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".

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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?

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