in the carpenter shop

Roof on top

2012-02-12T01:10:00.001+11:00

Today, I haven't seen dad this happy since I graduated last December.

It's nice seeing him like this. So happy that he's beaming the instant I walk into his room. So happy he can't even sleep. So happy as he browse through nearby attractions on the Internet with brother 4. And when's he's this happy, mum's so happy too.

Well, dad, together with brother 4, got a simple little home for us to stay in Melb. It's no fancy house; in fact, it's pretty old. But dad's just relieved we have a place now. I guess I really had him worried for quite a while now with my living arrangements this year and he's very glad it's kinda settled now.

Well, I'll let him soak in all this happiness for a while before the reality of what this means financially kicks in :s yikes!

I am so blessed. Thank You Lord.

Me and footy

2012-02-12T00:49:00.001+11:00

I wish I were more interested in football for my boyfriend's sake!

I don't exactly hate the game. I remember once upon a time in high school I too was just as excited as everyone else came the World Cup season.

But times have changed. I still wonder what's it with boys and football. I guess it is exciting cos I always see K cursing and squealing and shouting just like I do everytime I watch the Australian Open.

I don't mind sitting here accompanying him watching the match though, that's what smartphone games are for :)

But even I feel sorry for K having me as his company while watching the games. When he's on the edge of his seat as his favorite team is nail bitingly close to scoring a goal, I'm clearly disinterested with my eyes glued to my phone. When the opponent scores and he curses, I laugh at him (it's really quite funny watching him scream). When he's watching the game so intently rooting for his team, I'm taking pictures like these! Haha!

Freeze

2012-02-09T02:19:00.001+11:00

It's really really easy to point a finger at others and think the worst.
But it's like they always say, three fingers are pointing back at you as you point one at others.
I pray God intervenes every time I'm about to extend my arm.

Making bread

2012-02-08T02:21:00.001+11:00

Last weekend, papa decided to teach me how to make "mantao". It's this plain bun, bread thing.

It's a piece of cake to make. It just takes patience and a bit of muscle.

For those that care, all you need is a pack of flour, 1/3 packet of shortening, 4tsp of bicarb soda, a small packet of yeast, about 550ml water, sugar to your liking (we went for 2 tbsp which is really as good as sugar-free, ie. less tasty). Sorry the measurements are so pathetic but that's really how I remembered it.

You just mix it all up into a dough and knead it till its smooth. Apparently, the longer the better. Shape it into little buns and let it rise for 30min. Steam it for 10 and tada!

It's that simple and pretty fun.
I was just happy watching dad teach me the works while telling me stories of his childhood where he used to wake up early to make these mantao with my grandma before he went to school and that they tasted awesome straight off the steamer with a huge glob of butter slapped in between.

And I was even happier watching him grin ear to ear when they turned out a success, obviously very pleased with himself!

I think he was even happier when the grandson praised dad of how delicious they were and that he too wanted to learn and make MORE with dad!
Needless to say, daddy was pretty happy that even this little rascal of a grandson was eager to learn and help!

It just makes me smile how sometimes even the simplest of things such as making mantao can make us happy :)

"even heroes have the right to bleed"

2012-02-02T04:45:00.001+11:00

Today was another one of those nights where mum and I just laid in bed chatting about anything and everything. Mum is such a girl, curious about every little detail that it's actually quite cute. I love how she trusts me enough now for me to share everything with her.

It's nights like these when I just miss my parents which is stupid since they are right in front of me.

When I look at dad forever eating weird concoctions and taping heat plasters all over his body, my heart gets heavy. Dad used to jog almost every single day- he loves it. Even the rain didn't stop him from his jog then. He loves walking, exploring towns whenever he's on holiday.

This trip home he's stopped jogging altogether. His knees have gotten worst and they must hurt so much that he's decided to stop jogging. I dont know, I've never wanted to ask. His pace has slowed down tremendously. But I have never heard him once complain or groan or anything. He just quietly rubs his knees with ointments, religiously takes his glucosamine and slaps plasters over his knees.

I remember early last month, we went for a little trip down to my parents' hometown in Sibu for 2 days. We walked everywhere. I knew dad was tired and I'm pretty sure his legs were killing him, mine sure were. Most times I had to deliberately slow down just so he won't get left behind. But no matter how tired or how painful it must have been, not a word from him. Instead he still insisted on walking to some far away restaurant to eat just because he wanted me to try it. Or that he insisted we walked by the waterfront first before we went back to our hotel so he could show me the boats he used to take as a kid to go to the next town. Or that we'd walk some more to the shopping centre so I can have a look and see if there was anything I liked. And even at night after a long tiring day of walking he still wanted to walk to the night market so I could have a look. Basically it was sooo much walking I know his knees must have been hurting but he just wanted me to see and enjoy everything that he just put up with it and walked with me and mom everywhere.

Don't even get me started with mum. Sigh. She's lost so much weight this year. Thankfully it's not from illness or anything bad but more so a lifestyle change. She's exercising regularly and eating proper healthy meals everyday. But sometimes I look at how skinny she is it makes me sad but its quite silly cause she's healthier now so I should be relieved. I don't know, maybe us foochows always like a bit more meat haha.

Anyway, when I look at mum, I just wonder what drives this insane woman. She works non stop. She wakes up super early to make breakfast AND packs lunch for herself, grandma, dad, my 2 bros and sometimes the grandson. And mind you, breakfast ain't just toast and boiled eggs. I'm talking porridge or noodles or wholesome stuff like that. And lunch isn't some tuna sandwich or crackers. There's always meat, vege and rice. And they're cooked in the morning, not leftovers from the night before. So imagine how early she wakes up just to prepare this for them every single day. Then it's off to work the whole day. When she comes home she starts cooking again for dinner. I think she only gets to fully rest from the long day after 7pm. And because we don't have a maid, she does everything herself- from washing the clothes to washing the car. And she does this every.single.day. And she doesnt even complain.

Where does this woman get her strength? To me, it's just one word. LOVE.

Mum is really an amazing woman. Not just for taking care of us but for putting up with us. All 5 of us kids and my dad all have very different personalities but we have one thing in common, we always let it out on mum. She puts all of us first before herself, thinks of us first before she thinks about herself, buys things for us first before herself, let's us all eat first before she eats so there's enough to go around. A mother's love...

As I look at both my parents, age is undeniably creeping in. I really pray they stay happy and healthy for as long as possible.

Am I doing the right thing staying back in melb? I've missed 6 years worth of family celebrations since I went to melb to study. And I never realized how sad it made me feel until I saw pictures of everyone together eating and cutting cakes and playing lanterns and all those kinds of things.

I wish I weren't such a coward.

Im just gonna look real hard for a job once this break is over. Start earning my own ka-ching. And take care of my parents! 23 years, it's about time the tables turned.

2012

2012-01-09T01:43:00.001+11:00

Is it 2012 already?!?

Well, the days dont feel any different from those of 2011 but I still can't believe it's a whole new year already! Time is flying!!!

I remember starting uni last year thinking "omg final year! Am I gonna survive and graduate".
And BOOM here we are.
2012.

2012 is a strange new year for me. For the first time my life is undecided. All these years it's always been clear; study- kinder, primary school, high school, college, uni.

Now what?
People say go back to Australia to study. People say work there for a couple of years before you come back if you do want to come back to Malaysia. People say get your Australian pr and don't turn back. People say this, people say that.

For now, I'm just going to blindly follow everyone's advice and apply for my Australian pr and hopefully find a job in Aussieland. That's the plan.

But, there's always always a part of me that wants to stay here in Kuching where I feel most at home.

Oh well, people win. For now.

Time will find you

2011-12-28T02:52:00.001+11:00

I was just talking to a friend back in Melb about my aging ways since I've been back in Kuching. Of how I've hardly stepped out of the house past 9pm, of how I just stay at home watching series with my parents instead -.- i know, i know, can someone say boringgg!

I don't know. I'd like to think its mostly because there isn't much to do at night besides eat and I definitely don't need those extra calories, especially not when Chinese new year is just around the corner. Also, it's always raining these past few days and I'm not talking drizzling, I'm talking full on downpour! So I always find myself lazy to step out into the wet and cold. And also because not a lot of our close friends are back this summer so there isn't a lot of action goin on or people's houses to chill at. But all that will change come CNY. It's going to be one big reunion. So I shall check in again come end of January.

But I think another reason is that I feel more settled now. Probably from the fact that I'm no longer a student but I suppose mostly with K in the picture.

K has really made way into a huge part of my life whether I like it or not. Especially this year. Final year is obviously no rainbows and sunshine, particularly the final few months of preparation. And it was during this period I grew very very dependent on him and I'd like to think, he on me.

We'd both be accompanying each other as he raced to finish his models and panels while i crammed whatever I possibly could into my tiny brain. We made meals of whatever we could find in the pantry so we didn't have to leave the house. When I had hurt my back he had to bring his assignment home just to take care of me. He'd make sure I was studying instead of dozing off or surfing the net. When he was short on time with his model making I'd be helping him out during my short study breaks.

Well basically you get the idea. We were both pretty much stressed out nuts but we managed to be there with and for each other every step of the way. When I think about it now, I'm just so grateful. I know he had sacrificed a lot of sleeps and the efficiency of doing his work in uni where all the facilities were provided just to be there for me when I was so stressed, depressed and injured.

I think people always see the meek and quiet side of K but I see bigger qualities of him every single day. He is definitely one of the most honest guy I've ever met. When it comes to pampering me, he goes all out and gives me whatever he is capable of. He loooves to surprise me with gifts and some may not hit the bar (hehe) but the intentions and sacrifices behind it, it's so touching. It doesn't matter what I say or do, he'd still love me just the same for me. He'd always always make sure I get my slice of happy before his. That's just the kind of person he is and could I ask for more!

With the amount of time we spend together, I hate to say it, but I have turned clingy. We spend every single day together and when I don't see him for a day it really is weird. We were just counting the number of months we were together last night and we couldn't believe how short a time we've been together- it feels much much longer.

In a way, I like it that we're settled down like that. But at the same time, I'd still like us to have our own space to be young and wild and free with our close friends. And that unfortunately has been a pretty tough balance to strike.

Anyway, I'm sorry for all the cheese in this entry. I dont know why I digressed from staying home at night into talking about K and I. K doesn't really read my blog so I don't know when he will see this. But, hunny, thanks for everything, really. I love you <3

Aloha

2011-12-27T20:24:00.001+11:00

Gosh it's been a while since I've written something. I guess I've been pretty lazy and most days I start with a line but I end up closing everything and I'm back to square one. I have so much to share but I've lost the flair to write.

But today, the boys are watching footy and I am dead bored. How inspiring -.-

Well life is pretty carefree now.
At the moment I'm lost, in the midst of applying for my Australian pr and my dental practitioner registration.
Job search = zero
Work experience = zero
Current mood = can't be bothered
Mannn I'm going places aren't I?

Home has been wonderful to me. Although not a lot of the skengz are back and I don't go out most nights I'm enjoying myself... Doing nothing. Besides eating, watching my Cantonese series with my parents or chilling w the few who are around in the afternoon I really haven't been doing anything the past 2 weeks I've been back. Yes, it does sound pretty pathetic now that I've written it down especially when friends have or are traveling round the world as their post graduation holiday but hey this is MY kinda holiday. I think I deserve a good month of nothing for the past who knows how many years of studying!!

Anyway, I've had a pretty quiet but wonderful birthday celebration with my family and friends and of course K. As usual, he went all out <3 As for Christmas, it was a pretty special family affair with the kids opening their presents and oohing and ah-ing over their presents.

Well, all I can say is a great big thank you to God for this wonderful season He's so graciously blessed me with!

Cheers.

Bittersweet

2011-12-04T01:54:00.001+11:00

What a long, long day.
Details later, I'm off to bed.
But, I must sign off with my beeeeyyyoooottiiifffuuullll flowers! Thank you all my lovelies!!!!!!!

Take

2011-11-28T23:21:00.001+11:00

The generosity humans are capable of can be so heart warming.
Thank you.

2011-11-11T21:41:00.001+11:00

11 11 11
What.a.day!

Fix

2011-11-10T16:46:00.001+11:00

When the bits and pieces come together...
It can be beautiful.

2011-10-24T02:36:00.000+11:00

You shall reign.
You shall reign forever.

Thank You is just not enough. Thank You.

Frrrrreak

2011-10-21T20:49:00.001+11:00

I just had a look at my finals' timetable, starting the week of 7th Nov.

And oh-em-gee my heart is still racing.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Listen

2011-10-16T15:53:00.001+11:00

Last week I went to see a GP for this horrendous back pain I was having since the day before which acted up just from the simple movement of bending over, yes, bending.

To all of you who suffer or have suffered severe back pain, I finally see the light. Before, I'd scoff and think how bad can it be. I've had a few back strains in my years and sure they'd hurt but they never linger for long or hurt badly enough for me to fuss about.

But this week was an entirely different experience. It was excruciating to the point I was popping voltaren, paracetamol and codeine like they were skittles. I taped my back with those heat plasters. And none of it worked that night. I was standing crooked, leaning to one side and no, I couldn't straighten myself out unless the pain killed me. I could barely walk and when I did even grannies were zooming by me. There was a point i gave up walking that I made K get a cab for us. And, oh my gosh, every time I think about that cab experience, I shudder. No no, the ride itself was fine. It was the getting in and out of the cab - the whole motion of bending and crouching in. Omigod the whole process just killed me- the pain that shot up my back left me quietly in tears at the back seat throughout the whole ride. In fact, the pain factor was so severe that the minute I reached home in bed I called my mum bursting in tears. Now, I hate being the cry baby running to mummy putting her to worry, but at the time all I wanted to hear was my mamah's reassuring voice. Boo hoo hoo.

Aaannnyyhooo, back to the point of this post, I went to see the GP the next day. I had such a horrendous consult. I went in and he asked the usual questions abt my symptoms and checked to make sure there wasn't anything severe. I thought that went well as he was being preeetty thorough. And then he told me all I needed now was to do some stretches, do some exercises and that my muscles were just tense. -_-" That would make a lot of sense but every movement I made was painful, even sitting on the chair was hurting me! Let alone stretches. So he told me to take painkillers. And again, this was after I told him I took paracetamol and codeine the night before and it was ineffective. So what did he do? He said he'd prescribe me stronger ones - panadeine forte. -_-""" hello?!? Last I checked that's the exact same painkiller I was already taking and it did not working. His concluding remark for me? "you're just really tense - go swimming or cycling, they have less impact anyway."

Needless to say I was really really annoyed with this GP. I came out with no diagnosis (I refused to believe it was just a muscle strain, it just hurt too much to be one) and a stupid treatment plan - to exercise and take painkillers. So I made K take me to a physio and boy am I glad he did.

The minute the physiotherapist saw me she sympathized as she watch me take every step in agony. When I told her my symptoms she LISTENED carefully and wrote it all down. She did pretty much the same examination the GP did but came out with an entirely different diagnosis and treatment. With the aid of the plastic skeleton she took her time to explain to me in detail about how one of my intervetebral disc is inflamed and bulging out putting pressure on the adjacent tissues, which explained the crooked posture and all the pain I was getting. So step one for me was to set my posture straight and get the bulge down. That meant laying flat on my tummy for the next 2 days, no chairs, walking only as tolerated and no unnecessary movements. Remember mr. go swimming and cycling and stretching? PFT!

Well, to date, I find I still can't sit for long periods of time but I'm definitely standing straighter. Some positions are still slightly more strenuous on the back than others but it's getting better. I'm still on ibuprofen to help with the inflammation. I can walk around more now but standing up long periods and bending over is still uncomfy.

And I am leaving a message for all the dental students- watch your posture because if you don't it's gonna bite u in the back!!!!!

Couscous craze

2011-10-02T12:15:00.001+11:00

Oh dear, K and I have just discovered the wonders of couscous. We made it with brass and nana last night for dinner but it turned out too soggy, almost like mash. Amazingly, we still cleaned it up anyway.

And this morning we woke up and we wanted more! So K and I whipped one up in no time and it turned out great! I love everything about it- fresh and yummy and tooooo easy to make. We just pulled out whatever we had left in the fridge and pantry- coriander, lime juice, tomatoes, avocado, cauliflower, onion, chilli and of course the couscous which is a piece of cake to prep, mix it up and voila....

the child in childish

2011-09-26T22:22:00.001+10:00

Sometimes, it's like high school never ends.
Do people grow up?

hush rush

2011-09-26T13:10:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I went for a run at Albert Park while the boys played futsal.

I've only been there twice but it's easily becoming my favorite way to jog compared to the boring old treadmill. The best part about running there is at the end, after a long jog, when I take off my earphones, laze on the grass under a shady tree stretching my heavy legs and just take in the sights and sounds around me.

I love how a huge lake graced by swans and sailboats, surrounded by what looks like palm trees, separates me from the skyrise that makes the hustle and bustle of a city. Everytime I sit under this huge shady tree to cool off I'm constantly reminded there is always a little place of peace and quiet before all the busyness and that space is mine- mine to occupy, mine to savour.

I hope I will always remember to find that little space of quiet with myself and God before all the busyness that is life.

pressure pressure

2011-09-22T17:46:00.000+10:00

Today, on the way home, I got a text from my mom. So, apparently my eldest brother has just booked his tickets for him and the family to come over to Melb early December. Yup, that makes the whole family. All 15 of them here supposedly to watch me graduate.

Shit.

As awesome as it sounds but to be on this end, I'm more stressed than excited. The pressure is on. Everytime I think about not passing and not graduating with the whole family flying down under for nothing I feel like I could just about have a heart attack! Yes, I am THAT nervous. Everyone says "oh dont worry, you'll be alright" but seriously, I don't feel alright! Sure I always always play it cool on the outside but honestly, I'm scared shitless inside.

Ughhhhh. I really have to buck up and get through this man! If you see me, please tell me to study cos there is certainly no time to waste! As my cuzzie lima says, it's my last stretch! And I really really want to be at the finish line VICTORIOUS!

To all of you in the same boat, studying for exams, finishing up assignments, at the brink of graduation... gambate, jia you, fighting, and dont give up!!!!!

tug

2011-09-20T14:02:00.000+10:00

gosh it's so good to finally be back after 5 long weeks in rural morwell.

Today, I went up to the hospital for a morning clinical session. I don't know what it is but 2nd floor clinic feels different now. And it's not just that it's so quiet with only one little quadrant occupied by us 12ish students, but it's the whole atmosphere. The stress level is so pressing, as if everyone has exams, finals, case pres all at the backs of their minds, it's almost audible amidst all the quiet around me and it definitely carries through in most of the conversations I was having today. 2nd floor feels so sombre now.

Today I was seeing my patient for one final review before I completed her course of care. This was my FIRST patient I ever saw as a dental student, back in 3rd year. Little less than 3 years ago, I was so terrified the night before my clinical session hoping that my first patient would be nice, patient, forgiving and most of all I had hoped against any life-threatening mishaps. To date, she is the nicest patient I have ever had- she comes in even when I call her the night before, she never ever complains of discomfort or pain during treatment, she is always so grateful for anything that I do for her even if it's as simple as applying flouride over her teeth, she always put my convenience first over her comfort on the chair, she trusts me enough to share her personal problems with me when she's feeling down and she always shower me with gifts. I really couldn't ask for a better first patient! And today I had to finally bid her farewell. As I hugged her goodbye, I felt so overwhelmed that I couldn't help but shed a tear. It has actually been 3 years, 3 long years and we have all come a long way.While I do feel sad that it is unlikely I will see her as patient again, yet at the same time I'm excited to meet more patients like her who makes all this so worth while.

ahhh, quite a day.

Sadface

2011-08-14T18:36:00.001+10:00

Sighh
Can't believe it's time for rural rotation again...

Cookie monster

2011-08-10T13:23:00.001+10:00

When it comes to cookies, I find I have my phases. I won't say I'm a huge huge fan but there will come seasons when I just craaaaave for them!

I particularly looove Subway cookies. Their cookies are crisp and crunchy on the edges but soft and doughy on the inside perfect for indecisive people like me who get the best of both worlds! Nyam nyam.

I remember there was a point whenever I was having a really bad day in clinic, I'd go over to subway few doors down and get my hands on their white choc macadamia cookies and nibble on them on the bus all the way home. Ahhh how satisfying!
Obviously I couldn't keep up with that for long; major damage for the waistline, ladies!

Today, I'm sitting here having my lunch in subway after a long time. Half my sandwich remains untouched.. but I can't say the same about these awesome cookies. Hey, they have a new raspberry cheesecake cookie, i couldn't resist! Tummy meet calories; calories, tummy.

Like a masterchef cooks

2011-08-10T00:10:00.001+10:00

The other day, K just had this random urge to make beef wellington. I just rocked up at the lobby of his apartment after uni and he just insisted on going to the market immediately to get his hands on some ingredients to make some beef Wellington for dinner that night. Ooookkay.. very fine by me!!

So that night, what started off as this

Became the awesomeness that was this

Yes, he was very very nervous of how the meat would turn out because obviously you just can't tell until you cut into it. Amazingly, it was a gorgeous medium! And, sorry to say I was busy digging in to bother taking any further pictures.

Mmm mmmm. Excuse me while I telepathically make him have another random cooking episode.

Xmas in July

2011-08-05T22:05:00.001+10:00

I still remember the last time I went for a ski trip up at Mt Buller and that was 5 years ago!

Boy, did I have a horrible horrible time! I fell down only a gazillion times and the really expensive ski lift pass I got was an utter waste! I probably rode up on the lifts 3 times that whole afternoon. By the end of it while everyone was having the time of their lives, I had given up, sat on my sorry ass in quiet tears, and just watched the pros. I remember being so disheartened and cold :(

The highlight of it all was probably the last hour when my brother dearest, having had his fair share of fun, felt sorry for the loser that was me made me get up and held my hand as I tried to balance my way on the board. He coached me till we both were frustrated enough to call it the day and that only took about half an hour.

Then came this winter and I was given a last minute opportunity to redeem myself and boy did I redeem myself!!! I don't know how it happened but after a few practice runs and I just got it, the basics ie not falling every few seconds. I mean don't get me wrong I did fall many times but I still had a couple of runs of good snowboarding! Oooh such exciting times!!

Oh and I'm just gonna selectively erase from my memory the part when my Sil tried to teach me how to navigate and turn and stuff cos that was an entirely horrible experience in itself- I injured my shoulder, bruised my knees, crashed into other people and fell down the way I did 5 years ago. So i decided those moves were too advanced for me and I was happy doing my own thang slowly snowboarding down the slopes with as minimal falls as possible. And yup, that really did make me happy!!

And, no, snow gears are not exactly the most fashionable things to wear :P

Funny how I feel about snowboarding now than I did 5 years ago. Even this trip, I was dreading to do it again just cos of how much I sucked the last time but whoa and behold, I just surprise myself sometimes! (sorry, as u can see I'm really excited by my minor accomplishment)

Moral of the story is: NEVER SAY NEVERRRR

Speed cooking

2011-08-04T23:40:00.001+10:00

Sometimes it amazes me what I can whip up in less than 5 minutes (minus the pasta cooking time) when I'm poor and hungry.

Hey, it's not half as bad as it looks okay!! >=[

If i were a boy

2011-08-04T10:04:00.001+10:00

Ughhhhhhhh
To any of you boys out there who thinks girls have it easier, PUH-LEASE!
Try feeling like somebody's kicking you right in the tummy all freaking day every freaking month and then tell me life is tough! Grrrrrr
Don't even get me started on how you understand what we are going through cos you boys have barely the slightest idea!
Ughhhhhhhh
Then again I probably brought this upon myself of my stubborn refusal to rely on painkillers.
Oh well, meet my best bud in the world come this time of the month:

Pls excuse the hormones :s

Icing on top

2011-08-03T18:51:00.001+10:00

Happiness is cherries!!!
Weeeeeeeeee

poetry in mathematics

2011-07-18T23:35:00.000+10:00

The other day K and I were just lazing around not planning to do a single thing for the day. Yes, we're sloths like that. So we decided to rummage through the movie collection already in his laptop because the hard disk was just too much of a stretch away. And of alllll the wonderful movies available, we ended up watching Harold and Kumar.

Anyway, I'm not even gonna go into the grimy details of the movie except this beautiful poem Kumar recited for his lover gal. In fact, I liked it so much I had to google it for myself and you guys to read.

I’m sure that I will always be
A lonely number like root three

The three is all that’s good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight
Beneath the vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine

For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic

I know I’ll never see the sun, as 1.7321
Such is my reality, a sad irrationality

When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three

As quietly co-waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer

We break free from our mortal bonds
With the wave of magic wands

Our square root signs become unglued
Your love for me has been renewed

Please excuse the maths geek in me but it's so witty and cute and sweet!
Mr David Feinberg, you are so charmingly romantic. Sighhh

hello

2011-07-15T14:54:00.000+10:00

Gosh, has it been over 2 months since my last post?!
It sure doesn't feel like it! Which only means time is gonna zoom by before it's the finals and hopefully a whole new chapter into the big bad world outside.
I can't believe 2 months have passed when it seems pretty recent when I first started my 5 week placement at rural Shepperton followed by a week in Monash and then clinical experience week in uni. That's 2 months gone, just like that. Time which I wish I had used more wisely but time I cannot get back and undo certain things I wish I had done better.

Unfortunately, in this 2 months I have also neglected this space. Every time I actually come here all ready to write something I just end up writing nothing. I don't know if it's me being lazy or procrastinating or me having writer's block. Funny enough I finally find "time" in a little corner in this lecture theatre clearly uninterested in what this intelligent man has to say about implants. Sigh. My attention span is hopeless.

Anyway, all I've been up to is clinics clinics clinics and research research research. Yup, that's about as exciting my life can get at the mo. Oh and futile attempts attempts attempts to study study study. Which is so not funny cos its only THREE months till november. Time to pull up my socks and get my butt movin!!!
Okay, that was motivating enough - I'm gonna go try catch up on what this dude has to say about implants!

Breakfast to start the day

2011-05-05T13:36:00.001+10:00

Last weekend K and I decided to pay Three Bags Full a visit after driving by it once only to find the place packed with a queue of people waiting to be seated. And we soon found out, with good reason.
That Sunday wasn't any different only this time we were determined to wait!

And, boy, was I glad we did. I seriously have nothing but praises for this place. The service was impeccable. They were really busy, seeing it's a never-ending influx of people but it didn't affect their service at all. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The waitress actually crouched down next me be to get my order amidst the loud chatter of the place.

Only down side is we had to share a table with three different groups of people. Normally I wouldn't like it but I really didn't mind- it was a long bench and K and I felt we still had our own little bubble of a space.

And onto the food. One word. Delicious. It was good. A little pricey but it delivered in not only quantity but quality as well. K and I were paying the same price for food in Melbourne Central that was on the opposite end of what was served to us here so we weren't complaining. The food was definitely one of the better ones we've eaten here in Melbourne. K being K ordered the big brekkie and he was very very pleased.

He had nothing to complain about except that he was stuffed! And I thought they really lived up to BIG breakfast with that much variety on a plate which all tasted good.

I had the cured salmon with corn and pea fritters underneath which is covered by the jungle of rocket leaves.

If you know me Im not a huge fan of smoked salmon. I like mine raw or pan fried. But I've found another version that I actually enjoy - cured salmon. And the fritter wasn't very heavy with flour or potato as most fritters out there would be. There was a good crunch of the corn in it which I liked. Plus this is the first place that has the decency to serve a whole avocado on a plate, not a few miserable slices.

So as you can tell I'm very pleased with this place. Don't be surprised if you see K and I there once a month. ;)

undeserved love

2011-05-04T22:03:00.001+10:00

I hope this finds a way to those of you who need it.

Over the past weeks, I have secretly been dealing with a few spiritual setbacks and over that period of time I realized God has been speaking to me through sermons, friends, and even blogs. And, I just feel so strongly to share some of the sermons that spoke to me over the past month.

Now, if you've watched those old school movies you'd know that in wars, kings would send out their best army to fight the enemy and protect the city from invasion. And if that fails, the gates and walls of a city are really the last attempt of survival and it usually doesn't look promising that the people would try to run away or consider surrender just to live. And the opposing team would be pounding on the walls and gates trying to knock it down, almost tasting the victory behind those walls. So, these gates and walls would be built to be pretty sturdy cos it is afterall the final line of physical defense but once you've hit this point in the battle, you'd know you're that close to victory!

Matthew 16:18 MSG ".... I will put together my church, a church so expansive in energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out"

Seeing things in that perspective really changes a lot of things. All those times when you feel down, upset, depressed, worthless. All those dark thoughts that cloud your mind and challenge your very existence. All those days when you feel unloved and very alone. Those days when you feel like you just can't make it through another minute. Those days when you wonder why shit happens to you. Those days when you question God, His existence, His love, His majesty, His purpose.. Him. Those days when you wonder if He really cares and if He really is watching you. Those days when you just feel spiritually dry and out of sync with God.

You may well be hitting the gates and walls of hell. It's really those dark spirits' last attempt to kick you off the path of God. Those walls may be sturdy, challenging your spirit but they can be taken down, in God's name it sure as hell can be taken down! You are that close to victory and our enemy knows it. They can smell it and they are in fear. So, they pull out their last line of defence - those dark thoughts - so you'd turn around. So, please, press on, and FIGHT! You are really on the winning end here, not losing. Victory is waiting for you on the other side and you're going to experience revelations and breakthroughs when you get there.

John 21 talks about Peter, feeling a little discouraged, decided to go back to fishing and a few other disciples tagged along. A whole night in and they caught nothing. Now, mind you these were experienced fishermen and yet they caught nothing! In the morning, Jesus came and asked if they caught anything for breakfast. Sadly, "No." So, Jesus asked them to throw their net back into the sea and lo and behold there were so much fish in it that they couldn't even pull it up.

Many times, we have our episodes of discouragement and distraction. Heck, even Peter, a disciple of God, whom God have chosen to share His word had his moment of discouragement. But, you know what? No matter how discouraged you are, how out of tune you are with God, how doubtful you are of Him, whatever it is you are, He is ALWAYS waiting for you. The slaves of Egypt; for so many years God heard their every cry for freedom, He knows all about their pain and in His timing, He sent Moses to set them free. God is not disinterested, He has not disappeared on those days when you feel distant. He hears you, He watches over you, He knows everything you are going through, He feels your pain. Things might seem low, normal or quiet around you but He is always watching, making miracles that you don't even realize! Those days when you feel things are a little quiet, a little mellow, a little normal. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with our faiths. It just means it's an opportunity to spend time wtih Him. He wants to restore you. Give you a revelation. He wants to get to know you.

Back to Peter and the disciples, with them feeling so disconnected, yet Jesus did not condemn them. Instead, He spoke words of identification. When they went fishing, He didn't ask why were they out fishing instead of preaching, but He asked if they've caught anything. And when He saw they caught nothing, He blessed them abundantly. See, God knows what you are feeling and it doesn't affect the way He feels for you. Why? Because, God's love is unconditional. His attitude and love could never change even when your feelings change or when you don't measure up completely. You need to come to terms that God's love is available every.single.day! He sent His only Son to die for us when we were lost in sin, He could't turn away now when you're His child. So we slip and fail here and there, but don't let the devil taunt us with that. Tear down that wall. God's mercy is new every.single.day!! One more day you torment youself, criticizing yourself of how you're not worthy after all the things you've said, done or thought is one more day you spend disconnected from God. God sees past all that, and God's love washes over all that condemnation to reveal your heart which since the day you've accepted Him as Your personal Savior is His to mend. It's not about the good things you have done, it's about God. It's about His unconditional love for you. A love we don't deserve but He has so graciously filled us with regardless because it's who He is. It's about God; wonderful, wonderful God.

Amen.

the painted truth

2011-05-02T21:20:00.003+10:00

lines of fear burn my touch
the wicked cracks creep up to truth
fiddle cold flames these dead hands
that's delusion that scalds your throat
consumed by hunger never to fulfill
foxy deceit, she misleads you
those creases hopelessly whisper
ripen your vines of virtue
as has her silence due
these pure bodies are only new
a lifetime tender awaits you
dream truth may shine through
and pardon accompany you
so not to hope on a turning hand
come it bites in the end.

How could you?

Happy easter

2011-04-23T11:41:00.002+10:00

Road tripppppppppppp!!

The threesome are heading down to Phillip Island for some QT.
Do not disturb!

Happy Easter peeps!

Fresh sheets

2011-04-20T01:50:00.001+10:00

I am exhausted!
I just spent the entire night packing all my stuff in Kew, driving up to my bro's crib, unloading and rearranging said stuff into his house.
I am now officially living with my brother!
Saying that sure makes all the hard work since I got home from clinic till now totally worth it. :)
I mean I really can't complain cos not only does brother three generously spoils me, I get an upsize from a single

To a double with fluffy large pillows and bedside tables instead of a study table -.-

I'm still not used to it that I'm all perched up on the left side of the bed writing this.
I think I'm gonna miss Kew a lot. Hopefully the renovation doesnt take too long. I need my own space!!

Thirsty

2011-04-14T21:13:00.001+10:00

This is a dental student's straw

I am thirsty

monday blues

2011-04-12T01:00:00.001+10:00

oooo happy day!

Don't you just love brand new stuff!! No, Im not just talking about my new blog layout which I must say I'm pretty happy with. It looks so much brighter and lighter now. And yes, I did take down the tofu times because I've had enough with the spams. Besides, it was getting pretty quiet anyway. So, I have decided to let that part of my blog go :(

Anyhoo, my netbook finally arrived today! Yipeeee. And you betcha I was testing this new baby out allll night. Hehe.

Yeah, it's just a Samsung. And it's pretty basic. But I figured Im only a dental student. I dont need it for designing or playing serious strategy games. All I'm gonna need is probably Word, Adobe to read my pdfs, iTunes for my jam and probably Windows Movie Maker to make special people special birthday videos ;););) Which reminds me, I need to download that VLC player.

But anyway, I really wanted a netbook this time cos I love the idea of carrying this handy dandy lightweight lil thing around in my handbag and just whipping it out whenever I suddenly need to. Teehee. So, I got this really basic cheaper one, which you computer geniuses out there might frown upon, but works for me! :):) Plus, I dont know what it is about me but my gadgets only last on average a year before something starts to go wrong so the less fancier the less heartaches. And as much as I would love an IPAD2(!!!) my wallet wouldn't, so no :(
But, I'm still happy!!! :)

Oh, and my patient gave me some fresh figs which she planted herself today. I've only ever eaten fig flavoured yoghurt . Otherwise, I've never seen or tasted a fresh fig before so I'm not too sure how to eat it. Here's what they look like if you're just as clueless as I am.

She tells me to peel the skin off and eat the flesh inside although some people do eat the skin but she doesn't like it. I figured I'll just eat it the way I know how- mix it through some plain yoghurt. OR maybe I should be a little more adventurous and see what I can find off google tomorrow. We'll see if it's anything blog-worthy.

oooooo happy dayyy

Chilli chocolate

2011-04-10T16:10:00.001+10:00

Ughhh today I was woken up by this horrible sharp pain in my tummy. Instantly, I knew last night's dinner had finished brewing, about to be spewed.

Regrets.
Why oh why did we get lazy to walk in the rain and settled for that hotpot place 2 doors down?
Why oh why did we choose the spicy soup base?
Why oh why did I force myself to eat through that uber spicy food so not to incur a $5 wastage charge?
Why oh why did I let myself be swept away by that wide array of deliciously Chinese cold dishes?
Why?????????

This morning's was probably one of the worst tummy-ache I've ever had that is not induced by my monthly discharge.
I was breaking out in cold sweat, hugging my legs, grabbing the nearby laundry bag, and seeing bright lights. It was terrible I almost died. If childbirth is worse than that, there will be much to reconsider.

Oh great, now I'm off for my 5th round of service.
Save meeeeeeee!
:(

On an entirely entirely different note, I was driving home today and look what I saw while on the freeway.

My first rainbow this year!
Am I weird to smile to myself as I admired it the whole ride through?
:)
I love rainbows!

grow a heart

2011-04-08T11:24:00.000+10:00

Nothing worse than waking up early on a friiiday friday fridayyyyy to sign in for on-call and then sitting around waiting, and waiting and waiting until 11.30, doing nothing.

But, you know what's worse? Hearing the latest goss about this Brazillian dude shooting innocent kids in school.

SERIOUSLY?

The poor kids running for their lives. :(

I've just about have enough of these ridiculous people going into schools shooting students. HELLOO????? They're just kids, innocent little children with so much living in them, with so much hopes and ambitions waiting to explode. And people just barge into the school, "lining them up against a wall and shooting them in the head at point-blank range". What the hell? I think it takes a pretty soulless person to be that ruthless. And, what about the other survivors. Just think of how traumatized they will be. And the families of not just the victims but the survivors as well.These shooters come in, take INNOCENT lives, traumatize little kids and the families, and then cowardly kills themselves. It freaking pisses me off man! And it happens time and time again.

GRRRRRRRR

Time cheats

2011-04-06T22:35:00.001+10:00

Is it possible for a 23 year old to feel so old, especially when her life is supposedly to have "just begun"?!?!
Cos I sure feel that way!

Cuzzie Bi just celebrated her 21st birthday.

Oh my gosh. 21. It's 2 years younger but why does it feel like a decade ago when I celebrated mine?!?!It's crazy the mini dinner I had with close friends and drinks after with the rest at Sillhoutte, the family dinner followed by me and my bros crashing cyik's and sexeh's family kbox parteh was 2.YRS.AGO! Where did 2 years go?

Anyway, I was looking for my Wilsons Prom pics to upload on Fb. I ended up not finding them but these in my memory card. This is why I need to start taking more pics. When I accidentally stumble upon photos taken god knows when, they just never fail to make me smile and remember. There's really no better way of capturing memories. Siiighhhhh.

When Hyun was still here in Kew and decided to start farming in our frontyard. There were some really juicy tomatoes but it all died :(

Omg this was K. 2 years ago. A skinneh kid lost in looove. Hahaha boyyyyy were we different people to each other then.

That night was a tequilla night and we had to use tea glasses for shots. Looks at K's in the centre. Half full/half empty. Boy, did he have a lot to drink for that night >=[

Awwww this was Ning's belated bday! Was it a surprise? Must have been ;) Feels so long ago I can hardly remember. Love u ningerss!!

Pong's graduation. Our pride and joy! sniffles. MASTERS in engineering. And now, look at him. All grown up workin and all! SIghhh... time.

And here's drunken master Hyun when he was still staying in Kew. I loooove how he would just come into my room on any random night with a bottle in his hand, feeling "thirsty". And suddenly what was supposed to be a quiet night would end up with music blasting in the background and us well.... just being us! Now, Hyun is staying in some far far away kampung. Come back to kew hyun!!!

And this is cuzzie's Bi's 20th birthday. Us surprising her with a cake after she had an obviously adventurous day out. See? One year. One year has gone by! I can hardly remember this birthday surprise. And look at us now, celebrating her 21st! And look at how much she has grown into a ladeh!

Time cheats people, time cheats! Better keep a watchful eye before it slips you by!

Sos

2011-04-05T09:10:00.001+10:00

Last night I went for tutorial.
Came out realizing I have a huge gaping hole in my knowledge of ceramics restoration!
Yikes!
CAD-CAM, CEREC, pressed, layering porcelain, empress, lava ........
Where have I heard all this before??
Ah yes, it was those looong afternoons of videos after videos in preclinical lab where I decided it was too technical to me and should just remain within the expertise of a dental technician that I allow myself to have a shut-eye or at least let my brain wander off to lala land.
Now. It's come back to bite me in the ass!

this game called love

2011-04-03T23:08:00.000+10:00

I don't know what's in drinks these days but I notice lately a lot of conversations and observations have been about L-O-V-E.

Well, I wouldn't say I know much about it but I guess I can always share my two cents ;)

To me, love is beyond all that butterflies in your tummy, the sparks sent half a mile across the room, the excitement of the first few dates and date ideas, the giddiness of the first kiss, the countless hours spent in conversation. Don't get me wrong, it is all wonderful and magical and all that giggly stuff. But, it also means what was once new and unknown will become familiar. But, it certainly doesn't mean feelings will fade; in fact it's just the opposite. Feelings change in growth and that's what counts, growth. You discover each other, flaws and all, yet still find affection for each other. You learn your differences, yet make sacrifices and adaptations to fit into each others' lives. You learn to grow as a unit, a couple. You feel that it's not just 'want to' but that you 'get to' grow with this person. It's becomes not just an obligation but rather an honor, a privilege to commit to this person. And, as life throws you increasingly challenging situations and decisions, you get to learn life with this person, get to experience life with this person. All that, to me, is love.

I read this quote while strolling with K around the markets at St Kilda this afternoon and went to google it. It's by Ann Landers "Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses."

I know sometimes some of you wonder when is it your turn as you watch the world around you spin with love. I really believe that we all have that someone. I love this episode of HIMYM where Ted was asking Stella when would his true love appear. Stella said it perfectly, "Just wait a lil longer. She is coming here as soon as she can." I'll never forget that line cos I really believe that. Those of you waiting, wait a little longer because when that love comes, it will just sweep you off your feet, and then you will know it was totally worth the wait.

I never expected to fall for K. To be honest, he was the last person I'd ever thought I'd see myself with. It all started when I decided to get over myself and firmly made a conscious decision to put my past behind me and move on. Half a year later, my friendship with K blossomed back home from the car rides I'd hitch from him where we'd have personal conversations, and it went on to Skype when we had to be separated oceans apart. What I thought was me offering a friendly ear slowly crept up to me and before we knew it, we both could not end the day without talking over Skype and the rest, sorry for being cliche, was history.

My point is, move on from your past. Whatever baggage you have; broken hearts, bitterness, one sided love, an impossible relationship, residual feelings from a strong history. It's time to put your foot down and leave it just where it is, in your past. And, be patient. Relationships will come, love will come, you just have to wait. When you least expect it, it will come knocking on your door and then it'll be your turn to say, the rest is history!

In finding love, there are always risks. Not every relationship will blossom into love. And when you find love, there is no guarantee you can keep it. People grow and change, and you can do it together, in love. But, sometimes, neither wants to sacrificially catch up or slow down and you fall out of sync. Despite all this, I find it really is part and parcel of the journey of life. The point of courtship and dating is to get to know a person better and to hopefully fall in love. There is never a guarantee that relationships equals forever. It's more of a shot at forever. It doesn't matter how old the relationship is or how great the guy is. Love just can't be forced. If it's not mutual, it's not love so do the other party a favor, set them free. Stop wasting their time- being honest sooner than later is exactly just that. Relationships go one of two ways- ever after or no. It really isn't a blame game, no one really is at fault; you felt what could have potential for love, took a shot at it, but it didn't work out. Who can condemn you for trying?

I've had my fair share of heartache of a broken relationship. And I played the blame game, the ball tossing from my court to his and back. I had hopes and "if only"s. I let myself be strung along all this deceit and delusions. It took me years really to learn what I know today. Took me years to finally decide enough was enough, nobody was at fault here and understand that relationships can fail, that there are no absolute guarantees. That the only certain that I can look for is God. And the silver lining? If it hadn't happen I wouldn't have met the wonderful that is K!

Then, there's the other scenario where the person is obviously interested in you but you just don't feel the same way. Really, the ball is in your court at this point- to give the person a shot and see the potential that could be or to turn the person down so he or she can move on. Either way, it's a win-win. But, to string the person along or leave things indefinite is just totally unfair. I think it's a waste of time and emotion and sanity and just disrespectful. Sure, you can say it's the person's choice to keep trying. But to not give the friendship a definition or not be outright about how you feel, but rather just stringing things along makes you nothing more than a mean player toying with honest emotions. If you really can't see yourself with the person, stop giving mixed signals confusing the person with what they think is a glimmer of hope and just get on with the painful rejection. It gives the person closure and in time, he or she can move on and find someone that does appreciate them and want to be with them whole-heartedly.

I personally felt that there were too much uncertainties in my past. So, I never really put it behind me. To be honest, it took my own strong will to decide for myself to finally cut things out and move on. So, I think I've earned the right to say this, have the decency to tell the truth about how you feel about the person. If you cannot see a relationship then have the decency to be downright honest. Don't be selfish and exploit the attention or don't be greedy and "collect" the attention. You may think it's so conceited and hurtful to be so forward but trust me, even if the person can't see it now, he or she will in future and be grateful for it.

Someone asked me if it were possible to fall in love in just 2 weeks. In my opinion, No. Personally, I feel it's just not enough time to know a person to love them. Sure, I can understand the feelings may be shockingly intense and everything feels so right. It's like you've known the person for a long time. I get it- with K, I feel we've been together for years although it's only been a short while. It's quite weird to think we've come so far but in fact our relationship has only just begun. But, really, 2 weeks and to call it love would be an exaggeration. Besides, what's the rush? I personally don't think the "L" word should be thrown around that easily and used that loosely. It is almost a scared emotion to declare and I don't know about you but when my guy says it, I want him to feel it and mean every word of it to the very core. Well, I do still secretly feel happy for these people who start into their relationship on fire. I guess I'm still a sappy romantic who loves all these love stories and happy endings, or, well, beginnings. Hehehe.

And, there you go. All the pretty personal things that has been running through my head from the things going on around me recently. You know what? Take the plunge, dont overthink it and enjoy the ride! Ah well, I just wish everyone will live happily ever after. Yea yea, I love living in a fairytale.

Green Tea

2011-03-27T18:44:00.002+11:00

I realize I'm a big fan of green tea.
No, it's not just cos there's the colour green -.-
I just love it!
Green tea ice cream, green tea froyo, green tea smoothie, green milk tea, green tea jelly..
GREEN TEA!!!!!

And, on those not so good days like today, nothing beats a K spoiling you with a cup of green tea frappucino from Starbucks!

Ps. If u can afford it around the waist or are PMSy, u'll need choc chips and whipped cream on top. Heaven!

A green tea me is a happy me!

Chicken noodle soup

2011-03-21T19:00:00.001+11:00

It's Monday and I just spent the weekend pretty much in bed, sick.
Sigh, it's times like these I really wish I were home like the lil baby princess I am under mama's caring wings nursing me back to health.

Instead, I had to call the school myself this morning and tell them i cant go to clinics. Then, drive myself to the doctors, waited for an hour for a 10min consultation only to have her tell me there are many kinds of cold viruses and the one that infected my immune system just so happen to give me this fever I was complaining about (I guess the paranoid in me overreacted a bit cos usually I would just get the typical runny nose and phlegm filled coughs and just suck it up and wait for time to heal. But this time round, I started getting an on and off fever if that even makes sense so I got a little more cautious. Can never be too safe people! Don't judge) And all I needed was what I have been doing anyway: rest, fluids and panadol -.- oh and two days off MC which was the real reason I went anyway.

So I got really bored waiting for the drowse factor to kick in and went ahead and look at my skin in the mirror. Sick people's skin are really nothing to shout about. I guess I must have been reallyyyy restless I decided to give myself a mini facial which has been a long, long while, very very long. Slapped on those nose, blackhead strips things, ripped it off and studied those mini creatures that were living on my nose. It felt really satisfying! Oh don't lie to yourselves girls, u know it's an awesome feeling when you see those yucky stuff get peeled off ur skin! And it's been so long I realized how much i have missed the magic of those strips!

Feeling on a roll, I thought why not put those masks things that I have plenty of but never bothered to use. Left it for 10 minutes, swiped it off, massage all that leftover goodness further into my skin and rinse off.

(hehe don't mind how nasteh I look, it was initially intended for only sari to see)
I totally forgot how awesome this stuff makes me feel!! I'm totally not exaggerating when I say my skin felt soooooooo soft, smooth and supple! I don't care what u say I'm gonna start making these masks things a regular thing.

Why do people eat chicken noodle soup when sick? All my life, mum only cooks porridge with those pickled vege things when I'm sick. Nothing more, nothing less. The blander the food the better. Whether it's better than chicken noodle soup I don't know but it's a tradition I have been sticking to all my life so I don't think I'd change that. But today, in effort to rid my groceries I boiled some noodles and added veges and fishballs into it. It's the blandest noodle I've ever made but like I said, the blander the food the better for a sick person.

Well, the 3rd round of meds are starting to kick in. Glad to have entertained u this far. Let's hope I get better for clinics tomorrow and to my patient sorry in advance if I infect u!

In my eyes

2011-03-07T13:03:00.002+11:00

Last Friday I had to follow K to some "gallery" at flinders lane. It's basically an art show on the way to the train platform. And I was fooled to going.

One thing you must know about me, I'm not exactly an artsy fartsy person. Suuuure I can admire a painting of a person, scenery and the more realistic it looks the more I'm impressed. And I do get intrigued by the various art techniques or material used. Oh and I do love those photographs that really captures the mood, the fleeting moment, the essence, the hidden beauty, and whatever artsy word you can think of, which not a lot of photographers have the skills of! Ok that's my two cents of art.

But, and please excuse me and I don't mean any offense at all, when you show me something like this in an exhibit

I really have no appreciation for it.
To me, it's just scrunched up paper which would have been really useful for me to jot down some notes, or similar to those cuttings that my 7 year old nephew does in school.

Don't get me wrong though! There were pretty good pieces there. And there were people that genuinely appreciated these pieces, admiring and reviewing every piece slowly and intently. What can I say? Thank God for these people!

SpaceJam

2011-03-06T10:04:00.002+11:00

I have two left feet.
I don't know if it's the foochow in me but I can't dance. I just don't have the groove or rhythm. Ok don't count the drunken body swaying nonsense in the club cos that is so not dancing!

Today at Melbourne Central there was a group of dancers, you know, doing their thang. Breakdancing, hip hopping, whatever that is. You know the works- all that balancing on their heads and spinning, popping, dancing on one hand, robot.. Man, K and I just stood there watching in awe. I really wish I could dance like that. The strength through their core and arms and neck is just amaaaaazing. And the flexibility, the smooth, flowy movements. Insane!

This dude was awesome. He was doing the robot, popping and all that jazz. But i was really impressed by his "ticking". Please excuse the lingo. Dont be fooled, i have no idea what the dance moves are called specifically, it's all info that i have retained amidst K's excitement.

Seriously, why aren't I as gifted like that?!! Well K says that "everybody can dance" so maybe I should try before these bones and muscle age and lose their strength! Riiiiiigggghhhttt.

Another place

2011-02-28T01:02:00.001+11:00

Today, I wish I could pause everything and go back to last summer's holiday.
To watching the sunset with my eldest brother, his entire family and my parents.
To be unanimously silenced.
Just by the mere act of a ball of fire disappearing into the horizon.
The world can still be beautiful.

Very very extraordinary

2011-02-14T21:17:00.001+11:00

Today is a pretty good day.
No, it's not just cos it's Valentine's day.

I just had a really good session in the clinic this morning. My patient is awesome. My demonstrator is awesome. Don't you just love it when they praise you of a job well done! It makes you feel so appreciated and it makes you feel like "Oh thank God, finally, Im doing something.. right"! OK to be honest, today's treatment is totally uncomplicated but a happy patient is a happy me :)

And, I would be totally lying if it wasn't cos of K's efforts in celebrating V-day with me that made my day as well. I havent exactly celebrated Valentine's for a pretty long time and I cant exactly remember the ones I did so it officially makes this year's the "BEST VALENTINE'S DAY EVVVERRRRRR"

I think we kinda agreed that we'd just keep it simple like any other day only we'd be all romantic-y. And there wouldnt really be presents cos we are both kinda running low on the funds no thanks to my car on my end. Heck, I even told K if he were to really buy flowers, please get me a potted herb instead cos at least it would put the money spent to good use. So, I really wasnt expecting anything except a simple dinner at home together.

BUT, of course, he went ahead and surprised me with a few gifts which totally made my handmade ones so cheapo looking! Oh well, as the saying goes, it's the thoughts that counts!

Anyway, K, I know you're reading this so, thank you for reminding me how fun valentine's day can be and letting me be your valentine ;)

crisp

2011-02-10T18:35:00.001+11:00

There was one weekend K and I decided to head over to the salmon shop for a lazy Saturday brunch.

He ordered this crispy skin salmon with cauliflower purée and salad at the side.

He must have been really satisfied because the next week, he made his own version of it for our dinner!

Lemme tell you about this cauliflower mash he made under the salmon. It's compromise! He loves mash but I'm not a very big fan of mash potato(sorry Lima) so with this cauliflower mash, we are both happy people :)

I secretly hope he samples some awesome duck dish next and whips up his version of it!

Gong xi fatt chai

2011-02-07T21:04:00.001+11:00

Studying overseas you just have to get used to one thing, you can't always celebrate Chinese New Year with the family.

And fyi, CNY is only my second favorite holiday of the year after Christmas. Well actually, those are the only 2 celebrations we do as a family which is why it's so awesome!
Yup. So while everyone back home is enjoying the great feast on the eve of the new year, playing fireworks once the clock strikes midnight, eating awesome food, wearing new clothes, getting angpaos (red packet ie $$$$), drinking and gambling we are really just stuck here moping and myself just going to uni and looking into mouths. Joy. It doesn't help when you get phone calls from parents in all their holiday joy! Grrrr

Thankfully, kew family here managed to redeem ourselves yesterday going to the CNY festival at Chinatown and Crown. I think we saw enough lion dances to last us 10 new years!
We practically stalked them from shop to shop as they performed. And this dragon dance which was kinda lame sorreh to say.

Food wise, crown's was awesome! They had plenty of foodstalls with different kinds of food and drinks.
And they had good entertainment as well. They had a clown as the emcee and a karaoke competition! But the songs were pretty old school if you ask me. But can't get any more old school than the opera singing ladies in Chinatown!

And you mustn't forget the awesome DVDs they were selling in Chinatown! That was probably the highlight there minus the million and one lion dances. DVDs were pretty cheap BUT mostly Asian movies and series which doesn't bother me at all :)

Anyhoo I guess it's safe to say kew family had a pretty awesome CNY yesterday!

People livin' like they ain't got no mama

2011-02-06T23:10:00.001+11:00

Everytime you ask a Malaysian if their hometown is safe, their answer is always an instant NO.
If you ask some, one of the reasons they decide not to settle in Malaysia is because it's not a very safe country.

I always think to myself as if other countries don't have their own rapists, thieves, mobsters, whatever. And today I have proof!

Look how my exciting day ended. A live show of CSI Melbourne babeh!
Trying to get some fresh prints.
I have to say, these 2 policemen here are the bestest! I wish every policemen out there are like you <3

Rewind 8hours,

I went to the city today for the Chinese New Year festival at Chinatown. Parked my car pretty close to the main street oh Swanston St, came back 4hours later, all this in broad daylight, and found this:

What the fuhhhhhh-reaaaakkkkk
No, I didn't leave any valuables out. No, there were no bags in the back seat. No, nothing was left open. In fact Mr Thief didn't even bother to steal my handy dandy torchlight, my awesome hand sanitizer, my Davidoff perfume, or even my $2 coin left out!
I don't even think anything was stolen! Except maybe my green bible which I can't find but K thinks I misplaced it somewhere. Well if not, I hope you found the chicken soup for your soul and I'm glad to have helped your salvation Mr Thief.

Well apparently, this is the 3rd to 4th break in for the night.

So, tell me, do you still think Melbourne is THAT safe?!
SHEESH.

Silence

2011-01-27T10:39:00.001+11:00

To a great great man
His strength, courage, wisdom and integrity
Putting up the fight right till the very possible end for a human body

With much respect,
Rest in peace.

tennis fever

2011-01-19T21:02:00.000+11:00

my myy I think it's time for some updates for this year!

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks back in Melbourne and what can I say except it totally SUCKS to be away from home. And I always always hate this part of the year where I get all emo, you know, with the separation from family and sad things like that. Not to mention the whole getting used to uni life all over again after a month's summer break which I must say, WHERE DID ALL THAT TIME GO?!!?

Anyhoo, last weekend, you tennis lovers will be so proud of me *cough*sandeh*cough*.. I actually went to the Rally for Relief tennis thingamajig at Rod Laver. Well, for those of you who don't know what's hot and not, there is this major flood going on in Queensland and these tennis superstars decided to organize a tennis game on Sunday solely to raise funds for these flood victims. How noble is that?!?! Don't you just love humble, charitable tennis superstars.

So anyway Im glad to say I was one of those that decided to go watch them play tennis that weekend. And can I add that it's my first time ever watching a tennis match in a huge stadium and all. And Im glad it was this rally that I went cos it was all really just for fun, so everything was very very informal. The players had mics with them as they played so you can hear them commentating as they play. And they were all just so funny and mischievious ESP DJOKOVIC (love how naughty he is! hahah). Even the umpire was hilarious! For janeh's sake, the KING of tennis, Mr Federer was pretty amusing too. Ooo, and I must add, Nadal is one of the most humble players I have ever seen. At the end of the game he was the ONLY player that took time to sign autographs while everyone else sped off to their locker rooms or whatever. And he was the ONLY one that took time to shake hands and take pictures with those courtside ball collectors people. How awesome is that?! What a nice guy. He's definitely got my vote, whichever match he's playin!

But, really, it was soooo nice to see all these tennis players come together like one big family and just having a good laugh together. I loved it!!

Well, unfortunately, Im not gonna be one of those watching them play for real in Aussie Open cos honestly, I think I'll be fine just watching from the telly. I mean dont get me wrong, I get what the hype is about- the atmosphere really is different. You feel every miss, every ace, every nice save. Everyone claps and "ooohh" and "ahhhh" with you when your favourite player gets it or misses it that you feel very much part of the match. I get it.
But, still, I think I'll be okay ooh-ing and ahh-ing to myself and the idiot box in front of me this next two weeks! :)

HALLELUJAH

2010-12-23T20:51:00.001+11:00

Your mercy and grace.
Thank You.
For the best birthday present I could ever ask for.

Creeping 8s

2010-11-17T14:48:00.000+11:00

Today as I was outside hanging my laundry dry, I noticed a few spiderwebs. And it just got me wondering what happens to them after the rain.

Yea it's kinda lame and random but I think I got a little bit inspired after watching Richard Hammond's invisible worlds last night. If you have nvr watched it, I highly recommend it. It's those national geographic documentaries kinda things that make physics and biology too interesting. Yea yea, watch it first before u call me a nerd :p

Haha I know. This and the last one below are such wanna be artsy fartsy photos that I took.

Anywy bck to the webs, it just got me thinking if they were that strong to outlast the rain yesterday or are those spiders so hardworking that they went straight to spinning fresh new ones once the rain stopped. Naturally, I googled it and came across pictures like these:

How beautiful do they look? Little droplets of water hanging off the fine silk of the web. They look like intricate delicate pearl necklaces.

Obviously, the webs spiders build, depending on their design as well, do survive a reasonably heavy rain.
What part of our lives have we invested and boldly put out there to survive the harshness of the world?

doggie dog world

2010-11-10T22:45:00.001+11:00

OMG IM SO FREAKING PISSED NOW
lookie lookie what cuzzie lima found on theage.com.au

Man questioned over secret toilet camera

Paul Millar

November 10, 2010 - 4:49 A 53-year-old Brighton man who worked at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne has been arrested for secretly filming women in a staff toilet.

Police questioned the man on October 29 after a spy camera was found in a female toilet cubicle at the Swanston Street hospital in Carlton.

‘‘He was investigated in relation to using an optical surveillance device and upskirting,’’ police said.

A hospital spokeswoman said the staff member had been dismissed and staff had been counselled.
Patients did not have access to the area where the alleged offence occurred.

The man was released pending summons.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/national/man-questioned-over-secret-toilet-camera-20101110-17ncr.html

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD TODAY MAN?
ALL U FREAKING PERVERTS OUT THERE
IM AM GONNA CHOP OFF YOUR DAMN BALLS!!!!!!!!

Shit man, I feel so freaking disgusted now
so much for using the exclusive staff toilets.
$#@##$%#%^$%^&$^&%^^**^&*%&^$^%$%#

PEOPLE.... YOU BETTER HIDE YO WIVES AND HIDE YOUR KIDS!!!!!

Mirror mirror on the wall

2010-11-10T15:39:00.001+11:00

Yesterday a close friend pointed out how long it has been since ive written a post.

What can i say?
4th year really isnt a stroll in a park and i would think so seeing how we are technically going to be unleashed next year for placements. I would want to know what im doing then would I ;)

As I sit here in the bus reflecting on the past semester, I can only give praise. The semester started with God's grace. And then I went on and survived the most part of it; assignments, case pres, case logs, patient dentures and crown completed, root canal treatment, difficult patients, unreliable patients; survived the most part of it all in God's grace.

I watched close friends go through waves after waves of hardship, go through excruciating fasting period, fall into a place of darkness and temptation, get into physical mishaps, go through season of doubt, worry and anxiety only to come out of it all with some kind of peace, and endured it all to be victorious in the end. That's gotta be God's grace.

Personally, when I was stressed, weak, vulnerable, anxious, ill, I realized I was never left alone to deal with it all. The care and love from people around me, sometimes from those that I have never expected of... Sighh.. All in God's grace.

This semester as it is close to over with 2 more papers, 1 more viva and a few more clinic sessions I've learnt to let God and trust His grace. I've seen Him deliver time and time again, to me and to people around me and I just can't help but give praise. It is true, if you truly cast your fears onto God, by His will, He will always, always deliver.

All in His grace, His amazing grace

open flame

2010-10-07T00:29:00.000+11:00

I dont know about you guys but whenever Im feeling reallllyyyy homesick here in Melb I always look for brother 3. I always feel so much better once I get to spend even just an afternoon with him. To be honest, we don't really do much. It's always just accompanying him running errands, grocery shopping if we wanna have dinner at home, prepare dinner, studying on my part, have dinner, laze around watching TV, have good sister-in-law coffee, and enjoy sister-in-law's array of goodies, whatever she feels like makin. Here's just a few she's venturing into these days.

Cocktails. Dont be deceived by the innocent looking strawberry one. Its got the strongest alcohol content of the lot.

Chocolate fondue. mm mmm

And, sometimes, there isnt much exchange of words in an afternoon but sitting there enjoying his company, I just feel so happy, plain simple happy. It's just wonderful how family feels ei? And, brother 3 can deny it all he wants, but Im sure he enjoys my company too (HAHA)

During the not-so-spring-break-thanks-to-stinkin-tests-and-assgnmts-we-had-to-work-on, it was no different. I headed over to my bro's crib and this time we had a suuuuper mini bbq. When I say mini, I MEAN mini. It was just this small little stove thing I wouldnt even call a bbq set but it's my brother's precious okayyy! And it was just the 3 of us; me, my bro and K. 3 of us around a small little fire burning food. OMG, it was awesome, really! Ive never had such a small scale bbq before and it was actually really nice! And because we had it really late at night and the lights in the backyard burned out so we had to use little candles to light the yard. Really pretty :)

It was actually really fascinating watching my bro start the fire, you know, with the fire starter and the charcoal. Almost like the stone age except they'd probably be rubbing stones to spark off a fire.
Then there was the dreadful waiting for the charcoal to burn where I was dying of hunger munching on plain bread. And finally the party began. We started cooking lamb, pork, prawn, fish, sausages, and of course squid which brother 3 caught fresh from the open sea which was absolu-tah-ly delish I kid you not, once you've tried fresh squid you are never going back!!!! Trust me. K who never really liked squids except those kinds deep fried in batter couldnt get enough of them that night.

So, yea, it was a surprisingly pleasant bbq. There's just something about starting a fire. Huddling over said fire. Watching raw meat turn to food. Hah! Well, I think K enjoyed himself too cos now he wants to get the same mini bbq -_-
Joy.

Warning

2010-09-29T13:50:00.001+10:00

To whoever tryin to steal the car

Not.cool.

party like the ching chongs

2010-09-23T23:27:00.002+10:00

Last night, kew family decided to celebrate the mid-autumn festival with a simple family dinner.

(Sorry non-Asians out there, I don't really know the significance of this mid-autumn festamajig but what I do know is that it involves a feast with your family, lanterns and mooncakes once a year on the 15th of some month according to the lunar calender where the moon is bright and big. Please feel free to correct and enlighten me.)

Anyway, so we got the kew family minus some :( together and had a pretty big feast. You know, the usual Chinese menu; pork, noodles, prawns, chicken, beef, quail, and of course desserts. I think it goes without saying that I was pretty darn stuffed by the end of the night and I didnt even try all the dishes.

It was really really nice having ALMOST all (no thanks to sexeh and zorro) the people I would call family all under one roof just eating! I wasnt even allowed to switch the TV on!

I actually really like this pic cos its got my bro diving straight for food that Ive cooked so I can actually use it as proof whenever he accuses me of never caring enough to feed him. Hah.

Somewhere through the night, me and brother 3 managed to call mum all the way back home and they themselves were having their own family dinner back there. Boy, do I miss home. I really do. It makes me sad just typing that. :( As much as it saddened me that I couldnt be a part of that family dinner, I was secretly grateful I had brother 3 and all the kew family here with me. And I know I really am blessed to have all these people that care and actually know me more than I give them credit for. Thank God.

By tradition, it was time to play with them lanterns after dinner which was great cos I think a brisk walk was just what I needed after the heavy meal.

So off we went, probably 15 of us trotting away from the house to a park nearby. We may have attracted a few drivers along the way. I dont know if it was embarassing or funny!

At the park, I guess everyone unleashed the toddler in them as we played in the playground area.

From those merry-go-round things to see-saws; from king-kong swinging to fireman pole dancing; from muscle-pumpin to camwhoring. Gosh, who knew playgrounds were still fun for 22-24 year olds.

One of my fav picture of the night.

明月本无价,高山皆有情。愿你的生活就象这十五的月亮一样，圆圆满满！

Ladder

2010-09-16T16:55:00.001+10:00

Sometimes I feel I've dug a hole too deep I just can't climb my way up and out. All I want is that whiff of fresh air, not choking on dirt and debris to survive.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest."
Matthew 11: 28, The Message

I know I can be better.
Only Him.

Under the sea

2010-09-12T10:56:00.002+10:00

The other day K and I went to the Melbourne Aquarium. Heyy it's not THAT lame okay! N I think it's one of those couple to-do things. But seriously, it wasn't bad at all.

Look at the few stuff we saw!

Yes that's a fish right there amongst the rocks. Very scareh.

And these are really cool. You can see right through their flesh right into their bones!

And these are K's shoes in the jellyfish room. I was really disappointed here. Clearly, cos I only took pictures of shoes -.- I love watching fluorescent jellyfish swaying in aquariums but the ones there were kinda pathetic. Pft

This was one of my favourite part of the aquarium!!! These massive stingrays swimming over me! Haha

And these cute cute penguins! Omg seriously just the way they stand is cute. N of course the way they walk! N u get to see them really up close. I actually went to check them out twice!

Well we spent probably a good hour n a half there. It's not a very big aquarium but it's actually pretty good for it's size :)

Ps. This post written entirely on my phone! How cool is that! Do not judge the noob me!

hide your kids hide your wife!

2010-09-09T10:11:00.003+10:00

UN FREAKIN BELIEVABLE!
here I am all ready to start my revision for the day
plug my hard disk in
but it just had to choose today to freakin crash on meh!
omg I cant even bear to think about all the shit Im gonna lose; photos, my collection of lectures & notes & assgmts over the years, music, programs, books, movies and Tv shows!!!!!
@#%^%$%^@%$#@#

sighhhh
well if there's sth to be learnt, if u ever see this out there,

(the hard drive, not soyabean)
dont ever buy it!
#%$$#@^@%#^%

on another note,
lima n mel showed me this yesterday and it's hilarious!
i must warn you, it is very very catchy.
they showed it to us once and already I was singing the chorus while cooking! pft
hehehehe and yes, it's actually adapted from real news!

'a hungry man is an angry man'

2010-08-26T00:15:00.000+10:00

Omg it's 11.40pm and Ive just reached home.
Tonight, the asian-ness in the kew family decided to make use of this buy-2-burgers-for-the-price-of-1 offer at TGIF. So all 8 of us went far and out alllll the way to jam factory just to get our hands on them.
Well, guess what? When we reached there, the place was packed to the max and we were told we had to wait a whole damn hour.
I guess kiasu us were pretty insistent on getting the best outta that deal poor Lima printed 5 copies of so we waited. Well, the wait wasn't too bad to be honest cos the most of it was used catching up especially since the new york travellers were all finally back.
When half of us were getting all heated up with the wait, we were finally seated. They were right, it really was a whole hour.
And when we thought the wait was over, boyyyyyyy were we wrong...
The burgers were gonna take another whole damn half an hour! O.M.G.
By this time, I think most of us were very, very angreh. As pong pong always say "a hungry man is an angry man, a hungry woman is a mad woman!"
But, the burgers did come after ANOTHER hour! grrrrr

This is angry Ben. Believe me, this guy was so hungry he had murder eyes!

This is happy Ben when the smelly burgers finally came!

Well, once we got our hands on the elusive burgers and when one of the waitress turned out to be their friend's sister from good ol' kuching city, all was forgiven.

Some of us were starving and we all ferociously dug into our burgers. K, who hardly ever uses his hands to eat, dove right in, fingers and all. Ben, swept everything up, crumbs and all. Everyone else nearly died stuffing themselves silly with the massive burgers!

Just look at Pong go!

Within 40minutes, all that we waited 2 hours for were over! -_-
And, now an hour later here I am home and dead tired from I dont know if it was the wait, the heavy meal or the train travel.

Was the Ultimate Jack Daniel's burger worth it?!?!

expendable

2010-08-15T16:23:00.001+10:00

Last night, K and I went to watch The Expendables

What can I say?
Men after men with ripping muscles and one damsel in distress
The plot was wayyy to simple, just another typical action movie.

But, man, Stallone is getting old.

Yea, Im sure all you muscle men or hopefuls out there think he's ripped and wish you could trade places.
But is he saggy! and in the wrong directions too.
Omg in the movie, his chest was sagging outwards and downwards if you can even picture that. If you can't just believe me when I say it aint pretteh!

And I wish I could like lipo all the juices off those lil sacks under his eyes. Im not even sure if those are even eyebags or just saggy skin. But they were really apparent in the movie.
OK i sound so mean but really. Great actor or not, this guy needs a lift.

ON THE OTHER HAND, Mr. Jason Statham is still as sexy as ever.

I dont know if it's his sexeh accent or how suave his whole demeanour is but the man is just too cool!
Mmm mmmmm

Anyway, for this movie, you're better off watching Kuching's Kenyalang version instead of the cinema's.

Every single time

2010-07-23T16:28:00.001+10:00

There is truly only one King worthy to be praised.
Thank you.

dreamcatcher

2010-06-23T23:11:00.000+10:00

It's not sunshine and butterflies anymore.

2 more days to another 6mths
im still no better at this
sigh

sugar spice

2010-06-15T11:59:00.000+10:00

there is truly no place like home
it's my 4th day back here and life just couldnt get any more relaxing than this
i do not even have to lift a finger to do well, anything! mum makes sure of it ;)
all ive been doing is eating, sleeping, playing with the kids, and occassional catch-up sessions here and there with whoever

the kids are pretty much the same
keith is still a lil bugger

kenneth is still the skinneh sticks

and loopy is still the rat people used to call him (grrr)

just the other day they were taking me on a world tour of their vege garden around the house

i have to admit, it's prrrreeeetty impressive
and they tasted yummy!

this is gonna produce some very yummy yummy okra in time mmmmm

kang kung

tomatoes which tasted pretty darn good i had two on the spot!

cucumber
i guess farming is just in the Law's blood

oh and keith is still the sweetheart i remember him to be
few weeks ago, my dad's friend bought this huge ass crab all the way from Japan for him

but keith was really insistent on everyone waiting for me to come back so I could have a taste as well
and that it was to be my coming home surprise
so mum froze it and everyone had to wait
awwww i was really really touched when i knew he was the mastermind behind this
and when it was all cooked to perfection, keith insisted that I chose the biggest claw first before everyone else
AWWWW
tell me, how could I not love the lil bugger

oh just found some pics of him being retarded again:

ok, recently he's really into those gundam shit
i guess it's kinda cool he can fix it all up pretty quick for a 8yrold
anywy, i brought him to the toy store,
this is him trying very very hard to choose ONE

this is him checking out his selection, yes, it's a verrryyyy serious process

this is him when he saw the price tag that came with it!

yes, he's really growing on me
and yes, i spend a lot of time with him
in fact im gonna take him to the toy store YET AGAIN (zzzzzz) to check out more gundams YET AGAIN ( double ZZZZZ) in a few hours time once he's done with his tuition
well what can I say? it's not often his COOL AUNTY (!!!!) comes home u knoww

till nxt time!! ttfn

ta-da

2010-06-11T11:14:00.000+10:00

sorry with the influx of food pics but it's basically the highlight of my days this exam week
and now that OSCE IS OVER!!!! im leavinggggggggggggg on a jetplane! dont know when i'll be back againn(in two weeks time lah so dont miss me too much my melbourne lovelies)

anyway, to pick up where I left off.
This is wednesday's dinner, when my exams were over

and it was our first meal prepared together

chilli prawns gnocchi

all made from scratch might i add! wowowowowowo

and last night, last meal together gether before i take off for home

mm mmm herb crusted lamb rack with one of the best mushroom soups ever and caesar salad

yea yeaaa u see calories i see heavenlyyyyy
pft

on track

2010-06-08T23:32:00.001+10:00

ever since brother dearest left back for kuching
i almost forgot whats it like to be pampered and well taken care of especially during the stressful exam period

it's nice just to stand back and watch :)

#2

now, a very necessary hot cup of moconna to get me through the night

thank you

#1

2010-06-07T21:43:00.000+10:00

and I could get used to this <3

do not lift

2010-06-01T05:57:00.001+10:00

when i grow up and have my own lil house, im gonnna get myself the latest, most cutting edge, kick-ass LAWNMOWER!!!

two days ago, zorro came over and offered to rescue our disgusting disgusting frontyard
i guess the asian in me couldnt resist the free labour so without a tinge of reluctance, i gladly agreed!

as i watched him kickstart the lawnmower which he forgot to prime so he was pulling on that stringamajig many many hopeless times i thought i may as well give it a go. i mean it pretty much looked like those band exercises i did once upon a time.

omigoshhh either all my muscles have wasted or it's deceivingly difficult but i was struggling like mad, tugging and pulling on the damn thing like an idiot.
well, what can i say? i guess some things are better left for men.

finally zorro got it running and began the mowing session, i was really really excited!
call me a loser but i have never actually operated a lawnmower before. yes, back home in kuching we had workers to come do it for us (shuttup)
but in my defense i have done some gardening in this lifetime okay! and and and ive collected durians! hah!
and the heaviest machinery ive operated over these recent years, well besides a car, is probably what? the suck-down machine in lab? or the X-ray machines in clinics?
sooo i was really REALLY happy giving the lawnmower a go!

and i loved it!
this powerful engine roaring, blades which i cannot see cutting up the grass, then vaccummed up out of sight.
i just looooove how this overgrown patch of grass, with one swift motion of the lawnmower across it just poof!disappeared into a nice, clean little area of neatness! magical!
and i especially looove the smell of fresh cut grass
and emptying all tht excess grass we've mowed off into the bin is such a satisfying satisfying feeling
i know i sound a lil obsessed but dont judge mehhh!

but anyway, i only did like 3% of the frontyard, so, lucky for zorro to the rescue who did everything else (thanks again Z)

next up on my list has gotta be the power saw! muahahahha

Finger drumming

2010-05-30T09:00:00.000+10:00

Im always waiting.
I spent this month waiting and waiting and waiting.

Waiting to finally get a reliable patient with a long list of treatment plan, still waiting!
Waiting for a perio and cons case pres patient, still waiting!
I wish I could go back to 3rd year when I was on a roll with such patients.

My art or procrastination.
Waiting for the "right time" to do all this shit that's piling up!
Waiting for the day to kick start my revision FOR REAL.
Wating for my OCD mojo to come back so I can do my laundry and wash my sheets and vaccum the carpet which may have hazardous glass pieces yet I still cant be bothered.

Waiting for that screen to finally collapse.
Waiting for a slice of home.

I'm just waiting. Waiting for change.

Yet, at the back of my head, I remember I once said to a friend,
We shouldnt live in the past, wishing things could go back to as good as they were.
We shouldnt live in the future, wishing and anticipating all the good things that hopefully may happen to us.
We live in the NOW. the present. THIS is our moment.
What's scary is we can never have it back.
So, dont spend the best years of your life waiting for the best years of your life.

Cheers.

Holding my own

2010-05-14T18:41:00.000+10:00

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine?
If you're shocked it's just the fault of faulty manufacturing
Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

Pew pew

2010-04-30T17:24:00.000+10:00

Could it possibly be the 30th already?!
Wow.
April was amazing!

Run with Me

2010-04-26T15:38:00.002+10:00

As I type this, it's exactly 4days9hours35minutes before me and my Kewtie crew Go The Extra Mile with Melbourne.

For those of you who don't know, this year Kew family has decided to help the Dalit children of India by walking 50 (yes, that's FIFTY) KM for this charity program, Go the Extra Mile.

For the exercise buffs, it may seem like nothing to you but for us slugs and couch potatoes in Kew, it's asking A LOT. But, it's for a really great cause:

Thousands of years ago, India used to have this religious system that basically divided up society into various castes. The Dalits, or what people call the "untouchables" fall beneath this caste system where they have no place at all in society. Looked down and trodden upon, they are denied basic rights like food, water, education and proper homes. And, unfortunately, there is no escape: you're born into this caste, you stay in it and you cannot work your way up and out of it.
Today, despite the nation becoming a democracy, this caste discrimination continues. The severity of it still presses on forcing the Dalit children into the streets, doing just about anything to merely survive. They are regarded lower than animals! Exploited; bonded for free labour to pay off debts; prisoners to what is almost slavery; abused by those "above" them.
And, what saddens me most is picturing these perishing, malnourished, weakened bodies trolling the streets doing the best and most they can to barely meets the most basic of essentials in life empty and very,very hopeless, almost soulless.

Thankfully, Bridge of Hope with its vision to help these children, partnering with Gospel for Asia, has began running centres in India to open up a space to meet the basic needs of these Dalits: food, clothes, education, water, medical aid; and shelter from the darkness outside. And, with the preaching of the gospel to these children and adults, they've sparked that little bit of hope in life and in God.

Thankfully for you and I, we get to be a small part of this cause because with every cent you donate, 100% goes to helping the Dalits via the Bridge of Hope centre.
For one, you really can spark that little bit of hope through the Bridge of Hope centres for these empty souls that life may just be well living for and that there is more for them than the current poverty they're in. Suddenly, their future may not look so bleak afterall!
Two, every cent really counts. No donation is too small for these children. And I dont just mean in terms of the currency exchange rate. Considering the circumstances these caste members are in, I would think that even the simplest of clean drinking water or a hot bun(which shouldnt even cost more than 20cents) is suffice to make them hopeful, to make them feel loved; that someone out there cares for them. And maybe, they just won't feel so alone in taking on their harsh harsh world anymore. You could be that life-changing someone.
So, please, help these children, wherever you are in the world!

To know more, check out the website here

Choose any one of the KEWties to donate to; either
Che Wee, Law/ Li Na, Yong/ Joan Yong/ Hyundai Chiaw/ Serena Lim/ Jane Lau/ Pong Wee Tyger, Yeo/ Kelvin Tay/ Carissa Lau

For credit card donations, click here
For EFTPOS/online banking/cheque donations, click here

Remember, for these children, every cent truly truly counts.

I See You

2010-04-15T15:56:00.000+10:00

This is a house diagonally opposite mine.
I've walked past this house along the pavement across the road from it easily more than 10 times since Ive been back here since February.
I may have seen a few workers there occassionally and hear some noises coming from that direction.
But, strangely, I have never really noticed they were actually renovating this house.
Two days ago, I was taking a long stroll all the way from the train station back home.
Only thing different in this walk was that I was taking in the sights and sounds around me as I walked home.
That was when I noticed this house and how it's renovated close to completion.
What really amazed me was how I could have missed the entire renovation process and only realized this now when it's basically done!

We look, but do we see?
Please open your eyes before you miss the beauty of the journey,
open your eyes before it's too late and you realize you're at the end and it's all done.

tell me

2010-04-14T19:00:00.003+10:00

why can't everyone just see eye to eye?

does friendship calculate?

tick tock

2010-04-06T17:37:00.000+10:00

Lil Keith is at the age learning to MSN

Very very limited BUT interesting conversations :)

bliss

2010-04-06T17:11:00.000+10:00

this easter weekend, we spent some family time down at torquay
it was such a bliss

the hotels we stayed at were wonderful
Crowne Plaza

But me and the cuzs were too lazy to make use of any of the facilities besides the BED

teehee

Peppers

this place had a golf course and a driving range
Unfortunately, because of the damn dress code (no jeans allowed), we couldnt do paneneh proud from her last golfing lessons in albert park :)

the meals we had were so luxurious
no calories nor cash were spared!
it was a non stop food fest!
here are some i bothered to take:

omg these oysters were wonderful. The one next to this fish roe one was drowned with some garlic and wine sauce which was HEH-HEH-HEAVENLY!

this is us girls enjoying our desserts! everything was soooo goooooddd except tht berry stack at the end.

Lunch on both days at this cafe opposite the beach, Growlers

And some wine to call the day

the activities we did were just so darn relaxing
heheheh i.e SLEEP
yup, spent most the first day sleeping
Saturday we checked out the farmers market which was pretty pathetic
I LOVE farmers market fyi!

the things you see, the produce the farmers bring in, the freshness of it all
but, the one we went that morning was such a disappointment!

in the evening, we squeezed a walk by the beach before the sun set
it was really nice watching beginner surfers and some guy playing this watersport which im not sure of what its called. its kinda the opposite of parasailing

I love beaches.
The peaceful feeling you get just watching waves after waves roll in

The horizon where sky and sea meet, so beautiful.
Sand between your toes, swimming in the wide open sea... sighh

Anyway, on the final day we went horse-riding.
We just dont know whether to pity these horses, walkin trails carrying us heavy people

Half the time I felt really bad having to put the horsey through it

But hte other half I enjoyed it so much! I felt like some maiden from the times of pride and prejudice.

It's even more exhilirating when they start to gallop, scary but exciting!

And finally, an hour of canoeing in this three-seater one.
Omg we were seriously such bimbos manuevering the canoe- its harder when there's three of us okay!!!

Lost sense of direction a gazillion times
We actually ran into the marshes once
and we were making such a racket I hope we didnt pissed the fishing people off too much
But it was so so fun!
We went under little bridges so low we actually had to limbo to get through
Rowed to quiet little areas
Took beautiful pictures thanks to the owner man!

AND i think they gave me a life jacket for a three year old -_-

And that was easter for me :)

fizz

2010-04-06T16:19:00.000+10:00

falling so hard i can barely catch my breath

break time

2010-04-02T08:37:00.002+11:00

great kick start to the easter holidays:
FINALLY having wonderful proper conversations with my girlfriends

Over a sweet breakfast
I always find it amzing how something as simple as chit chatting over brunch can be so comforting and fun!
If it's the right company of course.

And, ladies and gentlemen
I'm on a new mission!

So inspired by these bozos.
I'm gonna master the art of ice skating!
Maybe not olympic standards but at least good enough to glide here and there!!!!
WISH ME WELL!

And, on a side note, isn't it scary how if u let them, the same person can make you feel so sky high AND that down low.
Well, lucky for me, i am happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA NGU!!!! love ya loads sister!

Happy Easter everyone!

This 3-day weekend will be long and short for me

Tear the Veil

2010-04-02T00:53:00.000+11:00

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this.

You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

I know You love me

Thank You my Father.

cloud nine

2010-03-30T22:51:00.003+11:00

i dont ever ever wanna wake up from this dream

Earth Hour, version 2.0

2010-03-29T14:20:00.003+11:00

Last Saturday.....
Omg I have no idea how what started out from a failed attempt of bar hopping to a leg-breaking search for a small, lil' bar/lounge to just chillax could end up being a night of mayhem!
Anyway, Ive learned a few things and I must share them with you so you too can learn them as well :)

#1
Alcohol BADDDDDDD
my 2nd bro means well when he says "NO ARAK!" [arak=liquor in malay]

#2
Jay Sean's "Down" = sinful sinful song
I dunno what it is about this song but once it plays, the booze in your system kicks in and before you know it, you're hittin the dance floor shaking ur boooooteh.

#3
The bartender always always knows his stuff.
When you smart alec friend goes to the bartender and tells the bartender our drinks just havent got any kick in them, and the bartender asks all of us to come to the bar, HE MEANS BUSINESS!
He always always has a few recipes of what I'd like to call Knock-Out Drinks up his sleeves.

#4
Kew Family are all DUI (DANCERS under the influence)!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I think we got the party started that night guys ;) well done!

#5
Random ang mo dancing strangers are such fun!!!
esp when one of them is not dancing but instead flirting and buying A CERTAIN MEMBER OF THE KEW FAMILY CALLED AH LAU drinks after drinks ;)

#6
Always make sure your iPhone, I repeat IPHONE not blackberry, is well stocked with Jason Derulo and B.o.B.
Cos the "DJ" might just plug it in when their own music gets too old :)

#7
Never drink on an empty stomach is strictly strictly NOT a myth!
I had a very early dinner and nibbled on dates before I drank. For the entire day the next day, I felt queasy like shit and puked after each meal!

#8
Dont drink and type!
You wont even know what you're typing half the time!!! And sometimes you might just regret what you say.

#9
Do not litter.
The puke fest that follows after, always good to have a black puke bag BUT PLEASE DONT LEAVE IT DOWNSTAIRS OUTSIDE YOUR APARTMENT!
For those that puke by the roadside, I guess its alright. The rain and clean-up buggy things will clear it up teehee;)

#10
Remember, those are strangers, NOT friends.
BOUNDARIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or at least have friends around to keep a close eye. Dont forget to thank them :)

So, kids, those are some tips for the day. Sure hope you've learned a thing or two. Be good now!

This Jane's silly bf dunno how to take picture man! Sorry Hyun :(

pitch black

2010-03-26T19:56:00.000+11:00

baker's delight

2010-03-08T10:12:00.001+11:00

this is wayyy overdue but i MUST blog about this

ok. i am really terrible at baking
i hate how i cant control the outcome - the taste, the rising in the oven, the shape, the consistency
the only thing i have mastered baking in this lifetime is my butter cake
which, mind you is a family favorite okayyy- they request for it EVERY yr when i go back!
then again, its only cos the recipe is absolutely FOOL-PROOF
and since im just such a generous soul, here it is to share:

300g butter
250g flour
250g sugar
5 eggs
10g baking powder
Beat butter and sugar till white
Add eggs one at a time
Add flour and baking p
Bake 40min

and that is as far as i go in terms of baking
sure there are the odd muffins here and there but its all just for fun

anyway, so for my cuzzie li ma's bday i decided to venture into the dark waters and bake her one of her fav cakes, sponge cake wtih layers of cream and fruits
u know, so it felt more personal since you've only been the best cousin to me, li ma :D:D:D

this is NOT the cake okay!!! it's a pre-bday cake apple crumble for her midnite surprise
to be honest, i was reaaaaallllly nervous; did all my research ol, on youtube, advice from chef friends, baker friends, recipe books from friends etc u know, the typical science student research

the day finally came

our baking buddy, wilson

i had my game face on, no smile on this face!
and i know the sponge above looks like shit here but dont judge me!

and well, i wish i could tell you this was the cake, i wish i could

my sis in law's birthday cake 2 days before
no i didnt bake that, laurent did.
and yes, we ran out of candles so we had to use that

But it was this:

needless to say, I AM PLEASED
n that i chose the best picture

but i was proud of my attempt, very proud

and and and.....
well, i may have cheated.sighs
i had an elf helping me as well

hyun

next up, ning's killer tiramisu.
heh heh heh

eye for the design

2010-03-06T23:47:00.005+11:00

ive always admired those who are just so creatively gifted
how they can come up with amazing designs from nothing
draw beautiful pictures they almost look real
and i especially love it when they explain their work of art
that passion and pride in what they do.. i find it so captivating

just to name a few from more recent times,
marc kho's rubix cube inspired building design
my sister-in-law's multiple projects
my brother's designs and crafts
another brother's carbon drawings

well, recently, there has been a new addition into the design crew
and considering it's only been a month into this biz
this

to this

and a green version

as well as a slumber party version

i'd say not bad, not bad at all.

soooooo, boys and girls, this explains the case of the missing vinnie chai for a month now!
case closed.

far longer than forever

2010-02-25T01:19:00.001+11:00

there is really nothing more comforting than
two grown women
watchin a sappy classic disney cartoon
of a princess turned swan
after a long day of uni

princess: will you love me till the day i die?
prince: no. much longer, much much longer.

they just dont make cartoons like they used to. tsk.

beauty in the eye of the beholder

2010-02-23T22:50:00.000+11:00

ive always found it amazing how some people have the talent to sketch very real potraits
and i so want a self potrait
so lucky me, today, i had my face sketched

what can i say except..
hopefully, there is NO likeness

cloudless

2010-02-11T23:40:00.000+11:00

last weekend we decided to head on down to some bay
the drive there was two and a half hours and we left at around 3pm
so imagine how late it was by the time we got there -_-

anywy half the troops went around collecting pippis
while me and the other half just lay under the sun chit chatting getting bitten by sand flies with the wind blowing sand in our faces
after a long chillax sess we decided to hunt the rest of the troops down
while searching for them we decided to give this pippis collecting thing a go
and it was pretteh fun!
by the end of the day this was what they collected

and this is my contribution:

and the long drive back was accompanied with a very beautiful sunset view

while i do miss home, i realize i do miss my kew family too
and there's one good thing being back

and i love how they always come up with these random activities for the weekends!
CNY weekend coming right up; the silver lining:another window of possibilities

here i am

2010-02-06T23:51:00.000+11:00

well well well
please excuse the MIAness

today i finally fixed up the car and drove the streets of Melb

driving alone on the road, it just kicked in pretty hard that just a week ago i was driving on the streets of Kuching

this is the worst feeling
i miss everything of home- family, friends and the doggies

but, i AM here
and i just have to force a smile, for now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-05T01:52:00.000+11:00

dont give up on me just yet people.
ive just been a little too busy and lazy to blog
but a post is on its way
wait for it.

Avatar

2009-12-21T10:58:00.000+11:00

after last night,
boyyyy do I wish I could go to Pandora
highly HIGHLY recommend you guys watch it in 3D, it's as close as it gets to actually being there

the graphics were very very beautiful sighhhh
and its so Pocahontas-y

long but really awesome!!!!!

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

2009-12-15T10:31:00.000+11:00

christmas is one of my favourite holidays of the year, aside from CNY
and setting up the christmas tree is one of my fav things to do to welcome the holidays
this year, what's even more special is that i got to do it with both the boys

they were really really helpful

in fact i think they would be just fine setting it up by themselves next year- except when it comes to placing the star right at the top

when everything was set and the lights for the tree was switched on,
hearing my younger nephew exclaim in mandarin with pure excitement "wow, it's so beautiful!"
...it just warms your heart all over

slice of the wonderland

2009-12-15T06:13:00.000+11:00

ouuu yeaaa
i am pleased. i just fixed some internet problems ive been having the past few days all by myself and here i am finally online again!
who dare call me a comp noob again! pft!

anywy, the past week in kuching has been wonderful.
everyday is just a huge window of possibilities, activity-wise.

it will definitely start off early in the morning, 6am although i have been slacking the past 2 mornings
where i just sit on this little stool in the kitchen and watch supermom whip up her magic called breakfast for the entire family.

then she packs lunches for the granny, pappy and bro.
i try give her the helping hand occassionally
like fold this wonderful pockets of pork dumplings

but im usually a little too groggy some mornings
but not when it comes to feeding dear baby loopy

once all thats done i usually sit around and watch my bro finish his brekkie before takin off with pappikins to work

then i have brekkie with the adorable nephew and mum before sending him to tuition

and after that is when the mystery begins
it could be chillin w the chicks
playing with the kids
hanging at my pappy's shop + next door yeo tau keh's
brunch with the bros
garden park, the place to be... reading the papers
stalking
springing
colouring contests and eating competitions
lunch w the troops + useless worker
afternoon tea :)
lim teh sess at kopitiams
the usual- sexeh's crib
exclusive partehs
takin the ta ke lim down when it comes to drinkin; to date: major fail
late night suppers which are freakin fattenin but delish; always wise to carry absorbent towels, regular tissue just wont cut it
sakai-ing at mbo, watchin the best movie of the year
etc etc.

i really dont remember what i do to get by the day but all i know is that the days are flyin,
a week has just zoomed by.
but im really lovin' being back here, back home!
ahhhhhhhhhhhh

:)

2009-12-07T01:41:00.000+11:00

I am happy.

never never land

2009-12-02T09:41:00.000+11:00

i have a problem.
a sleeping problem.

if you know me, i loveeeee sleeping.
i need AT LEAST 9hrs of sleep a day.
in fact, i can sleep way into the pm if i had time to spare, i.e. NOW, during my summer holiday!
but since that week of 4days of exams in a row till now, i havent been sleeping properly.

i would sleep at around 1-2am, wake up a couple of times in the wee hours of the morning but fortunately still manage to fall back to sleep till 7-8 in the morning.
those are the good days.
some days i would wake around 6am but i refuse to get up so i just lay in bed, eyes closed, toss and turn for hours trying to force myself to sleep.
those are the bad days- i can just toss and turn for like 4hrs without sleep.

imagine this going on for about 2 weeks, now pushing into the 3rd.
i really really really really really really really really really just want to sleeeeeeeeeeeeeep.
for a whole freaking day, 24hours- just sleep.

sigh.
save me.

happy

2009-12-01T19:32:00.002+11:00

finally, gave my patient her dentures;
a set of upper front teeth and lower back teeth for christmas.
im just glad she can finally have her spaghetti.

that just means,
oooooo kuching... IM ALMOST THERE!
i can hardly contain myself!
HAHAHEHEHOHO

in the wilderness

2009-12-01T19:19:00.000+11:00

last weekend, kew family decided to escape the high life
for a camping trip at Wilsons Prom, 3hrs away from Melb.

FYI, the last time i went camping like in a jungle, i was 12.
and we still stayed in cabins, had food cooked for us.
So, not tryin to sound all princess-y, but i was really really scared!!!

If it wasnt the idea of the wildlife coming out at night, or snakes creeping into our tents, then it would be sleeping on solid ground, finding a toilet, and dehydration that got me skeptical the night before.

(if you look properly, down the toilet is just a hole.)
Whats more, we were booked for two freaking nights!

BUT, boy, was i VERY VERY wrong.
If you've nvr camped before, Wilsons Prom is the best place to get started!

It has the perfect balance of nature and modern facilities.

The scenery there is so so so so so SPECTACULAR.
i seriously kid you not.

There are a gazillion trails to trek but we only had time for a few:
Norman Beach

We swam here both days because it was soooo near our camp site

The water, as usual, was fuh-reeeeeezzzzz-inggg but once your body temp adjusts to it, so damn refreshing!
And the waves were pretty strong so we had a good time chasing them!

the next day we went for some random 30min hike

it was nice, esp with the weather all bright and sunny
look, the water is red

then there was the climb up Mt Oberon

The climb was torture esp at the final steps to the summit

but the view at the top...... UNBELIEVABLE!
you just cant help but give God praise.

and be all american next top model-ish

it's THAT beautiful.

then we went to squeaky beach!
the beach was really really beautiful, esp these rocks!

AND what was more special, the sand squeaks between your toes!!!!!!!!!!!

And tht was all we had time for unfortunately :(
Cant wait to go back there again to explore the other trails!

GO TO WILSONS PROM!
and i kinda love camping!

voice it up

2009-11-22T21:57:00.000+11:00

after penting it up for about 3 weeks,
it was finally unleashed!!
wooooooo

it was kinda my birthday celebration in advance/ janeh's farewell.
am gonna miss u jane :(

it was so fun esp towards the end of the night where everyone just practically screamed the words away
my voice even cracked by the end of the session!

no one got drunk (congratulations tyger!)
but errr i hafta admit, i dont remember some of the conversations i had last night; i even thought some were just a dream when i recalled them this morning (hehehehe janeh!)

and these are the thousand and one gp pics i forced them to take early in the night

i wanted to capture the perfect one of kew family
but alas, nothing is perfect...

tyger mixin it up

my fav cuz; believe it or not, act cute idea is hers. cheh, ah lian ah!

and cuzzie bi, hahaha half the pics we took, she was in a daze.

look at this rabbit

here are some awesome vids of the night

to the great night!