here's to YOU

Well, hello to whoever that's still following me here :) *waves*

2010's almost over, gosh, scary isn't it?

It was only a few months ago that I had graduated, had scary thoughts of the future blabla where-it-would-take-me thoughts, started a job, earned money (YUSSS), owned a brand new car, got my driving license, performed in front of thousands of people and loving that feeling, and NOT freak out and actually became more than comfortable around tiny humans.

Growing up is fun. I don't know about you, but I'd never want to stay young forever.

Attending my third Brooke Fraser concert on Tuesday gave me a new found joy. Well, apart from the fact that the Italian guitarist is soooooo dreamy and talented... *sigh*. Anyway, I've been listening to her whole album "Flags" many many times through since it's been sitting in my car cd player, but listening to her performing "here's to you" live made me truly appreciate the meaning of the lyrics:

Cheers to the furrows on our brow
To each hard-won victory
Cheers to the losses that grew us up
Killed our pride, and filled our cup

Cheers to the friendships well worn in
That time nor distance alter
Here's to the sleepers we'll see again
Find company in memoria

Open your mouth and sing out your song
Life is short as the day is long
I can't leave you my body
But I'll leave you a tune
This is my legacy
Cheers to you

Cheers to the passing of our youth
And the death of lust not one day
A toast to the lessons not yet learned
And to the trials that will teach them

Life is short as the day is long
I can't leave you my body
But I'll leave you a tune
This is my legacy
Cheers to you

Listen to it here:

I love it how the song not only celebrates whatever we've been through, no matter good or bad, but also whatever we're bound to face in the future. But most important of all, it celebrates friendships- those that surpass distance, time, and differences. 

So here's to YOU- to friends we can't, and will never want to live without.

Speaking of which, I can't wait for the 20th of Nov!! :D Roadtrip + reunion = awesome. 

There's just something about guys playing their guitars :p and me going ga-ga over them... and the embarrassing part of everyone at music practice knowing about that *blushes*

Didn't catch his name during the introduction! :(

 

Brooke Fraser- always fabulous on stage; and who can forget the funny/inappropriate jokes and 'dance moves'? teehee

I'm applying for something big, something quite scary yet exciting, but I've done all I can for now and leaving the rest to God :) Thanks to all who've helped me with correcting my cv and cover letter, you know who you are!

The sun is shining- summer is almost here, and there's something in the air that emits silent confidence; and I can't help but know- as cliché as it sounds-everything is going to be more than ok.

I'm surprised it took me so long to actually start using Google's secret weapon to dethrone both IE and Firefox - the minimalistic and very efficient Chrome browser. I've always been a huge fan of Firefox, and have been using that for many years now.

But I'm starting the conversion into a Chrome fan now ;P And that's only after 1 hour or so using it! 

Even the themes on Chrome are so much cuter! Check out this robot theme that I'm currently using. I LOOOVE the extensions that come with Chrome too. And of course, the big obvious question: does it really load faster than Firefox? I'd have to say yes, actually. 

So for now, I'm sticking to Chrome. It helps that it automatically transfers all my bookmarks heheh :) 

Speaking of discoveries, try this http://soytuaire.labuat.com and you'll be impressed. I am, anyway. Doodle doodle.

***

Had delicious lunch today with a handsome boy, Xander ;) 

Why don't we have yummy Indian food like this in east Malaysia?!

I find it silly to have only found out about certain Msian food after coming to NZ. Ok I'm definitely planning a food tour of some kind end of this year when I go back to Msia :)

Brooke Fraser tickets!!! YAY :D Just a month away, can't wait!

of loops and stitches

I've recently started a new hobby - knitting!

Don't laugh!

Yes, it's often associated with old women/grandmas knitting ugly sweaters and jerseys that translate to unwanted Christmas presents, but it can be (not yet for me, though) quite a fulfilling task. Seeing the finished product, of course.

And so what started out as the ladies at work bringing their hand-knitted jerseys, the new postdoc at the lab recently (successfully!) knitted a lovely scarf and beanie, turned into them bringing me to the knitting shop to pick out a few rolls of yarn and a pair of knitting needles! (who knew the needles come in so many different sizes!) They're just so patient in teaching me :P

Knitting is no cheap business. The wool yarn I picked out (PURPLE!! yay) Total expenses + a 'learn-to-knit' guide book (not very helpful yet, I prefer demo) costed me over $50! (add a little more to get a Country Road scarf already!)

Knitting is no easy business too. I'm still waiting for the 'therapeutic' part that supposedly comes with knitting... During my first try, everything that could go wrong went wrong. I lost stitches, picked up extra stitches, too loose/too tight (pardon the knitting terminologies) etc. But now, after countless times of redo-ing, it actually resembles the early stages of a scarf!!! :)

So I've got about 7 rows done now, only 113 more to go to make a complete scarf! -_-

Anticipation

I was browsing through countdown widgets and decided against putting one on this blog (to remind me the days before I finally go back to Msia again, that is). Reason: it's still 130 days away! Looking at it often would raise the impatience level in me even further heheh :) I still can't believe it's going to be 2 whole years since I've been back (by end of this year)!!

Part of me misses the oily, good food. I won't even start thinking of them right now or my tummy will start growling. Another part of me wants to say I miss high school/church friends. But I have to say, I'm missing my parents the most, having last seen them last February. 2nd on the list would be looking forward to the wedding and all the chaos/fun it'll bring. And of course, food, GLORIOUS food.

Brooke Fraser tickets go on sale on Monday! Awesomeness as this time, seats are arranged in tables of 10! Ticket prices are up to almost $60 this time though, I'm blaming it on the GST increase come this October. hmph!

I've recently received my passport back from Immigration, in it proudly bearing two new stamps- one Residence permit and the other the Returning Resident's Visa (allowing me to go in and out of the country for multiple times for free). YAY! :D

I can't wait to see what next year will bring. Life in a new city, perhaps? ;)

All things beautiful

Brooke Fraser Album Trailer from Sideways Media on Vimeo.

Don't we live in exciting times?

For one, I'm glad that I'm born in the same generation as (in my opinion) one of the greatest ever singer-songwriter and live performer, Brooke Fraser. Having been to two of her concerts already here in Dunedin, and listened (and sung) her songs sooooo many times, I still find her lyrics and music so beautiful and real.

Which is why I (and a few million others) am excited for her new album "Flags" to be released on Oct 12 AND her nationwide tour, wait for it, kicking off in Dunedin on Oct 26!!! I'm so buying the tickets the minute they're out ;P And then going super early to the town hall to get front row seats teehee.

Oh, and that's the video featuring her new single "Something in the water" off the new album. Can't wait to hear the rest of the songs, which are of course, going to be equally, or not more brilliant.

Speaking of which, my bag ordered from Moop arrived yesterday thanks to the wonderful team that handcrafted this bag that I now proudly carry around :D So well-crafted and pretty! Loving all the strategically placed compartments too. Definitely worth every dollar spent.

  The Letter Bag in rosewood

Came across this website which they describe as the FML for optimists. Me likey. Go along to GivesMeHope (GMH) and its sister website Love Gives Me Hope and you're bound to feel a lot better no matter how bad your day has been and say a few "awwwww"s along the way. Truly inspiring and refreshing from the usual embarrassing stories in FML.

Thank YOU, God, for giving us creativity. Without it, the world would be so boring.

The July update

This is turning out to be a monthly thing :P 

Just finished watching "Mr. Nobody", featuring the blue-eyed cutie Jared Leto. He kind of reminded me of the used-to-be Domino Pizza's Aussie manager (incredible blue eyes gosh). Anyway, the film amazed me in every way; it has the vibe of the movie "The Fountain"- spanning centuries of time zones, beautiful visuals, confusing in every single way, yet it ties in quite beautifully (still confusing until I started reading the forums on imdb) at the end. Love the soundtrack too: 'Mr Sandman' and all the other oldies teehee- I love Buddy Holly's "Everyday" especially.

I'm itching to watch Inception. After all the raves and reviews it had gotten, and the awesome trailers on youtube. And despite the major spoiler (SIGH) someone told me and how I think Dicaprio is looking more and more like Jack Nicholson, I CAN'T WAIT!! Next Tuesday, fingers crossed.

I've FINALLY got my passport!! Well, not now as it's on its way (or already in Wellington?) to the immigration to get my residency stamp :) Turns out that the Msian Immigration wasn't too bad at all; they had in fact sent me my passport a few months ago, but had trouble getting the letter of notification to me as I had moved a few times at the beginning of this year. Oopsy.

Ooooh, and I'm getting back some income/tax rebate $$$ from the government in the next few weeks YAY. I'm limiting myself to one big buy, the rest would go into my savings account. I've been spending heaps on shoes (more specifically boots) lately, so this time it'll be my best BAG yet :P A lot of research have gone into this AHEM, and I'll get it as soon as the US currency drops (or NZD gains) even more.

Sneak peak of what my the bag looks like -->

In my defense, the current bag I'm using for work was bought during my first year of uni (2006!), and is getting too small to fit in all I need to carry around. Linings have started peeling off etc. So this is a more sturdy and roomier one and should last me the next few years. A Saben bag would have to wait- I'm opting for practicality first before I can afford a leathery Saben *drools* at their winter collection.

It's ski/snowboard season! A weekend at the slopes soon, maybe? :)

Oh how time flies by

Oh wow. I've been away from blogger long enough to not have yet seen the new design controls. Neat. About time, too, with Wordpress having the upper hand in producing cleaner, edgier templates for a while now.

The thought of never blogging again, ever, has crossed my mind, more than once actually. But I guess this is still a good platform in keeping in touch with those few that actually still read this blog. 

So, updates. 

I'm now a permanent resident of NZ! *big hooray* It wasn't THAT difficult as I'd imagine it would be; just a long and tedious process of getting all the documents, then getting them certified, filling out all the online forms and paperwork, posting and waiting. But thank God for my super kind case manager in both Christchurch and Wellington for making my life simpler by (1) not asking me to send another medical certificate as mine was about to expire soon aka past 3 months validity, (2) for speeding up my steps along the way, and (3) friendly and fast emails :)

But all that is still unofficial as I still have NOT received my new passport (which I applied like, 4 months ago!!!! darn the Malaysian Immigration) to get the stamp/resident visa on. They're certainly testing my patience. Again, I'm glad that airticket bookings online didn't require me to include my passport details.

Speaking of which, I've booked my flights back home! :D Airtickets are seriously overpriced! I've decided to stick to Singapore Airlines to collect those delicious Krisflyer points. For the first time ever, I used my own hard-earned money to buy the return tickets, costing me just under $2000. Ouch, says my bank balance. But all's good as today is pay day = $$$ = happy me :)

So I'll be heading back to Msia via SG on the 23rd of Dec, coming back here by end of January 2011. 4+ weeks, how precious they are, now that I'm at the mercy of annual leave. The big event is, of course, THE wedding. Not mine, but I think I'm more excited in planning than the actual bride herself. Agree? :P Then, if time and finances permit, a short trip somewhere to northern Asia.

I have to say, priorities have changed: from when I first started working to (now) 4 months after that. Going into the workforce, I set aside a separate "goals" savings account. Originally to save up for a grand DSLR camera + lenses (ahem) for which I was so passionate about I scoped its price fluctuation every month. Let's just say I didn't actually NEED so much as WANT that extra gadget in my possession, not right now anyway. I haven't quite figured out what to change the goal to yet, but I do want to invest in something that's going to give me reasonable return in the long run.

And that's how that (and my parents' opinion) it led to the subject of property investment. Not exactly my field of expertise, but oh well, it's never too late to learn. And to be frank, I've been thinking about venturing into that for a while now. Baby steps and more research to do for now, and we'll see where it leads from here.

I LOVE having a car to drive around (even if it's little ole' Dunedin). Ooh, especially during the uni holidays (like now) when there are no students around to steal take good parking spots. Not worrying about the weather changing from fine to hailing while I do my grocery shopping, being able to go to music practices every Thursday night without arranging a ride, not having to walk half an hour to go to church, ah well- it all leads to less exercise. Boohoo. I seriously need a knock in the head to get me motivated enough in going to the gym.

An unexpected income came as such a blessing late last week. :) I thought it would never happen. But it did! May, you know what I'm talking about. Of course that's going back into my savings account.

And of course, the World Cup. During times like these, I wish I was living in another time zone. Matches are generally 1.30am or 6.30am, and if I want to watch any game, I'd have to sleep at 10 the night before and wake up a few minutes before the match, then sleep again. Which I did, twice, to watch the All Whites games and the England vs Germany match. Bravo, All Whites for that never-say-never spirit! Now, if only the final is played during the weekend :( Another tired and caffeine-filled day at the lab it is, then.

*scrolls up* So there goes my rant (of the month?). Back to watching more LOST episodes (yeap, I'm a recent convert!)

Beauty of it all

I just discovered that Joshua, the "visitor" medical officer from the tv series "V" (which, for me, is the best tv series to come out in a while after Heroes and Glee) is also a singer/songwriter!!! *drool*

Ok, so maybe I have a soft spot for science fiction tv series and guys who can sing/play the piano AND still manage to look cute teeheehee.

Anyway, back to his (real name: Mark Hildreth) songs. He's had 1 album so far: "Complex state of attachment", on sale on iTunes. Not bad at all, I think (trying to be unbiased as possible). Best described as  upbeat/feel good, pop/R&B with a hint of Maroon 5 cross Elton John. Nice piano-playing as well.

Here's the music video for "Siddhartha" (which, according to Wikipedia, is the name of the birth name of the founder of Buddhism??! oh well, he must be a devout Buddhist or something like that meh).

I'm feeling great :D

... because I sat for my restricted driving test this afternoon and PASSED!!! *jumps for joy* Thanks so much to my very patient driving instructor/coach, Agnes :)) Will be getting my new license in a few weeks YAY!

Ooh I'm considering getting a 5.1 surround sound system for my audio pleasure, just need to start doing research on brand and budget. Mmmmmm

Okay back to watching more tv series ;)

:D

So what exactly has changed since transiting from studying to working?

I'll start with the cons first:

1. No more student discounts at restaurants/clothing stores/movies! It's amazing how much discounts are given to students! :(
2. Blank face when those who are still studying talk about their assignments/exams
3. Waking up at 7am every morning (which is a good thing for me actually heh)
4. Not being able to stay up late at night, my bedtime's usually before midnight now (due to point number 3)
5. No more term holidays/semester breaks GAH. Annual leave is something I treasure very much
6. Having to be more careful with my spendings: now I REALLY know how my parents feel when I spend their hard-earned money...

The Pros:

1. No studying!!! woohoo
2. No assignments to hand in/exams to sit for/group presentations
3. So much more free time to catch up on tv series (A LOT of them)
4. Stability
5. The increase in my bank account balance at the end of each month $$$.... which leads to the most important point of all:
6. Being able to afford this pair of AMAAAAAAAZING boots:

I just died and went to shoe heaven. BLISSSSSS.

Oh yes, it's 3 inches high and I'm not even a heels type of person, but it literally feels like I'm walking on a carpet of foam in these. No kidding. Yes it cost almost one sixth of my monthly salary, but I'm keeping this leathery piece of art until I can no longer walk without a cane, and then pass it on to my children and grandchildren. THAT's how much I'm in love with it.

Heh ok I'm done with expressing my undying love with my latest purchase. Bring it on, Dunedin winter! ;)

Gratitude

I'm grateful for a lot of things.

Among those are:

• Grateful that mum brought me for piano tuition classes since I was 6 or 7 years old
• Grateful that despite wanting so bad to quit learning piano when I was about 9, mum encouraged me to keep practising and trying out new piano teachers
• Grateful for my last and most memorable piano teacher, Mrs Chen :)
• Grateful for her patience, her dedication in teaching me how to LOVE playing and not just learn the pieces for exams, how she went to my 7th grade practical exam with me, and how she comforted me after I freaked out and cried after the exam (which I passed, hehe).

Because of all those, I have the opportunity and courage to play in front of 500-1000 people last night. Not just to perform, but to lead people in praise and worship and bridge that gap. I can't possibly describe what an amazing feeling that is: to work together in a band, playing our individual instruments but creating that perfect sound, adrenaline pumping while looking down at hundreds of people in the audience, spotlights shining down... you get the picture.

All the hours of practising when I was younger seems worth it now. The hours practising as a band before the event, 3 hours of soundchecking (the longest I'd ever been in), not having time to for proper dinner (coffee and a slice of cake), the nerves and ahem 'wanting-to-go-toilet-so-bad' feeling were all nothing compared to the outcome. For that, I am GRATEFUL.

So thank you, Jo, for asking me be part of the music team for the Resurrection event (Easter) organised by the combined churches of Dunedin. There's just no better way of knowing and playing with all the talented musicians in other churches in the city. And thank you, God, for overseeing all the decisions and events leading up to today that have allowed me to keep playing :)

Responsibility

It's only 11.10pm while I'm typing this. And I'm already sleepy -__-

Working has made me into this person I barely know: sleeping early (defined as anytime before midnight) and waking up early (defined as anytime before 9am on weekdays), and savouring weekends like never before.

I've taken on a 4th year student this year. Eeks. Last minute notice, and I'm supposed to "coach" him through his research project as it's closest to what I'm doing. It's pretty scary, teaching and hoping I didn't just pass on any wrong info heh. A scary, but good feeling :)

Bought tea, coffee, and own mug to the office. Having my own BIG space and computer is a major plus. We have our own kettle in the write up room now! Definitely helps with staying awake during the loooooong days.

Oooh, and I'm leaning more towards getting a Holden Barina instead of Suzuki Swift now. Mainly due to the promo that they're having at the moment.  Looks like a pretty good deal to me, not that I know much about cars anyway. Hoping to sit for restricted exam in the next few weeks. More practice on parking, it is, then.

First 3D movie this Saturday: Alice in Wonderland woot woot!

What's the rush?

Ok well, I fully understand why I'm getting matchmade not-so-subtle 'recommendations' of guys recently. Having graduated, found a job, still single and not one serious relationship yet, having many "couply" friends (and one by one getting married hehe) etc... The reasons are mounting up, I see.

So here's my defense ;) It's not that I'm THAT picky (one's got to be to a certain extent, right?) Okfine, I do tend to fall for the hard-to-get guys :P The real reason's in this cute song by Michael Bublé - Haven't met you yet.

I guess it's half timing,
And the other half's luck
Wherever you are
Whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

I love Love LOVE this song + music video. Apparently the girl in this video is Michael's actual girlfriend (she's 22 while he's 34 gosh). Lucky girl, having someone serenading to her like that heh.

Feeling in the mood to get some photos up here :) Next 3 are photos from Lake Wanaka/Lake Tekapo, when my parents came to NZ for their 2nd visit for 2 weeks. Sooooooo pretty! See the clutha river jet? We went for a wild ride with that very jetboat, crazy spins, and bought the photos as proof!

Family pic after the 45-min hike up one of the lookout hills at Wanaka. Not as tiring as the 4-hour Fox Glacier hike haha! Oops this is what happens when I get to do the bookings.

Lavender! Mum loves it obviously ;)

At Tunnel beach with the Lee sisters and Greg (+ a smelly seal). Rebec, I like this photo of us! 

 Great coordination from the cute couple

I've got my work computer! Not great specs but good enough for what I need it to do. It's nice having my own workstation, but it still is daunting sharing the same staff room with lecturers that have taught me before. 

Found out that I actually have 25 days of annual leave + 8 days of unpaid leave (provided I don't take any until end of this year), so that's pretty good. Will need to plan when to go home this year, which for once I am very excited about- have not been back for over a year (will be 2 years by end of this year) and the Pancakes' wedding will be held then :D Just over 40 weeks to go!

Work again, tomorrow... Oh Monday, go away!

One cheesy blogpost

Sometimes I forget why I love reading. It's good to be reminded the reason why. Flipping through the pages of a storybook I borrowed from the public library, the 1.5 hour plane ride felt like it was 10 minutes. I managed to cover almost a quarter of the book, and started to wonder if I should have brought along another book.

So here I am, in the capital of NZ again. Sitting on the couch in May's flat (very warm, might I add), intending of NOT venturing outside into the supercrazywarmhotness weather. Some call this a waste of time. I call this relaxing from it all and finally having the time to just sit down, blog, and have a little "me-time". Though the temptation to 'visit' the Karen Walker store, get a spa & pedicure, and just sit down at a MAC/Bobby brown makeup counter trying on various products sound equally enticing. Mmmmm. Tomorrow maybe, or when I feel more gracious in letting the UV rays penetrate into my epidermal layer of skin.

I brought along my xbox controller and ODST game, fully anticipating the game night we'll have with May's friend tomorrow night :) And also visiting Arise church again is always something I look forward to everytime I visit Welly. And of course, yummy authentic Malaysian food!

My appointment with the High Commission of Malaysia is on Monday. Taking a taxi there as I've heard there's a huge hill leading to the building. Fingers crossed; I'll get my police certificate on the same day and cross out the final thing to take care of for my PR application.

Ah, so many things to look forward to: a new car (YAY! thanks mummy & daddy), a new computer (thanks to supervisor and uni HEHEHE), new staff ID card (on Tuesday), one step closer to being a permanent resident here, going home to Msia early next year for the biggest wedding *cough the Pancakes' wedding, and sorry Alex I can't be your bestman haha!*, getting my paycheck from uni (soon! fortnightly or monthly?), watching Xander grow up to be a fine young man etc etc...

Sometimes it feels like there's not much progress in life, but now is certainly NOT one of those "sometimes".

1 Cor 13

Ah, LOVE and the beauty of it :)

Rachel and Jake tied the knot last Saturday at a beautiful church at Mosgiel. Her dress is in the prettiest colour of champagne! Their wedding cake was sooo cute! Rachel made the cake figurines (can't remember technical term) herself, the night before the wedding, her mum told us. Such dedication! (she plays the piano, Jake plays the trumpet)

I was honoured to play a small part in the ceremony :) by playing the keyboard for 2 songs: a hymn and the song "Soon" by Brooke/Hillsong. Weather was great, despite gloomy forecast for that day.

 

Some random editing: Rachel's bridal shower the week before

Rebec & Xander :) when the Lee sisters and Greg came to Dunny for a short visit early Jan. Missing you guys already boohoo

We went to Tunnel beach, saw a smelly seal and took lotsa photos (which I'm too lazy to upload heh)

Other updates: I'm selected from the EOI pool, waiting for contact from an immigration officer and/or the "Invitation to apply" application. Sent off passport renewal forms and documents, still waiting (a few more months to go!) for new passport. No traveling out of the country for now, it is. And oh, for those in Msia, I won't be heading back for CNY celebration this year. But will plan for end of year trip, depending on the days of leave I'm getting.

Speaking of which, I've received the official letter of job offer from uni!!! *smiles* Title of my job will be 'Assistant Research Fellow' hehehe. Date of job commencement will be on 1st of March, the salary shall we say is much more lucrative than if I had went back to Msia/SG to work. 

I'm on the lookout for a car. Had my 1st ever driving lesson last week and loved it! Still no updates on getting a replacement for the studio, sadly. I still believe that it'll happen, though. Soon. :)

2010, so far

Ok. Here are some updates since I last blogged.

One of my err (resolutions is a strong word I prefer not to use) things I plan to change this year is to blog less. Surprised much? It took up a lot of my time last year especially. Not that I have things to study this year, but just allocating that time to watching more drama ahem. Or other more important things in life. For updates, there's always msn and facebook yea?

I've submitted my EOI!!! That stands for Expression of Interest by the way. The 1st step in applying for NZ permanent residency. It was a long form, and costed $400 :( But more payment ensues & more forms to be filled out once I pass this stage. Next selection will take place around Wed next week, can't wait!

Malaysian passport application form FINALLY arrived. GOSH it took them about 2 weeks to mail to us a few forms! Talk about inefficiency! I've decided to fly to Wellington to the Msian High Commission to get my Letter of Good Conduct (aka Police certificate) there in person- saves me 2 to 3 months of processing time.

Did my blood test & chest x-ray (another $400+). I thought I lost my passport eeeks. But as always, I the klutz only misplaced it. Getting documents ready to be signed by a JP on Monday. Getting super fussy passport photos collected tomorrow ($50 for 8 copies?!), it's the only place in Dunedin that does the blue background specifically requested by Msian government.

So yeah lots of spending going on.

Still no word on girl who went MIA after agreeing to take over my lease. More praying and believing.

I bought an Xbox360 console! :D After YEARS of wanting to own one since introduced by Raymond back in the days of 2006, I now have one. I haven't taken it out of the box yet though, wanting to do that once I get to new place. Plus lots to deal with regarding visa/PR applicaton already.

And May, I still can't believe you rejected royal epithelia!!!! *horror* Lucky you. I'm jealous! Ahh the perks of being a doctor, I guess. Prince William would never want to visit a microbiology lab, would he? ;P

This year, I'm getting my DSLR. *beams* And enrolling myself in a photography course to enhance whatever skills I might have. All that using my own money though. And of course, stop getting 'funding' from parents :) They've done so much for me already I can't possibly accept anymore.

Also, this year, I want to at least PLAN for a voluntary trip. Which may or may not include a visit to my sponsored child of 5 years, Adama, in Republic of Niger (Africa).

Oh, and sleep earlier to be able to arrive at the lab earlier *sheepish look* Can't say that'll happen for sure. Feels sad not being a student anymore, not because I don't get to study (meh, won't miss that), but because I no longer qualify for all those student specials (cheaper movie tickets etc deals) anymore... boohoo. But I'm definitely looking forward to my paycheck!

I've got a confession. I've been stalking a guy (MOSTCUTESTSINGLEAVAILABLE) on facebook. Le sigh. One can hope and dream, right?