Missing CNY

for my 2^nd time in a row. New year is ALWAYS very meaningful to me because I have so many fun and good memories. Also, an opportunity to only see some of my distant relatives/cousins. I really miss the boisterous environment at my parents’ hometowns. Especially with the blaring CNY music, exciting conversation with aunties and uncles, ang paus and of course, my beloved CNY cookies- prawn crackers, kueh ka pet, pineapple tart and Jolly Shandy! Huuhuu...

On New Year’s Eve, I managed to cook several dishes for the reunion dinner- SIX to be exact! Though I ambitiously wanted to pull off eight, but, by the time I was about to do the fifth dish, I was exhausted already.

And so, the dinner consisted of tomato fish, steamed egg, spicy black bean prawn, ABC soup, mixed vegetables, tofu with chicken mushrooms.

Yummy, delicious dessert-I loved how my friend beautifully plate up the strawberries and cubed rock melon. SWEET...

As you know, RED is the auspicious colour. In the morning, I realized that my new dress wasn't red enough so I quickly did my nails just to add more 'redness' to my whole presentation. I seriously follow the traditional rules of wearing new clothes and wearing red, in particular the first day of new year.

On the first day of NEW YEAR, we had our ‘yum cha’ session. Guess what we had? Teh tarik and since we haven’t got our CNY cookies, we substituted with chips -_- Well, at least that’s something close.

And funnily, we made SUSHI (my dear friend’s suggestion) in the afternoon. We had green tea hot drink with it. Then, for tea, we had delicious smoothie to quench our thirst.

I’m VERY glad that I am not totally alone on this special festive =) But still I miss my dear relatives and fooooooooooooooooooood.

My favourite picture of the day - SpongeBob SquarePants tin!! How adorable is that? (Von if you're reading, I know you'll like this XD )

Till then, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! Have heaps of FUN!!!

BOO!

Long time no BLOG!!!....

Since coming back to Adelaide, life was huff and puff, nevertheless its been a whirlwind of delightful activities!


Bringing my family around Adelaide was great fun! Made the right decision of booking a lovely serviced apartment for them rather than cramming in my tiny place. I could guess that my sibling really like the Aussie style, from Boost juice to the mouth-watering ravioli, wood-oven pizza etc *double slurps*

OoooO...My Graduation...I had MARVELOUS time with family and friends!

I can't believe the day finally came after slogging through for 4 years. As I was in preparation to receive my parchment, I began a recollection of memories. When I was in my first year, the day I complete the course seemed eternity. Entering my sophomore year, I forged closer bonds with piggies and other classmates. Probably that’s because I held the loan-shark position XD .Third year was like a roller-coaster. Having to adjust to the new environment, ogling cute ang-moh lecturers ;D, having to study new subjects, feeling disappointed, doing all sorts of fun activities to release stress like going to beaches, attending a pub-crawl event, hosting & attending heaps of birthday parties etc. I reckon it would be the most challenging of all the four years. There was immense fear but we were all in this together. I wouldn’t say entering the fourth year was a breeze. It took hard work too and I gained so much more insight of my choice of career.

Walking up on stage with my gown and mortarboard gave me aura of accomplishment. I had witnessed my brother and many of my cousins going up on stage, and I am so glad now its my turn =)

I know this is just only the BEGINNING.

Here's a toast to all graduates of the course. I'll never forget those who has been there for me and show their support. Okay, this is gonna be like an Oscar speech so skip this part, if you like. My family and lovely aunties and uncles, of course. Thank you for your weekly phone calls to see if I'm surviving...=) Your constant care and concern are deeply appreciated. Thank you piggies for your company. Loved that we could lose it all out when we're chatting. We're all ridiculously wacky bunch of students, don't you think? Oink!

To my beautiful friends - Von, Lings, Cel for your support and love. I loved the balloons, Von. Mom said it was a brilliant idea! Could spot my family easily amidst the crowd. Ta! Also to many wonderful classmates - Zoe, Yvonne, Melody, Loga, TL, Cath, HS, SY, HI, LK, Alex, Patrick & other peeps you know who you are =) , car-pool mates -CK & TJ and ex-housemates KK & MK, who have helped me in my studies or in every other way, thank you so much.

All the best co'z our next mission is getting the license and also, not forgetting to...

Keep in touch!

Love always,

Day Trip

Though plans of going to Indonesia with family didn't work out as I hoped, but I went elsewhere- headed up to Genting Highland with Lings ! Was really looking forward for this trip because this means play Play PLAY!! I like going there anyway co'z it brings back a lot of sweet childhood memories with my cousins and their familes. I miss being a kid.


I thought we were pretty good in conquering most of the good rides. The waiting part took most of the time! I've always wanted to go on the Solero Shot ride and I did!! Felt more comforting knowing that you're not alone. The ride was AWESOME!! For a few seconds when they drop you,its as if the butt had detached from the seat. Felt like free falling. Darn scary but the after effect feeling is so good! Another ride which also pumped heaps of adrenaline was Corkscrew - the double loop roller coaster. Super FUN!


I can play and play and forget about eating at all. Felt so bad after that, co'z dragged Lings ride after ride >.< We both loved the Spinner ride! It was like flying without wings.

An educational and colourful journey of chocolate-making

As I looked back on these past years, I've realised we've grown so much and no doubt continue to grow in terms of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes I've even forgotten our age and I thank you for reminding me (24, hey?) Thanks for putting up with my silliness and naive thinking. Here's sending you my love and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

PS: My full results aren't out yet...Grrggrr...And now, I'd received a notification of unsuccessful graduation. The waiting game can be unbearable at times.

Friends are the Sunshine of Life

To quote John Hay, Friends are the sunshine of life

Even though many have changed, but do not be afraid as, we are each finding our own place in the world. No matter where this crazy world takes us, here's hoping that our friendship stay as it had for 11 years and keeping it strong.

Cheers,


To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence ~Sydney Smith

Drawing on the road!

I woke up to the the sounds of children shrieking and lots of noise and movement outside my window yesterday. 7.30am-which child wakes up at this ungodly hour? And this is what I saw when I went out 30 minutes later:

Cool, hey? Swarms of 3-10 year old kiddies, babies, moms and dads were sitting along both sides of the pavement on the main street in Adelaide. I'm not sure what was the event.. hmm,Children's Day? I thought that was in October.

Not to mention, it was sweltering hot as well. I wonder if parents have put enough sunblock for them? Skin cancer incident is extremely worrying in here! Haha.. some kid coloured the metal thingy there! Looks like a football now!

Daddy decide to join the kids as well! I want to draw and colour too!!

It's Saturday-Xmas 2009-Humungous flower

These kids' drawing remind me of the good old days when mom used to hang our drawings up in the kitchen wall after the art class. Friends and family used to play the guessing game whose drawings were they (my bro or mine)? The kitchen area was always my pride and joy because of these drawings =)

Over the moon

Last Friday, I went back to my previous workplace (where I spent 3 months doing my research) to visit my supervisor and other staff members. Needed to specially thank my supervisor for her tremendous support and guidance throughout my thesis project.

OHhhhh and ................. she revealed a SENSATIONAL news !!

Guess what?! Our abstract (from the basis of our project) was accepted for the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) in their upcoming scientific forum this November! Awesome-ness! *dance around the room* It will be enlarged in a poster format for the forum!

The abstract

Apparently she wanted to put this picture of me in there. In case you are wondering, that's me conducting a medication history with the patient. Face of patient has not been shown to protect anonymity until further decision and instruction are released. If I knew how to do that blurry effect you see on TV where a criminal is caught, I wouldn't be so cruel to stamp on my patient's picture >.<

So much of me feeling upset throughout the project. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet - fits in here. Reflecting on what Professor Balducci-the pioneer of geriatric oncology field said to me, "What you are doing is meaningful and it's definitely worthwhile". *tears of joy*

On another note, I wanna share with you a random joke that I'd picked up while I was there. Perhaps my last because I won't be going there anymore. Anyway, read on because it is quite inane but funny!

This guy was so lonely that he decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So, he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede (100-leg bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house.

He took the box home, found a good location for the box and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to the bar a drink. So, he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to Frank's place with me and have a beer?"

But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going to the bar and having a drink with me?"

But again, there was no answer from his new friend. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time, this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey in there! Would you like to go to Frank's place and have a drink with me?"

A little voice came out of the box. "I heard you the first time! I'm putting my shoes on!"

XD

Spring has been around for a month! It is my favourite time of the year where things come magically to life. Will be uploading pictures of flowers and MORE flowers in my next blog. Stay tuned!

I miss my organ terribly! =(

In particular, I miss Masa Matsuda's 'oh-so-soothing' pieces like- 道 (Path), Waiting for Spring to Come, I Can See Stars in your Eyes... Many organ pieces are written by talented Japanese, for those who are not familiar.

and many techno- head bobbing pieces which I have fun blasting the volume to the max. My late grandfather never got tired of the Wong Fei Hung song!

I pity my neighbours at times! LOL

I went for an art class!

It brought memories where my lil bro and I had to go for art classes every Sunday. I wished art classes back then were not just confined with drawing only. I wished there were more options. Do you know Year 7 students here have a curriculum where they need to do scrapbooking? So COOL!

Oozed out my right-brain creativity today - a good break from studying. Never felt more contented!

The beginning of the last semester

I've been waiting for this day. To get it done with and move on. I felt SO relieved after printing and binding my project book this afternoon. Handing it up felt EVEN better. I'm still amazed I'd finished writing it up! I thought it was simply impossible to write that much!

So, the three months of work will be judged upon what is written in that 60 pages bound book. I'll just pray and hope for the best. At the same time, I was thinking, even if it didn't turn out what I aimed for, I will be forever very grateful for all the experiences that I'd gained.

I remembered feeling unhappy where I was during that three months. I didn't had time to hang out with my friends. I didn't see my housemate much either. And I didn't cook as much because of the uncertainty in the schedule. It was nice of Jo piggy to accompany me that one day and to listen to what I'd to say. She said she never seen me like this before. It was true. I never felt that way in such a long time.

I reckon I felt very cooped up in the institution. I wished I had more patients to talk to but the situation did not permit. Additionally, I didn't like the idea of searching for journal articles... I should have known while I was doing Microbiology & Immunisation subject way back in year 2. I had to research on two HIV drugs: Enfuvirtide & Indinavir. Building on knowledge is fun but the process of writing it up and referencing them (in-text citation and bibliography) is just tedious, in my opinion. And having to stare at the computer 24/7, there goes my increasing eye power.

It was a little frustating because I felt so disconnected with my friends. You know how you are so used to going for lectures and tutorials together, and then suddenly you are put into a totally unfamiliar situation where you have your supervisor as your friend only. Okay, I am exaggerating, you soon get to know the staffs around, but still that doesn't beat being around with your classmates. So that's why I was really looking forward to the next semester where I would get to see familiar faces again.

Having said that, as I pondered in depth (I truly believe that everything happens for a reason), I realized I have learnt so much throughout this short period of time. Some patients had left me thinking about my late grandfather. Oncology nurses taught me chemotherapy protocols. Administration staff chased case notes for me. Some pharmacists are genuinely concerned about my performance even though they aren't my supervisors. The journey and experience is incredible despite my complains.

One of the most memorable experience would be the opportunity to meet renowned professor who is the pioneer in the field of what my research project was all about-Geriatric Oncology.

I was VERY VERY honoured to be able to meet Professor Lodovico Balducci from the Moffitt Cancer Centre & Research Institute (Florida) who came to Adelaide as a visiting professor. How awesome is that?! His encouraging words made me feel that this project is indeed worthwhile to work for.

Anyway, 2 festive seasons are around the corner! YAY! But no holidays here >.<

Selamat Hari Raya!

Happy Mooncake festival!

(Went for a small celebration today)

Enjoy yourself and eat lots of goodies!!!

NEW NOTEBOOK!

After thinking hard and deep, I finally decided - I NEED to get one ASAP. My ACER computer hasn’t been kind to me... or is it the other way round ? Whoops! Either way computer and I never clicked well anyway. ACER had only served me for 1.5 years *sigh*And after incessant calls to Singapore, my cousin brother who is a whiz in computer gave me sapient advice on specifications to look out for and all that jazz... Thanks yee kor! I would be a lost sheep without you.

I am pleased to introduce to you my second baby –Master HP Pavilion DV6-1242TX. The first baby was Miss TEFAL frying pan. Yea, I do have a queer way of naming things ^_^.

It was difficult to to take my hands and eyes off this elegant beauty. I love its black shiny glossy finish and the the feel of the keyboard . Oooo...Love the simple design on the cover and the HP imprint signature which lights up on use! The touchpad mirror looks awesome and works smoothly . Relatively light compared to my previous one! Yay! No more backache while carrying it around the airport.

Specs:
· Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.1 GHz
· 32O Hard Drive
· 4 GB DDR2

I guess these are good enough for me to work with. And I bought the GENUINE Microsoft Office. First time ever -buying original Microsoft Office CD! Nothing is pirated here. LOL! Well, I hope this baby will be kind to me (I promise to take care of him properly too) and hopefully can last me for 3 years?

Love my baby!



Thank you!

ACER baby, you need to get to the clinic once I get you back to Malaysia!

Rainbow moments!

Part 2: Cake cutting @ Apartment

I shrieked when I saw what was in the bag of pressies. They gave me 'medications' organised in a Webster pack (medication administration aid). What a wonderful and CREATIVE gift!!

Zoe counselled on its indication, how to use and associated side effects. She also made sure that I had a Consumer Medicine Information to take home to read.

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  I thought they just printed out some random product information. But when I read the leaflet thoroughly at home, I broke out into laughing fit moments! I even highlighted important points pertaining to the 'medicines' and made side notes on it!! Hahaha...
  
  
  

  
  I don't know how they replicate the exact same format as like other CMI. You guys are incredible! I totally love this idea.

  
  

  
  
  Packed by ZoJo Pharmacy
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hm...I love my 'medicines' , really! They are all sweet and yummy ^_^

Sounds good, so I would have 1/2 Macadamia mane and nocte, 1 Rasberry chocolate during lunch and 1 Raisin chocolate before bed. Thank you pharmacists for packing this! It is now easier to take my tablets without being non-compliant. I pretty convinced that my symptoms will improve over time!

3 weeks supply of 'medicines'!

Taken my night dose chocolate already!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this sparkly pearly bracelet!!!

This is going up on my wall ^_^ Beautiful work of art!

New Pillow to sleep with! - no name yet! Any suggestions?

Thank you Piggies Jo, Zoe, Ann, Lionel, Ronald! Also to Tee Han, TJ, Poh and Yvonne-thank you for coming together to celebrate. This really made my day and it meant a lot to me. I really appreciate all your efforts! Of course, not forgetting the organizers!! Special thanks for planning this so successfully-from paying deposit to book the venue to getting people to gather on time. I truly enjoyed myself and this is one of the best birthday celebrations that I've ever had! THANK YOU! You guys are amazing ^_^

XOXO,