that come our way. Wide spread diaspora is an saddening occurrence. May charities get the support they need to help those without a home. #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays if possible. #FelizNavidad #聖誕快樂 🎄🎁 pic.twitter.com/xhSA66Q5E5

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 24, 2022

Day 6 of #vacay in #Bendigo @sngo1982 and I went on a talking tram tour. We met Penny Sergeant at the Bendigo Military Museum. Amazingly enough we managed to get in and listen to carols at Sacred Heart Cathedral. #Victoria pic.twitter.com/ctrcreSItK

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 11, 2022

Day 5 of #vacay in #Bendigo @sngo1982 and I had high tea at #FortunaVilla and the building was glorious. Just the lake needed some love. The lizard and cat was a bonus. Also, that evening we had pumpkin ice cream at Ms Batterhams (a good cocktail bar). #Victoria pic.twitter.com/R7dfqhy7K4

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 10, 2022

Day 4 #vacay in #Bendigo #Victoria bus no. 50 to PepperGreen Farm is more deal, Google said to take bus no. 5. The Golden Dragon Museum was neat and in 3 parts. Ended the day with a game of mini golf with @sngo1982 and I got two hole in ones (no. 3 & no. 18). What a hoot! pic.twitter.com/OeAmsbLTNb

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 9, 2022

Day 3 #vacay in #Bendigo potato pancakes b4 art. Bendigo Art Gallery (free entry) some thought provoking works. Tasted gold choc at the mid week market at the Good Loaf Sourdough bakery. Dinner at Masons of Bendigo with @sngo1982 Then danced to a light up Xmas tree. pic.twitter.com/qRPBUI0Wz3

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 8, 2022

Day 2 #vacay in #Bendigo we went to Central Deborah #Gold Mining tour that’s 61 metres underground. Walked around Lake Weeroona Park and Garden for the future in White Hill. Lots of mosquito about. #Victoria pic.twitter.com/VtOVWswVZP

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 8, 2022

#victoria #vacay Day 1: @sngo1982 and I went around Rosalind park and the main streets of #Bendigo the park was quite huge and has plenty of things to see. pic.twitter.com/hTFnHtW5JT

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) December 6, 2022

November 2022

The flooding in our state has subsided and people are rebuilding their lives. Some areas have blown our rivers and billabongs up north east of Victoria. Apparently, the flooded dam and billabong has been like that for 3 years. The government and the news are not covering this matter in great detail. We really do have a climate change issue.

Work

Brainstorming for ideas for 2023 projects and blogs.

PoGo

With the help of my friends I was able to get trade hundo of costume pokemon while on vacation in the rural areas.

Dating

I have been corresponding with two blokes and they do not seem keen or that eager to meet up in-person. I am learning not to rush people if they do not feel comfortable in meeting up within a week or two.

Enjoying a night out at the #NoodleNightMarket with @sngo1982 #Melbourne background org by Celebrity Cruise (sponsor). Sunset by nature. (@ Birrarung Marr in Melbourne, VIC, VIC) https://t.co/5swrMNwOM5 pic.twitter.com/yaXinP8l0g

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 20, 2022

Before the sun rises in #Milawa there were heaps of stars in the sky. As the stars fade the sky changes to purple then to orange. @sngo1982 and I went on #Goldrush (hot air) #Ballooning #Australia tour. We flew above the mist, King river, farm animals, and kangaroos. pic.twitter.com/jFZOCq68fB

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 5, 2022

Relaxing with @sngo1982 consuming a ready to go cheese board: brie, King river gold, cheddar, and blue cheese. #nomnomnom #Milawa (@ Milawa Cheese Factory in Milawa, Victoria) https://t.co/DTGUVEakfq pic.twitter.com/fGlv6Eu8bT

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 4, 2022

There was good weather yesterday. So good in fact we went for a walk to #Beechworth cemetery on the dirt road. Above us was a face in the cloud. See middle square. Also, I got stung by a mosquito. Skipped Lake Sambell though. pic.twitter.com/GIRzH0fsWj

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 3, 2022

Going on a tour of an old prison with @sngo1982 #Gaol you go and collect $200 #LOL #sunny #Beechworth (@ Beechworth Gaol in Beechworth, VIC) https://t.co/zKmyvyMIdR pic.twitter.com/w46dSdma0Q

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 2, 2022

#beechworth is a town with a colourful #history. Many came here looking for gold and some have deep family history. The historic precinct was well maintained. Worth checking out. #stories pic.twitter.com/W1QHx4EfNQ

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 2, 2022

Lunch with @sngo1982 at Billson’s brewery was delicious. What a graze board. #nomnomnom #beechworth pic.twitter.com/3Vyu1INpur

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) November 1, 2022

October 2022

We are starting to receive partial sunny weather now. I can wear one less layer now. Nice. I took my family to the beach for a walk and some ice cream. This is life at its most peaceful moment.

Work

I am learning to search for people names in the manuscript collection. Indexes are great. However, not all registers have the name of the individual.

PoGo

Not having much luck with the shiny hunting, then again I was not checking the dense spawn areas. My right foot has been playing up all of last month.

Dating

Just fake accounts saying Hi and asking how was your weekend, when it has not even ended. Stupid. 

Petty but stupid.

Having a lovely dinner with @sngo1982 #nomnomnom #wangaratta (@ Atrium in Wangaratta, VIC) https://t.co/dOnl7NEJ2u pic.twitter.com/VQcxBkTL4c

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) October 31, 2022

Attending grand opening with @sngo1982 #interact with #art and #science #fun #edu (@ Science Gallery Melbourne in Carlton, Victoria) https://t.co/EB1rAwf9dB pic.twitter.com/bwbIdH2BwF

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) October 7, 2022

September 2022

It seems every time I take my family members to the malls, they would say the stores are out to make a profit off them. They feel every shop and cafe is out there to make a living off them. I'm like, that is what businesses do for a living. I have lost interest in educating them and simply go "uh huh". The weird part is that they do not buy a thing from these shops anyway. Odd.

Spring felt more like an extended winter. 

Work

It is soon to become business as usual after the new LMS was launched. I have put my hand up to do more testing in the future.

PoGo

I learned with my allergy, I cannot eat and then do strenuous exercise afterwards. This means I gotta learn to eat after I've done some exercise.

Dating

Nothing worth reporting. Well,  besides people who only want to date and nothing serious keep messaging you, because the dating app keeps flashing you are online when you are clearly not. And I did state I am after a serious committed relationship. These dumb fucks are an annoying waste of my time. I just don't reply just to save myself some headache. 

We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of harmful misinformation online, which can result in people being left uninformed, unprotected & vulnerable during a crisis.#PledgetoPause and verify facts by asking basic questions before you share. https://t.co/qFqoh7CZOA pic.twitter.com/Vbn8OKaSYX

— United Nations (@UN) August 29, 2022

It is sad to see any person die. The queen, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (21 April 1926 to 8 September 2022) was a person too. Historical events that took place in the past fall on many shoulders, not just on the one soul. May you in peace #UK #Queen pic.twitter.com/1qxHdAjLaL

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) September 9, 2022

August 2022

The winds are icy cold this month. The sun is shining but the wind remains cold like last month.

We have completed another saga. Not without putting a big fight. Mom argued we were stealing her thunder from her, when we asked a trades person to help install a slab in the corner of our backyard. However, what she did not know or acknowledge is the fact, that we are beyond seeking a quote at this point. The trades person has already ordered materials and booked a small cement truck for TODAY (02/08/2022) and was arriving within 30 mins. There was no way I was going to cancel on my friend's wife's friend like that. It would be VERY disrespectful.  

Mom have always bragged she has a set of helpful friends. Who has never once showed up to help dad repair the old house. Meanwhile, Bro told me when he and mom went looking for the friend who does plumbing works disappeared without a trace. The person who came to answered the front door said the previous owner has moved away with no contact details. And when they went to looking for a friend who was a roof tiler, the person never returned her calls or replied to their paper message left in the mailbox. I wonder why...

We all have different kinds of friends, but not everyone wants to help out in repairing a house, let alone install a slab. We cannot be judgemental in such circumstances. These people so called friends have every right to refuse and ignore us. However, when someone was willing and is kind enough to assist us in achieving our dream, why shoo them away? Why indeed.

To be honest, I don't know if my heart can withstand another anaphylactic shock. Each day involves taking precautionary steps to avoid triggers: stress and allergies. I try to walk enough steps to keep my heart healthy. So far, my average is 10,000 steps a day. Probably, should get a watch to monitor my blood pressure. Hmm...

Work

The two big projects are now live. The in-person tours have started for tour if the reading room. The new system will go live PUBLICLY in two weeks time. What an exciting time. Meanwhile, mom tries to throw tantrum at home.

PoGo

No hundo from the Hisuian event. Oh wells, You cannot always win them all. I did get the chance to have dinner with a few mates and walk with my friends. It is always refreshing to catch up with people you haven't seen in a while.

Dating

Just chatting with a few guys online. Many of them were not charming, chatty, witty, or curious. Quite insipid to be frank. It is just I, who do the asking of questions and bringing up topics. You getting pretty bored and tired by the third day. Also, these guys do not reply back for hours and some even days. Thank god the chat in some of the dating apps have a time limit and expires on its own. No awkward un-matching needed. Yay!

Companionship is what I desire more than anything else. I find most men use sex to measure a person’s worth and I find that is no good for long term relationship. They only stay at home and do nothing else for weeks on end. Dull. Pretty much a waste of my time.

Several fake accounts asks how’s your weekend on a Friday, that just not right. Same when they ask you, how’s your week going on a Monday. Umm. Something is fishy.

There was a guy who refuses to ask questions or share their day with me, dared to accuse of me being busy and that they didn’t want to disturb me yet wants to hook up. F- off.  

 

Ended the night on a sweet high. @VicMarket #WinterNightMarket #pikachu fairy floss (honey comb flavour like) and buns. with @sngo1982 #nomnomnom pic.twitter.com/0RsSMmrmBf

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) August 17, 2022

Enjoying delights of the #truffle festival with @sngo1982 #nomnomnom lobster roll and seared scallops. (@ Grazeland Melbourne in Spotswood, Victoria) https://t.co/vIwqT0fZQh pic.twitter.com/OqTMGxhy2U

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) August 14, 2022

July 2022

It has been a quiet and cold month in Melbourne. For me anyway.

Work

We are wrapping up performance reviews and going gang busters on software testing. 

PoGo

Oh. I'm sooooo... lucky. I managed to get a raid hundo Pansear. Only did a few raids and mostly using the free raid pass. Feeling blessed.

Dating

Men don’t understand that if you insult a person in jest, it is still an insult. Then to take it back and say it didn’t happen. Telling the person that they imagined it is considered gaslighting. Deep down, the guy knew has already jabbed you with your insult. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch with @sngo1982 #nomnomnom (@ Maker & Monger in Prahran, Victoria) https://t.co/uSS8GdtS6x pic.twitter.com/QfC2meuPiU

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) July 30, 2022

Nice cakes to go with your hot chocolate. #winter #nomnomnom with @sngo1982 Mont Blanc (frangipani and blackcurrant). (@ Movenpick Cafe in Melbourne, VIC) https://t.co/PHabgNVfAm pic.twitter.com/ODBPr55fZg

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) July 26, 2022

Had lunch with @sngo1982 and enjoying the Christmas in July theme. Christmas snowman for dessert. Hee Hee. #nomnomnom (@ The Commons at Ormond Collective in Melbourne, VIC) https://t.co/CwVKKs4sKi pic.twitter.com/p4OJaTex61

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) July 15, 2022

You catch snowflakes at the #WinterNightMarket at @VicMarket Well, I tried to at least. Theme: Christmas in July. Fun, fun, fun and #nomnomnom pic.twitter.com/W2qhTCSCCN

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) July 14, 2022

Good stuff. I can’t wait. https://t.co/UpKze6HNAd

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) July 4, 2022

June 2022

Looking forward to another short break in Warrnambool. Hopefully there is a whale or two when we get there.

The family did was not happy with the food served in any of the restaurants. In the high tea, Sis said the food were too tiny. In the Chinese restaurant Bro wanted rice to come with every dish, but we had 11 mains for the family share, so there was no need for rice. Besides the family couldn't finish most of the dishes. In the Anglo Saxon one in South Bank, everyone complained about how dark it was and how the food were too tiny of a portion. Fine dining is always tiny. They were hungry as they could not bother eating lunch. Not my problem. People cannot plan or book anything yet whinges about everything. Such a tragedy. 

Work

Blog writing continues. Project work on library management getting more intense. We will be giving staff and patron a tour of the newspaper reading room in winter. I hope my voice will be in tip top condition.

PoGo

First remote raid and I got a hundo Kyorge. If only I can score a hundo Groudon too. Nope. That was never going to happen. Oh wells.

Dating

Mostly scammers online atm. Guys who say they want to date and only asking about your earning is no go. No romantic anything. Nada. Some scammers. They bore me to death. So I ask them about how do they plan to date someone when they are not in the same country as me. That pisses them off. Fun times. A shorty from HK. After I told him that I did not originate from HK, he stated he was stuck in Hong Kong and cannot make it back to Melbourne. Deleted that one. 

Two men had a masters degree. One kept saying couple activity triggers PTSD for him. Then he said he had work is NSW then WA. When I talked about Lego, he asked me to send him gold bars. No way Jose. When I said I don't have a full licence - he got mad and stated that I must not have much life experience as a person. Belittle me he tried. Deleted that one too.

Yeah. None of these men were ever going to meet up in-person. Full of excuses. Sigh. Next.

======================================= The trip to Warrnambool

Day 1 - 6th June

The sky was grey, and the air was icy cold. Today the train to Warrnambool was in operation. Thank goodness. By lunchtime, we boarded our train and hopped into the correct carriage. We nearly sat in the wrong seats, but in the end, we figured it out. The train went past many empty lots of land and newly built houses. From the outside, it looks like a suitable place for a growing family. Somehow, I don’t think it is a good place for a single person. It was somewhat lonely looking of a suburb. 

Also, it got me thinking about how can I live in an empty town with a person who doesn’t talk to me much? Hmm. The lonely life of a wife can be depressing and even suicidal if you ask me. The inner suburbs and city have an array of events each month enough to fill your days up. Soon you forget how lonely you are in an empty relationship. 

The train carriage had various people, and many chatted throughout the 4 hours train ride. So much so that Sis could not get any rest.

Upon arrival walked up the hill to drop off our suitcases. The rain comes and goes. Our suitcases got drenched. Once dried off, we headed down to Redspoon for a light dinner. For dessert, we had black sticky rice with Thai custard. It was a delicious start to the trip. 

Day 2 - 7th June

The tour was cancelled and rescheduled to Thursday. The rain kept pouring down on us. We dashed back to the town centre to have brekkie at Fishtales.The town has laneways and a central car park with free two hours parking. They have a Coles and ALDI in town. Several slow one-way buses. 

After brekkie, from the main street we walked down the hill passing several tall pine trees to the mini golf by the sea. The rain keep weeping on us. The trees offered us shelter. The locals run and hide underneath them. We managed to reach a section of the Lake Pertobe. The birds were very cute. One squawk at my sister to get off the mini bridge. The bird couple used the bridge to cross to the island instead of swimming across. How odd. Laughs. 

On the first putt I whacked too hard and the ball ended in the pond. The course was very well though out. Trying to keep ball momentum was challenging in the rain and wet surface. Ha ha. We the  headed to Stingray bay to go up the stairs go the Pavilion cafe for a late lunch. Throughout our walk back to the town we saw five rainbows and one big arch above the beach.

Once back in town we had Hairy Goat for dinner. The one same sauce was served in every dish. Omg. Bland. For a Spanish cuisine focused it was appalling to say the least. The place was dark and dull. 

Day 3 - 8th June

Ann drove us to Tower hill. There we tried to spot wildlife. Not much luck today. At the visitor information centre, we took one loop around the area and looked at merchandise. T There was no story time session or historical talk. Koroit is a small town where young folks buy up a house. Port Fairy. We walked a trail on Griffiths Island. We saw two wallabies. These towns once slaughtered whales for their oil until the gold rush took away much of the business and population. 

Fletcher Jones market had new and old stuff up for grabs. They had so many retro gears. Sis even found a dinner table set that looked similar to dads.

We had dinner at Bojangles. The highlight of the meal was the basil ice cream. Yum.

Day 4 - 9th June

As a bonus, Fiona drove us to Stingray bay to watch horses training in the waters. I have never seen a horse swim before. Wow. We got out to Logan beach (whale nursery). Sadly, we were not lucky in spotting a whale. The waves  and the rain clouds are strong here. Also, she drove us to the various lookout points where you watch for whales in your car and in this kind of  weather that is a good tip. 

The botanical garden had a similar design to the one found in Melbourne - designed by the same person. Amazing. They planted a Turkish pine tree brought in by an army soldier in 1915. A sweet way to remeer someone. We fed ducks by the pond and saw several large goldfish. The children's playground was made out of natural wood. It is good for the children to come out and play on it. The houses are pricey here for young families. The oldest church would hold concerts throughout the year in Warrnambool.

Cafes by the rivers only open in summer. Even the cemetery is by the Hopskin river. Oof. Not a safe spot should it flood one day. The river was wide. Fiona drove us to each river mouth and showed tus how different they were and why they are a concern for the town. 

Fiona drove us to the mouth of Hopskin river and Merri river. One was more narrow than the other. The narrow one requires humans to make a channel regularly to stop the river from flooding. It could very well destroy farmland and homes. The bridges connecting the small islands in Stingray bay were great. It would have been a good boardwalk if it was summer. Middle Island was once open to the public to view penguins up close. Now it is closed to the public and foxes. In summer, two dogs would guard the penguins as the tide would go out and the foxes sneak on over the sand. 

Clovelly restaurant for dinner. The menu says doughnuts, but they only made one dry doughnut. Lol. 

Day 5 - Friday 10th June

It was time to leave Warrnambool. When we boarded the train, the staff said the train was fully booked out - not. Not surprisingly, more people caught the train into Melbourne than to Warrnambool. Overall, winter in Warrnambool was uneventful. Due to the sheer amount of rain. So difficult to attend any outdoor activity. Only a handful of people were willing to brave the element and hang together in picturesque locations like us. Hee Hee. We wore gloves every day and a hat to keep ourselves warm. The locals didn’t wear any and were okay with the cold, wet weather. 

Dinner with the family went down a treat. incl. @sngo1982 and they loved the s&s Barra and truffle dumplings. #nomnomnom (@ Old Beijing 局氣 in Melbourne, VIC) https://t.co/zoQjDBCq0C pic.twitter.com/no9OuKC2mt

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 20, 2022

What a day of floral beauty and light displays with @sngo1982 🎉💐. High tea at #Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens and #glowwinterartsfestival at Central Park, Malvern East. pic.twitter.com/uAPoRCeTFX

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 19, 2022

Just had high tea with @sngo1982 in the Gardens House (which I’ve never been in all of my life). Sleek yet historical inside. #nomnomnom (@ Royal Botanic Gardens - @rbg_melbourne in South Yarra, VIC) https://t.co/wZNILEGAN7 pic.twitter.com/o257lEmhuk

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 19, 2022

Just had high tea with @sngo1982 in the Gardens House (which I’ve never been in all of my life). Sleek yet historical inside. #nomnomnom (@ Royal Botanic Gardens - @rbg_melbourne in South Yarra, VIC) https://t.co/wZNILEGAN7 pic.twitter.com/o257lEmhuk

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 19, 2022

Day 3 (today) @sngo1982 and I watched a horse train on the beach, fed ducks at the #Warrnambool Botanical Gardens, took a stroll through Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Also, we got an overview of #Warrnambool in today’s tour. Lots of murals and original family run biz(s). pic.twitter.com/Ck6IOfl1yF

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 9, 2022

Day 2 we went on a half day trip with #Warrnambool Tours. We spotted a wallaby and emu in Tower Hill (but no koala), then off to Koriot, Port Fairy, Griffiths Island, and Fletcher Jones market. We had panna cotta with strawberry vino and basil ice cream at Bojangles. #nomnomnom pic.twitter.com/cX5nH19Oli

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 9, 2022

Totally unexpected but @sngo1982 and I saw four rainbows (one full arch) in #Warrnambool What a day of mural, sculptures, mini golf, food, and rain. #LakePertobe #WormBay pic.twitter.com/GwjaVexB36

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 7, 2022

Blue spammer crab spaghetti for lunch with @sngo1982 in #Warrnambool #StingrayBay (@ The Pavillion in Warrnambool, SA) https://t.co/Nhcf5bAApS pic.twitter.com/Sbetr20jFX

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 7, 2022

#shopthecity night in #melbourne with @sngo1982 was good, especially with a mix of lane way stall setups. #nomnomnom sweets n savoury n shop works together. #winter pic.twitter.com/VC3N1eekGd

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 3, 2022

#blessed by a lion on a Friday #winter night in #Chinateon Heffernan lane night market with @sngo1982 #Melbourne #shopthecity pic.twitter.com/oA2EWi6ag0

— Melly Tango (@melpucca) June 3, 2022