Blogging

I've been blogging for nearly a month now. Whoever started this is a genius! I derive a lot of satisfaction from writing and it is a great stress reliever.

Jonathan Bailey from Plagiarism Today (26 May 2009) commented that a survey conducted by Technorati found that of the 133 million blogs they had tracked since 2002, only 7.5 million had been updated within the past four months and, of those, only 1.5 million had been updated within the past 7 days. Wow... quite a significant drop. This means that of the blogs Technorati tracked, only 5.6% are active within the last four months and only 1.1% are active within the past week. The vast majority of blogs are abandoned.

Jonathan then went on to give 6 tips to avoid abandonment.
http://www.bloggingtips.com/2009/05/26/6-tips-to-avoid-blog-abandonment/

I guess part of the motivation behind setting up a blog is that one must enjoy writing. It can be on any topic or a particular subject. For me, it is putting down my thoughts on issues which affect me either positively or negatively, it is a forum which allows me to communicate and update my friends on happenings as well as an opportunity to let my creative juices flow.

The process of setting up my own blog was a simple process. The fun starts in trying to create a certain look and feel of the blog, by adding a different background or accessorising. That took up some time figuring out which templates I liked and which websites to go through. One pointer is that with some downloads, there is a high probability of losing the gadgets which you have picked before after the download which was a bummer... then there is also the possibility that the colours you had picked out before might not suit your new background, so, will need to revisit the colour scheme.

On the whole, it has been a pleasant experience and a great way to pen some of my life journeys.

Hmm... I wonder what the blogging community will look like and where it will evolve to in 5 years time?

Introducing....ZAC!!

After the agony of buying a car... here comes.... ZAC!! Zoom Zoom Zac...

Picked Zac (Velocity Red) up last Thursday, 21st. Thankfully, the process went without a hitch. Matt the salesman went through various mechanics of the car and its functionalities. Checked that all the added accessories have been fitted. Was surprised that Matt didn't realise the cruise control steering wheel also came with volume controls. He thought that this would be a nice surprise for me... but... I had already checked it out. My only complaint was that they did not have a replacement cover for my number plate as we could not fit it in after we took it out from my previous car.

It is hard to describe the feelings for Zac - I am thankful for a car which will transport me from A to B. - have wheels will travel! I don't feel any differently as I loved my Jazz!! It had served me well.

Having said that, I feel more secure in Zac, given the improved safety features in the Mazda vs Honda. Furthermore, it's a slightly bigger car (2.0ltr engine) than my Jazz (1.5 ltr) and it handles well. Mum said it felt more comfortable - she's happy, so that says something! More costly on the fuel given the bigger engine but more importantly, pray that Zac will not let me down!

Some pointers:

1. If you are a female, take someone along, preferably male, to buy your car. Thanks Chris!

2. Do your research, know what you want (eg accessories) and negotiate as best you can.

3. Once you sign on the dotted line, don't expect much follow up / after sales service. Matt expected me to bring a case of beer with me when I went to pick up my car... wonder what for?

4. Important to go to a dealer where you will get your car serviced. I bought my car from Artamon and they provide an additional 3 year warranty if it is serviced in their dealership. Not sure if the Parramatta dealer has the same deal.

5. Try to sell your car privately as you'll definitely get more bang for your buck towards your new purchase.

Am happy to report that this chapter is now closed *BIG GRIN*, hopefully, no more dramas.

Next.. dealing with real estate agents.... groan!

Women and Car Salesmen!

Hmm... seems like I am not alone in my car buying dilemma. Was speaking to a friend today and she went through the same process about 2 weeks ago.

She drives a 4WD and went in to 4 different dealers to check out another 4WD. She had researched and knew exactly what she was looking for. Well... what do you know... a dealer asked if she was going to wait until her "husband" comes in, another was persuading her to buy the next model down... hello... she's has the $$$ and here he was, insisting she buys a cheaper model. Did she get any service??? NO!

What do these men take us for? Dumb? Lesser mortals? Don't know what we want? Incapable of making our own decisions?

As for me, went to another dealership with my friend, Chris and guess what, we were well received and was given the necessary attention.... but, I threw them a spanner in the works as a friend of mine called on the same night I bought my car andsaid that he might have a friend who was interested. Called them the following day to see if they could hold the contract for a week, they came back and said no but will check with the boss. That was Monday and I have yet to hear from them 5 days later...

I really do not have faith in car salesmen anymore.... wonder how the next generation of women will be treated???

Thank you Mums!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums. Your sacrifices and unconditional love are... priceless.

Together with a few friends, we decided to do the 4km walk in the Mother's Day Classic organised by the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds for breast cancer research. The Mother's Day Classic walk started in 1998 with just 1,800 walkers but it is now a national event with 67,000 Australians last year putting on their running shoes for research. 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, a scary statistic! Let's pray that we will find a cure to this deadly disease or at least early detection soon!

The rain started to pour down but it did not dampen our spirits. A few people were already on their way home after their 8km run while we were just heading to The Domain and getting ready for our 4km walk. There were various stalls decked around the Domain and entertainment was a bit sedate due to the rain. It was very touching to hear some stories about survivors and current fighters of breast cancer. The Australian Girls brightened the stormy skies with their beautiful rendition before joining the rest of us to walk. Ever tried doing some aerobic warm ups in the rain?

Woo Hoo.. our turn came. Big and small umbrellas dotted the skyline. It was not only a day to raise money for breast cancer research but a day of remembrance... husbands walking in memory of their wives, daughters for their mums, remembering those loved ones who have fought the battle and those who are still soldiering on. Amidst the poignancy, it was also a day of community - the coming together of relationships and friendships. A time where families came decked in uniforms of pink, mums and daughters walking hand in hand, children running and playing together and friends catching up. We finished and returned to the Domain within the hour and was rewarded by a pink showbag filled with magazines, water tumblers courtesy of Tupperware, bottled water and an apple!

We then headed to the Art Gallery cafe for brunch to rest our tired feet amidst other patrons with pink showbags. A good day to share with friends... thanks Charmaine for organising!

Next... City to Surf! Better start training, girls!

Haberfield

Lamonica IGA

I've lived in various parts of Sydney for close to 16 years and yesterday was the first time I've visited Haberfield. Just goes to show how "big" Sydney is. Don't ask me why it has taken me so long to pay a visit though... I guess the opportunity had not presented itself.

Haberfield is a suburb in the inner west of Sydney and is located 9 kms west of Sydney CBD. It sits south of Iron Cove, which is part of Sydney Harbour. Its suburb contains well kept parks and Federation homes with proudly maintained gardens. Did you know that the entire suburb of Haberfield is heritage listed?

Mum and I arrived shortly after 10.30am having navigated the busy streets to Haberfield and thankfully, it was not too hard to find a car spot . There were plenty of traffic off the main streets, Ramsay and Dalhousie Streets. My other "tour" members Jennifer and her sister, Vivien were waiting on a corner bench, basking in the sunshine together with our tour guide for the day, Kevin. What a glorious day to be out! The cafes were abuzz with people having their weekend brunch and the main supermarket, Lamonica (photo above) was doing a brisk trade.

First stop was a going to be a cheese store but at the risk of "fighting" with another gourmet safari tour which was in session, we headed to a chocolate store instead. The chocolate store, Colefax chocolate for some yummy hot chocolate and hot coffees. The cafe was getting ready for Mother's Day with chocolate bottles of champagne as well as teddy bears. There was a great selection of home made chocolates. Nice decor together with a Parisian chandelier.

Haberfield has a strong Italian influence, so, after having our coffee and energy fix we then headed to a bakery, A & P Sulfaro to drool at the yummy cakes and biscotti. We bought an assortment of biscotti for dessert tonight - they proved to be a real hit! A tip... if you intend to get something get it early as the cakes are very popular. Do try the Ricotta Cheesecake...and someone would also say... Alessandro please, if possible...

Next stop was Pasticceria Papa. The Pasticceria had a European feel to the decor with a showcase of cakes and biscuits. It was bustling with the locals meeting friends over coffee or taking a breather from the busy day.

Crossing the street brought us to a fresh pasta shop, Peppe's Pasta, "Australia's most favourite pasta". All the ravioli and sauces were nicely packaged. Bought two packets of raviolis for Charmaine, "Roasted Butternut Pumpkin and Sage" and "Veal, Pancetta, Sage & White Wine Ravioli". Sorry Ash, have to get there early next time for your "Roast Duck" ravioli as it was so popular that it had been sold out!

Next stop, the bakery - the array of freshly baked foccacias, sour dough and a lot of other breads which I don't even know the name to was being snapped up by the locals. Bought a semolina sour dough to try - smelt delicious!

Lamonica (pictured above) was busy with the locals queuing up for their staple from the deli. The varieties of pasta filling the shelves in Lamonica were amazing! Big, small, tubular, round... you name it, they have it together with bottles of Passata to match!

Smelling the fresh bread and being surrounded by food tend to make one hungry. Haberfield did not disappoint with the options available for lunch - there was La Grotta, Dolcissimo being the more popular restaurants. We decided to head off to Napoli in Bocca (translated Naples in your mouth) and had a yummy lunch. We shared a pizze ("4 Stagioni" consisting of tomato, mozzarrella, prosciutto crudo, olives, mushrooms & eggs), Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccini with Chicken and Pesto and Calamari Ripieni (Stuffed Calamari with seafood, cooked in Napoletana sauce). Needless to say, we were all too stuffed to fit in desserts. It was also interesting to note that Maeve O'Maera's Haberfield Gourmet safari group was also having lunch at this restaurant. Thumbs up!

Pity the lovely morning had come to an end - we did not have any room for a gelato - oh well, have to do save it for next time. Thanks Kevin for taking us around and highlighting some of the shops and things to see.

Definitely worth another visit as the suburb is not too busy but filled with quality shops, cafes to provide the caffeine hit and sufficient choices of eateries to fill an empty stomach.

Where to next....?

Final piece of the pizze...

Napoli in Bocca

Haberfield Post Office converted to a restaurant

Pasticceria Papa - situated at the corner of Ramsay and Dalhousie Streets

Hell hath no fury like a woman's ....

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Nothing was further from the truth late one Friday afternoon... Zoom Zoom Zoom ...

I was really looking forward to test driving the new Mazda 3 after having done some research on it. Off I went to the closest Mazda showroom and since it was nearly closing time on a Friday afternoon, I had expected some old fashioned customer service and had imagined someone greeting me and taking me through the various models prior to offering me the test drive.

Boy... was I in for a rude shock... firstly, everyone seemed very busy at their respective desks. I stood there for a while probably close to 5 minutes before someone came up to see if I had been attended to. I then advised him that I would like a test drive. The sales person asked if I had made an appointment (and, of course... I had not as it was an impromptu visit). He then said that he will check to see who is available and came back to say that they are all very busy since it's Friday and people are picking up their cars. Suggested that it is best I come back over the weekend. I didn't realise that one had to make an appointment for a test drive these days!! A lot of car buying protocols must have changed over the past 5 years.

Humph... talk about a lack of customer service. Not to mention that they must be defying the global financial crisis as they were so busy with their sales...!

I really felt like Julia Roberts in the scene from Pretty Woman where she went in to the shops in Rodeo Drive hoping to buy some clothes but did not get any service and was looked down and frowned upon.

Could it be that being a woman, I am seen as being incapable of making my own decisions about buying a car, hence the lack of interest or .... the shortfall in the customer service in this particular showroom was due to their brisk trade? Or...???

Whatever it was, I thought I'd give them another go and decided to take my chance at a test drive a few days later. The sales person took me round the block and had the gall to ask if the test drive was long enough, to which I answered that it was too short. He then offered for me to go another block but said that I can't go far as the car was low on petrol... arrghh!!

I am in the customer service industry and to be honest, in times like these, I would have thought that customer service would be more pertinent than before but alas, this was not the case.

Downcasted but not defeated, I'd like to go back to this particular showroom and tell them..."BIG MISTAKE!!"... but ... in going through the motions... will I be made to feel inferior again???

To blog or not to blog

It's 1.47am and here I am, writing my first blog! It's taken me a while to decide if I should start my own blog - and whether I have a flair for it. But, given that biggest bloggers are women, I thought I'd give this a go, jump on the bandwagon and see what this is all about.

I think I'll use this as a journal to record highlights of my life given that time is flying past really really swiftly...

Starting my blog page was not as hard as I thought. Websites such as this, Blogger and WordPress made the experience relatively pain-free.

The journey starts now... let's see where this will take me.