Me & The Life I Walk With

New Year Resolutions

2012-01-05T19:28:00.003+08:00

Don't think I thought about resolutions last year, which led me to think why my 2011 wasn't as productive as it would have been. So, I'll make this entry as a reminder of my 2012 to-do-list.

2012 to-do-list:

1. To be healthier - I lost a little weight during the mid of 2011, but kinda gained it all back again with the lack of exercise during the last few months of the year. Hence, I have told myself that I need to get back in shape. Exercise more and eat healthier. Need to seriously put in effort in having more nutritious food home and not to eat out so often and at ungodly hours! This, I know takes loads of discipline! So friends who truly love me, please remind me of healthy food and healthy lifestyle! OKAY?

2. To start saving seriously - I let myself enjoy 2010, spending however I want and saving VERY little. So this year, I will need to start saving SERIOUSLY. Need to seriously control my spending! Not only do I need to start saving, I need to start learning how to invest, play shares and stuff like that so that my money can grow and not just sit in the bank not working for me! Any tips that can help me achieve my goal?

3. To find something to do other than work and play that I can be proud off - Maybe something that can help the society. I need to have a purpose to make me feel like I'm doing something good. I guess that is one thing I like about my job now. I work with a educational company which indirectly shapes the children of our future. I know I can do more, not just that. OR maybe sign up for a class, may it be art, dance, or music, definitely have an on going project and hobby to fill my time.

This should be enough fo 2012, Cheers to everyone with their resolutions and to do lists! May this year be AWESOME!

Loves <3

JX's 5th Birthday

2011-12-12T16:07:00.001+08:00

My Darling nephew turns 5 today! He is my handsome Arab prince! So good looking that modeling agencies should be begging him to join their company!!

Happy Birthday Jia Xiang! Have a good one and see you in a couple of days! Love you!!

Hugs and kisses!

Time....

2011-12-08T20:32:00.001+08:00

...is something that we take for granted, and with a blink of an eye its flies by without us even noticing....

I know I have been neglecting this blog for a while and have been attempting a come back and yet, have been failing. Its been almost half a year since I last blog and I feel that the time just disappeared in between. Tragic isn't it? I'll try to remember what happened since then but knowing me, I might have memory gaps!

June was when the girls and I went for our first holiday together. Phuket was good and being with the girls was just great. The weather wasn't the best but who cares when you're there with your best friends?

Us girls on our last night out

Group picture taken by this really cute guy walking his dog

July came and went as was busy with school holiday programs at work. Bought my very first smartphone and is still in love with it eventhough at the beginning I had the feeling I would not like it being a touchscreen. Love how convenient it is for me to be connected to the world! Although I might say that it may be a distraction sometimes being too connected to the world! :P

HTC incredible S

Celebrated Era's Birthday too! 26 years old is something we dreaded when we hit 25 but as I said earlier, time flies and soon we'll be 30! OMG! I guess I really need to sort my life out soon enough, being all adult is not as fun as we used to think when we were back in school eh?

Era's 26th, which ended with a splash!

As August came, my yearly trip (wish it was more often) back to Labuan to celebrate my Dad's Birthday. My siblings and I have made it a point to go back to Labuan every year ( so far 2 years in a row) to celebrate. Dad turned 60 and we had a small dinner with the closest of friends. Love you dad to bits!


Family picture during Dad's 60th dinner

September was a quiet month with small meet ups and catch ups.

Raya Open House at Roze's


Tropicana City Mall's Toilet...priceless

Loved October because my mom was here! It is always fun to have my mom around as I get to eat home cooked food rather than eating out all the time! Its not that I don't cook but by the time I come back from work its always so late for me to even think about eating let alone cook! Mom came and then Dad came soon after. However, while they were away on their holiday in New Zealand, the house was quiet again! I really can't wait for my turn to retire and go for holidays like my parents! But I guess there's no reward without working hard like my parents. I need to work for the next 30 years before that? I guess this is when you really want the time to fly by. The thought that I may have to work for the next 30 years just scared me! ARGH!!!! *think about getting a rich husband, then its settled* :PCelebrated Roze's 26th Birthday too, which reminded me of mine as mine birthday was next! eeks! Had fun at the mexican restaurant with the bunch of close friends and a pinata!


Roze's Birthday at Las Caratas

I started my new job in November! Now working at a company that provides science syllabus for kindergartens. Working as a Programme Executive, I am in charge of coming up with programs and activities for our customers as well as making sure that they are provided with the best. I feel it is a good move as I needed a change of environment. I wanted to work in a place where I didn't know anyone and to be more independent. Although there are things about my last job ( going to work at 11.30 on some days, and fun parties and activities), I feel I needed to progress in the working world. Everyone around me was asking me to move on, to find something more related to what I studied. I know this job is not exactly what I studied, but being a science student has helped me with my research in coming up with science experiments and what nots.

Another plus side to this new job is that it is 5 minutes away from my house, which means I don't have to go through the crazy jam and toll that I have been going through for the past 1 year! I am home by 6pm and has given me so much more time for myself. Have started cooking a bit, going to the gym a bit. I love it as I have the whole evening to myself or with friends! I used to come home at about 8.30 and by the time I shower and chill its already 12pm. Now, like today, I am done showered, ate, watched a movie, now blogging and its only 9.20pm! Crazy right? Time spent on myself is definitely better than being stuck in the jam for hours!

Went white water rafting for the 2nd time with the girls and Alireza. Bought it for Era's overdue birthday present! It was definitely a fun adventure! We should do something like this all the time. I think I could be an outdoor adventure junkie. Just need the right group of friends who can appreciate it! Girls, you guys up for it?

White water rafting at Gopeng, Perak

Had 2 weddings to attend too! Nuri's and my cousins! In Malaysia, famous months for weddings are November and December! So to weddings I went, got pampered, looked pretty :) for weddings are place where you see people you haven't seen in ages and you definitely wanna look good! Shallow as it may sound, but I'm sure everyone thinks of that too!

November is also when I turned 26! Had dinner with my closest friends - Carmen, Era, Kingsley and Joo Yin at Daily Grind, Bangsar village. Being with them is also How do I feel about being 26? I feel I'm scared as I feel I need to have life goals, like buying a house and being all grown-up and yet I feel I need to enjoy before I become to old for it. Everyone around me is also getting married, so that has also crossed my mind, however am not ready for all that! So how? I guess I'm just going to chill and enjoy the moment. No need to be scared or pressured okay? just CHILL!

The next day, I celebrated with another bunch of close friends at a Persian restaurant, Alibaba on Jalan Ampang. Love persian food, don't know if its a Baha'i thing, but never have I met a Baha'i who doesn't like Persian food! I love Kashk Bademjan,! Ooooh, just thinking of it is making me salivate, so better stop.

L-R: Dana, Parissa, Lindsey, Me, Kellym Riyaz, Ali Rahimi, Andrew, Alireza in Alibaba

December is now here and soon we will be celebrating Christmas and New year! Its still the beginning of the month but have done quite a few things, like going to watch STOMP courtesy of Carmen and Era for my birthday present! It was an amazing show and loved it to bits. Such a great present and really enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you babes! Love you guys for knowing what I would enjoy!

STOMP with autographs, souvenir for my birthday present!

The next day, went on another outdoor adventure! Skytrex has been something I have been wanting to try ever since I heard about it and I got the chance! It was definitely fun and wont mind doing it again and again and again!

Walk the line!

Being a monkey

I guess this concludes today's post. Its a long one but hopefully this wont be a the last of a long absence! Actually miss jotting down happenings as sometimes my forgetful mind is just so horrible! I look forward to the new year as I want it to an awesome one! Cheers to an amazing 2012!!!

Love always!

At last!

2011-06-16T03:00:00.001+08:00

Us 4 have been planning this holiday since forever but it never seem to materialize! One is always missing or the timing is never right!

So finally it is happening! I’ve known these girls since I was 13 and this may sound pathetic but this will be our first holiday ALL together! Where are we going? We are going to PHUKET! We may not be glamarous as the 4 from sex and the city but who cares as long as my girls are with me!

Being our first holiday together, I pray that it will be an awesome one without hiccups and just pure fun! Love these girls to bits!!!!

Toodles and have a good weekend, I know I’ll be by the beach soaking up the sun! <3!

This post is dedicated to MY Family

2011-06-16T02:46:00.001+08:00

I missed a post on Mother Day ( maybe many others too) so here goes:

I love you Mom, with all my heart. I really don’t know what would I do or where I would be without you! You are the most understanding mom, my bestfriend. You’re the one that I confide my problems and my fears to and you never fail to give me advices that are practical and do-able. I love you for that and for everything else you have done for me. I miss you so much!!! I’m not very good with words so I’ll stop here but you know my love for you is endless.

Next is for my Dad, Father’s Day and since that I am going to be away for the weekend, here goes my wishes for my Dad:

Daddy Dearest, I know sometimes I get very impatient but it doesn’t mean I don’t love you!!! How you have worked so hard for all of us to study comfortably, live happily, I am grateful for having a father like you who saves so much for us. But Dad, now that you have worked so hard and retired, please enjoy the fruits of your labour! Go on as many holidays as you can. Spend all those hard earned money to your hearts desire! Its now for you to enjoy with mom what you guys have worked so hard for us! Don’t stress over little things, Daddy….ENJOY! Happy Father’s Day!

My sister’s birthday is this Saturday!! So che, this one is for you:

My only sister who I love! You’ve been there for me although we are 8 years apart, I find that we grew so much closer over the years. You are someone I look up to and grateful to have such a generous and loving sister (Iphone can? hahaha). Everyone should have a sister like you especially when you have given birth to 2 darlings that I love and adore! Happy Birthday Che! Have a good one! I know you’ll be busy packing and moving but take time to have fun! You come back here we go clubbing okay? Something I rarely do with you! Love you

My brother’s birthday is in November but since I’m doing this, here goes one for him too":

Ko, you are always a phone call away although we hardly talk! You are there when I am in trouble and since being in KL working and staying on my own, I’m never afraid because I know you’ll be there when I need you. You’re are such a cool brother to have. All my friends thinks its so awesome to have such a cool and famous brother. We used to wrestle (influenced by WWF) and fight so much when we were younger that my mom always say “ go to the kitchen, take knifes and battle it out once and for all”. We don’t talk much but you know I love you right??

I think that’s all for now. Writing all this out reminds me of how lucky I am to have my family. Some people may think that their family is better, but who cares, they are not MINE! I LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Love ,

The baby of the family!

2010 at a glance!

2010-12-28T22:13:00.001+08:00

January – Officially left the UK! Bittersweet definitely to leave a country that I grew to love. Wouldn’t mind going back there if given the chance! Had the experience of studying and working there so had quite a gist of living abroad. Had a ball with my friends there. Memories to cherish!!!! Transit in Dubai for 2 weeks! Had fun with my sister’s family. Got to even celebrate Jia Wen’s Birthday with her after so many years! Even babysat my niece while my sister came back earlier to attend her friends wedding!

February – Came back to Malaysia for good! Celebrated CNY with the family having spent 2 years away was definitely awesome! Coming from a big family, it seems that CNY is never ending, from one house to another, from the 1st day to the next and the next day until we come to a close on the 15th day! Crazy don’t you think the amount of celebrating we are doing plus all the food that is consumed!

March – Spend 1 whole month back in Labuan, the small little island that I grew up! Didn’t really do much except trying to apply for jobs and catching up with good ol’ friends who i grew up with. Chilled out to the point of horizontal is what i can say about Labuan. When I was younger and still in school, always wanted to get out of Labuan, thinking it was so boring and just uncool to be in Labuan. But know I feel attached to that place. Looking forward to going back and just do nothing. Now I’m proud to say that I am from Labuan, however uncool you may think it is!

April - Came back to KL, spent time in Alor Setar (where my parents are from) for Cheng Beng (first time ever). I think there are photos of that trip in an earlier post before I went MIA. Starting working part-time for my cousin while I continue to get disappointed with all the rejections from companies that didn’t want me!

May to July – Was still working for my cousin at Caterpillar. Usual meet ups with friends. These couple of months were kinda routine for me. Work, out with friends, chilled at home at my aunts place. I guess that was about it for that few months.

August – Went back to Labuan to celebrate my father’s 59th birthday! My sister and brother was there too and it was fun to have everyone around! Being at home with the siblings was nice. Being the youngest in the family and also having age gaps that are quite big, I was mostly at home on my own without my brothers and sister. My sister and I have an age difference of 8 and with my brother its 5, which means that when I was 9 years old, my sister left the nest and when i was 13 my brother too left the house. So since I was 13 years old, I was the only one at home with my parents till I was 19? crazy right? But it also meant that I spent loads of time with my parents and I think that it made very attached to them! In August was also the month that I permanently started working for my cousin, since there were no offers that came my way I decided to work with her full-time. So I guess a new beginning started!

September - Went on a road trip with a few good friends to Melaka! Ate and shop was what we did! Fun is what was on the menu. Jocker street was fun as things were really cheap!!!! Don’t mind going there again!!!!!

October – Went to watch a few shows at the KLPAC with my aunt and cousin during the Short and Sweet Festival. Saw friends act, direct and dance during the festival and it was definitely a breath of fresh air!

November – Moved in to the new place in Puchong. Still empty but excited to get it furnished. kitchen is coming in on Thursday so that part I’m excited! Also had a party there, my 25th Birthday! OMG i cannot believe that i am now 25 years old. Last time when i was in school, I always thought 25 was a very cool age to be, but now I feel weird. Sometimes I still cannot believe that I’m 25, keep thinking that this is all a dream and that 25 is an age where you have to be all grown up and act like a grown up which i feel i hardly do. I still feel like I’m 18 and still seek approval sometimes on things that don’t even matter! Argh….While i am writing this it is kicking in that 25 is the age that most people get married or even have kids! I still don’t think I am mature/capable enough to make such commitments. How can people my age raise another human being?!! Salute to those who are doing it but to me it is still something that i cannot imagine myself doing YET! Since moving to the apartment, I started to go to the gym provided and run on the treadmill. Seeing results already but I know I need to keep it a routine so that I don’t lose momentum

December – Busy busy month in terms of work. Was running around like a headless chicken for a few weeks! It was good as the weeks went by soooo quickly! It was hectic but at the same time, coming back from work after a busy day was very fulfilling. Christmas time came and have been celebrating it with friends and family. Fun times definitely and its a good way to end a year! Looking forward to the New Years although I know I need to set goals to achieve to make the year more fruitful. Resolutions is what everyone calls it. Have you got yours? Will have to sit down and think!

Hope all of you had an AMAZING 2010…….and wishing all of you AWESOME 2011!! As Era taught me, I need to tell the Universe what I want, so here goes “I WANT AN AWESOME 2011!!*era says need to be specific* Work wise - I want a pay rise, I want the company to expand! Health wise - I want to be able to run 5km on the treadmill none stop at a constant speed of 7 (now only 3 km). Overall – to be content with what I have and just to be happy!!! I guess there goes my resolutions for the year of 2011? Simple enough to accomplish?? Hopefully! *think positive*

God Bless!!!

Its been half a year….

2010-12-10T23:55:00.001+08:00

…since I last updated this. I must get the hang of it again!!! I have been away from the internet besides checking emails and Facebook since I was staying with my aunt till recently. Now I am living on my own and have more time to myself as well as the internet. Will do one proper one to kick start everything again.

Have been overwhelmed with work these past few weeks and can’t wait for the days when I have more time to be more organized as now I feel that I have been running around like a headless chicken and things are done so that immediate events runs smoothly, whereas other on-going work have been left behind! Need time to chill and sort things out before the new year comes!

Its almost a year since I left my work in UK and I definitely miss it there…I can’t believe that this year has gone by so fast. I feel that I haven’t really settled down in Malaysia yet! Felt like I only came back maybe like 2 months back! Argh…need to find some stability, which I have not found yet! Crazy ain’t it?

Anyway, its going to be a busy weekend as well as next week. So I do hope to find some time to breathe!

Hugs and kisses and I’ll be back sooner than that 6 months that I’ve been MIA

Things that has been happening……

2010-06-30T17:32:00.001+08:00

……since I came back from the UK:

I know that I have been promising to do a proper blog but have since failed. Now I shall attempt to..

I came back just in time for CNY which was the plan so that I could catch up with the whole family! I definitely managed to meet up with everyone.

After Chinese New Year, I went back to ol’ Labuan for a month. Although there was nothing to do there, I was out almost every night till 2am catching up with old friends. We would end up almost always at the same place every night just yakking till the morning. I guess having been away for more that 2 years, there was a lot of catch up with everyone.

After a month in Labuan, my parents and I came back to KL for Cheng Beng (chinese old souls day). While transiting in KL for a couple of days, I managed to go for my first interview with a pharmaceutical company, which I got offered and turned down (which I hope I don’t regret later). Cheng Beng was back in Alor Setar, Kedah, where my parents are from . This was the first time that I have been back for Cheng Beng, so it was all new for me. How there is so much food to bring to the graveyard as offering. We also burn paper shirts, shoes too! It is also like a massive reunion where you meet relatives who you share the same great-grandparents, relatives that I have not met before and would not recognise even they were staring at me in a middle of town. It really makes me realise that my family is actually very very big, both my dad’s and mom’s side are equally quite big.

After coming back to Alor Setar, I started work with my cousin at her activity centre and that is what has gotten me occupied this whole while. I have now worked with her for almost 3 months now and time has definitely flown! I’m working part time for my cousin while something else comes up is better than sitting on my bum applying for jobs, which I know that it might take a while before getting a job, as a few of my friends who came back last year only managed to get a job recently. I know that it takes a while. I am happy that I am able to gain experience as I wait. You never know that I might find my calling while doing this. I know that I am a coward when it comes to job hunting. I’m always scared that I might make the wrong decision jumping into a job that I would end up regretting! I know that I am still young and I should be experimenting with jobs, finding my true calling, but on the other hand, I am scared! Like I feel that its gamble to choose a job, even if you know that maybe something better would come along. I guess all I need to do is to jump into in, mistakes are meant to be made to make you learn right???? Hopefully, with the mistakes made, I would find my true calling * imagining a light coming from above with a path to the most amazing job/career!

I have been catching up with my babes almost every week. Now that I am back, Janu is leaving for her studies in India in 2 days, Nana and Hsei Di is also leaving next week. Sad! Will definitely miss them!!! At least I managed to hang out with everyone before they leave! These are the friends who I grew up with and even now, graduated and working, I feel that we are still close and I really appreciate friends who know me best! I’ve known Hsei Di since I was 8 ( that’s 17 years!!) and the girls since I was 13 (12 years!!). Having friendships that long, make you feel kinda old huh??

Anyway, do enjoy the random photos taken since coming back. For those who read my blog back in the UK. I miss you guys dearly, and I really hope to go back there soon! Somehow, it feels like home as well, even though I was there for only 2 and a half years, I feel that it was a big part of my life. The friends I’ve made and the experience that I have gained makes me wanna go back there. Having had lived there before, I feel that the possibility of going back there seems ever possible and I am keeping my options open. Maybe you’ll find me back there soon?? :P

Oh ya, my sister and family are coming back soon and I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!

Loves!

Atlantis, Dubai

Taking a “Leap of Faith”

Chinese New Year:

Cheng Beng in Alor Setar, sadly my camera went crazy after that so I couldn’t take photos of when we went to my dad’s side’s cheng beng.

Paper clothes for my maternal grandparents.

All cleaned and ready for prayers.

Money to be burnt for the loved ones who have passed on. Don’t ask me why its called “Hell” bank notes

Food and prayer papers laid out as offerings to our ancestors.

Snippets of my time with the girls!!!! We hung out loads and photos are from the girls as my camera is gone…… these photos are random ones from here and there…enjoy!

Need to buy new camera so that I can snap away!!!!!!!!!!

I know I'm lazy

2010-06-09T16:17:00.006+08:00

I know that I said I would update soon, however this is not true, which probably makes me a liar!

We are now at the mid-point of 2010! Time has definitely flew by!! I was in UK beginning of this year, and how I'm back to my home country. Not much has happened except that I am closer to my family. I am currently working part-time for my cousin for the past 2 months at her activity centre. Have been quite occupied with it as I work most Saturdays as well.

I have been to a couple of interview and currently still waiting for one more interview as it was postponed. Do pray for me! I really do want to start a stable job. I feel that I'm in such a limbo right now that I really can't plan anything. Friends keep asking me to go for holiday but can't really do much planning as I do not know what I'll be doing then. Sometimes it can be a little frustrating. I really hope that this period will soon end!

I've been meaning to upload photos from the moment I came back. I've got no wifi at home and always so busy at work that I tend to just not bother! I know I have my dubai holiday photos, CNY, Cheng Beng photos that I have wanting to post up but been telling myself " Later lar"

Anyway, I have to go now... I want to promise photos soon, but i'm so scared that I'll not be able to live up to it...hahahah..I dont want to call myself a liar again!

Till later...HUGS!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-11T19:14:00.005+08:00

Dedicated to my Mum..the best in the world...this song says it all!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Eeks

2010-04-22T21:06:00.003+08:00

Yet another blog post long overdue!!!!
just a quick one to say that I'm now in KL working with my cousin for the time being, staying with my Aunt.....
will have a proper blog post soon...i hope

When I'm Bored....

2010-03-25T00:44:00.002+08:00

Have been experimenting with designs on my nails.....so this is what i came up with tonight.. What do you think?

The most recent family photo

2010-03-17T01:17:00.002+08:00

Taken during CNY. We haven't had one family photo for a while now because there is always someone missing! Everyone looks good and I love it!

Oooppsss...

2010-03-16T17:19:00.003+08:00

Do blame it on the heat that I have not updated this blog........

Yes people who don't already know....I am back in Malaysia....the humid and hot country that I call home. I haven't been back in 2 and half years and it feels weird. It doesn't seem very long but the heat is something that I don't miss at all. Coming home to familiarity seems strange after being away for a while, as what was home for my 2 and half years seemed familiar to me.

Being back for Chinese New Year was good. being able to meet everyone all at once was great on top of all the ANG POW? 2 years without ang pow was a great lost, financially...:P It was definitely a good welcome filled with celebration and of course the FOOD. YUMMYlicious food left right and centre for the whole week was just sinfully good.

Now being back in Labuan, the place where I grew up seems very small. Never actually realised that everything was literally 5 minutes away. Dont know why when I was staying here before Layang-Layangan felt so far, but in reality it was just 10 minutes away....straight to sunset. Maybe because everyone here drives REAL slow....

Its amazing that I have actually left this island 6 years ago for college, which sometimes feels odd because sometimes i feel that i have never left at all. Things are exactly the same. Financial Park is still under-occupied and blueberry is still the hangout place. Yes, I have had my milk tea with EXTRA pearl.... It definitely brings backs loads of memories, having countless of gossip and chill-put sessions then when it was the only place decent enough for us to hangout.

Having gone around Labuan (not much but enough), I can definitely see the difference. In terms of kids now, comparing them and us, its a world of a difference. We used to dress up in jeans and a baby-T, now they are all strutting the latest fashion full with make-up. Crazy right? This definitely makes me feel old as only less than a decade I was that age....all innocent...:P

Jobless is what I am now, but hopefully not for long... Job-hunting is something I do not like but have to do. Having applied for jobs and getting rejection is something I hate. The letter that brings disappointment just discourages whatever enthusiasm I have in search of the perfect job. Sucks isn't it?

Lifes like that I guess.....however cliche it may sound, one needs to suffer before victory comes....

.....or I can have the easy way out.......get a rich man to marry me and we'll live happily ever after!

Princess Jia Wen is Six!

2010-01-23T17:19:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday Jia Wen!!! Remembered when you were only 3 months old when I first carried you very awkwardly, and now you’ve grown so much……

I think this was taken when she was about 2?

This was taken last November when they came to visit me in Newcastle!

Look how much she’s grown!!! Crazy how time flies…..

Happy 6th Birthday Jia Wen!!

Ee Loves you very much

New Years with New Friends!

2010-01-06T07:08:00.001+08:00

Didn’t have any plans for New Year’s Eve so had a very impromptu dinner at home with Shean and Ah Mui. Cooked a very simple dinner and chilled out dinner….so chilled out that we didn’t even take any photos! Played chor dai di with Shean’s XXL deck of card which was so hilarious….cards the size of A3 was tiring and at the same time so funny…..shuffling and dealing the cards was so funny, couldn’t stop laughing. after a few rounds, we gave up to small regular sized deck of cards which made everything so much easier. We tried to watch a movie but we were all so comatosed from the dinner that we couldn’t even concentrate so we decided to continue to play chor dai di.

Midnight came and went with hugs and the traditional Auld Lang Syne. It didn’t really feel that it was already a new year and still can’t believe that the year has zoomed passed sooooo quickly. Not long after 12am, all of us were ready to retire to bed. Shean and Ah mui left and I did some tiding and packing as I was heading down to Warwick on New years day.

Woke up early and got ready for the journey down south. It was snowing the whole night and there was at least 1 1/2 inch of snow. Praying hard that my train will not be affected by the snow. The journey down was smooth and I arrived Coventry station at about 1450hrs. Ask at the customer service counter which was the easiest way to the University where the UK National Youth Conference was being held. The guy said that the bus 12 was the best (I even asked whether it was running since it was New Years, he said Yes). However, I was standing in the cold for about 20 minutes before deciding with a few other so share a cab to the Uni. Realised that 2 from those waiting for the bus was also going to the Youth Conference so was lucky.

The conference was a very inspiring one, filled with motivated youth. Made new friends and being around 346 youth for a weekend was really rejuvenating. The conference was all about the action that we need to make as youth for the advancement of the world civilization. As cliche as it sounds, youth are the future. We need to work hard in molding the next generation. We were called to action in making sure that children and young youth become tools to “contribute to the well-being of society”. I will definitely reflect on it and try my best to do something. I know that I’ve taken a back seat but now I know I need to work out something to contribute!

Here are some of the photos….

The Christmas that was London

2010-01-06T05:11:00.001+08:00

My friend Shean and I headed down to London on the 23rd December to meet up with our dear friend Eugene for Xmas. Took the train down to London and was greeted by the busy London!!!

This picture was taken at the tube station. It was an ad for holiday and the picture for New Delhi was the amazing Baha’i Temple!!!

This is me waiting to eat after the train…we had dinner at this place called May Flower with another friend from Newcastle, Farhan….the food there was yummilicious… lobster noodle and grilled honey eel….so yummy!

Eugene surprised us by telling us that we weren’t actually going over to his place in Reading (which was the initial plan) and instead we had his sister’s place to ourselves (sister and her hubby went back to Malaysia for Xmas) for the whole entire time we were there right smack in the heart of London! Thanks you Eugene’s sister and bro-in-law!!!! Lovely house and amazing location made Shean and I go $_$…

The next day (Xmas Eve), we made our way to this restaurant called Cha Cha Moon for lunch on Carnaby Street. Char Kuay Teow was gooood.!

After lunch and a bit of walking around, we headed to Hyde Park to the Winter Wonderland. It is a fun fair with Christmas and snow-themed rides and different kinds of food. Below are some of the photo snapped!

I love this photo of the boys!

this is the other ride we went on besides the ferris wheel, called the black hole….it was fast, very dark and very quick.

On Xmas Eve, we had extra company, Eugene’s friend Jia Ping to join us for the festivity.

Settlers of Catan to pass time!

Midnight, open present time……Pressies all the way from Miri!!! Thank you Elmo!

Christmas we had roasted chicken, and roasted potatoes and carrots…which we comatose immediately after lunch!

On Boxing day, we went to the all famous boxing day shopping!! It was too crowded for my liking but managed to get at least somethings. After shopping and dimsum lunch, we headed home to rest for a bit. After resting for a bit, we headed off to Waterloo for Avatar at the IMAX 3D cinema!! All 3 of us were so excited!!!!

After the amazing movie (please go and watch it) with our 3D glasses which sadly we had to return. Please go and watch the movie for a fantastic experience…if you watch it in 3D its even BETTER!

The next day we headed to Kings Cross and got on platform 9 3/4! Sadly not to Hogwarts but back to Newcastle!

Happy New Year…….

2010-01-06T03:33:00.001+08:00

I know I should list down my resolutions by now…but i feel that i haven’t really given it any thoughts…..I guess i’m still figuring it out …so be patient!

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2009-12-23T20:14:00.001+08:00

May the spirit of sharing, giving, love and joy spread across the world!!!!

Experiences during this xmas period that makes me go “Awwww”:

~ Bus drivers dressing up as Santa, Reindeer, Elves just for charity
   ~ Random people giving out chocolate to kids
   ~ Christmas Carol in town, which donation made goes to charity
   ~ People dress in xmas costumes raising money for charity…

May your Christmas be a great one…everyone here is hoping that it will be a white one!

24 years of life!

2009-12-15T07:32:00.001+08:00

Turned 24 on the 28th of November! CRAZY!!!

This blog attempt is inspired by Kenny Sia with his birthday list of things he did. However I know that I don’t have 23 memorable things that I can list down for when I was 23…..Here goes….

1. Celebrated Christmas with amazing friends!!!!
Dressed-up and had an amazing party with gift exchange, two santa’s and a hell loads of laughter!

2. Welcomed the New Year with another PARTY…..
Ushered 2009 at a friends place with loads of drunks, wigs and a pool table that made the night a
very funny one….

3. Went to visit the Shoghi Effendi’s Resting Place, the guardian of the Baha'i Faith.
Went down to London with Ineke and Gillian and headed straight to Shoghi Effendi’s resting place.
It was kinda overwhelming and saying prayers there was very spiritual uplifting.

4. Attended the 41 Regional Conference in London
One out of 41 held around the world. Felt apart of something really big and intense! Realise that
Baha’is all around the world are up to the same thing….

5. Visited platform 9 3/4
On the way back from London to Newcastle. The famous platform at Kingscross station…

6. Sat the train from London to Newcastle for the first time (usually take the bus)
3 hours compared to an 8 hour journey on the bus….it was nice!

7. Bid Wen Ying farewell as she returns to Malaysia for good
The tears shed could fill up a bucket!!

8. Getting my first JOB
My first real job………Feels so different from studying!

9. Experience real heavy snow!!! not some petty stuff like before
             Before, it was snow that wasn’t enough that once it hit the floor it would just melt, but this time we
             could really make snow man and all! We even had a photoshoot!

10.Getting my first pay including paying income taxes (feel so grown up)
Never thought the day would come when I have to actually pay income tax!

11. Bid May Chee farewell as she returns to Malaysia for good
Another bucket-load of tears shed! I miss her hugs!!!

12. Paid for my flight to Dubai…with my own hard-earned money…
Felt a little heartache when you see the money get deducted from your account….but….excited…..

13. Bid Lulu and Kitty farewell as they return back to Malaysia and HongKong respectively
The happy couple returns home…….kinda learnt how to control the tears better this time round!
Sorry no photo….:P

14. Attended the first cluster summer school
First cluster summer school in England, and I am proud to be part of it!

15. Moved house….from Heaton to Walker
Welcome to our humble abode….

16. Was in 3 countries in 1 day - Newcastle – Amsterdam – Dubai

17. Visited Dubai
First holiday out of my own pocket..although loads of subsidy from my sister….tsk tsk!!!!

18. Was in 3 countries in 1 day again – Dubai – Paris – Newcastle.

19. September 15…marks 2 years here in the UK
Can’t Believe that time zoomed pass sooo fast…2 years!!! crazy!

20. Visited the Bamburgh Castle
The 2010 Robin Hood movie is said to be filmed here!

21. Bid Kingsley and Lenz farewell as they return back to Malaysia and Brunei respectively

22. Went to BSB concert
Fulfilled my childhood dream of seeing my favourite boyband live!

23. Sister and her kids visiting Newcastle….first real guest!
What an amazing way to celebrate my 23rd year on this earth???

Well..thats 23 things…i know they are not as great as Kenny Sia’s but heck…my life is good…and I should be grateful whatever happens and happened!!!!

Toast to a great 24!!!!

Visitors from Dubai

2009-12-15T01:59:00.001+08:00

Had a week off work and my sister and kids were here for a short holiday! If you go to her blog…you’d see the whole account of the holiday…so I’m not going into details…I’ll keep mine short and sweet….

I was really excited when my sister decided to come for a visit… very unexpected and spontaneous visit! I was really excited to see her and the kids, although it wasn’t very long ago that I went to Dubai for a visit. It was also nice to have family over for my birthday weekend!

We’ve planned to go Edinburgh, Scotland since they had their Christmas festival there and it would be nice to experience something that the kids would not experience in Dubai. I personally haven’t been to Edinburgh, so it was all good!

Photos below are the first 3 days in Newcastle..I don’t have the pics after that …so if you want…please visit my sister’s blog -----click here

Day 1 – Christmas Market @ Monument

Day 2 – Yo! Sushi and Shopping at MetroCentre, My Birthday Dinner

Day 3 – Brunch @ Belle and Herbs, Dinner @ Home

Jia Xiang is 3!!!

2009-12-12T23:09:00.005+08:00

Why have my hands grown sooo much?!

I still remember the day he was born.....I was in the hospital sleeping in my sister's room while she was in the delivery room.......

and now he's THREE!!!....

Time flies and now a boy who loves Bee Movie, ToyStory, SkyHigh.......:P

Happy Birthday Jia Xiang!! Ee Loves you!!!!

be happy always!

Holiday

2009-11-23T22:49:00.002+08:00

In the beginning, this one week holiday had no plans.....it was just me chilling back taking time off work....but now.........my sister and her kids are visiting on Thursday....am I excited or what?

Time to think of where to bring them!!!

New Blog Photo Header

2009-11-23T09:22:00.000+08:00

What do you think of this photo?

He ain’t heavy, He’s my brother

2009-11-20T00:32:00.001+08:00

This photo is grabbed from his Facebook…

Happy Birthday Ko!!! Wishing you a fantastic birthday and I know you’ll party hard and well…since work is a party for you!!! hugs and kisses! love and miss you!!!!!

Post BSB

2009-11-19T23:52:00.001+08:00

I know its almost 3 weeks ago since the Backstreet boys concert and I haven’t really said anything about it. I still can’t believe I went to their concert and to me I am satisfied. They are not the best singers in the world but as a group I feel that they are hot! :P

The stage 3 of us

The excited me!

The Opening Act – Madcon

Their Entrance……wah..everyone screamed their lungs out!

I grabbed this off someone who posted in on Youtube because the I didn’t take any video of the opening.

The rest are shots of the concert (in no particular order). The boys also had solo clips featuring them in hit movies like fast and furious(Howie), Enchanter(Brian), Matrix(Nick), Fight Club(AJ)

This too was grabbed on Youtube, I’m sure this person sat really close. We sat not too far from the stage(as you can see from the picture below) as well but obviously not as close as this person taking the video.

They go home….sniff sniff!!!!

Memorabilia's to treasure……:P

My childhood dream…

2009-11-03T09:24:00.001+08:00

When I was 11-12 years old, I used to go GAGA over Backstreet Boys. You could as my mom about how crazy I was over them. I know some of you will think I’m lame for even listening to them, but I don’t care. They are good and even after 16 years, they are still surviving (although one of the member has already left).

Tomorrow and finally at 23 years of age, I’ll be going to see them live for the very first time! I am so excited!!!! Although I have matured and boy bands no longer give me the giggles, I still think they are one of the good ones. I’ve realise that most boybands have band members who are just there to look good (they don’t take the any lead in singing). Backstreet boys is one of them who you can see that each of them can actually sing and that they have their own distinct voice. AJ with his deep husky voice, Brian is the lead, Nick with his very distinct that-is-definitely-nicks voice, Howie just melts your heart when he sings (plus that eyes!), Kevin (although he has left for broadway) with his very deep sexy voice!….

I can’t wait to see them!!! I’m grateful to Thong and Evon to accompany with me, however I wish Lenzja, Era, Cynthia, Janu, Carmen…..were with me!!! These are the very people who’d go gaga over this too!

Janu Jan Jan

2009-10-02T23:20:00.001+08:00

My Darling Janu!

Happy 24th Birthday! Hope you are having a hell of a time now with the girl (which i am currently at the stage of mourning)! Miss you loads, love you more!!!

May everything run smoothly for you and wishing you all the best in life!

A pic that of all of us…I MISS you girls!

Preview of Dubai

2009-09-22T02:07:00.001+08:00

I have just return from city where the tallest building in the world is (or should I say will be as it is not really completed yet). Left the city of Newcastle on the 10th morning and arrived there at about 2200hrs local time. Was instantly greeted by the HEAT (I know I shouldn’t be complaining since I’ve lived in malaysia for 20 years of my life), from a temperature of an average of 14-15 degrees celsius to a shocking 40 degrees was hard to adjust. From chilly winds to warm gust of air made me sweat instantly!

Took the taxi to my sister’s place and on the way, passed by tall buildings right and left! It is definitely a modern city. The ride to my sister’s took less than half and hour and seeing my sister after 2 years made me realise how much I miss her!

Didn’t really do much while I was there. Much as in safari tours and more of the touristy stuff. However, I visited the Palm Jumeirah (the palm looking housing estate), the Burj Al Arab, Burj Dubai, Mall of Emirates, and other shopping complexes. All I can say is that Dubai has loads of shopping complex. I guess it is a shopping paradise, HOWEVER…it is shopping paradise for the RICH!! Everything in Dubai is so expensive. A packet of 500g nuts cost DHS60 = RM 60 = ~ GBP10. So if you get my drift, IT IS very EXPENSIVE!!! The same top that I bought here for GBP15 cost about GBP 20 pounds. CRAZY right?

I guess my main purpose visiting Dubai was to visit my sister’s family. My niece and nephew have grown so much and I already miss them! Jia Wen has is now into pink and everything princess, talks like a grown up! Jia Xiang is a cheeky boy and being a boy loves Cars and Ultraman!! Adorable to the max although sometime they do have their moments!

Anyway, here are the photos taken, Enjoy!! (warning : photo overload)

Kids in the car on the way to Ibn Battuta Mall

Mall of Emirates!

on the way to the palm the apartments on the trunk of the palm

the bungalows on the fronds. The Atlantis.

the view from the palm (not very clear as it was a very hazy day)

Jia Xiang and Me

How I was rich enough to buy a house like this!!!!

yours truly

Love this photo!

Burj Dubai – Tallest building in the world

Haven’t had Chilli’s for 2 years!!

Waiting for the musical fountain

That’s it for now! toodles!

A very delayed post – North East Cluster Summer School

2009-09-21T22:19:00.000+08:00

Held on a bank holiday weekend of the 28th August- 31st of August, the first cluster summer school in England was experienced. So glad to be able to make it and although it being held for the first time, IT WAS A SUCCESS! There were a total of more than 70 people who attended (including day visitors and such) and the atmosphere was lovely! The venue was amazing and I foresee future summer schools being held there again!

I was helping out with the Junior Youth group and can say that I was very hesitant at the first place. Not being very experienced with the age group and doing it in a different country kinda scared me (I know I shouldn’t). But it turned out to be fun and seeing kids between the age of 10-14 being all mature and saying things that makes you go “when I was that age, all I talked about was boy bands and Barbie dolls!”. Things like peer pressure, media influences, drugs and alcohol were discussed and how things like these affect us. The kids discussed all these very maturely and it gave me insight on how kids think and react to such influences. It really makes you realise the potential of a child and what it can become with the proper education and guidance.

Overall the Cluster Summer School was a great experience and it definitely brought the cluster closer as a unit working together! Here are some of the photos of one the social nights and I hope that you guys will enjoy them!!

Ceilidh night, where Lorna lead everyone to dance while Sue and Ken played beautiful music!

North East Cluster Summer School 28th-31st August 2009.

Where am I??

2009-09-13T17:44:00.001+08:00

I am in DUBAI!!!! will blog later!!!

First attempt

2009-08-17T10:01:00.001+08:00

at painting flowers on my fingernails……..

Sorry for the bad photo quality….using my webcam to take a photo as I am too lazy to use my camera and this is so much quicker…. my left-hand looked alright because I’m a righty but the right-hands’ flower came out messier. Overall I was quite happy with what i did….maybe even after getting a degree in chemistry, I could still pursue a career as a manicurist? What say you?

Daddy

2009-08-16T12:03:00.003+08:00

not forgeting my daddy too....

i guess im just missing my parents loads!

Miss you guys loads...love you even more!

Mom

2009-08-16T11:59:00.001+08:00

After watching this video...all i want to do is to give my mom a BIG HUG!!! I miss my mom!

Oh Internet…where art thou?

2009-08-10T23:49:00.001+08:00

Its a sad day today….

1. A few more friends has now left Newcastle for good. It has start to feel empty as the group becomes smaller and smaller. We definitely miss them… :’(

2. Our internet has been officially cut off!!! Its so sad…my connection to the world of communication, information and entertainment has been severed! Will I be able to survive the rest of the month (or more) without it?? ( Although my kind friends has offered internet boarding which I am grateful. I think they know without the internet I might just wilt and DIE..:p)

3. This is the last day of my 4 days off. Tomorrow its back to work and it sucks big time! I still dream for that day to happen when there is constant flow of cash into my bank account and I can still sit down on my bed day-dreaming…. I know I’d probably go crazy for not being productive but it still beats going to work everyday!!

Sad ain’t it??

Dad!!!

2009-08-07T09:31:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Daddy Dearest

Hope you had a wonderful time off work!! Happy Retirement too!! Do enjoy life!! This is the time when you learn to relax and take time to chill! Love you to bits and hope you drive mom and yourself up the wall!!!

Love you!!

Birthdays

2009-07-29T11:05:00.004+08:00

Here I would like to wish 2 of my amazing friends a very Happy Birthday!!

Firstly, it's Era...
Officially 24 today! How does it feel my dear? Sorry if I've mentioned the age but I feel we are still young and it is definitely just a number. How far have we've come.......From hair-cutting disasters to working women. OMG, just thinking about it gave me goosebumps. Crazy!!!!! I've missed the crazy moments we've had, sleepovers and the partying. A fussy-eater indeed, (even though I know you don't drink plain water, don't eat vegetables) but I wouldn't have you any other way. hahahaha, although we try to tell you that water and vegetables are good for you!

Next, it's Nastassja...
24 on the 31st of July. We've been buddies since Form 1! You are one of them who I've seen changed the most. From someone who everyone feared (ish, nanti Nastassja marah bah!!) to someone that everyone was buddies with (bah, Nana come go yamcha)...It was nice growing up with you. I really do miss the hours we can talk on the phone although we've spent the whole day in school together! I don't have that with everyone. Until my mom goes "talk in school, still wanna talk on the phone"...that is just the way it is...right?

Happy Birthday to the both of you!!! Wishing you all the best in life and I know that you girls (being the Leos that I know that you girls are) will be the ones who will be very determined in whatever you guys put your mind to! Hugs and Kisses from the bottom of my Heart!

Miss you guys loads, Love you more!

It’s been exactly a month…

2009-07-22T04:18:00.001+08:00

….since I updated this thing here. Time do fly and it is already the end of July! We are already at the second part of the year and soon a new year will dawn on us and we will all go “ that was quick year wasn’t it?”

Nothing much has happened since just I feel my life is all about work (even though the pay is just crap). Plans all get restricted or cancelled because of work. Have been planning a weekend away with some friends, but it hasn’t happened yet because all the weekend have been booked up! Everyone is on a holiday and so days are limited. Sigh…..

I just realise that as I was thinking of uploading some recent photos on here, I don’t have any! My camera has been sitting here collecting dust while I depend on others to take photos! This is really bad!! I depend on friends to take photos because of the SLR that they’ve got so means whatever I take on my camera, I tend to compare the quality! I’m not complaining about my camera, its just SLR photos comes out so crisp and sharp!

Anyway, I’ll get the photos and upload them here soon, till then most of them are already on Facebook, so just head over there and browse the many photos (I am not kidding about the amount of photos, I’ve got 1115!) that I have.

Till then…ciao

Dad

2009-06-21T16:37:00.001+08:00

Daddy Dearest,

You’ve been the provider for our family and without the love you have for us all, we’ve would never be what we are today. We may not be doctors or lawyers, but we are proud to be your children! Without being the father you are, we wouldn’t have the opportunities to experience what has been given to us. Thank you for providing all the comfort and luxuries we have and we know that you do it because you love us. Please know we love you too!

I love you Daddy! and Happy Father’s Day!

32 years young…

2009-06-18T10:43:00.001+08:00

This goes out to my dearest big sister who has been there for me through everything! She’s the one who helped me find a college to go to when I finished Form 6, put me up for 2 years while i was in college, the sister who has gave me advise on so many things, helped me with so many things!! Without her, I would be so lost and with that I am grateful!

So Che, wishing you a very happy birthday! All the best with Dubai and hope to see you soon! You are the best and I can’t ask for a better sister! Love you loads and many hugs and kisses!!!!

p/s che, i think we seriously should take some proper photos together….cuz i cant seem to find any on my pc.

Happy 32nd Birthday!!!!

In-Heaton

2009-06-14T02:59:00.003+08:00

Created a new blog with a bunch of other friends... click on the title and indulge in the randomness of subjects we talk about and all the crazy stuff that people here would call " crazy asians"

Today was a wonderful day

2009-05-30T07:03:00.002+08:00

Last night I got back from work at about 10.30pm and decided not to sleep since I was gonna head out again at 3am. Its one of the Baha'i Holy Days that we commemorate the Ascension of the prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah at 4am in the morning. Some of the Baha'is in the north east gather at the St. Mary's lighthouse by the shore to say prayers. It was such a beautiful sight and feeling to be there just before the sunrise and to be with friends on a holy day.

The weather was just nice, a little cold which is expected at dawn but after the prayers I felt this warmth come over me that made me feel even more spiritual. I'm sure everyone there felt that as well. It was definitely an experience for me and if I am still here next year, I would not want to miss it! After the prayers, we went towards the shore and past the light house just before the sun was about to come up the horizon. Stayed on the rocks for awhile and snapped away on my camera. It was such a beautiful sight and was just taken back by little things that we don't normally get to see. The sun came up quick, one moment we could see the sun peeking out of the horizon and the moment you turn away and look back again its half way there! First sunrise to see in the UK!

After I got back from Whitley Bay, slept for about 5-6 hours and woke up and ready to eat. So went with Kingsley and Lenz to this cafe nearby to have our brunch. Amazing food that lead us to be walking giants. I felt I was 10 kilos heavier after that. No kidding!

The weather was amazingly nice (its been a spell whereby everytime i have my day off its been gloomy and wet)! So the 3 of us went to the park nearby and walked around. Kingsley with his camera and snapping away, while Lenz and I just enjoyed the flowers in the park. It is a very nice park and it has given me the motivation to “probably” go there tomorrow! The walk was really good and made me really appreciate nature (I guess today is all about nature’s beauty). We spent about a good hour and a half walking before heading back home.

Didn’t stay long at home as I had a study circle to go to. Met couple of new faces and was happy to have study circles with new people because it always enlightens you with insights from different people. We were discussing about being truthful and it came to a discussion about how sometimes we do things without being conscious of what we are doing, and doing things out of habit, which I know I do all the time. I think this whole discussion thing started with telling the truth and that sometimes we say things out of habit and somehow it got lead to that. Anyhow, it definitely made me aware that whatever we do, we have to do it in a state of mind where you are aware of what you are doing. It makes you live for the moment and makes you aware of what is going around you. This thought came up to mind as we were discussing, everytime when I lock the car door (or any door in the matter of fact), I usually do it out of habit and because I am not doing it consciously by the time I walk away, I almost instantly go “did I lock the doors?”. I feel its because it is such a habit to lock your doors that you zone out and don’t even think about it when you are doing it. I know its something simple but I know that somehow it affects your day to day life. So lesson today would be : Live every second with a conscious mind (might sound a little cliche to some), try not to zone out!

So that is how I spend my day and I am HAPPY…

New Look

2009-05-26T23:53:00.004+08:00

Can't really believe that I've had this blog for almost 5 years now. Never expected this thing to last so long! From being in college, to a new country and university and now with a job, this blog has definitely been through some interesting changes in my life. So, i guess its time for a "new look"

I have had the same blogskin since the day I started and was too scared to change it due to the fact that I've heard some people doing some changes and their whole archives goes missing! Even this change suffered a few hesitations :P

Anyway, I'm still not really satisfied with this so please do give any comments about it and I shall fix it somehow!!

Happy Mother’s Day

2009-05-11T08:08:00.001+08:00

Dearest Mummy,

I miss you tonnes and wish you were in Newcastle here everyday and so that i can just be the talkative daughter!!

Can’t believe that its coming to a year since you were here in July! Time flies right?

Anyway, just wanted to tell you that you are the best mom a daughter can have and I appreciate all you have done for me! Without you, there wouldn’t be me! and I’m proud to be your daughter!

Love you Ma!

May

Am I Me? or Am I Me?

2009-05-09T07:35:00.001+08:00

After reading a couple blogs here and there, I admire how open some people can be with their feelings. I know sometimes (almost always) I can be really reserved to how my feelings are, and I know that sometimes, no matter how pissed or annoyed I am about something, I put on a happy face just to make people happy. Even when people sense that I am feeling real down, I’ll just go “nothing, nothing…I’m fine”

Venting out on people is not what I’m used to. Even writing about this is difficult. I remember a few of my closest friends say I’m very diplomatic, always saying the right things. You know when sometimes you feel like saying “ Get the hell out of my face” but you just smile and go “ its alright”. I know I’ve done that too times. I feel that it is slowly wearing me out. (If you guys are worried about me….don’t, cause nothing bad has happened) I have probably molded myself to how people think I should be.

I just feel I need to let go, cause I think it helps people to grow. Caring about what people might think of you makes you very paranoid. I know I am a person who thinks too much and sometimes worry too much about how people think of me! I really think about I suffer from paranoia. Always thinking about what would people think of me if I were to do this and that. I feel I’m always scared that someone hates me and sometimes feel that even the closest friends have hidden agendas. Call me crazy, sometimes I feel that I am and should be locked up in a cell (unless it is normal to feel that way).

I know I need to care less, although not to the point of being ignorant. Need to be in touch with my feelings (doesn’t it sound cliche?). Need to know me for me and not what others think of me. I have met a couple of people who have found their life's rhythm (without worrying about what people would say) and jive to and through it. I think it’s time to find mine……

and if you don’t like it, its not my problem.

Life as it is…

2009-05-06T02:15:00.001+08:00

Time has definitely flown by since my last post and I didn’t even realise that my last post was in March and it wasn’t really considered a post (probably more of an advert for my brother).

These past months have mostly been about work. Maybe a couple of birthdays, little hang outs here and there, but that’s about it. The work I do involves me doing graveyard shifts and times that are so uncertain that it doesn’t really allow me to plan things in advanced. That is one think I don’t like about my job (but I’m still grateful). My sleeping pattern is all upside down and I can feel that it is tiring my body out. I tend to wanna laze more and more just because I wake up at odd hours like 5 in the evening. I doubt I can take this forever, if I tried, I’d probably die in the process. I really wonder how my workmates can do this for 3-4 years!

Work has made me appreciate my days off, even though i have nothing to do, lazing around in the room watching a movie, cleaning my room, doing laundry just calms me now… And if the weather is nice, sitting in a nearby cafe with the sun shining just comforts me.

However, the thought of going back to work again just kills it somehow. I know that’s life but but but…( I know I’m not the only complaining about going back to work after the end of a weekend).

My next days off will be Thursday and Friday. These are the days that I crave for after doing 7 shifts in a row before getting 2 days of rest! I’m so impatient that I strike them off my timetable so that the days will seem nearer. Sounds like a child striking off the calendar counting the days to school holidays. Well, I guess that is how I feel about my days off!!

2 days till my days off!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait….

Cleo’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors – No. 36

2009-03-30T06:38:00.001+08:00

My very own brother is on it and all i can say that I am proud of him! So those who can or willing to support/vote my brother, please do! Too bad I can’t vote from the UK!

Looking good, bro! Good Luck!

Happy Naw Ruz!!!

2009-03-20T08:19:00.002+08:00

Its SPRING and its the time of year again where Baha’is celebrate their new year (however, its not only the Baha’is celebrate this festivity)! I can’t believe the fasting month is over and it has definitely flown by. I’ve been fasting for the past 19 days and I’m glad that its now time for celebration!

Here is to wish all you, family and friends……

HAPPY NAW RUZ!!!

Praised be Thou, O my God, that Thou hast ordained Naw-Ruz as a festival unto those who have observed the fast for love of Thee and abstained from all that is abhorrent unto Thee. Grant, O my Lord, that the fire of Thy love and the heat produced by the fast enjoined by Thee may inflame them in Thy Cause, and make them to be occupied with Thy praise and with remembrance of Thee.

(Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

Prayers NEEDED

2009-02-19T11:16:00.001+08:00

Some of you may know that I am a Baha’i. Baha'i is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all the races and the peoples of the world. There are about 5-6 million Baha’is all over the world and some of them right now do not have the freedom to practise as Baha’is. In Iran, Bahai’s are banned and have been persecuted for many years and many of them die just because they are Baha’is. Currently, there are a few Iranian Baha’is who are held in prison, just because they are believers of the Baha’i Faith. The Iranian government are holding them in custody accusing them of being spies for the Israel government, even though these Baha’is are just regular citizens to a country like you and me.

There are many articles in the media these couple of days about this persecution because there are 7 Baha’is in Iran that will be at trial next week. Major news network like BBC and CNN has spoken about it, bringing on awareness to the world about the condition.

Riann Wilson (who most of you may know him as Dwight from the sitcom “The office) has written a little something too on CNN ---> click here

So, next week their fate will be decided. I humbly ask a favour from you guys to pray for tolerance from the Iranian government and that their life will be spared. Let is all pray that this injustice will be over and understanding and tolerance will prevail.

O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence.

O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties, and all are submerged in the Ocean of Thy Mercy.

O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.

O God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind.

O God! Establish the Most Great Peace.

Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together.

O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence.

Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Neglect

2009-02-19T10:36:00.001+08:00

I’ve neglected this blog for almost a month now. Wanted to blog a couple of times but just felt lazy.

Chinese New Year was fun this year compared to the last, which is good since it ushers in the year of the OX which is my year. I’m so glad that this year my year ( and all the OX people around), so I pray that everything will go well this year. and so far its been good.

Good, why? because finally I’ve got a job. It’s not my dream job or something that I was aiming for (I’m not going to mention it here what I am working as or who for, for now), but it is definitely a blessing and it was something that came at the right time. A time when cash is running low and a time when I was in a midst of thinking about whether or not I should stay back in the UK or head home for Malaysia. It was definitely a sign for me to stay on for now. I know this job will not take me far and I don’t see myself doing this forever, but for now I’m grateful that I got it and should not complain. I guess my new year’s resolution is done and I guess i can list new ones! hahahaha

I do really hope that this year will be good to you guys as well! Then everyone will agree that Ox rule…but then again the OX year reminded me that I’ll be 24 years old this year!!!! OMG OMG OMG. I seriously cannot believe that I’ll be 24 and I am sure that many people would agree with me! At this age, my mom and my sister got married. Would I be able to make such big commitments in life? SCARY don’t you think so?

Anyway…I’ll leave you guys with photos of happenings around this time pictures that I have been wanting to put on but have been procrastinating.

The above pictures were taken a few days before CNY as Stella wanted to send some photos home for CNY.

Bottom we have a little dinner we had for Wenying before she left back to Malaysia. There were photos of the day she left at the airport, but i dont wanna put them up cuz its just pictures of us CRYING our eyes out….so not attractive at all!

Now, pictures of CNY reunion dinner ( maybe not really reunion since we see each other practically everyday)

I guess that’s it for photos now……so many photos……if i were to develop them all ……i’ll have one album full for every gathering we have! maybe even 2 or 3!

Jia Wen Darling

2009-01-23T11:48:00.001+08:00

One of the person that I miss most in Malaysia is my niece Jia Wen and today is her 5th birthday!

I miss playing with her so much and just spending time with her!

Jia Wen,

Ee misses you very much and I hope that you’ll have fun this Chinese new year. Dancing Ah ma and Guitar Gong Gong is there too, so enjoy okay? You have grown so much since I came here and prettier every minute!LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

This is me playing blocks with her! Missing those times!!!

New Year Resolutions..

2009-01-13T20:28:00.001+08:00

I know this is the second week of the New years and i know its a little late for resolutions. Maybe i should say that i have given mine a lot of thought!

Last years was to graduate and find a job after graduation.

Half of that was accomplished and the other one needs to be brought forward to this year.

My feelings towards graduating was awkward one. I definitely was happy that i was able to graduate, but other feelings also couldn’t be ignored. Feelings of being scared and uncertain was there, because I was scared that i was already at the end of my studies and should be now prepared to face the world of career (i know there is always a path of studies again, but not right now) and the uncertainty of how i was going to face it! Being a student all my life, and without much working (maybe none) in my life, I couldn’t imagine the working-life me. Kept thinking to myself what if I’m still to immature to go out and work? what if I suck at working and within the week i get fired just for being plain stupid? It really scared the shit out of me!

6 months have past since i graduated and slowly building the confidence to not worry too much of what I am going to fail at and try my best to just go for it and don’t be scared! i know that i will have the support and care from my family and friends to not let them down.

So, i guess the primary resolution for this year’s resolution:

1. GET A JOB!!!!!

There are definitely other resolutions like the usual loose weight, be a better person…but that is too common and something that is secondary to what is on the top of the list.

So, family and friends, do pray that I’ll get a job soon and that the UK’s declining economy will not deter me from having a positive attitude towards getting a job!

MUCH LOVE!! XOXO

What’s in store for 2009?

2009-01-10T03:05:00.001+08:00

It’s been a couple of days since I am came back from London and have been trying to settle down with all the hoo-ha of the christmas and new year celebration. I guess I will just start of with some photos what happened the week before we ushered in the new year. There was the Christmas’ eve party, then came Stella’s birthday and then New year’s eve party. Everything happened so fast that only photos allowed us to sit and cherish every moment that happened!

That’s like 10% of the photos of the X’mas eve dinner and it definitely was a fun party! We were lucky enough to have 2 santas present at our party and they were definitely 2 jolly santas that manage to entertain all of us! and as always, our parties then to have post-party thing with all the leftovers on Xmas day where we had food and a round of the game Mafia, which have been the “in” thing whenever we get together!

Next came Stella’s birthday. It was a rush party since we were already planning for the Christmas party but everything went on well!

Since Stella missed home and Malaysia so much, we themed the party around being Malaysian, a few of us dressed in baju kurung and we even had our very own Mat Rempit, all decked-out with a helmet too! Hokkien char was the main dish and that definitely made it all the more Malaysian. It was so much fun and we didn’t even miss out a few rounds of Mafia. We also played a different version of chinese whispers and it was hilarious ( look at what wenying and stella trying to do there at the last couple photos). It was also an emotional party when Stella cried after we made a scrap book of photos from her family wishing her Happy Birthday. With all that emotion, the party was definitely worth it!

The next day was already New year’s eve and we headed over to Shean’s place for a small party. The usual crowd with amazing music made it so much fun and funny. After looking back at the photos, it was truly a memorable one and a great way to usher in the year of the Ox (which is my year)

We even had the special appearance of Miss Christine and it was sooo funny. playing with the wigs were hilarious. and i must say i think i kinda look good in the afro! Songs from the 90s and before were played to bring back memories and to sing-a-long and dance to! It was so much fun that the party ended only at 5am with a couple of very drunk people. They were funny and funnier when we told them what happened the next day with no such memory of things happening!

Amazing week it was and on the 2nd, I was on my way to London, which will be in another post i suppose being that this post is already super-duper LONG!!! Hope you guys enjoyed the photos as much as I do……funny funny!!

Hugs and Happy New Year! May this year be everything you hope it to be! God Bless and much love!!

Merry Christmas and a Terrific New Year

2008-12-24T21:18:00.001+08:00

Wishing all my family, friends and readers a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic new year ahead!

I personally do not really celebrate Christmas but I’ll just go with the flow and take the opportunity to spend time with friends and family (family ain’t here so friends will have to do). May the spirit of Christmas makes bonds of friendship closer and may it bring the excitement of the new year for everyone!

Hugs, Kisses and tonnes of love from me to all of you!!!

SELAMAT HARI NATAL

SELAMAT TAHUN BARU!

Happy Birthday to my Nephew

2008-12-12T09:38:00.001+08:00

Jia Xiang turns 2 today!!!!!

Ee just wants to wish you Happy Birthday (although you’re a little too young to read this on the internet)

Have fun and Ee loves you very much and misses cuddling and kisses you very much!!!

XOXO

Photo Slide Show of my Birthday

2008-12-02T01:57:00.001+08:00

Enjoy!!!!! (p/s: you can fast-forward or slow it down if you want by clicking the + or the – button on the slide show)

My 23rd Birthday

2008-12-02T01:46:00.001+08:00

My birthday day started with lunch with Wenying, Eeling and her friend at Wokmania, a chinese buffet restaurant. With a 2-for-1 voucher, it was worth the money. Spent about 2 hours stuffing myself with food was torturing yet satisfying. We sat till we couldn’t fit anything else in the tummy and went to walk around town amazed by the Christmas decorations. There was something like a around-Europe fair with stalls from around Europe selling things like their food and souvenirs. We walked around it a couple of days ago and wanted to go see it again, but since we were too full and that nothing was appetising anymore, we started to walk home. It was a good exercise walking home. Town to home takes about a 30 minutes walk and in the cold, the guilt of eating so much started to fade away.

I didn’t go home immediately and walked around Morrison’s and Wilkinson’s ending up buying a couple household things. Wenying kept pestering me to accompany her although all I wanted to do was to go home, because the night before, I didn’t sleep well. Wenying was quite persistent on me not going home, which made me curious and suspect that there was something fishy.

So, hung out at her place until I was a little restless and begged her to go home. At this time, I was already so sleepy that I didn’t care anymore. The moment I reached the front door to my house, she said that I couldn’t go in…which blew her cover! Sorry guys!!!

Unlocked the doors and saw a bunch of people busy preparing the party. I’m really sorry for ruining the surprise but nevertheless I was touched by all the effort put into it!!

To cut the long long story short (about me going to stella’s place and stuff like that), I was in my room the whole time they were getting things ready. With the help of the Caramel Macchiato that Chee Cheong brought kept me awake until it was time to go down for the party.

If I were to go on with the details of the party, this post will be toooo long and therefore to sum up the party, It was filled with good food and greater friends. I don’t normally celebrate my birthday so it can be said that this party is the best yet! Thank you guys for the amazing party and I am grateful. Thanks to each and everyone of you for my new handphone and it is what I have been thinking of getting myself, but never got round to it.

I shall let the photos of the party do the talking. If you have Facebook, you would have already seen it or if you haven’t, go to my profile and enjoy them as much as I do. There are many funny shots and without the friends, it wouldn’t have been possible!

Thank you everyone for the wishes on Facebook, birthday cards, phone calls, text messages and every other means you guys have wished me, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You have definitely made my day a forgetful one.

There are more photos uploaded on Facebook, if you would want the link, I’ll give them to you and I will put up a slide show on the blog for more pictures. If pictures is worth a thousand words, then I am sure that I have more than 500 thousand words to say about my birthday. *Faints*

This song has been playing the whole night!

2008-11-20T22:51:00.002+08:00

Armed by Devon Gundry produced by Justin Baldoni

Touching song by Devon Gundry…really touching to me, makes the hair behind my back stand! Listen and tell me what you feel?

Happy Birthday my Brother!

2008-11-20T22:41:00.001+08:00

This goes out to my brother DJ Victor G, or more affectionately known at home as Meng Thek!

Have fun and party hard. I know you always do and all the best in life! Love you always and take care! Miss you my big brother! It’s cool having a brother like you! hugs and kisses!

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY!!!!

This weekend

2008-11-17T00:25:00.001+08:00

The weekend started with a wedding on Friday night. It was a Baha'i wedding of Michael and Lindsay. It was a very simple yet memorable and beautiful wedding.

Both the bride and groom looked their best and was surrounded with friends and family. I guess that's the most important part of a wedding, being around friends and family for your special day!

all dolled up and ready :P

Signing the Baha'i marriage certificate & dancing together as husband and wife

Dancing with their respective parent..so sweet

the order of ceremony and the couple cutting the cake

Milly, my partner-in-crime for the night!

Then came Saturday, went to Durham for Durham community's celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. There was quite a number of people and the program was nice. Started off with a couple of stories about Baha'u'llah and then prayers by Baha'u'llah which surrounded the theme of Unity. Lovely!

After the wonderful program, came food....yummy persian food!! Haven't had them in a while and all I can say is yummylicious... Since Baha'u'llah's teaching is about Unity, I can say for sure that food can bring people together!!:P

Entertainment after food was definitely refreshing. Had songs sung by Will Finn, a very talented guy who sang on the piano. A friend's dad, Nick also sang a couple of songs on the guitar. These people really make me regret not continuing my piano or even taking up a new instrument to play.

Will on singing and playing the piano to entertain everyone!

Nick playing songs on the guitar.

Too bad I didn't manage to take more photos of that evening. I need to remember to remind myself that I have a camera and not take out at the very last minute and miss out everything else that may be more important!

It was indeed a nice celebration and I was glad that I went!

So, today is Sunday and rest day for me (sore throat developing). This weekend has been filled with friends and laughter and so much fun!

Hope you guys had a fun weekend too!!!

Sorry....

2008-11-16T23:50:00.001+08:00

....for not blogging in almost a month!! Everyone has been bugging me why haven't I been blogging!

Before I forget to mention, I am no more staying in the house which I was staying for the pass 4 months (ie the one with so many shoes and shampoos). I have now moved to another house with some friends and have a room on my own. A friend decided to move back to Malaysia and I took over her room so that she doesn't have to find another replacement for the room. Since the house is also occupied with a bunch of my friends, they would rather have another friend move in than a stranger. So everything worked out fine!

Even though I've been staying here about 3 weeks now, I spend most of my time in my old place. I feel so at home in that house, which I know that I should make this new place feel like that too. I have put on a few photos on the wall to make my room a little homey as the walls were too white and boring.

My room

My Bed with the blanket made by my mom and my workstation

View from my room

My wardrobe and the chest of drawers (ps: I LOVE MY MIRRORS)

So that's my room!!

What happens when a few girls stay under one roof..

2008-10-18T23:13:00.001+08:00

The amount of personal cleaning stuff we have, the amount of shoes we have....

Doesn't it look like that we have 10 girls staying in this house?

:) girls will always be girls!

Photos from Whitley Bay

2008-10-18T22:49:00.001+08:00

Visa Approved

2008-10-18T22:23:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, the postman came bearing something that I have been waiting for 7 weeks.

My Post-study work permit arrived yesterday and now I am legally allowed to stay in the UK for an extra 2 years! 2 years with the permission to work too! Isn't that great??

Now, all I need now is a JOB to support me!!! Can't stay here without making any money right???

So, wish me luck people! I really need it now!!!!! No money, no FOOD. When there is No food, I will be too weak to give you warm cuddly hugs!!!!!!

Cheers people!

Weirdest Dream

2008-10-18T19:33:00.001+08:00

This dream I had last night was the weirdest dream. Usually dreams seem to be very vague the moment I wake up, but this one was so weird that certain parts was so clear that it kind of made the hair down my spine stand.

I can't remember how it all started, but I remembered this part where it was another world war or some war that involved everybody. However instead of killing, we were all gathered to this big field. Once at the big field, everyone was given umbrellas. However, the umbrellas that were given out were of different designs. Some had sports pictures on them, some had ducks on them, and some had other designs on them, which I can't remember.

Once everyone had their umbrellas, there was this huge gust of wind that blew everyone up into the sky. This is when everything gets a little interesting. The umbrella with different designs were actually your destiny. Like if it was a picture of a sport, it would actually mean that the place that you were going to, you'll be a sports person. Like if you had a duck on your umbrella, it doesn't mean that you'll be a duck but more of you'll be able to swim but not able to keep your breath under the water (like a duck).

I don't think I was dreaming of me particularly but it was like an outer body experience, but looking down at people that was not me. I felt like it was my parents but the people didn't look like I knew them.

Don't you think its weird? I know this whole image of the dream is like a jigsaw, so I might edit this post when I can recall maybe different parts of the dream......all I know that it is really creepy...Is it talking about the afterlife?

What design would you want on your Umbrella?

Are you going gaga over handbags as I am?

2008-10-10T06:17:00.001+08:00

There is this website that is going to be launched on the 15th of October and on that day, the are giving away 24 free handbags, 1 for each hour.

Since it is free, why not just summit your name and email, then if you win, then you'll have one more handbag to flaunt!

Click Here-----> Handbag Planet

Give it a click!

Technorati Tags: Random

The temperature dropping!

2008-10-07T03:43:00.001+08:00

These past few days, the temperature has been dropping quite drastically. It is only autumn and the lowest it has gone was 3 degrees celcuis. I remember this time last year, I was still able to go out with a thin cardigan but this year, my scarves and thick coats are already out!

I really pity new students who are coming from places like Malaysia to have such a horrible fall. Not allowing them to adjust to the weather. Since it is already so cold now, I really wonder what will it be like during winter...*shivers*

With such drastic weather, everyone is falling sick. It being so cold and not drinking enough water makes the body dehydrated. Everyone is complaining sore throat or a cold. Like me, I think I'm slowly going down the same path as them. So I need to drink loads of water and also I need to boost my Vitamin C intake.

Anyway, to those who are sick, get well soon. To those getting sick, drink loads of water and stay warm. To those who have no problems, have fun!!

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Janushree!!

2008-10-04T21:26:00.003+08:00

Here to wish you Happy Birthday! and Congratulations to graduating! Hope you had a great birthday! Hugs and kisses and cheers to many more years of friendships with you!!!

Love ya!

Happy Birthday Di!! (belated post: 23rd of September)

2008-09-25T07:22:00.006+08:00

Happy Birthday Hsei Di!

remember this? makeup session with my sister!!

Now, you're 20! I can't believe it! I've known you since I was 8 and you were only 5! This means that I've known you for 15 years now! Amazing aint it? From climbing trees, playing masak-masak, to crying over boys and now in different parts of the world. I haven't seen you in sooooo long and really miss our countless sleepovers!! I think when we meet up again...we need at least 2 weeks of continuous sleepovers to catch up on all the miss-outs we've been missing on each other!

Love ya and and tonnes of hugs and kisses!

Whitley Bay

2008-09-21T10:19:00.005+08:00

Hello, Its Me

Today, a bunch of us went to the beach for some photo taking since a friend of mine just got an SLR camera and wanted to practice.

It was a fun day and the weather was great, comparing it to the days before when it was really sucky...

The whole place was so peaceful yet lively. Watching families together playing on the beach made me miss home and my family. Seeing couples strolling the beach together made me wish i had someone to cuddle. Tourist going around with their back-packs makes you wanna go somewhere. Most importantly, being with friends at that moment just makes you feel friends are important too, and should never take for granted of the bond shared. Definitely stirred loads of emotions!

We walked so much that now even sitting on the sofa blogging, i feel that i'm still walking! Its been a while since i last walked sooo much! its crazy!! but i guess all that walking burnt off all the Fish and Chips I had for lunch.

The famous lighthouse at Whitley Bay

Anyway, will post more pictures once i get them from my friends...

Hugs people and have a good Sunday!

Enjoying the MUSIC!

2008-09-17T21:15:00.003+08:00

Since I am Jobless and on the internet like most of my day, you guys must be wondering what I do on the internet. Besides chatting, surfing the net, Facebook (i'm sure everyone agrees that i spend most of my time on facebook), I also go on Youtube. I have been going around Youtube listening to unsigned singers. And so far I've found a few people that have been my daily dose of life.

I might be doing a little advertising here for these people, but I believe they deserve it. It is pure talent and the music industry really need all these people....I guess that is my opinion. Listen to them and maybe you'll be an addict to their music like I am.

AJ Rafael
Robert Gillies
Cathy Nguyen
Randolph Permejo
Albert Posis

Well, if you are too lazy to click on the link above, I'll just give you one song from a duet by Cathy Nguyen and Randolph Permejo, called "My Everything"

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!!

2008-09-13T08:43:00.002+08:00

Wishing all of you a very happy mid-autumn festival.

Laterns and mooncakes should be everywhere by now in Malaysia...

At least I've eaten some mooncake already!

Enjoy the weekend!

Life oh Life...

2008-09-13T07:24:00.006+08:00

I know I haven't done any blog post about me recently accept all the travel blogs so i guess i better start saying something before my readers start asking about me (ie, my dad, mom and my sister (they are my main readers))

I haven't started working yet and it really sucks...money keeps on going out withour coming in is just sucky and i really can't do much about it since my student visa is running out. I've already applied for my post-study work permit and hopefully that would be approved and i'll be able to stay on for another 2 years. When I get the visa it would be easier to get jobs because people would prefer to employ you when you already have the permit to stay and they don't have to worry about employing an illegal immigrant or have to apply a work permit for you.

So far, job hunting is still ongoing and it can really be disappointing. Sometimes it is really frustrating when even a part time sales assistant job that you applied for is ust rejected. It makes you feel unwanted and wonder what is wrong with you. Sigh Sigh....I REALLY NEED A JOB!!!!!!

Being jobless makes you really lazy. On top of that, the weather these past few days has been horrible and makes you even more lazy! it rains and rains and rains. Last weekend, it rained for 2 days straight without even stopping and it just made you wanna stay at home and DO NOTHING!!! It is realy and i really hope that the weather improves. I know it will become colder but if it doesn't rain I won't mind. But knowing the weather in the UK...rain is part of the country....without it, it woulnd't be UK right?

The house that i'm currently staying in is my friends place, and i have been bumming here for 2 months plus and will stay here for another month before moving to another more permanent place. At least i've signed a contract for it. It is just a 5 minute walk from this place and it is also with friends. It doesn't really make any different...

Anyway, about this home we are staying now, it is really cold and the house insulation is not good at all. Sometimes, it is colder being in the house than being outside. I really wonder why? SOmetimes even turning on the heater does not do the trick! The only way to keep warm is to shower under the hot water and coming out and covering yourself head to toe under the duvet! I wonder how it would feel during the winter!

Anyway...nothing much has happened to me other than bumming around, I know my dad and mom would go " haiyo..spend money not earning money"....hehehe..

About my mom and dad, They are celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary today!!! But as far as i know, they are not together at the moment, My mom is in Singapore and my dad is back in Labuan (due to his work). They are my parents and I love them to bits! Thank you to the both of you, being the parents that I love so much and all the support that you have given me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to come abroad to study and hopefully I'll make you proud by getting a decent job earning decent money! I miss you both dearly and really hope to see you guys soon. I am glad that i was able to see you guys in July but you know that that 2 weeks was definitely not enough to catch up on one whole year of my life here in the UK!!

From the bottom of my heart, I LOVE YOU BOTH!!

most recent photo of my parents

Lake District

2008-08-26T19:36:00.002+08:00

I know that I went to the Lake District before my Europe tour but i totally forgot to blog about it until recently, i had to make a mental note "to blog about Lake District"!!

So yeah, the next day after my parents arrived from Malaysia, we headed off to my cousin's place in Preston. Since she was only about 1 1/2 hours away from Lake District, it was convenient to drop over her place. So we took the bus to Preston from London and arrived there almost 10 and stayed over her place.

The next day, we went up to Lake District. The view there was wonderful and I really enjoyed the scenery. However, the weather was not the best. It kept on raining and stopping and raining again. Pictures taken were not that beautiful compared to if there was beautiful sun!

The lakes and hills were so beautiful, makes you wanna build a small little cottage up there and wake up every morning to the magnificient view!

We spent the whole afternoon there, driving pass hills and lakes and stopping for lunch/dinner. This area is huge and having only a day there sure wasn't enough. I hope to go back and see more of the area!!

Got home almost around 9 and everyone was already exhausted. Since the next day we were going to drive up to Newcastle for my graduation, we headed to bed early for an early start in the morning

Day 6-8 Paris

2008-08-21T20:19:00.000+08:00

Day 6-8 of the European Sampler

2008-08-21T19:12:00.003+08:00

Left Switzerland early in the morning for Paris and it was definitely a VERY LOOONG drive at it was already evening when we arrived there in Paris. Stayed in this hotel called the Kyraid Hotel which was a tiny hotel compared to the one in Amsterdam (it was true what the tour guide had said about the rooms becoming smaller as we went on with our tour). However, the hotel was located in a place which was very convenient. The metro stations were just 5 minutes walk away and they had tonnes of Cafe's and Restaurants there.

Got ready for dinner had chinese there, since my aunt couldn't stand the western food anymore. So had chinese and after that we went off to see the Eiffel Tower in the night. This was not part of the tour and it was all on our own. Took the train map and figure how to get there. Thankfully the metro system was easy. So managed to find Eiffel Tower and took pictures. By the time we got there, lights were alright out and it was really amazing. I never thought that this day would come, me being in Paris because since young, you always see thousands and thousands of pictures of it but never saw yourself being there. But I guess this was it. There were sooo many people there and the queue was incredibly long. My parents didnt see the need to queue and go up so we took the pics all around it, trying to get the best angle.

After photo taking, it was already around 10.30, so we said that we better head back before it really gets dark. So we took the train back to the hotel and called it a night.

The next day, we had a city tour. Went to Notre Dame first. The tour guide said that the buildings in Paris were just cleaned so Notre Dame was really relatively white looking compared to the usual greyish dirty looking. If you've watched Hunchback of Notre Dame, this is where the story was pictured. It is still a church that people go to and the architecture in it makes you feel so spiritual the moment you step in it. I know I've been to churches back in Malaysia but this one just makes your hair down your spine raise up in awe.

After all the snap snap of pictures, we hit the road again for some more siteseeing. Pass the city town and the famous Arc de Triomph. and we reached this place to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower. Managed to take some fun pictures there (if you have my facebook, you'll see all the jumping photos), and some family pictures too. I wish my whole family was there to have a picture taken!!!

After that, we were on our own. The bus dropped us somewhere near the The Lourve and we were on our own for the rest of the day. So walked around The Lourve, didnt go in because mom and dad were not that interested to go in and the group of friends that were with us were also not interested. So we just took pictures of the famous pyramid that is there and left for Sacre Ceour, another church. This church was on a hill and the view that we were able to see was fantastic.... It was pretty packed and people were not exactly in the church but around the church just chilling!

After the church, we split with the group of friends and we went on our own. Mom wanted to find this market where they had all the painters and artist. So we went in search high and low, and finally when we found out where it was, it was up on the hill on the otherside of the church. By this time, we had already come down from the hill. So imagine this, we went up this hill (quite high okay) to see the hill and then came down thinking that the market was not on this hill. Then we went up the hill again (this time on the other side) to find the market. This definitely tire my parents and my mom out, even i could my legs shaking already with the amount of steps that we had to climb. The artist there was really nice to see and watch too bad some of them put up notice that photos were not allow to be taken. I guess its all about copyright :P

After walking around the market, they were already tired and was thinking of going home. But told them that it would be a waste to go back to the hotel so early (it was only 4pm). So we said we would go to the Arc de Triomph to take some more pictures, since we only passed it and didn't manage to take any good pictures. Reach there and the amount of people there was crazy. I guess its the craziest site to see being that it is actually a roundabout. Another crazy part of this site or maybe the roundabout is that the people on the roundabout must give way to the people coming into the the roundabout. What madness is this? So means that there is constantly cars coming into the roundabout, and it is not like there is only 4 exits to this round about. i think it was more that 4 (maybe 5) and constantly giving into the people coming in is going to give the person on the roundabout a headache! I think I would be killed trying to cross that street!

We then walked down the town just to have a look. Found LV shop which was rediculously expensive yet still there were so many people in there. I personally never liked LV because of its LV being printed all OVER their items.... to just let you in how much things were, just imagine a keychain that has a small little LED on it cost 150 euros (thats about RM 650). We just went in to show my aunt how much things can cost and she got a shock and kinda hint that she wanted to leave the place. Walked around some more after that, into Toyota shop, some other car show. It was really nice. Paris is definitely a very nice place. Even when everyone goes on about how rude people there are, we were lucky enough that we didnt come across any! People that we ask directions for were nice and friendly, which definitely changed my view on them as being rude.

After the walk, we headed back to the hotel and had a very nice dinner and retired all early to bed. It was still so early (i think it was only 10.30pm) that i couldn't sleep since it was still bright outside so i just flicked through channels till i dozed off...

Morning came and it was time for us to head back to the UK. Some of the tour members were going to leave from Paris back to their respective homes so it was kinda sad that we were all going to part ways. Friendships were definitely made and with the power of Facebook, it would be easier to find each other. After breakfast, we headed to Calais again, go through passport check and back to Dover again. Reached London around 5 and everyone was hungry. Brought them to Kaisu (the place that i went with my friends) and it was good!! At last 2 ko enjoyed her food....:S

Anyway, that marks the end of the European Sampler. Sorry it took so long for me to update the last part of this tour. But there you go!!! Enjoy the pictures....

Daddy Dearest

2008-08-06T23:25:00.004+08:00

This is for my dad!

Thanks for being the Dad that you are. Love you tonnes!!!

Dad and I in Paris

Thank you for all the support you've given me all these years (not only financially but morally as well) and pushing me to do my best! And for that, I'm forever grateful!

HAPPY 57th BIRTHDAY!!!!

LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

Happy Birthday Nana Hong!

2008-08-01T04:54:00.003+08:00

we look super white in this pic!

Darling Nastassja!

Here to wish you Happy Birthday! Hope you had a great one and all the best in this journey of life. I'm soon to start it too....You are now the one with the experience!!

Take Care!!

Love YOU!!!!

Day 4-6 Lucerne

2008-07-31T00:40:00.001+08:00

Day 4-6 of the European Sampler

2008-07-30T21:26:00.002+08:00

We are now on our way to switzerland....sceneries changing...hills come to view!!

As we make our way to Lucerne, it becomes hilly and mountains are visible. Didn't see much as i was sleeping in the bus...very typical of me to be sleeping in a moving vehicle...I'm sure my sister can agree with me!

Arrived at the hotel just in time for dinner and a stroll around the area after that. Being the summer, the sun sets very late, so when its around 9+ the sun will only start setting. The hotel that we were staying overlooks Mount Pilatus and it was really beautiful.

The next day, we went to the Lion Monument, which was done to remember the Swiss soldiers that died during the French Revolution guarding Louis the-dunno-number-what, King of France. It was such as sad monument as the face of the Lion was so sad, it was already near death, looking all defeated.

After the monument, we were brought to this small town to look at some Swiss knives and watches. World famous right? yeah, but they are not cheap, especially the watches... the knives were still okay but the watches...hmmm....no money how to buy?

Finishing to what was suppose to be shopping, we went on a additional excursion on a river cruise, which allowed us to see all the beautiful sceneries. It was so beautiful that it made you wanna go " The hills are alive, with the sound of music, the songs they've sung for a thousand years"...seriously...no kidding!! I know i might not be in the correct country being that the movie was filmed in Austria, but I definitely had that feeling.

Going up Mount Titlis was next in the additional excursion. We were expecting that it was going to be cold (Switzerland immediately sounds cold to you, what more up in the mountian full of ice), equipped with our winter jackets, we went up the mount by cable car. We went on the cable car that was the world first rotating cable car. The floor of the cable car turns, which allows you to see 360 degrees of the mountain, which was good, because they squeeze as many people in the cable car as possible that you are not able to move so the cable car moving was the only thing that allowed you to see the whole view.

When at the top, it was warm!! the only thing that was cold was the snow/ice that was there. Still a lot of snow for snow fights and also snow man but who wants to do that when you have this amazing view right in front of you? You felt like you were on top of the world and it was so breath-taking. You really felt that you were on top of the world because you were so high that clouds were below you! The summer sun made it warm enough to sit out the bench to have lunch, which was so relaxing. Makes you wish that you had a house there for the summer, because I dont think that you'd wanna stay there during the winter (chills down my spine just thinking about the winter there).

Headed back into town again after that to do more shopping. Went around town and in the end managed to buy a Swatch watch, that was the only swiss watch that was affordable and Dad bought it for me! Thanks Dad...I've NEVER had a branded watch in my life (you all must go like, you're kidding right?), so I was really happy and I love my watch very much!!

This ended the day and everyone headed back to the hotel. Some headed to a folklore dinner to hear some yoddling but we stayed in and had an early night for we were heading to Paris in the morning!!!

Selamat Hari Jadi

2008-07-29T22:27:00.003+08:00

TO ERA NATASHA!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 23 YEARS YOUNG...DON'T WORRY..WE'RE STILL YOUNG!!!

HUGS AND KISSES..MISS YOU LOADS AND HAVE FUN ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

LOVE YA!

Day 3-4 Cologne

2008-07-25T18:46:00.001+08:00

Day 3-4 of the European Sampler

2008-07-25T18:13:00.004+08:00

The Journey to Cologne took about 4-5 hours and arrived at the hotel just in time for dinner. We were welcomed with a dinner buffet with German sausages! YUMMY!!

Our tour guide Joost suggested if anyone wanted to follow him into the town to go look at one of the largest Cathedrals, so most of us joined in. The moment we got into town and saw the cathedral, it was AMAZING! I have seen quite a number of cathedral but i tell you this one is just amazing. It took 600 years to complete and the amount of details you see on the structure just puts you in awe. Its a gothic structure known to the German's as Kölner Dom. It is the largest gothic catholic church in Northern Europe and it is huge. I wanted to take a picture of the whole structure but was not successful. Managed to get my camera to do some stitching work so might show you a part of the building.

Sadly when we got there (it was already around 8pm), it was already closed and we couldn't see the insides. I'm sure that the inside of the church must be as breathtaking as the outside. Walked around the area, which was next to the Rhine river and took somemore pictures. Started to leave the place around 10 and got home to the hotel to rest.

The next day, we set of to the Rhine river for our 2 hour cruise. It was beautiful. the scenery was just fantastic. vineyards, castles and monuments at the bank made the whole cruise very memorable. The amount of history that goes with everything made it all the more beautiful. It shows the age of the country and how it slowly develops to the country we know today. It also makes me wonder how young Malaysia is (dont you think so?).

After the cruise, we headed into Switzerland!! It was a long long drive but when we came into Switzerland, the mountains just blew you away!!!! Tell you more about it in my next post!! Enjoy the slide show (the one above)

Day 1-3 Amsterdam

2008-07-23T23:48:00.001+08:00

Day 1-3 of the European Sampler

2008-07-23T22:25:00.004+08:00

Left Thistle Euston Hotel (London) at about 9am to Dover (Kent), the port that connects UK to Paris. This journey took about 2 hours and the scenery through the country-side was very English. Dover port was very unique as it had cliffs around the port, which made it very beautiful. The ferry that we got on took us to the other side, Calais in France.

Met up with our tour guide from the Cosmos tour, Joost and the journey in Europe started. Our first destination was Amsterdam, which we had to go through France and also Belgium. It was a very scenic journey and we could see windmills, which made everyone excited about The Netherlands.

Arrived the hotel (the best of the tour) in the evening, and everyone crashed to bed to get ready for the whole day the next day. We were brought to the canal cruise the next day and the local tour guide (Suzanne), gave us a very informative commentary. Things about how the houses in Netherlands were tilted due to soft soil, and how the taxes were paid by how wide the house was, so the we saw the most narrow house, which was like a little wider than a meter. Dutch is not a very easy language to learn, all i can say is that if you are sick and have a lot of phlegm, go there and i'm sure you'll get rid of it soon.

After the cruise, we were brought to a Diamond shop, where they showed how they are polished and valued. How diamonds are valued by the 4 C's: carat, colour, clarity and cut. Its crazy how much a piece of tiny stone can cost a person... I guess guys must start saving from now if you wanna propose to your future wife in 20 years time. i better tell my nephew..

We were left in town for the rest of the day and we went to the book market, flower market and around town. walked and walked till we cant walk no more. Amsterdam is a place were prostitution and marijuana is legal, so there is this place called the red light district where you'll have sex shops everywhere, prostitutes calling for you (they pay taxes too) and people smoking pot everywhere. Free right???

The second day that we were there, we went to this village Zannse Schans. It is a typical old style village where we went to see how clogs (those wodden shoes) and cheese were made. we were also able to see working windmill in there. Windmills were used to grind wheat to flour and also control water. We were able to go in to the windmills and see how things work in there.. very impressive for something that was made a long time ago. After this small village, we went to another village called Volendam, a fishing village. The moment we arrived, our tour guide, showed us how to eat their delicacy, raw Herring (a type of fish). it is served whole (backbone removed) and garnished with onions. It is very salty (fisherman salt them to preserve them) but taste a litte like tuna, just a little raw. good experience, at least i've tried it!

After the walk around the fishing village, we made our way to Cologne, Germany....and that will be in another post, so for now, enjoy the pics from Amsterdam (slide show)

Summer Holiday

2008-07-23T22:09:00.002+08:00

Just got back from London yesterday and let me tell you, It has been real hectic.

I'm not complaining but its really tiring. My parents came over from Malaysia on the 7th of July and I went down to London a day earlier to get them. Spent a 2 nights there (one night for my parents) at my Aunt Tammy's place and headed up to Preston (Cousin Pearly's place) for 2 nights. We were able to go to the Lake District to snap some beautiful pictures! Althought the weather was lousy (rainy weather), the scenery was still beautiful.

After 2 nights in Preston, drove (rented a car) up to Newcastle and Sunderland for my graduation. The weather was still sucky for us to do any sight seeing. Only manage to go around Newcastle town and Sunderland's National Glass Museum. Graduation came and went and it was good. I'm proud of myself for being able to graduate. Finally, BSc (Hons) Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science Graduate!! Woot!!

We were still in a rush, which meant we left Newcastle the night of my graduation back down to London, so that we will have time in London before starting our tour. The weather in London cleared a little (wasn't as bad as the week before), so we went strawberry picking! It was fun picking strawberries that we didnt realise the amount of strawberries that we picked! i think we picked like GBP 12 pounds of strawberries, and on top of that, we picked blackberries, raspberries (which to me is like cough mixture), blackcurrent, plums and also french beans (which my 2 ko (aunt) was soo excited about -_-")

Next day (this was already on the 12th of July), started our tour from London. 7 days tour (which i think i will blog individually) to The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Met some really interesting people on the tour and hope to keep in touch with them. The wonders of facebook again! :P. The tour ended on the 19th back in London and we were all very very tired!

On the 20th, we went to watch Lion King the musical and all i can say that it was lovely. The moment it started, i cried..i was definitely overwhelmed! Enjoyed it really....highly recommended!!! SO i guess 1 musical down, tonnes more to go!

It has been a very tiring holiday, but it was fun hanging out with my parents and i miss them already! THanks Dad and Mom for this trip (my graduation gift) and oh ya, Thanks dad for the watch! me loving it!!!!

Anyway..i will blog again about the places i've been and seen... so do come back soon....

I'm Back

2008-07-23T07:27:00.001+08:00

Will update this blog soon..i've been away with my parents and just got back today.....Loads to show and tell!!!!!

Stay Tuned!