...Chasing Rainbows...

Ole Ole Bali!

2011-09-24T23:06:00.017+08:00

Narrow winding roads, crazy relaxed vibe topped with extremely friendly hospitable people. These were my 3 'take home messages' from my recent escapade in Bali, Indonesia. Another unforgettable observation in my personal opinion was the ubiquitous offerings we would stumble upon every step of the way. Indeed, a unique feature in their fascinating culture and tropical paradise.

I thoroughly enjoyed my very short stint of 4D3N on the beautiful island, and definitely hope to get back there in the near future. The weather was not to mention, fantastic. Cool breezes coupled with beautiful sunshine. The best combination ever! We were in Ubud for a night, where I got to enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, but not before I giggled myself to death in secret. Ubud boasts beautiful rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see. One of the main arteries through the area - Monkey Forest Road - has several hotels and quaint cafes dotting the entire stretch of road. Neighbouring towns specialise in different trades - silver, paintings or carvings. A nearby Pasar Ubud was a great place to score cheap Batik clothing and Balinese gems. Word of advice though: always slash prices by at least 50%!!

The next 2 days were spent in the infamous Kuta area where the vibe is totally different from Ubud. Quiet and serenity is replaced by severe traffic congestion, glitzy nightclubs and sandy beaches. Shopping is aplenty, and so is alcohol. We were fortunate to have a sweet driver who was willing to wait for us while we shopped, ate, drank and did everything possibly touristy. The cute guy even told us he felt nervous as he has never had an all girls travel group before! Temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu were also part of the itinerary. The only cringe worthy factor to me throughout this trip was the travelling time. Bali aint that big, however, their small roads and ridiculous traffic make travelling from one point to another extremely time consuming. Hence all in all I did not feel like I did much, as the time simply was not sufficient.

As we wanted to immerse ourselves as much as possible in the local way of eating, we told our driver to introduce us to places where the local actually dine. We were tired of hotel food or those restaurants simply packed to the brim with tourists. One interesting Warung we stumbled upon was actually one of the first in Kuta and recommended in the Lonely Planet Guidebook - Made's Warung. Food wise was mediocre though, but place was rather packed. After 2 days of Nasi Campur, we were pretty over it and head to McDonald's for dinner instead. Oh, what pampered children we are!

While having our meal one of the afternoons, a man approached us with a beautifully carved Harley Davidson motorcycle. It was perfect for any table top deco. However when his opening price was RM2, we were pretty shocked not stoked. We politely refused and he brought the price down to RM1! I was very taken aback and even felt abit sad - was he desperate to get rid of the thing or did he just need the money? Am still thinking of that till today.

Bali is effortlessly a tropical paradise. The small details like how petrol is sold in bottles along the streets, the many deities we see in front of every establishment and how the locals dress in sarongs going about their daily chores fascinates me even more.

I'm definitely coming back!

Rain, is good.

2011-08-21T11:38:00.004+08:00

This week raced by in a flash and before I can even blink, it's already SUNDAY, the start of another week!

Am sitting here all blurry in the wake of our trip to Malacca yesterday, counting the variety of food we had. Surprised myself how I could limit my quantity so I was able to sample a wider variety. Nice to feel touristy once in a while even though it's only 2 hours out of Kuala Lumpur.

The key topic of this post is my chance discovery of a cafe that just made my 'Favourite Cafes List' - which is not that long..... YET. The lingering afternoon rain made us wonder into this quaint little corner cafe/bar yearning for a nice uh..(insert warm drink name). Since it was already evening and the apt time for a happy hour drink, we opted for beer instead. Oh BEER! How I missed you. That's besides the ~~pint~~point :)

GEOGRAPHER CAFE , a nicely restored pre-war shophouse in the heart of the infamous Jonker Walk is a beautiful sight of East meets West. A good blend of both travellers and locals alike, coupled with the traditional architecture sums up a whole different experience! I particularly like how I can enjoy a nice drink in a casual and cosy environment while looking out onto the bustling activities on Jonker Walk. Almost felt like I wasn't in Malaysia. The interior of the cafe, from it's bright vibrant colours, to the red tiled floors gave it an almost Mediterranean feel. Observing the happy tourists gathering at the cafe instilled further in myself the desire to travel.

Will be back someday again to this lovely joint where all forget about our troubles and reality for a while and just get lost in the great sight and ambience!

Bit & Pieces

2011-08-15T22:41:00.002+08:00

Random conversation pieces from today:

'You're so unattractive when you're broke!'

'I have been pronouncing "children" as "chewren" my entire life!!'

Happy note: tomorrow is a "Friday"!! :D

Fingernails on a chalkboard

2011-08-14T21:56:00.002+08:00

I'm sure everyone has a pet peeve, the one thing you absolutely loathe and cannot stand. I have to admit, I have a LIST of pet peeves, which I jokingly made up with a friend of mine recently. Of course, I will not be sharing this list of pet peeves I dearly own - it's not nice to do so!

However, while out in the sickly crowded mall today, it dawned on me that I had 2 more items to add to my already very long list! *The Horror* Since sharing these 2 newly acquired 'friends' might actually bring some society togetherness, I figured it'll do more good than harm.

My 2 equivalents of 'fingernails on a chalkboard' as I call it:

1) Rushing into the lift before other people are able to get out.

2) Queuing for the toilet by standing in front of each cubicle when clearly there is a main line by first come first serve basis!

Now, I'm pretty confident the above 2 points are completely valid and people should learn basic courtesy, manners and some common sense. It's exhausting to tell each person one by one to queue up instead of walking right past the line as no one else would do it. That's another point as well - Malaysians should adopt the habit to speak up and not suffer in silence while holding their bladders?

Let's work towards better lift and restroom etiquette!

Pointless Nostalgia

2010-11-30T21:02:00.007+08:00

I'm feeling nostalgic again.

Probably due to Norah Jones' voice singing in the background. She used to be my companion during long hard hours slogging over math. Hated math and always will.

Anyways! Back to reality.
Had my Annual Dinner over the weekend. It was themed 'Masquerade Night' and here I enclose a stupid looking photo of myself donning a mask. The dress was really cheap, from Marry Merry and the mask was free from home. I spent a good half hour trying to glue on my falsies which turned out an epic fail. Never tried falsies and clever me didn't practise beforehand and ended up rushing like a mad fella.

Was aiming for the iPhone or iPad during the lucky draw but alas! came home empty handed. As always lah. Geeezzzzzzz I want the iPhone so badddddddd. Damn. And it's all freaking OOS across Malaysia. Ridiculous.

OK am off to bed. Work tomorrow. Looking forward to a long weekend :)) but definitely not looking forward to the year ending.

Toodles and nights!

Never Too Late

2010-07-08T19:42:00.003+08:00

It's been 1.5 years!

Well, hello again longgg dead blog. I've decided to revive you after such a long period of time cos...it's just fun! The last time I wrote in you was a very difficult and depressing time for me. We shall not dwell on it and let bygones be bygones!

So a little update on my current situation: I'm still very much with the company. Yes, the SAME company. All's well and good so far, though of course thoughts of changing have popped up here and there. Circumstances have convinced me to stay on for longer so we shall see how it all pans out in the future :)

I have also since bought a new car and traded my old (though very faithful) car in for this one. So it's now my baby which costs me a painful monthly commitment :P Good thing though.

Sooooooooooo! Im well and good. Loving everything around me at the moment (just lack a freaking iPhone). Was in KL yesterday and today for a training which my company sent me to. It was right in the heart of KL on Jalan Ampang, where all the embassies stand - Malaysian Institute of Management. The morning traffic towards KL surprised me on Day 1. I was all paranoid and geared up for the worst but surprisingly, traffic on the Federal was FINE. Wayyy fine. Even considered pretty damn smooth! THAT was a freaking relief. The nightmare came AFTER 5, when the training ended. Traffic was a gridlock, hardly moving even an inch a minute! Working in KL, NEVER an option. Unless, the pay is pretty :D

I overdosed on my coffee quota (which is 2 cups a day) on Day 1 of the training. Had 4 cups :o Just could NOT stay awake by 3 something. I was literally sleeping in front of the trainer. Not good. Anyway I tried to cut down today but having it in front of me (just in case) but not sipping too much from it. Success!! Managed to stick to my quota.

So bored, decided to take photo of my own name.

The only thing that stood out from the training was when he told us this:

'HK has the highest number of Rolls Royce cars in the world'

Great stuff.

Speaking of coffees, got me thinking about dairy. I'm beginning to convert to a fan of Full Cream Milk. Have always grabbed the Low Fat varieties off the shelf as well, you know, GIRLS. We all drink Low Fat Milk. Well one day I was just sneaking around in the kitchen looking for my cookies & milk when I gasped in horror upon looking inside the fridge - we're outta Low Fat Milk! However, there stood a brand new unopened beautiful box of Full Cream Milk. Being a milk monster and craving milk THERE and THEN, I said "what the heck!' and poured meself a glass. Also for old times sake la since I haven't exactly had Full Cream Milk in ages. The moment the white liquid hit my palate, the first thought was 'what have I been missing out all these years???' Geeeeeeeez! Full Cream Milk is AWESOME! It's sweet, it's rich, it's tasty! NOTHING like Low Fat Milk! To be honest, I haven't thought I would be able to tell the difference but I guess my palate has upgraded. So, it could be Full Cream Milk grazing my fridge soon.

I OVERSPENT AGAIN!!! Slap me please, somebody. I always try to save, save & save BUT in the end if I walk into a freaking store, all hell breaks loose. Esp Charles & Keith. Dammit, whenever I step foot into that place, I feel like a freaking kid in a candy store and the month's savings diminish instantly.

Crap.

Anyhoos...this blog is officially revived! Will try to write more often. Writing is good.

Toodles & G'nite

Get Me Out Of Here

2008-12-06T08:19:00.002+08:00

Lying here on this small, pink but ugly bed, I'm at wit's end. Never in my 21 years of life have I ever imagined myself to be confined here, needle through my right wrist 24 hours and waiting in agony for test results really is the cherry on top of a "fantastic" year.

Nothing Tuh Do!

2008-10-24T18:00:00.003+08:00

Since I am so free and waiting in the office (to go to...RED BOX!), I shall just try to revive this dead (TO DA MAX ) blog with some tinnie winnie updates.

The past couple of months has been a growing up process for me. Corporate meetings, handling clients and acting all adult has not been my cup of tea. However, one needs to start SOMEWHERE and learn. Sorry lar, I am so not up for the serious 'Corporate Business Talk' phase yet. But then, no choice!

The year is drawing to a close (thank goodness!) in 2 months time and I absolutely cannot wait! It's been a pretty difficult 2008 and I would love to welcome 2009 with brand new opportunities and surprises. 2008 is not all bad though. New friends, new way of life and new new financial independence (yum yum new clothes)

Alright, it's time for me to go so I shall just close off with a fairly recent picture of me at a colleague's birthday lunch.

Back!

2008-08-09T22:34:00.003+08:00

I can't believe how dead this blog has been. Blame it on work cos it sucks up most of my time. The funny thing is I usually go online at work instead of home since the internet at home is so freaking slow there isn't really a point! Efficiency at work not so high then hohoho.

Work has been great and financial independence is greater! I walk into shops and buy whatever I want and I eat whatever I want! Having the ability to buy my parents meals is awesome on its own, really. Oh more shoes and bags! Yay!

What I love this time of year is the mooncake festival. Oh my goodness the flavours they churn out are irresistable. I know, maybe I have been away from Malaysia these 2 years but Oreo Cappuccino? Tiramisu? Chocolate Walnut Brownies? There's even Raspberry Cheese! I have bought a couple and finished them all by my lonesome. Fat fat fat!

I definitely have to bring my camera out more often and take more pictures. My camwhore characteristics seem to have flown out the window. Hmm maybe can camwhore at work! Anyway, I went to Delicious AGAIN today. I love that restaurant la how? Too bad! We had smoked salmon sandwich and crab and mango salad. So addictive! I need to try new places out but I just can't!

On another note, I realllly really miss Melbourne. Never thought I would say this but I just cannot wait for my brother to graduate so I can go back there again hahaha! Russell Street, Lonsdale Street, La Trobe Street all still seem so fresh in my mind.

Anyways, I am still very much alive back in Malaysia. I should really try to update this dead town more often.

tata!

Hello There!

2008-06-15T12:57:00.000+08:00

I'm still alive!

*grins*

Inflammation Occasion

2008-05-19T22:10:00.003+08:00

So my temporo-mandibular joint(anatomy!!) is inflammed. Way to go!

Was at the doctor's last night and he asked if I:

Talk alot? Uh.....noooo? Right?

EAT alot? Uh.....not reallllyyyy....

Chew a lot of gum? Which reminds me I kinda haven't had gum in ages....

Ate anything hard lately? Haha! I am thinking senget....umm..apple only lehhh...

So ya la....I cannot open my mouth too big now. Sadness....
Perhaps I sang too much karaoke.

The Horror!

2008-05-04T23:57:00.002+08:00

There's only 1 sentence to sum up my past week:

I started out happy as a clam and ended up a zombie.

If that's what it really is, I'd rather not have any.

The Piece of Shit

2008-04-24T22:17:00.002+08:00

Rats. I absolutely loathe it when my iPod earphones break. Siennnnnzationzz man!!! How did the wire ever get shredded up like that? Like as if a rat in my handbag chewed up the rubber insulation.

And speaking of vermins, time watching the telly has been substantially disrupted by a certain flying IDIOT known as the mosquito. Their numbers are endless!!! Bottomless!!! Uncountable!!! Nowadays, the scene of me watching the telly is one of me holding on to the electric racket (you know, the one shaped like a tennis racket aimed at ERADICATING THAT BLOOD SUCKING PEST I SERIOUSLY VOW TO KILL WITH ALL MY HEART) and then not concentrating on the show but instead on my surroundings. Any flying object would be captured and electrocuted beyond recognition. Ahhhh...the satisfaction that follows. The smell is even that of BBQ crabs! Believe it or not! However, on a more serious note these mosquitoes could actually carry the Dengue virus so prevalent in the Selangor state now. So it's damn important to make sure there are no mosquito breeding grounds in homes.

Countdown to imprisonment.

Old School Charm

2008-04-19T23:26:00.002+08:00

There's no easier way to be transported back to my Secondary School days than listening to Jay Chou. Gosh!

My ever faithful Discman which I have till now in perfect working condition

Old Chang Kee(gleeee!!!)

KFC, McDonald's Breakfasts (which have touched Malaysian shores just in recent years)

4.30am mornings (which actually made me quite a pro in golf knowledge due to the lack of programmes to watch at the time)

My lack of commitment to choir

170/Causeway Link bus rides

Music Junction visits

My graph paper uniform (which I actually happen to miss and misplaced)

EZ Link Card! (did I get this right?)

Magazines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Spore mags are soooooooooooooo much better)

And..............................................

Canteen food. Yes. Canteen food.

I really need a haircut.

Baking Up Life

2008-04-13T23:23:00.003+08:00

Really need to stop listening to Coldplay. If not I'm going to sink to the depths of depression real soon. But again, I have reached a point where I cannot seem to find new songs to listen to anymore. No songs that seem to give a 'kick' or a 'boost'.

Needless to say my internet is so slow I really should not bother trying to download new songs though it is not utterly impossible. But then for the amount of time I wait, might as well go and buy $5 CDs.

OK. Right now someone is shouting or arguing at the top of his lungs in Tamil outside my apartment. I live 10 floors up and the guy seems to be on the ground floor and I can still hear him and hence is abit distracted. Can't really type properly. Have shut off music to listen albeit I don't understand a thing. Exciting!

In view of my absolute freeeeeeeeeeee time I have on my hands, I have developed a serious addiction to baking. Trips to the supermarket see me only scanning the "Baking Needs' aisle and it is times like these I miss Melbourne and regret not baking MORE there. Ingredients here are rather limited and due to soaring food prices around the world as well as lack of raw materials, the price of butter has SKYROCKETED. I had to rub my eyes literally and keep my mouth open to express shock. The butter has got issues man.

Anywayyy, I made cupcakes for the first time! Decorated them as welll. Fun times oh fun times. See, I really am free. Since my time is limited, I need to bake more before I become a slave to the corporate world. Might as well be a slave to the world of flans, tarts, cakes.....oh fantasy.

Need to improve on decoration but only had 1 piping bag so need to get more. Baked them yesterday and there are only 2 left. Not bad lehhh.

Went shopping at MidValley 2 days ago and I don't know why even shopping bores me now. HOWWWWW! The whole time I could only think of lunch time. What to eat? Where to eat? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm food. Probably because shopping now only consists of looking at piece after piece of boring and 'all-look-the-same' executive wear. Serious sien ji pua CAN??? Like all also same one just different colour and with/without stripes. I think if I just wear the same skirt everyday and change my top also no one will know.

WOW! Serious amazing. Till now, the guy is still arguing. I think I type quite long already since I did pause in between. He's really angry.

Join The Club

2008-03-27T22:45:00.002+08:00

The day I turned 21 I cried. Simply because I couldn't believe it.

Dressed in my interview suit on the morning of my birthday, it literally spelt a new chapter of life. Talk about adulthood. Literally again.

As my mom rubbed my tears away, I gathered the courage, poise and confidence and walked out the door.

Towards a new life, new possibilities and new terrains.

I'm no more a little girl.

The Protocol

2008-03-19T15:32:00.003+08:00

It just struck me that many whom ventured to Australia to study have actually returned home upon graduation to join our Malaysian workforce. Some have even planned to stay behind initially but have succumbed to their homesickness and came home. So what is actually the big 'hoo-haa' here when I relate to people that it was my choice in returning home?

'Huh? How come you don't want to find a job there?'
'Why don't wanna get PR there?'
'Why why why??'

Shocked parents, shocked friends, shocked parents' friends, shocked family members and I bet even shocked pets.

Is it really that big a deal that my choice is ultimately to come home and be with my family? What's the point of staying on and having this high paying job but lament about the weather, the food, the lack of the so-called mamak vibe and what not? After all, half the people I know complain about missing home but still choose to stay on due to society pressure. It almost seems like a rule that one must stay on after graduation.

It's so annoying that I get these questions almost everytime I state that I just graduated and am back home job hunting.

And who knows? With the recent change in Malaysia's political structure, it could all be heading for the better. As far as I know I am back happy and enjoying every aspect of my life - savouring all the good food, feeling the love and kicking back at what is ultimately home. Hey, I even get to lose weight in the process despite the lesser walking and more driving.

Withdrawal Symptoms

2008-03-10T21:59:00.002+08:00

Lately I have been feeling the urge to bake. Pies, tarts, cakes, cookies, muffins and scones. URGE but haven't done it yet. Simply because lately, I have also been mind-blowingly lazy. Lazy to even step out of the house save for meals and work. It's also getting way scary cos I seem to be focused on food 24/7. I google food, think food, breathe food and crave food EVERY FREAKING SECOND.

What is going on here????

I have also channeled my remaining energy to derive reasons and excuses to evade work. I am a lying pig. I really am. But what can I do? The mind controls me. In addition, a sickening addiction to coffee has arisen. Cafe21 is the shits. Yum. So is cheese. I have never been much of a cheese muncher but I have fallen prey to this fermented sin. Melted between pieces of toast in the oven.

I need a new camera so badly I am ready to sell my soul for one. A pink camera me wants!! My life has become so picture-less it pains my joints and hurts my temples. So much food, yes food I have consumed but couldn't document for the world to see.

The only good thing is I seem to be sleeping less nowadays. But then I think the reason also pertains to food. Breakfast. Cafe21. Yes, I know why now. I crave Cafe21 so much I would rather wake up early and pounce on a cup rather then sleep in. Then if there is no work, I spend time watching more food on telly and fantasize about the dishes Gordon Ramsay whips up.

I think I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms of an unemployed (as in full time proper job and not some pig eyeing the customer's coffee) assface.

Oh God. Save Me.

Prosperity! Fatt Choy!!

2008-03-02T21:20:00.005+08:00

Managed to catch the Prosperity Foldover before it vanished for another 365 days.

One word : Sucked.

The past week has been a blended smoothie of extreme boredom, fear, worry and anticipation. However, I say goodbye to the week with pretty much an instilled sense of self-achievement. Though equipped with interview phobia, 4 interviews were conquered in the week including my very first job interview ever. EVER. Phewwwwww. Who knew I could pull through?? *pats self on back*

I have been EXTREMELY bored staying at home but at the same time I feel EXTREMELY lazy to go out too. So what's the deal here? Beats me. I just want to sleep and eat and sleep and eat and not get fat. I also want to get super smart in the process. Yeah well.

So guess what? I have become a barista. Not quite yet but in the process. HAHAHA.

Geez what am I doing??

The Reality That Is

2008-02-17T21:19:00.002+08:00

It's back to reality for most people.

Chinese New Year is almost over (and I am yet to catch my Prosperity Foldover), many people have hopped on a jet plane back to Australia and semesters are starting.

Another year, another terrain. A year I actually feel the need to start using a planner. Buy stamps. Buy envelopes. Photocopy shitloads of documents. Write a wad of letters. Get plenty of sleep.

I am suffering from mental block right now. My sister asked me to spot 10 differences in her primary school magazine yesterday night and I took longer than the duration my Dad showers. And boy, believe me my Dad showers looooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggg. Some more cannot give up in front of my sister. Kiasu. Die die must find all 10.

So. Much. Reading. To do.

Hello, life.

How La How

2008-02-12T14:05:00.000+08:00

Cappuccino. Laptop. Music. A comfy spot in Starbucks.

Sounds good doesn't it? YEAH WELL IT'S BLOODY NOT! Especially when you're racking your brains out in writing a cover letter and resume but can't seem to get it sent through the email. Why is this happening????? ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

It doesn't help that everyone you see during CNY is asking you the same thing: 'So when you plan to find a job?' OR 'So you just chilling now?'

I just wanna marry JaeJoong and be done with it.

Timelesssss

2008-02-04T15:01:00.000+08:00

Whooopsieee.

It's been a hectic 2 weeks or so. I feel I have been constantly on the run. Haven' really had the chance to be a couch potato and watch TV all day.

I have been down to JB, in to Singapore and up to Ipoh within this span of time. Few days after I returned, I had a PIG named Becky staying over for a few days. Makan Makan Makan no doubt. Don't Cha just love Klang Bak Kut Teh ASS??? HUAHUA. Then took a trip down to old stomping grounds - JB. Damn, I do miss that place. Despite having left it for 3 years, it still seems very familiar as if I never left it.

JB was gooooood. Ate most of the stuff I wanted to eat. Went to Red Box 3 times in that week. Met Jes, Stace and Bo Ying who all 'enjoyed' Bec and my rendition of Timeless several times over. HAHAHHAA. Don't worry, we'll sing for you again. HEH HEH HEH. Then hopped into Singapore for Mambo night at Zouk with Sze and Robynnn! First clubbing experience in Singapore and I gotta say the music was crazzyy. Phuture had some rocking tunes going. Grooved till the lights went on. I miss Singaporeee!!!

Just returned from Ipoh which was another eating escapade. Why is Ipoh food so freaking goooodd???

Finally some Me Time to listen to songs and chill out at home. But Chinese New Year is only a few days away. MORE travelling. RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. But I smell $$$$$$$$$ which is always good. ;D

No Red Box but Green Box tomorrow!!

Timeless....ibyeoreun anijyoo00000ooo........

It's Home

2008-01-17T20:24:00.000+08:00

I'm homeeeee!

Familiar sights & sounds, not so welcoming heat & humidity and of course oh so enticing food & more food.

Since stepping into the house yesterday night, I haven't ventured out at all. The tiring chore of unpacking has been getting on my nerves but the beauty that is Astro has triggered multiple 'oohs' & 'aahs'. Food. Channels. Awesome.

The flight home was pleasantly comfortable save for the pain my ear suffered just before landing. The selection of movies and shows were so pleasing, I did not sleep a wink. I indulged in Jay Chou's Secret firstly then followed suit with Grey's Anatomy the whole way. I don't know if it's supposed to be disturbing but while everyone is swooning over McDreamy, I find Dr Burke strangely hot. Hmm. Right. The captain of the plane would type messages on our screens whenever we were flying over something interesting. He informed us of a school of whales on the left side of the plane as well a volcano while we were flying over the Indonesian islands. I thought it was pretty cool. He even asked us to name the 7 Wonders of the World with a prize for the winner. However, I think no one won. Hoho. Give something less difficult can?

My food hunt begins tomorrow morning with a breakfast of Mee Hoon Kueh with Wen Ya. Oh Klang, how can I ever hate you.

Let the games begin!

Goodbye Beautiful

2008-01-15T20:50:00.000+08:00

Crawling out of bed this morning, I head over to the window and draw the blinds. Sunshine streams in, illuminating my surroundings. My last full day in Melbourne. I hate 'lasts'. They make me tear. A ton of things to do the entire day. My last time to soak up some Melbourne sun.

The weather was awesome. Sunny while not being too hot. Very breezy. Perfect last day weather. Headed over to Victoria Market to get some stuff that Mummy wants. A LOT of peach and bacon. Yes, do not question me cos I cannot give you an answer. Bacon! It baffles me as much. Thereafter, headed back home to drag my freaking luggage alllll the way to Liane's. Dragging the luggage was hilarious and tiring what with the wheels refusing to go straight. Even getting it out of the apartment itself was a chore. Lucky us met Kelvin who just finished his exams and he dragged the luggage the remaining way. Haha. The poor boy.

Had Gyoza Pizzzaaaa for lunch again! Gosh how good is it. Said goodbye to Kelvin and Lionel then met Jun Lee for my last soy cappuccino!!!! Soy cappuccino is my dope! I can't get anymore soy-based coffee back in Malaysia cos they use the canned soy milk which is blleeaaaghhh. The pictures show my sad face accompanying my last soy cappuccino. Awww Becky! No more Gloria Ass at QV. Sad gallzzz.

Jun Lee got me cupcakes! They are sooo adorable and pretty and I could not bear to eat them. Even the box is adorable.

Miin came to the city for dinner and we had Moroccan at Baraki. No pictures since they are with Miin, We had quail with pomegranate, crispy halloumi and lamb meatballs which were all tapas, as well as a caesar salad. Bread was on the house and free flow! Yum. A pleasant experience. Thanks for dinner Miin!

Had after dinner drinks with Sue-Li and Cynthia who came over to meet us at Madame Brussels. This place is awesome I tell you. It's a garden setting on the rooftop and they serve all kinds of cocktails. The bartenders are super friendly and gave Miin and I a free shot each since it was the last day for one of them. I just casually requested and they actually obliged. Haha. Good times.

A pretty packed last day and it's been a wonderful experience in Melbourne. The people I met, the stuff we've done and just what this beautiful city can offer. Although I will definitely miss everything here, I am glad to be coming home. Cause hey, I look forward to satays and roti chanais no doubt.

Signing off, last post from Melbourne.

Gawd, I hate saying goodbye.

Bones

2008-01-14T17:45:00.000+08:00

Being my last weekend in Melbourne, I opted for karaoke with The Best Friend Miin. I personally prefer smaller groups in karaoke sessions as opposed to huge groups of people. 2 people: LAGI BEST! We sang from 8pm till 12 midnight and even brought in a nice gyoza pizza to accompany us. Seriously no shit, I am addicted to Gyoza. It's the shitz!! Supposedly, if the place wasn't full, we were allowed to sing till 3am but due to it being a Friday night, crowds couldn't be avoided so 12 had to chao liao! Talk about potong man. We had 11 pages of songs still waiting to be sung ok! I didn't get to sing all my Rainie Yang numbers! HAHA. Sienzationzz.

Us and our gyoza party!

Note to self: It's ok. When you're back in Malaysia, there's something called Kotak Merah.

I just reformatted my computer and I almost died when my brother told me there was a possibility I would lose all my files. HOLY CRAP! My pictures! My painfully written assignments (which I want to keep till I am old and grey)! My MUSIC! GAWD MY MUSIC! You can tell me my wardrobe has been demolished but don't you dareeee touch my music! I was ready to go meditate and start a vegetarian diet. THANK GOD it was recovered in the end. Phewww! Speaking of music, I cannot get enough of The Killers' lead singer Brandon Flowers.

I mean, who can ever ignore this sizzling heat? The name suits to a T.

He can water my flowers anytime.

But I digress.

Packing nightmares are haunting me this second. I thought I didn't have alot of stuff BUT my bag is spilling from the sides and I still need to pack in a BOX of peaches AND some bacon. WHOOOO buys bacon home?

AND I did another impulse buy today dammit. SO. NOT. GOOD. BUT. CANNOT. RESIST. KOREAN. BRAND.

The Little Bundle Of Joy

2008-01-06T20:20:00.000+08:00

Our lives changed the moment you were conceived.

With a gaping 11 years between us, I was ready to give you hell the moment you arrived in this world.

However, never had I imagined how much you would color our lives so.

Now I cannot picture stepping into a house without you, your laughter and irritating antics.

My very much needed companion and without a doubt for Mom & Dad as well.

Though you get on my nerves more than ever with your fat tummy and round face, I am happy to tackle that.

Can't believe it's been 9 whole years since your arrival. You definitely are growing up fast and sometimes I just wish I could turn back time and watch you grow all over again.

Though I bully and make you cry like there's no tomorrow, you know your sister loves you very much and cause hey, I don't get to do that anymore in the coming years. :p

You're always our bundle of joy!

The Moment

2008-01-03T22:45:00.000+08:00

It's 1.45am and I have rediscovered the high in blasting the stereo.

In this instant I am reminded of the beauty of these simple lyrics:

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy...happy

Let 2008 be one drenched in happiness.

2008!!!!!

2008-01-01T20:06:00.000+08:00

Sweltering heat. Spectacular skyline. Hordes of people. Gunpowder on clothes and in eyes.

Happy New Year 2008!!!!!!

Nyum Nyum

2007-12-28T16:57:00.000+08:00

Been contemplating whether to indulge in a Strawberry Tart for daysssss on end. I even lose sleep over it (I know, right?). Blame it on the stupid Taiwanese variety show. It did one on some of the best desserts in Taiwan. They were all soooo pretty and looked terribly painfully yummy!

Hence, I went out and got myself one too. The closest I could find:

It's from BreadTop and it was surprisingly big and very filling. Finally, I can sleep peacefully.

I feel another obsession building up.

The Mickey Mouse Bus Girl

2007-12-27T22:15:00.001+08:00

And YESSSSSSS before I forget.

HAPPPPPPPY 20th BIRTHDAY BOOOOO YINGGGG!

One of the funniest people I know. Effortlessly.

Also the most sarcastic.

And definitely the rare few whom I don't have to see everyday but still can chat to and laugh my head off.

Gosh I still remember little Bo in her Marsiling uniform and how Rui Xian, you and me made paper boats and used soap to move them for our science project after a tiff with Sheanee. Haha. (Sheanee! if you're reading this, do you remember any of it? )

See i remember your birthday so let's see if you'll remember mine. I'm pretty sure you would since it has been our topic of discussion a few times. RIGHT BO? haha I don't think you'll read this anyway.

Best Wishes! :D

The Season To Be Jolly

2007-12-27T21:07:00.000+08:00

It's just past midnight and while lying in bed and going to sleep does not seem to be an option since I just can't fall into sweet slumber, blogging in bed appears to be the answer. Hunger pangs are haunting me and while I prefer to eat fruit at night as opposed to beloved tasty instant noodles, the fridge chooses to go in parallel with my stomach and be empty. So yes, indeed it is infuriating.

It's funny how much I have changed in a year in terms of the movies/shows I watch and music I listen to. Just about everyone I know is talking about Gossip Girl, Entourage, Weeds and a whole lot of other English shows but strangely, there lies no urge in me to stream and watch any of them. Instead, I have been relentlessly streaming crappy Taiwanese variety shows with annoying whiny girls and a whole lot of Jdramas and movies. I thrive on the pinkness of the set and the hair colour of Japanese actors and actresses. And just barely 8 months ago, the Korean/Jap playlist in my iTunes held just a little over 10 songs most of which names I couldn't recall at the time or even differentiate if the language was Korean or Japanese.

The playlist has since grown 100 fold and even bypassed some of my favourite artists. Differentiating between the Korean and Japanese language has become a no brainer and has even expanded to differentiating the nationality of random people on the streets. Remembering the names of artists has undergone substantial improvement and Becky and I have even developed an inbuilt radar whose function must not be disclosed. My Taiwanese obsession comes as no surprise with my cheenah lian persona and love for all things pink and shiny. Bring on the bling!

Having not mentioned this earlier, let's talk about the holiday season. In a flash, it's here again - Christmas and New Year's. Goes together like peanut butter and jelly. Gosh, how fast did 2007 fly? The memories of my decision to make a change in my study plans and the outlining of fear when I boarded that plane to fly to a new place all over again without anyone by my side - still distinctively vivid. No doubt the year was one of the fastest with its fair share of fun intermingled with distress. But most importantly, it's the independence I have gained and the shocking amount I have grown (of course, if you choose to refer to weight, it's not entirely wrong). Proud it makes me to think that I survived with the one amount of money my Dad gave me before I left on that jet plane and kept through with my promise to him. I managed to juggle work and study, have loads of crazy fun and crucially, be happy.

My first Christmas and New Year's spent abroad, away from my comfort zone. While the celebrations this year is going to be with a completely different crowd of people, I look forward to welcoming the new year. Another chapter in life unfolds. New challenges, heaps more decisions to make and the border to adulthood looms ahead. AND it really is back to home sweet home this time. Tropical climate and wickedly delicious food. I can't wait.

A new year's resolution is not traditional in my arena but well maybe one this year wouldn't hurt, eh?

What will it be?

Boxing Day Pum Pa Rum!

2007-12-26T14:01:00.000+08:00

Right. I have done some pretty stupid and random stuff in the past but never have I dug myself outta bed JUST to shove around, grab sizes and queue up to give out my hard earned money.

Yes, I am talking about the infamous Boxing Day shopping.

So this morning, I practically had to pry my eyes open and get ready at 5.45am to join the crowd at Myer for some SHOPPAANNGG! Gosh, it's like back to school days - rushed breakfasts and sleepy facades. I contemplated to screw it and just fall back into bed but given the fact that this only happens ONCE in a year, it's a MUST try. Besides, I had no idea how much prices would be slashed or how crazy people could get. So yeah, we need to take a look!

Stepping into Myer at 6.45am, one would marvel at the amount of people at this time of the day. It's hilarious cos it was pretty evident some people REALLY looked as if they just dropped out of bed and headed straight for the sales. However it was definitely a lot better than I had imagined. The crowd was manageable to say the least. I had pictured girls pulling each other's hair, shredding tops and standing on top of the cash register doing the cowboy dance. The stuff were SELECTIVELY cheap. Say bags, watches and cosmetics. The clothes were so so and everything I freaking set my eyes on were NOT ON SALE. Dulan.

Nevertheless, it is fun to see people so passionate about their shopping and join in some Christmas cheer as well.

Most heard line of the day: 'Let's go get some food. I think everyone's hungry.'

And It Begins

2007-12-06T18:40:00.000+08:00

As much as I would like to anticipate graduation with generous servings of alacrity, I cannot help but stop dead in my tracks and wonder: so what's next?

It simply does not help either with the fact that I do not know what I want in life. A 9 to 5 desk job? Backpacking across the globe first and worry later? A Starbucks experience? Bask in the light of unemployment?

Being a perpetual student would be ideal.

Yes, this is indeed where it all begins. The dawn of my 40 year working life versus the exploration of my true inner interests. Someone pass me a teapot of really strong green tea cause this is going to be one tough brainstorm session where no amount of blue ink can fulfill. Heck, let's just chew on grass and lie on the beach in a hammock all day. Do the reggae??

ARGGHHHH. Growing up seems to suck. Or rather being an adult seems to suck. BIG TIME. Feels like it's been a neverending serving of decisions, decisions right from the entree. Will dessert be sweet? I know I want sweet sugary crepes, or maybe creme brulee. From what I see, it might just be souffle seasoned with salt.

I need to check and make sure my ingredients are right.

Organizer, pen and tea: We have a meeting to attend.

Gleeeeeeeeeeeee

2007-11-26T05:10:00.001+08:00

Heaving a HUGEEEEEEEE sigh of relief, I am officially a graduate.

:) :)

The Hardesssssttttttt Partttt

2007-11-25T22:33:00.000+08:00

Listening to Becky and Rachel gush on about the DBSK concert on Saturday night is just another one of the hardest things I have to get through in life. Yes, that IS the enormousity (sucha word?) of the situation.

But a few things to extract from the free flow of information:
1) My Micky darling is VERY VERY VERY HOT. (whoopdeedoo!) I love you!
2) Hero Jaejoong is perfection. Period.
3) Live, flawless.

Dong Bang Shin Ki, Sarangheyo!

Must. Make. It. To. At. Least. One. DBSK. Concert. In. This. Lifetime.

The Pepet Muffin

2007-11-25T12:24:00.000+08:00

One more day before results dawn upon us.

All 24 days of post-exam worrying end tomorrow. In a good way or bad way, I have no idea. I pray with all my heart it better be good news!!!!!

That aside, I landed my first job interview with a biotech company in Malaysia yesterday morning. Oh my god, it's all become so real. Dressing up in work clothes, heels and an aunty vibe, job interviews are gonna be the next destination. It's all very intimidating, yet exciting in a way. But let's see if I actually graduate first, shall we?

Out of boredom and plenty of flour in the pantry, I independently baked Peanut Butter muffins from scratch on Friday. Ta-dah!!

Did not work out. Obviously. Looks more like a pepet.

It had the texture of a scone, rather. But tastewise was pretty decent. Gotta give me some credit since I actually skimped on ingredients. Well at least my housemate has been happily eating it! Haha! Makes me happy when people are happy to eat my food.

Another few hours of praying hard and destiny reveals itself at 8am tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, just gotta keep on smilin'!

Chocolate Day

2007-11-22T18:57:00.000+08:00

Once again, diet plans have been foiled for like the 234983749th time.

The whole of today felt like a major eating spree. Met up with Sheanee (like, finally haha) and had lunch at Dessert House. I tried the Chicken with Creamy Corn Sauce which was basically chicken in sweet corn soup poured over rice. Ain't too bad but not something I would have again. However, eating there is value since their rice is served in humongous portions. Seriously, HUGE.

Thereafter, we shopped around for awhile but the entire time, my mind had constant images of Max Brenner's waffles so yes, headed over to QV for some. Max Brenner QV changed their menu and there are a lot more stuff now. They had something called Popsicle Fondue which i think ice cream on sticks are dipped into melted chocolate and other stuff. Their prices also damn nice la, all increased. WTH. Anyway, some days 1 waffle just ain't enough to cure your chocolate cravings sooooooooooooooooo Koko Black it was! Yessss! I loveeeee the Iced Chocolate there and I love spontaneous and impulsive decisions especially those related to food.

Dinner was very much a surprise. 2 surprises actually. Firstly, the discovery of a very VERY good place for spicy food which I did not know of despite being here the entire year. Secondly, the level of spicyness of the food. EYE-OPENER I TELL YOU. The place is in an obscure part of Chinatown and is extremely packed beyond words. The queue was super long but luckily Sheanee's brother was in line early so yes! No waiting! The picture below shows a plate of chicken stir-fried with god knows how many bags of dried chillies. Tasty but spicy till your eyes can blow out.

Last but not least, the ah-lian in me has once again enlivened itself. Armed with money to be spent unnecessarily, I got my phone accessorized with a new friend - Hello Kitty! Yay! Long live the ah lian spirit! Cute rightt? Me loves! :)

Ah basically throw anything pink at me and I would most probably extend my hand and say thank youu!

The Insomniac

2007-11-16T22:43:00.000+08:00

It seems as if Friday night traffic is gaziliion times worse than rush hour traffic on each of the five working days. Here I am trying to lie in bed and settle in for a comfortable night's sleep, however, the noise outside is just plain tugging on my nerves. The temperature is not really helping either (it's 30 degrees out today) and this has lead me to rethink my love for hot, sunny weather. Cars are blasting hiphop music, drunk people are shouting across the streets and I feel like I am baking under the blanket.

So yes, I have resorted to jumping out of bed and watching Jdramas instead.

Before that, I finally picked up the phone and changed my flight to a week earlier than the one booked earlier on. One week less of misery and waiting. :)

Speaking of misery and waiting, post exams are supposed to be all fun and games and what not. However, I cannot help but place my mental power on worrying instead as you know, I am a world class 'worry-er'. I worry better than I cook. Only when the exam results come out and I know I passed everything can I rest on my laurels and plan what happens from here. Yes, one would think it has ended but this is actually where it all begins.

Prayers.

Broke Broke Broke

2007-11-11T09:57:00.000+08:00

Seriously, NOW is not the best time to be broke to the ends of the world. Oh why did I let it get to this stage?!!

Status: Bank account balance is left at a ONE digit number.
Answer: Being stuck at home most days eating the terrible food I cook and watching shows.

Sigh.

Anyway, 2 days ago whie putting on my contacts, the freaking thing tore in my eye and I only managed to pull out the bigger portion. The small portion was stuck in my eye for about an hour while I frantically tried to search for it. Even had to google ways to extract the thing. When 30 minutes passed, I was already picturing myself in some hospital OT about to undergo some major surgery. OR just continuing life with a piece of contact lens being a part of me for the rest of muh life. THANK GOD I managed to thug and pull on my eyelids and roll my eyes till the thing greeted me at the corners. pheeewwwwwww.

The weather in Melbourne is getting warmer, like finally. Time to prance around in shorts and comfortable Ts. Yay! Bright, sunny warm weather is my kind of weather. Bring on the gelatos and iced chocolates! But then again, being the super broke state that I am in right now, can only rely on discount dockets on the back of Safeway receipts hawhaw!

Can't wait to go homeeeeeeeeee. Still a longggg time. Gosh!

Gotta go surf on chicken porridge recipes now to curb my hunger as well as problematic financial status.

The Post Exam To-Do's

2007-11-04T09:16:00.000+08:00

And yes, with a last stride forward, the exam period is ovaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Which would also (hopefully) mark the end of my hate relationship with a certain something called Biomedical Science.

I haven't exactly had the luxury to sleep whenever I want or sleep in then waste the day away doing nothing for a looooonnnngggggggggg time. Been waking up like 7 each morning and sleeping by 12 midnight! Needless to say, there are like 73287462873468 dramas that I want to watch and 487394875498 reality shows to catch up on and discover the winners (who have already been known by millions but not to me!)

So yes, the time is indeed now!

The hours after my last paper were spent having coffee and relaxing. Need to spend as much time with Becky as possible since she was going back the next day and IIIIIIII had to freaking work the entire day.

Looking in on the good life

Babe, it's been a fantastic year in Melbourne though there were so many things we PLANNED to do but didn't do in the end. HAHAHAHA. Rock climbing, bowling, visit the zoo, prison and IMAX and god knows what other stuff. In the end, always succumbed to Gloria Jean's and sushi/rice paper roll temptations instead. WHAT THE FUCK. Needless to mention the seasonal obsessions we had: buying food and eating in the cinema (damn like ChocTop lor!!! hahahaha) which on most occasions the movie just DID NOT matter, mouche earrings or just earrings rather, DIM SUM BUFFET (this one no need to say!), chilling at Puccini, chilling at Starbucks, FRIED GLUTEN and porridge, baked beans, tok bukki, Oriental Spoon, Micky-looking jackets, LET'S BAB!!!, Max Brenner waffles and rice paper rolls. Good times, good times!!

OOOOOOOh also the stupid games (you know what i'm talking about HAHAHAHA).

Yes, as irritating as YOUUUUU can be with your butterfly pajamas and anorexic physique, I'm defintely going to miss you (I am already la PIGFACE!). Have fun in Malaysia (you know who to target!) and I shall continue on the Melbourne era.

Friday night, we partied hard at Seven (Rachel, you missed out la)!! The one night I did not tire out and lasted till almost 6am. We were so broke, Liane and I WALKED from Seven till Flinder's station barefoot as our identical shoes were killing us. After some food, reached home around 7 and slept. All I had was 3 hours of sleep then off to work for another 9 hours. Talk about TIRED.

Facebook is another post exam luxury that I have held my composure for, for months! Knowing it is going to addictive shit, I resisted signing up and only did so on Friday. And yesssss, thank God I did not sign up before as all you Facebook-ers out there would know: IT IS DAMN ADDICTIVE!!!

So proud to say: I'm a Facebook convert.

Quickly gave my home a call before doing anything on Friday since haven't talked to Mom and Dad for a week. Can't wait for them to come over. Faster, cepat, kuai dian!!

Lastly a shoutout to Melissa 'Meeli Meloogs Leesa' Tan: You going back?

Hunger Pangs

2007-10-31T06:45:00.000+08:00

I am so broke I find myself lurking outside Safeway to get my hands on receipts. ANY receipts with those 'Buy a large coffee and get another for $1' dockets at the back.

Instant noodles are running low and there's only a can of corn, a box of oats and a packet of rice in the pantry.

Need. Food. Badly.

Messy room, DBSK darlings and a hungry happy face

The Final Lap

2007-10-29T18:38:00.000+08:00

The finishing line is drawing close. I can practically smell the air across on the other side. But each advancing step gets heavier and harder though the anticipation might transcend this all.

My heart's beating fast, but fear hovers close by.

Press those pedals and burn the gasoline, let's knock this bitch over shall we?

As the Koreans love to put it: Aza Aza Fighting!!!!!

What's Going On?

2007-10-27T21:16:00.000+08:00

It's a Saturday night and while my friends are out clubbing and drinking, I have decided to stay home since IT IS exam time and if alcohol doesn't get me drunk, my astronomical amount of guilt would. So yes, I have resorted to tucking myself under the blankie, listen to music and generate some very cynical thoughts on life.

Lately, drive and motivation has been lacking in me. No idea if it's been sucked out or it was never there to begin with. I feel I have reached a point where nothing excites me anymore. Nothing gets me going. Nothing fills me. Sometimes, even though you are surrounded by people, you still feel as if you are the loneliest person in the world.

Perhaps it's the entire day spent working today that's made me tired out or strengthless, I don't know.

I think I am breaking up inside.

Save me God. Guide me. Help me garner the strength to carry on.

p.s. No, I am not suicidal.

I Touched His Sweat So Make Me Wash My Hands

2007-10-16T13:38:00.000+08:00

My entire Sunday was spent queuing and waiting for almost the whole day, however I have never loved waiting so much. Cos it's LP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I proceeded to Gloria Jean's pretty early in the morning to get some studying done first but ended up getting nothing done and feeling nervous like hell instead till I had to go shit in the toilet. As usual, went there 4 hours earlier to queue but some people were already there by 12 in the afternoon. Weather wise, beautiful!! Very hot, very sunny, perfect for LP.

Gates opened at 5.30 and we were the first ones up the stairs and through the ticket machines. The security people were shouting, 'Walk! Don't run!' but whatever la! PIAAAAAAAAA only. First ones at the second gates yo! So we were right at the front of the mosh pit at the barrier.

Opening act Chris Cornell was pretty hot stuff but yeah whatever, bring on LP! Sang some Audioslave numbers and some of his solo work.

Chris Cornell

At approximately 915, LP came on. The atmosphere was so energetic and explosive, awesome's an understatement. Halfway through, Chester threw his towel and it landed right in front of me but culminated in a tug '0' war between 4 people. DAMMIT! The ass of a security dude asked us to release our hands and gave it to someone else. FUCKER! I want a Chester towel! Drenched in his sweat! Stupid people.

Shirtless Chester

Awesome shot of Mike Shinoda

They finished off with Faint - a bloody perfect end. In a nutshell, the Sunday though should have been spent studying, was very very well wasted.

Love.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2007-10-13T21:08:00.000+08:00

The past week has been an intense frantic struggle for air and will to survive on or rather cling on for dear life or whatever you wanna call it I don't know. Assignments, presentations, exams bla bla bla. JUST KILL ME LAH.

What more have to be hit with the news of: DBSK is coming to KLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT you know in your heart YOU WON'T GET TO GO AT ALL. WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO ME????? My darlings, you guys let me down la. Micky oppa! Saranghe!

Stacy dear, though this post is utter rubbish HAHA but ya I updated la. MISS YOUUUUUUU!

The Perks

2007-09-17T21:06:00.000+08:00

Tattoos and piercings always prove fun and excitement but of course, I will never be the one under the needle. In terms of that, it is definitely a perk to have a friend who loves stuff like that. Trips to the tattoo or piercing parlour never fail to ellicit fear or anticipation or joy in seeing people suffer. HOHO.

So this bright beautiful Monday morning, dear Becky was scheduled for an appointment to get her tatt. I was the accompanying camera man and 'looking on enthusiast' while also being her distraction from the pain.

Dylan, the tattoo artist getting ready and ASSFACE building courage for the needle

The work in progress

At the same time, 2 other girls were getting tattooed. One German girl was getting a tattoo of an aboriginal symbol for a Kangaroo on her ribs and boy, was she tearing in pain! Another was getting a tattoo on her foot and she was bloody chilling like as if she just came in for a cup of tea, no worries! The smell in the room and the sound of the needle is enough to make me bolt for the door.

BUT

I was the most chilling one in the room la. Gosh I'm so brave. HAW HAW!

Spring is Hereeeeeee

2007-09-07T20:29:00.000+08:00

The arrival of Springgggg! And the first post of September as a celebration of that.

Spring weather's awesome with clear skies and sunshine bouncing off each wall. Equipped with my camera, I managed to capture some of Melbourne's Spring sights. Well, only 2 to be exact since my photography skills obviously suck and hence the rest cannot be shown. Even carousels have come out to play! Now all we need are lollipops and cotton candy on sticks.

Friday is my 'declaration of decadence' day when I get to eat one of my guilty pleasures. Well actually I do that almost everyday so what's the diff . Anyway, it's Max Brenner's waffles today! Mmmmm yummy chocolatey goodness.....

Since Spring means the sun is more outgoing and won't shy away from us, it is hence essential for a pair of new sunnies! My old pair failed me not too long ago so yes there IS INDEED an excuse to spend! Lovin' the new sunnies but I have no idea why I look so kuai lan here. Ya Rachel, fuck off!!

The Princess

2007-08-31T12:13:00.000+08:00

AISHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Forgot to do a post on dear dear Princess Emmerie's 21st Birthday.

This girl ah, one of the first people I talked to when I was in Taylor's College. I remember your Momoe shoes, your denim dress thingy that you wore with them and most importantly, the very fact that you were the only one besides me who wore the name tag! haha.

AND

I thought she was Singaporean what with her name EMMERIE and her looks. Turns out she's a fellow Klangnite (correct not Melissa???) la and I WILL ALWAYS remember how during the BBQ session when I expressed happiness or surprise that certain people were also from Klang, dear Emmerie here turned around and gave me a bewildered sorta look while asking me, 'There are a lot of people from Klang here, why you so surprised?' HAHAHHAHAHA good times good times.

Ya ok la. HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!!!! The post is late la but I called you so ALL's GOOD!!!

An EXTREMELY old picture there....................

The Blog and The Country

2007-08-31T11:48:00.000+08:00

The concept of the blog can be the epitome of all weird things sometimes. I realise I have a lot of tram-related stories but yeah whatcha gonna do! As far as the Yarra Trams tagline goes, trams are a Melbourne icon. Yeah whatever. As I was saying, blogs can be pretty weird at times simply because you have absolutely no idea who could be reading yours religiously or stalking you or know so much about your life and yet have never even seen you in the flesh. Yesterday while on the tram, the girl whose blog I religiously read steps on and sits right beside me. Needless to say, she does not know me and I do not know her and yet you have the tendency to grin an evil grin and think to yourself HEH I KNOW YOUR LIFE. Of course, that's not my intention la. But still, it's pretty damn weird given I know a fair bit about her life while she just sits there oblivious to that fact.

Hmm.

Well time just fires past you doesn't it? It's MERDEKA again! Happy 50th Birthday my beloved country! The country with the most awesome food in the world!!! I AM getting a little hyper here ain't it?

Speaking of Malaysia, I am reminded of an encounter a few weeks ago. I was waiting for the traffic light to turn green to cross the road. A bunch of Malaysians were standing next to me and one of the guys just dashed across the road seeing there were no cars around. One of his friends reacted by shouting, 'Eh! What you doing? Think Malaysia??'.

I had the longest laugh what with his accent and everything. Only Malaysians will understand. HAW HAW HAW.

Pleasant Surprises

2007-08-22T10:34:00.000+08:00

The surprise phone call from Siauyun 2 nights ago was indeed very refreshing and had a nice chat! Thanks for calling babe! Miss you so much! Cepat cepat we all graduate and balik Malaysia for more food, karaoke and shopping k! Muaks!

Rahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2007-08-07T18:14:00.000+08:00

While waiting for the tram this morning, a young boy approached me and asked if I could spare some time to complete a short survey. Seeing that the tram was taking its own sweet time and I had nothing to do but stare into space, I happily agreed. It was just a survey about the cleanliness and safety of Bourke Street Mall and my general opinion on where I preferred to hang. Probably for his school project or something. At some point, he asked me about my nationality and I said 'Malaysian'. And right away, as if he knew my nationality better than me, proceeded to say 'Oh, then you're Malay.' and wrote that down.

How many times do I need to explain that being Malaysian DOES NOT mean I'm Malay????
Serious one lor!

Anyways, speaking of Bourke Street, I went shopping on Sunday and met the world's biggest bitch and piece of shit I cannot even express my anger. Strolling happily into what looked like reallyyyy cheap finds, I quickly dove right into a pile of clothes marked $5. I managed to pick out some superb steals, painstakingly tried them on and fell head over heels in loved with each piece and finally gleefully placed them on the counter to pay. The bitch behind the counter took a look at my clothes and started to sulk to her co-worker while refusing to move an inch or even place my clothes in a plastic bag for me. This culminated into a staring game between me and her for a good 5 minutes. WHAT THE FUCK WAS HER PROBLEM??? I gave her $15 for my clothes since there were 3 and she took my money. BUT continued to stare at me and sulk at her co-worker. She mouthed to her co-worker that she wanted the clothes that IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII had spend so much time digging through the pile to find. WHAT THE HELL IS THISSS??? Then she took 2 pieces out and pushed the plainest looking one to me saying she wanted those for herself and that I could have the remaining one if I wanted. AFTER taking my $15 some more. TAMADE!!! How you do business one???? Where got such shit one??? So I asked her in Chinese what kind of businesswoman she is and she snapped back that it was her shop and she could do whatever she want. THEN KEEP ALL YOUR FUCKING CLOTHES TO YOURSELF AND GO HOME CAN??? What? Don't have your own tastes is it? Need me to help you pick out nice clothes and then decide that you want them and not want to sell them is it? OR maybe you just opened a shop and over the years whenever a customer picks out a nice piece you decide you want it for youself and refuse to sell right? No wonder close down la. I grabbed my $15 back and suggested she shouldn't even have started a business before stomping out of the shop. Cause obviously she sucked at business. BITCH. Serious don't let me see you on the streets man.

Fury through the roof!

On another note, while at work yesterday, 3 guys ordered some Roast Duck and Crispy Pork rice and one of the dishes arrived faster than the others. Upon looking at his friend's dish, this guy decided that the Crispy Pork was too fatty for his liking and wanted to change to BBQ Pork. That is fine PROVIDED the dish has not been prepared yet but upon checking, the chef has already prepared everything and the food was about to be served. So I explained to him that everything has already been plated out and ready BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO he kept insisting he wasn't going to eat it despite my 494049840948094th time explaining. I was thinking TAMADE if you're not going to eat it MY PROBLEM AH. Then just leave it there and don't touch it la! If you want more BBQ Pork you PAYYY!!!! No use telling me you're not going to eat it. He was just lucky the chef is damn nice and agreed to change for him.

Serious one some customers are just plain irritating till I want to take the claypot and slam in their face.

Another customer wanted this PARTICULAR kind of fried rice with his Chicken Ribs and I explained till my backside wanna explode that we don't do that but he kept insisting he is going to pay money for it and asking me why cannot and asked me to go ask the chef. YOU THINK YOU KNOW MY JOB BETTER THAN ME IS IT???? You think you have money big deal is it? It's the system and the way the kitchen works and not about your money can???? The menu is there for a reason ok not for you to play mix and match however you like.

Pardon my abusive vibe but I am in dire need of anger management right now.

The Anticipated

2007-08-04T10:49:00.000+08:00

Yesssssssssssssssssss

Guess who's going for Linkin Park???? HOHO.

Hopefully this is only the first concert for 2007 and come December....another highly anticipated, 'die die must go for BLOOD PACT' concert. If ya know what I mean Rachel HAHA.

October anticipations!

The Best

2007-07-29T03:37:00.000+08:00

OOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGG

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

I LOVE YOU GUYS JESMINE & STACY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys just made my life in Melbourne a 4987950304982309458x more enjoyable.

Thank youuuuuu sooooo muchhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

DBSK rocks my socks!!

The Freak

2007-07-24T19:12:00.000+08:00

That's it la!!

I think it is becoming more apparent everyday that my face is getting bigger BECAUSE my MNG sunglasses kinda gave up on me today. Yep. The freaking thing broke at the sides where the screws are supposed to be. How am I going to protect my delicate eyes from the merciless sunrays now?

That's it la!!

Project 'Get SuperSkinny' starts as of today. Note the word 'Super'. No more games. It's sheer seriousness. My role model would probably be someone like Nicole Richie or some other stick thin figure whom I cannot think of right now. Nicole Richie would do fine. Hmm or maybe Jung Ryeo Won. HOWEVER, this is Australia we are talking about. It's not like everywhere you turn, you see readily available sashimi/kimchi. Rather, everywhere you turn, you see Max Brenner, Hungry Jack's, Koko Black, Crepes, Tim Tams, Pods and a hell lot of pasta. Ottoke????

Whatever it is, I need to draw inspiration and it will be achieved. Goal weight: 45kg.

The cousin is getting married on Saturday and it sucks to not be able to attend. What more, Melissa the cheebax will be there. Our first family event. HAHA. Think lots of yum sengs and screaming. Needless to mention truckloads of cibai-calling as well. Damn. I haven't been attending a lot of cousins' weddings solely because of a certain something called overseas education.

omg, i cannot explain this certain feeling...

The Love

2007-07-20T20:50:00.000+08:00

YouTube is really my best friend with regards to the source for DBSK videos. Everything I want to watch on the ONLY boyband acceptable to listen to is there. Since encountering DBSK, I have developed a very violent reaction towards any boyband since most cannot sing for shits. UNLESS, a very cute member is involved say Kim Ki Bum of Super Junior or perhaps Jiro Wang of Fahrenheit. These 2 are entirely excused. Kim Ki Bum can most definitely dance so yes, he deserves special consideration while Jiro Wang is just well, my kind I would say -Taiwanese and very Ah Beng looking.

Due to the fact that I could be having posters of Fahrenheit on my room wall soon, I shall continue to talk about them. Now don't you look sad over there my DBSK darlings cause a good portion of the room's wall will be dedicated in entirety to you guys. In fact, it might even manifest into a shrine. A Hero shrine. Hmm. As you see, I digress once again. Fahrenheit first entered my visual field when I chanced upon their video on YouTube (best friend, ain't it?). Coincidentally, the song happened to have a catchy tune and I immediately caught on to the in-your-face good looks of Wu Zun, who I must say is extremely good looking and who also graduated from the University I am in now. Seeing that we prominently share something in common coupled with the fact that he is extremely bloody good looking, a Fahrenheit phase rose. This phase saw me skip straightaway into the DVD shop and grab a show which Wu Zun and fellow Fahrenheit member, Jiro Wang, starred in together with Ella from S.H.E whom I must add is freaking irritating in the show and seem to go OTT with every move.

Hana Kimi is what the show was titled and after finishing it, I have come to the conclusion that I would never ever buy another Taiwanese drama again because they all suck and no one really seems to be qualified to act. Likewise with The Magicians of Love, which Mi Chelle lent me and which I failed miserably in trying to even finish 5 discs. HOWEVER, in the process of watching the string of bad bad shows, I came to realise how cute Jiro Wang actually is in his own way and that Wu Zun only has his looks to save his ass. Hence Fahrenheit still holds a place in the File of Hotties but the only difference is a change in member and a new phase dawns -the 'Fahrenheit posters in room' phase.

So like I was saying, DBSK is the only acceptable boyband to listen to. This is reflected strongly in the fact that even watching one of their videos in which they attempt terribly hard to sing one of their songs in English, I find myself going 'awwwwwwwwwww' instead of laughing over their pronunciations. I really have no idea what the hell they are trying to say either. But that's totally fine, simply because they are DBSK, they can sing, and that Hero is among the 'Rising Gods of the East'.

The Common

2007-07-19T13:44:00.000+08:00

While everyone was enjoying a peaceful tram ride with the most awesome weather for a winter season this afternoon, all of a sudden this old man started targeting a string of vulgarities at his imaginary friend. Or it could be someone, I'm not sure. People started standing up and giving the man weird looks since he was acting pretty violent. Somewhere, my senses seemed to pick up someone saying, "Welcome to Australia.''

I was like, damn right you are lady.

The Babe

2007-07-18T13:39:00.000+08:00

I always get these distinct urges to pick up the phone and call someone I haven't spoken to in a while and a night ago I just happened to grasp that phone and dialled darling Wen Ya's number. Since our return to Australia we haven't said a single audible word to each other and her being in Newcastle and me in Melbourne didn't help circumstances. So yes! Had a rather long chat and I miss that babe so much! But ya la, had to battle with her other half for her attention some more! Heh heh at least I won. :) Talked and reminisced about a truckload of stuff and it felt awesome. Let's hasten and go back to Klang for more dim sum!

Miss you loads babe

The Nostalgia That Hits

2007-07-17T13:55:00.000+08:00

Echoes, silence, patience and grace.

That's the title of the Foo Fighters' 6th studio album scheduled for release on September the 25th!!!! WEE OH WEE. Absolutely cannot wait baybee! And I'm definitely loving the name of the album. Four words aptly and immaculately put together. In addition, with album release, I can smell another Foos concert coming my way. Oh Rod Laver Arena I am anticipating our reunion for another mind-blowing, ear blasting and heart-throbbing concert coupled with Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins. Slurp.

Speaking of the Foos which is undoubtedly the soundtrack of 2005, a bevy of memories have come cascading back. While reading the Platform screen at the train station this morning, the words Ferntree Gully blended with the gust of wind that always follows when the train is coming through the tunnel slapped me right in the face. So standing there alone with the Foos blasting through my earphones, recollections of the 2005 Melbourne family trip surfaced. I dearly miss my family back home. Dad and his lame jokes, shopping with Mum and my little sister who will always remain a baby to me no matter how old she gets. It's frustrating to know that she is growing up so fast but I cannot be there to watch her as she does. Somehow having pancakes at The Pancake Parlour does not feel the same without the family. Or travelling the Great Ocean Road instills a different kind of fun and perception of the place's vast beauty. I miss the fresh oysters purchased from Springvale and later baked to a cheesey perfection, I miss the scrumpdiliumptious Vietnamese food, I miss the scones on Mt Dandenong, I miss catching squid in the dead of night in Frankston with Mum looking like a bag lady, I miss navigating Dad through Melbourne with MelWay in hand, I miss the wine-tasting, strawberry/cherry picking in the Yarra Valley and I could pretty much do these stuff again now but it simply doesn't illicit the same feelings.

But lighten up as come end of the year, the experience will come floating back. Why do we torture ourselves so by travelling across seas and oceans in search of greener pastures when everything is right back at where we set out from?

I am striving to be a near domestic goddess by staying at home more and cooking hearty meals which I can enjoy while indulging in Korean dramas. The menu for today is: Century Egg Porridge! Being the BAD BADDDDDDD cook (but pretty damn good baker HOHO) that I am, let's see how it turns out and whether I will finish the freaking HUGE pot I have prepared. Gosh Min, when will you ever learn about portion control??

The Bold and The Beautiful

2007-07-15T16:12:00.000+08:00

Been watching this show called Man vs. Wild where Bear Grylls, a survival expert and adventurer, intentionally lands himself in various terrains in the wild with only a knife, flint and the clothes he has on. A two-man camera crew follows him but have been given strict orders to not assist him in any way except in a life-or-death situations. The show demonstrates the dramatic aspects of survival in the wilderness and Bear (omg what a cute name) displays vital survival techniques in dire situations. He has to find his way to civilization in the process.

Man, this show is the bomb. Just one episode and Imma hooked like a leech. Not only is Bear hot as hell with a good body and oops, I digress. The show has seen him picking out maggots from a rotting animal carcass (yum!), drinking liquid from elephant dung, cutting meat from a dead zebra killed by lions AND consuming raw, eating a dead antelope, cooking a tortoise, barbequing snakes or simply having them raw, chewing on spideys and scorpions, roasting rabbits, slurping down earthworms or milipedes and so much more. Besides, I can call myself a survival expert now after watching his shows. As he demonstrates, it's amazing how Mother Nature provides us with all that we need. Stuck out in the wild with nothing, Bear manages to make himself comfy comfy beds, weapons for hunting, tools for survival and find medicine for his injuries. In addition, it's interesting to know that there are like a million ways to locate your bearings when lost in the wild.

This guy can certainly take any Fear Factor competition, no sweat.

And definitely, the kind any girl wants to marry. Well at least I would marry him anyday!

The Disgusted

2007-07-14T14:32:00.000+08:00

Waking up this morning and reading the news on CNN utterly shocked me beyond words. In Beijing, illegally run operations are selling baozi, which is probably our pork buns, made from cardboard softened by industrial chemicals and flavoured with fatty pork and powdered seasoning. Reading their description about the process of making the buns simply transcends disgusting and unsanitary would be an understatement.

Pieces of cardboards picked up from the ground are soaked till they turn into pulp in caustic soda. These are then chopped up into tiny pieces followed by stirring in of fatty pork and seasoning. Apparently, majority of people cannot taste the difference and it fools the average person. 60% of the bun is made up of cardboard. The reporter was carrying a hidden camera oblivious to the maker and even tasted one of the buns. Yucccccckkkkkkkkkk.

This article has pretty much crumbled my wavering confidence in Chinese products. Pork buns, anyone??

The Untitled

2007-07-11T17:53:00.000+08:00

Once again I have failed dramatically in the evasion of what I aptly call the 'Winter Fat'. No matter how hard I try, I simply find it impossible to resist the temptations of the fridge and pantry. Perhaps it's the cold, or the increasing metabolism, either way I am utterly disgusted with myself. I can even eat more than my brother. Who exercises mind you. Me? Exercise? Heh, I shall leave it at the word 'try'.

I thought the second time round back in Australia would increase my awareness of the deadly weight gain but noooooooooo, doesn't seem to work that way. Just a week at my brother's place and the large increase in facial size is already very evident. How not to, when dinner consists of risottos, mashed potatoes, brownies, lamb stews, baked biscuits and hot cocoa. Insert some chocolate bars, hazelnut cookies and milk in between and one gets the picture. My appetite is very much ALIVE.

The holidays are coming to a near end now. A month flew by so quickly and I absolutely cannot wait for the months to fly by so I can finally graduate (if all things go well that is) and be in the green green pastures of home that is Malaysia. I think I have had enough of overseas education.

I want to wear that hat!

The Time Has Come

2007-07-08T21:25:00.000+08:00

It is by no means a small feat
Simple and short I shall phrase it

The building blocks of fear have a life of their own
But should I choose stunning hope or sit here and moan?

Pardon my English but I am teetering at the edge of a cliff.

The Randoms

2007-07-07T01:14:00.000+08:00

The brother is back!

Which means plenty of Cintan Instant Noodles to stash in the kitchen during bouts of cravings.

His pantry has so much hidden food that when we cleared it out yesterday, expired food from THREE years ago was found and had to be thrown away. THREE years. Gawd. Besides expired food, the pantry also stocks so much goodies that 2 days spent in his house can possibly transform me into a big fat ass. I was digging around and found a HUGE packet of Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate bars. Right away I had 3 before dinner. Wee! Chocolate binge!

I baked brownies! Which did not come from a box. I baked em from scratch and they turned out soooooooooooo goood. Gawd I'm such a natural baker. Or patissier. Wouldn't it be great to start a quaint little bakery with beautifully decorated cakes and pastries in immaculately designed boxes with tables by the sidewalks and tea served in cups made of china?

Back to my Taiwanese drama.

Oh, blissful holidays.....

The Michelle Branch Song

2007-06-27T14:31:00.000+08:00

There's always a wholesome feeling associated with being indoors from the incessant rain and bitter cold, with not only a steaming hot bowl of Shin Ramyun but also a Korean drama that makes the tears stream off your face like the weather outdoors.

It's just the constant splattering of noodles on my keyboard that pisses me off.

After watching one of DBSK's mini dramas the other day and seeing how they were enjoying a bowl of ramen with those thick yellow noodles and tasty broth, I couldn't resist and went out to grab a few packets of Shin Ramyun as well as the Shin Cup version just cause it looks fun. I even 'googled' on the vast array of instant noodles around the world and found a website that blogs on instant noodles and they rated Maggi's Tom Yum flavour a 0/10. *Laughs* What the heck. I personally think the Tom Yum's pretty good.

While listening to Michelle Branch's Find Your Way Back, it suddenly dawned on me that my blog's 1 year and 2 days old as of today. Indeed, time really flies. The song reminded me of my short trip to Melbourne during the winter break last year. The nights on my brother's living room couch watching Top Chef and Scrubs, the afternoons spent binge eating and snacking on Tiny Teddies and Chocolate Chip cookies as well as the late mornings hiding blissfully under the blanket from the biting cold knowing I don't have to get up at all. Even the particular smell of my brother's living room is ecthed in my mind. Of course la, seeing how I spent my days and nights there with the couch as my bed.

A year on, things have changed. The Uni, location, surroundings and situation have all undergone transformation. It's not as if I dug my hand into a box and picked out an answer. Everything just kind of happened and fell into place. It feels very much different. It's a mixture. Good and bad. Either way, I am not complaining. Life's all about enjoying and being happy ain't it?

It's utterly amazing what a song can do. The memories it can create and bring back to you in a flash.

The Things Winter Do To You

2007-06-25T21:21:00.000+08:00

Winter seriously gets on my nerves and I mean it literally. Whenever I step out of the lift and approach the front door, fear starts to build up within me and as I fling open the door I close my eyes and just let whatever hit me HIT ME. Most days it's pain from the intense cold, other days when I'm luckier it's the surprise of beautiful weather.

The choice of attire requires an increased amount of decisions to be made. 3 layers of clothing, 1 pair of jeans/skirt/skirt + tights and boots/flats/sneakers and the occassional scarf to be drapped over. Dilemmas every morning owing to the obvious reason I possess a very limited wardrobe.

And so like I said earlier, indeed Cynthia was made the next victim of my Oriental Spoon prowl. Ordered the same stuff as god knows how many sessions before. But thankfully she loved it and this time I'll finally surrender and say yes I am sick of Soft Tofu Casserole and Sweet Chilli Chicken. It's been taking a toll on my wallet anyway.

Anyway, some pictures from dinner.

______________________________________________

Met up with Sue-Li and her boyfriend, Fang Chin today for dinner. Italian on Lygon at Papa Gino's. I'm not a big fan of Italian (More like big fan of Korean, tee hee!) but it was pretty good nonetheless. Then, after AGES I finally sat my ass down at Koko Black and tried the Hot Choc that everyone's been raving to me about. How it's better than Max Brenner and Brunetti's and what not. Tasted it and...........................OK la. Maybe it's my weird tastebuds or dysfunctional brain.

However, an undeniable fact is that, winter calls for Hot Chocolate. Any objections?

The Holidays

2007-06-21T20:04:00.000+08:00

After a month of routine 'get outta bed, eat mantou and trudge to the State Library', the exam season is over. Well of course the stretch of time before the last paper is always the hardest to get by, especially if it is indeed the hardest piece of shit you have ever encountered and never really grasped it throughout the entire semester. Nonetheless, let bygones be bygones. Strangely, the reality is that when you actually DO finish the last paper, the feeling is nothing to shout about even though I prefer having nothing to do at all as opposed to eating pages and pages of lecture notes morning till the Sun ditches you. Ya well at least I can chill guilt-free at Gloria Jean's now.

The recent weeks have seen many departures back home. Firstly, my brother had to be at the airport gleefully checking in his baggage while I sit at home mugging for my freaking first paper which I have totally no idea about but just pia only. He sits comfortably on the plane bound for home and I struggle to go to sleep since I had to wake up at 6am to go to Uni. Then when I still have 2 papers to go, Becky finishes her exams officially and starts to pack for home. When it all boils down to finally 1 paper left, Mi Chelle starts packing for home. And it's for a year. Gonna miss that biatch so much!

I finished my papers but I don't get to pack for home.

Whatever.

Had a final dinner with Mich at Crown's Waterfront before she left together with Miin. I ultimately hate saying goodbye to people and always succeed at being an emotional wreck. Ya la, what's new anyway.

Ooh Mich gave me the prettiest earrings from this Korean shop Mouche. Love it love it love it!!!!

Pretty??

On average, I can safely say I have been to Oriental Spoon almost 7 times within these 1.5 weeks. Yup, and my latest victims being Liane and Ian who weren't that impressed. Cynthia is going to be the next victim!! But i'm pretty sure she'll love it. Soft Tofu Casserole...Mmmm.

Am gonna make Kimchi soup for dinner soon. Addicted. To. Kimchi.

The Day Well Made

2007-06-10T20:42:00.000+08:00

I am very much in an overly expressed Korean phase now. I listen only to Korean music, I read travel books about Korea and I teach myself a Korean phrase every night before I tidur. NOT a good thing. Walking into the DVD shop today was initially thought to be a mistake but it turned out to be decision well made. Michelle wanted to look at Rain Concert DVDs so we all tagged along to my favourite shop of all time, even transcending ValleyGirl. Borders still remain champion la I think. Not being able to resist DBSK anymore, I finally decided I was indeed going to pour my money into their Concert DVD. But ya la, when you actually want to buy it, it so happens to be SOLD OUT. So never mind that, I resolved to my fate and walked around looking at the Taiwanese section when I heard Michelle's sweet SWEET voice calling me over to see something. What could it be right??

She was holding a stack of DVDs and produced something behind her back. A DVD. Immediately, I grabbed Michelle's hand and squeezed terribly hard while shouting OMG. So one would ask what DVD? Ya la none other than a show with my newest love Kim Ki Bum from Super Junior who also happens to look like this:

Serious one you tell me how when presented with such a terrrible terrrrrrrible dilemma (no money!!), what would you do?? Die die GET THE DVD ONLY LA. Which was what I did anyway. HEH.

AND THEN. While I was paying at the register, Becky and Michelle shouted across the counter. 'Eh Min! See DBSK poster!' The poster was being given free with every CD purchase but their CD is so expensive la! I only wanted the poster anyway so technically I would only be paying for the poster. Anyway with them shouting, even the cashier turned over to look. Michelle so effortlessly asked the magical question, 'Can we have it?' as if it was the most right thing to do HAHAHA. To my absolute horror + surprise + joy + god knows what, the cashier slipped the poster out and passed it to Michelle asking her to roll it up herself. I couldn't even take out my money to pay for the DVD since my jaw was on the floor. OMG THE POSTER!! With my darlings on it!

What a nice guy la! But you know who was even nicer? Darling Michelle, knowing I am absolutely head over heels in love with DBSK, gave the poster TO MEEEEEEEE. Words cannot express my elated bliss right that moment. Woah, mood levels up 200% mans. Seriously, I don't even know if I was that happy when collecting my O'Level results 3 years ago. That moment culminated in this:

Shameless girl. Haih but what to do. I love my darlings too much. Poster only la, but it made my day can! Some more I didn't have to buy the CD. HAW HAW HAW.

Here I shall express my ultimate love to:

Chang Mi Relnch
DVD Shop Guy
DBSK
Kim Ki Bum

The Reality

2007-06-07T19:56:00.000+08:00

In terms of Worst Feelings 2007, I guess now pretty much tops the list.

The reasons are pretty straight-forward:

My brother is at the airport RIGHT NOW checking in to go back to Malaysia (OMG I MISS KLANG SO FUCKING MUCH!!).
My first paper starts tomorrow. Judgement time: 9.15am.

It's ain't no vacation.

The Hated

2007-06-05T21:25:00.000+08:00

I honestly hate the exam period with a PASSION. A passion that could kill. And I kid not.

The typical exam period day begins me fighting to keep my eyelids open while feeling around for the buzzing handphone on the floor which always seems to hide itself ever so nicely. Once the alarm has been switched off, I take a peek at the time and decide whether I should sink back into sweet slumber or drag myself out to washup. A daily struggle I tell you. Most days, I keep to my good girl principles and trudge to the bathroom.

After a daily breakfast of mantou(i'm very much chinese) and kaya(malaysian-chinese that is), it's off to the State Library for studying. The State Library is my studying haven since it's an active place. Asking me to stay cooped up in my room the entire day is absolute torture to me so I very much prefer to study in places where people are present.

Lunch comprises of sushi handrolls and coffee(very much needed at times like these) every single freaking day. The Japanese in me likes her salmon and teriyaki chicken, thank you very much.

It is then back to the State Library and studying till dinner time. I would so die without my iPod oh God!

I hate exams with a passion and I kid not.

Ponder On

2007-05-31T22:32:00.000+08:00

I blow into the cold air as I stand waiting for the tram. The sun is almost setting, blocked by the tall trees that surround the campus. The temperature begins to drop as the night sets in. I try to brush away the heavy feeling inside me, with little success I might add. Plugging in the iPod, I settle in for a rather long tram ride.

The scene changes as each stop rolls by. Rowdy high school kids get on and off, an elderly couple sits lovingly in one corner and some chirpy uni girls talk loudly towards the front. I drown myself in my music while looking at the changing scenery.

All I know is I left that tram feeling liberated with a sense of enlightenment and realizing that there is indeed more to life.

Bla

2007-05-18T23:54:00.000+08:00

I decided if I ever strike it rich, the first thing I would do is hire a personal chef. One who would cook up whatever I want to eat at any time of the day and mimic the food in cookbooks exactly the way they look.

Second on the list would probably be a personal hairstylist. One who can give me luscious locks anytime, anywhere ala Nicole Richie/Rachel Bilson.

Then I would fly to Korea to meet DBSK. HAHA.

The club of hotties has expanded to accommodate a Japanese member who also happens to be one of the hottest people I have ever seen la. Just look at that face!

Hiroshi Tamaki <3

Exams are indeed around the freaking corner ready to grab and throw me into its torture chambers. I seriously don't know if I can do it. ARGHHHHH.

Note to Parents: If I don't make it, please spare my life.

Note to God: Please do lend me your guidance and help me proceed.

The Soundtrack

2007-05-10T18:11:00.000+08:00

Of all people, of all things and of all time, I had to be stuck in the toilet in uni today.

The story begins with me ducking into the middle cubicle at lunch and trying to lock the door. However, the door refuses to shut and due to an almost rupturing bladder, I just held the door shut. When I was done, I pulled the door open and to my absolute horror, the entire thing fell off its hinge at the bottom and the top part was mashed against the wall HARD. So hard there was no way I could pull it open. So I stood there wrestling with the door for a good 5 minutes while waiting for the person in the next cubicle to finish her business. This was the first time in my life that I felt euphoria rush through me with each sound of the water flushing. When she came out, I squealed like a mouse from the back of the door a tinnie winnie lil 'Excuse me, could you please move the door for me? It's stuck.' She pushed and tugged at the door to no avail. So she suggested if she should get help. I was like NOOOOOOOO and let the whole world watch me get stuck in the toilet? Not an option. I contemplated climbing out from under but decided it was too ugly, dirty and smelly. In the end, she kicked the door open and saved me from being a dork stuck in the toilet. Embarrassing embarrassing and many thanks to that kind sweet girl!

You know how you like one song so much during a period of your life and play it over and over again? Then when you play it back again a few years later, it instantly teleports you back to that moment in your life and you relive it ever so vividly? Talk about nostalgia, seriously.

3 Doors Down-Kryptonite
This song brings me back to my school days, particularly Sunday afternoons spent in my former room which I used to share with my brother. These afternoons were always spent listening to Rick Dees on Perfect 10 while reading story books or doing homework. Either that, or I'll be reading my Seventeen magazines. Lunch would most likely be porridge with the family since everyone would be home. Certain Sundays would see us all at Giant, grocery shopping for the week. School-going life was so much more simple and routine.

Jay Chou - Kai Bu Liao Kou
This is the very song that started my love relationship with Jay Chou. I remember the moment I heard it, it became the ONLY song on my playlist which I played on and on and on for god knows how many times. I was in Secondary 3 and the only thing I could think of while in class was going home after school and playing this song (didn't have the luxury of a DiscMan at the time). As time wore on and with the acquisition of a brand new DiscMan, it was time to venture into the deep realms of CD purchase. The only CD I wanted to get was Jay Chou's Fantasy album and it was sold out everywhere. WTF. It wasn't even a new release. Becky followed me up and down Causeway Point to hunt that little red package down and I finally found it at the mag and cd store in the Woodlands MRT station. The ONLY one left. The entire trip back to JB was spent flipping through the CD sleeve and saying it was sheer joy would be an understatement. What followed was an array of Jay Chou albums one after another. Sadly, I have stopped as a new way of acquiring songs has been discovered which would be undisclosed. Of course, Jay Chou songs are still widely played on my iPod as my companion on long train/tram rides.

Incubus-I Miss You
Incubus followed me to my Sunway College days and this was the very song I would play EVERY single morning when I stepped out of bed. Before I even did anything, it was always made sure that this song was playing. It is scary how much memories come flushing back. I can close my eyes and just feel I'm right there.

Hoobastank-The Reason
This song reminds me of the later months at Sunway College after I got to know Huey Miin. The CD was hers and I grabbed it and listened to it while doing work ALL THE TIME. It was also the morning song for a period of time. Even playing it now reminds me of Huey Miin. How we used to hang out in her room talking nonsense till 2am and surfing Friendster since it was still a novelty to us at the time. There was once we were studying for the Malaysian Studies exam which I was totally clueless since I did not learn Malaysian history at all. We looked at each other, said 'Fuck this!' and proceeded to talk instead. Those were the days.

The Strokes
Almost every song on The Strokes' CD played a significant part since I listened to every one of them every single day. Becky and I used to play it in the room and dance or try on outfits. On clubbing weekends, she would be at her table applying makeup and me dancing behind her. Haha. Such a dork.

Mario-Let Me Love You
GOSSSH this song reminds me so much of my first year in Taylor's College. While driving to college every morning, I would tune in to Rudy and JJ on Hitz.fm and this song never fails to get air time. Even while driving home, the same song plays. Absolute car song, coupled with traffic jams and rainy weather.

Gavin DeGraw - Chariot
This is another classic Taylor's College first year song often heard while driving. One very prominent memory would be when Yu Wooi and I went to pyramid during a break and this song was playing. Immediate instinct: turn it up and sing at the top of your lungs! Exactly what we did.

The Polyphonic Spree-Light and Day/Howie Day-Collide
This was one of the major songs of 2006. Major songs of depression that is. During the first semester exam period, there was so much stress and depression involved I do not even know where to start. The first time being overseas and with exams and everything, it hit me HARD. Never have I experienced such sorrow and pain and ughhh god knows what. These were the songs that accompanied me and now I fear to listen to them again and the reasons being obvious enough.

Stefanie Sun-Yu Tian
This was the soundtrack to the packing season at the end of the year when everyone was returning to Malaysia for the holidays. Playing it now transports me back to my room in Newcastle. The room which I very much hated but which sheltered me for a year. But it's a picture of happiness where the anticipation to return home is so great it adds a glossy effect to everything.

That was pretty much the soundtrack to my life, both happy and sad. There are a ton of other songs which flood back sheer memories but if I continue typing, my eyes are going to fall out. I badly need to sleep.

The soundtrack right now would be Snow Patrol's Chocolate. Love it.

Untitled

2007-05-07T22:33:00.000+08:00

Running around haphazardly in the uni library today searching for someone, ANYONE to help me connect to the wireless network then returning to my seat feeling pissed and defeated made today a terrible, exhausting and a day of realization. I have just finished what I set out to do today and I am beyond tired. I am dead beat yet still finding the time to blog and watch tornado videos on CNN.com. For starters, blogging has a therapeutic effect on me and watching tornadoes is just plain fascinating.

Today I finally realized one of the biggest regrets of my life. I absolutely loathe looking back and regretting. It is the saddest and most painful feeling to bear, to tolerate, to live through. The feeling now is that of me falling over the edge of a rocky cliff. I am clawing at the air, not knowing when I will hit the cold, harsh waters beneath. And I don't want to know. Really.

Regrets aside, it's funny how things can turn out. The waiter at Oriental Spoon on La Trobe Street is an absolute cutie and whenever my friends and I go there, we check out the waiter. Few weeks ago, we spotted the waiter on the streets and he was holding a girl's hand. So he has a girlfriend. Not surprising. 2 days ago, we spotted the waiter again at QV and this time, he was carrying something on his chest. What can it be? A baby. No more Oriental Spoon in a long time my friends! And no, that is not the biggest regret of my life. Welcome to my sad life.

Currently listening to: Ryuusei-Remioromen

_________________________________________

On a happier note, another person has turned 21!!!

HAPPPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LAN JIE!

I'll post younger pictures of you and me ok. 21 not that old la. Haha.

To one of the neatest and most organized girl I know, enjoy your day and eat your fill at the Silver Dolphin!! Eat my share for me ok!

Quiz Biz

2007-05-06T22:09:00.000+08:00

I got tagged by Fritz a while back.
I skipped some parts because I am kinda brain-fried.

LAYER 1: ON THE OUTSIDE.
Name: Min
Birth Date: 26th March 1987
Current Status: VERY into DBSK
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: The most boring color ever?
Righty or Lefty: Right

LAYER 2: ON THE INSIDE.
My Heritage : Hokkien ah lian
My Fears : DENTISTS
My Perfect Pizza : anything super cheesy cos cheese is my dope

LAYER 3: YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW.
My Thoughts First Waking Up: What's for breakfast?
My Bedtime : 12am (traditional gal gal)
My Most Missed Memory: MUFY and Taylor's 1st year days

LAYER 4: MY PICK.
Pepsi or Coke: Coke
McDonald's or Burger King: Maccerz cos BK has like the most mouth-watering looking beef burgers which I cannot savour and that makes me pissed.
Single or Group Dates: Doesn't matter as long as the people are fun
Adidas or Nike: Valleygirl?
Tea or Nestea: Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: Latte

LAYER 5: DO YOU...
Smoke: no
Curse: every two fucking words
Take a Shower: no la i do bubble baths everyday in my solid gold claw-footed bathtub
Have a Crush: used to be known as crush slut
Think You've Been In Love: with DBSK? YUP!
Go To School: skewl?
Want To Get Married: see who wants to marry me first? haha
Believe In Yourself: most of the time no
Think You're A Health Freak: i eat sushi everyday

LAYER 6: IN THE PAST.
Drank Alcohol: yup
Gone To The Mall : everyday
Been On Stage: yes when i was a very bad former chinese dancer
Eaten Sushi: everyday as stated above
Dyed Your Hair: yes in which every attempt was disaster

LAYER 7: HAVE YOU EVER...
Played A Stripping Game: nope
Changed Who You Were To Fit In: i'm a chameleon

LAYER 8: AGE YOU'RE HOPING...
To Be Married: i wanna be thirty, flirty and thriving. i kid. 26 perhaps? omg! it's only six years away. *grabs purse and dashes out door to find husband*

LAYER 9: IN A GUY...
aiyah forgot my criteria list *comes back through door*
Best Eye Colour: colored contacts can get you anything you want
Best Hair Colour: anything just not platinum blonde. only hero from DBSK is allowed platinum blonde ok!
Short Hair or Long Hair: if he can pull it off, whatever he wants man!

LAYER 10: WHAT WERE YOU DOING...
A Minute Ago: answering this quiz
An Hour Ago: pia-ing my online test
4.5 Hours Ago: studying
1 Month Ago: sitting in the corner yet to discover DBSK
1 Year Ago: stuffing my face with coffee and cake from AIC

LAYER 11: FINISH THE SENTENCES...
I love : DBSK
I hate: it when the tram comes when I am across the road
I hide: everything about myself so everything in this quiz is untrue
I miss: dirt cheap and good food
I need: my finances to multiply 1000-fold so I can live happily ever after

I really need to get some shut-eye. Good night world.

Packages Make Me Swell

2007-05-05T23:43:00.000+08:00

I love receiving packages. Especially when you are overseas and in grave need of stuff from back home which is always ultimately the bomb in terms of price or contents. There's something about the smooth brown paper used to wrap the package or the mail stickers plastered all over. It's almost therapeutic to tear away the paper and reveal its contents. My mom sent me a package and I collected it today. Oh dear my mom never ceases to crack me up. She was very adamant on getting me some tights as the weather here certainly prompts you to wear them and when i opened the box, there were tights indeed. Just not tights I would normally buy or rather, wear. One pair has three sections and in the first, skulls and crossbones dominate the surface. The other sections contain red & white stripes and blue lace with ribbons. The second pair was ORANGE. Ah, mummy mummy. You're so cute. I can now add pirate and orange tights to my wardrobe.

Becky and I decided to go for dim sum today and the time being at four already, dim sum can be a tad hard to find at this hour. Initially the plan was to go for pancakes but the mention of the words 'dim' and 'sum' was simply impossible to resist. After a pretty long search, we decided to go to one in Chinatown as it was stated they served dim sum for dinner. AND IT WAS THE WORST EVER DIM SUM I HAVE EVER PLACED IN MY HUMBLE PALATE. This was the first time I have ever left a siew mai untouched. New rule added to list: Never settle for second best. No other dim sum place other than West Lake for now. Mind you, I am adventurous but I am pissed for now.

The celebrity worship phase for me has undergone several changes. I particularly hate it when you watch a show and suddenly feel like you want to meet the actor and marry him. Or hear him sing and you know your destiny lies with him. HAH. And when I say want, I mean I W-A-N-T.

The phase has seen:

Brad Pitt in Troy

Prince William

Jerry Yan in Meteor Garden

Vic Zhou in Meteor Garden

Kingone in Devil Beside You

Shun Oguri in Hana Yori Dango

Song Seung Heon in He was Gorgeous, He was Cool

Ian Thorpe (when I read an article on him in Reader's Digest HAW HAW)

Kim Jae Won in My Love Patzzi

Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible (not the sequels)

Leonardo Di Caprio in Titanic (I had a Jack Dawson portfolio stashed in my cupboard which I destroyed a year later)

Jay Chou

Brandon Boyd (still my favourite oh my god he is so hot!)

Taylor Hawkins

Chris Martin (don't ask me why I just like!)

Stephen Coletti from Laguna Beach

Chase Johnson from Laguna Beach Season 3

Plus a ton of others that I cannot fully recall (yes there are so many...)

And the latest to join the club is...........................

I have said it before and I will say it again: DBSK!!!!!

Particularly these two.
.
Goodness gracious what has gotten into me.
.
Currently listening to: You're All I Have - Snow Patrol

A Birthday Wish

2007-05-04T18:35:00.000+08:00

Might be late by 2 days but just wanna give a BIG SHOUTOUT to:

Darling Siau Yun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha.....why you so old already???? But still behave like baby.

We share 3 enthusiasms:

Camwhoring in the fitting room

Singing karaoke

Eating

Call me if you come to Melbourne ok!!

Muahs!

The New Obsession

2007-04-30T22:56:00.000+08:00

A new obsession has engulfed me.

It's called the DBSK obsession.

OH. MY. GOD. I can't believe myself. After deciding that I like DBSK, I decided to swipe the concert DVD from Michelle and I CANNOT STOP WATCHING IT.

If you find yourself popping in the DVD and playing it every 15 minutes between assignments, thinking about DBSK while stuffing your face with food, dreaming about DBSK when sleeping, talking about DBSK 3 meals a day, googling for DBSK lyrics, creating a DBSK folder among your collection of pictures and having DBSK as your desktop wallpaper, you KNOW you have an obsession.

Apart from being like the cutest Korean guys around after Kwon Sang Woo, these guys can freaking sing I tell you. Actually, screw Kwon Sang Woo. DBSK takes the cake in this round. These guys belt out some of the most heart cringing ballads I have ever heard in a looooooooong time. Even live, their performance is like freaking spectacular la. I would never be caught dead in any Korean artiste's concert BUT BUT if DBSK EVER comes to Melbourne or KL, expect to see me in the front row. =D

Favourite members: Max and Micky. I have to admit Hero looks like an anime character but am I that shallow? Ya I am.

Max is such a cute character I cannot tahan!!! And when he sings he seems so full of enthusiasm it's so damn attractive.

Micky is not the typical handsome kind but he is omfg so attractive in ways I cannot describe. Or he is he actually hot?

Not my absolute favourite but he is so cute he simply must be shown to the world.

What orgasmic voices.

Now I want to squeeze and mosh among thousands of girls and squeal with them while holding flashing lights.

Currently listening to: Tonight - DBSK (duhhhhh)

My Love...For Grapes

2007-04-27T18:24:00.000+08:00

I have decided that I prefer eating seeded grapes to seedless grapes mainly because I can eat them slower and enjoy a huge bowl while watching a movie. Time has to be spent picking seeds, spitting seeds, being angry after biting on seeds and finally chewing. Oh grapes I have an obsession with you guys.

I am so proud of myself.

Simply because this morning when the alarm rang, despite my eyelids weighing like a hundred tons and me feeling I could float off on a cloud back to dreamland, I woke up and went for lecture. I freaking woke up. Waking up was one thing, sitting through a 2 hour Gene Technologies lecture is another. And I accomplished both! PLUS a Gene Technologies lab. *pats self on back*

My new indulgence is a few hours in Borders once a day or rather thrice a week is bliss enough. The comfy leather chairs they provide entice you in for a read all day. The presence of Gloria Jean's make you want a coffee and flip through the abundant travel or cookbooks. The promotions they currently offer lure you unknowingly to browse through and yearn for a copy of everything on sale. I want to buy!!!! However, as stated in previous post, something went missing. : (

I can now check one item off my list of snacks which I want to eat: Tim Tams Love Potions (Caramel). Before we went partying on Tuesday night, I was gliding through the aisles of Coles searching for a snack to sink my teeth into and tada! The Tim Tams were reaching for me from the shelves and I welcomed it with open arms. Mmmmmmm gooey chocolatey goodness.

Don't we just love the biscuits & cookies aisle?

Currently listening to: Everything - Michelle Branch

The Small Things

2007-04-26T19:00:00.000+08:00

I do not know how many times I need to slap myself on the face. I lost my ATM card AGAIN. What. The. Fuck. It never ceases to amaze me how I do it so many times! ARGGGHHHH. Frustrations frustrations. And to think I only realized when I placed my basket of groceries on the check out counter and whipped out my wallet to see that there is no card there. The instant thought that hit me was: 'Where can it be? Possibly at home.' So I very politely smiled at the cashier and indicated that there doesn't seem to be anything that looked remotely like money in my wallet and ducked out of Coles faster than road runner.

'What a dickhead' was probably floating somewhere in his thoughts.

I was all set to play the role of domestic goddess and have a decent meal of indian curry and rice but alas! what has to happen?

On another note, when I was at the traffic light waiting to cross the road to the tram stop, the tram passed in front of me. Instant thoughts would be: 'Fuck! have to wait again!' But nooooo, the oh so nice tram driver actually honked me with the cute little tram honk which sounds like a bell and signalled to me if I wanted him to wait. I can't remember what I gestured but it should have looked like a 'yes' since he waited. THAT made my day. Small little kind gestures like that. I skipped onto the tram happy as a clam and listened to Remioromen.

Yep. Even though I lost my ATM card.

Currently listening to: You Set Me Free - Michelle Branch

P-A-R-T-Y

2007-04-25T02:11:00.000+08:00

Girls' Night Out and party time on ANZAC Day Eve!

Mich, Becky and Rachel...Love you guyss! =))

Currently listening to: We're Already There - The Wallflowers

A Message

2007-04-24T16:53:00.000+08:00

I remember I used to flip through my Mom's cookbooks and marvel at the wondrous pictures of beautifully presented dishes. The delicious apple glazed baked chicken, succulent roast lamb and colorful little cupcakes. The moment I spotted anything that looked remotely tasty or exciting, I would pester my Mom day in day out to pleaseeeeeee make it. Eventually she did of course and made tiny teddies. I spent many merry hours helping to give those tiny teddies a pair of eyes, a nose and a mouth. If I felt like it, I would also give them clothing. It felt great to be creative and also derive so many different teddies. I would watch as she popped the trays into the oven and out comes my beautifully decorated teddies! It felt jolly. It felt Christmasy. Thereafter, whenever holidays came around, the pestering would begin. My Mom would succumb every time and there was almost a year's supply of teddies. As I grew up, laziness kicked in and I no longer felt like these activities and would rather read a book or watch TV or go out.

Looking back, I dearly miss cooking with my Mom. Should have learnt a trick or two and not be a total noob now. Luckily, Mom's just a phone call away for cooking (and seasoning, which is the MAJOR problem) advice. She's also just a phone call away for solutions to my worries, stress and bouts of depression.

I miss shopping with Mom. How I need her advice and also how she heeds my advice in attire.

I miss hanging out with Mom - following her to the market on Saturday mornings and having breakfast at Heng Lee thereafter. Mmmmm....kaya toast.

I miss reading the papers with Mom. How we discuss the daily affairs and how she would always tell me to watch out and be careful with regards to how some young girl has been conned or whatsoever.

I miss her LAME jokes with Dad. How they would always be the only ones laughing.

I miss her cooking and her stealing my clothes.

Basically, I MISS MY MUMMMMYY!!!!

Here's an early wish even though my Mom's a total noob with the computer and hardly knows how the internet works which probably means she wouldn't be reading this:

HaPpY MoThEr'S Day! <3

You always see through me and know exactly what I am thinking. You always say the right things to make me feel better. You are the pillar giving all of us support and I love you forever for that.

____________________________

Speaking of cooking and what not, look what I whipped up for lunch and dinner today:

It's a take out tray from a Korean restaurant which I totally adore. Their kimchi soup is DIVINE. Michelle ta-paued the soup and didn't want the rice + side dishes so I took everything and just added my own dishes. Pretty? It makes me feel Korean.

Currently listening to: Grazed Knees - Snow Patrol

The Daily Run

2007-04-22T18:28:00.000+08:00

Whenever I have the chance to sleep in late, I somehow stir in bed and decide I don't want to lie in bed while the marvelous sunshine seeps in through the sliding glass doors. But when I don't get the chance to savour sweet slumber, thoughts of staying in bed wrapped up in my comforter feeling warm and toasty bug me like my sister telling me she wants to watch Bugs Bunny. This is with reference to this morning (afternoon, really), when I woke up to the sounds of Sunday morning traffic and a craving for Big Breakfast the size of Texas. Pancakes drizzled with syrup and butter would have also made the cut. Of course, I resisted with massive determination and poured myself some Special K cereal instead. Plugging in my headphones, I ate, listened to The Wallflowers and read some news on CNN.com. Oh, how I multitask. A perfect morning.

Walking through Big W today amongst shelves and shelves of books, the urge to grab one and run to the check out counter hit me like a boomerang. Borders would have been paradise but it was already closed at the time. Resistance seems to be the driving force today since again, I resisted and trudged out in haste. Why oh why do you mock me?

Right this moment, I feel like plating out a selection of cookies and serving tea while everyone sits and chats throughout the night. I also feel like changing out of my clothes, slipping into PJs
and lying down to read my new book if I had gotten it. Grrrr. Money issues. I suppose the former is possible except the fact that I have neither cookies nor tea. Lygon is just a street away you know? Then again, what's my new trend?

Time on hands but resources seem scarce. Times like these, the internet is where you seek solace.

Currently listening to: Run - Snow Patrol

Of This and Of That

2007-04-21T23:43:00.000+08:00

I just devoured half a lamb souvlaki which I shared with Jolynn and it's freaking 2.25am. I have a hot cup of tea in my hands and yes, the weather outside just makes you want to blog - windy, cold and a little wet. It's nice to be indoors in a warm cosy apartment under these conditions and listening to Snow Patrol while I type on my dainty little laptop.

So yes! I have changed my blog skin like finally. And yes, my blog has been seriously deprived and untended. Laziness is the new trend for me. And so is the Soy Latte at Starbucks.

The entire day has been a pretty lazy one with me rising at about 1.30pm and discovering hey! I can probably 'repair' the internet by resetting the router. Yep! Was a success so I gleefully embrace the wonders of internet again and again and again. A computer without internet is like horse-riding...without a horse. So I proudly announce the success to Rachel and everyone is happy. Otherwise, the situation would be a pretty different one.

In dire need of groceries, a trip to Safeway was a must must but not before a latte of course. My barely there culinary skills was put to the test at dinner in which I whipped up some Meatball Pasta. Not bad lah...considering the word 'nice' surfaced somewhere during our conversation. I had planned a quiet stay-at-home night blogging and watching movies but got dragged to Justin's party. OK. Back at home, still dirty and not cleaned up, I have indulged in the internet once more.

Recently, I have begun to extremely obsessed with suncare. I have found myself slathering on SPF25 moisturer on my face as well as being M.I.A in places where the sun shines directly. Read: Directly. I love sunny weather more than anything but I have rising concerns about melanin and what not. So yeah.

The weather is beginning to turn cold, I feel as if my binge eating disorder has begun to reactivate. I mean, LAMB souvlaki??? 2.25am??? Break out the mirrors dear! It doesn't help with the RANGE of Korean snacks they have here. From chocolate pies to weird looking biscuits that stir some vivid interest within me, the Koreans sure know how to thug at your 'snack-eating' strings.

For example:

Since the topic of food has descended upon me, I have the sudden urge to list down the array of snacks that I have always wanted to eat but have not had the courage to pick them up in fear of 'weight issues'. The Australian supermarket stocks so many wonderful cookies, biscuits and snacks that I just want to bury myself in them and never surface.

1) Tim Tam Love Potions (Caramel)

2) Heaven Double Choc/Cookies and Creme Ice Cream
3)Sticky Date Pudding
4)Arnott's Choc Chip Cookies
5)Arnott's Kingston Biscuits
6)Arnott's Assorted Creams
7)Lamingtons
8)Chocolate Mud Cake
9)Profiteroles
10)Crumpets
11)Bagels
12)Cadbury Milk Chocolate

And the list goes on but I can remember neither the names or brands....
AHHHHHHHH....If I could have s supersonic metabolic rate or Dennis O'Neal, I would give up the latter.

Good night!

Currently listening to: Hands Open - Snow Patrol

2007-03-17T20:32:00.000+08:00

HAPPPPY 21st BIRTHDAY MEEEEEEEELI!!!

My fellow Krangses CB and nothing can change that!

The very first friend I made in Sunway College, and it happened at Kim Gary.

Or rather, I was talking to her even before I met her.

The one who came to fetch me back to her house after I had a fight with someone. Haha. Remember?

I haven't seen you in soooooooooooo long, this is the only photo I have of us! Haha. And that's when you left for Canada. Niama.

Have a great one!!! Love yaaaaaaaaa loadsssss! =D

________________________________

HAPPPPPPPY 20th SZEEEELAAAAAAAAAAA!

The one who shares my camwhoring passion!

Still crazy as ever, miss you like madddddddddddd!!

Please tell me the good news that you are coming to Melbourne!! Can't wait for you to be hereeee. Muaks!

Friday night birthday, I'm sure you have some crazy thing planned? Make it an awesome one! =)
________________________________

So birthday wishes aside, I have been back in Aussie for almost a month now. How time freaking FLIES man. Still not settled in my own place yet and still terrorizing Becky every night HOHOHOHO. The weather's been awesome and sunny, something I always dig.

Random stuff to mention:

I won my first AUD20 at Crown! Heh heh heh. Not bad man. First time sit down, sapu liaos. Being the 'no balls' that I am, I decided to stop after that.

I lost my freaking ATM card. Way to go!

I drove for the first time in my life on Melbourne roads - freakshow man! Scary balls!

Went on a road trip to the Great Ocean Road, which was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.

Met with Chin Hong who's in Melbourne too! That guy NEVER change at all.

Carpe diem! :)

Currently listening to: Thanks For The Memories - Fall Out Boy

2007-02-25T22:04:00.000+08:00

Everyone's already in Australia but alas I'm still here. I'm still hereee! No worries, I'll be out of here in a little over 2 days. I sound like I cannot wait to get out of here but I am very much reluctant. Another year of missing the food, people and well, the food.

So, my life has undergone a change in direction. Not entirely major but of course there's always the element of fear + anticipation + expectations. I always believe that everything happens for a reason and God has arranged for me to take on this change as well as challenge. In the same way, opportunity knocked and I opened the door to welcome it. I have no idea what God has in store for me so let's embark on the first step in this journey and begin the adventure. 2 days!

Without a doubt, I am going to miss Newcastle. It was home for almost a year to say the least. The memories created remain vivid and thanks to the wonders of the camera, our moments were captured and documented. The wonderful and crazy bunch of friends I had. Thank you all for being the fun people you guys were, the study buddies when needed and shoulder to lean on in moments of sorrow. I would not have pulled through without you all. The beautiful beaches which still never cease to impress me plus the jaw-dropping distance of walking we did day in day out, the obvious addiction to AIC coffee and cake or the number of weirdos we came across. And the night we went to try the clubs in Newcastle and who we met? (eh eh Wen Ya and Ze? haw haw) In addition, who could forget the Sydney trips we took - the crazy amounts of shopping and eating as well as our constant delight whenever we stepped into the Asian grocer at World Square. Cheryl, Emm and Juju - I had one of the best times squealing, shouting and singing along at The Fray gig. That was one night I would never forget. Also my housemate Emily! You were an awesome housemate and I miss your crazy antics. The amount of Simpsons DVDs you owned, dissing the most hated housemate in all of Morpeth and that deal we made to travel to Sydney to get Foo tix! Even though Foo didn't work out, it was awesome to know you shared the same enthusiasm. Cheers!!

The classic line we all shared: 'Oh shit, today is Friday.'

So many good times shared, I am definitely going to miss Newcastle.

Almost one week ago, I was, in the words of Coldplay, stuck in reverse. I had no visa, no flight ticket outta here and no place to stay. Way to go right? That's the main reason why I'm still here anyway! But thank God it's been sorted out!

So as life is uncertain and new things have come my way, let's just savour them and enjoy student life while we're still at it! : )

Currently listening to: Run - Snow Patrol

2007-02-17T19:04:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESMINE!!!!! =DDDDDDDDD

You tell the silliest things.

You have the heart of an angel (not like becky hahaha).

You laugh at the most nonsensical stuff.

You make us laugh like there's no tomorrow.

And that makes you our JESMINEEEEEE!!!

Wow that's fast. You're 20 now. Haha. So reunion + birthday = ULTIMATE PARTY??? Quite a good idea and immaculate timing eh???

And Happy CNY 2007 as well! 'Earn' los of money ok!

Have a great one! and I MISS YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU <3

2007-02-15T11:15:00.000+08:00

I can wholeheartedly declare that I never in my 19 years have I been stuck in such a predicament!!! Probably even a predicament would be an understatement as this is absolutely an attempt to crawl out of a bottomless pit while still falling through cold, musty air. Sometimes I really wonder is this a challenge God has posed for me to get out of? To overcome? To jump the hurdle in a never ending race? What is it??

Sweet Mother of GOD!!! Help me please! Help me find the strength to fight. To hold on. To persevere. I have reached a dead end. There is nothing within reach I can do. The feeling is just like that of taking the elevator and it opens to reveal pitch darkness - nothing beyond that the eye can see. THAT'S the feeling. Sheer fear. Sheer obscurity. Sheer anger. You leave me no road to take, no path to follow and only hope which I can hang on by my fingernails. There's only so much optimism I can show - it's slipping from my fingers day by day.

Where are you taking me? Should I wait and see? Or should I go?

2007-02-14T02:49:00.000+08:00

Please let my Arowana pull through. I've had enough shit these recent weeks and I don't need more.

Hear my thoughts!!!!

2007-02-12T13:54:00.000+08:00

Guess who grew hot and we rekindled our love?

You guessed right/wrong! So digging the bald look and that body! Justin in a suit. YUM.

I suppose there's no need to even mention his name as everybody knows who this guy is. Most would be from his N'Sync days. And even back then, with his Maggi-mee hair, he captured my heart for a period of time. *hides N'Sync CDs* From there on then, we lost touch for a good few years.

So Now older, all built, manly and tattooed (?), how can he not get us hot and bothered? I didn't even look the way of his Justified album as I personally didn't like it all. However, FutureSex/LoveSounds is CRAZZYYYYYYYYYYYY. I can't get SexyBack and What Goes Around off my head and find myself gripping the steering wheel hard and yearning for it to play on radio whenever I drive and when it does come on, I find my hands off the wheel. So yeah. I risked my life for you, Justin!

SexyBack is a MUST HAVE during clubbing - the ultimate! I particularly love how he has grown and those collaborations with producers like Timbaland. And having bagged more Grammys this morning, I'd say who's bringing sexy back??

Currently listening to: What Goes Around - Justin Timberlake

2007-02-11T00:05:00.000+08:00

My brother showed me the sleeve of The Passion of The Christ DVD:

2007-02-04T00:55:00.000+08:00

Now I have never stepped into Italiannies (One Utama cos apparently the one in Curve has not so impressive service) but with so many raving about it, why not give it a try? And impressing us was very much a success right from the beginning. Points for good service, their outrageous slogan - So good. So much. So share! (like how many restaurants actually tell you to share?) as well as good food. Artichokes I love!

So I fly on the 20th, thankfully no crazy transits for me. Flight food again haha. Most people hate it like crazy but I love it. The only thing I am dissatisfied is whenever they ask about meal preference, I would state 'No beef please' and they always manage to come up with tasteless boiled chicken of some sort which is like different from the normal non-beef dishes and I will have to stare at my friend's while salivating. And when tea time comes around and sandwich is served, the 'No beef please' gets a veggie sandwich comprising of a few salad leaves and some measley tomato slices. The normal ones got LAMB sandwich the last time round. LAMB omg that's like my favourite meat and I stated 'No beef please' not 'No meat please'. But if I don't state 'No beef please', the alternatives might all be taken leaving only the beef ones. That happened the last time round. Flight food dilemma. Not. hahahaha.

Chinese New Year's round the corner. Opened the wallets wide yet??

Currently listening to: Miracle - Foo Fighters

Randoms

2007-02-01T22:02:00.000+08:00

Just finished watching the Amazing Race Asia with my Dad and Mom. A nice glass of wine coupled with some good cheese accompanied us. Mmmmmmmmm. Cheese. Guess who won? .

Joe Jer and Zabrina! And the first all-female team to do so in Amazing Race history. Not too bad eh? Malaysia Boleh!!!!!! Wooooooohoooooo.

2 days ago, had a chat with my brother on the couch from like 10 all the way till 2am in the morning. We were basically talking about everything under the sky - our experiences in Australia, Uni life, childhood days and the future. At one point, we were talking about our proudest moments and I was teleported back to my Sec 4 days. Oh secondary school, how I miss it now even though they weren't the most glamourous moments. How Becky and Zhenhui always tease about the book-hugging bus-chasing me at 1.40p.m. most school days. I wasn't even aware I was being observed and laughed at. Sad shit la. Anyway, it's no surprise, my chinese sucks. Many have commented. However, I will never ever forget how my then Chinese teacher always believed in me. I didn't even believe in myself. I was contented to do fairly well. I recall how she paid a lot of attention to me - my essays, letter writing and all that. She would pull me in her office and talk to me about how she knows I was capable of much more. Without a single doubt, it was that constant berating and more importantly, the belief that kept pushing me nearer and nearer towards my goal. The O'Levels Chinese paper was in June and during the time, my family was going to Melbourne to visit my brother. I pushed thoughts of any holidaying aside and forfeited my trip. Instead, I devoted my time to studying for the Chinese paper. I refused to allow anything to slip from my hands. The results came out a month or two later. The scene was that of fear, worry, sweat, tears - literally anything you can think of. How my teacher walked into the classroom with that piece of paper in her hand, how fast my and every single person's heart in that room was beating, how all of us were huddled together and how optimism and pessimism were co-existing, I remember each and every single second. When my teacher read out my marks: 'Yang Hui Min, A1', I was like OH. MY. GOD. Couldn't believe my ears. I smacked the table and shouted a seriously dodgy 'YES!'. How my teacher nodded approvingly at me will forever be sealed in my memory. It was ALL worth it. The hours of torturous study, never-ending classes and sleepless nights. I can definitely say that was one of the proudest moments I could have ever had in my life. And hopefully many more proud moments to come!

Well, I know it's a little too late but heck. Just wanna say a huge and sincere THANK YOU MS HUANG JIE BO. From the heart. You believed in me like no one else, not even myself, and I couldn't thank you more for that.

Moving on, let me describe to you a perfect morning up till last week. Waking up around ten-ish, washing up, drinking freshly squeezed juice, then picking up the morning paper and reading it. In the process, flip on the TV and watch the Australian Open. You know what? Pardon my language but oh my gosh this dude is soooooooooooo totally fuckable! Check him out for yourself:

They touted him 'Red Hot Chilean' when he reached the final against Roger Federer and I say give me all the chillies! And talk about that cuuuute South American accent. Step aside Nadal, Fernando Gonzalez is the new champion of my list of tennis hotties. Looking at his eyes just suck you in. Too bad he wasn't as strategic and flawless in tennis as Federer but I was certainly glued to the match (of course I paid attention to real tennis as well la eh). Previously, I was kinda pissed he trashed Nadal but later MY. MY. MY. Yum. I love guys with curly and long-ish hair. In the words of Homer Simpson: Mmmmm.

New fave country: Chile

During this holiday, I have finished the entire Season 1 of Prison Break. And now halfway through Season 2. The story is a tad unbelievable, how perfectly timed each situation is and how he always got what he needed. However, it's freaking kan-chiong I must say. Sometimes, I cannot take the kanchiongness. But it got predictable after a while. Still, I wanna know what happens in the end.

Another would be Heroes, which is damn good. Santiago Cabrera is like damn freaking HAUTE la! Okok, it's a good story la right? Don't even get me started on hot guys, I can go on and on and on and on.........Chile for now!

Currently listening to: Orange Sky - Alexi Murdoch

2007-01-29T21:42:00.000+08:00

Been meaning to change my blog skin but I obviously suck at it so there's no point for now. Or a significantly long time to go.

I just finished watching the The Garden State and it was definitely a commendable piece of work by Zach Braff. Nicely done. Shows that life should be well-lived.

Speaking of movies, caught a midnight movie 2 nights ago and WHAT THE HELL man. Watched Epic Movie which is utter shit. Literally. It was plotless, meaningless and a mere waste of time and money. It wasn't even funny! Just sheer lameness. GOSH. We picked it just because the other movies were almost full house and seats were limited anyway.

Was hit by some pretty sad news yesterday night. Maybe not many would know but Xu Wei Lun, the Taiwanese actress was killed yesterday night, in an accident. SHOCKING I say. Jesmine!!! Sad rigghttt????? She was a a pretty good actress with a bright future. Such a young age as well! UGH.

OH! And I wanna congratulate a certain friend of mine. I am soooooooooo happy for you. :)

Currently listening to: New Slang - The Shins

Bye Bye P

2007-01-23T12:38:00.000+08:00

The red P on my car officially comes off todayyy!! No more kena laughed at cos PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP.

2007-01-19T21:46:00.000+08:00

Ladies' Night at Maison was helluva fun. The music was so rad we danced away for an hour or so non stop while sweating like a bunch of elephants (elephants sweat right?).

Darling Craud Craud was there as wellllll! Nice seeing ya babe!

Also tried something for the first time: clubbing without makeup. Carefree and easy. You should try it.

pre clubbing shot

darling craud craud and my fat arm

best friend with same name, craud craud and stupid victoria beckham lookalike juruuts!
DJ Goldfish in da house

high on music

On another note, my fear is rising!! Reason undisclosed.

sexybackkkkkkkkk

Arrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2007-01-08T21:19:00.000+08:00

My heart's about to beat out of my ass now. PLEASE give me some good news. News that I wanna hear. P-L-E-A-S-E.

Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007!

2006-12-27T21:59:00.000+08:00

And in the wink of an eye, 2006 is drawing to a close. In just a few days, we would be welcoming the arrival of 2007 with much anticipation and hope. What would the new year bring? A brand new beginning? Plenty of wonderful surprises?

Looking back on the year, 2006 has truly been a rollercoaster ride no doubt. Saying that there were abundant challenges, obstacles and mountains to climb would be an understatement.

2006 spelt the start of a new way of life for me in a totally foreign country. Being physically removed and placed in unfamiliar surroundings can be torturing to one's emotions. It was literally naivety, curiosity, excitement and fear blended, seasoned and served fresh. Of course during the initial stages, excitement overshadows most feelings and little did we know it would be an uphill climb most of the way. For all I know, I did hit rock bottom myself. During those moments, help and consolation did arrive in the form of family and friends and I cannot thank them enough. You guys know who you are! =p It definitely kept me fighting.

Nonetheless, 2006 was not without its charms.

Staying abroad almost the entire year made me appreciate my family more. I discovered who were the ones who really cared about me, found my inner self and understood myself at a deeper level. I also noe clearly know what I want and what I don't want, and how important it is to follow your heart in whatever you do.

The trip to Melbourne I took in July was way awesome. Saw one of my favourite bands live and upclose, truly an experience of a lifetime that nothing can trade for. ALL worth it. Later in September, The Fray made my day with the awesome performance in Sydney. What more, I got to meet Isaac Slade. Crazzzzyyyy.

Here, I wish everyone a fun, prosperous and successful year 2007. May you all be healthy and well. Have a great year ahead!!

Christmas Cheer

2006-12-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

Singapore/JayBee trip was short but fun. Definitely wonderful to relive the good old Causeway days. Enduring the unhealthy pollluted jam, crossing the border every single day, getting that tiny "if you don't guard it with your life you will reap the 'benefits'" book stamped, enduring another long jam, getting THAT book stamped again and so on.

And the place I have lived almost 15 years of my life have undergone some changes. Small changes, major changes - it's all in. Man, do I miss that place. No tolls to deal with, less traffic congestion, ample shoe shopping and my wonderful 'used to be' home which I still feel so attached to.

The girls were all fun and laughter in Singapore. Met up in Clarke Quay and dinner was somewhat the fine dining sort although the surroundings weren't all that. Reminisced about old times and laughed our butt off. ESP. Jesmine. Laughing away in the corner. HAHAHAHAHAH. Without doubt, I had tons of fun and to all you girls: May our friendship last forever and may we laugh till we are old and grey! Love you all!

Maybe another trip in Jan ok? Wee! =p

The trip was so short I couldn't meet with the rest. Hopefully I would be able to do so in Jan. Merry Christmas everyone!

grant me my wishes please

Holiday Fever

2006-12-18T00:46:00.000+08:00

MidValley is horrendous during the holidays. The suffocating crowds, noisy shows and crazy situations at sales. One look at MNG and I can't even bring myself to walk into the shop, what more buy something. Even though they have some really nice stuff in there. It's like pasar malam unleashed. Whatever that means. Even wanting to catch my Zinger burger at KFC seemed impossible with the never ending queues.

Nonetheless, shopping yielded pretty fulfilling results. Got what I have been wanting for some time now. And when you have absolutely limited money to shop, ALL the clothes are nice! It's proven I tell you.

So Saturday night was spent at Hartamas and to the LJs Mirets and Bicherds: VERY FUN HOR!!! And Best Friend Zhenhui too: How can you do this to best friend!!! Card games and some crazy 'doesn't make sense' games had us laughing incessantly. All good fun.

richerds.

mirets.

best friend

bicherds

CB brother

Oh and I have a disgusting story to share. You know when you have mucus flowing down your nose, you tend to suck it back. Well, I did just that a couple of days ago and with a tad too much strength and 'pi sai' was sucked back down my throat and into my mouth. And I BIT on it. YEP. GA-ROSS.

diamonds and coal

Sampats' Day Out

2006-12-12T22:52:00.000+08:00

2 Klang sampats met the PJ sampat and the 3 sampats went for karaoke this afternoon. Sang quite a number of chinese songs surprisingly. And NO ONE touched the lunch. Ended up ta-pauing back for Wen Ya's dog. Sorry Red Box chef.

klang sampats

sampat driver

even more sampat passenger

with PJ sampat

After belting out for 3 hours without touching any food except for the soup (it was the barley fungus tong sui so must drink!), ended up in Secret Recipe for none other than...cake! 3 sampats ordered 2 slices of cake but failed to finish it. *GASP* Eh! What is wrong la? We're talking about US leh.

the ultimate

lemon cheesecake

THEN, OSIM displays their iGallop as well as massage chairs at the Pyramid foyer and it's damn fun lor! No need for ponies and horses anymore. Some more you can adjust the speed. Crazy horses possible!

one very happy horserider

Thereafter, Cats Whiskers it was! Drove across to SS15. Wanted to eat Pan Mee initially but it was kinda late for it. 3 sampats had NO MONEY but were in Cats Whiskers! Browsed left, right, up, down and every single top twice before we decided to leave. Must see kao kao right since already here.

Had a hankering for the Roti Hawaii at SS2's Murni so guess what! We braved the peak hour jam on the LDP for some Roti Hawaii, Loh She Fun and Cheese Naan. I remember Zhenhui (best frienddd!!!) introduced Roti Hawaii to me and yum! An eye opener for Wen Ya too. Eh chun rightttt the Hawaii! Heh. Glad you loved it.

a traffic jam shot

rat noodles, cheese naan and hawaii

Dessert at KTZ plus some drama? HAHAHAHA. Our little secret ok?

I notice I talk a lot about food. *duhs from the side*

black sesame

mango loh

Isn't having Mamaks around one of the major perks of being Malaysian?

christmas is coming!!