Taller In Other Ways

2012-01-28T08:19:00.001-08:00

人生路上的风景有璀璨的，有曲折的，不管怎样，只要能到达终点就好。-YY

…………

没有不会淡的疤

2012-01-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

For Me, You, Her, Him, and Them...

Christmas ♥

2012-01-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

All my santas would remain anonymous. > <

Oshawatt from Japan Pokemon Center.

Simply beautiful. ^ ^

Friendship Mug.

Terry Bear, Tacky's lil brother. ♥

Swift. ♥

Spotted and bought these 2 Minun and Plusle in Midvalley after searching for forever. Miracles can happen when you decide not to give up. (In fact are being forced not to throw in the towel. ) ^-^

Super duper quadruply cute. Wish that I live in Japan though. =/

Merry Christmas and a happy new year~

#3.22 Hot Steaming Night

2011-10-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

"As wrong as the title might sound, the night was perfectly flawless. =) "

In the wink of an eye, it had been exactly 1 month since we lived in Semenyih. Once the class was dismissed (Gosh, finally), we stepped out the class as the other students slowly disappeared in the hallway. Glancing through the windows, all we could see was the gloomy sky. It was drizzling in the chilled evening and the word "Steamboat" instinctively flashed across our mind. At first Dillon wanted to fetch all of us for 2 rounds but the distance was way too long. Luckily Alicia borrowed a car from her friend or this outing would never had happened.

Still, it took us more than 1 hour to reach the destination. Actually we never reached the destination as we're lost half way along the highway. So we had to switch to another steamboat restaurant but thank God there was another shop around. We're so famished till we had to stop by a petrol station to get some bread first before we continued the journey.

Carmen's excited expression once we sat down. Priceless kan?

Camwhoring while waiting for the food to be cooked.

D yummy chicken wings. ♥

Seconds later. =(

It was our first massive outing since we entered Nottingham. Wait, I didn't think that I had ever mentioned about me getting into University. Wow, time really did fly. I always knew that one day somehow I would manage to crawl my way into Uni but still it was hard to believe that I'm now officially a uni student. Knowing it was one thing, being one was completely another.

Should I cry due the fact that I had grown much older or should I be glad as I had come to another great milestone in life? Never mind. It sort of didn't matter much to me as my mental system automatically filtered all these out. I'm happy as long as my life's kept on surrounded by great friends and beloved family. They're all that matters in the end, aren't they?

First coconut drink since I left home. =)


Began eating. Wad's Juciy doing again? Hahax..

Such a big failure to pretend that it was a self-shot.

All of the smurfs that night.

As it had been forever since the last gathering, we're all so high until we kept cam-whoring even outside the restaurant in front of a few closed shops. Divided into groups of class, hometown and all, there were always reasons for us to keep on taking more photos. After that, we're only contented to go back to our hostel.

We sang all the way back and two funny things happened on the road. A) We failed to follow Dillon's car and when I called Juicy, she asked me where we were. Since we're in the middle of nowhere along the highway, all I could say was "Trees beside us, cars in front of us and we're on a road. " B) We DID NOT know the rules of using the toll resulting in my Touch-and-go card being suspended. Fortunately, we could still find our way back to Nott. What a night. XD

D Kedah gang.

We gathered around SA after returning the car and waited for our dessert from Dillon. We continued to chat and watch TV until quite late before eventually got back to our rooms to have a good rest after a long day. It might be a cold night but steamboat and friends made it so much warmer.

Looking forward to an exciting 4 years of Uni life. =)

Inside the TV room.

Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson

Please end the cold-heartedness.

2011-10-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

I wonder how people can be so indifferent.

Is it not in our human nature to stop and help?

What were they thinking at that moment? Is it so hard to lift a finger to help?

How can they live without their conscience? They are OK to live with the incident for the rest of their lives? Don't they feel guilty and don't they have a heart?

Fine. You don't feel like helping. But please don't make up excuses for not helping.

Too dark at that time? You're kidding right or you're blind. Your child was terrified so you just LEFT? What kind of mother that makes you?

This is just sad. Plus shameful. And disturbing.

Judge people by their personality and not their accomplishment. Have a heart to help and love. =)

It's easy to become indifferent as you go through life facing difficulties, rejections and disappointments. But don't ever give up on your kindness and your heart.

#3.21 High School Frenzical 2

2011-09-28T04:17:00.000-07:00

"After rotting at home for quite some time, most of our A1 gang were finally back to AS and we FINALLY (must highlight it) had the chance to catch up after what felt like a century."

Before the gathering, we had had a few sing-k sessions but not every one was there. We had a gathering too at HaiTaoKi if not mistaken but the highlight of that night was the mosquito bites. It was damn funny that every one was busy applying the mosquito repellant the whole night before we moved to KFC.

As for the last gathering, I missed out on the famous frog porridge *sad* as I went swimming with a few cousins. We switched to Mango later on that night. We did what we did best--- ~~gossiping~~ caring for others' updates. I was so happy that we could do bottle-spinning again this year. Hahax. Our spirits soared high whenever we mentioned that. More secrets were revealed this year. *evil grin* Sadly, it was CY's farewell too as he was flying to Glasgow soon. T.T

The beer bottle.

Finally met up with this gurl. Almost couldn't recognize her.

As the singers were not there yet, we managed to use the karaoke system to have a small k session. We chatted until midnight that day. Hopefully we could have another gathering like this again next year. 5 years we've been together and still counting. And Fat was so envy we had this gathering. Hahax. Who asked him to go overseas so fast.

The Boys. =)

The Girls. =)

Our A1 gang. ^ ^

The next gathering was in Midvalley with YY. The worst part of the day was definitely the KTM. It was so packed and horrible until we couldn't even breathe. Joo and I promised that it would be the last time we ever took the stupid train. YY changed (in a good way) so much that all of us couldn't even recognize her at first. The funny part was that we were walking to and fro searching for her when she was just standing right in front of us. It was the first time we all had gathered in KL. =)

In front of the restaurant.

Kimchi kimchi.

Really look forward to another gathering in mid December. Hope every one can be back at that time. =)

Enchanted - Taylor Swift

#3.20 Life After College (part 3)

2011-09-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Getting and staying positive. Positive positive....hopefully. =) "

We reached Sydney at night and the metropolitan city was all about its fabulous food. We tried out so many restaurants and guess what's my fav of all: still Asian food. I'm not biased or anything but frankly I personally think that Asian food, especially Chinese and Japanese food---okay, this might be a little bit biased----is one of the best thing that has ever happened to humankind. I love the Korean restaurant which was located inside a small alley. I was caught by surprised that there would be a restaurant--or any shops at all--- to exist in a back alley, not to mention seeing locals queuing up in front of it before dinner time.

Special recommendation by Den: Best korean food in town.

Pancake On The Rock. Another must-try. =)

Taiwanese dessert.

We walked around the city the next few days and discovered many cute little things. Sometimes, all it took was some little unimportant things to make you smile. A lot of people tend to over think and shower their loved ones with complicated things when simplicity did the trick even better.

So cute. Both the kid and the bubble. They totally made my day. =)

Cute mascot in China Town.

Standing tall was the beautiful and elegant church.

A few weeks later, I joined a few best friends down to Penang, Malacca (yes, again), Putrajaya and Shah Alam (Really nightmare returning! Luckily we avoided the food there at all cost). And the reason we traveled to so many places was a long grandmother story. A lot of unhappy things happened during the trip--and it was damn exhausting running to several states at a time--- but still it was the last one in which every one was together. Luckily everything was sorted out in the end. Gonna look at the bright side no matter what in life I reckoned. Note to self : Gotta stay positive no matter what shit's pouring down from the sky. ^^

Somewhere in Penang Hill I guess.

Ethan acting cool. LOL.

Touring around in this cute mini car.

The holidays were 3 months long but I hardly did anything at all. Vowed to learn cooking---- failed. Wanted to learn guitar----failed. Forced myself to increase swimming speed----ended up talking in the pool all day, another great failure. My only so-called proud achievement was that I finished another Nicholas Sparks book. The simplicity yet powerful writing of him never failed to make me go "wow". Should have considered it another failure since it took me 3 months to finish a short novel.

Never mind. It was a break after all. Positive positive.... hahax. ;)

The Edge Of Glory - Lady Gaga

#3.19 Life After College (part 2)

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

"After all the fun, I finally got to go back home after what-felt-like-forever. *happy* It had been months due to the finals. It's such a cliche but still it really felt so warm to be finally home."

Felt so blessed when you got to have Gram's home-made food every day instead of anything else. *saliva drooling* Besides that, jogging with Gramps and swimming with siblings or cousins really made my day, not to mention whole day of my guilty pleasures - Pretty Little Liars, Vamp Diaries and Modern Family. (Before you judge, remember it's a freakin' long holiday and A really freaks the hell out of me and I'm dying to know who she/he/heshe/it/whatever is!!) Also, there were lots and lots of nice fruits---especially rojak and frozen mango in the fridge----every single day. Plus Mummy's home-made bird's nest soup. All in all, it felt like heaven. It is one indeed.

Speaking of family, I met up with MW after 1/2 a year. The best part of the trip? ~~Yummy food and eye candies every day!!~~ Spending quality time with your same-age brother and your bestest friends. I could hardly contain my excitement for meeting the dolphins and whales too! *Most people don't get it but they are really really cute. How come some monsters still have the heart to kill them? =( * BTW, it was on my things-to-do-b4-you-die list. Felt so happy to finally fulfill one.

Words don't really do them justice, nor pictures for that matter. ♥

It was 2 weeks long and like all trips, it had its complications but still it was smooth and fun. We were so fortunate that even in winter, the sun was glowing on its full height. I reckoned we really needed to thank God for that sunny and clear weather. We're overcome with fatigue by the second week but our eyes lit up every time good food were presented in front of us. =)

Famous Dimsum. Best part: S.H.E were here b4. ♥

Sand surfing? FAILED.

Movie World with Bunny, Scooby and friends.

D Must try Korean noodles. Not sure what it's called. =)

Received a really bad news from home and almost fainted during the trip. Prayed really really hard through the night and luckily God answered it. It reminded me of how short life could be once again and I'm grateful even until now.

The One That Got Away - Katy Perry

#3.18 Life After College (part 1)

2011-08-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

"Mixed feelings generally. But if there's one thing for sure, it's that I would miss you guys like a lot a lot. =) "

Well technically it first started with the Redbox session in Sunway. I don't think that we would ever outgrow it, even ten or twenty years later, not that it's something bad that should be outgrown anyway. I wouldn't say that that night was perfect due to certain issues but still it was memorable as it was the last time to sing with a whole bunch of friends who were going to fly to several different countries. XD

Hongie's xpressions are no doubt priceless. hahax. =)

The next day, we visited Malacca staying at JH's house. We had lots of nice food (so happy to be finally freed from the horrible food -that's if one day you bang your head on the wall, wake up and decide to call those thing that resemble food food- in Shah Alam), but personally I love those coconut milkshakes from a Malay stall the most. BTW, I wanted to apologize to one cute little chick in A Famosa who had gone to heaven due to my carelessness. I'm really sorry. =(

the yummy coconut milkshake. =)

Somewhere in Malacca...sorry 4 being geographically idiot.

The friendship keychains. =)

Also, how could I not mention I-City. Hahax. The trip turned out to be more than what we bargained for. I was literally scared to death, not by the blood but the thought of losing a friend. Luckily, SH turned out to be fine. It suddenly dawned on me that I should be thankful every day to be surrounded by the people that I love. =)

Spongebob in the flesh. XD

Insanity strikes....

Thanks so much to those who send me off in front of Cemara gate. Got a new Morningkiss toothbrush from Ily to represent her goodbye kiss. I'm super duper quadruple touched. Life's so much colourful in Intec all because of you guys. =)

Sparks Fly - Taylor Swift

Happy Birthday ^^

2011-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

A greeting on your 20th birthday
For a very happy day
And then a year
That brings the best
Of everything your way

Enjoy your day,

Fatty Fat. ;)

Know you got your presents dy but still want to give you 1 more: This song.

For you + our A1 gang. XD

我很开心因为努力生活，
和你们分享荣耀的那一秒钟。
如果难过你肩膀最辽阔，
你帮我带走乌云满布的天空。
如果生活少了有你陪我，
我整天开着手机也感到失落，

因为我们都最想看到彼此灿烂的笑容。
我懂星座却没有人像我，
真的喜欢一个人安静的自由。
我做的梦我坚持做到最后。
就算我爬到云端也继续做梦。
我唱的歌只希望能快乐。
其它我也不想要想的太多。
因为我们都最想，拥有自己最真的感动。
听你说，听你说。
我们同时拥有一个真心的朋友。
要日出日落，因为有梦，所以更认真生活。
听你说，听你说。
我们真实拥有一片美好的的天空。
不能常联络却更紧握我们交换的美梦。
只想听你说。

The Fierce Wife

2011-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

"也许...我并不是那么失败; 也许...再苦的生活中,还是会有甜美的时刻; 也许...甜美的时刻, 我不需要别人给, 我可以自己去创造; 也许...这世界上没有不可能的事, 没有过不去的关。 --谢安真"

Exactly my kind of perfect drama. No cheesy lines. No pity stupid innocent-looking girl desperately marrying a rich guy (at least, not the protagonist). Real-life touching. Smart-funny scenes. No impossibly ridiculous lovey-dovey-mushy-gushy moments. Nice songs. And most importantly lots and lots of valuable lessons.

Of all people, I love her the most. A misunderstood gurl that tries her best to be mean and covers all her good side.

Favourite quote:

"你恨我？你凭什么恨我？你他妈凭什么恨我？你不敢带我回家，跟你爸妈说，对，这个女孩她爸爸是个赌鬼，她妈妈早就跟人家跑了，她除了一身的麻烦之外，什么都没有，但，我就是爱她，我就是要她。你敢讲吗？你去讲啊？"

And the most important lesson: Forgive those that you have decided to give up your hopes on, but don't ever look back.

Now i totally forgive my mum for talking about this series in the phone for hours.

#3.17 Me, Myself and I

2011-07-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

"It's my life, my choice and I call the shots. XD"

5 Things I love about my life

My fam

nothing but the best.

They are the ones that remind me how blessed I am each day. They forgive my mistakes every time before I ask for forgiveness and never blame me for the mistakes I have done. God knows how much they mean to me. Irreplaceable are them. XD

My kick-ass friendssss.

When you cry, i cry.
When you hurt, i hurt.
When you fight, i fight.
When you jump off a bridge
I'll get a paddle boat
and save your dumbass.

They are superb and just fun to hang out with. Isn't it awesome to have someone that will stick up for you no matter what? Okay, I know I'm the last person on Earth that has the ability to save someone else's asses. It's you guys that save my big-fat ass every time. Everyone just keeps on telling everyone to take care of me wherever we go. Fineee, I admit that sometimes I tend to forget things and behave like a kid. But I can defiiiinitely-totally-absolutelyyy take care of myself. (or can't I? whatever, I will learn that someday sometime. )

Outingssss

Never-ending. Unlimited. Crazy.

What the hell Great moments

Messing around doing nothing...

Lalalala.... So what??? Just need some time to chill.

There are just too much laugh-until-you-die moments and all the talks and name-callings that are too obscene to be posted here. And too much memories to be cherished.

Music + Swimminggg

I'm 20

I love Pop music.

So sue me.

Sorry but I don't have the time to indulge in emo and help-me-I'm-pathetic-because-I'm-crying-over-my-Ex kind of songs. The top 10 most-played songs on my iTunes are from only Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Taio Cruz, K-dollarsign-ha, Lady Gaga, and Adam Lambert. Call me shallow. Call me music-idiot. They totally make my day. Just enjoy the songs, for goodness' sake.

So what if I'm too short to play basketball or too slow to kick football. I just love the sport that doesn't require sweating.

Myself

Just love yourself and you're set.

I just love the way my life turns out to be. It's simply warm, fun and incredible. Love me or hate me, you can't save me so just shut your damn pie hole because I don't really care. You have only one life to live so who cares if someone tells you that it's not perfect, because dang! you know it's going to be fucking perfect.

On The Floor (ft. Pitbull) - Jennifer Lopez

My 1 & Only Super Hero

2011-06-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

I remembered 1 time when we're kids and watching X-files with the whole family on TV and we're just so scared of the scene and you jumped right in front of us and said that you're our superman and would protect us forever. That's when I know I will love you 4ever, Dad. Happy Father's Day.

#3.16 Charmed Again

2011-04-01T06:43:00.001-07:00

"We get what we want, and we do what you don't. ;) "

Before all the damn Trial papers were given back and totally ruining our mood, 4 of us decided to visit MinesWonderland. We set out after having Mcdonald breakfast with classmates and found ourselves stranded there an hour later, with the shocking news that it had closed down 2 years ago. Great job spending hours googling the place before that girls. Paradoxically, it turned out to be one of the best outings ever with out-of-the-world laughters and lovely memories. Thank you for proving once again it was never the time or place but the people that made it an awesome one. XD

Awesome 4some.

After loitering and the clothes-changing/modelling sessions ~~(though Aby's aunty choice of clothes made us go LOL)~~ , we ended up in the arcade playing all sorts of games ranging from gun-shooting to car-racing. I was supposed to come in first but Feena overtook me by the final lap. No such luck next time yea.

It's such a shame that it's a tie.

We also attended Yaya's sister's wedding during the weekend. It was my first time to go to a Malay wedding and it was definitely a day worth spending although the weather was freakin' hot at the time.

In front of Yaya's house.

Waiting for the KTM.

All the nottinghammers went back home this week to collect whatever needed documents for the interview. For me, it was another good reason to go back home. The smile on the face of Grams every time she first saw me coming home made my day. It was the most wonderful feeling in this world as it reminded you once again that you're loved and you're really blessed.

Charmed? Definitely.

E.T ft. Kanye West - Katy Perry

#3.15 With Lots Of Love

2011-03-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

" Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the things that you guys have done. =D "

All the bestest friends. Trust me, they are friends for life. XD

Thumbs up for all the actings. You guys deserve an Oscar, like seriously.

Another Suprise Bday planned by classmates & friends.

The Presents

From all the bestest friends

From Sinchie, Strawberry, Jessie & JanMen

From Fatty Fat

From JH & CH

The Bday Card

From the twins

From YY

From SH.

From Vais

*This post should be up like ages ago but postponed due to trial. XD *

Family Tree - Matthew West

Pray

2011-03-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

"With every disaster that happens in the world, as people are suffering, a miracle begins to emerge. The God in you, the God in me, awakens. We become united as humans. All around the world we connect through our prayers, empathy and our actions. We connect through Love. ---Hollye Dexter."

When we thought that we're fighting the hardest battle ever on Earth studying for the Edexcel trial, the people of Japan are fighting their very own a million times harder. And that is merely an understatement. The death toll paints a sombre picture and is very likely to exceed 1700. 413 confirmed dead, 784 missing, 1128 injured, 215,000 in emergency shelter and 300,000 evacuated from their home so far.

I don't know if there's ever a reason for something like this to happen, but I do know that people around the world are coming together and doing their very best to help this disaster-stricken country.

I couldn't imagine the fear and helplessness when the wall of water swept across the cities, swallowing everything in its path. And I would not say that I know their pain of losing their loved ones because I don't. But I understand and it breaks my heart.

In the wake of the catastrophe, we realize that we are one. We have always been and will always be. My heart goes out to those who have lost their lives and loved ones. Let's pray for Japan.

#3.14 When 3 Boys Meet 5 Girls

2011-02-13T04:54:00.003-08:00

"I love my life. I love my friends. I love laughing out loud. I love this record and oh yeah, I'm on the right track baby. Hiak hiak."

After we got the unexpected 6-day-holidays ~~(F*ck, I could've a 2 week CNY break if they told us earlier on)~~, we unanimously decided that 8 of we would all together went to Genting to have some fun before the trial & boy it was a hell of a lot of fun. :)

After we checked in the hotel, we headed to the outdoor theme park straight away. We enjoyed as many rides as we could especially all the scary but exciting games. It was so awesome to scream out loud and laugh out loud at the very same time and we took lots and lots of photos like photo maniacs which we actually were. And we did totally forget all about our trial. But what the hell right?

Checkin' out the map.

The clock of friendship.

With the innocent OrangUtan in style.

Inside the Choc Garden hiding from the pouring rain.

Posing in front of the Dinosaur Land.

Havin' fun pulling Carcar's ponytail.

Up we go.

After we had our dinner, we proceeded to the Snow World. It was freezing cold and we couldn't stop throwing the -7 degree snow on one another caz we're having too much fun. Parts of our body went numb and we couldn't feel anything at all. Another fun part was the slide inside it which was absolutely an exhilarating ride.

Surrounding the icy tables.

Snow man. =D

Also, we had a wonderful experience watching the amazing 4-D movie together. All of us ducked every time a car nearly hit us and shrieked when falling down from the skyscrapers. Then we ventured outside again to feel the chill of the night. It was misty plus windy but it was way super cool to be out there being surrounded by mist.

Right outside of the theme park.

Up we look.

At night, during pillow-time 8 of us played the "Toilet/Drinking water" punishment card game until 2.30a.m. Everyone burst out laughing every time someone did something extremely funny without intention especially Carcar and Phey who were so damn blurrr. We slept like pigs until morning later on.

The next day, we dared ourselves to the Haunted House. Phey, Cindy, Carmen and I were scared to death. Colour could be seen draining from our faces. At one time, I was frightened out of my wits until I fell sitting back onto the floor. Ok, I admitted that I was f*cking petrified in the dark. It was definitely a great adventure though.

Now you know what happened when 3 boys meet 5 girls. Too bad Vais, Ily, Feena, Yxin and Mkeat couldn't follow us or it would be perfect. Anticipating another trip after trial. =)

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

# 3.13 The Year Of Hopping Bunny

2011-02-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

"It is again the time when people start donning the auspicious colour red that symbolizes prosperity and abundance, the time when you know new year songs were booming loud even when you're deaf, but most importantly the time to go home. =P "

After what felt like forever, the long anticipated colourful festival was finally here. On New Year's eve, all the family members returned and gathered in Gram's house. Grams was busy preparing for the night in the kitchen with the maid since morning. We had steamboat with lots and lots of yummy food as usual as it was kind of the tradition in our family. After dinner, Grams served my favourite dessert. It was simply the best that I've ever tasted. =)

The sweet soup with lotus seeds and longans by Grams.

After the reunion dinner, all my cousins and siblings began to unpack all the firecrackers bought (This is also a tradition but only limited for kids). What would CNY be without any firecrackers? It was illegal but mind you, it was lunar new year. A police car on patrol passed by right in front of us when we're playing halfway but luckily they did nothing to stop us. In addition to that, we also BBQ-ed our own sweet potatos. As the clock struck 12, lots of fireworks shot across and lit up the dark night sky of Alor Star, marking the beginning of a whole new year besides lighting up the hearts of billions of Chinese all around the world.

Firecrackers filling the air.

Brighter than the moon, literally.

The next day, we set out to Cameron at the crack of dawn. If there's one thing that I hate about the lunar new year, it was ~~the horrendous mother of all traffic jams~~ the damn freakin' hot weather. So, I was glad that we're spending it at the highland. The chilled air and the cool breeze made our day. At night, we had steamboat again as it was way too cold. We visited lots of places the following 2 days and had an absolute awesome time together with unexpected laughters, fightings and teasings.

Inside the beautiful rose garden.

The butterfly farm.

The stawberry fried icecream we had that Dad lined up 1/2 an hour for.

Awesome time together.

CNY reminds us of what's really important to us. It is also the time to reflect and be thankful for what we have. So thank you so much for I'm really blessed. =D

Family photo taken on New Year's Eve.

Fuckin' Perfect - P!nk

#3.12 天天好天

2011-01-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

"是晴天，是雨天，天天都是好天。"

After the long long wait, we finally got to go to our Bio field trip. On our way to the forest reserve, we had such a crazy time on the bus playing the "Dare" game. Lots of videos were taken but they were really too private/gross/image-destroying to be seen. Luckily we had got the game or else it would ~~be f-ing boring~~ felt like ages for us to reach the destination. It wasn't the place, but the people that made it fun. ;)

We're informed that the forests were full of leeches so we brought along packets of salt. But still lots of leeches could be seen clinging onto people's legs. I was lucky until I waded across the knee-deep stream. One tiny leech climbed its way up my foot. Fortunately Vais helped me to get rid of it before it started sucking.

Don't ask me anything about the experiments that we made as to be frank, I hardly did anything at all and that was not even close to the reason why we (ok, just a few of us ~~who actually have a life~~) went. The waterfall was. After a seemingly endless walk in the jungle, we had our lunch and headed to the waterfall. We all could hardly contain our excitement when we heard the gurgling sound of the water as we're convinced that we're in close proximity to it.

It was damn cool to climb up the rocks as it made you feel like you could just accomplish anything in this crazy world. However, it was nothing compared to the feeling of the water gushing past your body while lying down on the rocks. It was like you're sleeping on a water bed while being one with nature.

It is always fun to enjoy the simplest pleasure that nature can give. =D

Also, I met up with MW and some high school friends since they flew down to KL for a few days. I only joined them for 2 days due to the field trip but it was fun to catch up with them again. We had a great day (no pun intended) wandering around mid and watched the super duper quadruple touching movie "Great Day". If anyone ever asks I'm so totally going to deny it but I had tears welling up in my eyes while watching it.

After dinner in Mid

My tasty fish in Fullhouse.

Our dessert of the day. ^^

Am anticipating the coming of CNY. Have the urge to go home like right now especially with all the new year songs playing non-stop everywhere.

Be it Sunny Day. Be it Rainy Day. Every day is indeed a great day. =)

We R Who We R - Ke$ha

#3.11 Hello Goodbye

2011-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

"New year's resolution? Forget it!! Party first. =p"

Time really does fly. Before we know it, 2010 has finally come to an end. Like Fin said, it has been such a fun, sad and interesting year. Lots of crazy stuff happened and they kind of helped you to clear your mind and figure out what life really is about. If there's one thing that I have learnt in this year, it is that there comes a time in your life when you realise who matters, who doesn't, who never did and who always will. For those who make it to the first and fourth/last list, cherish them. And for those who doesn't, smile to them and ~~say Fuck You Moron deep down in your heart~~ nevermind them caz they're not worth it.

Before the year ended, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by closest friends and family. We got each other and that's a lot. =)

MW's birthday.

Also, Grandma made thousands of TangYuen for DongZhi and I helped her to make some. (Confession: I know it's not a lot but still it's counted as "some", k?) I thought it was damn easy but after rolling a few of them, I realised how tiring it was.

Ain't they cute?

For christmas, initially it was planned to be a small and warm celebration with bestest friends but it turned out to be a massive gathering. And not to mention we're entertained by lots of shemale on that night and we finally found out who could actually be turned on by Aguas. Hahax.

For the Cousies and Siblings day out, it was another great day though lots of fighting happened as usual. Before I left home, I got lots of hugs from them and although I knew it would only be a month before we met again, it was still sad. And thanks a lot for the coconut drink that you guys bought for farewell. ;)

The year came to an end with kk-ing and Fish's birthday. It's always great to be around friends that you can be yourself, go around malls laughing out loud and hanging out to talk about whatever we talk about. And I feel grateful to have you guys after so many years. You guys know that I mean you guys. ^^

Bestest Friends.

What do you got if you ain't got love? Goodbye 2010. Hello 2011. =D

One of Us - Glee Cast

=D Last Christmas

2010-12-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

As church bells ring out

across the earth

To herald once more

the Christ Child's birth

May you be blessed

in a most special way

With the joy that came

on that first Christmas Day.

One day I'm gonna reach that star.

On Christmas day.

Exactly a year had passed since we last met, but still gonna say..

Have a blessed one. =D

#3.10 Teenage Dream

2010-12-22T05:21:00.000-08:00

"54 to 60."
"57?"
"Hmm...OMG!! You got IT!!!!"
"Waddddd? OMFG!!"

24 hours earlier

After we walked around the mall and had strawberries coated with choc as starters, we headed to a hawker stall nearby and tried out the HoneyLemon, Spicy and SuperMala taiwanese sausages. They were fiery spicy, numbing and definitely can make you cry like a baby. We underestimated the sausages, we were naive and we paid for it. However, they're painfully delicious despite our burning taste buds.

17 hours earlier

We woke up late, got a taxi in a rush and started our journey to Penang. We got to the front of the ferry to enjoy the view. There was a cool breeze blowing and we managed to spot some jellyfish and a flying fish jumping out of the water. After breakfast, we visited the Botanical Garden but too bad it rained heavily so we had to wait for it to stop before we continued our journey.

Later, we walked to Gurney in the rain to grab Feena's bday present and visited the Choc Boutique. Before we headed back to the jetty, we had the Penang famous cendol.

Present

Although it was meant to be a Penang trip, the fun really started after we came back from Penang at Feena's house. Feena's mum bought lots of food and we had our BBQ at the roof top. We could see the amazing view of the sea and the night sky up there. Feena's cousin who was a really great cook (no exaggeration here) gave us the best black pepper sauce that we'd ever tasted. Take note, Sarawakians. Haha.

After the BBQ, we had a whale of time playing the number game with the loser swallowing a cup of spicy sambal made by Feena's cousin, which left our eyes watering and our throats burning. Feena's brothers lots of exaggerated expressions sent us laughing out loud. The next morning we fought and played in the pool until lunch. It was a hell of a lot of fun but we're all extremely exhausted when we headed home.

Getting ready for Pool Time.

Great time in the swimming pool of Feena's house.

Taken with Feena's super duper cute lil bro b4 we left.

I don't know about yours but my teenage dream is simple - to have a bunch of great friends that get you and still think that you're funny even when you tell the punch line wrong. You guys make me feel like I'm living a teenage dream. =D

I had the time of my life and I owe it all to you you you you and you. =)

A Year Without Rain - Selena Gomez & The Scene

#3.09 Back To December

2010-12-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

"After a year of waiting, my favourite month of the year is back. =)"

Finally it's December again. For the first few weeks of the holidays, I stayed at home spending time with family especially my siblings and cousins. We had a great time swimming, dart throwing, kk-ing, jogging, watching horror films and cycling together. It was kind of embarrassing as my twins had to teach me how to ride a bike until I knew how to not make a joke out of myself while cycling around the taman. We also celebrated the twins birthday with a chocolate ice-cream cake that they loved most. I still haven't found a perfect gift for both of them, so they kind of had to be patient, for just a little while.

After half a year, Fat finally came back from Aussie and together with MW and some friends, we visited the Lye Huat Garden. After we teased the crocs inside the garden and was about to leave the area, one of the crocs made a heavy noise out of the blue which made us jump and run. The best part of the garden was the hyper-active tiger that tried desperately to jump out of the water to attack anyone who was close to the fence. It was really too close for comfort but still we couldn't help but want to take a peak at it.

Later, we went kite-flying beside a lake. The weather was windy after the rain so it was really a perfect time. Our Tiger kite competed with an uncle's Batman kite and we managed to hit it down a couple of times but in the end both kites got tangled together. We flew the kite until late evening then we drove to Jitra for the reknowned Thai food. The funniest part of the night was when MeiZhen who was sitting in the car in front of us kept on showing us the Twinkle-twinkle-little-star sign. We thought that she was just being playful until we figured out that she was actually trying hard to tell us that the car's light wasn't turned on. What a way to end the day. ;)

After a few days we went bowling in the morning. I was reluctant to go initially when I woke up but still I went as it was Phey Jia's last day in AS. Surprisingly, it turned out to be more fun than expected. We're supposed to have lunch in NasiLemakOng but too bad it wasn't open yet so we had it in ChaFang instead.

MeiZhen and I whose marks were so close and constantly competing with each other. Paradoxically, we're each other's lucky stars so we needed to play together in order to win.

More gatherings are coming and am really anticipating them. Thank God it's December. =)

If I Die Young - The Band Perry

#3.08 After the Fckin' Finals

2010-11-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

"Just wanna say, I got you."

After I totally screwed up my Chem (or the other way around), we're officially freed from ~~hell~~ 3rd sem of A-Lvl. We went on with the secret plan of celebrating Jessie's and ChangHwa's birthday. Halfway through the kk session, Vivian & JanMen brought in the cake with the bday song playing on the screen. The funny thing was that they didn't even know that it was for them even with the cake and songs. The highlight of the day was ZiHong's Wakawaka Dance and we hit the "non-stop laughing" button whole night.

Later, we stayed and chatted until past curfew in Bistro, talking about nonsense basically. A cute baby joined us obviously attracted to the girls and his parents were like "Whose baby is this?" I'm really sorry I couldn't join the guys for steamboat dinner and classmates for outing. Next year will do k?

The very next day we went straight to Pavillion & StarHill. There were just too many events going on and we accidentally hit the "non-stop laughing" plus the "crazy to the max" buttons. The christmas decorations were just beyond awesome and we got ourselves lots of balloons in E-Spirit outcompeting other little kids. Lunch was awesome as we had Chinese but for dinner, the Wantan Noodle was literally shit. Or worse than shit. Shame on the shop as it only sold Wantan noodles. But we managed to get bubble teas from a nearby shop that somehow made up for that.

The last day we had BakKutTeh and thanks to the 4 guys that accompanied me to the end. Before we know it the 3rd sem has gone and it's time to go home again. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I don't feel like going home but still it's sad to part with all the friends especially classmates that have spent so much wonderful time together. After all, we have one another's company when we're far away from our family. Can't believe we've made it this far after 3 sems.

No drama. No need for a show. For better for worse, I got you guys. ;)

I Got You - Leona Lewis

#3.07 Of National Zoo and Petaling Street

2010-11-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The day started off with me waking up late, resulting in every one having to wait for half an hour to catch another bus. However, with all the camwhores around, we made full use of the time.

About an hour later, we found ourselves walking in a sea of people (okay, it's a little bit exaggerated) in Petaling Street. We're kicked out of Mcd rudely because we packed some Chinese food and there wasn't even pork. I got my favourite Longan drink from Petaling street and the weather was fantastic so I didn't really give a damn about it. If not, I would be pulling my signature charcoal-black face all day long. Later, we went for some "after-lunch exercise" stupidly chasing after a wrong public bus down a few streets with ChangHwa leading everyone else. Okay, maybe only he's stupid. And we followed, which made us fall into the idiot category.

We ended up taking the monorail to some place called only-God-knows-where then we took another bus which stopped directly in front of the gate of National Zoo. We're welcome by the mountainous chunk of shit and the cascading waterfall of urine by Mr.Fugly Matured Jumbo which sent us laughing our asses off. To be frank, that was the most memorable thing that National Zoo could offer. The rest was just plain lame.

Yet, we had too much fun making stupid jokes, gossiping and observing other tourists. Trust me, it was way more fun observing people than the animals. Some dressed like they're going to have a wedding (Hello, it's a zoo missy), others covered like they were in Antarctic cuddling a polar bear while some wore tubes with their assets sagging (not that ChangHwa would mind). It wasn't the place, but the people that made the trip a superb one. =)

We had dinner in Petaling Street again and had two cups of Longans in a day. That was heaven. On the way back to SA, we got a big "Shh.." from some moron for being too noisy and laughing too loud in the bus. Mind you it's a public transport, not your grandfather's Benz for heaven's sake. We got back after more than 12 hours of walking. It was tiring but for what's worth, it was one of the best trips ever organised. Thanks a lot Bookmade.

Anticipating another outing. ^^

Something 'bout Love - David Archuleta

#3.06 Afternoon Siesta

2010-10-24T01:17:00.000-07:00

"Just so you know, I'm super duper tired and I'm not going to try to fight it anymore."

A lot of things happened lately. Some of them really hurt a lot. I tried very hard to pretend not to be bothered every time it happened but to no avail. It kept repeating itself, and it's really sickening. I had been trying too hard to find excuses and reasons for your fault and I'm stupid enough to put up with all your crap all these while. Just so you know, I'm super duper tired and I'm not going to try to fight it anymore. I've accepted that's how things ought to be.

Thanks to my high school besties and some Aussie friends, I somehow made it through. It wouldn't be possible without them, and I couldn't imagine a life without them. They are always there to catch me when I fall. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

Lots of great things happened too thank God. Despite the busy schedule, we managed to squeeze in some time for parties and kk sessions.

Bookmade's belated birthday.

The random lunch, cam-whoring and mini kk. Like really random.

The real kk session in Redbox after the very much stressed Biology test.

Life gets too hard sometimes. Some say when you expect nothing, life becomes a lot easier and happier. But shouldn't we expect everything from our friends? If not why do we call them friends instead of ~~fucking son of a bitch~~ strangers? How come with some people it's so easy and comfortable but with some being yourself just isn't going to be good enough? Like you have to be someone else or something more so you can fit right in. Do these people worth it? But 1 thing that you can be sure of, these people never back you up when you are in trouble.

Just so you know, I'm tired and I'm not going to try anymore. Caz you just don't worth it. I'm going to take a long long afternoon nap right now and after that maybe I'll have the courage to go on. Maybe.

Simple life. One God. Best family. Great friends. Good songs. That's all I need. =)

Firework - Katy Perry

#3.05 Faith

2010-10-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

"When things spin out of control, when life becomes a mess, when everything begins to slip right out of our hands, it's easy to lose faith."

A few days back, a few of us decided to hang out at Jusco between Bio and Stats despite many told us that we couldn't make it back in time. But still we went anyway. It was definitely the right move as we had been cooped up at the hostel for way too long. To sum it up, the day was

1) certifiably insane

2)making a fool of ourselves posing in public...

...with people staring & giving us weird looks

3) and most importantly, fun.

We had faith in ourselves and we made it in the end. (Ok, we're half an hour late but that's not the point. ) A lot of people think that they have the faith that they don't. When things spin out of control, when life becomes a mess, when everything begins to slip right out of our hands, it's easy to lose faith. We keep telling ourselves to have faith but we're ~~swearing fuck for 123456789 times~~ worrying and doubting at the very same time. Then, we start to blame God, Allah, Buddha, friends, family, Samivellu, Tiger Wood, Samantha Jonnes, Osama, Najib....ok, I've no friggin' idea what I'm taking about right now. Everyone but ourselves.

A lot do not believe in God. That's ~~stupid~~ fine. But at least have faith in something, anything because life without faith in something is too hard to go on. If you have faith that good things can and will continue to happen, they can and they will.

When everything goes wrong, it's indeed easy to lose faith. But it's also the best time to gain it. After all, a little bit of faith wouldn't hurt.

The MK's cart torturing time.

If I Had You - Adam Lambert

#3.04 My Life, Right Now

2010-09-29T02:17:00.000-07:00

This practically sums up my life right now. Lack of motivation best describes it lately. Laziness has kicked in and all I ever wanted to do is to lie on the bed, cover myself with my blanket and sleep comfortably for long hours. I always wonder how many can sleep for 5 to 6 hours per day. I need at least 9 hours every day including afternoon nap plus all the pretending-to-hold-a-pen-with-the-head-down-looking-at-notes nap in class. Don't you dare to judge. I bet you do the same thing too, only with different methods.

Well, after IELTS a few of us went to SP again for some fun. Although some bad things happened, the craziness couldn't be stopped with these few B*tches around as we had never failed to be the center of attention every time we went loafing in the mall.

You would definitely be crushed to pieces if you've friends like this with the train speeding your way.

Getting on board with a little help.

Have no idea when this is taken with the Bs releasing their full power.

With the incredible amount of workload this sem, it's no doubt best to have them around to release all the unnecessary stress people like to put on college students nowadays. The education department must be some maniac that likes to torture innocent students. Poor us. =(

Yet, we wake up, survive and go back to sleep. =)

See ya.

Mine - Taylor Swift

#3.03 High School Frenzical

2010-09-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

"(They are) not like us, we know one another when we're kids, we don't know how to fake at that time."---Yvonne on why our genuine friendship lasts.

Before I went back for the 1 week break, we had our last class dinner in The Chicken Rice Shop. Awesome night with big balls, sucking and vomiting. Oops, that did not come out right did it?

Once I reached AS, Papa and Mummy fetched me from the airport and we had our family supper in Swissland. A hearty meal and nice chit-chat at the cozy corner of the restaurant made my night.

The next day the plans for outing and NS's birthday started like crazy in FB. And the chat until late midnight made me laugh my ass off. Until now I wonder how they did it so flawlessly and easily while many of the other friends tried so hard and failed miserably.

Inbox exploded. =)

The night started with dinner in Times Cafe and we moved to Rock Cafe later on.

The singers of the night at Rock Cafe.

Our Bday Boy.

Boobie's so wasted. Nah, she's a gud gul.

Group photo of the night.

Bestest friends.

The night went crazy after the "Swinging Bottle" section began. Lots of secrets were revealed back then and if you think I'm going to discuss about it here you're either a moron or born and raised in the longkang. We planned to leave at 12.15am but ended up going back home around 1.30am. Too bad some of our A1 gang fellas couldn't join us or it would've been perfect. But you know what they say, parties & gatherings never end.

Thx for merely existing. After all, it took us 4 years to find one another. Till we meet again. =)

Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

#3.02 A Blessed Day

2010-08-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Her words are all I need to get through difficult times.
Her face is all I think about when I'm down.
Her smile and assurance make my day.
Her home-made food makes my stomach grumble without fail every time.
Her unconditional love to her family teaches me what love is really about.
Her optimism, patience and cheerfulness are the most amazing things that I've ever seen in my life.

I'm sorry for shouting at you when I'm mad.
I'm sorry for running away when you asked me to help out in the shop.
I'm sorry that you have to apologize to asshole parents when I gave nicknames to their children.
I'm sorry that teachers have to call bcaz I simply did my essays.
I'm sorry for yelling at you when you're trying so hard to raise my donation $$.
I'm sorry for breaking your heart when I doubted whether I'm your real son.
Lastly, I'm sorry for things I did not say, like how proud I'm to be your son.

You are indeed the best gift that God has ever given me.
Happy Birthday, Mummy!!
I love you. God bless. =)

#3.01 Rockin' And Kickin'

2010-08-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

"No matter what you might think, do, hear, read or say lately, a) I don't give a damn fuck about it & b) I'm happy with my life, I love what I'm doing, I can and will do whatever shit I want."

It had been 4 months, and in 4 months, a lot of things could happen. Things that you could never have imagined, things that were amazing and also things that gave you new life and perspective. But most of the time, small things mattered. And almost every time, they meant much more than anything else, say a friend that wipe your tears when you cry or a cup of coffee specially bought just to make you feel better or even a simple text that make you smile. There comes a time in your life when you realise who matters, who doesn't, who never did and who always will.

As for my weekends, since I'm not the sit-around-staring-at-the-wall-or-study-hell-like-a-nerd-at-home-during-weekends kind of guy, they were crazy and awesome as usual. =)

The Love Bridge Programme

Bon Odori-Japanese Culture Thingy

Sunway Pyramid Lepaking.

Photoshoot of Chocs

Tokio Hotel @ MTV Worldstage.

The one and only reason that got us there- Candy Gul Katy Perry.

And for the last weekend....

Everyone needs glitters in life once in a while.

LIFE GOES ON NO MATTER WHAT. LIVE IT. EMBRACE IT. CELEBRATE IT.

Dynamite by Taio Cruz

#2.22 The Final Dawn

2010-04-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

"The dawn that I've been waiting for after Adelaide, I've got it."

Friday night after math test, a few of us went for movie and kk. (Redbox, idiot!) It was superb and miraculously no one scolded us for jumping up and down like crazies on the couch, which was really a good sign to kick off the fantabulous weekend. ^^

On Saturday, Ethan and friends asked me to join them for the Sungei Wang trip, but I declined due to the F*ckin' stupid chem test. (since when I started say "NO" to outings?) until Grams called saying she had checked in Park Royal, which was just beside SW. So, I ended up in SW with Ethan, Vivian and J-C. Grams missed her flight yesterday and reminded me to bring an extra formal attire for the wedding that night.

Okay, something (was) fishy here. How grand a wedding could be for Grams to buy another flight ticket and hello, dress code: formal? It was, but only grander and classier. The next thing I knew was that I was in a room with every one busy dressing up, hair spraying, putting on make-ups, spraying expensive perfumes, choosing elegant evening gowns and finally slipping on high-heels with the help of personal make-up team. Next, every one was socializing in a waiting lounge filled with professional waitress holding trays of delicious starters and glasses of drinks. The most RIDICULOUS thing was that all the ladies in their golden age with evening gowns and scarfs on were busy snapping photos of their own.

Most of the guests were from HK, Australia, Germany and Singapore, speaking impeccable English with different types of accent (lousy Manglish excluded). Aww...Their Aussie accent made me miss Adelaide and friends even more. The wedding ceremony later was nothing but awesome. One of the little girl's name was for-God's-sake Eugenie. I couldn't stop laughing. Who named their daughter Eugenie? Ewww.

One more thing, the bathroom of the hotel room's equipped with telephone and music (for what? emergencies like when you stuck your head in the toilet bowl or you accidentally swallowed your soap caz you thought it's a super big-sized pill?). Most importantly I got to spend some time with Grams. On Sunday, I had Dim Sum with Grams and some relatives in PJ. It was always wonderful to spend time with the one you loved so much, wasn't it? =)

The weekend with Grams and friends, was indeed *take a deep breath* supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! =P

Bye guys.

C ya next fall.

You know you'll miss me.

~You & Me by Lifehouse~

#2.21 I'm Sorry, Shava!!

2010-04-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

"Say Shava Shava!!!"

When Han Jie asked me to dance and join the Intale competition, I promised him because he was one of my best friends and not because I really wanted to do it. I had never danced before. (exclude the clubbing part of course) We practised almost every day for 1 and a half week and out of our expectations, we managed to become the top 6 finalists out of 22 performances which would compete in the I-Code opening ceremony.

We're the first group to perform the Hindustan dance plus Sorry Sorry that night and of course we're quite nervous, fearing that something might have gone wrong. However, when we took to the stage, we had so much fun and enjoyed the dance tremendously.

Later that night, we were taken by surprise when the judges announced that we're the second runner-up. (the third place if you couldn't understand simple English) We're not prepared for that and only a few of us went to the stage to receive the prize. We're so glad that our efforts and hard work had finally paid off! A big thank you for every one who came to support us that night. ;)

The I'm Sorry, Shava Dance

The chorus part.Sorry Sorry after Shava Shava!
The END. =p

All the bestest friends. Thank you & love you guys so so much!!
Posting with all the 3 judges after the announcement of the results. =)

Walk. Eat. Blog
Ichiban Ramen, Sunway Pyramid

Currently

listening to: 100% by Mariah Carey

watching: I'm Sorry, Shava!! by M9 and M10

reading: Biology AS & A2 (Wish me luck!)

#2.20 Say Goodbye

2010-03-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

"It's indeed the hardest thing to say in this world. "

Finally, this tough and pretty girl is spreading her wings (knock knock, iguana doesn't have wings, okay!), ready to realise her dreams to become a doctor. If you think that Adelaide is far away from Malaysia, then let me tell you that Russia is even further, and worse off, full of racists, so have I heard. But Iguana is meant to survive in harsh condition, isn't it?However, don't be fooled by the flowers and her sweet appearance, she can be naughty sometimes. First time I met her: in the wildlife park when she kepo went and sat on a cart. She thought it was for display until it moved and caught her off her guard. "Can move one arr?haha a a..." Of course it can la, haha...
See how she treat our lamerest queen? But iguana and chicken what, what do you expect? Sit side-by-side and catch worms while laming together? And...and how can I forget to mention that she has a big fat pet Michelle Lee that's now on the loose in Adelaide?This girl has lizardphobia, despite she's an iguana herself. She likes to imitate how others take photos of themselves. She fights to death to avoid being tickled. But, she is a friend that would wake up early in the morning to take a taxi to pick you up in the airport. She is a friend that would invite you to her house happily and make you feel at home. She is a friend that would sit beside you and watch you cry and comfort you even when you are a wreck yourself. Some people would say, "Hey, look at this crazy fella who's unable to keep his own emotions in check." But not her.

JASMINE LEE, all the best to you and remember that you'll always be in our heart. Forever and always. Always and always~ (Slap slap, stop singing!)

**********************************************************************************

As if God is not cruel enough to me, He made Jasmine leave after this fat fella left Malaysia, leaving my phone dead and silent ever since. *Sob Sob*

Well, he is fat so his name naturally will be Fatty Fat. (if not Thin Bamboo meh?) But he is way more perasan than me, always snapping photos of his own. Don't believe me? Take a look at the photo below! See, I told you so.And this special gene makes us best friends. He always called even after we're separated and we chatted for long hours each time, and I had to admit that I hardly called him. How good is he exactly? Let's compare the day we left home to Adelaide.

The day when I was leaving: He came to my house and we had our haircut together, ate ice-cream, gave me a photo album as a farewell and birthday present, and left minutes before I hopped on the car.

The day he left: He said he would miss me the most among all friends but I went to Pavilion with other friends and had a good time watching Percy Jackson when he was boarding the plane. But..but....but...I regretted it and cried the night he left. (Happy now??? shit you.) The thought of him never calling again and leaving me alone every time I went back to Alor Star was simply heart wrenching and too painful to bear. (Wipe the smug off your face now!) The present he gave this year. Sharp at 12. But I forgot his birthday until he called.
I sure miss all those time that we had spent together, especially holding hands going to the toilet every day in school (Eherm, don't think dirty), chit-chatting in tuition classes and the class trip we went together.
TAN HUAT KUN, good luck in everything you do and enjoy your life in Adelaide to the MAX! You will be missed lots.

Is it weird that although you have said goodbyes many times before and are separated for a long time but still feel sad when your friends are leaving? It's like you have lost them once again.

P.S: I'll be waiting for Jasmine's pepper spray and Fat's gift when I meet you guys again. =)

Walk. Eat. Blog

Chocolat, Adelaide airport

Currently

listening to: Telephone(ft. Beyonce) by Lady Gaga

watching: 72 Tenants of Prosperity

reading: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

#2.19 Greatest Weekend & Monday

2010-03-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

"The week had started off roughly and the hot weather had finally got to me. Until weekend. =)"

It all started with..

lunch at one of the Japanese restaurants in Midvalley...

followed by movie and camwhoring section in Mid and in front of The Gardens.
We ignored all the stares given by others. But seriously who cared about what they think anyway.

On Saturday Huien, her sister, Carmen and me went to the S.H.E concert. We could hardly contain our excitement before we entered.

And as expected, the concert was simply superb and amazing. Yoga was there too but too bad I was not a bit interested. (Sorry for all his fans but this is exactly what I think) and we love 3 of them more after the concert. For those who didn't like them and felt that I was crapping now, just kindly fuck off as we really did not give a damn at your thoughts and opinions. That night, we slept at HuiEn's relative's house and we chit-chatted and laughed like hell until midnight.

And there was Monday! Monday's always gloomy and rough but definitely not this one!

We sang like crazy for long hours although CC kept on eating non-stop when the food came.

...and finally the day ended with a prayer giving thanks to God for all of these.

Walk. Eat. Blog

Hahndorf Inn Hotel, Hahndorf

Currently

listening to: All of the S.H.E songs (addicted for the whole week since then)

watching: New Moon

reading: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

#2.18 An Ugly Truth

2010-03-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

"The day started off nicely with lunch at Full House, movie in Sunway and steamboat at Yuen. But things got a lot uglier later."

After what seemed like a decade, we finally had the chance to meet up and initially I thought it would be awkward for us. However, I was proven wrong by the endless topics and laughter we had shared.

It was 9 or 10 something when I reached the SetiaJaya KTM station. As the ticket counter was closed and I had totally no idea where my Touch-N-Go card was, I pulled out a few notes and coins from my wallet and put them into the ticket-selling machine. Thank God it worked that day. You had no idea how many times I had tried to use it and failed miserably. It was pitch dark that time and there were only 3 passengers waiting for the train. Nothing amiss was sensed. (This was not Miss Khoo's essay, for God's sake)

Feeling bored, I took out my iPod to listen to some songs. Then, I glanced at the screen showing the schedule of the train. It would be at least 20 minutes before the train would arrive so I decided to go to the toilet for a while. Before I got into the toilet, I caught sight of a 20-Cent-Per-Entrance sign in front of the toilet. That was then when an Indian guard came in. I thought that he came in for the money so I took out the money and gave it to him. Strangely, he put his fingers on his lips, asking me to be quiet. I was confused and had totally no idea what he was trying to do. So, I continued to stare at him. Before I knew it, his pants were down and my mouth fell open. I stood rooted to the ground, gripping with fear. I dared not rush out of the toilet as I knew he wouldn't let me.

After thinking for a moment, I decided to act as if nothing had happened and pretended to pee, hoping that he would go away when he realised I was not a bit interested in his ugly, dark dick. But he wouldn't. He stood there staring at me. Colour drained from my face as he took a few steps closer. I cringed back a little instinctively, praying and begging to God all the while. "Your earphone's dangling out of your bag, let me help you," he said as he moved forward.

"It's OK. I'll take care of it myself," I told him as I shoved the damn earphone back into the bag in no time at all. I was completely freaked out by then. I told myself that I had to leave immediately before it got worse. I made my way to the door and my worst fears and worries were confirmed. The guard blocked the way out and told me to go back to pee again. I refused and told him that I was done and I wanted to leave. To my horror, he grabbed my hands and pushed me backwards when I took a step forward. My eyes widened as it dawned on me that he was not just some flasher that showed you his private part and left you alone after that.

Terrified, I summoned all my strength and struggled with him. I had forgotten how to scream by then. Once I was freed, I dashed out of the toilet, rushed up the stairs, found a decent-looking Malay guy with a suitcase and sat beside him. I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw the guard coming out of the toilet and walking towards us. I told the Malay guy about what had happened in a trembling voice. He kept an eye on the guard as the pervert walked to and fro beside us. This bastard couldn't have been more desperate. What The Hell! Fuck him! Fuck him! (metaphorically)

The train arrived a few minutes later and I hopped on the train after thanking the Malay guy. I sighed a relief as I saw SinHui and SweeHow on the train and took a cab home with them. I was still shivering when I got home and when I showered, I couldn't help but feeling insecure and kept on turning around to make sure that the guard wouldn't appear out of nowhere. That night, I could hardly sleep. Whenever I closed my eyes, the scene kept replaying in my mind and I felt like vomiting and it sent cold shivers down my spine.

I thanked God that I could escape in time. I shuddered whenever I thought what would happen if I had not been able to do so. The next day I felt a lot better but this incident would haunt me and remained embedded in my mind for a long, long time.

Walk. Eat. Blog

Vietnam House, Genting Highland

Currently
listening to: According to You by Orianthi
watching: Valentine's Day
reading: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

#2.17 CNY

2010-02-20T04:27:00.000-08:00

" CNY's the time when families reunite, friends gather, happiness fills the air and most importantly Ang Pow money's given. Save the red packets and just give the money, and NO coins please. "

Up, down, left, right. No matter where you looked, the colour was red. Decorations inside every shopping complexes, ads on the roadside, politicians' faces beside the drains...blah blah blah...everything was red. I wondered what would people think if black was used instead? (Just kidding.) A lot of countries-especially those who owed China a big sum of money and those who wanted to please China- went overboard by decorating their countries with all sorts of silly stuff and pretended that they really did care about this occasion. Anyway, back in Cendana we had a pre-reunion dinner before we went back.We played some cards after that. Yeah, I knew a lot of people got caught for this and I knew it's illegal. But what's the point of catching them? I could guarantee you that during CNY every house (Chinese of course) would have rounds and rounds of poker games going on. So what's the point? Why not gather all the Chinese in the prison and serve them free reunion dinner. You could bet they would continue to gamble in prison. But could you blame them? They were Chinese after all. And only human. The next day, we went to Pavilion after school. The New Year songs that were playing in the air just made me want to rush home straight away. Of course I was just kidding, neither did I own private jet planes like some Dato nor my mouth was stuck with money that had the strong smell of coffee (or should I said the money from the people's sweat that disappeared mysteriously every year?)
After we had our reunion dinner, we took some family photos. The last time was when The Lord of the Rings was on the big screen. Yeah, it had been that long.

Spotted: A couple with the couple shirt on Valentine's day. Doubt no more, it must be Mummy's idea.

The first day of CNY, a lot of pretentious people and blood..nope money-sucking politicians came to the open house and there was the lion dance. It was believed that this could ward off evil spirits. Blah, it was just business. All these genetically mutated lions ate nothing but money, money and money only.

On the second day, we went back to Perlis (Mummy's hometown). We visited Tasik Melati where Mummy and Papa's wedding photo shoot took place. "You know, last time....", "Your dad.....", "This place...." Yeah, yeah, yeah, Valentine's day's over Mummy.
And because of their love, we had these 2 naughty and hyperactive twins. They thought they were in some Chinese Kungfu movies. This was OK but what's WORSE was that Mummy thought she was filming Malaysian's next top model. Just take a look at the way she posted in front of the camera.

And that's how I spent my new year. Ang Pow money? RM0. Why? Mummy used them to pack Ang Pow for others. If someone gave 6 of us RM60, they would get back RM40 for their children. Yeah, you get the picture.

Walk. Eat. Blog

The Loaf, Pavilion

Currently

listening to: Tik Tok by Ke$ha
watching: The Proposal

reading: Kunang Kunang mag

#2.16 The Last Teen

2010-02-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

" It's indeed the best birthday that I've ever had."

It all started exactly at 11.59pm when my mum called to wish me Happy Birthday. She called 1 minute earlier just as she knew the phone would "explode" by 12am. How thoughtful she was and that's one of the many reasons I LOVE her.

Then at 12am, the boys came into the room and turned off the light when I was still obviously on the phone. Wilson kissed me on the cheek and they began to sing the Happy Birthday song while holding the 2 cakes and 1 special dessert that they had MADE themselves. I was so thrilled as it was totally out of my expectation. Yeah, I expected that they would sing songs but never the cakes and the desserts. The phone was totally "exploded" with lots of calls and messages, and I didn't manage to answer all of the calls. Wilson answered the call from the girls and talked about some silly stuff for a while before the girls sang the birthday song through the phone. I was touched as they purposely gathered and stayed awake just for my birthday.

And there was the prank! The boys tricked me into believing that the LCD projector that I'd borrowed was broken as it fell to the floor by pretending to be the officers from the HEA Office and that I had to pay RM20,000 for it. I lied on the bed for 2 hours worrying about all the stuff that was not true at all. And when I confronted Sin Hui for it, he said that they couldn't allow me to be so easy and relax while the whole ALM block was busy making the cakes and dessert for the entire day. "We're busy and so must you, " he said. It made sense at first but later on it struck me how LAME that excuse was! WTH!!

The next morning after class, Wilson (again) pretended that he wanted to buy some stuff and asked me to accompany him. When we got into the class again, everyone was in the class and the birthday song was sung again. A big box stood out of everything in front of the class, tied with red ribbons and wrapped with paper. After the ribbon was cut, V and the others wanted me to close my eyes and take off my glasses. I hesitated as I knew this was clearly another prank, but yet STUPIDLY I closed them. The next thing I knew was that my hair, my face and my clothes were covered with whipped cream. Later I was told that Vais had jumped out from the box and slammed the plate with whipped cream into my face. The boys were behind to catch me just in case I ran but they overestimated my cleverness as I just stood there like an idiot.
Later I was asked to close my eyes again and the confetti was shot up into the air. And God, it was beautiful. Then, it's present time . The girls gave them to me one by one: the pink goggles, the baby socks, the pacifier, the lipstick, the baby powder, the banana, the pregnancy test, and finally the thing that was usually used to prevent pregnancy (not diaphragm). Yea, that thing...the thing...aiya, I knew you're dirty-minded enough to figure out what it was. One question: WHEN & WHAT THE HELL WOULD I DO WITH ALL THESE THINGS?
Then, all the 10M10 people pretended to be good and again I needed to close my eyes. ( ==??!! How many times should I close them??) They said they would lead me to the toilet but when I opened my eyes we were in the field and I was shot with lots of water bags. "You're the one that said that you wanted to clean up," they said. Another LAME excuse. =="
After all these, I had to admit that my level of intelligence was 0 after all. But I wondered why I looked younger as I aged? It must be inside the genes. And Michelle Lee the pig was officially the last one to wish me after a few days. "Since I couldn't be the first, I would be the last," she said. ^%$$#%^&*! =)

The first present from SinHui

The card from Hannah, Yeefarn, Ivy, Zixin and Cindy that I love so much.
The crocs from my roommates.
Birthday wishes from every one.
Sarah's lovely piece of art.
The special gifts.
Finally, the special Taiwan stamps from Tiong.

Thanks every one. Love you guys. =)

Walk. Eat. Blog

The unique cake by ALM boys

Currently
listening to: Starstrukk ft. Katy Perry by 3OH!3
watching: Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief
reading: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

#2.15 2010

2010-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Some feelings could only be felt and not be summed up with a chat over a muffin and a cup of tea during breakfast."

It's always amazing to look back and realise how many choices that you'd made, how many good time had gone, how many times your feelings were hurt, how much tears were shed, how much you'd changed, and most importantly how far you've come. It's only been a year. Yet, everything had changed so dramatically, in both good and bad ways.

A lot of unexpected things popped out of nowhere and I'd learnt never to expect the expected in life, as everything would change in any seconds. And whenever I looked back, I would be surprised when I realised how short and fragile life was, and how easily it could be taken away.

Today last year, I set foot in Bradford college for the first time. Being miles away from my family and friends and alone in a world that was so unfamiliar, fear was everywhere. And uncertainties never left. I had not realised how much courage and strength I'd summoned until a small chat with someone in the church. "It must've required a lot of courage to come here all by yourself, did you ever feel scared?" She asked. I answered no but in my head I was shouting Yes, and All The Time. There were always a lot of fear and uncertainties behind the courage, weren't there? I remembered crying to sleep in my room holding the photo album the first night in Adelaide, feeling all alone, and I continued to every night in the first week. I had never been so far away from my family, and the thought scared me to death. I dreamt of home and friends every night. I scolded myself to be so stupid and stubborn to choose to study so far away when I could actually choose otherwise.

I remembered looking up into the sky shimmering with thousands of stars. It might sound strange but it really made me feel closer to home, and at the same time feeling less lonely as I knew we were looking at the same sky after all. I remembered taking out the extra pillow case from the closet just to smell it. It reminded me of home, and I cried more. I remembered cooking instant noodles with William the night before the tests, and it reminded me of the nights when my high school friends and I sms-ed and called one another just to make sure that every one was awake studying, and it gave me strength and encouragement to push on.

Later, things went pretty well, if not better. I met all these monkey Adelaidians. I had never talked to anyone about the bond we had, or the beautiful sunset that we watched together or the crazy night of Brian's birthday, or the AB dinner we shared. I just felt there's no need to, as no matter how nice or understanding they were, I knew that they wouldn't understand, as they had not gone through it themselves and mere words could never be able to describe it. The same went to the moment I had with my high school friends, and it too applied to the time I spent with the friends in Intec. Some feelings could only be felt and not be summed up with a chat over a muffin and a cup of tea during breakfast.

Lesson learnt last year: Life, just like dark night, it may be dark, but it will always be accompanied by millions of stars, and they are always always there even if you don't get to see them sometimes. And when I look back, I know just as much how far I've come.

Walk. Eat. Blog

T-Chow, China Town

Currently

listening to: Angels cry (feat. Neyo) by Mariah Carey
watching: Charmed season 5

reading: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (cried 3 times reading it, shit!)

#2.14 The Best Of Both Worlds

2010-01-19T04:52:00.000-08:00

"Of all the very best things that happened in 2009, these are the best of the best."

World 1-Where laughter, craziness and sharing are endless

World 2-Where fun, harmony and joy mix together

You get the best of both worlds

Mix it all together

It's so much better cuz you know

You've got the best of both worlds!

Walk. Eat. Blog

Chocolate Bean, Union Street

Currently

listening to: Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) by Jay-Z
watching: Treasure Hunter

reading: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

#2.13 Remember

2010-01-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

I had known it would come

eventually

but still prefer to indulge in self-denial

It hurts double

When you lose something precious twice

But stubborn I was

lying to myself

Just pushing it to the back of my mind

and refuse to walk away

although it's time to let go

When you lose something

that happens once in a billion times

Will you ever be able to get it back?

When you don't wish to leave something behind,

Will you be left behind instead?

Is this it?
When it ends, it just ends?

leaving nothing but nothing

and empty with emptiness?

The time has come.

A new dawn is waiting.

But don't ever forget.

'Caz our story surely continues..

Someday, Somehow, Somewhere.

#2.12 Our Last Summer

2009-12-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

"I'm so gonna miss everyone of you!"

I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
Walks along the Seine, laughing in the rain
Our last summer
Memories that remain

Currently
listening to: Broken Strings by James Morrison ft. Nelly Furtado
watching: Bodyguards and Assassins
reading: All the awesome cards you guys wrote

#2.11 Party In The AUS

2009-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

"I gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good good night."

It was my first time to club but it was really fun, crazy and super high! We danced our asses off in Red Square at Hindley Street until 4 in the morning and suffered leg pain later on. But it's totally worth it!

Shut Up And Dance, Dance, Dance....

Currently
listening to: I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
watching: Avatar 3D
reading: None

#2.10 Did You Hear About The Fugly?

2009-12-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

"Adelaide...again!"

It had been 5 days since I got back to Adelaide and I had met with most of my friends here. Too bad Brian and Derrick had both gone back to Indonesia and M'sia respectively. After the tiring 6 hour plane, I was finally back to Adelaide! And the best part was that this time it was not a late night dream anymore. Jasmine, Michelle and WeeChen went to the airport to fetch me and later we bluffed everyone that I had missed the plane. The response was out of our expectations though. We thought the first person to be fooled would be Jamie the lamerest but who knew this time she was so damn smart. We went Ikea later that afternoon and had unlimited pasta for $5.The second day we went China Town to buy stuff to prepare for the picnic. Later that night a few of us went to Chocolate Bean for dessert. And they were damn nice! As I was not sure of the way to go back to lodge, I ended up staying in Weechen's apartment for one night. The next day we went to Glenelg to have a picnic and enjoy the summer breeze and of course taking a refreshing dip in the emerald sea that sparkled like jewel. It was damn tired when we left as if all of the energy had been drained from us. It was quite tiring but fun!

Currently
listening to: All Things Are Possible by Hillsong
watching: Beyond The Realm of Conscience
reading: Bradford College Computer Room's guide

#2.9 The holidays continue...

2009-12-08T03:06:00.000-08:00

"What time is it?"

It's our vacation! All I could say about the Penang trip was awesome, awesome, and awesome! SinHui bought us to lots of places that had good food and we enjoyed filling our stomachs up with all those food. Dieting could wait for a while. Also, because of him we had had the chance to see for ourselves the other side of Penang, or at least I had.

Whenever the word "Penang" popped out of someone's mouth, all that came to mind were mega shopping complexes. But now it was definitely something more. Our last stop was the famous and biggest toy museum in the world. And God, it was simply amazing. And the best part of it was that I spotted some Pokemon toys inside. It's too bad that all of the items inside were not for sales. However, the act of simply feasting our eyes on all of the toys on display was satisfying (almost). This Penang trip was really an eye opener to all of us. I really hoped that I could taste all the mouth-watering food once again.

After the Penang trip, the whole family of mine-including all of the cousins- went to Alor Star Mall to watch 2012. On the way to Alor Star Mall, we did attract a lot of attention as the whole car was fully squeezed by us. I had the sudden urge to stick a " Don't count, there's 10 kids in the car" note on the side window of the car, but decided against it after I realised how crazy it was. Believe it or not, this was the first time that all of us-the whole family- had gone out to the theatre to watch movie together. By the way, Papa and Mummy sat in the couple seat area. Tsk Tsk.

Walk. Eat. BlogCanton-i, 1 Utama

Currently
listening to: Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson
watching: 2012
reading: Galaxie mag

#2.8 Home Sweat Home

2009-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

"Going home is no vacation."

Seriously, I did not miss home at all. The fact that I was going home for about 2 months failed to fill me with a single sense of excitement. For me, it's just a period for me to rest after the stupid exams. But all these were changed once the green paddy fields outside the window of the bus came into view. I couldn't believe it, but it was what I'd never felt before- a sense of belonging, which to my surprise had deepened with time.

I had pictured the first sem break to be relaxing, but it was clearly otherwise. It was packed with loads of activities and things to do. A few nights after I got home, I watched My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad with my siblings and cousins and all of us were shouting and jumping like crazy cheering for the only Chinese-father-and-daughter contestant team. I bet that all of the neighbours could hear all the noise we had created. It was so childish and crazy but fun. They didn't win in the end but were the first runner-up and we were still satisfied with the result.

5A1 gathering was held in Jetty One and it felt so good to see one another again after months of separation. We chatted and laughed like we were never separated before and really had a nice time. Later, a few of us went to Zixian's house for a sleepover. We stayed up to 5 gambling while drinking champagne and chit-chatting.

It's great to see my grandparents again. They talked a lot and often repeated what they wanted to say again and again. I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel boring at all but I kept reminding myself that they love me and wanted the best for me. They had grown so much older and I treasured every single moment with them. I didn't want to regret later when it was too late.

November was going to end and it's December soon. I would be going to Penang and was looking forward to seeing every one of them in Penang.

Walk. Eat. Blog

Secret Recipe, Shah Alam Section 18

Currently
listening to: Bad Romance by Lady Gaga

watching: My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad season 1

reading: Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

#2.7 My Life Would Suck Without All Of You

2009-11-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

"You guys are crazy and make me crazier."

The stupid A-Level exams were finally over and we were totally freed from hell, at least until January next year. My prayer for a solution for all of my luggage had again been answered and although I was not from Sabah or Sarawak, the officers allowed me and some friends to put our luggage in the locked study room. This had saved me from a hell lot of problems without having to find ways to bring all of the luggage back to AS. And again I thank God for that.

I still couldn't believe that it was November already. Time really flies and it's time for separation again. Although I knew I would still be seeing them around next year, but it's still so sad to be parted with them. It's just only been one semester and our bond had grown so strong. I just couldn't imagine how I would feel when we had to fly to different directions after 2 years. The mere thought of it was simply and truly heart-breaking.

We celebrated so many different festivals, visited many places, had picnics, started BBQ, enjoyed hanging out in the mall laughing out loud, planned birthday surprises, organized so many parties, and had done so many stuff together. And all of them were of so much fun and craziness.
Although all of you are crazy, naughty, insane, lame, quarrelsome, and inhuman, I still think you all are so great and fun to be with. And you all had definitely made my life in Intec so much more interesting and I will seriously missed every one of you in this 2 months.

But still, I couldn't wait to be reunited with my family-especially my grandparents-again. MW would be coming back from Brisbane for at least 2 months and I couldn't wait to hang out and catch up with him. And as for friends in AS and Adelaide, I will be seeing all of you really, really soon and I could hardly contain all the excitement thinking about all the fun that we would be having.

Walk. Eat. Blog

Choc Cupcakes by Miss Wanie

Currently
listening to: 3 by Britney Spears
watching: Ugly Betty Season 4
reading: No-book-principle after exams.

#2.6 A Pursuit Of Happiness

2009-11-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

"Don't be afraid. Just have faith. Mark 5:36"

When I first came to this new place, I had faced so much trouble just trying to blend in, and I resented everything and everyone here. I blamed God-I really did- for sending me here although I was the one who had made the decision to be here.

I hated the hostel, the people, the college, the environment, the food, the transport and everything. I had no one to turn to and talk to when I was down, angry, or sad. So, I prayed to God that I would one day feel happy and have a lot of friends in Intec though it seemed impossible at that time. And yet miraculously He answered my prayer. In fact, He had answered a lot of my little prayers this year, which I found quite hard to believe in the very beginning. But He really did. The right person would always turn up to assist me with my problems, and I managed to overcome the problems one by one by their help. And I thank God for that. The first time that I met Uncle Yong, he told me that my life would be so colourful but I did not understand what he meant by then until now.

New friends popped up one by one and our friendship grew stronger by each day, and I really enjoyed every moment that I had spent with them. Most importantly, we had so much fun together and I finally could be myself again when I was with them. Yeah, we were of different races, but so what? It's triple fun that way. Despite all the bad stuff that I'd said about Shah Alam, I still felt really happy to be here.

I was rearranging my stuff when this card fell out of the novel that I'd read halfway through. And now I knew what it meant, for I knew His plan for me. Next week would be my final. There seemed to be no hope for my Biology to score an A and it was impossible for me to finish all the revision before the final, but still I would like to shout out loud :"Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is". And I seriously missed my grandparents now as I'd not chatted with them for a long time. Hope them have fun in L.A and Las Vegas. Like I said, it's a new dawn.

Walk.Eat.Blog

Famous Ikan Bakar, Cahaya

Currently
listening to: Fireflies by Owl City
watching: Gossip Girl Season 3
reading: ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God)

#2.5 Brothers & Sister (+Cousins)

2009-10-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

"Our love holds us together, our differences make one another stronger."

It had been a long time since I needed to slam hard on the bathroom door because they were using it for a long time. It had been a long time since I quarrelled with anyone of them. It had been a long time since we pointed fingers at one another when things went wrong. It had also been a long time since we quarrelled whether the bedroom lights should be turned off or on at night, or grabbing the TV remote control from one another, or complaining about one another to Mummy and Papa, or fighting over the air-conditioner remote control. Those may not be the nicest memories but I missed all those days with them.

There were 10 of us together, growing up together in the storm, in this family that was so shattered and yet so united, and yet we had pulled through all of them. We fought over everything that could be fought over-food, gifts, love, attentions, toys, books, stickers, computer, television, money, clothes and the list seemed to go on and on. We always got into serious fights as each one of us was so headstrong and stubborn. No one was ever willing to give in first and we almost never saved faces for one another. Every time, an adult had to step in and interfere before all those verbal conflicts turned into physical ones. However, the most amazing thing was that no one ever held a grudge and after that we were good, as if the fights had never happened before. Yet, we had never stopped fighting.

We had our differences, our very own opinions about things. But our differences made one another stronger. Of course, we did many things together besides fighting. We used to shower-splashing water at one another could hardly counted as one-together when we were small, imitating the adults by setting up our very own"family", acting as polices, Kungfu fighters, cooks, warriors, doctors, nurses, CEOs, and many many more. Also, we proudly (and stupidly) declared ourselves as the "Ten Brothers" as there were 10 of us. We played lots of games together and had such great time together. They gave me so many childhood memories that I would cherish forever. In fact, they completed my childhood.
And now we were all separated. I could still vividly remember how my heart broke when I heard that my little cousin cried all the way back to Alor Star after I boarded the plane to further my studies, and how sad I was when Mummy told me how my little brother used to wake up in the nights calling for my name. And how touched I was when I received my Pooh bear from my same-age sibling MW and how he had planned my 18 birthday party or when my cousin bought me a wallet a few days before I went to Adelaide. Yet, despite all these, every time when I went back to Alor Star I just wanted to hang out with my friends instead of them, all the while not knowing that they were sitting back at home waiting for me to spend some little time with them, and how rude and impatient I was whenever they asked me to teach them how to do their homework. They always remembered my birthday, but I always forgot theirs.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you all had done for me, and sorry to all of you for taking you all for granted. As we grew older, distance and maturity had made us quarrel less. I thought all the fighting thing had been over until recently I got back home and all of us had a big fight again. I guessed something never changed. :)

Love you all forever.

Walk. Eat. Blog

Tony Roma's, Sunway Pyramid

Currently
listening to: Down by Jay Dean
watching: nothing thanks to exams and tests
reading: A-Level Text Books (SHIT!)

#2.4 So You Think You Can Dream

2009-10-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

"My dream is to have a dream."

Dream. It's a simple word but at the same time it's so complicated. I'm scared, because I don't have one, yet. And I seldom talked to others about it, as I knew how shocked they would be. Every time I tell someone-except a few of my best friends-about it, I could see it from their faces that they didn't believe it, and some even thought that it was funny. I did not understand how could it be so funny? It's not. It's not a laughing matter, to me it's not. It's pathetic.

I've always envied those who had a dream. They knew what their dream job was, what they were pursuing, and what goals they had in their lives. But how come I don't. To be frank, I have had no interest in anything at all. I don't see myself as a doctor, a pharmacist, a dentist or a Look!-I-have-a-job person in a few years time. When I was six, I wanted to be a police, only because it was cool, until I found out that their salaries weren't. When I was in standard 1, I wanted to be a teacher, only because I was always beaten and wanted revenge-a chance to beat the students who did not do their work, or forgot to bring their books. When I was standard 3, engineer was my choice only because I saw a poster of an engineer looking so smart and handsome, and stupidly I thought that if I became an engineer, I would be that good-looking too. Doctor was my preference in high school because many said that it was a waste not to be one if one's results were damn good. Later in college I turned to dentistry because my relatives remarked that it would be one of the highest paying job in the future. Now I was paving my way to pharmacy as many told me it was an easier and secured job. But was it what I really wanted, or not?

One day I was in the car with my parents and they suddenly asked me what my dream was. I told them straight away that I didn't know. Mummy told me that she met HuiEn just now and asked her about her dream, and it was to be a pharmacist. Then she said that there must be something that I really liked. I remained silence and Papa answered that question for me. "How can he have one, when he has everything without the need of dreaming to have them?" He said. I supposed it was true, in some way.

I would definitely fail if the title of English essay for the final A-Level exam was "My Ambition" because all I could write was "My ambition is to be a...a...a...THE END". I did not know what job I really wanted to have in my life. I have been searching it for my whole life, but I still couldn't find it. Maybe someday, just maybe, I will know and I hope it would not be too late by then.

Equipped with wings, the sky was clear, and the weather was perfect but how could I begin to fly when there's no destination?

Still searching........just for a dream.

Walk. Eat. Blog

BBQ Plaza, Sunway Pyramid

Currently

listening to: Happy by Leona Lewis

watching: The Suite Life On Deck

reading: Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

#2.3 Moonlight Saving

2009-10-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

"The first song was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I was so embarrassed that I could only remember part of its lyrics."

*Title quoted from Eugenie (To all ass friends: Daylight saving has started and although the time difference between us has changed, our friendship hasn't, and won't.)

The annual Mid-Autumn Festival was here again and 10M10 had unanimously agreed to celebrate it at the park near the girls' hostel and thank God it was a blast. After I showered and changed, I went to SinHui and Tiong's room, and was surprised that they had prepared the Chinese Herbal Soup. I had to admit that it had been a long time since I had tasted it. It tasted great but it made me feel a little homesick. Although we had some minor problem with the taxi, we managed to reach Section 18 at about 7p.m. We shopped for paper lanterns, candles, drinks, ice, snacks and some chopsticks before we had our dinner together in one of the bistros nearby.

At first, some of us felt that the park was too dark as it literally scared the hell out of us but our fears were gone the minute our lanterns were lit. After everyone had arrived, we chose a nice spot and started to light up our lanterns. It was indeed many Malays' first time to play with lanterns and all of them were so excited once they had done fixing their lanterns with the candles. "It was so beautiful!" Many of them were screaming and we were filled with joy when we saw our lanterns illuminating the dark park and some of us took a walk around the park. We chatted while enjoying the moon cakes, snacks and drinks with the light of the lanterns around us flickering like fireflies flying in the mellow moonlight.

Later, we carried the brightly lit lanterns and sat in a big circle under the bright moon (I could hardly remember seeing it but I was sure that it was round that night) and someone suggested that we could sing some songs that everyone knew. The first song was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I was so embarrassed that I could only remember part of its lyrics. We clapped our hands in sync and continued to sing songs like "Rasa Sayang", "Barney' s theme song", "Rat Loves Rice" and many more. Then, we took turns to talk about things that people did not know about us. We had a good laugh at one another's answers and we were taken by surprise that there were quite many that were from other classes and we got to know more about one another.

Due to the damn (and unnecessary too, at least to me it was) curfew, we were forced to end that wonderful night. We closed our eyes for 10 seconds to think about all the great and funny stuff that had happened that night. Ily played some songs of Taylor Swift with her guitar and we sang along with her. After that, we took the cab back to our hostel and it was already past curfew and that meant the gate would have been closed. I kept on praying in the cab and luckily the gate was not closed yet when we arrived and it was a miracle that that night's curfew had been extended to 12a.m or we would have to camp outside under the moon . We sighed with relief and went back to our rooms and chatted a while before we went to sleep.

I received calls from Grandpa and Mummy that night and although I didn't get to gather and celebrate this festival with my family, all my friends still made that night so much fun and memorable. Thanks everyone. Praying hard also for those who were trapped under the rubble in the recent quake to be rescued and those who suffered from droughts in Africa.

We did totally forget about Chang'e, didn't we? Oops.

Currently

listening to: Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester) by Cobra Starship

watching: Desperate Housewives season 6

reading: About A Boy by Nick Hornby

#2.2 Charmed

2009-09-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

"I'm blessed."

When you're reading this, don't worry, I'm still very much alive. Life has been good to me and although it hasn't been as good as it used to be, I'm still satisfied with everything I have now. Ever since I came to Shah Alam, I began to learn more about life as days passed by. I learnt that not everyone was as fortunate as others, not everyone had a warm family to support them every now and then, and not everyone appreciated things that others had done for them.

As for me, I knew that I'd always been lucky ever since I was born. Being the first grandson in the family, so much love had been showered to me by everyone in the family. I wouldn't deny that I had always taken everything in my life for granted, especially my family and friends. I came from a big family and everyone of us had unique and different personality. Like any other family, we had family issues too and we liked to quarrel, argue and disagree with one another. Almost every day there would be a new issue and everyone would fight and a verbal conflict was inevitable, but at the end of the day, the issue would be solved and all was forgotten and forgiven. There's not one family event that did not involve all the fights and arguments. We often wanted to kill one another but we all clearly knew that we would be utterly lost without one another. They always let me make my own decisions, let me chase my dreams, and let me do things that would make me happy. They made me strong and encouraged me to believe in that strength. And they made it clear that if anything went wrong, I could always go home and they would always be there for me.

Family that can never be replaced.

My life would never have been completed without all my friends. I found my group of friends in high school, another new group in Adelaide. We did practically everything together. In high school, we always hanged out in malls together, watched movies together, burnt the midnight oils together the night before the exams, had sleepovers, travelled together and the best part was talking about sex issues and made dirty jokes unashamedly. In Adelaide, there was a bunch of ass monkey friends that always be around and gave me all the great memories that I would cherish forever. We went to the same college together and although we studied in different classes, the bond we formed grew stronger as each day passed by and seriously, I really felt more like family than friends and it seemed like we had met for a century rather than just a few months. We visited so many places together, had picnic by Glenelg beach, watched the most beautiful sunset at Henley beach, picked strawberries at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, teased one another about the subjects we had chosen (Still Biology rules and a big BOO to Physics, haha) and always had lunch together. I have always wondered what I had done to deserve such awesome friends. So, I wanted to say a BIG thank you to all of them. You all have certainly left a significant footstep in my journey of life. I missed them so much and I would never have made it to today without them. And of course friends in INTEC were just as great especially all the 10M10 friends (sorry for being an irresponsible class rep), all the Christian friends, my roommates and of course the cheerful JiChing, cute but grumpy Sin Hui, and helpful ChienChoong.

Bestest friends in High School. (Many were left out)

Bestest friends in Adelaide. (Some left out too)

Friends in INTEC.

Speaking of life, I had always pondered and wondered what life really was. Recently, I got a quote from a movie saying that "Life is a climb, but the view is great." It's very true and HuiRen asked me what if he fell into a deep valley. I told him that he just had to pick himself up and climb back up again. Yes, life's as simple as that. We would meet all kinds of people in life, some would make it brighter and some would let us down, and when that happened we just had to pick ourselves up and move on. However I think that my life now is about love, friends and family as I won't know what I would do without them. And now everyday I am growing closer to Christ and His love and faith to all of us are just so amazing. I don't have any dreams now (about ambition) but I know that I would figure it out one day. I have a family to love, friends to turn to when I'm tired, and Christ that's always there for me. This is what dreams are made of to me.

I'm really blessed and lucky. Charmed? I'm sure.

Currently
listening to: The Climb by Miley Cyrus
watching: Gossip Girl Season 3
reading: Crayon SinChan

#2.1 Ghost Whispered

2009-09-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

"Before I could figure out what was actually happening, a powerful source of energy rushed into my body and I began to shiver and tremble like a leaf. "

It had been 2 months since I came back to Malaysia, being away from all my ass Adelaide friends (Don't blame me, Jamie called all of us that. ) and finally everything seemed to start making a little bit sense to me. Life was easy but dull. Just as I thought everything was getting better in time, the incident yesterday, or early this morning struck me like a lighting bolt, too sudden and too quick for me to escape and worse off, there was no where else to escape.

It was around 3a.m. in the morning, and I had just finished a quarter of my Biology report as I had been slacking the whole day. A few minutes later, I got tired and decided to call it a day. As usual, I went to brush my teeth and wash my face before getting into my bed. Before long, I drifted off to sleep. I dreamt that I was walking on a road and started to feel all dizzy and began to fall to the ground. Then as crazy as it sounded, everything was plunged into pitch darkness and I began to feel a strong force sucked me into the hole of darkness. Suddenly, I was instantly awake and I was 100% sure that I was not in the dream anymore. I tried to move and struggled to open my eyes but I couldn't. All I could do was lying still on the bed. Before I could figure out what was actually happening, a powerful source of energy rushed into my body and I began to shiver and tremble like a leaf. My whole body was shaking and I could feel something inside of me. I panicked and for a moment then I really thought that I was going to die. The energy inside of me was so strong and there was nothing else I could do.

I tried my best to open my eyes, and I just could make out the silhouette of the closets in my room. I knew that something was very, very wrong and instantly I knew I had to do something. Although I lost control of my body, my mind was clear. I knew I had to fight it off and I began to pray. As a buddhist, instinctively I began to say "Amitofo" but nothing had changed. Then, I kept on repeating the word "Jesus" in my mind for some time. I didn't even have the time to fear or think, I just kept saying them and finally when I shouted the word "Jesus Christ" in my mind, I began to feel it slowly slipping away and eventually it left my body. At that very moment, I could sit up and open my eyes. I looked around me and found out that nothing had changed and everything was still in its own place. Rahman and Zaid were still up using their laptops.

Without much thought, I walked out of my room into the study room and talked to Zaid, my roommate, about it. My eyes widened as I heard the words coming out from his mouth. " I've also experienced such thing before when I slept, I think there's something "dirty" here," he said. I called Mummy immediately and at first she thought someone crazy had phoned her right in the middle of the night until I told her what had happened. She asked me not to worry and that everything would turn out fine. As I was wide awake, I turned on my laptop again and chatted with Alvin for a while about the incident.

Seriously, I never thought that such thing could ever happen to me. I had shared a lot of ghost stories with my friends but they were just merely hearsay. I remembered sharing them with Jasmine, Alex and Eugenie in Bradford Lodge, with Mira, Ily and Wan in the Intec Library, and of course with all of my high school friends in Keat Hwa, but usually I just laughed it off and then nothing had ever happened. Ok, I had to admit that sometimes they scared the hell out of me.

Today morning, I received more calls from my family members asking me not to be scared and to be strong and calm. I knew that this incident would really haunt me for the rest of my life and I would never be able to forget it. However, I still wanted to thank God for saving me from whatever it was and also my family and friends for always being there for me whenever I needed them. Love you all lots.

Currently
listening to: Obsessed by MC
watching: The Final Destination
reading: Dance While You Can By Susan Lewis

#11 Terminated: The Photo Perfect Chronicles

2009-08-06T02:11:00.000-07:00

"Since this is the last post on Taller In Other Ways: Far Away From Home, I would break away from the tradition and put more photos instead of writing boring stuff."

During the break, I went to Penang with a few of my best friends in high school- Yvonne, her sister, Winson and Zitheng. Overall it was fun and I loved the eating, chatting and shopping part best.

ShuaShuaLe, A must-go place in Prangin Mall.

25 photos to reminisce 2009 Jan-June

New Year Countdown for 2009
My 18th birthday party MW made for me.
Last photo in the airport b4 leaving for Aus.
The first visit to Cleland Wildlife Park during orientation week.
Taken while walking around Rundle Mall.
The landmark-Art Gallery.The first visit to the South Australian Museum.First time to Glenelg beach.

Visiting Adelaide Zoo.

Laming in Geoff's Chemistry class.

Sleepover in Zixian's house when I got back to Msia for 1 week.

Bush Trekking on Mount Lofty.

Watching sunset at Henley beach.

Strawberry farm in Handolf.

Picnic by Glenelg.

Went to Victor harbour to watch Dolphins.

" Friendship is like the wind, you cannot see it but you can always feel it."

Adelaide friends (in alphabetical order):

Alex: Know Zac Efron? Yeah, this is him.

Alvin: Want someone to watch over you? Grab him today.

Azizul: Searching for the best cook? You have one here.

Brian: Want a game after school? Find him.

Careena: If the earth crust is cracked by a loud voice, you know why.

Chiew: If you can't find some place to stay or someone to talk to, call him.

CJ: Wanna date some junior? He is your choice.

Eugenie: What more can I say about my freakin' awesome mum?

Huiren: Want a shy boyfriend? Get his phone number.

Jamie: The lamerest person on earth? No, the whole universe.

Jammy: Eager to meet some Hongkies? He is one.

Jasmine: Want a drunk babe? Date her today.

Michelle: Ever seen the fattest pig? Just open your eyes and there she is.

Nicole: A girl that puts toothpicks on both of her cheeks as she smiles even when she sleeps.

Priscilla: The most serious ENL students that Greg can ever find.

Serene: Want a MV of yourself? Phone this pretty girl.

Sophia: If you have a death wish, disturb her when she is studying.

Victor: Get his msn if you want to meet the son of the boss of Marrybrown.

WeeChen: Want a free Mac meal? Call him.

William: Eager to meet someone from NZ? You have one here.

ZhaoFarn: Wanna hear some crap when you are down? Find him.

And who am I? You know you know me. Bye, guys.

#10 Burnt Notice

2009-07-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

"Before I knew it, my maid rushed up the stairs and asked me to take all my important things with me as there was a fire."

Thanks to H1N1, my college got closed down and we suddenly had 1 week of holiday. The day before I flew home, Rahman, SweeHow and I went to Sunway Pyramid just to kill time. We watched Ice Age 3: The Dawn of Dinosaur 3D and went to Sushi King to have our dinner. It was my first time to eat Japanese meal since I got back from Adelaide. Gosh, I missed the sushi in Adelaide so much.

In FCUK in Sunway.

Two of my best friends in INTEC: Rahman and SweeHow.

Just after I flew back to Alor Star, had my dinner with Grandpa, got back to Papa's shop, and started chatting with Zitheng on the phone, I heard sirens coming from every direction and the sound got louder and louder. Before I knew it, my maid rushed up the stairs and asked me to take all my important things with me as there was a fire. Consternations filled my soul. Without much thought, I grabbed my bags and ran down with her. The minute I got down, Mummy told me that one of the shops nearby was on fire. Grandpa and Papa had collected all the money and cheque from the cash desk as well as all the important documents. The fire brigade owned by the government poured a pail of water and told everyone that they had run out of water. My parents and all the neighbours stood rooted to the ground, gripping with fear. If the fire was not put out in time, it would raze down all the shops in the very same row. I held Granpa's hand firmly, my parents urged him to go home first, but he refused. How could he when the shop was his effort of a lifetime. His Shop. Papa's Shop. Mummy's Shop. Our Shop. I prayed to God that everything would turn out to be fine.

As time passed by, the thick black smoke grew thicker and the fire grew bigger, illuminating the dark sky. Soon, it became like a towering inferno, raging on furiously. A large crowd had gathered around the burning buildings, most of them gaped at the fire with their mouths wide open. In the end, my prayers seemed to be answered. The voluntary fire brigade arrived and worked efficiently in no time at all and got the fire under control in about an hour. We sighed with relief, glad that it was finally over. My hand never left Grandpa's from the beginning to the end. I was also glad that no one was hurt and thank God for that.
^^

Mummy later told me that she nearly fainted when one of the firemen rushed into our shop as she thought that our shop was on fire. Luckily, the fireman just wanted to borrow the phone. I suddenly remembered the song "Fire Burning" by Sean Kingston that had " Somebody called 911.." in its lyrics, except this time someone called 911 because of a fire and not a hot girl. It was also my first time to witness a fire. I couldn't help but think about all the obstacles and incidents that happened to me this year, as if I was living in a television drama because it seemed like every day there would be a new surprise and challenge for me. Seriously, I was tired of it and I did not want any more drama in my life. I just wanted to live my life just like the past 17 years-simple, easy and peaceful.

I took one last look at the red and blue flashing lights of the fire engines and left the scene together with Grandpa.

Firemen directing their jet of water toward the shop. (Thanks to CM who provides the photo.^^)

#9 Riding Out The Hurricane

2009-07-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

"Logically, it must be easier to get used to the lifestyle in your own country rather than that in Australia. However, it was not in reality. "

It had been 3 weeks since I got back from Adelaide and many things had happened in this period. They happened so fast that I lost track of them. However, I felt that everything that had happened to me was so surreal, like I was in a dream, a dream that had no end, and no beginning. And that everything that had happened to me had not happened yet until I told my friends and family.

I flew back to Penang with Alvin and met him at LCCT after searching the whole LCCT for him as his mum lost contact with him after he reached the airport from Melbourne. Then, his parents gave me a treat at a restaurant, invited me to their house for durians before sending me back home to Alor Star. Grandpa, Grandma and Grandaunt took them to a restaurant and we really had a great time together.

Laming on the plane from KL to Penang.

I lived my life as if I were a zombie. I paid no attention to class, nearly hit by a motorcycle when I crossed the road, lost my room key just after I got it and what’s worse was that I didn’t care at all. I was oblivious to everything that was happening around me, until I told myself I had to stop being like this, or at least get some enthusiasms towards life back. I tried to fit in, tried to open up and chat with my new friends, but I couldn’t understand them. It was definitely English, but at the same time it seemed like another kind of language, a language that I had never heard of, that I would never be able to fathom. The only friends that I had made so far were all of my roommates. Luckily they were all very kind and thoughtful.

Mummy asked me the reason why it’s so hard to start a new life in Shah Alam. I couldn’t answer her. Logically, it must be easier to get used to the lifestyle in your own country rather than that in Australia. However, it was not in reality. It was much easier in Adelaide. Then, it suddenly dawned on me that when I first got to Adelaide, I had William and Alvin with me. And in my loneliness, I began to miss them a lot. And now, I had to start a new life on my own, which was definitely harder without any companion around, without someone to talk to.

Alvin, William and me.

Luckily, Michelle came to KL for her IELTS test and I got to catch up with her in Sunway Pyramid. Thank God for that and that day I got back to my normal self again. I got to know 2 of her friends which were in INTEC also, Joann and Jiching and of course, Michelle’s family. And it was really nice to get to know them as they were so friendly. Sadly, Michelle had to leave early and we just spent a few hours together.

Nice, but only with honey!

Michelle and me in Sunway Pyramid.

From the left: Joann, JiChing, me and Michelle.

I also went to Midvalley to watch movie with Ily, Wan, Mira, Farah, Rahman and SweeHow. I met Alvin and his mum there and chatted only for a while as the movie would start in a few minutes. And thank you for the Espirit watch too, it was really cool and I like it a lot. I also met with WeiXiang and KeeiWei and they passed me the Ipod Touch MingWei bought for me. It was exactly what I wanted and began to love it once I saw it. This was my first exception for not believing in love at first sight.

Laming while waiting for Rahman's sister to fetch us to KTM so that we could go to Midvalley. Wanna say a big thank you to his sister for giving us a ride.

The watch Alvin gave to me.

The Ipod Touch my bro bought for me. Thank you to both of them.

Yesterday I took the KLIA express to the airport to send Michelle and Jasmine off. It was so good to get to see them again. Jasmine asked me why I came to send them off. I said I had nothing better to do back at the hostel but the real reason was I couldn’t find a reason not to come. Both of them were 2 of my best friends in Adelaide and how could I not come. Compared to the innumerable kindness they had done to me, this was nothing. By the way, Jasmine's parents were quite funny and warmhearted.

At last, I wanted to thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet with my Adelaide friends after I came back to Malaysia. And I wanna wish Grandpa who had his birthday this week Happy Birthday. I really love you and grandma and thank you for everything you two have done for me. I would try to pay you two back your love and kindness to me but I knew that a lifetime of effort couldn't fully discharge the debt that I owe you two. Happy birthday also to Michelle and Eugenie, 2 stupid but pretty girls and definitely best friends. To a friend who had lost his father, you have my deepest condolences.

I love you, Grandpa and Grandma~

*Sorry if it is a bit too long, but I have got a lot to tell.

#8 Through The Rain

2009-07-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

"In the end, I mustered all my courage, glanced back at all my fellow friends, put on a smile and bid goodbye to all of them. "

After the crazy night, I woke up to Azizul’s knocking on Chiew’s door. He said he wanted to say goodbye to me in case he didn’t see me again. I went to have my shower and then went up to Jamie’s room again. Jamie and Serene were eating Indo Mee when I got in. Later in the afternoon, they would have to sit for their Physics exam. I said goodbye to them and Serene commented that I wanted to cry by then. However, Jamie said that my eyes were born that way and that there was nothing wrong. Then, I went down to pack my things and left. On my way to the bus station, I received Jamie and Serene’s messages and I couldn’t hold my tears anymore. The passer-by must thought that I was some kind of freak but I didn’t mind.

When I got back to my homestay, I rearranged all my stuff as Jasmine’s mum told her that the entire luggage might get quarantined for 5 days due to the swine flu. Before long, Rob, my homestay father, came in and handed me a letter. Inside the letter were some cash and a name card. He said that on the name card there was his email and that I could email him anytime I wanted. Then, he fetched me to the airport. He said that I could always come back to visit him and he would have a barbeque for me. When every of my luggage was finally unloaded from his car, he wished me all the best and his eyes were wet. We waved goodbye to each other and I checked in my luggage.

I wandered around the airport aimlessly until HuiRen called me saying that he had reached the airport. He gave me the gift Weechen, Alvin and he had bought for me. We chatted a while before Chiew, Michelle and Brian arrived at the airport. Then, Zhaofarn, Chiew and Sophia got to the airport also but Sophia could not pass the security due to the knife her father had given her. So, Jasmine and I went out to meet her. I nearly broke down after waving goodbye to her and Jasmine pulled me back to the direction I should be going. I broke into a smile after Jasmine teased me that I still did not have any sense of direction even until the time I wanted to leave Adelaide.

The time had finally come. I was required to move into the departure lounge. I lined up together with the other passengers and I had no courage to turn around and looked at all my friends. It was so sad at that time and my heart was breaking. I knew if I looked back I sure could not control my emotions. In the end, I mustered all my courage, glanced back at all my fellow friends, put on a smile and bid goodbye to all of them. Inside the departure lounge, I read through the “Leaving” card thoroughly and was so touched by then. At that time, I suddenly remembered Eugenie’s saying that sometimes we have to smile with tears.

From that moment onwards, I know that I am embarking on a whole new journey alone, leaving all my friends and memories in Adelaide. And everything will never ever be the same. I have gone through the winter, but where is my spring? Time surely would heal everything but along the healing process surely follows the aching pain. Would I be able to make it through the rain and embrace the warm sunny day that awaits me? It was still too soon to tell.

The plane that flew me from heaven to hell.
The teddy bear that comes with the choc given by HuiRen, WeeChen and Alvin.

The Country Road bag that I love so much given by Chiew, Michelle, Jasmine and all the others.

The "Leaving" card signed by everyone.

Original airdate: 26June2009

#7 The Dark Night

2009-07-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

"Thank you everyone."

It was twilight. Michelle, Jasmine and I were heading towards Hungry Jacks. It would be my last time to visit this place, and most importantly, the last time to have such a nice chicken wrap. Jasmine and Michelle came up with the one-minute-in-heaven-ten-years-in-hell theory, but as a boy I didn’t have to worry much about it. Haha.

After we bought the washing powder, we went back to the lodge by bus. Michelle and Jasmine said something very touched on the bus and I really wanted to cry on the bus at that time, but I still managed to hold back my tears. I went to Jasmine and Michelle' room first. Stupid and childish Chiew deliberately spent 2 minutes waiting behind the door just to scare Jasmine and of course Jasmine who is (not was) so naive was scared until colour drained from her face. It was so funny just to watch their stupid behaviour. Then, I got the chance to meet Michelle's Tweety before I left. Jasmine and I threw the fugly Tweety around and Michelle was yelling and jumping around just to try to save the Tweety. It was so much fun.

Then, I went to Jamie's room. Serene and Buddy were there at that time and later we were joined by Sophia and ZhaoFarn and took some pictures. Serene still put on the "HOTLINK" T-shirt and I was sure that advertising Hotlink in Adelaide was surely futile. Haha. However, Jamie they all had to sit for the Physics exam the next day so we couldn't spend too much time laming together. But I believed that some other day some other time we would still get to hang out together. It was fun, relaxing and light spending time together with them.

Jamie, Serene, Buddy and me laming in the room. Jamie, Serene, Me, Zhaofarn and Sophia and Mashimaro (not seen caz blocked by fat Serene)

After that, I went back to Chiew's room. Later, Eugenie, Priscilla, Alex, Jasmine and Brian came in and Brian handed me the big "Leaving" card signed by everyone. It was so nice and I just simply glanced it through as I scared that my tears would not listen to me if I really read all the words in it. Priscilla also gave me a small DIY card made by her, Eugenie and Alex. The card was so fine and I love it so much. Thank you everyone. Later, we played some card games and we really had a nice time. I really forgot all the problems when I was with all of them and it felt so nice. We played and laughed so loud until the officer on duty came in and scolded us. But, who cared and we really did not give a damn about what the next door neighbour was complaining about. Sometimes, it felt so good to be bad.

Stupid Chiew holding the "Leaving" card.

Jasmine, me, Eugenie, Priscilla and Alex.

The DIY card

All of us playing "Indian Poker"

Thank you everyone for making my darkest night so much brighter.

Original airdate: 25June2009

#6 The Lull Before The Storm

2009-06-22T00:19:00.000-07:00

"However, thanks to Chiew, all the guys who were holding Brian were drenched with the “thing” and the worst part was that it had a revolting and disgusting smell."

It’s a life-changing week. It’s also the saddest and the happiest week of my life. I have been sleeping in Chiew’s room for many days. And I wanted to thank him and Azizul for letting me to stay in their rooms. I knew my days in Adelaide were numbered. And this might be the last post that I would write in Adelaide. However, the reality hadn’t sunk in yet so far. The fact that I’m leaving Adelaide still seemed surreal for me. Maybe I kept on denying the fact that I was going to leave Adelaide for forever and never get the chance to meet any of my friends here anymore. But like they say, Never Say Never, right?

Brian’s birthday was the craziest birthday that I have ever had in my life. Before his birthday, Michelle, Jasmine, Chiew and I had planned everything ahead so that Brian could have the most memorable birthday. And it turned out to be the best one. When we were “studying” in the 7th floor, we communicated in Chinese so that Brian could not understand what we were talking about. We also booked a cake named “White Delight” before Brian’s birthday. It’s such a shame that such an expensive and delicious cake ended up in everyone’s face, hair, shirt and everywhere on the floor. However, it was crazy and fun when everyone kept on throwing pieces of cake on one another. I could hardly remember how the “cake fight” started. But what I knew was that when I was still laughing at Brian’s face that was full of cake, I felt something cold on my face and ear. Then, all hell broke loose. After everyone was covered in cake, we took Brian outside and poured the “thing” on him. However, thanks to Chiew, all the guys who were holding Brian were drenched with the “thing” and the worst part was that it had a revolting and disgusting smell. In fact, it smelled worse than shit.

I went to Jamie’s room to study but ended up sleeping there. However, I when I woke up I felt so hot and dazed. I didn’t know why I would sweat on her bed. Maybe it’s because I covered myself with blanket. However, I still wanted to say sorry to her for sweating on her bed. Jamie asked me to delay the date of going back so that we could spend more time together before I went back. I didn’t know if I can but I would try my best.

Yesterday, after everyone had studied for the whole day, or was about to start studying, Jasmine, Michelle, Chiew, Brian and I decided to play with the coke and mentos. We went outside the lodge with our jackets on. However, it was still cold during this winter time. Then, Brian put the mentos inside the coke but the coke just shot up about the length of a ruler and did not last for long. It’s quite disappointing, but still fun after all. Then, I went to Michelle and Jasmine’s room to chat for a while. Jasmine said that friends are forever and we could contact one another via MSN. Michelle said that maybe we could still meet in Malaysia when they came back. However, it was still so sad to leave them.

I didn’t know whether I have made the right choice. I knew clearly that this choice would affect the rest of my life. My family wanted me to make the decision myself. However, after thinking for quite a long time, I finally made my decision. It’s hard and it’s the most difficult one, but it must be made as time was not on my side anymore. Goodbyes would surely be hard but it at the same time was the only way to destiny. It’s just so hard to pretend that you’re fine when you’re not. I didn’t know how long I would need to heal, but I knew it won’t be short.

Brian, Chiew and I slacking in the room the day before the English Exam.

Brian, Michelle and Jasmine playing with the coke and mentos.

The "thing" that was mixed with rice, chilli sauce, eggs, water, honey, and other 10 types of ingredients.

The process of making the "thing".

#5 A Week To Remember

2009-06-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Jasmine was looking for the surveillance camera but she couldn’t find it. When Michelle pointed it out to her, the shopkeeper told Jasmine that she was on TV."

As predicted, I had been busy throughout the week, and due to the hectic schedule, the week flew past in a wink of an eye. I have been waiting “patiently” for the whole week for the JPA letter to come, but it didn’t.

2 days ago, when I was rushing to finish my biology assignment, Marion called to ask me about my exam timetable as the church needed it to pray for me so that I can have a good result in this coming mid-year exam. I couldn’t express how grateful I was to her by then. After that, I received a call from Grandpa and I chatted with him for quite a long time. Mummy told me that Grandpa had been very worry as I didn’t answer his phone earlier. This is because I was having dinner at that time and I felt really sorry to keep him waiting for so long. He discussed with me the pros and cons of accepting the JPA scholarship and later he asked me about my Math test result. Luckily, I did fine and did not disappoint him. He told me that he had planned my future for me and asked me not to worry about anything. I was so touched and at the same time very grateful as I have the greatest grandfather in this world.

Then, I called my grandaunt and she gave me a pep talk. Due to all the conversation, I nearly couldn’t finish my assignment that was due before the very twelve o’clock. And by the time I finished it, I realized that I couldn’t send my assignment due to the network problem. However, luckily I could still use my MSN and I sent it to Jasmine just in time before my network was completely down. I wanna say a big thank you to Jasmine for helping me. If not, I surely would get a big egg for my biology assignment.

The next day, I went to China Town to meet Huiren, Alvin, and Weechen. I decided to pamper myself after a week of debilitating schedule. I was taken by surprise when I saw Azizul and Careena there. Later, Michelle and Brian came too and we had our lunch together. Then, we went to Rundle Mall for a while and Michelle and Brian suggested that I could go to Bradford Lodge as Azizul’s going to cook dinner for everyone that night and that the next day I could go to the church with them. While we were waiting for Azizul to finish his Hot Choc so that we could get in the cab, Brian told me that he’s going to call his driver to come and pick us up. I did not pay much attention as it was a lame thing to say. Seconds later, my phone rang and I picked it up.

“Bring my car,” Brian said. I was dazed for a moment and when I figured out what was going on, I replied politely by saying “what the fish!” For Michelle and Brian who were hearing impaired and heard that I was using the F word, I suggested that you two should probably go for a hearing test. After I put my stuff in Azizul’s room, I went to Jamie’s room and found out that Serene and Jasmine was there. They said that they were doing homework. And by homework, they mean chatting and “resting their eyes” (Resting the eyes and sleeping are two different things, according to Jasmine.) Lamerest Jamie was being overdramatic by shouting and jumping up and down like a Mashimaro when she saw a restaurant that she had never seen before from her window and I grabbed the opportunity to make fun of her by imitating her childish response. Serene on the other hand was so stupid in believing that Jamie and I knew each other before coming to Adelaide. Later, I went to the first floor to help Azizul to cook and by help, I mean standing there doing nothing and watched chef Azizul cooking curry beef, fried chicken and vegetables. Michelle asked Zul why he went to buy the tins of coconut milk when she had them. Azizul replied by saying that the coconut milk he was using was hers. I couldn’t stop laughing by then at Michelle’s pigness.

After that, I went to Shell with Michelle, Brian, Zhaofarn and Jasmine. Jasmine was looking for the surveillance camera but she couldn’t find it. When Michelle pointed it out to her, the shopkeeper told Jasmine that she was on TV. “She is hiding now, er, she is gone,” the shopkeeper was laughing as Jasmine made her embarrassing escape. Later we went to Alex’s room to watch “An Inconvenient Truth” and GGWS, the two most boring films that I had ever seen. But we could do nothing as they would come out in the coming exam.

Today morning, I woke up to Michelle’s call asking me whether I would go to the church with them, I was so tired and told her that I was not going. Azizul cooked roti canai for me and it tasted so nice. And I really want to thank him for cooking all the nice food. We ate as we watched “Get Smart”. I knew the exam was coming but I couldn’t have care less about it.

Next week is the revision week and we will be sitting for the Critical Thinking exam. I hope that I can survive it or I would not be able to fly home two weeks for holidays. Good luck to all Bradford students. :)

The most stupid things of the week:
1) Jamie kept on photostating the blank pages as she didn't know how to use the photostat machine.
2)Jasmine crossing the road when the red light is on.
3) Nicole, eugenie and I spamming blogs and Facebook profiles

"Resting the eyes, not sleeping!" Lazy people's excuse.

Taken after filling our mouth with Oreo in Alex's room.

#4 Priblem Break

2009-06-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

"I looked at her and the girl seemed carefree and happy. And I couldn’t remember when was the last time I felt that way."

I woke up today and found out that I had a new message from Felicia. She asked me to cheer up and decide whatever it was that I really wanted although it was a hard decision. She also told me that she would pray for me and that God would lead me to where He wanted me to go. I felt warm and replied her immediately to thank her.

The whole week had been a total disaster for me, and the only good news was that I was still breathing. I had always wished that my boring and dull life could be more dramatic. And the wish came true. And now I understood what they meant by beware what you wish for. Blood drained from my face when James told me that I got the JPA scholarship to UK. I couldn’t come to terms with what had happened and I phoned Jasmine immediately, and told her the news. I was completely freaked out by then. I tried so hard to hold back my tears but I failed miserably. The thought of leaving Adelaide made me shudder. I knew clearly in my heart that I could never survive another goodbye again.

I was late for almost every class and I felt really sorry for Michelle. I reckoned that of all the partners of Critical Thinking survey, she had got the worst one. As if the week had not been rough enough, I spilled a cup of coffee on the common room table and on my bag. I was so angry at my own clumsiness at that time. What the hell is wrong with you, I quipped to myself. Luckily, Michelle knew clearly what to do and informed the receptionist about it. Weechen, on the other hand, came into the toilet while I was washing the last drop of coffee out of my bag to see if I was fine. I couldn’t express how grateful I was by then to both of them. And I really wanted to thank God that I have found a lot of true friends here. Michelle and Jasmine gave me a long pep talk on whether to accept the scholarship or not. Jasmine was always there by my side through thick and thin and Michelle the pig suddenly became so wise when it came to giving advice. They told me to follow my own heart and to make a wise decision as it was about my own future. Jamie told me to take it easy and she scared that there would be less lame jokes after a lame guy left. Weechen and Alvin were always there for me as usual. Huiren pleaded me to stay. Eugenie who nicknamed me fugly monkey said that although I was always mean and bad to her, she would still feel sad. Azizul and Chiew on the other hand asked me if I was still emo. All the friends from BP-Hope Church especially Felicia, Cong, Marion, Sarah, and Shu Ai were also very concerned and gave me some useful advice. In the Angel/Mortal box, I received a lolly from my angel. Although I didn't know who was my angel, I was still touched. Of course, Fatty fat, Huien, Joolin, Yvonne, Yuxin, Zixian, CC, CCY, Chaoyang, Jiji and my same age bro Mingwei were always so supportive and I was much obliged to them.

To get my mind off everything, I decided to go swimming and have a spa with Huiren and Weechen although Granpa told me not to. I guessed the best part of being far away from home was that you could filter out all the bad things you have done and just tell your family what you wanted them to know. I wished I could spend the rest of my life in the spa as it was so relaxing and warm especially in this winter time, and it made me forget all my problems. Then, we went to China Town to have our lunch and we were joined by Han and Careena. Careena was her usual self, always smiling no matter what happened. I looked at her and the girl seemed carefree and happy. And I couldn’t remember when was the last time I felt that way. Since we wanted to have Tofu and soup, Careena suggested that we could order the Tofu soup. It had too much pepper added to it but overall it was still nice. After enjoying a lovely meal, Huiren, Weechen, Careena and I unanimously agreed to go shopping at Rundle Mall. We went to a few shops before we came to FCUK and I found a nice reckoner jacket that suited me quite well. I decided to buy it eventually and Huiren bought a shirt too. Careena was very helpful and be our shopping advisor as she clearly knew which style suited us the best. At the end of the day, the original plan of studying in the library was aborted. However, I was still very happy to get to hang out with them.

This week although started off badly but ended quite nice. I really appreciated all the innumerable kindness that all my friends had given me. The next week would be super busy and the challenge has just begun. I hope that I can break free from all the problems next week as I had this week. Fight mode ON!

#3 Sick And The City

2009-05-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

"Great, I thought. It was good to know that overextend was in my nature and that I had to live with that for the rest of my life."

Sunlight streamed through the windows of my bedroom. I glanced at the clock beside my bed. Eight Thirty. In the morning. I sat up, instantly wide awake. The lovely sun was shining brightly in the sky, but for a moment then I was immune to the sun’s natural cheering power (Except for the part that it would help to dry my clothes today). The images of the dream slowly faded away as the reality slowly sank in. It’s another Typical-Nothing-To-Do Day (by nothing to do, I mean nothing fun to do, and tones of assignments and reports were definitely no fun at all), or As-Exciting-As-Watching-Peter Beavis-Talk Day (If you were thinking of watching paint dry, you’re wrong. Peter’s blah-blah-blah speech was far more trite), or in plain English, Saturday.

The to-do list was full of reports, assignments, tests and God-knows-what until the next day? NO. Week? NO. Month? NO. Semester? Yes. Before I could start anything, I heard someone cough. And by someone, I mean me. I had gone to see Dr Clive Philpott and he had prescribed me some kind of medicine last Wednesday, but the cough had not gotten any better. In fact, it’s worse. The only consolation was that it was not the kind of Swine Flu Jasmine and Michelle had cursed me with and I felt utterly “sorry” to have disappointed them. Eugenie told me that I looked like hell yesterday and when I looked into the mirror, I hated to admit that she was right. I looked as pale as death. If there’s any outbreak of another pandemic, people would definitely think that I was patient zero. I phoned my Grandpa and he told me not to forget to take the tablets twice a day and not to go swimming any time soon. It was the first time I thought that cell phone was better than webcam, as he wouldn’t know that I winced as he said that. I guessed I had to wave swim for fun goodbye temporarily.

The lovely sunlight warmed my skin, but my mind was preoccupied with so many things that I didn’t have the time to think of something as mundane as sunlight. I phoned home yesterday, before I could speak, Mummy knew I called back because I wanted to fly back home. Great, so much for the 1 hour training-to-sound-sad-and-miserable speech that I had prepared. She said she will see about that and told me to ask Alvin’s mum about the flight ticket. Then she asked me about my test results and the coming mid-year exam.

“You’re overextended, stressed and there’re so many things on your mind and you keep on worrying about the all the stuff that haven’t happened,” Mummy told me with an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

“How do you know? I’m not. What makes you think that way?” I lied as I turned away from the desk which was full of notes. The simple act of not looking at it made me feel better a hundred times.

“Oh. Because you’re Ming Khai. And you are my son and I know exactly what’s on your mind.” She replied cheerfully. Great, I thought. It was good to know that overextend was in my nature and that I had to live with that for the rest of my life.

On top of that, I thought.. no, I knew something was wrong with me. I had completely lost control of myself. The last thing I needed in this busy month was the arrow of the stupid cupid. And every time I looked into X’s eyes, I was dazzled. It became clear on the night before the Biology test. I couldn’t think of anything but X and I could hardly concentrate on my revision. I kept on indulging myself in work to push X out of my mind. I lost my enthusiasm towards life and I needed to get it back before the exam or I would surely be doomed.

Maybe Mummy was right after all, that I kept on worrying about the things that haven’t even happened yet. Although I have a sickening cough, a homesick feeling and a sick stupid crush, I know clearly that my heart isn’t.

I glanced out of the window, looked up into the blue sky of the city of Adelaide that was so far away from home and I know that everything will get better in time and that everything will be alright.

#2 Mummy Mia!!

2009-05-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

"Papa, who was once a hot-tempered man that had high expectations on his sons, would sometimes lost control and beat us with a stick, but Mummy would always shove us behind her, forcing Papa to stop. “They are just children,” Mummy would say to Papa and calm him down."

5 days. Just 5 days more. Not long, not short. A special day.

Before you knew it, autumn has come. Silently. Creeping around the city of Adelaide on tiptoes without even making a sound. Days got shorter and shorter by each day. The green juicy leaves on the deciduous trees started to change to reddish brown. Maple leaves turned bright red. When I was a small kid, my teacher once told me that the trees were getting ready for winter. “Prepare to prepare to be prepared,” Maybe that’s what little Estha meant in The God of Small Things. Dropping temperature. Falling leaves. Cold winds. Crisp air. Occasional drizzle. Chilled nights. The colour of harmony. "Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all," the immortal words of Stanley Horowitz suddenly flashed across my mind. No more ads on the “Slip-Slop-Slap” campaign. However, slipping on a jacket was indeed necessary.

I was sitting in the bus on my way home. I glanced at the time shown on my cell phone. Technically, it’s Alvin’s. It showed 1:25p.m. It was 11.55a.m in Malaysia. Mummy was still probably having her breakfast. Don’t get me wrong. She does not wake up late. She won’t have her breakfast until she has done all the things that she needs to do every day. Her daily routine:
Water the plants that she likes so much. She told me that plants bring some lives into the house and freshen the air.
Put all the clothes into the washing machine. Although we have two maids (1 left now as her contract has ended.), Mummy always insists that instead of relying on the others, she prefers to get things done by her way and by herself.
Help Papa to watch the shop while he is having his breakfast.
Make the phone calls to order the stocks that replenish in the wink of an eye.
Fill out some “Lucky Draw Contest” forms. I don’t believe in these things as I am always sort of a grounded person. But Mummy always proves me wrong by winning several prizes ranging from mini-sized speaker to pc, from dvd player to plasma TV. She always dreams of winning a new car to impress my grandpa, winning a big new house for us to live in, or winning lots and lots of money for us.
You see, everything is for Her husband, Her father-in-law, Her mother-in-law, Her children, Her nephew, Her nieces, but never for Herself. Sometimes I wonder why and how she can be so selfless.

Mummy comes from humble beginnings. Home to her and her siblings was a humble abode. She had to help her parents to sell vegetables in the market, see to the household chores, rush to her part-time job at her uncle’s pharmacy and study at the same time. She was looked after by her uncle as her parents could not support all of the siblings at the same time. She passed her exams with average scores but could not enter the college or university due to the lack of money. Her part-time job later became her full-time job. Later, she came to Alor Star, met Papa and got married. My grandparents did not like her much initially. They sort of believed that The Rich should marry The Rich, like my uncle and aunt did. The Love Laws that have been laid down several centuries ago, where you will be Loved More if you are rich, where you will be Loved Less if otherwise. A typical woman, a not highly educated daughter-in-law, nothing to be proud of in the views of my grandparents. Despite that, Mummy tried her very best to be a filial daughter-in-law. She knew clearly that she did not meet the expectations of my grandparents, but she proved them wrong by being a diligent housewife, a loyal wife, a filial daughter-in-law, a caring mother and a later a successful businesswoman, which make my grandparents gradually change their thoughts and judgements for her.

After finishing her work at the shop, she would tidy up the house together with the maids. “Iron Lady,” that’s what Alvin’s mum called her. Despite the debilitating schedule, she does not care less about us. Loved Less, but never Love or Care Less. When I was a little kid, she always taught me how to do my homework. Whenever we couldn’t finish our homework, she would be more worry than us. When I was in standard two, I got beaten by the teacher every day because of my illegible handwritings. I tried to improve my writings, but I couldn’t. When Mummy knew this, she went to the school immediately and talked to the teacher. She never scolded, shouted, or yelled at us whenever we didn’t know how to do our homework. Papa, who was once a hot-tempered man that had high expectations on his sons, would sometimes lost control and beat us with a stick, but Mummy would always shove us behind her, forcing Papa to stop. “They are just children,” Mummy would say to Papa and calm him down.

Mummy would always come into our room in the middle of the night and tucked us in. So, we never feel weird if we wake up and find ourselves covered in blankets. Before I came to Adelaide, it’s Her that packed my luggage for me, it’s Her that reminded me to take care of myself when no one is there for me, it’s Her that waited at home when I was hanging out with my friends, it’s Her that secretly gave me some extra cash, it’s Her that bought the presents for my homestay family. The day before I flew, she told me not to cry when we were at the airport as it would make everyone feel sad. However, she secretly prepared a whole bunch of tissue papers. She shed her tears only when I had left and entered the waiting lounge. She stroke my hair on the way to the airport and kept telling me that she did not care enough for me as there are so many siblings to take care of and I am the eldest. As far as I’m concerned, she did. She Does. Even now in Adelaide, every time she calls, she would ask me not to put pressure on myself, but to be happy always. She believes that happiness is the most important thing in this world and she told me that’s what my third name means.

Life is a constant uphill struggle for Mummy, yet she faces her trials and tribulations with determination. She always tells me that the more the others wish for you to fail, the more you need to get up and prove them wrong. She gives so much, loves so much. She teaches me the importance of friendship and family and love. Her optimism and cheerfulness are the most amazing and wonderful things that I’ve ever seen. She is the source of inspiration, a pillar of strength and a true guiding light to us.

I got off the bus and walked towards my House. House, not Home.

The autumn breeze.
The paths hidden by the fallen golden-yellow leaves.
The smell of May.
The unconditional love of a mum.
A bouquet of carnation in a tiny heart.
A son far away from home.

Mummy, I love you. Happy Mother’s Day.