Christmas and my time in Spore

Christmas was great. It would have been better if my UK cousins managed to grab a flight back. Unfortunately they couldn't get a flight back and will now be heading back during CNY - the period I would not be around... I met my niece for the first time. Her name's Nicole, my cousin's kid and she's only 1-year-old. Everyone says she looks like me when I was little. Hmmm... but she'll probably be prettier anyway when she grows up cause she's of mixed blood. The strange thing is she is very picky about who picks her up or carries her and she quite likes the "pass the baby" game. Haha... Somehow she often stretches her hands out to me, which according to my cousin is very rare. Also met my Aunty Denise's grand nephew. He's only 15 but looks older and was away for the first time out of the US. All the cousins welcomed him and he got along with both young and old. It was quite interesting finding out that he had never tried seafood, but we introduced it to him the night we went to East Coast and surprisingly, he took a strong liking to it!

Christmas was definitely fun. It was the first time in a long while that my sis and I were both back together. I was only back for 7 days - yeah, a rather short I should say, but I managed to meet up mostly with relatives, but also with my childhood friends and also church friends. Ate a lot of food, bought some nice tops... the usual stuff you would do on a holiday. And no, I don't think I splurged... or my next month's credit bill would be pretty high.

There was one thing I didn't think I would do during this hol back to Spore, and that was go on a yacht cruise to Malaysia. My aunt rented a yacht, a 20-man catamaran at the SAF Yacht Club in Spore and 19 of us went. It was good fun but the most tiring day I've had. We disembarked at a resort in Malaysia and played water polo (cousins versus the adults) for most of the day, then we returned to the yacht to have lunch. It was really good. I actually didn't want to go - first, because I didn't bring any bathers because I thought I was gonna shop my entire trip and meet with friends. So I actually waded around the steps going into the pool. Second, I get boat sick. The last time I was on a boat, it was bad. But because it was a family thing and my aunt persuaded me to go, I said OK. My mum ended up buying travel sickness pills for me - I took one pill before the journey and it actually worked. Two of my aunts got quite seasick though... The tiring thing was after the yacht cruise, I rushed home and showered and then headed out again for my Spore church gathering. I can't believe I started the day at 7am and ended the day at about 1am... went to bed at about 2am.

We also played charades and a few other games on the yacht so yeah, it was pretty exhausting by the end of it all.

My church gathering was a really solid reflection I found. We had to write our answers to three questions:
1) Name a godly attribute you would like to have or take on in the new year and why.
2) What habit do you currently have that you would like to change in the new year - so many people said procrastination. Haha... but quite common among students. I kinda said I worry a lot and think too much that I doubt God at times when I shouldn't - so just wanting to trust Him more with the plans He has for me.
3) A verse that encourages you.

We sang church songs and also spoke about our ups and downs for the past year - just a general reflection for the new year.

The last day in Spore was Sunday, and again, I met up with church friends. There was church lunch and it was really good, but I was craving for chicken rice also. One of my church friends suggested Downtown East, this resort in a suburb called Pasir Ris. And yeah, the chicken rice wasn't bad. The ice milo was one of the best I've had in Spore though... except there is this milo drink with milo flakes (can't remember what it's called) but TY introduced me to it and it's quite nice.

TY had been so busy in Spore helping his family move house. I guess it's handy to have a son like that but he was getting quite sick also because of the hectic-ness. At least he spent lots of time with his family. I only got to meet TY twice the whole trip and it was for an extremely short period of time. So in a way, I am glad to be back in Melb and spend my next 4 days with him here before I head up to Sydney for good. Quite sad really with all the boxes being packed and the house clearing away slowly. Still need to do lots of stuff. Pray that my future housemate Christina and I can get permanent accomm soon.

By the way, I just came back to Melb this morning - my flight wasn't very good. First, my flight was delayed. I sat near the bulk head seats and there were lots of babies around me who kept crying. You kinda feel like you're in a pregnancy ward. There was one baby near me who wanted me to hold him though... and he was adorable. But he cried too at some stages, especially during the turbulence. Yeah, the turbulence was quite bad. Also, usually they give you a towel before the flight and after the flight, but they only gave you a towel after, so I was getting really dried up due to the air in the plane. The food - it was the choice of pasta or salmon. I love fish so I took salmon, but it wasn't a very good choice. Don't think it was cooked very well and it made me have a very upset stomach. It got to the point that I had to go to the toilet and puke it out. You could tell it was the salmon cause it looked like it - just all mashed up. I must say it was the first time I ever puked on a plane. Then it got really stuffy and my nose was dripping and blocked. It was quite horrible. Managed to watch Knocked Up though, which was alright - predictable ending and storyline. Quite liked the light humour to it though. but there were some really gruesome scenes... certainly not for kids. Stardust was so much better - watched it when I was on the flight to Spore - and it was really quite good. Definitely worth a watch.

Actually I nearly missed the flight back to Melb. I checked the time a day or two ago, but actually saw the wrong time - I was looking at the time I arrived in Spore. Good thing TY called. He called to check where I was and I said I was still at home. Then he asked if I was sure that my flight was departing at 2130 and I said yeah, I think so. But when I checked my ticket again, it was 2015. Yikes! This was about an hour and a half before my plane was due to leave. So we rushed. And during that time, I was happily eating my grandma's buah keluak peranakan dish. She cooks the best one.

Well, I got to the airport just in time. My dad said it was the fastest he ever drove to the airport. And I got there 50 minutes before my plane was about to leave... Apparently they close the check-in 40 minutes prior to the departure time, so I was quite lucky to have arrived there - it was so close... TY was departing from Terminal 2 but came to Terminal 1 where we went in together. He got his new biometric passport too which he tested out and it worked! Mine works too - just don't have the plastic thing. His looks more high-tech.

When we got home, Jess was sleeping. She did such a good job looking after Kara and Cuddles. Kara really missed us because she was purring and rubbing her head against our faces. So cute she is. TY and I slept for a bit and then I had to go off to work. Yeah, jetlagged at work... haha... but went to work and survived. Tonight is the countdown to NY's, but I'll probably be too tired to really do much. Need to pack.

By the way, I received my full offer package to the MA Speech Pathology course at Uni of Sydney with so many forms to fill... including my criminal check record and vaccinations. I need to actually go through my medical booklet from Spore to see if my vaccines are still valid. If they are, it saves me having to take them again. But the list of vaccines I need to take are in a booklet and there's a lot - quite scary. The only worry is I have to do my criminal check by 15 Jan and my vaccinations by 18 Jan. That is pretty rushed. Need to make a full check list for the NY and it will be busy the first two months. Pray for strength, discernment, wisdom regarding choices and the hecticness in Sydney and pray for a smooth transition. Thanks.

First few days in Spore

I've been adjusting to the Singapore weather. It was hot the day I landed and yesterday as well but today, it's been slightly drizzly... I've been eating a lot - yet to try my chicken rice though and I had a craving yesterday.

Went to Zion BP Church today and saw a lot my aunts and cousins (yep! They go there too). Caught up with youth after about 10 years of not seeing a lot of them. And of course people would have changed by then. My friend Justin picked me up from the bus stop and drove me to church with his sis. Then we went for pizza. It was quite nice seeing everyone after 10 years. I don't think a lot of people recognised me, but it was truly by the wonders of Facebook. Haha! It was a great catch-up though.

Later, am going for my relatives' gathering...

Oh, yesterday I went out with an aunt and uncle and my parents to have really good food at Geylang - beef kway teow, frog legs which I tried for the very first time (they are yummy!) and durian. The durian was so nice but I had a sudden reaction to it - after three seeds, my mouth palete started itching like crazy and also my bottom lip swelled up on the sides. It was like liposuction gone wrong. And it wasn't like I wanted Angelina Jolie's lips either. It was bad... but I put some ice and drank lots of water and it went down. Does this mean I can't eat durian ever again? Sob sob... My mum thinks that I have what my dad has, because we have the same blood type. My dad recently had an allergic reaction to prawns and well, the doc confirmed that my dad can have sudden allergies. It'll be good if the sudden allergies are to something you don't really like... but why does it have to be something you really like?

My airport trip

Mary and Dave are sooo sweet! First they helped me pack up a lot of boxes for my Sydney trip and then they sent me off to the airport. Jess is also really sweet for looking after Kara and Cuddles (the pets) as she always does. =) TY and I are giving her a break and Wai Hong will be looking after the pets when TY and I head up to Sydney. So thankful and grateful for you guys! Thanks again! Dinner on me sometime.

The day was looking rather gloomy when I was going to the airport... It was raining a little heavy and the news said a freak storm was going to hit on the weekend (hopefully not). Anyway, checked in and when it came to boarding time, I showed them my boarding pass in the economy queue and the lady went "Hmm... this ticket is not valid, please go to the other section." I was thinking "What the?" But went to the other counter and they said, "You should have this ticket instead." It was business class! They upgraded me and I still do not know why. I could think of a lot of maybes.. but oh well, enjoy while it lasts right? I found out that business class gives you double the food that economy does... and it took me a while to work the seat. Haha... I think I was annoying a few people because it kept making robotic sounds everytime I moved the seat. It was good fun though. The only downside - there was this passenger next to me. He introduced himself and is a manager for the Coles Group, but he wouldn't stop complaining. He kept going on that he couldn't believe it that he was on the wrong flight - that he was supposed to go to Philippines instead of Singapore. Then he started boasting about how he always sits Business Class and First Class. That was quite alright... it started getting irritating especially when I was watching movies and he poked me asking me how to plug his headphones in and how to turn the tv/movie menu on. It was quite obvious really and I thought he travelled Business and First Class before. If he's trying to impress a girl, it wasn't very impressive. Also, the way he was complaining and going on about an issue that could be rectified, it didn't fit the expectations of a manager either. I honestly don't know how he got the job. I mean a manager should be professional, collect and calm and respectable right? Despite that, Business Class was really good and I couldn't remember the last time I sat it.

Watched Stardust on the plane and it was really good. I liked it. Also watched Superbad, but it was quite stupid I think...

More choices... and stuff...

It's been a while since I last blogged - has been a while. But I did say I will blog when I'm in Singapore and this is earlier than that. Haha.. Just making myself feel a little better. Hee...

Am at work right now and am just doing payroll and rostering - and finished most of my work. Still two hours to go and am quite bored. So just sitting around waiting for my boss to approve the final rostering. There's going to be lots of changes! I can feel it.

Anyway, great news! Just thought I tell you guys that I got into the MA Clinical Audiology program at Macquarie. The only thing is that I just checked the letter of offer again and it seems that I have to do a qualifying program before the actual course commences. That qualifying program is a semester long and this means that I would have to do the actual MA Clinical Audiology course in 2009 instead. I looked through the list of subjects I had to do and it all looked really good, but it seems that I have to do a subject in Stats and am not big on the whole Maths thing. Well, just wrote a really sad rejection letter regarding my offer for this course - as most of you know, I already accepted the MA Speech Pathology program at Macquarie Uni and it starts 7 Jan. I guess if I can start the MA Clinical Audiology course in 2008, my decision may have been different and I'll probably be considering the two quite thoroughly. If only there was a MA Speech and Audiology program in Aust...

It's also confirmed that I am starting work on Australia Day, 26 Jan. Does this mean I can park anywhere for free? Hmmm... Depends where I work I guess. =)

Since TY's gone, I have been watching Gilmore Girls. It's good! I like it so dun mock... hee... I've also progressed in the packing - my number two box! Haha! Been also reading up on Phonetics... It's actually quite good fun. Lots of terminology and I am not sure if I will remember all of it - will just need to keep reading over and over again until I do I guess. At least now I know what the uvula is and what the alveolar ridge is and what voiced and voiceless words are.

Tonight, just heading out with my gay colleague. He wants to take me out for dinner, but he's gay so it should be alright right? We shall do some "gal talk". Haha!

This Sunday I'm leaving for Spore, but in a way, I am looking forward to Sydney. It feels good to see my name on the next roster. =)

I'm a busy busy bee

TY just left yesterday - last night. And today I am working, but on a late shift... But am going through my stuff and throwing things as well as trying to pack things. I just realised I have so much stuff and not too sure what to take. TY bought a whole lot of stuff from me at half price too like the dining table and chair, the DVD player, the sofa and coffee table, the fridge... so I'll need to get those when am there.

Just looked at the bills too and I think I overspent this month! It's been crazy with the whole uni fees thing. And the next pay period is on Boxing Day.... hmmm... At least I'm working NY's and will get 100% loading on that day. I'll also be taking annual leave in advance. How good will it be though if I got this pay packet before the Christmas season?

My dad's around and tomorrow, my sis, her boyfriend and I will be taking him out to dinner. But during the day, I have to really shop for gifts. Maybe I'll have to resort to eBay stuff.. haha...

The week before and after Christmas

I've got about a week before I head off to Spore for a week for Christmas and it's busy and stressful. I'm working all day - the only day I have off is Sunday 16 Dec. And I've got lots of stuff lined up. For instance, I have the optometrist to go to - I'm getting special contact lenses that do cornea reshaping (not everyone can do it, but I've seen the optometrist and he's really good, and after a few little tests, I'm deemed suitable for it) which means that I only wear contacts at night - I don't have to wear contacts during the day and I can see perfectly. It's expensive, but it'll be worth it!

Other than that, I have to get a $10 present for my Kris Kringle at work. I wonder what I should get... hmmm... maybe a coffee cup? Or a gift card from Gloria Jeans... hmm... Any ideas?

I also have to get my hair cut and my final Gardasil vaccine. On my day off (Sunday), I'll probably do some Christmas shopping at Myer.

TY is leaving for Singapore tomorrow - Friday night - and it's a good thing that today we managed to check out the Christmas lights displays on the houses. It's really good. Can't believe how long people take to put up all those decos on their house. I'd love to put up some pics but they are in TY's cam. If you guys have a car and have a chance, you should check the Christmas lights out on the houses. The really good ones are the finalists listed in the Herald Sun day by day before Christmas, or just Google "Herald Sun Christmas Lights Competition Finalists" and it would come up with all the finalists' names and addresses. Some of the houses, you can even go up to and look closely at the windows. Some houses even have small boxes/tins for you to drop in a small donation - they usually go towards charity.

I have to send out my Christmas cards too! If you guys would like a Chrissy card going your way, email me your address. If you have Facebook, that's where you can find my email address. Which reminds me - I need to get Chrissy cards.

I will definitely blog about the Christmas period when I'm in Spore, but after that, I'll be back in Melb on the 30th, arriving 31st morning and working later on in the afternoon on the same day. Yeah I know, call me mad... But that's when the roster week ends and there was no time to change it or let anyone fill that shift as lots of people are taking leave that period. I'm working NY's too, unfortunately. Last day is the 3rd of Jan and am working on that day too. Then I leave for Sydney on 4 Jan. My future housemate will be up there on the 3rd of Jan so hopefully she and I will be able to find a home by the weekend before my classes start on 7 Jan. And hopefully I will be able to find my way to the Syd Uni campus. I know... it's really rushed. But I am crossing fingers and toes that all will go OK.

I got in! And the dramas start...

I got an offer into the MA Speech Pathology course at the University of Sydney! Yay! But I have to do two subjects in summer first. Once I pass them can I be officially enrolled as a student for Sem 1.


The drama is, my last roster of work ends on the 06/01 and the summer school starts 07/01. I had to settled work transfer with my boss in Melbourne and the boss in Sydney so I could work in Sydney on a part-time basis. I wanted to start work much later on unpaid leave and could not get that because I still had annual leave allowance. I had to organise for temp lodging during the summer course as well as research on car relocation services, car rego re-transfer of rego, permanent accommodation, etc... It was a headache at first but it all worked out in the end. Praise God!


Here is my final plan:

• Was supposed to be doing the tennis on 06/01 but my boss managed to get someone to fill that.
  I am on RDOs (Roster Day-Offs) on 04/01 and 05/01 and have booked my flight to Sydney in the morning of 04/01.
• I have temp accommodation at the Sydney Uni main campus for 2 weeks from 04/01 and that will give me time to settle housing hopefully.
• I tried to get a car relocation service, but when I called a few, all the dates were too inconvenient - either I was going to be in Spore for the Christmas period or it was too late in receiving my car. So TY has offered to drive it up. He will be staying with me from 04/01 to 05/01. And he'll be accompanying me on driving routes through Sydney to and from the uni's campus - I'll be studying at the Cumberland campus in Lidcombe by the way.
• I had 9 days annual leave left but because I am going part-time in Sydney (Yep, they approved my going up), I managed to take leave for about a month and I will start work on 26/01.
  I have already booked tickets for the Aust Open semis on 24/01 so I'll head back to Melb around that time. And hopefully I'll have moved in by then.
• Exams are end Feb but I'm gonna ask for unpaid leave around that time. Should be OK to get approved.

Not finalised:

• We are still looking for someone to look after Kara and Cuddles on the days TY goes up...
• I'm actually looking for someone who wants a 4.5-year-old tame and friendly little dwarf male rabbit who is albino and desexed. Let me know if you know anyone... Of course, they'll have to love animals of course and have to be quite responsible... Sadly, I don't intend to bring him up to Sydney as it'd be quite tough - he doesn't really like the travelling. And hopefully he can get a good home somewhere.