to tag or not to tag

Max, you shall never tag me again! haha!


Rules:
Do this tag and answer all the questions into your own blog.
Delete one question from all the questions and add one of your own question, make sure it is 20 questions.
Tag 8 persons.
Questions:

1. What is your dream when you were a small kid?
I dreamt about studying overseas. It came true! ;P

2. What is the happiest thing in your whole life?
This question is grammatically incorrect. -__- I would say freedom to do what I love doing.

3. What do you wish to have now?
Courage to tell somebody something.

4. How should the world be seen?
A place of hope.

5. What do you realise recently?
Anger and doubt are the 2 poisons that pull down a leader.
(by Ps. Graeme)

6. What is the bad habit that you cannot accept the most?
of other people you mean? Smoking.

7. When you have something which you are unhappy about, what will you do?
Pray & (most probably) blog about it.

8. Are you afraid of losing?
Of my loved ones, yes.

9. Do you think that you feel helpless, or useless sometimes?
Yes.

10. When you meet someone that you like, will you profess or hide your feeling?
Hide it. Rejection scares me.

11. List out 3 kind of people you hate the most.
Liars, cowards, and people living in denial.

12. What is loneliness?
Loneliness is when there's no one around to share your happiness with.

13. Are you satisfied with your life now? Do you think any changes should be made?
Yes, none that I can think of.

14. When is the most recent time you feel touch?
Assuming that it's "feel touched", a few hours ago when Chyi chyi agreed to teman me for half an hour before the movie started. hehe.

15. Where is the place that you visited and you feel the most beautiful?
Gah, the grammar is BAD. Queenstown.

16. Use a song to describe how you feel for this recently.
When will I see you again - Jamie Scott & the Town

17. If you have a wish to come true, what is it?
Wishes are meant to be kept secret.

18. Do you have anything to worry or to be scared about recently?
Worried about not being able to attend Hillsong 08.

*19. A question of my own?
Who wrote these questions? Go to a grammar school, please.

20. Do you think that you are cheap or expensive?
Refer to above answer. Very very expensive.


I tag no one.

***

Is it 7 more days to Kuching already? WOW.

hyper-optimistic me

I blame myself for getting excited too easily, or maybe I'm just putting my hopes way too high.

Here's why.

A few days ago, I was browsing through the Hillsong church website when I found out that the early bird registration ends on 30th Nov ($179, extra 20 after that).

I got overly enthusiastic and began the crazy hunt of cheap air tickets to Sydney, checking out backpackers prices, and even searched for train fares to the Acer Arena. Then I sent out a message through facebook to a few friends, hoping that they'll be as enthusiastic as I am and grabbed the opportunity to attend Hillsong Conference 2008.

It was a last minute plan, I admit. And most people aren't keen on spending about $800 going to a conference, not to mention skipping 1 week's worth of lectures. But there I was, praying for a miracle that more people would say yes.

I am disappointed.

Not at you guys who couldn't make it, don't get me wrong. I fully understand your responsibilities and important things to do. I just thought that He would make it happen, and make it possible for us to travel again before some of you guys graduate next year.

Oh well. I might still go, it's my dream to be part of the conference ever since I picked up my first Hillsong album. Worst case scenario, I'll fly off to Sydney by myself and meet up with friends over there. *hint hint, Jess*

All hope is NOT lost! I still have faith that I'll attend it, some other year if next year is not the year. ;P

Comical

These look familiar?

For those who don't know already, these are the Pon and Zi comics- they've become quite popular recently, a fine way of replacing words.

What shocked me was that the artist is actually an 18 year old guy called Jeff Thomas.

About him:

He-eeeey. My name is Jeff Thomas and I'm 18 years old. I'm currently taking classes at the local community college to build an application portfolio for ACCD in Pasadena, CA, where I'll be majoring in illustration if I get accepted. When I'm not drawing Pon and Zi, I like to do more serious illustrations and work with acrylic. I also play cello, bass, violin and piano, and I'm currently recording an experimental electro album. (I've got a music myspace profile and my project is called Disregard for Gravity, so look me up! I'll have something to listen to posted soon!) When I need a break from everything, I like going to shows or just out for coffee. I'm lame like that. Hahaha.

So he sounds just like any other normal teenager, figuring out which path to take next; be it music or graphic design. Talented young man.

There's even an online store on his website where you can buy prints & other cute-sy stuff.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to watching the movie Beowulf (3D version). Reviews have been good, and I've never watched a whole 3D film before. Surprisingly, there hasn't been many good movies this summer. Not yet, maybe.

Christmas in the Octagon is coming up too! Should be helping with ushering this year too, and the music team have been practising quite a lot, can't wait for the event on the 3oth of Nov. I'll confirm the time soon, so if you're still in Dunedin, just come along (5ooo showed up last year) and see the lighting of the big Christmas tree!

Untitled.

You never fail to surprise me every day

Little obstacles pop up along the way
I worry, complain, and sigh
Yet You assure me never to fear
For what would worry add to problems?

I'm beginning to have more faith now
Leaning on Your Word, I do
Reminding me of Your never-failing promises
You show me that with faith comes hope

Joy.
Just knowing that I'll never walk alone
My future, my aspirations, they're all in Your hands

Gratitude.
I'm forever changed by Your blessings
So I'll put a smile on my face
To remind others that You place the stars in the skies
And it's You who give the sun its rays

For You I'll live
Always.

Missing you guys

All results are out (unofficially) now, I can't say I'm happy with them. Could've done better.

11 days to go before I head back to Kuching. Everyone's asking if I'm excited or not. Normally I would just say yes (followed by a silent "duh"). I haven't seen my parents, friends from back home, or ate Msian food for 11 months now, so yes I'm anticipating it, but far from excited. I know the things to expect when I get back- routine gatherings, yeap-I-expected-that questions from aunties, other questions I hate can't be bothered answering (see below), and also entertaining people who love to show-off.

You would want to think twice before asking me:

Q: "So where will you work after graduating?"
A: "I wish I had the answer. -__- It depends on what company's offering me, whether or not I'll continue on with postgraduate studies bla bla. Ask me in 2 years' time again, I might have the answer then."
Q: "Why are you going back so early? Don't want to celebrate CNY here issit?"
A: "That's because I can. Staying in Kch for too long translates to boredom. My parents would be spending CNY time with me anyways, and I'm not big on traditions."
Q: "Any angmoh bf yet?"
A: "NO, and I'm not planning on getting one".
Q: "Wa, why are you still so dark?"
A: "For your information, the sun can also be found here".

Speaking of those who like showing-off, I try my best to ignore them. These kind of people adds spice to their life by exaggerating theirs and making others seem puny. Which is a complete waste of time if you ask me. Oh by the way, knowing ministers or important people doesn't make me go "WAHHHHH, really? So jealous of you lah". You're most likely to get a "Oh. ok." or just a big fat pause (and an irritated look) from me.

Thankfully there aren't any show-offs I can find here, but there are heaps back home in Msia. That's why thinking of going back gives me the headache: the thought of talking to/entertaining them. Bleh.

I miss you flat 4 people! =(

Summer's here

Warning: Post may cause some to salivate.


The weather is so pretty today, it doesn't even feel like Dunedin. haha! Summery days like today don't come very often, 10 days the most if we're lucky. So I did the unthinkable (well, 5 years ago it would be)- I wore my shortest skirt out. ;P

Yan signed the lease today, 1 less burden for us! Mick Walsh (the agent for Edinburgh Realty) was probably quite shocked as we demanded requested for many changes; namely a range hood, new carpets and curtains. haha!

Then we went shopping for a while to kill time before meeting up with Ms Dying Fishy aka Chyi Mei for dinner & dessert at LoneStar restaurant. My 1st time dining there, and the food was every bit good as people has said it would be.

It was a relaxing chit chat time for us, 3 girls chatting away, making quite a lot of noise I'm sure we bugged a few couples paktoh-ing next to us. haha! With all these good food, it's hard not to get fat!

Ms. Dark & Ms. Fairlady. I'm jealous of your fair-ness!

Greedy eyes.

Group pic! We all look so happy here teehee

What I ordered: yummilicious lamb shanks

What Chyi ordered: lamb

Dessert! Chocolate fudge with ice-cream & cream. *slurp*

Cheesecake w/ strawberry & chocolate sauce. Desserts served there are so RICHHHH!
No wonder a dessert plate costs $10.

LoneStar.

Not sure why I took a picture of the receipt. Could be the colourful jellybeans

We took pictures with a penguin statue on the way home along Princess St. I never noticed it there before, no idea when it got there. haha! Pics can be found at CMei's blog. Ah, the life of pigs: we talk, we sleep, we eat, we shop!

12 more days to Kuching! Packing status: 10%.

The search is over

Good news!!!

We finally found the last lucky flatmate for 2008!!!

*huge sigh of relief*

*A big applause to Yan for making the right choice* hahaha!

It truly is God that's making this possible. After weeks looking for a suitable flatmate, including posting up flyers up last week around uni, we thought we might have to pay for 1 month's rent (or more) as people are going back home and it's a fat chance we'd find somebody in time.

Then, out of the blue, 2 days ago, Kitty asked for my email address, saying Yan wanted to ask me something. At first, she asked me about staying at the new flat for a few weeks before term starts as she's staying too far away (Pine Hill) and needs to get to work. Then somewhere along the conversation, she mentioned that she hasn't signed the lease yet and would LOVE to have a look at the flat.

So we went to the flat yesterday (tenant wasn't in) and today, thank goodness there was somebody at home. Yan immediately agreed to stay with us for next year! =D

It's so ironic: now that we've found a flatmate, I've received 2 texts about people wanting to flat with us. I've taken the listing off TradeMe. =)

***

Food, oh glorious food!

South African food courtesy of Rachel =)
It's called vetkoek (literally translated means "fat cakes") haha!

Ramon's speciality: seafood laksa

Yum. Very yum on cold (summer) days

We eat a LOT. Steamboat dinner, few months ago.

Chap Goh Meh 2008 dinner =) It was gooooooooood.

So many pictures that I'd love to post up, but would take ages to upload. I might put more on facebook soon. :P

You're 19, Ron!

I've been playing about 10 hours worth of Halo 3 in these 2 days.

I didn't expect it to be that cute: little cute aliens jumping around, shouting "traitor, traitor!!!"

Hehehehe.

I even dreamt that I was the alien traitor guy (the arbiter), which I played the role of during the missions game.

***

Anyway, the results for 1 paper (genetics) came out a few days ago. To be honest, I expected better results, considering quite a few past year questions came out and I thought I did quite well for it. Oh well. Maybe God's telling me NOT to concentrate on genetics if I do the last research paper thingy.

At least Halo is taking my mind off the ugly result. U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi! (Studholme chant)

***

Last but not least, happy 19th birthday to my dear friend RON!!!



I'm proud to say that you're my first Filipino friend, very glad to have met you outside the MANV101 lecture. Thinking back, it REALLY was random, sitting outside the St David lecture theatre chatting away.

Thanks for being my lab partner for biochem (to help me out when I'm completely blur on what to do next), thanks for introducing me to so many cool Korean dramas/movies, really appreciate your friendship and kindness! Honestly, you're one of the nicest people I've ever met, and also the luckiest! hehe.

You sooooo deserve the trip to the States, Taiwan, and Singapore. Have lots of fun, shop a lot (I know you will ;P ), take care, and God bless you til we meet again Feb next year for another year of Biotech and Manv lectures. =P

Facebook-o-mania

The flat is now reduced to 3 occupants (2 citizens, 1 guest), but it seems like now 2 more people are applying for permanent residency. In other words, Evan and Greg is moving in. Which makes it 4 when the aunty-who-is-staying-at-Janice's-room leaves on Sunday/Monday.

Hmm. Interesting. Very interesting indeed.

Summer in Dunedin. *insert sigh here*

Another big sigh.

First of all, summer doesn't translate to 90 glorious sunny days. It's still less than 15 degrees outside, and that's excluding the wind blasts these few days. Brrrr. Thank goodness I haven't started packing up my winter jackets yet.

2ndly, summer also means time to work. But before that, LOOKing for a job. Passing up CVs, sometimes writing cover letters, filling out application forms, then training for the new job bla bla. I've applied for McD and Domino's Pizza for part time jobs until I get back to Msia, but I'm counting on the quite-ok-looking manager at Domino's (who spelled my name as Joslin) to hire me. Muahahaha. Then I can have all the free pizzas I want! Or maybe not.

3rd. No more mahjong. I miss feeling like an opasan, sitting around the dining table, creating combos of tiles, and saying 碰!

Oh well. I shouldn't be complaining. At least I'm getting paid =)

23 days to go. Wow, the year really has gone by. This has to be one of the best years; be it the flatting experience or the wonderful Lighthouse fellowship. So blessed to meet all of you guys =)

***

Anyway. I found this on Sarah's xanga. Dedicated to all the facebook addicts out there. You know who you are.





My favourite part: "the only trouble is, Facebook, I'm wasting my life away!"

Well put, people.

Lavish dinner

It was originally meant to be "the last supper" literally speaking before the pancakes head back to Auckland today. But since they wouldn't be here for Tao's birthday, we decided to make it a pre-birthday dinner thing.

This time, we decided to have dinner at this posh, yet very laidback restaurant- A Cow called Berta. Yeap, I agree: what a unique name.

'nuff said.

Cutlery. Thank goodness the waiter took away one of the forks/knives so I'd know which one to use. hah.

My pick for the night: Salmon fillets ($34) and a glass of ruby port ($6.50)

Kitty and I. Sorry for the blur, flash would look even worse.

Even the toilet is beautiful. See handtowels and plates hanging on the wall.

That's still the toilet. Wonder what's there in the rattan basket...

chirp chirp.

Sally and I forgot to pay for our ports *again*. We went back to pay for it, and seems like the waiter, too forgotten that we didn't pay. He was so grateful that he gave us discount for the ports, so I paid only $6 for it. *teehee*

So full after dinner, but the guys wanted to go to "Yuki", a new Japanese place for more food.

Found this on the wall. So cute!

The pancakes left this morning. Sigh. Flat 4 is suddenly so quiet; no more mahjong, no more having dinner together, no more just going into each others' rooms to chit chat. I'll miss you guys a lot, have fun in Auckland, and will see you all again in Kuching in December! =)

Eye Toy mania

This game has taken over flat 4, 777.

The Eye Toy!!!

My first reaction when I heard about it: iToy? Another one of those Apple-ish consoles?

It's very cool, instead of using joysticks or controllers, eye toy uses its players as controllers! haha. Using a mini webcam which detects your motions and sends it to the console, of course. Such a cool yet simple idea, I wonder why no one thought about it earlier.

It's fun playing the *childish* games, but the FUNnest part would be watching your friends doing weird actions while facing the camera :P No better way of explaining it than watching it yourself. =)

I laughed until my insides hurt today. Woo, this is the life: gaming, eating good food, playing mahjong, sleeping til noon, playing again.

Looking forward to later on today. The plan: wake up close to noon, have dim sum, run some errands, shopping (!!!), then either more eye-toy or mahjong, dinner at night.

Wargh, I feel like a pig. Feel so bloated (from too much food) and my arms ache from playing too much eye-toy. hahaha!

Glowy

If you're bored, or just want something to distract you for 10 minutes or so, have a look at the TIME's compilation of the Best Inventions of the Year. Cool stuff.

I'm still browsing, but so far one of my favourites has to be this: the glo Pillow.

Most people hate their alarm clock. That's why Eoin McNally and Ian Walton created the glo Pillow. Embedded with a grid of LEDs, it uses nothing but light to wake you up. About 40 min. before reveille, the programmable foam pillow starts glowing, gradually becoming brighter, to simulate a natural sunrise. This helps set your circadian rhythm and ease you into the day.

Impressive, very impressive. Though it might seem weird lying your head on LEDs, having light instead of sound waking me up sounds tempting.

Big fish, small fish

The sun is out (and blaring), and someone had a crazy idea to go fishing at the harbour this afternoon after having a coffee session at Starbucks with Chyi Mei.

Rod at hand, ready to fish.

Oops, put the bait on first (we used mussels).

Make sure the line is in place.

Catch fish!

Unfortunately, 2 fishes were way to small for dinner.

We got bored, hence the photos.

New funky hairstyle?

A baby crab crawled out of a mussel! Now we know what mussels eat.

Trying my luck.

So many teeth!

You jump, I jump!

Er... maybe not.

Poor dying fishy.

Random pic.

Even more random: Mr. Skeleto found staring back at us from one of the flats behind.

Tired.

Seems like I can't really stand being under the sun for too long. How to go back to Malaysia end of the year?! 20 degree heat and I'm already complaining...

Lenik the menace is leaving for Chch this Saturday, so sad! She's the first to leave, followed by the Pancakes next week. We had our last flat meeting yesterday, feels so weird to discuss about canceling the weekly $20 flat fund. I hate separations. Sigh.

Oh well. Another month before I head home myself. One more month to slack, shop, and catch up with friends. Oo, not forgetting mahjong, mafia, xbox, ps2, and CS! =D