Go light your world

Janice and Greg left for Christchurch this morning, then arriving in S'pore in a few days' time. I'll still have the chance to meet up with them there, but for others like Ray and Mich, last night was the last time we could have dinner together THIS YEAR.

So we, self proclaimed food lovers, decided to have a little get together again before everyone left for the summer. As Michelle had the Full Monty play rehearsal and Alex was on duty until 11pm, dinner (or shall I say supper?) started at around midnight. Ray and Greg made super delicious roast chicken, kumara/leeks, really yummy (and oily) gravy for the chicken, and spaghetti.

Dinner was (as Ray would say) SUPER AWESOME. (thumbs up sign)

We rubbed our bellies and talked for a while... until the 2 cakes were served. =P

The 2 cakes were meant to be early birthday cakes for Sam (Dec baby) and Alex (Feb baby), but somehow everyone started mock blowing the cake ("flame" provided by Greg, haha!), then each of us cut the cake once. We had to mock blow as the candles weren't even lit.


So in a way, we celebrated every one's birthday at one go last night. It was really significant and meaningful as it meant that by next year, we can no longer celebrate each other's birthdays all together, like how we've been doing for the past 3 years.

It's sad to see so many of you guys leaving: the Pancakes (Sam & Alex), the Grapes (Greg & Jan), and May May; and it's so hard to let go of friends so close I can call family, but we can't all stay in Dunedin forever =P We came here to study, built bonds, took care & cooked for each other, graduate, then leave this town with life-long memories (and gigabytes of pictures). And of course, we'll keep in touch by calling and annoying each other 24/7 hehehe. I'm also counting on that proposed ski trip/Hillsong next year- I've been here for almost 4 years now and still have NOT skied!

***

Last Monday during cell group, we planned a special "leaving" ceremony for those who are leaving. EVERYTHING was super emotional, haha. From praise and worship (the guitarists playing together at cell for the last time), to giving testimonials, and to full on crying during the lighting of the candles.

I came prepared, knowing that I'll cry when I see others cry too. What I didn't expect was to see the grown men cry too =P I went from just shedding a tear to full-on sobbing when Alex and Ray spoke. The tissue box had to be passed around the room as more and more people cried. I compiled a video of the history and memories of Lighthouse Fellowship from 2006 to 2008, and I'm glad it did touch the hearts of some. After all the crying and hugging sessions, we stayed around for food, more chit chat, and ended up leaving only at 2.30am. I think we broke the record for the longest cell group session ever.

At times I take this amazing cell group for granted. But looking back at how we started, and how much we've grown over the years, and the seeds that we've planted even in the hearts of non Christians- all the planning and sleepless nights (especially during shine 08!) were so worth it.

There's about 34 of us now in 2008, compared to just 6 in 2006 when we first started. At least 9 would be leaving next year, which brings the number down to 25. 2009- a new year, who knows how many more new members we'd get to include in this family?

The exam factor

So often we complain about how busy we are. We list down the things that are yet to be completed, stress the fact that whatever we're studying/working/doing is MORE stressful than others. We think, or want others to think, that nothing else can compare/understand what we're going through.

"You have NO IDEA what I'm going through".

Oh how I hate that phrase.

If you find that familiar, maybe it's time you stop wanting people trying to understand what you're going through. Stop complaining and know that there are people out there who are going through more difficult times than you, but are NOT complaining. Those are the ones I admire. The ones that I look up to. Without them, won't the world be filled of whiny, self-absorbed people? Every single day, I thank God for placing them in my lives and reminding that life isn't about ME ME and MEEEE.

Anyway, some photos from Lighthouse Fellowship's possible last BBQ of the year last Monday at the Gn's place.

Rachel & Rebekah. The mental hospital escapees aka psychology students gone mad =P

Sharon showing her injured fingernail. *OWH poor thing.*
Consulting a future doctor, pharmacist, & psychologist...
May mentioned that it looks like Sharon's trying to "pluck" her hair heheh!

Music practice

The lighting wasn't perfect, but I personally like how this pic turned out :)

BBQ-ing. Foooooooooood!

Last but not least, my fav photo of the night.
Jaq & Janice being silly.

Whheeee I'm happy for those who are joining the blogging revolution :P

I'm having 2nd thoughts about buying a macbook pro. Too pricey for the specs it's offering. But sigh I still love its aluminium finish and sleek design. Another laptop has caught my eye: the HP Pavilion dv7-1000 Entertainment Notebook PC. GOSH so pretty; about same price as the 17" macbook pro but more powerful in so many ways. It boasts a 4Gb ram memory, Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9400, 500Gb storage, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT (ahhhh games!), super cool built-in Altec Lansing speakers, etc etc. Price is NZ$3199. *wipes drool off my chin* My current comp is pretty good too, but lately the thought of having a portable laptop is just too tempting. We'll see.

finding true peace

I collected my management business plan today. It wasn't good at all. Sigh. Now I have to do very well for the finals to get an A. On the other hand, I'm really encouraged by the email Ps Jared sent- about how we're able to experience a peace which the world can't give. I sometimes take that for granted: by worrying, complaining, worrying some more, and end up using all my time worrying instead of getting things done and having to do things at the last minute.

Final assignment of the year only 2 days away! My bioinformatics presentation is on Thursday- 10 minute talk about a topic of interest. I'm so glad I was placed in the same presentation group as 2 other friends, less pressure as well as it is partly peer-reviewed. Getting back my micr business plan and lab reports tomorrow, very very anxious to know how we did.

Anyway. Yesterday night was FUN. We all headed to Aunty Tung Siew's beauuuutiful house at Waverly (10-15 min drive) for a night of curry and assam laksa. After the awesome spicy food (which made me miss Kuching laksa even more), she sort of shared her experience on the topic of "how to find the perfect mate". Mate as in partner-for-life mate. ;P Very interesting.

Some photos as below. I won't upload these onto Facebook this time: excluded the Bernard-post-makeup-with-bright-red-nails pics as they were slightly disturbing ;P

makeup galore.

america's next top model?

intriqued by the little pretty things in the house, like this one

and this...

...and this deco on one of the switches.

janice's teeth so white

Rachel (YES I can pronouce her African name!) & Shaza

foooooooood!

the music team

Finally. A widescreen (3456x1944) wallpaper for u!
amazing view, eh.

These I treasure

I'm SOOOO thankful for having friends to calm down my nerves when I'm freaking out. wink wink.

I got the biggest shock today when I woke up to find the numbers 12.39 staring back at me from my alarm clock. I thought it would have been 12.39AM, but that was impossible as I slept at close to 5am that morning. The alarm clock was set to wake me up at 8am to attend my lab at 9.30am, and yet I somehow missed the alarm OR had forgotten to turn on the alarm.

So I managed not to curse, tried finding my phone, to no avail. I feel so useless without my phone. First thing I could think of was, "OH NO!!! My lab partner is going to kill me for not showing up at lab!" It was supposed to be a 2 hour wet lab work from 9.30 to 11.30am, then analysis of results. The lab work requires 2 people to complete, so my head was going round in circles trying to think a way through the mess.

No time for breakfast, not even coffee. I don't function well without coffee. Thank goodness the lecture this morning was cancelled. So I rushed all the way to bioc lab and not surprised to see no one there. I saw plates on other groups' table, but none on the space my lab partner and I work at. I tried not to panic, then ran off to Unicol to try to find my phone (it wasn't there), ran to commerce building (as my lab partner mentioned he always have pizzas every friday there~ random I know; too bad he wasn't there either), then I ran back to the lab and wrote a note of apology to him in case he went back to lab.

I'm amazed I even have the energy to run to so many places and get to the office for my last day at work and not faint of exhaustion. I started work at 2pm, then went shopping a while at 6pm with Mich and bought a dress to wear to Dil's birthday lunch tomorrow (yay!!) Thank you Michelle for buying me a cup of mocha and egg/mayo sandwich; and thanks Sammie for the Cornetto ice cream to cheer me up =) And thanks for helping me find my phone (huge sigh of relief- more than 5 missed calls, 4 messages)- it was left in the car since last night. Thanks to my awesome lab partner for not getting angry with me (I would if I were you, haha!), and for completing the experiment with help from one the demonstrators, I'll buy you chocolate/pizza someday ;P

Thanks to my (now ex) colleagues for the past 6 months; Rachel, Patrice, Shi Leng, Sulyn, Mark, Nick, Yuko, Tania, Sarah, Jess, Steve, Sue, Oliver, Cath etc. It has been enlightening, a eye opener (in a good way) to the corporate world. It's been a wonderful working experience. Thanks for the lovely farewell card =)

A lesson learnt today: not to stretch myself to the limit. Well, actually PAST my limit: physically & emotionally. I guess I wanted to prove to myself, or convince myself, that I can survive with less sleep and try to get EVERYTHING done by myself. Which completely backfired when I overslept for 4 hours, that has never happened before. Which is why I promise myself that I'm going to sleep at midnight today, wake up all refreshed at 9am tomorrow for a fun-filled day to enjoy (hopefully) a sunny Saturday. =)

Thanks again guys for being there even when I'm going crazy and almost ready to scream at people walking past me. Thanks for making sure I don't skip breakfast/lunch, and making sure I get my weekly dose of ice-cream.

So, here are some more SHINE '08 and random birthday celebration photos. Enjoy!

Pretty Jaq and I at Agnes' pre-birthday.

Flattie honey Sharon T. with her lovely egg tarts in the making.

Princess Fiona reading her birthday card(s), 2 nights ago at Greg's.

FOOD!!! at Greg's place for Fiona's bday dinner.

Another Lighthouse Fellowship group photo to treasure.

The envelopes where guardian angels/mortals stash notes/gifts @ Shine '08.

Making of the "blessing board" at SHINE '08!

After the "trust walk". I was blindfolded and kidnapped back to the main hall!

The gals: L-R Shaza, Becky, Rach, & Jaq. Michelle's bday dinner Sunday night.

Mich's bday dessert- can't remember what it was called.

P.S. I love spring!

Countdown: 90 days to hot weather

I keep reminding myself that winter is ALMOST over. Not liking the feeling of wet jeans sticking to my skin at all.

Anyway, Ron got a job at SG too! I think his is at the Bioprocessing Tech Institute or something. Also part of the biopolis, few mins walk to GIS. So unfair, he's getting paid more... and the person in contact even asked if he needed accommodation and helped him apply for a working visa. -__- And yet I have to apply for a visa myself and find accommodation myself. Oh well, the thrill of it.

Been posting many ads on property and real estate websites, looking for a room for rent. Gotten quite a few replies too, actually. None that stood out yet, either too far away or too pricey. I know shouldn't be that picky, but then I dread the thought of spending 100 bucks a month on transport and waking up super early to catch the mrt. We'll see. God will provide.

Thanks guys who're helping me with this task. Chyi, Julianna, Davina, John, Greg, etc.

So yeah, can't wait to get there.

Out of the cold weather for once. Into the land of good food and shopping. Ahhhh....

Plus, a few people would be there too. Janice, Greg, and Chyi. hehehe.

And of course, looking forward to the trip to Philippines. Still working on the exact dates or travel etc, wondering if there'll even be time to go home to Kuching or not. I have a feeling I'll only spend a week or less back home, probably during Christmas or Chinese New Year. I know it's un-daughterly of me to only go home for such a short period of time, but what to do? Time is unwilling. Oh well, I'll just have to make full use of it, however short the time may be.

***

Cell group last night was... INTERESTING. and that's an understatement.


We had a "music concert" last night. Which just means a whole night of praise and worship, and good food of course. We started jumping a lot toward the 2nd and 3rd song... (Alex's suggestion). Then I got a tap on the back by Greg, saying there was someone at the door wanting to get in. I opened the door, and there stood a Kiwi guy explaining how our jumping has caused the floor (his room's ceiling as he's staying downstairs) to CRACK ("it's very unsafe", and I quote). I mumbled a quick sorry and got back, shocked at what we just did. Goodness, CONCRETE floor can break so easily? Well, maybe it's possible as last night was absolutely packed- 30 I'd say- and the impact of us jumping altogether probably generated enough force to crack the floor/ceiling. OOPS. So yeah, we stopped jumping after that :P

Sang the "Dessert song" by Brooke Fraser/Hillsong too last night as part of the cafe style session. Love love love the song. Love the lyrics, especially the bridge.

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Alex had the random idea of putting together a video of our beginnings. Of how lighthouse fellowship started- at Arana Hall, 2006, with just the 7 of us- Raymond, Alex, Sam, May, Janice, Rebec, and I. Compared to now- regulars totalling to 30+ (and counting). It was so fun making the video, even FUNNIER watching it, and seeing people laugh =)

Below is a snippet of the video (unedited). *upload failed. lazy to upload again as taking up time* Scene is when Ramon was making some food for us to eat after cell. Note that Greg is narrating as Ramon lost his voice. We all laughed sooooooooo hard- ah, the good times. And yes, I do like eating "chao-ta" (slightly burnt in hokkien) food hehe.

Am I really that forgettable? A primary/school friend just asked me who I was after I sent her a message on friendster. I AM 100% SURE SHE KNOWS ME. Either that or I changed a lot since sec sch. Which is more likely?

A longer holiday, pretty please?

I'm quite surprised 1000Minds is only NOW used for the "Otago Choice"- it's a program/software whatever you want to call it designed to help students decide what to major/minor in uni. Try it here.

I tried, just out of curiosity (not expecting to find biotech as the 1st choice). Lo and behold, my first choice was MEDICINE. (!!!) Genetics was in the top 10 choices, but medicine?! Then again, if I don't tend to have a panic attack when showed blood, I would definitely consider it. FYI dentistry was the 2nd "choice". Funny how the top 2 most expensive courses in Otago showed up as the top 2 choices of study. Ahem.

Anyway, the first time I heard about this software was during a MANT201 lecture; my lecturer had been talking about his colleague designing this apparently million-dollar software designed to help us fussy decision-makers decide based on the factors we feel are important. Such a simple idea, but took quite a long time before someone actually came up with one such as this one. I remembered my lecturer telling us its popularity- being used by Boeing, and even the NZ ministry of health eg. to decide who gets the heart transplant first etc. important decisions.

Our class, was one of the first who ever got to use the software itself early last year; that time was to see what factors we value most in a lecturer, e.g. how smart, easy to approach, teaching style, etc he/she is. The software was certainly really simple to use, and straight to the point with its results- little analysis was needed.

I also remembered him saying one of the creators of the software, though most probably now a millionaire, still rides a yellow bike and parks it ride under a big tree just behind the commerce building. If you happen to pass by the bridge just before the psychology department, go have a look- you can't miss the yellow bike.

***

Only less than a week of holiday left. So sad.

My "real" holiday only lasted for less than a week- during the Auckland trip. Before and after that was all work and work. I'm supposed to work 20 hours this week, but got home earlier yesterday as was feeling hayfeverish again. Teary/tired eyes not good for data entry. Plus, it was so freaking cold at the office- especially when people went to the toilet and the cold wind rushes in whenever the door opens/closes. I have a feeling I might to change workstations once again. Oh well, another few months to go before I can stop working and focus fully on studies again, not that I'm looking forward to that.

Results are out- not perfect but not too bad either. I'm grateful the dreadful C wasn't there- but still means I have to do extra hard to get a B+ average by the end of this year to guarantee a good research project next year.

***

Last night during cell group, Ramon made us his famous laksa again. Can't even remember the last time I had it. Spicy but so yummy. Great for winter. Speaking of which, the highest the temperature will get today is 7 degrees. Winter's always a time when I feel (just a little) homesick- almost everyone from youth is back in Kuching, and I'm reminded of the hot & humid weather back home. But then again, I'm comforted by the fact that winter will be gone in 2 months' time. Spring, I shall count the days till you're here again.

Finally. Just a few of the many photos I grabbed from Davina last night. All are of events/activities of the bestest cell group in Dunedin- Lighthouse Fellowship! ;P

Encounter 1- at Warrington, a 30-min drive from Dunedin. So pretty the landscape!

May, jOSs, Sam, & Davina- Encounter 1.

Greg's bday (late May). Ron, careful when playing with sharp objects!
Rachel baked the lighthouse cake =)

Ice skating event- May looks like she's in the Olympics skating competition or something.

That's the whole of Lighthouse! (and growing)

Girls only event- slumber party at Rebekah's house.
Us pointing at Michelle- can't remember why, haha!

Ramon's bday surprise. Jaq, what were u pointing at?

All you people still in Auckland, quick quick come back! Missing you guys heaps already ;P