What has the world come to? Assassinating a country's leader to prove a shared belief isn't exactly going to put a full stop to all the chaos.
What a way to send off the year 2007.
Anyway. I need to start thinking seriously about my new year resolution. All the magazines are pouring with tips/ideas on deciding ny resolutions. Sounds so easy but really: who is going to keep all those "exercise at least 3 times a week" resolutions? So I figured I'll just make mine as realistic as possible this year.
Looking at pictures traveling to exotic places for holidays really make me want to pack up my bags, book a ticket, and just GO somewhere. Yes I know I just got back from Thailand. But that was with a tour! Backpacking throughout Europe is still somewhere near the top of my "100 things to do before I die" list, and I'm still in search of a backpacking partner, and hoping to fulfil that in the next 10 years if possible. Anyone keen?
I had my medical checkup for the visa renewal done yesterday, x-ray today. The doctor had to try twice before getting any blood out -__- and I was trying to convince myself the whole time that I wouldn't have another panic attack again.
Which didn't work, of course.
Right after blood was taken, I had that feeling again. It felt like someone had cut off blood supply to my brain, and the nerves are trying really hard to connect with each other. Heart pumping harder than usual. So hard that I can actually hear my heartbeat, and I had to steady myself against the table. I managed to say to the doctor "I feel faint" before lying down on the bed for a few minutes until it went away.
Some say it's haemophobia, a phobia of seeing blood. But I didn't even had a chance to look at the blood-filled syringe!
But still, thank God it wasn't as bad as a few years ago when my vision was reduced to black and white, just like a tv channel without reception. Static. Hearing very blurred. Imbalance, extreme dizziness.
Anyway. Had my first movie since I got back this time. Alien vs Predator 2 isn't as good as I'd expected it to be. The movie itself: 6.2 out of 10. The fact that I'm also complaining about the small screen, horrible sound system, uncomfortable chairs, lack of headrest, noisy people, and mobile phones going off makes it about a 5.5 out of 10.
Worst of all, there isn't anything worth discussing about AFTER the movie. Oh, one particular movie trailer was funny. It started off looking like 300; muscular guys wearing Spartan outfits, then out of nowhere appeared a girl who looked freakishly like Britney Spears shaving herself bald while holding a baby, who was later kicked down the well by the supposed King Leonardis. Yeap, another one of those "epic movies" not worth watching at the theatres.
25.12.07
Merry Christmas everyone. =)
It's a good feeling to be celebrating Christmas here again, after having spent the previous 2 years overseas. There are more events happening, more planning to do, more drama (obviously), and more food. The only thing missing is the Christmas spirit.
Saying that I miss Nations Christian Church is an understatement. The fact that I even managed to be part of this big family I never thought I'd have is something I take for granted all the time. And being back here, though surrounded by family and friends, I really do miss going to home cell every Tuesday, miss being at Friday music practices, and just being around people who understand me and make me laugh.
I've grown even more attached to the group of people I've been spending for the past 2 years than those I'd known since primary or secondary school. Funny, isn't it? Perhaps being far away from your comfort zone makes people appreciate what they have even more. Right now, being thousands of miles away from you guys make me think back on the funny moments we'd shared throughout the year 2006/2007. A nostalgic feeling, really. I can't imagine how life would be like once some of you graduate next year. As cheesy as this sounds right now: As our lives change, come whatever, we'll always be friends forever.
Now I know why people say that university years are the best years of your life.
The few repeating questions I always get since coming back here:
Anyway, had dinner at Merdeka Palace on Christmas Eve. The food was so-so, the highlight has got to be the part when a choir group (from St Peter's? Not quite sure) came in and sang the audience a few beautiful carols. Very well done. I loved how so many instruments were used: 2 guitars, a voilin, a flute, small set of drums, and those cute shakers that make "schk schk" sounds. The Santa Claus was quite entertaining too; he was very BLACK and said hohoho in the weirdest way.
Christmas day service was held at church this morning. It was a last minute thing asking me to play the keyboards, and for some reason I was nervous. Playing the few songs I'm comfortable playing is not a problem at all, but asking me to play the Christmas hymns/carols without any accompanying instruments and I'll freak out. Worst case scenario would be if they started singing in a different key than what I've been practising. Which happened AGAIN, of course. Thank goodness it didn't take me long to figure out that the aunties and uncles sang in D instead of the usual G for "O come all ye faithful." Oh also please, choose more cheerful and fast carols for Christmas next year.
Also, one thing I'd notice that's so typical of the programs and events organised here: people put so much effort in planning that all emphasis have been shifted into making sure it is PERFECT. At the end of the day, they want praise for what they've done, they want confirmation that nobody could have done better than themselves. That's why I said that though so many Christmas events had been organised, no Christmas spirit could be found. It's so sad, really. When everything is swept under the rug, things just go downhill from here unless someone bothers to stand up and turn this thing around.
21 days to Dunedin. Ah, I can already imagine myself unpacking into the new big-as room waiting for me there.
It's a good feeling to be celebrating Christmas here again, after having spent the previous 2 years overseas. There are more events happening, more planning to do, more drama (obviously), and more food. The only thing missing is the Christmas spirit.
Saying that I miss Nations Christian Church is an understatement. The fact that I even managed to be part of this big family I never thought I'd have is something I take for granted all the time. And being back here, though surrounded by family and friends, I really do miss going to home cell every Tuesday, miss being at Friday music practices, and just being around people who understand me and make me laugh.
I've grown even more attached to the group of people I've been spending for the past 2 years than those I'd known since primary or secondary school. Funny, isn't it? Perhaps being far away from your comfort zone makes people appreciate what they have even more. Right now, being thousands of miles away from you guys make me think back on the funny moments we'd shared throughout the year 2006/2007. A nostalgic feeling, really. I can't imagine how life would be like once some of you graduate next year. As cheesy as this sounds right now: As our lives change, come whatever, we'll always be friends forever.
Now I know why people say that university years are the best years of your life.
The few repeating questions I always get since coming back here:
- So where are you studying again?
- So WHAT are you studying again?
- Oh. Biotech? WHAT exactly will you do once you graduate?
- Oo. So don't want to come back liao la har? -__-
- When are you going back again? Why so early?
- Any bf yet?
Anyway, had dinner at Merdeka Palace on Christmas Eve. The food was so-so, the highlight has got to be the part when a choir group (from St Peter's? Not quite sure) came in and sang the audience a few beautiful carols. Very well done. I loved how so many instruments were used: 2 guitars, a voilin, a flute, small set of drums, and those cute shakers that make "schk schk" sounds. The Santa Claus was quite entertaining too; he was very BLACK and said hohoho in the weirdest way.
Christmas day service was held at church this morning. It was a last minute thing asking me to play the keyboards, and for some reason I was nervous. Playing the few songs I'm comfortable playing is not a problem at all, but asking me to play the Christmas hymns/carols without any accompanying instruments and I'll freak out. Worst case scenario would be if they started singing in a different key than what I've been practising. Which happened AGAIN, of course. Thank goodness it didn't take me long to figure out that the aunties and uncles sang in D instead of the usual G for "O come all ye faithful." Oh also please, choose more cheerful and fast carols for Christmas next year.
Also, one thing I'd notice that's so typical of the programs and events organised here: people put so much effort in planning that all emphasis have been shifted into making sure it is PERFECT. At the end of the day, they want praise for what they've done, they want confirmation that nobody could have done better than themselves. That's why I said that though so many Christmas events had been organised, no Christmas spirit could be found. It's so sad, really. When everything is swept under the rug, things just go downhill from here unless someone bothers to stand up and turn this thing around.
21 days to Dunedin. Ah, I can already imagine myself unpacking into the new big-as room waiting for me there.
let the reunions begin
Still no pictures, guys. Sorry! I'll find a way to get my camera charged and transfer pics to a cd or something. Dial up also is no good in uploading pictures.
Patience, Jocelyn. PATIENCE.
Anyway, had the first (big?) reunion with secondary school classmates just a while ago.
It was supposed to be a small gathering, just the 5 of us: with Jess, Josephine, Ching, and Yee Shien. But turned out that almost half the class went there, including some whom I haven't met for at least 5 years. I didn't expect to meet Siew Chien there anyway.
Ching, next time let's meet somewhere ELSE other than Expert at Jalan Song, ok.
***
I'm surrounded by Christmas events.
Christmas dinner, this Saturday.
Youth Christmas party, 27th. Bring satay and a friend. -__-
This morning, packed 514 mini presents for dinner guests. My fingers hurt now.
25th. The BIG day. Playing keys again (besides this Sunday).
...did I miss anything out?
Oh. and more reunions of course.
Julianna, we must meet again now that you're back from kiasuland. You do the planning this time. haha!
Pancakes, I'm still putting together our list of places to visit and things to eat. Not sure about Damai beach anymore as there have been a lot of cases of people drowning (?) Will discuss that with you guys later ok?
Patience, Jocelyn. PATIENCE.
Anyway, had the first (big?) reunion with secondary school classmates just a while ago.
It was supposed to be a small gathering, just the 5 of us: with Jess, Josephine, Ching, and Yee Shien. But turned out that almost half the class went there, including some whom I haven't met for at least 5 years. I didn't expect to meet Siew Chien there anyway.
Ching, next time let's meet somewhere ELSE other than Expert at Jalan Song, ok.
***
I'm surrounded by Christmas events.
Christmas dinner, this Saturday.
Youth Christmas party, 27th. Bring satay and a friend. -__-
This morning, packed 514 mini presents for dinner guests. My fingers hurt now.
25th. The BIG day. Playing keys again (besides this Sunday).
...did I miss anything out?
Oh. and more reunions of course.
Julianna, we must meet again now that you're back from kiasuland. You do the planning this time. haha!
Pancakes, I'm still putting together our list of places to visit and things to eat. Not sure about Damai beach anymore as there have been a lot of cases of people drowning (?) Will discuss that with you guys later ok?
in Kuching
Sorry for being MIA for the longest time.
Not having my laptop with me is torturous. Not being able to get online to check emails and chat is double the torture. What happened to my laptop? According to the repair people, my laptop has adapted to the cold weather and therefore stopped functioning properly since arriving here in Msia. The motherboard crashed, the laptop kept auto restarting every few minutes, then few seconds. I had just got it back few hours ago, installed a cooling pad, kept a usb fan nearby, and turned on air-conditioning to 19 degrees. All these to keep my laptop running smoothly.
Gosh, EVEN my laptop is rejecting the hot and humid weather here. Yes, I am falling sick again. Happens every time I go back home. I haven't even had laksa yet!
Anyway, I just got back from a 10 day trip to Thailand and KL on 14th Dec.
So much details and photos taken, but I'll probably only blog on my adventures and post pictures after I get back to Dunny. Dial up here is pretty bad, and I still need to transfer pics from camera to laptop as I'd forgotten to bring back my memory card reader (and handphone charger, ipod charger, AND camera charger). Yeap, that's how forgetful I am at times.
The luggages have all been recovered, thank God. Missing luggages are REALLY very common nowadays it seems. When we reached KL (from Bangkok), my cousin's luggage went missing too. While they were at the lost and found counter, we saw a couple retrieving their luggage, and all its contents were missing! But my cousin got back his backpack a few days later and had AirAsia deliver it to our hotel so that was solved. I went to pick up second missing luggage (May's box of precious chocolates) few hours ago, and not surprisingly saw another girl flying from London missing her luggage. Her dad was furious: "So you mean that you don't know where her luggage is?!!! Wa, you know people just came from a 20-hour flight from London....!!!!" Something is seriously wrong with the cargo-handling ability of our airport crew. Either that or the system used to handle luggages needs a complete makeover.
Christmas dinner organised by church is held this Saturday this year. Would it be any different (other than location) this year?
Oh ya, congrats on your graduation Chyi Chyi. Saw your pics on the blog, u look so cute with the robe on! haha! Wish I was there!
Not many are back in Kuching during Christmas time. Most are coming back during CNY. bugger. I'm heading back earlier this year as my parents are coming over for CNY too. Well, there goes my ang pow for 2008.
Waiting for the Pancakes & family to arrive at Kuching sooooooon. haha! Yes I shall be the tourist guide who barely knows a thing about attractions in Kch. Looking forward to that and many gatherings to come.
PS. If you don't have my new handphone number yet, let me know on msn or facebook.
PSS. I miss broadband connection. I miss Heroes!!!
Not having my laptop with me is torturous. Not being able to get online to check emails and chat is double the torture. What happened to my laptop? According to the repair people, my laptop has adapted to the cold weather and therefore stopped functioning properly since arriving here in Msia. The motherboard crashed, the laptop kept auto restarting every few minutes, then few seconds. I had just got it back few hours ago, installed a cooling pad, kept a usb fan nearby, and turned on air-conditioning to 19 degrees. All these to keep my laptop running smoothly.
Gosh, EVEN my laptop is rejecting the hot and humid weather here. Yes, I am falling sick again. Happens every time I go back home. I haven't even had laksa yet!
Anyway, I just got back from a 10 day trip to Thailand and KL on 14th Dec.
So much details and photos taken, but I'll probably only blog on my adventures and post pictures after I get back to Dunny. Dial up here is pretty bad, and I still need to transfer pics from camera to laptop as I'd forgotten to bring back my memory card reader (and handphone charger, ipod charger, AND camera charger). Yeap, that's how forgetful I am at times.
The luggages have all been recovered, thank God. Missing luggages are REALLY very common nowadays it seems. When we reached KL (from Bangkok), my cousin's luggage went missing too. While they were at the lost and found counter, we saw a couple retrieving their luggage, and all its contents were missing! But my cousin got back his backpack a few days later and had AirAsia deliver it to our hotel so that was solved. I went to pick up second missing luggage (May's box of precious chocolates) few hours ago, and not surprisingly saw another girl flying from London missing her luggage. Her dad was furious: "So you mean that you don't know where her luggage is?!!! Wa, you know people just came from a 20-hour flight from London....!!!!" Something is seriously wrong with the cargo-handling ability of our airport crew. Either that or the system used to handle luggages needs a complete makeover.
Christmas dinner organised by church is held this Saturday this year. Would it be any different (other than location) this year?
Oh ya, congrats on your graduation Chyi Chyi. Saw your pics on the blog, u look so cute with the robe on! haha! Wish I was there!
Not many are back in Kuching during Christmas time. Most are coming back during CNY. bugger. I'm heading back earlier this year as my parents are coming over for CNY too. Well, there goes my ang pow for 2008.
Waiting for the Pancakes & family to arrive at Kuching sooooooon. haha! Yes I shall be the tourist guide who barely knows a thing about attractions in Kch. Looking forward to that and many gatherings to come.
PS. If you don't have my new handphone number yet, let me know on msn or facebook.
PSS. I miss broadband connection. I miss Heroes!!!
Frustrated
My journey back home was NOT a smooth trip.
1. I almost missed my Auckland to KL flight. Well, this is mainly my fault I admit. My flight from Dunedin/Chch arrived at Auckland at 1.20pm, and I thought that would be enough since the connecting flight leaves at 2.20pm. Now I know that 1 hour is NOT enough at all. I got to the check in counter only to discover that check in was closed already. Fortunately after countless "I'm sorry!!!" to the check in people (1 was very rude "Yea, you SHOULD BE!!!"), another couple and I were escorted to the plane (announcement: can the passengers of bla bla please come to gate XX, the passengers are waiting for you...). It was crazy, running to the departure gate as I was told the plane would leave in 7 mins and I was already DEAD tired to run all the way there.
But Thank God, I got there in time, and the flight itself wasn't that bad. Watched 3 movies and didn't manage to sleep.
2. The flight from KL to Kuching was delayed. 15 minutes, wasn't that bad. But still, my muscles were aching, I was hungry, and all I could think of was lying down on a proper bed.
3. My luggages went missing. This pissed me off the most. Everything from my clean clothes to hair straightener all in the big luggage, but when I called the airport again just now, I was told the luggages are still in Auckland. I'm speechless.
Girl on the phone said luggages will be here by tomorrow. Please let it be here by then, before I leave for Thailand on the 6th! Honestly I think this is MAS's fault, not Auckland airport's mistake. Besides me, another girl traveling from Sydney and a family transiting from London were also missing their luggages. A coincidence that the luggages that went missing came from international destinations? I think not.
So I'm doomed to wearing the same clothes for 3 days.
1. I almost missed my Auckland to KL flight. Well, this is mainly my fault I admit. My flight from Dunedin/Chch arrived at Auckland at 1.20pm, and I thought that would be enough since the connecting flight leaves at 2.20pm. Now I know that 1 hour is NOT enough at all. I got to the check in counter only to discover that check in was closed already. Fortunately after countless "I'm sorry!!!" to the check in people (1 was very rude "Yea, you SHOULD BE!!!"), another couple and I were escorted to the plane (announcement: can the passengers of bla bla please come to gate XX, the passengers are waiting for you...). It was crazy, running to the departure gate as I was told the plane would leave in 7 mins and I was already DEAD tired to run all the way there.
But Thank God, I got there in time, and the flight itself wasn't that bad. Watched 3 movies and didn't manage to sleep.
2. The flight from KL to Kuching was delayed. 15 minutes, wasn't that bad. But still, my muscles were aching, I was hungry, and all I could think of was lying down on a proper bed.
3. My luggages went missing. This pissed me off the most. Everything from my clean clothes to hair straightener all in the big luggage, but when I called the airport again just now, I was told the luggages are still in Auckland. I'm speechless.
Girl on the phone said luggages will be here by tomorrow. Please let it be here by then, before I leave for Thailand on the 6th! Honestly I think this is MAS's fault, not Auckland airport's mistake. Besides me, another girl traveling from Sydney and a family transiting from London were also missing their luggages. A coincidence that the luggages that went missing came from international destinations? I think not.
So I'm doomed to wearing the same clothes for 3 days.
Christmas at the Octagon 07!
The horror of packing is consuming me. Help!!!
My room is a total mess. I'll have to pack Waszowski soon. I'll have to take down the mirror on the wall. I'll have to dismantle the L-shape table. I'll have to pack my speakers. My gosh, I can't imagine listening to music on the laptop without my wonderful speakers anymore. This is bad.
Truth to be told, I hate being on planes. Not just that, the waiting in airports, walking from one terminal to the next. Gah, so nostalgic. Hiro, I beg you to come here and transport me back without having to waste a perfect WHOLE day travelling. Did I mention that I don't particularly like long-haul flights?
Anyway, Christmas at the Octagon was held this year again on the 30th of Nov. Once again Nations Christian Church was part of it and they put together an awesome band to perform a few Christmas Carols to entertain the city.
It was wonderful. 9 beautifully sung carols, kids jumping around, adults wiggling their butts (no, I did not record that on video), "toys" (Little red riding hood, Cinderella, Bo peep etc) going around keeping kids happy, great sound system, not-too-windy weather, a 10-metre Christmas tree, people of all ages and races, and of course great atmosphere. Who would want to miss watching the mayor lighting (switching on the lights) the big Christmas tree?
Cinderella so pretty, right?
Not-so-little red riding hood. Pretty too.
Cinderella and her escort. Hmm.
Michelle & Raymond on stage. With glitter. haha!
The ever fabulous Jo singing.
And also not forgetting, Christine who just loves furry outfits. We know you do.
It really was a day to remember.
Chyi Chyi, May, and I went to Starbucks for a quick coffee session before the event. While we were happily enjoying our fraps, I saw 2 very macho policemen chasing a guy, and one of them pinned the guy onto the floor, handcuffing him right then and there. That is the closest it gets to 24, believe it.
A few minutes later, another guy with a bloody forehead followed more cops to the scene. There were at least 3 police cars around, and at least 200 busybodies (mostly high school students and people drinking coffee at Starbucks) looking curiously from a distance while the policemen nabbed the bad guy.
The cops here are seriously so much better looking than those in Malaysia.
"Look at his tight uniform!", says Chyi Chyi. Tsk tsk.
We're very 38 people, ok. Cannot miss out on action.
*more pictures of Mr Policeman and Christmas thingy on facebook*
Not sure what the bad guy was arrested for, the news showed nothing yet. Very curious. Anyway Chyi took a few pictures for me (including the policeman who could pass for a Baywatch lifeguard anytime. hahaha!). It was an entertaining afternoon indeed.
May had to leave early for work, so we decided to watch a movie to pass time. My gosh, I expected so much more from the movie Beowulf. It would probably be worth it if it were in 3D version. The storyline was good, ending was sort of expected, effects were ok-ish, but somehow I just expected more from all the hype and advertising. A 6 out of 10 from me. 4 of the 6 comes from Angelina Jolie's character. She sure is a convincing villain.
2 more days and I'm back in Kuching. Wow, feels a little surreal. Last time playing the keyboard at church tomorrow this year, I'm going to miss it a lot.
My room is a total mess. I'll have to pack Waszowski soon. I'll have to take down the mirror on the wall. I'll have to dismantle the L-shape table. I'll have to pack my speakers. My gosh, I can't imagine listening to music on the laptop without my wonderful speakers anymore. This is bad.
Truth to be told, I hate being on planes. Not just that, the waiting in airports, walking from one terminal to the next. Gah, so nostalgic. Hiro, I beg you to come here and transport me back without having to waste a perfect WHOLE day travelling. Did I mention that I don't particularly like long-haul flights?
Anyway, Christmas at the Octagon was held this year again on the 30th of Nov. Once again Nations Christian Church was part of it and they put together an awesome band to perform a few Christmas Carols to entertain the city.
It was wonderful. 9 beautifully sung carols, kids jumping around, adults wiggling their butts (no, I did not record that on video), "toys" (Little red riding hood, Cinderella, Bo peep etc) going around keeping kids happy, great sound system, not-too-windy weather, a 10-metre Christmas tree, people of all ages and races, and of course great atmosphere. Who would want to miss watching the mayor lighting (switching on the lights) the big Christmas tree?
Cinderella so pretty, right?
Not-so-little red riding hood. Pretty too.
Cinderella and her escort. Hmm.
Michelle & Raymond on stage. With glitter. haha!
The ever fabulous Jo singing.
And also not forgetting, Christine who just loves furry outfits. We know you do.Chyi Chyi, May, and I went to Starbucks for a quick coffee session before the event. While we were happily enjoying our fraps, I saw 2 very macho policemen chasing a guy, and one of them pinned the guy onto the floor, handcuffing him right then and there. That is the closest it gets to 24, believe it.
A few minutes later, another guy with a bloody forehead followed more cops to the scene. There were at least 3 police cars around, and at least 200 busybodies (mostly high school students and people drinking coffee at Starbucks) looking curiously from a distance while the policemen nabbed the bad guy.
The cops here are seriously so much better looking than those in Malaysia."Look at his tight uniform!", says Chyi Chyi. Tsk tsk.
We're very 38 people, ok. Cannot miss out on action.
*more pictures of Mr Policeman and Christmas thingy on facebook*
May had to leave early for work, so we decided to watch a movie to pass time. My gosh, I expected so much more from the movie Beowulf. It would probably be worth it if it were in 3D version. The storyline was good, ending was sort of expected, effects were ok-ish, but somehow I just expected more from all the hype and advertising. A 6 out of 10 from me. 4 of the 6 comes from Angelina Jolie's character. She sure is a convincing villain.
2 more days and I'm back in Kuching. Wow, feels a little surreal. Last time playing the keyboard at church tomorrow this year, I'm going to miss it a lot.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
| | 0 comments | labels: celebrations, doonedin, pictorials, randomness, worth remembering
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