she says

Heatwave

2011-07-07T04:57:00.008+08:00

Good grief! This mighty hot summer can roast a chicken in under 10 minutes. Last I checked, I was complaining about how bitter cold winter was. Maybe I should just move to California (and I'd still find other things to complain about). Oh for the love of all things human.

Well, greetings from good ol' Oklahoma!

Yes, I've made the big move back to the middle of nowhere. All for a job offer, you see. Plus, the boyfriend and the dog too.

I've successfully graduated, painfully but yet bittersweet-ly. Yay, for a Masters degree!

Now that my full-time-paper-writing-study-cramming student life is officially over- at least for another few years while I slowly recuperate from 20 years of education- I am soon (next Monday- soon) going to start working as an Early Childhood Educator. Yeah, a brand new start to slaving myself in the workforce for the next 30 years of life! Or as the sophisticated adults would put it, "being all grown-up and responsible, moving towards financial independence". Yeah...

Anyhoo, post New-York living experience left me rather battered and exhausted, but all in a good way, because I left the city with bittersweet memories that marked parts of my growing up. On a serious note though, it was a huge blessing to be able to live in the Big Apple, even just for a year- I lived, I learned, I laughed, I cried, I stumbled, I survived, I grew to love the city I once disliked- all in His strength and power. While I'm still experiencing withdrawal symptoms from overstimulation to zero-stimulation, I've never felt this well-rested, not since I left home years ago.

Here's where I say hello to ̶s̶l̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶l̶a̶b̶o̶r̶ responsible working adulthood and good-bye to my adolescence.

New York, New York

2011-04-22T12:43:00.004+08:00

Another blink of the eye and I'm now facing my last month in New York city. Words fail to express how grateful and blessed I am with the amazing experience of living in this great city (yes I was wrong, NYC has grown on me and I do love this city).

I did not only gain (well, its on the way) a Master's degree at beautiful Columbia University, but I have also grown as an individual. I have learned so much about me, or rather what I was made to be, and what I could be. I have learned much about life that no amount of books, articles, and lectures can teach, not even money can buy. Of course, I still have more to learn.

Ah, bittersweet memories of the apple. One more month, before this chapter in my life ends and a new one awaits!

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12

Welcome back, Reality.

2011-01-13T14:44:00.009+08:00

Why, HELLO, it's been awhile.

Yes, I have survived four grueling months in New York City as a graduate student- by His grace and strength, I must say.

Who knew that so much can happen in just four months?

And yet, another year has come and gone. Just reflecting back on one semester, not even the whole 12-months, makes me feel blessed just thinking about how I was spared from losing my sanity.

Faith, trust, and hope were my greatest teachers.

Another four more months before I put on that robe and mortar board again.

ps- Merry (belated) Christmas & Happy (belated) New Year.

New York says 'Hi'

2010-09-06T09:33:00.007+08:00

It's been 10 days since I arrived and I am still counting my blessings. God has been so faithful and really, He has been my provider ever since. Long story short, I found an apartment that met all our (my roommate and I) preferences in just two days. And we got awesome furniture from our neighbor, IKEA and bedbathandbeyond at a bargain on the day we moved in. I really couldn't ask for more.

Classes began last week. I must say that I am impressed with the architecture; the prewar buildings, I don't think I'll ever get bored just marveling at them day after day. Columbia U is obviously HUGE. I spent more time hunting down classrooms than actually being in the class itself. Madness. But all's good, I'm adjusting and adapting.

The boyf has left just this morning. I feel like a part of me has left too. Nevertheless, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So I'll be strong and conquer the city, well at least for the next 11 months because living here is ridiculous. Being me, it's almost impossible to save. I'll be a hobo when I turn grey.

Anyways. Summer is officially over. I've settled in, I've done the tourist-y thing. It's time I go kick butt.

Hello, grad school.

Goodbye, flip flops.

2010-08-03T14:29:00.004+08:00

Yikes.

It's almost the end of summer. A well-rested and very toasty summer.

Twenty five more days and I'll be inhabiting the concrete jungle. And just when I thought I could never live in such a bustling, hectic city - I'm going to be spending a year of my life in it. Irony, much?

Despite all the madness that's about to unfold, I'll have to keep reminding myself that life is for the living. Rather than being caught in the center of a whirlpool, I think it's crucial to take a step back and remind ourselves of the purposes of our being, rather than flutter through life and then think 'geez, why have I been wasting my time on (insert activity)?'

Time won't wait.

Midnight

2010-06-30T14:55:00.005+08:00

Death. Such a dark, dark word. Yet inevitable.

Death, can be a cruel teacher. Forcing you to accept reality when it strikes, leaving you with pain, agony, and all that often reaches the brim of human capabilities. Then it forces you to stop the fast-forward motion as it oddly places you back into perspective.

You start asking 'WHY?'

You think, you think about life and all that is worth living for; you think about eternity and the purposes of your being.

In the dark, you scramble for a shred of hope, a hint of light. When you find it, you grab for it. When you don't, you're left with a black hole.

I. I fight, I crumble, I stand, I get knocked down, and in the end, I let go... and I find myself in the embrace of the only one who saves. Life is worth the living, with him in place.

I do ...do I?

2010-06-21T15:11:00.007+08:00

Apparently, it's the season of wedding bells. At least, that's where all the talk seems to be heading. One after another, friends are either getting engaged or are in the midst of planning for their big day. The numbers are upping.

Honestly, it's overwhelming.

Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely happy for them - at least, those to matter to me. I'm even excited for some! At the same time, the pressure rests upon my shadows. I'm not even close to getting there yet.

Besides the fact that both the boyfriend-of-6-years and I have barely touched the first step on the career ladder and can even barely support ourselves yet; I have a whole different perspective on marriage - which many wouldn't agree. I view marriage as more than a piece of contract paper and it can't solely be based on the delusions of fantasy love. It's not something you rush into, just because everyone else is doing it; nor the fact that you just want to prove a point to somebody by getting hitched, or even just doing it for the sake of retaliation. That's just wrong.

Marriage isn't always the happy endings you get from fairy tales; it requires both effort and commitment from both partners to actually make it work. Its more than just puppy love. It's 1 Corinthians 13. You don't just get married end of story and file for divorce if it doesn't work out. Under most circumstances, divorce shouldn't even be an option.

Forgive me, if I've offended any of you, but this is just my firm set of belief.

As far as matrimony is concerned, I'm a fuddy-duddy. Which is why, whenever I'm asked 'When's your turn?' or 'Don't you think it's about time?'; time and time again, I replied, 'not anytime soon'. And that's the truth. Not until we're financially capable of supporting ourselves, and not until I grasp the true meaning of 'till death do we part'.

Well, God willing, if/when it happens, then it'll be a beach wedding with lots of sunshine and blue skies. I promise I won't be Bridezilla. ;)

Disclaimer: This post is not meant for anyone in particular. It was just a spur of the moment thought what with most of my friends preparing to tie the knot. My personal view on the subject, you don't have to agree with me. Above all, I'm sincerely happy to see a few of my close friends moving into this season - after working so hard on everything. Cheers to you, loves!

Of ice tea and heat wave

2010-06-02T07:54:00.006+08:00

Blink.

That's how insanely fast one month came and went. My family visited from across the globe and left.

It's been ever since that I became an official college graduate, but have I really been putting my degree into good use? Not necessarily.

Realistically, it is almost impossible to score a job here in the US (or anywhere else in the world for that matter), what with me being an international student and all the visa complication that comes along. Currently it seems that a good ol' degree could barely make the cut, unless of course you've invented the time machine or at least have exceedingly superior intellect. To go back home to Malaysia to build my career is ... a whole different story (I'm not gonna delve into the unstable political lunacy that is driving a certain demographic away). Hence my decision to enroll in Columbia U for my post-grad. But, I'm also still contemplating the two options that I have since another circumstance just took over.

And so, it doesn't really take a genius to figure out what I've been doing (or what I'll be doing) until a whole new level of madness begins. Don't judge me! I tried various sources to contribute to the labor force (via legal means) and all else failed. As much as I want to enjoy my summer break back home - or at least get a summer job, the infamous visa status issue would arise.

So here I am, spotting the to-die-for profession (minus the awe-incredible salary) in my humble hole. It gets depressingly boring at times, but I take it as a time to recharge before I enter into the beginning of an entirely new journey come Fall, in an entirely new place.

That's my summer plan.

Class of 2010

2010-05-18T15:04:00.005+08:00

Somehow, I feel like we're living in fast forward motion 16x.

It's mid-May and all that I've been anticipating all these years has come to an end. I know that statement sounds melodramatic but it's true - I'm taking a plunge back to reality. All that being said, I still can't believe that I've graduated. YES I DID IT! (sounds so tacky, I know) It feels really surreal, the fact that I'm now officially a `cough` Psych. graduate just hasn't sunk in. Not that I can do much with this degree atm, but well... I guess I survived four grueling years of college.

What an intense semester it has been! Senior year obviously was the climax in my whole undergrad career, with the insane weather in tow -I mean, blizzards, tornadoes, killer hails, lots and lots of snow, and crazy winds. The weather was like an add on effect to my already intense journey; what with the sudden death of one of my professors, moving out to a new place in the midst of finals, and all the good stuff. BUT IT'S FINALLY OVER!

I can finally breathe.

Three more months before my big move to New York (I finally accepted the offer from Columbia Univ. since it seemed like the best thing to do) and it just hit me that I have 3 months to do absolutely nothing before the craziness begin! It would've been great if I was back home.. but as of now I'm just a bit lost, especially since my family just went home after their 3-week visit. I guess I'm just suffering from a post-crazy semester and currently adjusting to a less-intense schedule...

Okay I realized I'm beginning to ramble incoherently since I'm losing my train of thought and its heading towards all sorts of directions...

Guess I'll leave to catch up with Sleep so that I'll sound more normal in the next post! till then.

March Madness

2010-03-22T06:45:00.004+08:00

Spring is finally here! But of course, the wintry weather had to interfere and decided to leave with a big bang - 6-8" of snow. How fun.

Anyhoo, it's almost time to go back to school after a great week of .. just chillin'. Scratch that. I actually ended up writing ... 7 freakin' papers after reading countless journal articles. I know, what a way to spend my last Spring Break. But then again, if I did hop on one of those crazy trips, who would write all these papers assigned by the party poopin' professors? Nope, not my dog nor the boyfriend. On the sunny side, I was finally able to catch up on sleep. Screw 7am breakfasts, it was breakfast at 2pm all the way. Life! :D

Since it's time to hit the highway once again, I think for the first time, I feel refreshed. I'm just looking forward for May when Mom, Dad, and the sister visits this place I've been putting up with for the past 3 years; that and the fact that I can kiss this phase of life good bye when I finally throw that dark blue cap into the sky. Graduation, baybeh!

As for the next phase, I still don't have a clue. I'm blessed to be accepted into Columbia Univ and Kings College and Kingston, but somehow, I just don't feel right about accepting either one of those offers, despite the fact that the first two mentioned are really great universities. I think I'm feeling a 'wait' for an answer from above. So we'll see.

Six more weeks, can't wait!

ps - thanks for all the supportive & encouraging comments. I'm glad some of you enjoyed reading my blog, surprised really, since it's mainly comprised of rants for my family and close friends to read. nonetheless, I really appreciate the positive comments. :)

22 years ago...

2010-01-29T07:42:00.003+08:00

I'm gonna save you the story of my life.

On this day, where I turn another digit older, I get blasted with the winter storm! So I think that maybe, the last week of January seems to attract the snow, ice, hail, and the cold - as long as I'm here. It's been two consecutive years now that this has happened!
But on the bright side, classes have been canceled for the rest of the week. I suppose it's a blessing in disguise after all.

Smiley face.

Behind the scenes: The glam life living abroad.

2010-01-16T15:50:00.005+08:00

I survived the last first week of my undergrad course. Applause, please.

It's officially 2 years now since I left the nest. I must say, it's been quite a journey and a package full of basic survival skills and other valuable lessons. Now I can laugh at my 15-year old-self who thought that I'll have the awesom-est life overseas.

Delusional, much? Yes.

But aren't we all? Of course, most of us would eventually rough it up some and survive to tell the story while others remain in denial, clouded by thoughts of not lifting a finger then feel party-pooped by reality. The latter could happen if you're a gazillionaire, if not, be expected to roll up your sleeves and fend for yourself. There's always a Peter Pan who lives within us but it's really up to us to take one step forward or ten steps back.

Since I was such a brat growing up, having everything being taken care of by the housekeeper and my parents, I had a pretty hard time adjusting the first month. If it weren't for Jeremy's assistance, I would have just suffered more so I really do admire those who are off on their own.

Now, I can say that I've picked up some culinary skills.
I'm anal about house cleanliness so I'm pretty good friends with the vacuum cleaner.
I'm undomestic, no doubt about that since I'd rather wear the pants, but these are the little things in life that comes along with growing up.
In the end, it all comes down to shaping up or shipping out.

Good times.

I see no flowers blooming, not yet.

2010-01-14T08:44:00.003+08:00

Now that I'm forced to wake up at such an unearthly hour - for me that is - I'm feeling pretty healthy, if you know what I mean. My stomach now has to register the fact that downing food at 7AM, and not 12PM, is what you would term 'breakfast'. I just need to jumpstart myself into this healthy routine for the next few months.

ANYWAY.

I just got news from Kings College London, one of the few of which I applied to, that I've been offered a place in the Child Psych masters program. I just don't know what to do now. I am happy thankful elated whatever positive emotion you can come up with but this just adds to my great big trilemma. Did I mention that I just loathe making decisions?

Last first day.

2010-01-12T12:16:00.002+08:00

Today was the day;

It was 2006 when I first attended an eightAM class at Inti College Penang. English with Mr. Gitu! The class where I met most of my closest friends up to date. Besides high school, I'd like to think that college was also one of the highlights in my life.

Today, while I was getting ready to hit the road to class, a wave of emotion hit me. I know it sounds dramatic but I mean, 4 years of bittersweet memories just to get that one degree and now it's finally coming to an end. Really.
That aside, I thought this last semester is gonna be a hair-pulling stressful one but I think it's all good, despite the fact that I have 3 eightAM classes, two morning shifts part-time job, and another early morning internship opportunity with my 4th grade class. I'm actually not complaining much abt the early classes since I think it's about time my unhealthy 4AM-12PM sleeping schedule gets thrown out the window.

It's about time to say adieu to my slacker evil twin.
Four months to graduation :)

010110

2010-01-01T13:10:00.003+08:00

Maaan, a year has passed yet again. That was undoubtedly fast. To think that I'll be turning yet another digit older in a few days' time is quite unbearable. I mean, it wasn't long ago when I finally turned 21. I know it's such a cliche to reflect and blog about this year's happenings but I have all these time in my hands before my last semester begins, so why not right? Ha.

Twelve months ago, my favorite month - January, mind you, I turned the big TWO-ONE. It was rather depressing since I couldn't celebrate with my family and friends back home but it was exceptionally memorable - classes were canceled due to the ice storm and Jeremy threw me my first surprise party. Not to mention that my lovelies actually risked their lives and drove on ice just to attend the party, in the friggin' city! I couldn't ask for more, really. That, and my parents actually spent a fortune on the infamous diamond key necklace, just to signify my growing up.
Spring came and went faster than you can say 'hello pretty flowers'; soon it was time for the most anticipated trip back home. Of course, we detoured to San Francisco - now officially one of my favorite cities in the US. It's California baybeh- how can you not like the place?
One of the reasons why I went home again last summer was because my PolkaDot cousin finally tied the knot and it was the most beautiful and extravagant wedding, ever. Period. In all honesty, I actually thought I was in an asian Disney movie. After stuffing myself silly with all the good food and love from my family, it was time for Fall. If you've read my previous rants, you would have already gotten a gist of how insanely busy this semester was. To even reflect back on the semester stresses me out, completely. It was fun only while the two road trips lasted, otherwise the whole semester and its happenings was quite a thorn in the butt. So let's just not go there. I'm just thankful that I'm done with all the necessary applications and what-not.

And finally, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas spent in NYC with my favorite girlfriend - Annie Tan, whom I've not seen in almost 2 years. I'd finally gotten a bite of the Big Apple and well, it just wasn't as pleasant as I'd always thought it'd be. Too much teevee I suppose. It was an experience, nonetheless.
As for the freak blizzard that hit the midwest area on Christmas Eve, fulfilling the wishes of many to have a white Christmas, my car was burried in 16-inches of snow. I was glad to escape mother nature, but then it snowed again the following week. It's a love-hate relationship between the snow and I.

While 2009 was a fruitful one, I'm anticipating the start of a new year - just like the 80% of the population on the face of this earth, not because my graduation is around the corner, but because...well, just because. As for resolutions, I never believed in having any since they only last till the end of the first month, but I for sure have some quirks that I'm going to be working on. Till then, have an extraordinary wonderful year ahead!

Tis' the season

2009-12-11T14:57:00.002+08:00

I just bade farewell to my second last semester in UCO by selling off ALL my textbooks. I know right, what a partay! Well, even though I'm done with finals and all the overwhelming workload for the semester, I can't quite kick back and relax yet.

WHY? Good question.

Since I'm such an awesome procrastinator, I missed the major deadlines for grad school applications. Oh yeah, what's new. Which leaves me no choice but to hurry-turry and get everything done within a month and that conveniently coincides with finals week. Amazing skills, no? So obviously I spent the entire month juggling in between

multiple presentations,
20-page senior thesis worth of sweat&tears,
more homework,
finals,
GRE (graduate record examination which is basically a requirement for grad sch admission),
stalking my profs for recommendation letters,
gathering documents,
and just applying for that darn program.

Honestly, I can't believe how I survived doing all that in 4 freakin' weeks when really, preps should have been done like a year ago. All that for sure involved some really cranky mood on my part - so SORRY if I've offended any of you - if you are reading. But you know, the storm hasn't passed yet because I still have plenty to do before I can finally breathe again.

Of course, God has been awesome for giving me another chance after I sabotaged my own life. Seriously, if it weren't for his strength I would have dieded just having to even think about all that's left to do.

Also, thanks to momma and poppa, I get to finally visit New York and spend Christmas with my long lost friend - Annie bananie! Together with flower boy, jess, Germz, and OliPoli. Now, now .. don't think that it's all honeymooney because I can foresee an AWFULSTRESSFUL FINAL SEMESTER coming up.

I sure need a getaway don't you think? (;

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

No title.

2009-10-09T11:37:00.002+08:00

As of now, I'm doing everybody's favorite hobby - procrastinating! I'm supposed to be reading "Conversations with Jean Piaget" by Jean-Claude Bringuier. I know you'd probably yawn at the sound of it, but I don't really have a choice since I'm supposed to be writing a twenty plus page on him. Yeah yawn. I somehow find it interesting actually... it's not really that bad if you manage to get past the jargons.

(see how easily I can type a paragraph of crap but I can't seem to extend my current 10 pages to another one page) I will continue typing until I feel that I should get back to work. ajdhgdlhdfskhdkfjgasdjvkn. You don't have to torture yourself to continue reading if you don't want to. I have excess energy at the moment at the tip of my fingers but I just can't find a way to let it out since I really don't know what else to write about the dude. My fingers are suffering from ADD it seems. sfksgdlkjfdslkjjdskdsklskjdkdjsgk. I'm just typing the first thought that comes to mind, don't mind me.

Okay.

Fall BREAK! Break break break break break. I really love that word! Oh my colorado trip has been postponed to a non-off-season period (which leaves me with winter). So instead we'll be road-tripping to Missouri and Tennessee! Oh yeah, we're going south ya'll with fried chikn(chicken) steak, annoying Miley Cyrus, and some ford-250's. YEEHAW!

.........................................

Alright, I will save thee from ze anguish - if you are still reading, and so my procrastination will stop here. Stop.

911

2009-09-16T11:10:00.005+08:00

I don't know how repentance hits you like how it did to me today. Never would I ever admit that I've been struggling in the deep end and yet denied help from the lifeguard who's just trying to save me from myself. It's funny how it only took a simple weird/freak moment (make that a two) before I realized that God really is kept so high on the shelf because I thought that I could survive on my own, without much help from anyone. Only during moments when I need help, it's when I would make some effort to bring him a shelf down. The moment of confirmation came as I opened an email forwarded by dad, as always, and the phrase 'Let's NEVER put God on the shelf or ask Him to be "on-call" ' was all that needed to be said. It should be so shameful for it to even happen once in this lifetime, yet it keeps repeating itself. We say sorry again and again, often never with a fully repentant heart - shameless aren't we? But then, rather than digging deeper into our own graves, I think I should just be thankful that no matter what, no matter how, He's always there on the shelf- never leaving, ever forgiving. That's always a comfort but really, how we so often take it for granted.

I am only human, after all. That just means that I'm not capable to live on my own strength.

Oh and you know how God works in mysterious ways? This time, it was through this fella.

It's a good revelation to me, not just some psychology bogus that you might think, is. But now, I'm really off to finish off my first draft of that darn psych. thesis paper. And if you really want to think that I'm just full of psychological nonsense about a nonexistant higher power than yourself then talk to me when you're down in the dumps and think that maybe you need someone to save you from yourself.

With love.

Golden leaves and light jackets

2009-09-11T12:27:00.004+08:00

Fall Break is coming up -1 more month actually, but I just can't wait! This time, we're going on a road trip to COLORADO! *dances around imaginary bonfire* People keep saying how beautiful it's gonna be during fall, so I have to see to believe. Just an excuse to go, anyway.

YAY FOR FALL!
(but I'm definitely not looking forward to winter)

Vineyard - Light the Fire Again

2009-09-05T15:11:00.002+08:00

Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come,
clothe me in white, so I won't be ashamed.

-

2009-09-02T14:43:00.005+08:00

Scratch that!!! Who am I kidding seriously?! Oh yes, myself! I can't possibly travel the world in 9 years. Not if I've only covered less than one third of this globe. I blame the senior thesis paper I've been pouring my brain cells on. I've obviously lost my mind. Hopefully my insanity entertained you. Gollygollygolly, what was I thinking?!?! Or why wasn't I thinking.
(now, you can laugh and roll your eyes).

Another homecoming

2009-09-02T14:09:00.002+08:00

Why, hello there people! I know, it's been eons since I last touched my blog. No reason.

Anyhoo, I will spare you all the gory details on what's happenin'.In one sentence, I will tell you that summer was awesome, I could have died in a plane crash but survived thank God, things are now pretty much back to its usual mundane-full-time-student routine, and, the juicy part: another new used car, which hopefully will not die on me and last till graduation (8 months!), even though I've already met with a streak of unfortunate events.

Back to the present, I've decided that I would listen to one of my parents' manyMANYmany advises and actually follow after their footsteps on this particular issue.

Not about marriage.
Not about kids.
Not about a career.
Not about studying too hard that I go bonkers.
Not about many other things in life that would do me good.

BUT,

(don't laugh or roll your eyes) I want to travel around the world before 30, or even before I actually have babies. Just like both my parents before they had ME. Now, I know that's a common goal but really, I've never actually set any HUGE goal in my life aside from doing good in my studies, and all those other common generic domains and that doesn't mean that I'm gonna be a bum. Thus far, I think I've covered one third, I guess I'm on track. So... obviously that means I would have to make some more $kachings$ and obviously that's just MY goal and not what He wants me to do.

We shall see.

Post Script: Ask me again in 10 years time if it worked out according to His plans.

I like.

2009-06-11T00:31:00.004+08:00

You know you're back in Malaysia when you feel so suffocated by the humidity and the sweltering heat that you actually shower 5 times a day. That and when road rage engulfs you completely when you strive with all your might to stay civilized on the road. Both mentioned are definitely correlated.

Having said that, it still feels awesome to be home. Nostalgic, I might add. I guess it's now a love-hate relationship between me and my lovely hometown.

Even so, I try to savor every moment because who knows when I'll come back for long visits (which also includes bumming around as if that's my profession) again? As much as I want to come home next summer and the summers to come, I know that it is not quite possible because responsibilities will soon catch up with me. Unless of course I can't get one freakin' job offer from anywhere in the world, then I would obviously be spending year-long summers here.

Gone are the days when all I had to worry about were curfews, increase in allowance, and other trivial matters that seem almost nonexistent now. Now that graduation is less than a year away, my only options left are work and grad school (not in any particular order). But on the bright side, I still get to travel more! So life isn't really that mundane after all.

So it's been a month now since I left the U.S. soil. As most of you already know, life is pretty awesome at the moment because the only things that I actually do are eat, sleep, read, and hang out with friends & family. All that and my occasional failed attempts to focus on studying for the GRE.

post script: After reading one of the many books that I bought (The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein) - which I would recommend dog-lovers to read, I MISS MY DOG EVEN MORE!!!

Summer update

2009-05-29T15:27:00.005+08:00

A year ago, in the same spot in my room in Penang on the same laptop about the same time, I made a blog-move.

ONE freakin YEAR.
It feels like I never really left at all.

Anyhoo I'm back! well okay, I arrived about 3 weeks ago but I never really got around to blogging about it.

Hello, Summer.

2009-05-10T02:52:00.003+08:00

In about 24 hours' time, I will be wandering the streets of San Francisco and thereafter, Penang.

As of now, while packing and looking after my sad-looking puppy, I am also searching for the excitement that I once had at the thought of going home.

I guess I somehow moved on, but maybe I'm just afraid to admit it.
As much as I love my family, I think I'm all set to leave the nest and venture out.
Funny how it took me 1 full year for all the stabilization and adaptation.

We'll just have to see how this summer break will turn out for me.
One last trip back home (till maybe after I decide on what to do after graduation next summer), am I ready for it or what? ;)

PS: forgive the cheezines, corniness, or whatever-ness. i'm just feeling a wee bit blue.

Free to be Me

2009-05-07T02:23:00.001+08:00

by Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I’m still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though i can’t always see

`cause i got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I’m so clumsy
But on Your shoulders i can see
I'm free to be me

When i was just a girl i thought i had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I’d make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes i would doubt

`cause i got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I’m so clumsy
But on Your shoulders i can see
I'm free to be me

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes i believe that i can do anything
Yet other times i think I’ve got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I’ve got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

`cause i got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I’m so clumsy
But on Your shoulders i can see
I'm free to be me

MayDay

2009-05-04T14:53:00.005+08:00

So, in exactly one week's time, I would be terrorizing San Francisco with my camera and soon after, my long journey back to my sweet hometown.

But.

Now that I'm so close to going home, there's a part of me that actually - as odd as it sounds, wants to stay on. Perhaps, I've grown more attached to the life that I've built here. Or maybe, it's my dog that's holding me back. I would think that it is the latter (the former applies to an extend).

Oh sure, you would think that she's just a dog. Of course to me, she isn't just any dog.
She's one heck of a smart bitch. Intelligent, I might add.
Yes, she drives me crazy most of the time with her hyperactivity, all the barking and whining but she's always right beside me when I feel like pulling my brains out; chewing on her bone.

Okay laugh all you want but I love my bitch.

^^ On a side note, I saw this uber cool but somewhat disturbing talk bout the latest tech gadget thing which is still under research. Not that I'm a tech geek, but we all - my fellow psych. classmates and I, had to be up-to-date on the latest 411. Pattie Maes' project- the sixth sense, allows techy people to walk around and be Tom Cruise in the Minority Report. TED.com is the link to the talk, if you decide to be geeky for about 10 minutes, or you could just watch the clip below. Yes, youtube again!

The next thing you know if this thing becomes a success; these researchers or even the government might suggest that you get a chip implanted into your, oh i don't know, hand? forehead? since hanging it around your neck won't look pretty and it's not even convenient. You tell me.

'So Do La Fa Mi Do Re ...'

2009-04-20T06:11:00.008+08:00

Before you think I'm turning into a YouTube junkie, which I'm not, my dad happened to send me this video. Listening to Julie Andrew's sing to 'Do Re Mi' was like a cue to the long lost record of memory that I have of my childhood. I suddenly recalled those days at my granny's house watching 'The Sound of Music' 23987455 times; pause, rewind, play, and dance & sing myself silly until my grandmother got really annoyed. Oh you know I can do that to you too ;) But this is something different from the norm. It is so brilliant, don't you think?

"More than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. with just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of 'The Sound of Music'."

Britain's (definitely) got talent.

2009-04-19T14:07:00.005+08:00

You know how Susan Boyle gained overnight popularity all over the world through her amazing rendition of 'I Dreamed a Dream' by Les Miserables and now everyone is talking about her, right? Can't help it, I mean, she's really got talent. But you know, watching her video made me mad, made me smile, made me cry, and all that. It just proves how shallow most people can be (I, myself, included), judging people by first impressions. I'm glad she put everyone to shame with her amazing voice. So, I was also watching a few other videos, and this other family - the Good Evans - Elliot who sings like the young Michael Jackson, the parents, and the two sweet daughters, who sung 'I'll Be There' were so so so good and cute and sweet, they brought me to tears yet again. Well, I know Connie Talbot was the sweetest kid, who sung 'Over the Rainbow' last year when I first saw the show, also brought me to tears, and is now really famous (you've got to see her performing with a Korean Blind Girl). But seriously, for entertainment's sake, this reality show is worth watching.

None but Jesus

2009-04-10T15:46:00.006+08:00

by Brooke Fraser; Hillsong

In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call i won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

Random updates

2009-04-05T14:08:00.003+08:00

The weather is loco; talk about experiencing four seasons in a day. I'm getting so tired of school and I can't wait to graduate in exactly 12 months' time. 'Marley and Me' made me laugh and cry at the same time; Honey is just like Marley, only smaller. I'm hoping to fly Honeybell home together with me (please, mother! please let it happen). I've been engrossed with a new book series called, 'Evermore : The Immortals'. I'm still contemplating if I should sit for the GRE this summer or only apply to grad schools in the UK. Internship! I'm working on that too. And finally, I'm counting down the days till I get to bask in the warm sunshine in Penang island.

6 more weeks!!!

Well, maybe 7. I still can't decide if I want to enroll in the Psych. of Persuasion intercession course which lasts for a week. My motivation to study kinda depends on the weather. If the sky is blue, I'd focus for about 30 minutes,

then day dream out the window for about an hour. If it friggin' snows and rains and gets depressing, oh, I'd focus for maybe 1 minute and then sleep the entire day. So since it's gonna be summer with plenty of clear blue skies when intercession classes begin, I should maybe, just MAYBE, stay on for an extra week to - i hate this word - study.

Okay, I'm done prattling.

The third day of Spring

2009-03-23T14:32:00.005+08:00

You'll know that Honeybell is sick when she

- starts the day by throwing up all over her crate
- howls at 5AM to tell you that she needs some cleaning up
- doesn't try to steal your food when you lay it out on the table
- doesn't beg for food when you eat
- doesn't jump on you when she gets excited
- lies on the couch the whole day
- curls up like a ball alongside you
- throws up even more throughout the day
- walks so sl-o-o-w-ly when she answers to nature's call outside
- looks like a sad puppy
- whines when you leave her curled up alone on the couch
- has no appetite to eat, esp. when she's one pup who can eat all day long
- has zero energy
- takes up your entire day because of all the cleaning (of vomit) and the pampering

And that's how my Spring Break ended.

Dreaming dreams

2009-03-01T15:43:00.000+08:00

Well, it was a crazy week. I thought I would never see the weekends again. Anyways, that's not the point. My point is, while working on my research paper, I was sidetracked - I can't explain how it happened, but I found myself looking at pictures of interior designs for trillion dollar houses, that I couldn't possibly afford. Which gave me ideas for my childhood/future (hopefully) dream house. See, I've always wanted a house of small-average size (never really fancied hugebutt mansions which can fit the whole of China), built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Oh, and most importantly, windows! This is as close as it can get to where I hope to see myself living in, say 10 years from now.

interior designer Larry Wilson and architect Mike Walburn

But then, I could also forgo all the fancy schmancy designs for a simple small glass house (not that-pic small) in the middle of a lake. Now wouldn't that be oh-so-relaxing? Far, far away from civilization.

from New Soul - Yael Naim's vc.

If you want to drool over some really pretty upscale interior designs, like say, one at a pricey Manhattan Loft, sidetrack here.

Hey, it's okay to let give your eyes a little treat ;)

Reflections

2009-02-18T04:24:00.005+08:00

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
- From the Inside Out, Hillsong.

1 Cor. 13

2009-02-14T16:54:00.002+08:00

¹If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^b]"> but have not love, I gain nothing.

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

That whole chapter is one of my favorite from the Bible. It just tells you everything you need to know about the only feeling in the world that every human yearns for- love, true love. I don't exactly celebrate the very commercialized Valentine's Day because you don't just show an extra dose of affection on this day right? But all the heart-shape pink and red balloons and cute what-not decors EVERYWHERE, especially in Target and WalMart, got me into the loveydovey mood. Yes love, full of pain but yet you just can't live without it.

Welcoming Spring

2009-02-11T05:36:00.005+08:00

As the tornado sirens are yelling at us to run and hide, the helicopters flying about for news coverage I suppose, and the fire trucks stationing themselves in case of any emergencies; I'm still happily studying, blasting the music, and looking out the window from my room - well okay, I was before I decided to blog about the wonders of mother nature.

It's a much darker and angrier atmosphere outside.

Oh, the tornado just passed us by at this very moment - I wish I could record the beautiful roaring sound. Don't worry, this post won't make it if I was already swept away or crushed by a cow. So it's no biggie, really. I guess eventually, you'll get used to it? Every time the tornadoes come, it signifies that Spring is here and I absolutely LOVE this season because the pretty flowers would soon be blooming, with the exception of the rain. Okay, I may be wrong because the weather is so unpredictable. For all you know, we're back to winter again.

P.S: Here's what we're gonna be seeing for the next couple of months:

A Swarm of Tornadoes Hit Central Oklahoma Including Oklahoma City
Parts of western Oklahoma City have been ravaged by a tornado as the massive severe weather outbreak continues to unfold. Radar shows a swarm of tornadoes hitting central Oklahoma. -Accuweather.com

I know it's not a light matter but you can't fight mother nature, can you?

Of popsicles and SPSS?

2009-02-08T13:37:00.008+08:00

Warning: It's gonna get very wordy.

Lately, instead of hanging out with my usual group of friends, I've been spending a lot of time with tiny teeny kids who can't help but constantly ooze out extra doses of cuteness. They are like the perfect remedy for curing every hint of depression or stress. I think every minute spent with them is well worth it. These very little not-that-innocent but naive creatures actually helped me in confirming the future path that I would take.

You see.

I've been contemplating on changing my major because I felt that I wasn't really cut out for the whole psychology research scenario. Besides the fact that I was overwhelmed by the amount of journal articles I had to scrutinize, I couldn't see myself writing up reports after reports using a bunch of psychology jargon and statistics that I found hard to understand. I know that it'll take some time for the getting used to part but I guess it was just a little too overwhelming for me.

Anyways.

I was also reminded by a few peers that I don't necessarily have to venture into the research field, and that I still had another option - the more practical side of Child Psych. eg: counselling (not like the whole Freudian concept, please). So after my brief presentation at a private school where Meagan teaches art part time,

I was partially convinced to stay put in the psych. major and right after serving in LifeKIDS this afternoon and having to deal with a few disoriented kids, I knew that I wasn't gonna give up, not that easily.

So from now on, I'm gonna take a step back every time I feel like I'm sinking and consult my BestFriend - he created me after all.

Weather Update.

2009-01-27T13:36:00.006+08:00

Posted: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 04:36:30 PM

Due to icy conditions, the University of Central Oklahoma will be closed all day Tuesday and Wednesday, January 27 - 28, 2009. All classes are canceled, all activities are canceled, and offices are closed

For updates, please continue to monitor the Closing Information Line (974-2002) and the UCO web site (http://www.uco.edu), and local media.

*twirls around* Now that's what I call good news! I am so so so happy!!! I get to sleep in and I don't have to worry about falling down while walking on the sidewalk (except when the dog needs to answer to nature's call outside). Well okay, I shouldn't be THAT happy because I still have to 'attend' an online class because my professor is just too dedicated. Also, I have no class tomorrow but... I still have something to celebrate! So I've got my wish.

Anyways, I might have mentioned before that the Oklahoma weather is crazy, but you wouldn't believe how crazy it really is. For example, it was warm and sunny on Friday at 72F (18C maybe?),where you can run around with just a layer of clothing

and now it is 3F (negative something celcius). Welcome to the Oklaaahoma ya'll ;)

PS: So people were wondering why my campus is closed. Well, people, there's an ice storm, it is snowing now but it was raining ice, which means very very slippery road conditions. Can't imagine how bad it can get?

This is how bad it can get. Well okay, trying to ice skate down a slope isn't the best idea after all. He got a bloody deep cut because the roads were all covered with ice.

Gotta love ice storms ;)

Monday

2009-01-27T03:20:00.003+08:00

Weather - Campus Closing at 1 p.m. Today

Because of icy weather conditions, the UCO campus will be closing at 1 p.m. today, Monday, Jan. 26. All afternoon and evening classes are canceled.

Please use extreme caution when walking across campus and in driving.

Now that's a first for me. I've always wanted classes to be canceled, or the whole campus closed, when I'm drowning in my pool of assignments and tests. However, I have NO classes on Mondays! huh. I'm sorry about the icy freakin' cold weather but if the campus is gonna be closed again tomorrow(and hopefully wednesday?) I would be SO happy!

Oh and Happy Chinese New Year.

'Science is exciting'

2009-01-17T11:29:00.004+08:00

said Mr. Lipps from the Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Paleontology - University of California, Berkeley.

Yeah, sure it is.

Not if I'm gonna have to read a piled up stack of journal articles in two weeks and write reviews. How exciting! Two weeks!!! 5 long (very long) articles, 5 reviews. Why did I even say that I'm ready for school to begin? It's only the first week of school. Shouldn't we, oh i don't know... be decorating the classroom for starters?
I know you know that I love to read. You can call me a nerd but I'd rather be reading this

(or any good book la)
than this

and this.

But no, I have friendly articles patiently waiting for me. I don't mind reading actually but not SO many long ones in such a short time. Geez.

And you know, when I think happy thoughts like graduation in about 16 months' time, my party pooper friend - grad school, will invade. At that time, I would have to read articles x 238975438 in two years. Yay.

Okay, I'm done with my rants. You're free to go now bye.

Spring 2009

2009-01-13T08:00:00.008+08:00

And so, school has begun.

To be honest, I was kinda ready for school to begin already. I mean, I absolutely love holidays but I just can't wait to be over and done with the semester because ... I would be going HOME right after. Also, I don't suppose that my schedule would be crazybusy like how last semester's was, just because I only have classes (well four killer classes actually) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, only. I like.

Anyways, as some of you already know. I traded (again) for a new ride. Don't get me wrong, I haven't lost my mind yet. SUV's will always be my first preference, and heck, I really love my Sportage but I've been spending way too much on car repairs because the car computer (or whatever you call it) is dying. Hence, I had to trade it for another Kia. I know, it seems like I've been changing cars every semester but it's not easy to get a good&cheap used car lest I bomb my parent's account and buy a brand new car, which is unlikely because then I would be sent home on a boat. Bus, you ask? Well, that's not really an option since Edmond is supposedly one of the 'wealthy cities', so everyone - and I mean practically everyone, owns a car. If you're an international student who's not working, then your two feet would be the most convenient source of transportation. Sadly, I don't fall into that category anymore :/

Well, let's just hope that the old man/uncle-looking (not that I'm complaining) Optima will last me till I graduate in about a year's time. Otherwise, the car search will begin again in August, if not, in a month's time. Boo ...

p/s: So the state of Oklahoma decided to upgrade the license plate and I think that the new one definitely looks better. I didn't know about it until I re-did my auto insurance. True enough, while I was doing my tag at the agency, they handed me the new license plate.

Not that any of you non-Oklahomans would care, but I just felt like sharing. Why can't Malaysia have such a system, instead of using the same old black piece? sigh.

Life and Love and Why

2009-01-03T13:37:00.002+08:00

by Switchfoot.

Life and love and why
Child, adult, then die
All of your hoping
And all of your searching
For what?
Ask me for what am I living
Or what gives me strength
That I'm willing to die for

Take away from me
This monstrosity
'Cause my futile thinking's
Not gonna solve nothing tonight
Ask me for what am I living
Or what gives me strength
That I'm willing to die for

Could it be this
Could this be bliss
Could it be all that
I ever had missed
Could it be true
Can life be new
And can I be used
Can I be used

Give me a reason
For life and for death
A reason for drowning
While I hold my breath
Something to laugh at
A reason to cry
With everyone hopeless
And hoping for something
To hope for
Yeah, with something to hope for

Could it be true
Can life be new
Could it be all that I am
Is in You
Could it be this
Could it be bliss
Can it be You
Can it be You

There goes 2008.

2009-01-03T12:31:00.004+08:00

Somehow, I don't feel like I'm living in another new year.
Weird.
But you know, so much can happen in a year. It can be too overwhelming just to think about all that had happened over the past 365 days. The good and the bad? Well, I am thankful, in a way, for all the experiences. And as they say, everything happens for a reason.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1

So, the next semester is starting soon. Two more semesters after this and I'll be done; Class of 2010. How fast, huh? But as I've said, I still have grad school awaiting. The hunt for a good grad school is stressing me out at the moment. I've actually selected three out of the thousands of universities in the US and UK. What I need to do now is to prepare for the GRE (graduate record examination). *faints*

Gone is 2008, which is also the end of my first winter break. I must say, it was fun. Two weeks spent reading the Twilight Saga (I do NOT like New Moon because it was too depressing, so I only read the ending), one week spent on the road (we road tripped to Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa), and the last two weeks spent at home with my new temporary roomies.

Well, here's to 2009.

Christmas

2008-12-30T16:07:00.006+08:00

"A savior born to die for humankind". Someone wrote that on facebook but I don't remember the name. I like that quote because it pretty much sums up the meaning of Christmas.

Anyways. My first white Christmas here was definitely a great experience. Every week, there's at least one Christmas party to go to. Yes, sure I know Christmas isn't just about the parties, carols, presents, and glorious food, but the Christmassy mood always makes me feel happy.

Fortunately/unfortunately, while we were in Nebraska on Christmas Day, everything was friggin' closed. Even the 24/7 McD was closed. Well okay, everyone deserves a day off. So we bummed around in Caroline's crib till we got seriously bored and went to the movies. So yeah, that's a first; Christmas away from home. I really still do miss my family and my Christmas tree (and the goodies underneath) ;) Merry belated Christmas!

Winter Break

2008-12-19T15:24:00.003+08:00

Have I already mentioned that I just absolutely love this time of the year?
Sure I have.
Anyways, I would also like to add that I've never felt so relaxed since the first time I came. All I ever do now is sleep eat read eat eat eat read cleanuppoop walkthedog shop(OCCASIONALLY) party read read sleep. Oh, work, that's right, I still have to work when the $ is running low. Other than that, life is honestly, great. I've also developed a sudden great interest towards cold glazed donuts and strawberrycheesecakeshake - yes, I still have them even when the temperature drops to double digits with a negative sign, every day.
.......
I'm running out of things to blog about since I pretty much do nothing everyday. There should be something to blog about next week I hope! Since it will be Christmas, and Jeremy and I will be road-tripping to the land of lotsofcornsnothingbutcorns (also to celebrate LoudSpeaker's birthday ;) ).
Till then,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Swooned.

2008-12-11T09:25:00.002+08:00

Call me a dork, but I actually re-read parts of Twilight again after my first round of non-stop reading. I hate to admit but it is really THAT good.

Tell me, which girl wouldn't be swept off her feet by Edward Cullen (and who gives two flips even if he's a vampire!)?

The purity of their love felt so refreshing! Unlike many other love stories that just shove lust into you. Tsk.

Ok I'll stop before I blabber even more about how much... nvm. I'm saving up my time for the next three books, which well, won't need a lot of time because the dork in me will end up reading all three within 48 hours.

OH THE MOVIE! I gotta see it soon, with Meagan, who has already seen it twice. See, I'm not the only one ;)

Sweet December.

2008-12-10T09:24:00.005+08:00

Oh, the wonderful five-week break has begun! I am SO glad that there won't be any tests/assignments/studying to do, at least not until January.

Since I have weeks of nothingness to do (except on Christmas week, if all goes well, we would be going to jagung land!), I bought the book everyone seems to be talking about - TWILIGHT. I know I'm slow. It took my cousins 2 years to convince me to read the Shopaholic Series, and now I'm a big fan of it (EVEN MORE EXCITED ABOUT THE MOVIE in FEB!). So yeah, I first heard about Twilight when RachelYeoh talked about it in person and on her blog. Then three months later, Meagan said 'YOU have got to read it!'. Finally, I read it. Yes, like almost everyone else, I was hooked. So hooked on to the plot that I took 36 hours to finish that darn book. I hate the fact that every time I like a story, I take less than a week or a month to finish the whole book and I end up buying more books after that (funny how I don’t seem to complain much when I keep buying more and more clothes). Bottom line is, I gotta look for more books to keep me from online shopping.

On a more random note, I forgot to mention that my first Thanksgiving dinner was awesome. Thanks to Meagan's family who invited a few of us to join them. It reminded me of reunion dinners during Chinese New Year. Anyway, the food was really good and so was the company.

Well, that's all people. I'm sure you have had enough of my ramblings if you actually read till here. Till then, have a wooonderful Christmas!

And, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow :)

Last Christmas

2008-12-08T14:24:00.002+08:00

Oh holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine.

Looking back at all the Christmases I've celebrated for the past 19 years, I would say that last year's was one of the most memorable one. Since you know, 'Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart'. Not that 'Christmas wasn't in my heart' over the last 18 years, but I guess I was too caught up with everything else and neglected the true meaning of Christmas. Also, I must have taken all the years of Christmas celebrations for granted, not knowing that one of these days, I won't be celebrating my favorite season of the year with my loved ones. Anyhow, I'm still glad that the last Christmas was unforgettable, despite the fact that some of us actually went caroling three days straight.

I miss my family. And my Christmas tree, too.

Hello, snow!

2008-12-03T16:11:00.000+08:00

"When you're not wanted, you're as good as dead".
Oh, how I hate the thought of that. But, it is true isn't it? How human nature works. Sad.

Anyways, on the brighter note, I'm done with the Fall 2008 semester! It's just unbelievable how each semester feels like its getting shorter and shorter. Three more semesters and I'll be done... well, not really so since I still plan to enroll in graduate school and get that darn Psy.D, yep! call me crazy.

I still can't believe that this semester has actually ended and I can't even point out what was the MOST significant event/memory/happening, just because everything always had to happen at the same time as everything else. I know you probably don't get what I'm trying to say. Bottom line is, I felt (and still do feel) overwhelmed.

So, since I can 'shake legs' and start bumming now, I can now get excited about ... my first White CHRISTMAS (and the next destination to visit). YEEHAW!

PS: I should also mention that as much as I love shopping, the Black Friday didn't do much good to me. Staying up all night to shop is a big NO-NO. Sorry, but you won't see me up and going again for the next few black fridays to come. Sleep deprivation and catching the third cold in the month is not worth it.

Would you just look at that! At 4 freaking AM.

The end of;

2008-10-23T06:11:00.000+08:00

Fall break, of course.
Sigh.
I'll just sum up my Fall Break into one word; FUN.

Maybe two more words would do more justice; VERYMERYABSOLUTELY FUN.

PS: I miss those monkeys already (yes, it's so quiet at home now).

Honeybel.

2008-10-21T13:00:00.000+08:00

That is my puppy's name, in case you didn't know. See, she nearly died last Monday night/Tuesday morning. She caught a second degree intestinal infection. She vomitted and purged for over 12 hours. She didn't want to eat or drink for that whole duration. She stopped breathing, because she was too weak! Sigh. I then went into panic mode and rushed her to the Vet Emergency and Critical Care Hospital in the City, thanks to Meagan and Jeremy. It did cost a huge bomb in my account, BUT, Honeybel is a happy puppy again.

Well, that matter aside. I was telling my dear friend how taking care of a puppy now makes me feel like a friggin' mother, again
(because I had to "raise" Lexis back in 2002 when my poor Dachshund died giving birth to 7 puppies). And she said;

Fêñs says:
yr 'child' is a dog .

sybella says:
LOL

sybella says:
I KNOW

sybella says:
HAHAHAHA

sybella says:
she IS like a child to me

Fêñs says:
hahahahaha that doesnt sound very right. LOL

Call me crazy but keeping a puppy IS like raising a child. Well, almost like raising a child. You need to clean after her mess, you need to feed her and buy her food, you need to make sure that she is healthy and happy. It is getting kind of tiring now. Especially when I have to cook by myself, do my own laundry, do assignments, study, work, AND ETC. It is a good time management program, as long as I don't lose my sanity anytime soon. Otherwise, Honeybel would prolly need a better, not-so-busy owner :(

Everything is gonna be alright.

2008-10-14T06:19:00.000+08:00

Finally! I've been able to actually take a breath, kick back, relax, and wait for Fall Break to roll by.
Finally! I have finished UNPACKING and decorating my room.
Finally! The painters don't have to come in and out everyday now.
Here are the results;

Oh, I feel close to home now! My apartment looks like an actual place to live now. My car is recovering from whatever disease it caught. And my laptop, well, it's as good as new now, thanks to Sam.

Anyways, my boring life aside, guess who came to visit Oklahoma last weekend?

Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong band! So after listening and singing their worship songs for 12 years now, I actually had a great opportunity to worship with them live at Church of the Harvest. It was a-w-e-s-o-m-e! A worship experience I'll never forget. Well, the Hillsongs band visit every year, so that is a good thing for me, as long as I'm still here in Oklahoma.

:)

That would be about it for now. Till the next post!

Oh nothing much, just more complaints.

2008-10-04T03:10:00.001+08:00

Crazy! and I mean just absolutely crazy semester, this Fall. It's funny how the busier you are, the more problems will creep in your way. I'm not talking about heart problems, mind you, I don't even have time to think for myself.

I've mentioned that I now live at a new apartment, and guess what? This place is like literally one hell hole. For the rent that I pay, I should not complain, but oh come on, the maintainence dude would just take forever and ever to fix up my living room and bathroom. Good grieve! There are actually two of them, but one just tags along with the other like a dog tagging his master. I really should have read the apartment ratings before moving in, and I blame it on no one but myself! Oh, and if you happen to be in Edmond, Oklahoma, do NOT ever think about living at Bryant Grove because the management team is just unreliable. I did think about moving out, BUT to think about packing and unpacking and settling in again would honestly,seriously,truthfully drive me to insanity (keeping in mind that I have 5 classes to focus on and and my jobs and the lil' one).

Oh besides that, my car broke down again! Perfect timing, huh? Then again, I should not complain for the price I pay, but, argh! there should be no buts. So yeah, Jeremy helped me drive it to the mechanic cos' I was worried that the car would explode (and I had to submit our exams in class! not that I was hopeless hah). If this car gives me more headache, I should seriously look for a betterWAYbetternewused car.

That's not all, my laptop caught a virus/spyware whichever the case is, I need to reformat the whole * thing, which means that all my pictures memories music EVERYTHING would be wiped out. This is what I hate about Windows. I can already hear my mom's voice in my head, "Told you so/ if you would have listened and bought a MacBook this would never happen." Yes I know now. Wait till I save up for the MB Air and I can bid goodbye to Windows.

There are so much more going on like the activities, the homework, the exams, the bills, more bills, cleaning up, and it will go on and on.

Sorry, I just had to let it go. Ya know, I have to deal with stress in a positive light? So that I won't smash my lil' puppy into pieces.

If you've read till this point, I'm sorry I wasted your time, but thanks for reading. Really.

Meet my other, other friend.

2008-09-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

So, on Sept 22 (yesteryday, which happens to be the first day of Fall), I received a text msg from Caroline Cheong saying 'Weee!! First day of Fall! Have good fun...(smiley emoticon)' So I was one of 'the rest who didn't reply' because (I have my reason!) I forgot to reply. I'm SORRY! It was also because I was too busy adopting my lil' missy Beagle puppy!

Isn't she the cutest thing? Here's the story, even though I've repeated it many, many times, but it's always good to know. Her #$(*&% brainless owner decided to throw her and her family (mom, dad, and 7 pups) out in the dumpster (it's just as bad as throwing precious babies in the toilet bowl, you @#$%!) and the other 4 pups died. Fortunately, a man found the survivors and decided to foster them. To cut the long story short, I adopted one of the sisters.

I have yet to name her but I will soon! And yes, I love her to bits!

I AM A MOMMY, again :)

Meet my other friend.

2008-09-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

Guess what? My already dying car actually died on me a few times. It was so rare to me that Automatic cars can die like 3-4 times in the middle of the road. Remember my grandpa's nearly-dying car back in 2006 when I was on the way to the vet? (in the previous xanga site) The one that died in the middle of the road because it ran out of battery. Well that was fine, because it was out of battery, and it was manual. But NOW the case is different, there's 0 (ZERO) problem with the battery, it has all the gas/petrol that it needs, and the engine is fine. So you tell me! I mean, I don't mind it dying, but it's so dangerous I could have been killed by a you're-not-supposed-to-speed truck!

Okay, so besides that, I had one embarrassing moment where the gas tank was way below empty and it died on the freeway. So the previous owner had to go to the nearest Walmart to get gas. (not my fault though, I was just collecting it :))

Anyways, since repairing the car would cost as much as getting a better new used car at $1xxx (same price as grandpa Nissan). Why not do the latter right? So, I bid goodbye to my '93 Nissan Sentra who served me well during my first semester, and traded (in a way) for a year 2000 Kia Sportage.

It was such a good deal! Thanks to the Jesus whom I believe in, who placed the earthly Mexican Jesus' Kia in 'Craigslist'. I'm all smiles now!
Plus, it's the only time where I get to feel BIG on the road. I love SUV's!

Oh, dirty politics.

2008-09-20T07:27:00.000+08:00

Source: MSN News

US concerned over Malaysian use of internal security act.
The government of US President George W. Bush views with "grave concern" Malaysia's use of its tough Internal Security Act (ISA) as a possible way to stifle dissent, the State Department said Thursday.
Washington worries about "the possibility" that the act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, "might be used again to detain opposition political figures," said spokesman Sean McCormack.
"The statement by a government figure that a leading member of the opposition had become 'a threat to the economy and national security' is extremely troubling," said McCormack, referring to warnings by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who on Thursday called for a no-confidence vote against Abdullah.
Last Friday Malaysian police arrested Teresa Kok of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP), Malaysia's top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, and a reporter with a Chinese-language newspaper under the security law, citing security concerns.
"The United States firmly believes that national security laws, such as the ISA, must not be used to curtail or inhibit the exercise of universal democratic liberties or the peaceful expression of political views," McCormack said.
"The detention of opposition leaders under the ISA would be viewed by the United States and the international community as a fundamental infringement of democratic rights and values," he added.

I second that.
I have my views and I have ALOT to say, but I'm not gonna say much, in case they fly me back to Malaysia.

I will survive.

2008-09-03T06:32:00.001+08:00

Here's a quick update, just for the sake of an update:

Did I ever mention that I absolutely despise packing, moving and, unpacking? On top of packing, leaving, and unpacking.

Yes, I have moved to a new apartment/townhouse. A three-bedroom-double-storey-apartment. I won't go into details because the thought of unpacking (since I've already packed up and moved), and having to deal with people coming in and out of the apartment to 'fix' up the whole place for the entire week, will just drive my brains out of my head. That's what you get for growing up, pay bills-banking-insurance-more bills, moremoremore bills and not forgetting, ASSIGNMENTS, RESEARCH, TESTS, and etc. *breathes

Despite the craziness, I've decided to look on the brighter side:

I get to decorate my room, my own room for the second time! (please get excited with me)
I am planning to replace my already dying car with a better new-used car (I still dream of 350z) with my own hard-earned money from two jobs. (Mom, don't worry PLEASE, I won't blow your account)
I get to visit Dallas (hopefully Prime Outlet will be ready by then), when Caroline (and Ah Hua?) comes (you better not ffk me!) during the fall break.
NEW YORK CITY.

So, why should I complain so much, right?

Meet my new friend.

2008-08-20T03:35:00.000+08:00

You know how almost everyone caught the Iphone craze? I admit, I was one of them. Not that I'm a big fan of gadgets but you know, I too, like to own a cool cell phone ever since my loyal, trusted one got stolen from my bedroom.
I was about to purchase the new Iphone until I found THIS.

I don't know about you but I fell so madly, deeply in love with my sidekick ( cos' I can change the covers and go online everywhere!). I'd wanted to get one of these ever since I stepped on the US soil back in January but the old ones didn't have roaming. So FINALLY, they decided to upgrade the sidekick for people like me. Okay, I know it looks like the old ancient Nokia Engage.

BUT! It's much flatter and newer la. It functions like a blackberry, and a bit like the Sony PSP (cos' you can play games too). So it doesn't look as sophisticated as the Iphone, but well, I shall be contented :) I know, I sound like I'm being paid to promote the T Mobile Sidekick, but well, I sort of am not. I mean, you SHOULD try to get it if you want to ;)

PS: I still like the Iphone though, cos' it has 3G and the GPS thing. BUT I WON'T BE GREEDY.
PPS: Oh, I'm back in Edmond, OK, now. Everything is fine and dandy at the moment.

Good girl gone bad?

2008-08-15T02:23:00.000+08:00

(Sigh, I know I can be so lame sometimes)

Guess what? Or should I say, guess where am I?

I am in VEGAS, baby!
I've decided to ditch my future to come here and work as a ... bartender? at MGM Grand :)
LOL.
No la, I'm actually here to party, gamble my life away, drink like there's no tomorrow and visit strip clubs :)
Oh please, like I would actually do that.
Ok la, seriously, I'm here because I'm waiting for my connecting flight to Denver then back to Okla, Okla!

You can already start gambling your life away at the airport. But fortunately/unfortunately, the Nevada law told me that I won't be able to do so.

(Like I would, even when I'm legal)

Time's up.

2008-08-12T15:03:00.000+08:00

I've packed my bags, but I'm not ready to go. Heck, I'll never be ready to leave.

The last one month just came and went. Wouldn't you agree that one month just feels like one day? I'm sure gonna miss home so badly once again. I actually tried to list all the things that I'll miss, hoping that I can get over them if I were to list them out, but unfortunately, the list just wouldn't end. I also tried to tell myself that it's only a flight away, but oh come on, I'll be 123439584766948250 miles away from home, on the other side of the globe. Seems like a hopeless situation huh?

Well, not really.

That's because I'm sure the next 10 months will fly by. Oh and of course, I'll be fueled with strength from above. Now what I can do is, countdown! for the the next summer :)

P/S: Did I ever tell you how much I hate packing? I HATE packing. I just feel like carrying my whole wardrobe with me ( yes, I know, I should never shop. ever.).

In the making of.

2008-08-11T16:31:00.000+08:00

It's happening once again - Part two of goodbye.
I would love to add 'farewells' onto the list of 'things that depress me' besides

death
packing
changes

Now don't get me wrong, okay. I did enjoy my time in the states, but I definitely do not enjoy walking out from anything that I love too much. I just dread it. Doesn't everyone? Well, eventhough I do have thoughts about not going back to the states, to which my parents replied with a long, LONG story consisting all their wisdom, knowledge and current happenings of our "Malaysia Boleh" development (don't sue me! I didn't spark any controversy). So naturally, all my schemes to disappear on Aug 13 is halted. No lah, stopped completely okay, how can I be that brainless? It's all about being responsible, isn't it?

As much as I dislike growing up, it's another fact I have to swallow. And with that fact, comes along responsibility, which also means that I should stop thinking about comfort and start working my butt off till I graduate, another 14 months. Time flies, doesn't it?

Where the Love Lasts Forever.

2008-07-23T20:36:00.000+08:00

Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I'll stand.

In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.

So I throw my life upon all that You are,
Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.

And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.

With You, where the love lasts forever.

Let's put a smile on that face.

2008-07-22T00:36:00.000+08:00

Okay, so I think the tagline 'Why so serious' is definitely more catchy. But well, everyone is using it already. Why? Because Batman: The Dark Knight is awesomefantasticbestgreatholiao. Why again? Because Batman is just an ordinary wealthy fella who decided to splurge on funky weapons and a cool car/mobil to 'save' the world. But that doesn't mean that if you're as wealthy as Bill Gates, you would have to do that la, unless you have an awesome body like Christian Bale/Bruce Wayne and had gone through some 'ninja' training (then again, please don't be crazy). Moreover, I'm not a great big fan of the whole [super]hero-kills-villain-with-superpowers movie, with an exception to X-Men and the TV show, Heroes, so since Batman is more realistic, it's currently my favorite 'superhero' movie. Why the big hype about Batman right? Because I think that it's not just your ordinary mindless Hollywood entertainment and the fact that Joker, played by Heath Ledger, kicked ass (or else no one would be quoting after him, right?). So yes, I hardly blog about movies but this one is worth blogging about. Okay I'm gonna be super corny please forgive me, and add a quote by Harvey Dent which I think is worth pondering on.

'You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.'

Well, I think there's SOME truth in it la. Different people interpret it differently. Anyways, that's all I have to say about Batman. If you haven't watched it yet, WHY haven't you watched it yet?

'Take me to New York...'

2008-07-13T14:18:00.001+08:00

In exactly one month's time on this date, I'll be leaving for LA first, then to Oklahoma. The days are passing me by just like that. It's funny how the day of my arrival in Penang is still so fresh in my memory. Anyhow, as much as I feel sad having to leave again, I'm gonna have to swallow that fact. I mean, I would really like to build and live in my denial bubble again but really, what's the point? I might as well look on the bright side; I get to visit New York soon!

Well, many had asked me what have I been doing since I came back? Good question. I've really been doing nothing much. Just rotting and collecting dust at home. Not that it's a bad thing, I kind of enjoy doing this, even better if there's a job opening for it. Okay, okay, let's get serious. I've spent most of my time with my family, friends from everywhere, and stuffing myself with authentic asian food like there's gonna be famine soon. Pictures? Here you go.

So much have changed and it was only five months I was away from home. I can't help but wonder how would it be like the next time I come back home. Anyways, it was a good two months eventhough it didn't necessarily have to be sunny all the time. Okay, I've typed long enough :)

Silence would make a good song.

2008-07-10T13:41:00.000+08:00

First of all, 'silence' from my title above isn't a title of any song. At this point, I would love some peace and quietness at home. Nope, sorry to burst your bubble but there's no drama at home. It's just that the old house next door has been bought! (well, if you read my previous blog, you would remember the post on my old neighbor 'Uncle' who had already...left this world. so since he lived alone, the house was unoccupied eversince). Anyways, the new owners just started renovating the entire place on Tuesday MORNING and guess what? They start work every MORNING (approx 9AM) and it'll last for another 3 months, every MORNING.

What's really my point?

Well, I am NOT a morning person to begin with, so we'll not talk about my waking hours (when I'm on a long holiday). So what happens when a group of people comes every MORNING and starts banging down the walls like there's no tomorrow and drill, drill, drill, all at the same time? Do you really want me to answer that?

Being the good neighbor that I am trying so hard to be now, I'm trying to bear with the noises - the wall banging, the drilling, and other drilling, which are all happening at the same time. After all, I guess my neighbors had to endure the same unbearable noise when we renovated my house 14 years ago. I am sure they, too, appeared all nice and smiley and understanding when my dad informed them but complained their hearts out throughout the entire day, not about us, but you know, the noise.

Just forgive me for complaining. It's my last month before I leave again and I thought that I could sleep in with some peace and quietness. But it's okay, I have two options: Stuff my ears silly with earplugs and blast the music. Yep, I'm gonna be somewhat deaf during the day. Or I could be a morning person for the next 5 weeks.

Sorry but if I can skip breakfast, I would choose the first option. Thankyou! Well, okay, maybe I could do both :)

Sharing is caring.

2008-07-07T22:38:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of a poem called 'Slow dance'? Well maybe some of you may have read it from forwarded emails, which is apparently written by a dying girl in a New York hospital. That, I can confirm, is just a hoax. The author of the 'Slow Dance' poem is known as David L. Weatherford, a child psychologist. I happened to stumble upon his writings and you know, I do enjoy reading some of his work. There are tonnes, no scratch that, there are a few that actually caught my attention. I can't possibly share them all here but here's one which actually knocked some sense into my head.

When someone hurts us or betrays us, perhaps it is a time to learn forgiveness, and how this act frees us and liberates us from unnecessary anger.

When something is not going the way we had hoped, perhaps it is a time to learn patience, allowing that God determines the time and season for all things.

When something we value deeply is taken away from us, perhaps it is a time to learn appreciation for what we had and for what remains.

When we fail, perhaps it is a time to learn perseverance, for failure is not an endpoint; rather, it is a lesson, a motivator, and a stimulus for us to be persistent.

When we are disturbed by others who think or look different from us, or behave in ways we do not understand, perhaps it is a time to learn tolerance, appreciating that the great tapestry of humanity is all the more beautiful for its many different colors, textures, and patterns.

When we cannot attain something we want in life, perhaps it is a time to learn acceptance, knowing that God has a plan for us that is much greater than the small, self-serving goals we have set.

When we are worried or frightened, perhaps it is a time to learn trust and hope, for fear always works to weaken us, and faith to strengthen us.

When we lose to someone else, perhaps it is a time to learn graciousness and humility, realizing that when we accept defeat with grace and dignity, we win something within ourselves perhaps greater than the prize we sought.

So this piece is entitled 'Time to Learn'. I think it serves a good reminder to me whenever the thought 'life's just so unfair' comes floating into my head. It's just something that I felt like sharing, no harm and pun intended :)

Through the windows.

2008-06-28T16:53:00.000+08:00

Of course, living in a double-storey house right in the middle of Penang Island doesn't give me the best view. The only view I have from my room, every time I open the window is the houses right across mine, the sky and some greens. Oh the new tall apartment, too. I'm not complaining, in fact, as long as I see the sky and some greens, I love any view through the windows.

Why, you ask?

Every time I open the windows, I see life beyond these four walls. I see hope. The sky is not the limit. I don't think that I'm claustrophobic but windows (the ones you can actually open) calm my senses, especially when unwanted thoughts keep running through my mind. It gives me peace knowing that life is more than just living on earth. Amidst all the uncertainty, hurt and pain, I know that I can hold on to a promise. I know that love from above can restore a broken glass.

And that is why, I love windows. The more the better.

PS. Sorry if it does not make any sense to you, but it does to me. :)

Let me take you through time.

2008-06-12T16:30:00.000+08:00

You know how Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls were so popular back in the days? Boys were trying to have the Nick Carter haircut and girls were trying to dance/sing on tables to the song 'Wannabe'. Just when we were about to store them at the back of our minds, they made a comeback! Not for too long though. They are unheard of once again.

But!

Guess who I found?

The Moffatts! lol. They didn't make any comeback but how could you not remember this four lil' peanuts whose guitars looked bigger than them? The four lil' peanuts who very successfully serenaded many adolescent girls with their sappy love songs. (not me okay, really! i only like this song by them. honest!)

Well, I didn't even remember their existence but it was a friend who sent me this link to...

911! Another ancient band who was so well-known but just vanished into thin air. For this, I admit that I went googoogaga over them, especially Lee (duh). I memorized all the lyrics and would annoy every hair out of my cousins when their music video came on the television, because I would sing so loud and off-key. Ha! I was just a kid okay. How can you blame me?

So, I don't know whats the point of posting this but it sure brings back tonnes of memories, doesn't it? Well, only if you were a fan of boy bands or girl bands back in the days. Oh come on, I am sure you DID hear of some of their songs. The sappy love songs that gives you goosebumps at some point but STILL sounds sweet in some ways. Don't you think you're old now? (if you are already alive and kicking during the 1990's).

So my thoughts are random.

2008-06-11T23:43:00.000+08:00

Don't you just wish that life is like a fairytale? You trip, you fall but in the end, you still live happily ever after. Justice is always served - the wicked witch, the awful stepmother, the psychotic murderer, and the whole list of antagonists that just make your life a living hell would face what they deserve. It's such a shame that I grew up watching these fairytales, and believed that someday I'll meet my prince, he'll save me from distress, get rid of troublemakers and finally, live happily ever after. How deluded was I? Then again, I was just a lil' girl wishing that dreams would come true. Well, some dreams did come true but I will never live in a candy house with sweetness overflowing all the days of my life. I would have to wake up to reality, to a life that isn't fair, to questions that have no answers, and basically, to life on earth. Hello, world.

So my thoughts are everywhere.

2008-06-09T18:11:00.000+08:00

It's been about three weeks since I came back. I was just sitting on the same spot, same time where I had slept (till 8pm! i'm really not like that.lol) last Monday and I can't help but think 'okay, so that was one week ago'. ONE WEEK. How in the freezingflies did one week just pass me by like that? I'm not gonna rant about how time keeps flying by cos' I know very well that the whole world already knows that (but really; would you please slow down, time? i'm begging you!).

Anyways.

The one week that had just passed me by was nothing out of the extraordinary, really. Dinner with the family, and meeting up with friends. Oh except for the fact that I was still out and about (every night) when other normal people were already sleeping. That's because our mat racer friend only comes alive at night and knows not the meaning of sleep and home. (just kidding, but, it's quite the fact actually)

Although I am quite deprived of sleep, I have to admit that I'm really having a great time being back here doing all the things that I used to do before I left. So it gets depressingly boring at times ( I mean, exactly how 'happening' can a little island be?) but what can beat well spent quality times with family & friends & food? Nothing.

However, things can get boring and I mean really boring since I do nothing everyday. Thus, I am now equipping myself with books by Sophie Kinsella and Emily Griffin and tv shows in all sorts of language (oh you don't know, my sister is a tv junkie she watches anything and everything. i'm serious).

Lifeless bum you say? Well, only for another two more months and I'll be crawling back into my little nerd shell. But, I'm kind of enjoying the idea of being a bum. Would anyone like to hire me? :)

Spring Semester 2008

2008-06-06T10:55:00.000+08:00

So it all came to an end on May 9. Five months flew by, just like that. Can time go any faster?
Seriously.
Anyways, it was a good five months. I left my little comfort zone and took on the other side of the world. It didn't start off with confetti falling from the sky but every little bump that I overcome made me stronger. I must say, I had an extraordinary experience during those months. I had to learn many things the hard way. I studied harder than I ever did before. I took on challenges that I would have never considered doing. But most importantly, I had great people around me who supported me all the way and ofcourse, with strength from above too.
Well, I would love to recap everything here if I could, but they were over a period of five months. So it's quite impossible la. I can't possibly be typing all the events that took place, it would take up way too much space. Nevertheless, I still have pictures. They will tell you what I've been up to, in general.

*representing

That was only the first semester. Another closed chapter in my life, but there will be many more chapters to come. Come August, I'll have to leave home and everything else for the second time for an all new semester. Its definitely going to be harder to leave the second time.

It's just a flight away.

2008-05-30T03:21:00.000+08:00

Well people, I'm back in Malaysia! *HUGEsmile* You know, the moment SQ 196 touched down, I wanted to break the windows of the plane and run into the terminal (yeah, I was THAT excited). I was even more excited about the fact that no one knew about my trip home. Of course, it was fun to surprise my family, Jeremy's family and the lovely friends (not all unfortunately, cos they were smart enough to find out). Oh the joy of being home after being on the other side of the world for five months! It's the best feeling, ever.

Here's to new beginnings.

2008-05-29T02:34:00.000+08:00

This is an explanation I think I owe for the sudden move from my xanga blog. (in case you wonder why)
Well I have about five reasons to do so:
#1 Almost everyone I know has moved from xanga.
#2 (from the reason above), it's more convenient.
#3 Non-xanga members can now read my blog b/c I refused to unlock my xanga site to public (sorry. personal reasons la :) ).
#4 It's really more convenient.
#5 I embarked on a new journey to the other side of the world, so why not have a new blog?lol.
#6 I don't really need to explain myself, do I? Oh well...
Anyways, I will try my best to keep this blog updated (once every new semester?maybe).
That's all, for now!