Kuching has made me lazy to blog. That's my excuse. XD
The monsoon season is slowly getting to me. Going everywhere is 50% harder with the rain pouring down, and rain also means more delay for the landscaping project for my house to be done. Yeap, my parents finally decided to renovate the fence, gate, and the garden area of the house. Though I'm not really keen on the "kampung style" theme proposed by the landscaper hired to do the job (and the cost involved), I must say that it's pretty unique.
I'm finally meeting some of my primary schoolmates after 7 or so years of NOT keeping in touch. My bad. One of them is my bestest friend I could remember when I was in primary 4 to 6. We were those typical best friends, sharing almost everything in common (even our birthdays are just 1 day apart), but after we went to separate secondary schools, contact was practically zero. So when she appeared online on msn for the first time in YEARS, I immediately took the opportunity and asked for a gathering. So tomorrow it is, 2pm at Jalan Song's Expert!
Tonight was the first time the young adults led worship for the youth meeting! *cheers* Hooray also for Kevin who led for the very first time-- history has been made. keke. Played the keyboard for at least 3 hours today- it was fun until Aunty Mag started singing all those songs that were composed at least 20 years ago. Haihz, we seriously need to sing more NEW, FRESH songs. Oh well, it takes time.
Leeza, my future cousin-in-law, took me to this boutique along Green Road which apparently have the cheapest and cutest dresses for a bit of shopping this afternoon. The boutique was so hidden among the row of shoplots, but once I went into the shop, boy was I shocked at the number of people there. There was at least 50 people (99% women) crammed into the very crowded room, with all kinds of clothes stacked in every corner possible. Walking a mere metre would take you 5 minutes, that's how crowded it was. Very very successful business indeed. I even managed to get a RED dress. eheks.
Speaking of which, I'm off to KL on Monday, coming back by Tuesday night. Retail therapy, here I come! =)
The waves of change
Before I went to NZ, going to Saturday night youth meetings had always been the highlight of my week. No matter how hectic my day had been, I would always leave feeling optimistic and at ease.
Going back to the home cell meeting today brought back a lot of memories. Looking at those youths aging from 12 to 17 years old (and shaking my head looking at their funny antics) reminded me of how WE (the OLD bunch of youths) used to be during the days. 2 years ago, we were going off to cafes late at night, organising birthdays and farewell parties, sabo-ing each other with flour and rotten eggs, wasting time at the game arcades, and receiving complaints from people and security at Damai resort for making too much noise. Yeap, those were the good ole days.
And then slowly, there were more and more farewell events to organise, and more sabo-ing to do, of course. Mervyn, John Y and Bernard flew off to Russia to study medicine, Chok aka bunny went off to the land of kiasuness, Debbie (and now Richard) to UTP, the 3 ladies (Agfa aka P3, Debbie aka princess lollipop, Stef aka cutie) went to KL, and I joined the sheep in a far far away land. The others stayed behind, and once in a while one or two would come back for holidays, but the feeling had never been the same.
That's why I'm counting on a BIG REUNION this coming Chinese New Year, when almost, if not all, of us can finally gather again to recreate that old feeling of fun and care freeness. Am I asking too much?
I hoped that it would feel the same right now, but with so many of the old batch gone and so many new younger ones taking over the youth, it's WEIRD, really. So that's how Eden home cell came about. The older and younger people meet at the same time but at a different location with a different agenda. We're no longer called the youths. We're now the YOUNG ADULTS. eheks. NO PRESSURE.
I guess the change is inevitable. It is a big change, and now that we're the ones the adults are counting on to take over the leadership and make changes in the future, a lot must be improved. I look forward to the day when we all come back from studies (for those who ARE) and make drastic changes to the way things are done and will be done.
Carol's uber cute shih tzu.
Posers~ at Scoop.
Going back to the home cell meeting today brought back a lot of memories. Looking at those youths aging from 12 to 17 years old (and shaking my head looking at their funny antics) reminded me of how WE (the OLD bunch of youths) used to be during the days. 2 years ago, we were going off to cafes late at night, organising birthdays and farewell parties, sabo-ing each other with flour and rotten eggs, wasting time at the game arcades, and receiving complaints from people and security at Damai resort for making too much noise. Yeap, those were the good ole days.
And then slowly, there were more and more farewell events to organise, and more sabo-ing to do, of course. Mervyn, John Y and Bernard flew off to Russia to study medicine, Chok aka bunny went off to the land of kiasuness, Debbie (and now Richard) to UTP, the 3 ladies (Agfa aka P3, Debbie aka princess lollipop, Stef aka cutie) went to KL, and I joined the sheep in a far far away land. The others stayed behind, and once in a while one or two would come back for holidays, but the feeling had never been the same.
That's why I'm counting on a BIG REUNION this coming Chinese New Year, when almost, if not all, of us can finally gather again to recreate that old feeling of fun and care freeness. Am I asking too much?
I hoped that it would feel the same right now, but with so many of the old batch gone and so many new younger ones taking over the youth, it's WEIRD, really. So that's how Eden home cell came about. The older and younger people meet at the same time but at a different location with a different agenda. We're no longer called the youths. We're now the YOUNG ADULTS. eheks. NO PRESSURE.
I guess the change is inevitable. It is a big change, and now that we're the ones the adults are counting on to take over the leadership and make changes in the future, a lot must be improved. I look forward to the day when we all come back from studies (for those who ARE) and make drastic changes to the way things are done and will be done.
Carol's uber cute shih tzu.
Posers~ at Scoop.Craving for more culture
I'm home and complaining about the heat and still recovering from the horrible jet lag. Meeting friends is always an interesting highlight of my day, most of the time filled with countless vain picture taking and necessary gossiping.
Met up with Steph, Carol, and Judy during lunch yesterday and spent the hot afternoon "roaming" around town. For dinner, met up with Steph and Deborah for the long-awaited (literally) dinner at one the many new "hip" cafes popping up in Kuching. This one was called Flavourz at Travillion. The setting and mood seemed nice at first glance, but after almost 2 hours of waiting for food, we were HUNGRY. And not to mention the waiter wore open-toed sandles, had his cap turned the other way round, spoke absolutely pukable Engrrrrrlishhhee.
Speaking of the sudden cafe culture in Kuching, I'd like to comment on a few things. Firstly, they're only ripping off our money (our referring to those under 30). A typical "Baked rice with bla bla seafood" will cost you around RM20 or more, and I guarantee that the basic ingredients needed to make it is under RM5. I'd say that 80% of their profit goes into making the environment "hip and relaxed". That includes contemporary art, a few IKEA decor furniture, and cheap interior designing. Heck, as long as the cafe has a "cool, original name", you're bound to have visitors.
Secondly, I feel bad for those working in these so-called cafes. A friend worked in one of those cafes and earned a modest RM2 per hour. I almost choked when I heard that. And I'm not only talking about the food industry only, but all jobs in general. Another friend working as an account auditor from 9 to 6pm every day earns about RM300 monthly. How can you possibly survive with that? And whatever happened to minimum salary?
I'm not here to brag, but this is just for the sake of comparing. An average earning for an undergraduate (translation: no degree yet or no degree, period) working full time is RM500 per month. I started working 2 part time jobs in Dunedin since mid December (until 7 January when I came back), and earned a total of RM2000+ excluding tax payments.
I think it's about time the Department of Labour or somebody do something about the minimum wage offered to workers, be it part-time or full-timers. The lack of enforcement is just sad, really. One more reason why I'm not keen on working here once I graduate.
Met up with Steph, Carol, and Judy during lunch yesterday and spent the hot afternoon "roaming" around town. For dinner, met up with Steph and Deborah for the long-awaited (literally) dinner at one the many new "hip" cafes popping up in Kuching. This one was called Flavourz at Travillion. The setting and mood seemed nice at first glance, but after almost 2 hours of waiting for food, we were HUNGRY. And not to mention the waiter wore open-toed sandles, had his cap turned the other way round, spoke absolutely pukable Engrrrrrlishhhee.
Speaking of the sudden cafe culture in Kuching, I'd like to comment on a few things. Firstly, they're only ripping off our money (our referring to those under 30). A typical "Baked rice with bla bla seafood" will cost you around RM20 or more, and I guarantee that the basic ingredients needed to make it is under RM5. I'd say that 80% of their profit goes into making the environment "hip and relaxed". That includes contemporary art, a few IKEA decor furniture, and cheap interior designing. Heck, as long as the cafe has a "cool, original name", you're bound to have visitors.
Secondly, I feel bad for those working in these so-called cafes. A friend worked in one of those cafes and earned a modest RM2 per hour. I almost choked when I heard that. And I'm not only talking about the food industry only, but all jobs in general. Another friend working as an account auditor from 9 to 6pm every day earns about RM300 monthly. How can you possibly survive with that? And whatever happened to minimum salary?
I'm not here to brag, but this is just for the sake of comparing. An average earning for an undergraduate (translation: no degree yet or no degree, period) working full time is RM500 per month. I started working 2 part time jobs in Dunedin since mid December (until 7 January when I came back), and earned a total of RM2000+ excluding tax payments.
I think it's about time the Department of Labour or somebody do something about the minimum wage offered to workers, be it part-time or full-timers. The lack of enforcement is just sad, really. One more reason why I'm not keen on working here once I graduate.
A Trip to the boulders
2007 greets me with countless chores to do with the new flat I've just moved into 3 days ago. Been busy shopping for ocipala stuff needed to survive, and other ocipala stuff I WANT for a better living.
We planned on going to catch some Paua aka abalone somewhere near Oamaru yesterday morning around 11, just after the low tide. Apparently, a friend caught some the other day, and we had an expensive meal of abalone porridge which costed an estimate of $500 and above.
So off we went, with a bit of delay which unfortunately made us late to catch the low tide. By the time we reached the spot, the rising waves made it difficult to catch any at all. *Bummer*
However, we drove all the way up to Oamaru and then headed to the Moeraki Boulders. They're famous for their perfectly rounded shapes, some as long as 1.5 metres in diametre. By the way, did I mention the weather was as perfect as summer can get?
The boulders lined up along the beach.
Look who's hatched out of the dinosaur egg!
The girls.
The view from top.
The famous fish 'n chips shop on the way back to town. They even sell shark meat!
We planned on going to catch some Paua aka abalone somewhere near Oamaru yesterday morning around 11, just after the low tide. Apparently, a friend caught some the other day, and we had an expensive meal of abalone porridge which costed an estimate of $500 and above.
So off we went, with a bit of delay which unfortunately made us late to catch the low tide. By the time we reached the spot, the rising waves made it difficult to catch any at all. *Bummer*
However, we drove all the way up to Oamaru and then headed to the Moeraki Boulders. They're famous for their perfectly rounded shapes, some as long as 1.5 metres in diametre. By the way, did I mention the weather was as perfect as summer can get?
The boulders lined up along the beach.
Look who's hatched out of the dinosaur egg!
The girls.
The view from top.
The famous fish 'n chips shop on the way back to town. They even sell shark meat!Time passes when you're watching a bunch of rocks. Hehe. Which only leaves me less than 3 days before I'm home in Kuching again! Old classmates and SFEC youth, meet up or else!!!
2006- The good, the bad, and the ugly
January
Finished Foundation Studies. Here ends my miserable time studying at Canterbury, and couldn't wait to head home. Kuching never looked that good before.
February
I made a last minute decision to study at Uni of Otago, first was doing a BSc in Psychology then changed my mind to do BAppSc in Biotech instead. Dunedin didn't look at bad as what I was told, and Studholme Hall was freaking coooool. Having my close friends living with me sure is a lot of fun when compared to last year.
March
Lectures, lectures. Struggle to keep awake during those early Biology and Chemistry lectures. A very difficult decision to make, and I successfully hurt many people in the process. That includes ending a friendly (?) relationship very abruptly.
April
April Fool- the day I made a complete fool out of myself by giving my heart to someone I had no idea had the power to do so much damage to me. For weeks, I thought I really was in love.
May
After 2 times of breaking up and getting back together again, the forbidden relationship was finally over. In a way I was relieved, but tears were shed and that's why May should be called the month when I cried the most. Through that experience, I've learnt to trust and treasure my friends and family even more.
June
Being single sure is an awesome thing. I got my feet on the ground again slowly, but it isn't easy when the ex is only living 10 metres away from me and having to face him every single day. I desperately needed my family's support, so once again I am home in Kuching. World cup season made me nocturnal.
July
Semester 2 starts, and I made a vow to not let anything distract me from my studies anymore, and hence get my slipping grades up by the end of the year. The painful truth struck me right through my heart, yet somehow I knew that it was like that all along. It was as if before all of this happened, the Man above told me however painful this was going to be, it is an inevitable learning process.
August
Settled in quite nicely in the music team, enjoyed thoroughly the weekly Friday night practices and definitely look forward to Tuesday night home groups at Ramon's. Picked up guitar. =)
September
I turn 19! The last of my teenage years... eeeks! A very big muaks to all those who planned my surprise birthday party, for all those presents and birthday wishes. A birthday is meaningless when you're spending it all alone, agree? Ah, and there was the unforgettable Queenstown trip, where countless smiles and amazing memories were forged.
October
I am officially a frequent visitor of the central library, going there as early as 8am to get good seats. All study and no retail therapy makes me even more desperate to shop like there's no tomorrow. Exam's finally over, a big sigh of relief, and more shopping of course.
November
My very first "friends only, no family" trip to Auckland, the land of shopping aplenty. Spent a huge amount of money! Back to Dunedin, and it's time to look for a job. Dunedin is turning into a ghost town with more and more people leaving for home.
December
Found 2 jobs- a sandwich artist at Subway and as a motel cleaner at 858 George St motel. Yay for job experience and more income! Spent a wonderful Christmas and New Year countdown with friends, and amazed at how far I got this year.
It's a bit late, and I won't say that this is the new year resolution I HAVE to follow exactly, but here it is anyway (in no particular order):
- Improve guitar skills
- Take good care of Waszowski (my KORG sp-500 sent for repair now)
- Get straight As in second year of Biotech
- Not taking anything or anyone for granted
- Meet up and keep in touch with primary schoolmates
- Learn how to cook my favourite dish, Char bee hoon
- Go to gym at least twice a week
- Do either bungy jumping or sky diving
- Update this blog at least 3 times a week
2007. Let this be a fruitful year- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And let not the past dictate who I am or who I will be, but be a reminder and guideline of how I should be living my present. Forget about those cliche "Living life to the fullest" or "living life as if today is the last", I just want to live a life pleasant to Your eyes.
Finished Foundation Studies. Here ends my miserable time studying at Canterbury, and couldn't wait to head home. Kuching never looked that good before.
February
I made a last minute decision to study at Uni of Otago, first was doing a BSc in Psychology then changed my mind to do BAppSc in Biotech instead. Dunedin didn't look at bad as what I was told, and Studholme Hall was freaking coooool. Having my close friends living with me sure is a lot of fun when compared to last year.
March
Lectures, lectures. Struggle to keep awake during those early Biology and Chemistry lectures. A very difficult decision to make, and I successfully hurt many people in the process. That includes ending a friendly (?) relationship very abruptly.
April
April Fool- the day I made a complete fool out of myself by giving my heart to someone I had no idea had the power to do so much damage to me. For weeks, I thought I really was in love.
May
After 2 times of breaking up and getting back together again, the forbidden relationship was finally over. In a way I was relieved, but tears were shed and that's why May should be called the month when I cried the most. Through that experience, I've learnt to trust and treasure my friends and family even more.
June
Being single sure is an awesome thing. I got my feet on the ground again slowly, but it isn't easy when the ex is only living 10 metres away from me and having to face him every single day. I desperately needed my family's support, so once again I am home in Kuching. World cup season made me nocturnal.
July
Semester 2 starts, and I made a vow to not let anything distract me from my studies anymore, and hence get my slipping grades up by the end of the year. The painful truth struck me right through my heart, yet somehow I knew that it was like that all along. It was as if before all of this happened, the Man above told me however painful this was going to be, it is an inevitable learning process.
August
Settled in quite nicely in the music team, enjoyed thoroughly the weekly Friday night practices and definitely look forward to Tuesday night home groups at Ramon's. Picked up guitar. =)
September
I turn 19! The last of my teenage years... eeeks! A very big muaks to all those who planned my surprise birthday party, for all those presents and birthday wishes. A birthday is meaningless when you're spending it all alone, agree? Ah, and there was the unforgettable Queenstown trip, where countless smiles and amazing memories were forged.
October
I am officially a frequent visitor of the central library, going there as early as 8am to get good seats. All study and no retail therapy makes me even more desperate to shop like there's no tomorrow. Exam's finally over, a big sigh of relief, and more shopping of course.
November
My very first "friends only, no family" trip to Auckland, the land of shopping aplenty. Spent a huge amount of money! Back to Dunedin, and it's time to look for a job. Dunedin is turning into a ghost town with more and more people leaving for home.
December
Found 2 jobs- a sandwich artist at Subway and as a motel cleaner at 858 George St motel. Yay for job experience and more income! Spent a wonderful Christmas and New Year countdown with friends, and amazed at how far I got this year.
It's a bit late, and I won't say that this is the new year resolution I HAVE to follow exactly, but here it is anyway (in no particular order):
- Improve guitar skills
- Take good care of Waszowski (my KORG sp-500 sent for repair now)
- Get straight As in second year of Biotech
- Not taking anything or anyone for granted
- Meet up and keep in touch with primary schoolmates
- Learn how to cook my favourite dish, Char bee hoon
- Go to gym at least twice a week
- Do either bungy jumping or sky diving
- Update this blog at least 3 times a week
2007. Let this be a fruitful year- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And let not the past dictate who I am or who I will be, but be a reminder and guideline of how I should be living my present. Forget about those cliche "Living life to the fullest" or "living life as if today is the last", I just want to live a life pleasant to Your eyes.
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