Time with the out-laws

Since moving into our new home, it is only normal that our parents come by to Melbourne for a holiday and primarily, to make sure that money (for the house) wasn't spent on expensive cars, handbags and clothes instead....

I had my 'out-laws' visit recently. Grumpy's father and Bashful (Grumpy's older brother) came to stay with us for approximately 2 weeks.

Historically, I've never had much contact with them for as long as I've been with Grumpy. No conflicts or anything serious, but its just due to their 'more quiet than normal' nature.

Although not much has changed since, I'm actually glad to say that Grumpy's father and Bashful has been opened up more towards me this time round. Mainly for 2 reasons.

Number 1, I've been on my best behaviour (or at least I'd like to think so - patient, no tempers flaring, diligently cleaning the house, making their stay as comfortable as possible).

Number 2, I've been on my BEST behaviour (I took 2 days of annual leave to spend time with them. One day out of the two, Grumpy was away at work, so it was just me, Grumpy's dad and Bashful).

I'm posting some pictures of the time spent here with the 'in-laws'.


This is actually one of my favourite pictures. Grumpy's dad has always been more on the reserved side, rarely expressing affection out in the open and generally, not much of a 'dog' person at all. But guess what? He loves the dog. MY dog. Anyone who likes MY dog remains on my good books.

Bashful, Grumpy's father, Grumpy & I at a Belgian restaurant.

The two most important things in Grumpy's life. Family and Beer.

Also, I asked some people at work about the wineries at the Yarra Valley and so, I was able to come up with a definitive plan for a trip to the vineyards. It consisted of start times, finish times, which roads to use, which vineyards to visit and where to have lunch. The trip turned out to be a success. More pictures...

Domaine Chandon. Beautiful winery. Came with a free tour as well. 'Free' izzz goooddd.

I have to stop dressing up looking like a 30-something suburban mum with 2 kids in a Kathmandu vest on my days off work. My brother, Dopey, is constantly reminding me that.

This is where the champagne go through the 'riddling' process.

This is a guy cleaning the wine barrels.

I told Grumpy this would be a lovely place to hold a wedding reception. Spectacular views.

Giant Steps - This is where we had lunch.

And we resumed to another winery.

Gorgeous blue skies, the sun was shining ..... the start of Spring. My favourite time of the year.

I have no wine tasting skills whatsoever. Everything tastes the same to me, although I generally prefer white compared to red. I pick a bottle based on the price first, then I check out the year, the packaging, and if it came from a winery that sounds familiar.

The out-laws have left. For some weird reason, I didn't feel the least bit annoyed with them or felt like their presence was any bit of an inconvenience. I sometimes feel that when some family members (apart from Mum and Dad) come to visit. I know, I'm bad but its true. Maybe I should stop calling them the 'out-laws' now.

party

Malaysia celebrated its 50th year of independence on 2 Fridays ago, on 31st August 2007. It is a different feeling though, living here in Australia, yet feeling proud to be Malaysian, and most importantly, missing home. I text-ed my Malaysian friends here first thing in the morning, just to remind them of Merdeka day. That Friday night, we had a party for everyone at work (totally not related to Merdeka Day). But before I took off to head to the party that evening, I logged on to thestar.com.my to look at the photos of the events in Malaysia... to remind me why I still call Malaysia 'home'! Apart from that, it was just like any other day.

It was a pretty fun night....

Cheap champagne = massive headache.

Here are some pictures.

Jules & the girlies.

This is me doing the Posh Spice pout. This guy who sits in front of me reckons it was more of a Drunk Spice pout.

We played Celebrity Heads. Person with the sticky on their foreheads are meant to guess who they are... "Am I male?" "Am I American?" "Am I a pop star?" "Am I in sports?"

Audience only provides 'Yes/No' answers.

"Am I a celebrity?" well duh, hence the game.. Celebrity heads.

I know, I look so red-faced here. Damn the alcohol.

One thing for sure, despite the fact that champers goes straight to my head, I am proud to say that at least I don't end up like a complete idiot in front of my colleagues and then being the topic of everyone's emails on Monday morning. I may be a cheap drunk, but I am no tragic drunk.