License to DIVE

License to drive and now a License to DIVE :)

I am now a PADI Open Water Diver :)

Yes the holidays has been pretty boring. But the past 3 weeks.... this was what I was always looking forward to. Dive classes!

I reached Auckland on the 29th. On the 30th, I signed up to an open water diving course. Course commence on the 1st of December. It was every Tuesday and Thursday night where it was either classroom or confined water dive in NZ's largest purpose-built indoor diver training pool. Despite it being located up north on the shore, despite having to drive through the city and the shore during peak traffic hours, it was very well worth it and much looked forward to.

My very first open water dive was on the 12th and that was probably THEE Highlight of the Year!!! Woke up bright and early at 5.30 and headed to north shore. Packed our gears and it was off to Goat's Island. It was a cloudy day and was a wee bit disappointed because I was hoping it would be sunny as the past few days were.

We got into our wet suit, fixed up the gas cylinders and regulators to our BCDs, loaded up the boat and then it was off to Leigh's Harbour. First dive for the day was near the marine reserve. The boat ride to the marine reserve was quite long. The sea was rather rough and had trouble putting on our gears in the water. Almost.. ALMOST dropped my weight belt! Pheww!! We dropped all the way down to 12m and did a few skills here and there and started swimming around. Visibility wasn't too good but still saw heaps of snappers and even spotted a crayfish! Despite the poor visibility, I was still ecstatic being in a different world. It was like.... I can breathe underwater!! And I got to experience what all the fishies experience too! hehehehe....

We were there for half an hour and got up and went back to the harbour to unload and get new gas cylinders for our second dive. Felt a bit seasick from the boat ride back from the marine reserve and so didn't feel like going for the second dive. Second dive was at the outpost which was nearer than the marine reserve. Sea was much calmer over there. As we dropped down to 12m, we came into a circle and the instructor went around 1 by 1, checking our skills. As I looked across, I saw heaps of fishes swimming around us. They were yellow tail fishes and there were like a school of them, hundreds of them.... just going round and round, surrounding us. It was simply amazing. Couldn't stop smiling and somehow when I smile or laugh, the water will get into my mask. While we were doing our fins pivet, this lil fishie swam right in front of me and was checking me out!! hahahaa!! it was just staring at me, right in front of my mask for quite awhile. Guess I'm just too hot underwater as well :p Too bad it wasn't a mer-man!! We also saw a baby long-tail ray swimming by the rocks. hehehehe.....

After we did our skills, we swam around and then we spotted this huge ass long-tail ray. It was massive!! Thank goodness it was just on one spot and not moving around else I'd panic. We surfaced after half an hour and that was the end of day 1. I was very satisfied and couldn't wait to go home and tell my brother the things I saw. A great experience indeed.

But... it did not end there.

As we were going back to the shore........ at first... I couldn't believe my ears..... and then... I couldn't believe my eyes! My instructor pointed out and said 'Look!! Dolphins!!".... I was like..... yeah righttt..... I stuck my head out and I saw fins moving around the water close to the shore..... they looked like sharks ... haha!! And then WEEEE!!! one jumped out of the water... It is definitely dolphins!!!

It wasn't one... but a school of dolphins!!! They were just playing near the shore...swimming around.... doing flips and jumps out of the water!!!! Couldn't believe it!!! I've always wanted to see dolphins.... Never got to see them when I went up to Bay of Islands a few years back. I said to myself I will go up there another time and make sure I see them!! And now.. I am seeing them.. for free!!!

We couldn't get back to the shore with the boat as the dolphins were there. We had to wait for them to go back out to the sea before we can go in with the boat... And so.... the instructor asked us to put on our fins and snorkels and swim with the dolphins!!! I didn't contemplate whatsoever. I didn't care if he was joking or not. I put on my fins and snorkel in record time and jumped into the water. The dolpins swam around us and weren't afraid. They were swimming under us as well and when I looked down, wholly crap!!! they were freaking huge!!!! too bad they were too fast for me.... I didn't get to touch them but it didn't matter.... i was too busy savouring the moment. TOOOO happy!!!

First dive and I saw snappers, crayfish, yellow-tails fishes and other fishes that I do not know their names...long tail rays and DOLPHINS!!!

Am I not one lucky bugger? I say.. hell yeah I am!!! That 500 bucks is absolutely, definitely, positively more than worth it!!!! Highlight of the year 2009!!!!

The second sea dive was the week after which was on the 19th. It was a sunny day but visibility was even worst. This time we dropped all the way down to 18m. Less fishies, heaps of rocks, nothing interesting but did see a very big starfish. Because of the rocks, it was very narrow and we have to swim in between the rocks it actually felt like a tiny adventure. Hehehehehe.. small things amazes small minds huh? Lucky I told myself before the dive not to expect as much as the week before. And so... I still enjoyed the final sea dive and got my PADI license to dive!!!

All in all, the diving experience was absolutely awesome!!!! I am so glad I did it and I am looking forward to more dives. For this experience, I have no one other to thank but my beloved koko!! He paid for my diving course and he was the one that made me sign up for it. I was reluctant at first but now I am so thankful for it. Thanks!! This calls for more opportunity for brother-sister time. Wooohoooo!!!!

Funny how when I was really young, I had a huge love for koalas. Then later on, it changed to dolphins when I started swimming. And then when I was in sydney and saw koalas again, I started switching back to Koalas. And now.... it's back to dolphins. Hahahaha!!! Now I don't know anymore.. koalas or dolphins? which one more? Who knows? What I know is... I saw both koalas and dolphins this year!!! wooooppteeedooooo!!!

Woohoooooo!!!!!

Always wanted to do this.... have been waiting for ages to do it.... thought I'll do it later on....

And when I least expected it... I did it!!!!

I will never ever forget this very day!!!!!! Dream come true literally!!!!!!!

A strike across the TO-DO list!!!!!!!

AHHHHHHHH :D :D :D So very satisfying!!!!!! BONUS!!!!!

Bring on 2nd year!!

Bring on 2nd year!!

Passed all my papers!!! Woohooooo!!! My heart was pounding at a rate of 200 when I was waiting for the page to load. Once it was loaded ... Relieved. Heart went back to it's normal rate.

Most of us want good grades, passing seems like a piece of cake. It used to be like that for me. I always aimed for A's and get wee bit disappointed if I don't get it. Always aimed for a good GPA score. But now, it's like screw the high distinctions and distinctions, just give me a pass and I'd be thankful. Thankful that I do not need to repeat the paper, thankful that I do not need to stay back another year, thankful that I do not need to fork out another 3000 plus AUD for each paper I fail. Thankful that I can just continue and work my way through this degree. So yeaa. anything better than a pass is a bonus. 3 distinctions and 3 credits :D Bonus!!

No exams for 1st semester next year. But will have to pass the clinicals in which I heard some failed but very rare. Looking forward to 2nd semester next year. Because they'll do anything to make you pass. Rumours were that if you fail, they'll give you a 2nd try few weeks later. Hehehehe.... So really, I call it... no more 'real exams'!! teeeheee :p

On a different note...
This summer has been pretty boring for me so far. Weather's been great 2nd week back in auckland but I'm just bored. I'm lazy to do anything, no mood to blog, no mood to do any revision. Ask me what I want to do, I don't even know. I have miscounted the number of times I checked facebook today. It's more than 10 that's for sure. I need to find things to do on weekdays man!!!!

It's Summer

It's Summer

Crazy exams are way over and now I just have to keep my fingers cross.

My significant other and other half have visited Sydney and have left. And so have I. It was 10 days of fun... food ... and fat!!! But it was awesome. The best 10 days I had in Sydney so far. New places and food were discovered. Realized I have been missing out so much throughout this whole year!! All the food!!!!!

The significant other have left for Malaysia on the 28th, and my other half left yesterday.

And so, here am I, back home in Auckland. With the cool weather, no mozzies, back to my room, my bed and with mummy, daddy and koko.

Have been pretty busy actually since I landed early Sunday morning.. Started work at the gym on Monday. I'm working only on Monday evenings and full Sundays. Met up with the people I miss after work at Hulu Cat and bid farewell to my other half. Tuesday was spent studying and answering questions for diving class that I attended in the evening. Have signed up for a diving course which runs for the next two weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and two Saturdays open water dive. And then I get my diving license!!

Another thing to do this summer is observing ying swan's sister and the physio clinic. Keeping myself occupied so that time passes faster till I head back to Malaysia mid January!

I'll eventually blog about Sydney trip and there's also last year's post-bersatu road trip that I promised!!

Right now... just wishing to get last year's summer back. Think I'm suffering from monkey withdrawal syndrome.

Bring back my 2008 summer please!!

He said we made it through 4 months. 1.5 months will be a piece of cake. Sitting...waiting... time... please fly!!!

Matt Nathanson and Meiko music gig

Long overdue post: I promised I'll blog about it!!

Way back in October....

Music Gig by Matt Nathanson and Meiko

My first time going to a music gig. And this first time experience was ... Mind-blowingly awesome! I got dragged into it. I was pretty easy to be convinced.

"Sher Mayne, it is less than half of your ball ticket." Dang!!!

This girl here, passed me a harddrive just before the holidays as I wanted some movies. At the same time, she recommended me some songs after I told her what kind of songs I like. She have like a massive collection of songs and she selected those she thought I would like. Ohh man!! I don't know how she did it but every song she picked out was just the kind I like. I've been listening to them since.

Then on Monday ...

"Do you know who Matt Nathanson and Meiko is?"
"Yea... they were one of the few artists u recommended to me"
"You like?"
"Yea... my kind of taste."
"Ok, want to go to their gig on Wednesday? 40 bucks only?"
"What? cannot la.. save money... i already not going to my ball coz i wna save money."
"Well, u saved 80 bucks d, now u only paying half of that price. You haven't gone to any before. You should go!! It's cheaper than running somemore. My friend in Melb said they were GOOD!"
"Haiyohhh.... cannot la....need to study...it's a school night"
"36.40! not 40... come la..it's cheap man"
"okokok... u buy ticket for me, i pay u on wed.. Arghhh!!!"

And then that's history.

Too good. They were too good. Meiko was the opening act. She came out, with a bottle of beer in her hands. I was telling myself.. "Ohh great! Now i'm paying to see a drunkard singing?" When she started .... and I was just amazed with her voice. Just her voice and her guitar, she sang and played and it sounded just like how it sounded on my playlist. I always thought they will sound worst when playing live. But I was wrong. I was impressed!!!! Love her songs. Good study songs. hehehehe....

Then... the main highlight of the night. Matt Nathanson. It's pretty bad as I only heard him sing and I have no clue how he looked like. Szu Huei didn't know either. Every single time a guy walked out, we were like ..." is that him?" We only knew when the crowd went wild.

Not only a singer but a comedian. Made jokes about Enrique Iglesias, played random songs like La Bamba halfway throughout .... He also tried to be a rockstar, brought the though of eating ice cream to a whole new level....... Here's the La Bamba video. short one.....


And when he sang, his expression is just... simply hilarious! It was like those syok sendiri expression. So funny!!! And so.... to end it off..... it was the long awaited song of the night... Come on Get Higher :D



All in all, it was a great first time experience. That $36.40 was well worth it!! Now I can say I have finally been to a music gig. Next on the list: Buy my very first music CD? hahahaha!!! One day... One fine day.... lol!!!

Story of my life

Story of my life

Sunday: cooked soup.. left it to boil.. forgot about it.. and burnt it. There goes my dinner.

Wednesday: cooked pasta to pack to uni for lunch the next day. Left it to boil. Nearly forgotten about it but saved it in time coz cousin asked ... how long are you suppose to cook ur pasta? *sher mayne rushes to the kitchen immediately*

Thursday: Left chicken out in morning before heading to uni to defrost. Came home at 8.30. chicken all soft. Cooked it... tasted it... it's gone bad. There goes my dinner. So I had instant noodles. cooked pasta for lunch tmrw. Left it to boil. Forgot about it totally till I smell something burning. Burnt the pot, burnt my pasta.

ArghhHhHHHH!!!

So much for saving money. Story of my life.

3 times in less than a week. 2 more weeks and I hope I will go back to my sane self.

exams

Mission not accomplished

Ok laa.. fail la... Haven't typed much about 2008 trip. Only did like till the stonehenge and stopped. Won't be doing any till after exams. I got the whole summer to do it. Still wanna blog about the music gig as well. But all will be put on hold.

Exam schedule is out and I am cleaning my face everyday now to delay the time of the pimples coming out. They'll come out eventually ... it means i'm still young and growing :p Anyway, it's a tradition for me to put out my schedule... it's so that I can compare it with future exam schedules. Haha!!

Monday 9/11: Scientific Practice 80%
Tuesday 10/11: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy 2 65%
Wednesday 11/11: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3 Practical 20%
Thursday 12/11: Professional Practice 80%
Friday 13/11: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3 60%
Monday 16/11: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 4 60%, 2 hours break... Neurological Physiotherapy 2 prac n viva 40%
Tuesday 17/11: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 4 Prac n viva 20%, 1.5 hour break.... Neurological Physiotherapy 2 60%

Not fun at all. Worse schedule compared to last semester. At least last semester, it was 9 exams in 7 days but I had 3 days break and practicals was after written exam if they were on the same day. I can cram for practicals in 2 hours break but I can't cram for a written exam in 2 hours. 2nd week is gonna be hell. I would have burnt out over first week and I still gotta sit 4 exams in two days.

Just my luck.

Anywayzzz...... Good luck to all of you sitting for exams too!! Swan, I finish mine one day after u!!! wahahahahaha!!!!!

Go go go!!!!!

virginity lost

Virginity lost ...

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To her ...

Meiko

and to him ...

Matt Nathanson

First music gig ever attended in my life. A music gig virgin no more. Mind-blowing first time experience.
Too good. Just too good.
Worth my 36 bucks.
Too good to not blog about it. It deserves a post.

More on it another time.

"So come on get higher, loosen my lips,
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard, and drown me in love."

10th day of the 10th Month

10th day of the 10th Month

It's been 3 years since I celebrated his birthday with him. Someone so special to me that I will not be able to live without.

A man with great achievements.

Someone who's taught me so much in life and is still constantly teaching me and I am still learning from him all the time.

Someone who plays a very huge role to making me who I am today.

I would never trade him for someone else to replace him. Because he is the best one ever and I am ever so proud to have him.

This is a bond that no one can ever break. A very strong bond that we have built up over the years.

Little sisters are always a pain in the ass. I know I can be one at times...

And yet... he is still ever so enduring. I call myself a very lucky girl and I am blessed every single day, to have him in my life.

Yes we are all grown up. But what I like about him is that.... he can still be very playful at times with his little sister over here.

I like :)

Happy Birthday Koko!!!

Can't wait for summer holidays in December!!!!

Lotsa lotsa love,
Your little sister

What's up?

What's up?

So I'm having holidays now. Started my assignment yesterday and it was a rather productive day, coming home at 10.30 at night. Today, I'm just feeling lazy.

Anyway, I've decided on something to do. There has been a lot things in my mind lately, I chose to keep it to myself and not to pour it out. This is the last time I'm gonna mention it and then that's it. Whether it will be sorted or not, I'll leave it up to time. No more emo emo, no more feelings.

And so ... I've came up with a plan to take my mind off it. I'm gonna work on my Post-Bersatu Road Trip 2008!! It's gonna be hard to recall it all as it's been over a year but I'm gonna do it!! Watch me!

The plan is... no more posting about other stuff apart from the post-bersatu post from now. Hehehe...

So before that, here's what I'm up to the next few weeks.

Today - 5th October
bumming and assignment-ing. And a hopeful trip to Fish Market on Wednesday before assignment-ing :p

6th October-30th October
4 more study weeks to go. A lot of peoples' birthday in October. I shall allow myself to birthday shoutout posts for October because there's special peoples birthday in October. Hehehe... There's also going to be a Physio Ball but I'm not going. It's actually pretty good deal. 80 bucks and unlimited alcohol and food. But since I'm not a huge drinker, I rather save the 80 bucks for my November spendings. Besides, I made a silly deal to myself which is not to attend any ball this year...

Can't believe it's only 4 more study weeks and then it's exams!! Time flies so fast I'm telling you.

31st October-8th November
Exam study week. Preparation for the final war of the year begins.

9th -20th November
The battle begins!! Exams!!

And after that, I'll be back to normal blogging or I may be to busy entertaining my two favourite people. My other half and significant other. Hehehehe... Provided they come!!

28th November
Auckland here I come. Summer in Auckland and then heading to Msia on the 19th of Jan for one month. I'm gonna eat my heart out then. the other night, I had a dream where I only had two days left in Msia and I still have a long long list of food to go. I started to panic and became all so worried. It was like... How am I going to eat all these in two days?? Hahaha!! I shall have to start writing up a list of things to eat and make sure I tackle them wisely.

One important thing to do is... Shop before the eating frenzy begins. Because if I shop after I put on weight, when I come back to Sydney, i'm gonna lose all those weight and then... baju dah tak boleh pakai!! haha!!

One week break

Yay!!

One week break ahead :)

Two assignments due in after the break.

I've already finished one. Have never finished an assignment so early before.

I am not looking forward to my second assignment. It is BRUTAL!!

But for now, I am taking this weekend off .... doing NOTHING!!

WOOooOOHhOOOooOO!!!!

At times I am just so tired of all these, I wish for it to end. Coz I'm just tired. Smile, just keep smiling. For that's what masks are for :)

sydney's freak dust storm

Sydney's freak dust storm

My body clock woke me up at 6 this morning. As I opened my eyes, all I see was red. My room was reddish due to the reflection from outside and I thought to myself... am I dreaming? I stood up, looked out my window. The wind was nuts and everything was all red. It was as if I was Cyclops with the ruby red glasses. My vision was all red. It was not just the sky, it was EVERYTHING. I had a small thought that I slept throughout the day and it's evening and it's just the sunset. I must've been real exhausted eh? I looked at my watch and it read 6.07 am. It is morning.

I closed my window and then went back to sleep with million thoughts rushing in my head. Am I going crazy? Have my vision gone bad in just a night? Is my mind playing tricks on me? Ohh gosh! I hope when I wake up, all of this will disappear. I woke up at 10 and my room was in its normal colour. I looked out the window and the wind was still going nuts. But it wasn't red, it was just a slight orangey colour. So I thought to myself, maybe my sleepiness just exagerrated everything at 6am in the morning.

I looked up the news.

Ok, so I am still sane, I am still normal. Phew!!

It's just Sydney's weather being a freak. Pretty cool eh?

Thank goodness I didn't have to go to class today, orelse I'd be a walking Orange Guy!

body + soul 9km run

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival - Body + Soul 9km Bridge Run

A few weeks ago, I met up with my primary school friend who is very into music and goes to gigs and concerts. There's one in October by Joshua Radin, I love his songs, but it's 50 bucks and I would not pay. I said it's too expensive.During that time, I was also contemplating whether I should run today because it is the weekend right after my mid terms. I won't have time to train and I'd be exhausted. I was also choosing between the 9km or the 21km run. And then she said... "You would pay 50 bucks to run for like less than an hour rather than 50 bucks to be entertained and all you have to do is enjoy even longer." She had a point. Why would I be so silly to do that when I can actually run for free? I myself do not understand. I chose the 9km instead because I know I will regret with 21km and it is an extra 30 bucks.

Starting point: Milsons Point

As I crossed the finish line today, I started to understand. It is the thrill of being in a race. Not a race against other people but yourself. The people running around you are your helpers. They are your motivation. It's about beating your personal best. It is that personal satisfaction that I crave for. It is a craving only you can satisfy. You see, I had a target for this 9km run. A sub 50 target. My target all these while are set very low because I do not like to disappoint myself. Yeaa I know.. it's sort of lying to myself... hehehe... But this time, I decided to set my bar higher as it is only 9km. It's about time for a personal best. The last time I did a PB was way back last year in April where I averaged 5 min 35 sec per km. I was a wee bit disappointed with my city 2 surf run because it was perfect running condition that day to do a PB. And so, I set a sub 50 target, 49 min 30 sec to be exact, averaging 5 min 30 sec per km for this 9km run.

And off we go! The Harbour Bridge behind.

There wasn't much prep leading up to the run. I was busy preparing with mid terms and I was just exhausted after uni. I did four 5km run in the last one month. Lolx! Another reason why I wanted to run this 9km is so that it will keep me going, I need a reason to run. If I did not have this 9km run, I think I would have just been a bum and not exercise at all.

My race started at 8.30am. Sydney's weather has been pretty warm recently and it is no different today. I haven't ran in such hot weather before. I was thinking to myself ... maybe I should set my bar lower. The little voice in my head was alternating back and forth throughout my whole run. It was between "set it lower, set it lower, just do ur PB another time, it is too hot" and "you're gonna regret this if you do it! c'mon!". As I ran along the harbour bridge, it was blazing hot. The voice of the devil dominated and so ... I stopped. Of course I did not just stop stop. I had other reasons too. To snap some photos of the harbour bridge!! I haven't walk the harbour bridge ok!! And then I started running through the city and it was still so hot. When I reached the 5km mark, I looked at my watch and it was 27.5 min. It took me awhile to work out that I am meeting my target! It was when I started to run through the botanical garden. A tad cooler.

Snap snap... hehehe..crossing the harbour bridge

And so, I widened my stride. It was a slight downhill slope. Angel's voice dominated. Hehehehe... But we all know, when you go down, you are bound to come up eventually. At that point, I saw portable loos and I have been wanting to go to it since the start of the race but the line was too long. I quickly rushed in, did my business, came out....Devil's voice was about to come in but... EYE OF TIGER started to play in my mp3. Doosh doosh doosh.... Perfect timing :) And then When I Grow Up and then ... and to finish it off... Jai Ho!

I sprinted the last 100m. Crossed the line, looked at my watch ... 48:17. Sub 50 yo!!! Official time was 48:22. Still satisfied. Very satisfied. Average 5 min 22 sec per km! Woohoo!!! PB PB!! I did better than I wanted. Never would've thought I would make that time.

Finish point: Circular Quay with the Opera House in the background

So there you have it. A 50 min race but the satisfaction that's probably gonna last for more than a day. 50 bucks for that, I'm not complaining. Plus I ran the Sydney Harbour Bridge, I saw the Opera house, I saw the Botanical Gardens, I ended up at Circular Quay. I got a medal for souvenir and a squishy bottle. Another few things to add to my short list of places I've seen in Sydney :p

And then I start to wonder again ... with many IFs ... What if I actually trained all this while? What if I actually had more motivation? What if I am more disciplined?

Who knows?

Half marathon next year?

21 words

21 words

Swannie My Other Half. You my best friend who's always there for me. I appreciate it heaps! Love you long time <3

Happy 21st Birthday babe!!

I've got too much to say and you'll soon find out what. Hope you have a blast on this very special day/weekend. Wish I could be there coz then I can give you a major sabo. *sigh* and in hope to get you drunk too!

I am really blessed to have you as my friend and really appreciate everything you've done for me because no one can replace a friend like you. Thanks for stepping into my life and staying in it too!!

Good luck with the remainder of the semester and all the best with your job hunt. Don't give up!! I am looking forward to seeing you in November ya! Don't disappoint me and leave me broken hearted. I know you won't :p

Muakzz...
- your other half :D

Just to so many things right now...

Just to so many things right now...

All was expected. I saw them coming. So.... Just hang in there :)

On a side note, it was blazing 30 degrees yesterday!

1 year

28th August

So today is the 1 year mark. Doesn't feel great or anything for some reason. Maybe it was cause I didn't have a rather good day. My jandals broke when I was running to catch the train. Shops were closed by the time I reached Town Hall and so I had to walk the dusty city streets to head home. At first I was dragging my foot on top of the jandals, so that I won't dirty my feet. But then I was getting a lot of stares as I was looking like someone retarded. So... I walked barefoot.

And during lunch time, we saw this really huge lizard which is longer than a 30cm ruler. My friend tried to touch it and it ran, she jumped, and it ran across my feet coz I was standing next to her. And I HATE lizards. Of all days... I chose to wear jandals. It was sunny in the morning and warm. It seemed like a good day to finally wear jandals as I like to give my feet some air circulation.

And when I went to hand in my ballot form for my placements next year before lunch, I was walking down the stairs and I tripped and fell. Ahhhh!!!! it's just one of those days eh?

But like last year, despite the crap day, it ended rather sweet. Literally sweet this time. I came home and the smell of sinful brownies rushed into my nose as I opened the door. My cousin baked that sinfully brownies with melted chocolate inside and left some on my table for me :) It is THE BEST brownie ever. She made my day :)

And now ...

Here is me
Saying those 3 words, multiply by 365
From the bottom of my heart,
“I love you”
Every single day of the year,
Every hour, ever minute, every second of my life

It is every day, every single moment
That I’m thinking of you, missing you deeply

You matter more to me than you can ever imagine
And much more than I’ll ever be able to explain

Thank you for everything you’ve given me
I love you forever and always

Happy 1 year!! :D

2 years already

2 years ...

Apart from 24th August being the date where 5 people on my facebook shares the same birthday....

It's a date I will never forget for another reason. It's now 2 years since I embark for a journey that was the experience of a lifetime I'll never forget.

I remembered landing in Montreal and things weren't going my way. I so wish that I did not leave that plane. I remembered those times where I really wish I can just be at home. I didn't like it at all. And it is only when you've left the place, you realized how much you missed it. You spend the majority of the time wishing you're not there that you often forget to cherish how lucky you are to be in a place like that.

So now, 2 years from then .... I am yet again in a different country. My trip to Montreal not only taught me to be independent and strong but also taught me to savour the moments I have in Aussie land and stop complaining and wishing I'm back home.

Aussie has made me eat healthier, more fruits and I have started eating brocolli (but i still won't cook it or buy it). I get to eat, sleep whenever I want. I get to have Tv dinner all the time. I get my daily exercise of walking everyday, walking through Darling Harbour twice a day. The weather here is warmer. I stay in a place overlooking the wharf. I love my room. There's so much chocolate shops here. I do not need to drive and worry about parking. I walk to get the joy of saving 90 cents.

And one more thing I am thankful for Montreal is.... I can go to my group of Canadian friends and say... I've been there :) And having canadian friends now gives me more reason to re-visit that place again in the future :D hehehehehe....

Bersatu Games 2009

Pre-Bersatu 2009

4th July
Swan, Ivan and I caught an evening flight to Wellington. Arrived Welly around 6-ish and was picked up my Mr.wiseman and his other half, Darren and Mag. Dinner at a Malaysian restaurant, KK coz.... when you go to Welly, you have to eat Msian food coz there's so many of them!!! Ivan's friend from Otago, Joey came along as well as she's doing her placement in Welly. We all sat down and chat for a very long time and eventually left as we were the last people left in the restaurant. We then went for bubble tea at this place called Lychee. Drinks were so-so but the company was great. Darren and Mag never fail to entertain us. Haha!

The night ended at D&M backpackers. A very cosy place where we watched some TV, chit chat before heading to bed. The owners, D&M were a very nice couple and offered us complimentary 3-in-1 Milo as well.

5th July
Check out time: 10 a.m.
Darren and Mag went for church and we went for breakfast at Wholly Bagels. They had so many types of bagels to choose from I didn't know what to get. In the end I got some cinammon bagels with garlic and herb cream cheese. Yummy but I think I still prefer the original bagels. I didn't want to order original coz I know I can get that anywhere.

At around 11-ish, we were picked up by darren and mag and then it was off to Palmy. Mag had to do some interviews over there and hence we got a free ride up to Palmy. Thanks!!

Whilst Mag was having her interview, we decided to go for lunch. Walked around the mall and didn't feel like having anything. In the end, we ended up at the oh-so famous KFC. The KFC we went last year during our road trip to Palmy as well. Haha!!

Later, Darren dropped us off at Kingsgate Hotel, the place where the players will be staying during the Games. Everyone got a goodie bag, including supporters. Drivers also do get a goodie bag but our driver, mr.tan, was shy to take one. They had so much good stuff in the goodie bag. Powerade, Tim Tams, bags of potato chips, water and indomee!!! Best goodie bag ever man!!!

Darren soon left to pick Mag up as they had to head back to Welly on the very same day. It was great catching up with those two. Guess we'll meet back in Msia the next time eh? Thanks so much once again for being such good hosts!!

Ivan and I were then picked up by his friend, Jasper, who let us stayed at their place during the duration of the Games. I call it JJ & T Backpackers. Haha! Jasper, Joanne and Teresa's Backpackers. These were the people Ivan met during his foundation year in Otago and now they're in Palmy working as pharmacists. It was a really nice place and it was warm too. Had a fireplace and... WII!!! Teeheee :p Now I'm regretting for not taking a photo of the place. So bad with cameras nowadays, just feel lazy takiing it out to snap photos.

Dinner that night was steamboat at home and it was GOOD! Especially in such cold weather, it was awesome and beats going out in the cold and finding food to eat. Another of Ivan's friend joined us for dinner as well, Nai Hau. They were all very nice people and took really good care of us. Jasper even gave us his room and he slept in the living room during the duration of our stay. They fetched us and picked us from the Games venue and always made sure there's food for us. It felt like mama and papa taking care of two lil kids. Haha!

Bersatu Games Palmerston North - This time, it's me writing as a supporter

Day 1 - 6th July 2009
Netball, Badminton and Soccer

Netball
There were less teams this year. It was only CMSA, WMSO, MUMSA and UMSA and hence UMSA got to play with all the teams and it was by points system. It was like these for all the other sports as well. The winning team from each round is awarded 3 points, each time gets a point if it's a draw and loser gets 0.

UMSA got third placing in the end. The standard this year isn't as high as last year with only 4 teams playing. The team consists mostly of new players and it was good to know that they enjoyed the game despite not getting 1st. They had that fighting spirit in them and I bet you, they'll be back next year stronger and better!

Soccer didn't go too far due to an unfortunate event where 4 of UMSA's soccer guys got robbed whilst they were about to leave auckland for Palmy. They ended up putting basketball guys in to play soccer. It was rather hilarious but hey!! better than pulling out right? Hehehe...

As for badminton, women's single and double won the gold easily. I only watched a bit and it seemed like Sharmyn and Hijrah weren't even trying at all. They played as if they were warming up, just hitting the shuttle to the opponent and wait for them to make a mistake. Mixed double grabbed the silver and I think men's single got a gold? not too sure. Lolx!

At night, we ate home again and had leftovers from the night before and char siew. Desssert was fruits with mango ice cream. One of Ivan's high school friend came along as well, who happened to be 1 of the 2 players from Otago. The whole time I was just entertained by listening to them talking. All the jokes they make and all the real life things that happened which happened to be rather hilarious. We wanted to go for go-kart after dinner but it was too late so we ended up buying some wine back home and played Wii.

Day 2 - 7th July 2006
Women's futsal, sepak takraw, basketball, volleyball, tennis

Women's futsal grabbed the gold. The UMSA girls were amazing!!! They lost to WMSO for their first game but I really reckon' it was due to bad ref's call and not following the rules and the goal was counted when it wasn't meant to. They were pushed pretty bad by the opponent and the goalkeeper, Wani, was kicked in the stomach when she have saved the ball. The girls were unhappy at the end of the game. Tried to complain but they say change rules and just gotta leave with it. The girls brushed it off eventually and played well in their other games, scoring goals in every single game after that, proving to WMSO that their goal against UMSA just isn't meant to be and that UMSA is the stronger team. WMSO draw a few of their other games, making UMSA the champions! Wooohoo!! Well done girls!! I have to say this year's futsal's team had way more experience than last year. Last year I remembered we were all newbies and so lost in the game. This year, UMSA had the returning top scorer- Naomi, experienced and skilled Zati who's good in both defence and attack, the fierce Wani with her scary goalie stare, speedy fizah, loud as xin, and trusty defence sharmyn. To see them play was like.. WOW!! I wished I had their skills man....

Tennis
aiyahh!! no fight la tennis.. Swan played like a pro only along with her doubles partner, Sarah and grabbed the gold easily. I watched only one game and knew they'd win it. A few of us were behind talking about bumblebee and she still could concentrate in the game. Haha! I'm pretty sure she heard us, eh swannie? lol!!

Sepak takraw did not win anything but they played well. I didn't get to watch the games but I heard the scores were all very close and they put up a fight for other teams despite none of of them had previous experience of takraw and did not train at all. So funny how during the closing ceremony, the VVIP mentioned about having a cup for sepak takraw like rugby, jeffrey and daniel were so enthusiastic about it and want to train for takraw next year. Go go umsa!!!

Basketball was initially outdoors and it was meant to start at 8 but then got delayed till don't know what time. UMSA only got to play one half of the game outdoor and then it rained. Thankfully it rained and it was moved to the rec centre. Way better coz you can see more skills as they're less afraid of falling down. One thing is, outdoor photos turn out better. Hahaha!! UMSA won every single game of theirs and grabbed the gold finally!! After last year's disappointment, so happy for them!! UMSA have never got a gold for basketball for who knows how many years?

After lunch break, it was volleyball. The standards this year from all teams were pretty much the same. UMSA had to go into 3rd sets for most of their games. Being a spectator, it was already so intensed. I really respect the players who can really maintain their calmness and still played the game so well. The most nail-biting game was the game against MUMSA. Who would have thought MUMSA eh? I still remembered the past few years, they were seen as an easy team. But this year, they were strong. And it's just amazing to see how much they've improved for the past years because most of the players were of familiar faces way back in 1st year. I can't remember who won the first and second set respectively but the third set was just scary!! MUMSA was leading, I think the score was like 10-3 and then UMSA managed to catch up. Eventually, it became 14-13 to MUMSA but UMSA didn't let them get that point. phew!!! In the end, it was Swan's amazing save and Boon's cheeky tipping over of the ball that won UMSA the gold.

It was only then my heart could go back to it's normal rhythm. A job very well done to all the volleyball players who made them game so interesting and won it! I really really respect you guys. I even have my favourite player.. hehehee...my other half!!! Yes, you got that right. Swan played amazingly and she was so steady, calm and collected. Well, from the looks of it la... she might be peeing in her pants then or her hands must be shaking frantically during the game but she did some amazing saves and got the ball over and hardly made any mistakes. I still remembered in first year, both of us decided to learn volleyball together. I obviously still suck at it and will never get good but she on the other hand, have improved so much and is my star player!! You rock babe!!!! Even better than some of the guys in the team man.... Good stuff! i like :)

We got home pretty late that day. It was around 9 when we leaved the venue to head back home. Had indomee and then it was to bed. What an exciting day!!!!

Day 3- 8th July 2009

Handball for the whole day. UMSA had never trained for this and I'm not even sure if there was a team. It was more like... grab a few basketball, volleyball and soccer players, put them in and see how they go. Most of them didn't even know the rules and had to keep on asking the ref. UMSA won CMSA, WMSO and tied with UMNO. UMNO lost to MUMSA and it if UMSA could beat MUMSA, the gold is ours.

But... MUMSA is strong. Again, hands down to them for playing so well. By looking at them playing against other teams, it was very clear that they're the strongest ones and if UMSA wants to win, they have to start coming up with strategies and lock them down. They eventually did and put up a good fight for MUMSA from what I saw. During the super lunch break, the players were all trying to discuss strategies. After lunch, it was the closest game ever with a lost of 1 or 2 points. One of the point wasn't really my cup of tea because the ref blew the whistle, UMSA players stopped and looked at the ref, and MUMSA scores and a point to MUMSA. ohhh well..... still, no hard feelings. To have UMSA putting up a good fight for them was impressive enough. To see how MUMSA have improved over the years, was a privilege. It was just only a point that's unfair but really, they do deserve it.

The day ended early at 3. Ivan and I waited at the mall to be picked up. Had dinner at home again and then decided to go for Transformers. Ivan's friends were supposed to go the night before but tickets were sold out. So 2nd try... we got there... tickets sold out again!!! Unbelievable. In such a small town, with the movie being released quite awhile ago..... hmmnnnn..... so in the end, we went home and watched Fired Up. About two guys going to cheerleading school. Quite hilarious actually.

Day 4- 9th July 2009
Athletics
We got to sleep in a wee bit as it starts at 10am. Massey has a proper running track and it was so cool!! I never got to run on a track before and I really wanted to run just for the sake of being able to compete on a track. Back in Christchurch 2007, it was just on grass!!
The UMSA girls dominated most of their events. Fizah was just too fast for anyone (100m silver, 200m gold). That girl can sprint man! The day before when they were just doing a few runs with guys, she was only like a second behind the guys. So good man!!! And Margaret (400m gold), the kaki ayam 400m runner was just leading all the way. Fuyohhh!!!!!! And i think Wani got a bronze? And who knew... Nay-Oh-Mee can run too!! silver for 200m! I forgotten the results of the relay but the girls won 400m relay gold. I think 100m relay was bronze? They didn't fair too well in that coz one of the girls had a cramp.

As for the guys, the competition was tough. Most of the runners from other teams had spiked shoes and our runners just had normal ordinary running shoes and some wore basketball shoes. Dominic was super fast in his 200m heats but I think he got tired during the finals after running the 100m heats as well. As for Ivan, he got a silver in 100m sprint and was so very very close to getting first. It was actually very hard to tell because my camera angle favoured the other runner. dang!! Should have taken it from his side. but ohh well.. that fella already won so much la.. hahaha! and if he were to wear spiked shoes like other runner, he'd beat them hands down... ekekekkee....For the 400m, we had two basketball players running. joel and ivan sheak. joel managed to grab a bronze in the finals. As for the relays, 100m was bronze i think and did not get any for 400m. almost caught up towards the end but we were very behind from the start.

And so, that was it for athletics. It could have ended earlier and we would have been freezing less if it weren't for the VVIP. Seriously, we had like a super long lunch break just coz we were waiting for the VVIP to arrive coz the VVIP wanted to watch the 100m relay finals and men's 100m finals. ZzZzZzzzz... i guess that's the benefit of being a very very important person... you get people to wait for you.

And again, like last year, we had to rush and get ready for the dinner. The bus dropped us at the hotel, Ivan and I had to grab a cab to go to his friend's house. Showered, change and then it was out of the hosue back to the hotel, hoping we would be able to catch the bus in time. Thankfully, we did. All thanks to Malaysian timing.

The food this time was the best out of the past 4 years. The meat was moist and juicy, the salmon was fresh and tasty (although some people were saying it's not cook? mine was and it was good :p).... and the desserts.... ahhhh!!! Best Bersatu dinner ever in terms of food. But the speech by the VVIP... my oh my!!! Really like grandma story. Performance lacked. Reckon the best entertainment was back in Chch where they had every contingent to perform. But still, a job well done to them as they had musicians and magicians for the dinner performance. And I did enjoy the video MUMSA put up about their journey for Bersatu.. It was so nice to see how much they've improved and to see them grow as a team... in numbers and also in talent. I can still vividly remember my 1st year of Bersatu in Otago which was their first year as well. From a very small contingent 4 years ago, to the biggest contingent this year and even gaining 2nd place, putting up tough competition for every others. Salute!!

As for UMSA, we did fantastic!! Retaining our Champion title for the 2nd year. What's impressive is that the players were mostly first years, all new to the team with high enthusiasm. It shows that UMSA has a great pool of growing talents popping up each year. Best female and male athletes were also dominated by UMSA players, with the female being Fizah, first year in Bersatu. She's full of energy and runs damn freaking fast!! The male being a veteran, my significant other. Hahaha! Am very happy for him as he's been wanting it for years and now he finally got it. Never give up for nothing is impossible. It was so funny how throughout the games he was just counting how many medals he've won and trying to find out who's got more than him. Lolx!! Well done!

And so, that is it for the Bersatu Games 2009. My 4th year, in the eyes of a supporter. Once again, a big congrats to UMSA for being the champion. Keep it up for next year!!! Woot wooot!!!

Finally this post is done!!!

city 2 surf

City 2 Surf - 14km

The world's biggest running event, with a record of 75,000 entrants this year.

From the city to Bondi Beach. Today was my very first time seeing Bondi Beach ever since setting foot in Aussie land.

But I didn't hang around too long. Couldn't find my friends and took me ages to get my bag and was tired so I just caught the bus and to city and then walked back home.

I miss you. Wish you were running along with me today..

It's almost done

Almost Done

I'm still in the midst of finishing up my Bersatu Post. It's almost done. Just need to put pictures in. I'll find time eventually.

First week on Sem 2 isn't as overwhelming as Sem 1. Just haven't been blogging because I'm trying not to fall behind as much but I seem to have already fallen behind a wee bit.

4th aunt arrived yesterday, haven't seen her for 2.5 years. Mum's coming over on Wednesday.

My cousin:"Master Chefs are coming over to cook for us!".
Me: "No need to freeze food for two weeks!"

Trying to pick myself up. Just gotta accept and deal with it. Like I always eventually do :)