last update of the year

It feels like forever since I last blogged :P

Graduation is a funny thing. We work hard out for years (4 years, in my case) for a piece of certificate with name + degree printed on it. Worry about the dress, shoes, and grad photos a few days before. Then on the day itself, put on makeup, get ready to slip on those 3-inch heels (not that I normally wear them), and put on regalia, hood, and mortar board (it's a challenge by itself on how to properly wear those).

10am- headed down to the micro department morning tea, took a few photos and had breakfast. 11.30am- have professional photos taken at Knox College. Quick lunch, touchup on makeup. 1.15pm- off to gather in front of the dentistry school for the graduation march. Try not to fall while wearing these killer heels. 1.45pm- finally reached the town hall, basement (phew!), line up in order of how we will walk up the stage. 2.00pm- walk into town hall with all the friends and families of graduands looking at us. eeks. Sit down again. Speeches and songs before they start calling out names, starting with those graduating with PhD and Masters.

It's a looooooong list. But finally, it's TIME. I didn't slip, managed to walk very fast still in those heels, and it was over in a split second. Just like that. Bought a photo of the capping from the official photographers for $12 after the ceremony. heh. Took more photos with friends and family. Received my presents later on: 1 graduation bear with the colour of my hood and another snoopy graduation bear :) and of course, pretty purple flowers all the way from Napier from the awesome Pancakes, Alex and Sam.

Walked back home barefeet (blisters from shoes, ouch!) and had time to rest before having the grad casual dinner with friends and parents. Left for Wanaka-Fox Glacier-Lake Tekapo-Christchurch the next day and came back only a week later. TIRING is the word to describe those 7 days of travel; though the beauty of the places we had been to and the fact that I got to spend quality time with my parents made it all worth it :)

Photos will show up here once I settle down at my new place for next year, due to move on the 1st of Jan. woohoo. Can't wait to move, though I'll miss being able to flat with friends and make a lot of noise at the flat whenever we can. But having graduated and starting work soon means greater responsibility; soon I'm hoping to apply for permanent residency, get a car (and actually learn how to drive hehe), and make plans for the future :P

Meanwhile, I'm stuck here packing and labeling boxes. And looking at prices of Xbox 360 :P

2009, what a year you've been :) The year of accomplishments and when the impossible became possible. 

Mum and dad arriving in 1 hour! :D :D :D

People should smile more

More photos to come. Just a few for now from the hundreds I'd taken the past few weeks.

Davina's birthday & graduation party at Ron's place. Purple and white balloons! We got her a new camera :) Panasonic I think.

group photo!

Yummy food from Wellington

This one's from Wagamama restaurant (a food chain)- sort of like a fusion of east (Japanese) + west dining; price is reasonable since the food is soooooo good.

more of Welly's artsy harbour

Nothing beats this: Alone with a good book by the harbour (with no wind)

We all need a little bit more colours sometimes

You may/may not know already: I have (informally) said YES to working at the university for an extra year after being offered an additional 6 months on top of the initial 6 month-offer. Not sure about official job title: research technician or research assistant? Would be the same project that I've been working on since November, but summer studentship is still on till the end of February, so it's safe to say I'll officially start working at March 2010 :D It's too good of an offer to turn down: a job guarantee when it's so hard to find one out there; plus it's just perfect for me to use that as an advantage while applying for permanent residence (PR) here in NZ.

Been stressing out about finding a good accommodation for next year, but AMEN I have found one. Signed the lease this afternoon for a studio at George Street (5 mins walk to uni, YUSSS). Costs $170 a week including power and unlimited broadband. Big enough space to put all my stuffs HEHE including Waszowski. The landlady is super nice as well, which is a major plus.

So yes, everything's slowly (but surely) falling into place. Even if I do get a scholarship, plan would be to defer it until 2011. Now all I need to do is pack, find a graduation dress, finalise itinerary for parents' trip here, and submit a mini-report to supervisor tomorrow!

overview

Where shall I start?

I've missed my own comfy bed so much for the past 3 weeks, but had some pretty incredible memories doing random activities and just catching up with May and Janice, and of course touring around with Becky hehe.

Spots on the art gallery is supposedly to promote an ongoing exhibition at the time. I still like Welly despite the crazy wind meh. Not too fond of the head colds from the wind, though.

and of course, no trip is complete without good food.

Introducing Wholly Bagels- yummy bagels with different fillings of choice. They should open a franchise here!

Went on a Kapiti Coast tour and had fun posing with odd/interesting cars at the transport museum

May couldn't join us to Auckland as she's too busy with her research :(

Anyway, we took a 2-day trip down to Rotorua then to Taupo. Weather was sooooo warm then. Rotorua DOES smell of rotten eggs due to sulphur everywhere. Gosh. But it does get better with time

Went to one of the geothermal 'wonderland's- funky colours and smells

 And Janice zorb-ed! So much fun from just watching her do it. The people working there are just so crazy and fun-loving haha! That's next on my to-do-list the next time I visit Rotorua.

We also pampered ourselves at the Polynesian Spa & hot spring pools at Rotorua. BLISS

Took a 1 hour bus ride down to Lake Taupo, and went to the Huka prawn farm to catch some prawns! Random, I know. Becky was the only one who managed to catch any (3), which were then cooked at the restaurant. Wished we had more time there though, never thought prawn-fishing could be this challenging and fun!

Auckland- the city of sails and where I bought my Karen Walker top *teehee*

Met up with Tao and William at Auckland, had dinner at the famous KK Malaysian restaurant at Epsom. The kangkong belacan is to die for. I'm definitely going back for more next time.

Then they drove us to the lookout at Devonport for beautiful views and lots of phototaking ;) A group pic (bless that person who invented self-timers) for remembrance

Also, we attended Michelle and Davina's graduation ceremony yesterday afternoon. Oh, Sarah and Yan who did pharmacy had their ceremony as well. Beautiful day for graduation; even better when we stumbled upon this great secret place to take photos- they look like they've been taken in the studio!

My personal favourite: Xander (about 6 weeks old) drooled while this photo was taken hehe. He has gotten so much bigger since I last saw him: heard that he's already outgrown many of his Ralph Lauren and Gap baby clothes :P He's sooooooooo cute it's impossible not to coo and make baby noises at him. Also, yesterday was the first time I had held a baby ever- feels really good actually :)

So apart from still recovering from the 3-week holiday, I'm getting ready to be back at the lab tomorrow :( Been busy the last few days planning the itinerary for a South Island tour that's happening in a few days. Can't wait for mum and dad to arrive in 10 days! :D

What's more, my own graduation in 12 days! eeks. It feels surreal. And not having a dress yet is a dreadful feeling. The desperate hunt shall begin very soon. Also, time is running out in finding a place to live for next year. I'm not even thinking about packing all my things yet.

But all in all, I'm grateful :) For a safe and awesome trip, for first class honours WOOHOO (who would have thought?! well, I didn't), for parents coming over to see me graduate soon yay, for having the whole flat to myself (just kidding, Sharon hurry come back home!), and for the tv series GLEE :D

Will Schuester is the cutest when he sings/dances *sigh*

Smile, it's summer

These past few weeks have been... hard to describe, really. That (and my laziness in updating) has left this blog quite miserable-looking :P oopsy.

Random: I love love love the movie "500 days of summer"- the perfect "not-so-love" story with a quirky/nostalgic feel throughout the movie with awesome music by Regina Spektor and The Smiths (mmmm brit pop is awesome).

I love this one in particular. It screams "SUMMER!!!"

Anyway.

This week marks the 2nd week of summer studentship at the lab. Same lab as honours, with same supervisor, so it's all familiar faces. One thing that's different though, is it feels more like a JOB now than just a project I have to score at. Well mainly because instead of having to pay tuition fees before, now I get paid. :) No more studying at night, though to familiarise myself with the new project I do need to constantly read a lot of literature and get the techniques right. Thank God for commercial biotech companies who come up with genius kits to make our lives much easier. The project is basically based on using genetically modified bugs in to generate biofuel woohoo!

Feeling pretty bummed today and yesterday as Amy, my flatmate this year, has left for Christchurch yesterday morning :( She's been such an AMAZING flatmate- from the late study nights during winter at the lounge with the heatpump on, the yummilicious seafood chowder and ciabatta that she makes, daily routine of putting away the dishes at night, to paying the bills on time hehe. I'm the oldest of the gang, but I do feel like she's the big sister of the flat, and keeps Sharon and I from killing each other :P Amy, I know you don't read my blog, but hey miss future doctor, you're just an amazing person to be with and I miss you already!

 Group photo taken at Amy's farewell/end of exams dessert night last Friday

Oh, and you all (especially May May) would be proud to know that I baked cream puffs with custard fillings for that night! First time ever attempting to bake that, and it was YUM :D I also just made kacangma (a green herby chicken soup) last night, mainly for Michelle. It's crazy how west Malaysians have never heard of it before.

Val's post-it notes & crumpets for Amy, sitting on the front porch one beautiful morning.

awwww... isn't she the sweetest?

The baking talent runs in the flat, what can I say? :P :P :P

The latest below are Sharon's creations: cute little sheep/roses made for Jackie's baby shower about 2 weeks ago

Aren't they just TOOOOOO cute?

Pink roses oh-so-pretty

October/November- the months of crazy amount of birthday celebrations.

The latest was last Saturday: Hsiu Ping turns a year older! We all hid in her room while she showered and surprised her when she walks in (with a towel in her glorious self teehee), had lots of junk/good food :)

Late October: Glenn our Filipino/American-BK manager-silver lining leader's birthday.

Surprised him by filling up his room with 200 balloons (one of them filled with Influenza as claimed by Ron) and had dinner at JRS restaurant.

Last but not least, Alexander Ethan Yeo was born on the 17th of October, 2009 :) Fondly known to us as Xander. He's a heavy boy (almost 4kgs!). Gave us a scare last week as he was admitted to ICU for serious jaundice, but all good now. He's been keeping Mich awake at night, naughty boy. See that cheeky little smile? I can just imagine him growing up to be a charming, beautiful boy.

This photo was taken just before he dozed off. It was luck, really, so hard to catch him smiling to the camera!

The "I know I'm cute" look :)

So there is definitely a lot of things happening (even if it's summer in Dunedin), yea shocking right? Chyi, have a blast in Singapore/Brunei (as you most definitely will) I AM JEAAAALOUS! It's nervewrecking waiting for results, knowing that it will also determine my scholarship result, which will only be out just before Christmas GAH! 

Tonight's going to be a good night *cue music*- we're celebrating Ron's 21st at the posh & fancy Luna Bar. Also, I can't wait till Sunday when I leave on a plane to Welly (again)- I can't say I will get sick of that place. Yeah it's windy but gosh, have those people that complained ever been to Dunedin before? :P

ooh la-la

The worst is over. I've done my part (not the best answers oh sigh) but I'm believing for the BEST to come to pass. :)

So last exam was yesterday afternoon, and immediately I came home to my recent addiction.

*wink*

Watching "So You Think You Can Dance Canada". Of all the reality TV shows, I admire and love this one the most. Their talents are unbelievable, outfits were great, songs were perfect for choreography, and the best part- the yummiest dancer of all - Nico :D

Oh btw he also won the first season (last December).

I quote from one of the judges: "(he) you are the reason why boys want to dance". Not only is he an AMAZING dancer (not one of his performance was so-so, all of them GREAT), he has the charm, body, humility, and did I mention the part about him being super hot?

Here's evidence. Link.

Oh, that's not the only time he gets shirtless. Hmm how do I write this blog post without me sounding like a pervert :P Watch the series and you'll see more of where that came from. He may not have the most well-defined six-pack, but BOY look at his passion and technique...

photo credits http://cathyblog.jean-cathy.com/

Oh, and he's the cutest when he speaks French. And it's hard to believe that he's half deaf! That just makes him so much more adorable *sigh*

Now I feel like taking a summer school French course :P AHHHH, jealousy Julianna, jealousy! My high school friend who's still enjoying her exchange at Paris. Go find a hot French dude and make me proud! hehehe.

Summer is dawning upon Dunedin & I'll drool all over Nico all I want while I'm not busy shopping/preparing for the ultimate trip up north/thinking about exam & dissertation results. But for now, life is still good. 

eeeeeee-YEW

OMGosh.

Click at your own risk. No, this isn't a spam (my blog didn't get hacked), but I just saw some disgusting photos and thought I had to share it.

This guy defines 'ah beng'. Well, him and all the other contestants and this so-called "Mr. Photogenic" contest on facebook.I'm not even wanting to look through the girls' categories. It's simply just too painful to see how this Y-generation is giving into the peer pressure (seriously?!!!) of dyed golden hair, pouty expression, fake-but-make-it-look-like-it's-expensive jewellery, incredibly DUH names (the link says it all), and damn broken English (ok fine Manglish but those don't even qualify for Manglish; more like 'Bengish'). Or maybe, it's nothing to do with pressure at all- now that's equally depressing.

On a cheerful note, mum announced to me that my birthday has just recently been declared as a public holiday starting from next year! In Malaysia, of course. Woohoo! They're finally making Malaysia Day official. Read the news article here.

I'm surviving. Supplied with caffeine and armed with a can-do attitude (I try).

it's time like these...

When the lights were almost gone
Where dreams started fading
When I couldn't find home
You looked for me

When my praise was empty words
And I didn't see it
When my prayers were lifeless
You still listened.

Now that I'm next to you
I realize
That I can't live
Without you.

No I won't live
Without you.

And I can't help
Loving you back.

Sing songs to the tune of His glory
Set glory to the rhythms of His praise.

Nothing else could satisfy

"Tune of His glory" by Pinsekirken Ungdom (a Norwegian band)
Lyrics from http://equalsharing.blogspot.com/

I'll never stop singing & playing music, that's for sure.

***

I can't believe I'm still slacking so close to the final exams ever. 4 more days *cue horror movie music*

Anyway, as you would know by now, I've decided to take up the offer of the 10 week studentship during summer. A few reasons: my supervisor was kind enough to OFFER me one when it had to be applied, $5000 (oh yes that speaks for itself), spending summer here in Dunedin (cough) with my lovely girls, getting more experience and stuff to write in my cv hehe, and just time to think about what to do next year I guess. Bad news is: I'm starting on next Monday right after exam at 9am :( There goes my beauty sleep. Then again, it's familiar territory, and I can imagine it would be pretty casual and not 9-5pm work anyways.

Then 2 weeks later, travel travel travel!!!!!! =D

Oh, and Sarah (from Studholme) is getting married this summer! Got a text asking my address for her to send an invite ;) Ahhh, exciting times.

gearing up

Blog inactivity is predominantly caused by the dawning of the exam season. Oh wait, the FINAL EVER exams ever to be undertaken *big fat smile*

So the stakes are high. Even more determined to do my best ever in my 4 years of uni life. Definitely a huge sigh of relief when I saw the 'A' written on top of my BIOC453 assignment- which I didn't have much time to complete after micr oral exam and all. Interpretive exam was last Friday, I think I did terribly :( Praying for a miracle to be honest; crossing my fingers that my crazy-as answers about Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA will somehow make sense to the markers.

And of course, the hype of having Alexander Yeo being born into this world :D He's definitely a big boy, doesn't cry much, and sleeps in the cutest way (he has his cute little hands curled up to his face). hehe. Ray looks so proud as a dad and Michelle, you're just so amazing to have gone through all that. :) Not going to post photos on blog or facebook for now due to privacy requests.

My first exam is next Thurs, next and last ever on the next day Friday eeks. But yay I can't wait for all this to be over!

future, undecided

HEHEHHEHE. So cute.

I'm not sure if I want everyone to know this yet, but here is the latest news regarding my phd/work bla bla indecisiveness: I met with my supervisor yesterday, and he offered me a job at the lab- for 6 months at the time being.

I know I should feel a sense of relief/joy, instead I'm still as indecisive as before. I mean, being offered a job (while not the best for an honours graduate) even before graduation, and knowing that it's there for me as a fall-back plan is VERY comforting.

So I should smack myself for replying to him that I'm not too interested in the topic of research if I were to stay there next year, right?

And then he offered another option: to try out the job by doing a summer studentship at the lab for 10 weeks first, to find out if I really want to commit to the 6 months. Summer studentship = $$$ during holidays :) But many other issues are involved if I do agree to take on the studentship, e.g. accomodation (for another year?). But then again, those 6 months would do well on my cv in work experience. GAH.

I hesitated for a moment, but I know that opportunities like these don't come by often. I didn't say yes rightaway, but said I'd think about it, and we'll also think about PhD/masters proposal for scholarship application (due early Nov).

Part of me still want to get the "perfect" job somewhere in the North Island. Part of me is thinking if I'll regret letting go of this opportunity.

So for now, I'll apply for postgrad scholarship and see how that turns out. I'll apply for jobs soon. SOOOON. Oh sigh. Can't my future just be laid out perfectly in a 5-year plan for me to see?

sataaaaaaaay

Bill Ricchini has such a smooth, satiny voice *sways head from side to side*

First heard his song "A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door" from the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack.

***

It's the baby boom season, seriously! I knew that 3 of my cousins are pregnant (1 even with twins), then mum just told me my cousin-in-law is now expecting too.

Anyway, went to the Raya open house event this year. I don't attend many OMSA events I admit, so didn't know about this particular one until this year :P

Thumbs up to the organisers. The food didn't run out (almost) when we got there after church. Awesome food hehe I didn't realise how much I had missed eating Malay curry, rendang, satay etc. We were all kinda shocked at the sheer amount of Malaysians gathered altogether today too :P

banner
it's been a while since I last said "Selamat Hari Raya"- it sounded funny coming out from my mouth heh

crowded!

Esther's going back to Malawi this Friday having completed her thesis last week. She attended cell group last year, always helping out with ushering, and always smiling :)

We'll miss you, Esther. Safe journey throughout the 26 hours of travel (eeks)!

happy bday Louise!

Happy bday to Louise in advance! (it's tomorrow)

She hosted a tea party at her place this afternoon, even made yummy food all by herself! Oh yea I have a big weakness for cream puffs :P gobbled down at least 3 just now.

the pony bday cake!

collages since I'm too lazy to upload them 1 by 1...

the food was AMAZING. so full but couldn't stop eating
not only they tasted good, they looked really good too

And then, as usual, we went a little snap-happy. The weather was wonderful (though pretty windy) + beautiful balcony = fantasticrazy photos haha. The Raybans are not mine- Chyi kindly loaned it to me since she has 3 *gasp*. Oh la, one for her sister.

They do look nice :P Especially the one in violet. Hint hint I do need a new pair of sunnies for Welly trip! ;)

this is IT

I'm handing in my MICR490 dissertation tomorrow!!!

13,588 words (68 pages) per copy, 4 copies = over $50 in printing of the coloured pages to show my pretty graphs haha. It better be worth it. Thanks to Agnes for the b&w printing and the many drafts (and to all the trees that were chopped down to make this possible).

that's how thick the unbound copies are!

weeeeeeeeeeee :) *high 5 Ron*

oh, and just in case you're wondering what the heck my dissertation is about: the title is
"use of inhibitory agents to facilitate entry of antisense molecules into Gram-positive bacteria" :P not that you'd even know what Gram-positive bacteria is without prior science bg but nyeh the title deserves a mention here ok

for intellectual property reasons I can't show you guys how the pretty graphs look like

99.9% done now! 0.1% is to bind the 4 copies and hand them in before 5pm tomorrow.

All in all, I'm surprised at how organised I've been about this. This year in general. The exams and assignment due dates can't be helped, so considering all the super crammed schedule, I'm still happily sane!

For now (till end of October), just need to keep studying + doing assignment (1 more stupid biochem left) + keep applying for jobs/scholarships + drinking coffee + more studying. No rest until I see that "1st class honours" printed on my certificate.

Ok, back to my daily routine of studying until 6am and waking up at noon.

meant to live

I'm NOT depressed/thinking of committing suicide or anything. Just to be clear :)

***

On the day of my funeral, whenever that is (hopefully when I've had at least 2 grandchildren I can annoy and bribe with lollies and have published a few journal articles in Science), I want nobody to be dressed in black or white, but be dressed in purple instead. Not only because it's my favourite colour (in 60 years too maybe?), but because purple doesn't correlate with death at all.

Also, instead of those solemn hymns that are always sung in funerals, please sing a song by Brooke Fraser. I vote "C.S. Lewis Song":

For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you

Other songs that don't start or end with a minor key might be considered.

I'd like to be cremated, just because a coffin costs heaps (I processed ACC forms claiming for super expensive coffins). Getting a plot of land costs money too, I presume? Also, staring at a lifeless body when all my viable organs have been donated would just be plain creepy.

All my loved ones would not be sad, no one shall shed a tear; for it will be a time of celebration, not sorrow. Instead let it be a time of reunion (of long-lost friends), forgiving, and singing while holding hands.

***

This is what happens when I spend too much time home-bound (while trying to study). Again, I'm not thinking dark thoughts. Although the weather isn't exactly too bright and sunny at the moment. But just remembering again that life is just a breath, and if we fail to breathe in the goodness around, we might just miss it.

toots

The cold/windy weather is here to stay- at least for the next week.

Nevertheless, went to Farmers market again this morning. They've switched the lamb kebab store position, almost gave me a heart attack when it wasn't on the right of the eurodog stall (turns out to be on the left) but oh well :) Give me my weekly $2.50 lamb kebab and I'm a happy girl.

Saw these 2 boys playing their guitars (can't remember what that tiny guitar is called heh) and singing. Very talented young boys I'd say- they earned quite a lot of money too judging from the heaps of coins.

Interesting news: a giant baby (3x normal baby size) was born in Indonesia! click here to read. 2 words: flexibility & OUCH.

I'm running out of things to blog about. A sign of ageing *gasp*.

que sera, sera

There's a few things I can't wait to do next year: that is, once I'm all settled down and actually known what I've decided to do- phd or work, whichever comes first. Of course, I'd prefer working- more income and less stressful. But who knows? The reverse might actually be true. And I'll only continue on PhD if I get a full scholarship, aka at least $20,000/year allowance & fully-paid fees :D

I told my supervisor today about my plans of applying for scholarship, and he jokingly said "I thought we got rid of you" :P Speaking of which, I'm happy and relieved that I finally heard him saying it directly to me: "You've done a good job- much more than an honours project requires". AMEN! haha

But yeah, just so that you guys wouldn't be TOO shocked if I do get a permanent head damage (possibly) and stayed on here in good old Dunedin. Then I won't miss out on Xander growing up!

But for now, it's not for me to decide.

***

Oh, back to the topic of what I want to do next year: number one on my list is to get a car (Mini Cooper S!) and learn how to drive WOOHOO. Number two is to buy this SUPER AWESOME game- Halo 3: ODST (and of course, to play that, would need to buy an Xbox 360 console first heh) plus the other Halo collection. =D

GOSH. just look at the screenshots. BEAAAAAUTIFUL I tell you.

(click here to see rest of them)

My fingers are itching to even test it out now.

Then everyone's invited to come play multiplayer Halo! ;P Whenever that is. Or whoever buys it first *ahem* May May or Ramon?? =P

it's always about the journey

In the evolutionary battle between virus and host, the virus has a major advantage. The human genome evolves at a snail-like pace over millions of years while the virus, with its tiny genome, compressed generation time, and propensity toward replication errors, nimbly eludes the sophisticated defenses of the host adaptive and innate immune systems, developing genes that neutralize host defenses and structural genes that encode highly plastic structural proteins. In the end, however, the host will win out, not by evolving new immune defense mechanisms, but by virtue of the genes that have endowed us with the ability to understand our surroundings and to develop the means to thwart even the most sophisticated viral accessory genes and molecular escape mechanisms—we hope.

I love this last paragraph taken from a review article I'm reading (for exams soon meh). For copyright reasons: Gramberg et al. 2009. Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 6:36–42.

It is ironic though and I can't help but marvel at God's sense of humour in this: millions of people die from AIDS/HIV every year-as we all know, and it's all because of this little persistent virus whose diameter is more than 50,000,000 times smaller than our height. Yeap that's a ratio of 1 to 50 million.

I guess sometimes, size doesn't matter huh.

***

Anyway thanks for keeping me sane yesterday: most of you know I had trouble sleeping 2 nights ago. I TRIED sleeping (yeah I know drinking coffee at 11pm didn't help, but I wanted to sleep at around 3 or 4am anyway), but ending up studying till 6am-ish, then FORCED myself to sleep, which ended up just lying on the bed with my brain wide awake with severe palpitations. Tried taking a nap during the afternoon but just couldn't sleep again.

But yeah, I managed to sleep last night: not 8 hours but yeah it was quality rest.

The palpitations stopped too today. Yay! I still drink coffee, heh, old habits die hard. Or shall I say, I took a vow to never part with caffeine on the day I became a uni student. But I'm limiting myself to just 1 coffee/day now, unless absolutely necessary aka just before exams.

Speaking of which, dissertation is due on Oct 2, next Friday. Discussing with my supervisor re another set of draft again tomorrow. Presentation on Thursday. 25% oral exam on the 7th. 12.5% assignment due on the 12th. Finals on the 29th and 30th. Gosh gosh gosh.

Maybe that was why I had the pre-panic attack symptoms.

Therefore, I am self-prescribing retail therapy. :D Country road will be having their cardholders special sale today (wednesday) with extra 20% off discounted items!!! I will be there, for sure. After applying for more phd scholarships and banking in my tax refund cheque $$$ WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

*looks up at that graduation countdown counter above & smiles* not too far away now...

why bakeries never go bankrupt

white choc & raspberry gateau
with AHEM auto-relight candles

Saturday night was awesome =D

Thanks to everyone who made it that way- the PDA *ahem ahem*, posing and smiling for the camera, Chris for being the photographer of the night, everyone who shaved their legs and dressed up (yay), the purple/white helium balloons and how Ping was so brave even when a drunkard took away one of them, Mae Ann for the beautiful music, Plato for the crazy-delicious crayfish (haven't had one since eons ago), and AHEM for paying for my own dinner. And of course, for making me tear up again (happens every year) after hearing all your little speeches.

Oh, thanks for the Smiggle box ;) See, I haven't forgotten about it yet! hehe

The only critique I have about Plato is how they don't allow customers to bring outside cakes & liquor. We eventually had the cake at my flat after dinner, and those that are keen to try the PORT wine I bought specifically for last Saturday should come see me tomorrow MUAHAHA (I'll be opening it then).

Photos from Saturday night will be up soon (tomorrow or Thurs) once Chris gives me the CD; some will be on the website as well- ask me for the username and password.

There's just so many HAPPY things happening lately. I called inland revenue about getting a tax refund (aka since NZ taxes income-earners a lot, non-residents can get back HEAPS of what they had earned here) and ta-da- I'm getting back approximately $500 (or even more muahhaha) back in a few weeks time when the cheque arrives!!! =D Oh yes I'm happy but 10% of that's going back to God, while the rest goes to my travel fund, maybe some for upcoming trip to Welly *cough Karen Walker shop cough*. hehe.

I found my passport too!! Which is quite dumb (losing a passport, I know), and I was freaking out about losing it. But eventually I found it in between a photo album of old photos, which I decided to look through AFTER looking at old photos my cousin uploaded onto Facebook AFTER he added me on facebook 1 week ago! Coincidence/silver lining? ;P

Passport found; so I could finally sit for my learners drivers license- which I sat for and passed yesterday!!! Heart almost skipped a beat when it came down to the last 2 questions I wasn't too sure about: and I already had 2 wrong answers (to pass: need to score at least 32 out of 35). But thank God for that: now I have a temporary NZ Learners Driver License (can drive, but need to be accompanied by someone with a 2-year full license at all times), getting the permanent card soon in the mail, then sit for restricted in 6 months' time.

It was a big step for me; not knowing if I'll still be in the country next year but still taking the test and getting a driver license. Which means I had just slimmed down the possibility of applying for a job overseas, i.e. Aussie, not because I don't want to, but because my decision would be to stay in NZ after graduation, at least for next few more years until after I get my residency.

I've also been thinking about starting to work again from now til before trip to Welly. Reason is to get more income, avoiding boredom (which I'm starting to get now), feeling less guilty when shopping, feeling better in general. So I went to Recruitments Agency- they helped me get a job at ACC last year. Surprisingly, the consultant working there recognised me from last year. Though there's no current vacancy at ACC atm, I'm hopeful: if I'm meant to work now, so be it. Or if I'm supposed to just concentrate on studies and getting 1st class honours, I'm fine with that too.

Weather's been great so far. SO HOT oh gosh. My duvet is too thick for spring now.

I'm baking tiramisu cake tonight :D with Sharon's help, of course. Cake is for my supervisor and friends from my lab- another way of thanking them for being so helpful towards my project this year (besides writing the acknowledgments part).

Ok then. Deep breath. One year older in a few hours, Jocelyn.

Chaos, once again

Nobody's surprised anymore: undie 500 never fails to create such chaos and make the majority of Otago university students look, well, stupid and short-sighted.

Click here to watch a video of the riot.

Coming from a student's perspective, some might find it odd that the fires started all because someone caved in to peer presure.

the age of indulgence

Wisdom is something you express before you think. Wisdom is something you express when you stop talking because you feel there is nothing to say any more. Wisdom is to say something when you feel the one you love is waiting for a word – you don’t know what to say, but you say it anyway and you say the right word. Wisdom is when you give something even when you know you’ll lose. Wisdom is when you lose and it is okay with you. Wisdom is when you let someone weaker win a fight. Wisdom is when you let go of something you want very much but it is trying to escape. Wisdom is when you don’t try to run away from a very difficult situation. Wisdom is when you do what you feel is good, although you have no idea how to explain it. Wisdom is to stop an argument even if you think you are right. Wisdom is when you don’t pretend you know something you actually don’t know. Wisdom is when you grab a hammer and use it properly. Wisdom is to try hard and give up when it is too much for you. Wisdom is to be what you are and not what you think or others think you are. Wisdom is to give up the idea “I am wise”.

- http://myogen.blogspot.com

Oh, how I wish that pride can get out of the way in certain situations. Pride + lack of wisdom = adding ethanol to forest fire. We all have much to learn; so be humble!

Life is too precious for it to be based purely on luck. Hoping for good luck, for that matter. I cringe on the insides when someone says "good luck for your exams etc." because, well, luck won't make a difference in the grades I get, or what my future is going to be.

But what I'm sure of is this: where I am, who I've grown to become, what I CAN be- they are the fruit of blessings. A fruit is just a colourful fruit if you don't pick it from the tree branch; it nourishes and becomes of use when you take action.

Philosophically speaking aside, I just wanted to exclaim how BLESSED I truly am. :) From the early birthday present my mum/dad sent me (they KNEW what I needed, even without me telling them), getting excited about birthday dinner, the purple peep toe shoes I can't wait to wear, to the fact that I can even use my fingers to type and my eyes to see the pretty cherry blossoms around uni :D

I choose to be happy, not only because I can, but because the world is a better place when there is one less frown. And oh, just like how yawning and its 'contagiousness' remains to be a mystery, smiles are fail-proof.

And yes, I shall indulge in my pretty dress & purple heels, with a bunch of great friends no less- great food & tasteful music at the beautiful Plato restaurant; all that happening on Saturday night at 7pm. See you there! ;)

pretty blossoms

Spring is awesome. Because it starts in September. Hence September is awesome HEHEH :)

The last few days were crazy cold, but the days were still sunny and slightly warm (by Dunedin standards). The blossoms were finally out and blooming, so we Becky and I out for a (vain) photoshoot around uni. Sorry Becky if I was too demanding on getting the angles right and everything! ;)

THIS, my friends, is why I love spring

oh yes it's sunny but wind was cold

*sigh* nostalgia again about having to leave this place soon

Potluck/Agnes' birthday last night at Val/Bernard's place. While we were watching the movie "curse of the golden flower" aka cleavagefest, Bernard ahem changed and brought out the cake :P Oh complete with the bunny ears too. I don't need a surprise *hint*. Anyway we got her 2 fancy dresses. Oh and Glenn's adobo (a Filipino chicken dish) was sooooooooo good I can't believe it's so easy to make (sounds easy anyway).

surprise!

It was Bernard's birthday recently too, Val got him this custom made mug & a heart (literally). A colourful one too.

I finally bought a pair of purple heels!!! Some might also know how I was so hyper the whole day yesterday after buying those shoes: muahaha it's on sale and I didn't plan on going shopping at first, but while waiting for Michelle for hot chocolate decided to have a look at Overland, and then I saw it- the perfect pair ;P erm well, perfect for its price since the pretty ones at Mi Piaci costs over $200 :(

I actually do miss running experiments :S oddly.

1st of spring!

(copyright from Sharon): No, I haven't lost my mojo! (in blogging, of course).

Ok fine I admit it. I'll definitely miss flatting with the girls this year: Sharon who can make millions with her pweeeety cupcakes (see photos below) and other bakery products + her random hyperness of jumping up and down singing "I'm a little butterfly/teacup/squid...etc animal friends"; Amy and her super organised routines/being the mum of the house (besides me, heh) and her awesome ciabatta & seafood chowder YUM-ness; and Mae Ann, who although is not home often, brings laughter whenever she's home.

The 4 of us did something we never had a chance to do: had a flat dinner! It was GREAT; plus the food was SOOOOO good at Eureka's tonight (so maybe we were just famished heheh). Oh, and cute waiter too ;0)

OOOOOOOH and I had a haircut today!!! :D Goodbye semi-long hair, hello short hair! I like it: what better way to enjoy the 1st day of spring with a new haircut? I still need purple/red heels to go with my dress for birthday party. I can't believe it's so hard finding a decent pair here in Dunedin gah :(

Oh, and baby shower for Michy/Ray/baby Xander was held last Saturday. Headache and stress that went into the planning for the baby shower was finally rewarded: awesome cupcakes as made/decorated by Sharon+Mae Ann, and people willing enough to play the baby pictionary game, as embarrassing as it was. Though I do agree that some were too easy, especially the ones we picked for the guys.

Planning was hardcore: I found it even more tiring than planning for the Yeos' wedding last year. Weddings are straightforward; while I had no idea what makes or breaks a baby shower. Choosing the colours for balloons alone for centerpiece even took both Becky and I more than 15 minutes. Tip: go for bright colours! And now I know so many baby terms and facts: do you know that a baby cot mobile costs up to 300 dollars (it plays soothing Beethoven/Mozart/Hayden music when a sensor detects movement made by baby -_-), and baby spoons change colour if food reaches a certain temperature? Gosh. And I'm not even a baby person: I don't coo and do baby-talk. Love the cake and the saying on it too: "happy minus 6 weeks Xander" :)

WOW he really is coming soon. Very very soon.

Anyway some photos from the baby shower if you haven't seen it on facebook already.

the cutest of them all: mini blue elephant
next on the cute scale: mini octopus

how can anyone eat them?!

baby pictionary; hehe the puzzled looks

"labour pain" ;P
guess who drew this?

Michelle opening the presents

We did it! *high 5*

Hmm apart from that, District 9 was ahem... weird. Less action/more drama than what I had anticipated, slight dizziness after the movie as it was shot in documentary style. Saw the trailer for the movie "2012", another one of those end-of-the-world movies I'm a sucker for, considering "the day after tomorrow" is one of my favourites. Awesomeness.

I have finished all my drafts!! *surprise surprise* This happens when your supervisor is super organised and give deadlines for each section every other week. Now I have 1 whole month to do slight corrections and polish it up. Oh, and study for other papers meh.

I'm still not too worried about how next year will be like: when I'll move, where I'll work. Not yet, anyway. Mum on the other hand, is more worried than I am. It is a weird feeling: knowing that uni life will end in 2 months' time, and I will (highly probably) leave this town/people that I love/treasure after 4 whole years.

Oh, and I bought new batteries for my camera (been idle for quite a while); just in time to capture those pretty spring blossoms! :D anyone keen for photosession?