2010

2010

It hasn't been going that great.

So many unfortunate events. Just been coming across too many.

Is it gonna get better or worst from now?

I really do wonder. I really hope it will get better.

It all happened too sudden

It all happened too sudden

One bad news after another. The worst thing that you could think of happened. There wasn't even a goodbye.

My deepest condolences goes out to a good friend of mine and his family.

I didn't really know how to react, didn't really know what to say. All that could came out from me was.. "I'm sorry". There's no words really that could ease such loss, I feel rather helpless.

You have my deepest sympathies and my thoughts and prayer are with you.

Take care my friend.

The blind side

The Blind Side

"When you open your eyes, the past is gone, the world is a good place, and it's all going to be OK"

Apart from chic flicks, I love inspirational movies that involve sports, like Remember the Titans, The Longest Yard, Coach Carter, Pride... And now, to add to my list, The Blind Side. I think the guy playing Michael Oher did a better acting job than Sandra Bullock. He doesn't say much but his expressions speak for him. Just a single smile can tell you so much about how he feels. But hey, who am I to judge? She won best actress afterall :) She was one of my favourite chic flick actress, just never imagined her winning best actress. Hehehehe....

And this song fits the movie perfectly. It doesn't hurt to take chances even if you're not sure what the future holds. You never know if you never try, if you never put in that extra effort. At least if things didn't work out, at least you can say you've tried. At least you gave it a go. You will hold no regrets.

Malaysia (part 1)

Malaysia (part 1)

After being away for almost 3 years, I finally managed to make a trip back to the place where I was born, on the 19th of January 2010. I only had one month and it went by really quick. Wished I had more time. So many friends to catch up with, so much food that I have to eat. And I do not just want to eat those food once, I want to eat them SEVERAL times. Ohh well.... perhaps the next trip?

19th Jan 2010

Depart Sydney in the afternoon and arrived KLIA at night. It was a good flight, I had two seats to myself. Was meant to have three seats but then this other girl came and sat by the window. She was rather annoying and kept on asking questions when I was watching my movies because she didn't really understand English and she didn't know how to fill out her arrival card. But still.. with the space I had, and the thought of going back home, I couldn't complain much. I was trying not to eat much of the plane food but I still ended up finishing them :S Upon arrival, I took pretty fast to clear the custom and instead of having the significant other to wait for me, I waited for him instead. Haha!! We then headed to Kelana Jaya LRT to pick my other half up. That girl came down from Penang and was spending her whole day at Pavillion wondering around and eventually went and watch 3D Avatar alone.

So after dropping my stuff at home, said Hi to my 4th aunty, we went to SS2 Murni because that was the place I have been craving the most. Went there and......... TUTUP. It was closed :( I was shocked, disappointed and was screaming... How can?????? We then ended up at William's because I do not know where the new murni was. Shen, Marc, Alex, and ular lover-Nat, came along as well to catch up after so long. Food wasn't as good as Murni's and it was PRICEY. Roti special was watery? Not going back there again. But at least it did satisfy some of my cravings and the company was good.

20th January

Since I wasn't entirely satisfied with my dinner the night before, I had to eat a really good berakfast. Went to SS17 and had my favourite Chee Yok Fun (pork ball noodles). It was GOOD. Ahhh!! My taste buds were pleased that morning. My auntie ordered extra pork intestine and stomach soup which was very peppery and yummy. Ahhhhhh!!!!!! After sending her back to the office, the three of us went to The Curve and then IKEA, and then 1U.

she stood there for ages deciding whether to buy or not... lol!

Had the curry puff at IKEA that so many have been talking about and it was good. Got egg inside lehh!! It's like eating a dai bao except it's deep fried... and BETTER!!! After IKEA and the Curve, it was to 1 utama. Didn't really know what to eat. I had cravings for popiah so just went to the food court and got one. We eventually decided on Japanese and went to the directory to look for it.

By now, Swan's water bottle incident year's back must be clearly known to most of you. Well, this time, Ivan has created an Ivan's level 1 incident in which I am never gonna let him forget about it. So there we were, looking at the directory, finding for Japanese places to eat. We found one teppanyaki place and were trying to figure out what level we were on so we can go to the restaurant. And suddenly, the monkey pointed to the 1U logo sign, which had a big 1 and yelled out confidently: "There!! Level 1!"

Swan and I looked at where he pointed, and in our minds.... we probably had a "......." moment and then looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Coincedentally, we were on level 1 so that saved his face a wee bit. But still...... You wouldn't believe how many people I've told this to and always reminding him about this incident. Just like Swan's water bottle incident year's back :p Ehehehehehehhehe...... You know, I have a feeling one day I'm going to do something really silly in front of this two people and they are not gonna let me off that easily. I just have that feeling man. But yea... share share ma... hehehe....

So anyway, after lunch, we walked around a little bit more, Swan went into most of the shoe shops trying to look for her purple Nike shoes, Ivan bought shorts, and then, we headed home. Rest, showered and then it's out again. Went to Hailam Kopitiam at SS2 for a reunion with the ex-Aucklanders. Uda, Pui Li, Joo Ann, SJ, Van, Pei Lyn were there. Didn't eat much after all the eating throughout the day. Besides, I didn't really know what to order because these 'kopitiam' places just don't cut it for me. They feel a bit fake to me. But nevertheless, it was a great night filled with lots of lameness, jokes and laughters. Good times... good times indeed.

21st January

Breakfast was at Raju's at Jalan Gasing. Had my usual roti, ayam goreng and air kelapa. Another satisfying morning. Swan was going back that day and we weren't really sure what to do. Wanted to go to that new shopping mall along Sprint Highway (I forgotten the name) but my auntie was talking about these pair of heels she saw the other day at 1 utama and it was 70% off and I do need a pair of closed toe heels. And so, it was off to 1utama again to look at those pair of shoes.
Saw it, tried it on, and got it! From RM300 down to RM90. Hehehehe.... got a black one as well for my cousin. Hehehehe...

Jane Shilton shoes

After 1 utama, we sent my auntie back to the office and dropped Swan off at the LRT station as she had to go and catch her bus back to Penang.

Went to Times Square with Ivan as well as Sungei Wang, the home of ah bengs and ah lians and very very la la clothings!! Saw some running shoes, so tempted to get them but my shoes were still fine and well, not sure if those were real ones or not. But they looked so nice!!!!! Ate at some Hong Kong restaurant that Ivan went to with his friends before. Pretty good, like Kim Gary except their "cham" (coffee + tea) is unlimited. It was pouring outside so we sat in there for quite awhile.

22nd January

Morning, had my favourite wan tan mee at DU. No wan tan mee can beat that. Been there since i was really really young and I still like going back there. Went to bank to sort out my inactive bank account. Hopefully I remember my pin this time. Had like 400 plus inside from my very first part-time job at Billabong. Hahaha!! Later, went to 1u to watch Avatar again coz Ivan haven't watched it. I didn't mind because I didn't really enjoy 3D as I spent heaps of time taking the glasses on and off and got a bit dizzy.

Met up with matt for lunch. Wanted to go try the dry laksa but there was a power cut so had some fried chicken instead. At night, went to Paramount to eat my "gong fu chao"... Somehow it didn't taste as good as before. I don't know why. Maybe coz I was too full. We wanted to go out again for supper after resting our stomach but failed. We were both super full and just wanted to sleep.

23rd January

Went to Mid Valley to meet up Vanessa and SJ to watch Sherlock Holmes. Had lunch at Kim Gary first. We went in slightly late and was kinda lost during the movie. Ivan, who never fails to fall asleep in movies, fell asleep again... had to wake him up SEVERAL TIMES. I think SJ was the only one who understood what was going on. Van and I were just looking at each other and asking what was going on. Towards the end, I started understanding what was going so it was a good movie.

When we came out, we were talking about the movie and was mentioning about the doctor.... and what do you know.... Ivan cut in and asked:" Who's the doctor?" The three of us burst out laughing and later he said again... "Isn't sherlock holmes the doctor?" ZzzZZzzzzz.... classic la.. classic!!

After movie, Vanessa had to leave. Ivan, SJ and I had to wait till dinner time because they were gonna meet up with their IH friends. Went to the food court to snack. Foong came along for a short meet up with his gf, Michelle. Those two can entertain each other day and night, or anyone for that matter. So funny la they two. Uda soon joined us later but that fella was just on the phone all the time. So 'busy'... lol!

Later, the rest of the IH gang slowly showed up. Pui Li, Wen Chien, Jonny and Yung. Had dinner at TGIF. Wanted to have Jap but the restaurant was full so TGIF it was. It was so pricey and didn't know what to order. The last time I had a meal at TGIF, I had a kid's meal because it was the cheapest. Anyway, I had some salad (yes! go me!) because I was still quite full from the snacking, and buffalo wings. Was still very full and couldn't really finish my salad. After dinner, went to Jonny's place which was very near Mid Valley. Was there till quite late just lis tening to them sing karaoke. So funny!!

Wen Chien gave us a ride home coz Ivan passed his car to his sister in the morning as she was going back to Seremban.

24th January

Sent Ivan to KTM station and then went for Jap buffet with my auntie, grandma, uncle and his wife plus the three girls. OMG!! They've grown a lot!! Well, never see them for 3 years already ma.... They've gone prettier and taller. Soon they're gonna be taller than me :(

Japanese buffet was good. It was at some hotel, I don't remember the name but it was good. Ate till I can't walk and had to go to toilet a couple of times. MmMMmm ...

After lunch, went to KTZ at SS2 for dessert to meet up some swimming friends. I tell you ar... i'm constantly eating only!! Saw Yi Wen, Yit Weng, Pauline, Matt, Hsien Ming, Annabell e and Siew Ghee. Haven't seen these people for ages and it was great seeing them again, catching up with what's going on in everybody's life. Especially Annabelle whom I haven't seen for more than 3 years because she was in the states. Finally found out about the missing case of Siew Aun from Siew Ghee. Haha!

After dessert, Yi Wen had to go back to her uni in sepang. Sent her home and had a one on one conversation in the car with her. Ekekekeke :p After that, me, pauline, hsien ming and matt went to have fried laksa!! Finally!! Nothing spectacular but it was interesting. It's just like asam laksa except it's dry. Hehehehe....

Fried laksa

I got lost on the way home from Subang. Didn't know how to go. Hahaha!! I ended up going to Shah Alam and make a big U-turn back. :p

25 and 26 January

Don't remember what I did exactly. Auntie took me shopping again and bought two dresses for CNY. She insist that I buy something new to wear. I chose one and it wasn't enough. She wasn't satisfied and asked me to look somemore. Had to choose another one. So got another one and she was finally satisfied. Both came to a total for RM 400 :O My auntie paid :) I only wore one so far for CNY, didn't wear the other one. Keeping it for next year. Hehehehe....

27th January

Ivan came with more dragon fruits, papaya and bananas. Courtesy of his father's farm. Hehehehe...

Went to Genting for the casino as I've never been there before. Before that, went to Subang for the road side Indian Rojak and cendol. Bought coconut water and an extra pack of rojak to eat for later on.

On the way to Genting, we stopped by Batu Caves because none of us been there and they were setting up for Thaipusam.

Batu Caves and my pose

Climbed up the stairs and on the way up, we saw lots of monkeys. There was one that was staring directly at us and it looked scary. Ivan still dare to look at it somemore and it was coming towards us. I was asking Ivan to look away but he didn't and the monkey kept on coming closer and closer.

And then.... VOOSH!!! It jumped towards me and snatched by bag of coconut water away!!!! Stupid monkey!!!! I was still grabbing tight to the coconut water just for a second or t wo but decided to let go because this monkey was fierce and I know it wouldn't give up. And so... there's the story of my coconut water :(

Sher Mayne-0 : Monkey-1..RAWRRRR!!

Genting was alright. Wanted to sit the rides but it was only two of us so wouldn't be fun. Went to casino and gambled away RM50 :( Aihhh... should have left earlier..... Arghhh!!! Ohhh welll.... we spent over an hour inside so that was good. Hehehehe...

statue of liberty in Genting

After Genting, went to Seremban. Reached there around 8 something and had pan mee (it was called another name but i shall just call it pan mee la) for dinner.

Got home and Ivan's mum welcomed be with lots of durian!! MmMMMM... it was good durian. Nice texture and bitter. Happy Happy.

28th and 29th January

Spent these two days in Seremban with Ivan driving me around. Went for a run at the park that he plays basketball at. Went to pasar malam and munch my way through for dinner. Saw Seremban 2 which was the newer area of Seremban and the Jusco shopping centre. Also ate the famous Seremban Beef noodles that Seremban is famous for. To me, it was nothing spectacular. Not my taste really but my auntie have always been mentioning about it and my cousin always buys beef noodles back for my auntie when she goes to Seremban. So yeaa.... I guess I got no taste? hehehe...

beef noodles

my favourite lime and sour plum drink!!!!

30th and 31st January

Melaka trip. Before that, we made a brief stop at Linggi, Ivan's kampung, the place he was brought up in when he was a little kid. He showed me where he used to play, where he used to run around as a kid, what he used to do, the house he stayed in last time. It was still there and one of his his uncle and grandma stays there. A lot of land and a lot of trees surrounding it. Papaya treers, durian trees, banana trees, coconut trees, passionfruit plants and so many more. It was a great eye opener and I take back my word on saying he didn't have a good childhood coz he doesn't know much about fairytale or bedtime stories, any disney cartoons.

Reached Melaka pretty late because we got lost. Was going round and round trying to find Capitol Satay for Satay Celup but soon decided to just go to Jonker street and eat. Got a parking and walked. As we were finding for Jonker street, we saw Capitol Satay. I was having a sore throat then and so couldn't eat much. So wasted seeing that I have to be sick on Melaka!!! Been eating non-stop since I arrived back and hence... that was the price I gotta pay. The satay celup was... OK. I think just the thought of dipping the raw food into the sauce to cook just gross me out. Eventhough they change the pot of sauce everytime the previous customer leaves, you can never be sure if they used the same sauce or actually change a new one. You never know man. It's Malaysia. Apa-apa pun boleh dibuat.

the very crowded Capitol Satay where we had to stand in the line for 30 min to get a seat

Walked around Jonker Street for a bit, ate durian 'mi chiang kuih', drank longan drink.... and bought portugese egg tarts for the next morning.

jonker street

Stayed a night at Famosa because Ivan's uncle has an apartment there and hence, free accommodation :)

Next day, it was back to Melaka town. Didn't really get to see Famosa because they were in a rush to go back. So yea.... walked around Melaka a bit more, saw the red house, melaka river....

melaka river

out and about in melaka

Christ Church

And... ate Nyonya food. Finally got to taste Nyonya food. Have always been wanting to try them after watching The Little Nyonya.

After lunch, it was back to Seremban. Went for another run before dinner. Had prawn mee for dinner, showered.... Then we went out again searching for dessert. Ended up at Old Town or something similar and had a drink there. See, non-stop eating!!

1st February

Woke up early and had my big pao for breakfast whilst Ivan had some dim sum. Bought a dozen of Seremban siew pao and half a dozen of egg tarts to bring to Singapore. Ivan sent me off at the bus terminal as I catch my bus to head to Singapore.

Bus ride was... bumpy. It was a double-decker bus... seats were comfy but yea.. it was bumpy and it made a few stops. It was a long bus ride.

1st February till 4th of February

Singapore!!!!

- to be continued-

FML

FML

So today I had to go to UNSW to do strapping. I told the netball girls earlier that I won't be able to make it to the 7.15 game today. Then I got a text later and asked if I can help to play the 8.30 game for their mixed team coz they're short on players. I said OK.

So after strapping, I caught the bus. On the way, was ringing up to see if game is still on but no pick up. Made several missed calls. So the bus arrived at 8.30 and I rushed to the netball courts. And found no one there. Apparently all games were cancelled due to the rain earlier on.

All the rush for nothing. Seriously, who calls someone to play and do not send a text to let them know the game was cancelled afterwards? Urghhhh!!!

Then I had to wait AGES for the next bus to come to bring me back to city. Reached city and rushed to the bus stop to take me back to Pyrmont. And missed it literally by a split second. And waited for half an hour for the next bus coz it was delayed.

You know, times like this, I wish I was back in NZ. Where I have a car. And most of all, I have friends who have the courtesy to call or text if anything's cancelled and an apology. Right now, I'm still waiting for a call back but I doubt it'll come.

I feel like not playing for the msian sports carnival next week. I agreed to play and reluctantly agree to being captain. But people here are just so... urghhh.... Last minute cancelling, showing up late, can never make a certain decision. Feel like ffk-ing next Saturday last minute. Besides, I do have a sports game to go to for strapping duties on that day and I'd earn money for it. I'm still tossing between netball game or strapping next Saturday.

I miss NZ. I miss my true friends. I don't like big cities. Everything's fake. Well, ok, not everything. Just majority. And even me, I'm faking it. People here ask me how's Sydney compared to Auckland.... And I say, there's more life in Sydney, more happening, more things to do, lots to eat. And I just stop there.... but what I really wanna say is... I prefer the quiet life though, more laidback, people are friendlier, less snobbish, more considerate, more courteous.

It would be perfect if...

It would be perfect if ...

So I thought it was gonna be pretty dull once my brother leaves at the end of April.

But I guess not!! :p

May 14-17: Shaleeni coming to visit

Somewhere in mid June: Yi Wen coming to visit

June 26-29: Caris coming to visit

And wouldn't it be perfect if you come to visit too? Ohh well... end of June it is. :)

side note: I can't believe I am still on my 750 words essay!! ARGHHHHHH!!!

Day 1 of parents being gone

Day 1 of parents being gone...

So I put the banana cake I made the other day in the oven to warm it up. I put it on Grill so the top will be crispy.....I wanted to put it in the toaster because we all know how good toasted banana bread is.. but the cake was too thick and so.. in the oven it goes

And then I forgotten to set the timer ... Went to do some research for my essay.

And knowing my clumsiness/liang po po-ness I have succumbed in the past year....

You all know what happened la....

One week break

One week break

I am currently on a one week break before my next placement in Westmead Hospital starts. The past 5 weeks at RPAH for my first placement was nerve-wrecking but I am glad it's all over. It was rather exhausting, having to go to the hospital 8.30-5, 5 times a week. It's almost like working but no pay and have to constantly revise our materials at the end of the day and prep for our next day. Got a glance of what working life will be. It's pretty full on and time passes really fast. Nevertheless, it was a great experience and I have learnt a lot. Definitely more than what I learnt last year.

The weekend has been great, spending time with family most of it and met Christine and Matt today for breakfast. Parents are going back tomorrow morning and brother is here for one more month.

It was great having them over for the past 5 weeks. All the cooking and grocery shopping being done, all the chaffeuring to hospital in the morning... Ahhh!! I'm so used to it now that I'm afraid I'm going to have withdrawal symptoms when they leave tomorrow. At least I still have my brother here so I can slowly wean off the presence of family. Gonna miss them. As I am sitting here typing this, I'm starting to miss them when they are in the room fast asleep. The last 5 weeks just went by too fast.

But I guess, in a way, the faster time flies, the sooner I finish my placements, the sooner I get to go home. Bought my ticket back to Auckland for the winter holidays already. Wanted to wait for cheaper flights but my dad said to just buy it and stop wasting time to check for cheap flights everyday. It is pretty reasonable right now actually. AUD 149 one way to Akl. But me being greedy is hoping for the AUD 99 offer to come up again. I just hope I'm not going to regret and I hope there's no cheaper flights than 149... Hahaha!!

Not much plans for the one week break. Going to start writing my essay tomorrow. I have two days to finish it. Due this coming Wednesday and it's worth 60%. I'd be mad because we have to hand in an essay right in the middle of uni break.... but I'm not. I can't really complain because the essay was given to us 6 weeks ago. And I have just been too occupied to touch it. And so, I am using two days of my holidays to finish it. Somehow, I don't feel worried at all. I shall go and buy some red bull tomorrow just in case I need it for Tuesday night. Hehehehe.. I see an all-nighter coming up soon.

Other than the plan to write my essay, I don't have anything else. I wanted to start running again seeing that I have a half marathon in 6 weeks time. It's more for redemption after a shit run in malaysia. But I can't find the motivation to do so. I think I'm gonna try wing it and just have swimming as my training for the upcoming run. I have been swimming the past two days with my brother since he's got the long weekend off. And I've never pushed myself so hard in the pool for such a long time till now. The good thing about swimming is that even if you push yourself hard, you won't come out feeling sore. The arms and shoulders feel like jelly in the pool when fatigue but never seem to have DOMS after coming out of the water. Maybe I'm just not doing enough to get that. Haha!! But whatever it is, I'm gonna make it a point now to swim at least 45 mins in the pool twice a week till the 16th of May and do my run and we'll see if I survive. And let's see if I can stick to this training plan. It's simple, not too much to do. But I have a high feeling that I won't be able to do it. Lazy, not motivated, no discipline. I admit. That's what I am. And to run now is well, not that fun anymore. I run out of good running songs. Any recommendations? I need a new playlist.

Alright, time to head to bed. Will write more after essay is done. Hehehehe.... Gnite!!!

Woohooo!!!

Woohoo!!

Patient speaks reasonably well English ... Well-medicated for certain conditions ... Co-operative ... I am :) Passed!!!

Now I'm gonna enjoy the last few days whilst my parents are still here.

They have been here for almost a month and going back on Easter Monday. Enjoying them to the fullest!!

Few more days before coming home to an empty apartment again.