The ATO was really good. TY and I watched Nadal and Tsonga play. Tsonga was too good and really trashed Nadal. I'm just thinking - every time I buy ATO tix, I always get Nadal. So a little disappointed that I didn't get to see any other big shot. And another disappointment too - after that semifinals match, there was the mixed doubles. Lots of people weren't very interested and left, and we did too.
Returned to Sydney yesterday from Melb and my plane nearly crashed into another. It was really scary! The plane just made a sharp left and dropped for what seemed to be 5-10 minutes. The people in front of me screamed, the lady on my right grabbed my hand, the air stewardess who was wheeling the snack tray kinda flew to the front of the cabin, the trolley tray rolled to the back, the oxygen masks in the back cabin fell out and a few bags as well. The pilot then came on after the plane stabalised and he said another plane was heading straight for us - about 500 miles out and he needed to make a decision - which he did. A good decision and quick thinking, because if he didn't, we'd probably all be dead by then. I looked out the window and saw this huge shadow across the wing, so obviously it's a bigger plane... I'm thinking perhaps Qantas flying to Melb? Hmmm... Well, after that incident, the crew offered us water and asked if we were okay. I think most of us were still in shock and shaking after the whole thing, but we're okay. I'm okay.
Got back home safely via cab and had dinner with my housemate. Her parents had already left so it was just her and I. At night, contacted my parents who were in the US, and I found out they were at the hospital. My mum seems to have shingles, but it's not that serious. The docs there are looking closely at her and doing tests. Apparently she contracted it from someone else. So yeah, scary dramas.
Contacted TY too and he's so sweet for bringing my rabbit over to this guy's place. This guy said he'll look after Cuddles if Cuddles and his male rabbit gets along well and doesn't fight. So far so good, but we'll give it a few days and see. I'm, of course, hoping that it will work out perfectly. *crossing fingers*
Today, this morning, we went to IKEA and got a few things - needed a little wardrobe for my cupboard and also needed a small bookshelf which I got. And C got a few things for her room as well. Then I went to work. It was my first day at work at Ch 9 and it was good. I didn't really do voicing at all - just helped out and observed. I was quite amazed that after three weeks of not captioning, I'm still pretty quick on the software. =)
Tonight, my housemate is staying over at her good friend's place so I'll be all alone, but should be okay. I'll probably study. Have a phonetics test and linguistics exam on Wednesday. The movers are also coming over on Wednesday and then I work on Thursday. Tough times... Pray for my test and exam... I'm not sure how well I'd go at this rate.
P.S. I'm actually emailing from work because the Internet at home is not set up yet. It'll be set up only on Wed. But it's good to use the Internet here at work because it's so fast. By the way, this is my break time and it's the weekend, so nothing much is going on and that's why I'm blogging... hee... Will update you guys soon!
Saturday 26 January 2008
Thursday 24 January 2008
Short trip in Melb
Today, am back in Melb - just sorting out the rest of my move and for the ATO semis. The movers came early in the morn and were really efficient. If anyone needs movers interstate, call King and Wilson. They are really reasonable in terms of price, are really professional and nice. The other moving industry I contacted weren't very nice - they're called Moving Again - they were very abrupt and a little rude I should say. They were busy and didn't really bother giving me alternatives, whereas King and Wilson were a little more expensive, but they took the time to really deal with you and give you options. And I think excellent customer service will always win a customer over because it gives you that sense of ease just being comfortable with the people who are dealing with your stuff. Well, obviously I got King and Wilson who took away everything within an hour and 15 mins which included a bit of packing as well. I had about 50 boxes! Yeah, I know... I have lots of stuff. But it's 50 boxes that aren't totally full... The movers packed my laundry basket into a box and there was still a lot of space, they put in the small stools and my printer into another box etc... By the way, I got my boxes from Mini Movers. It was a packaged deal and they seemed really professional and efficient too, but unfortunately they only operate short distances within a state. Might contact them if I do move around Sydney...
News regarding my rabbit, Cuddles - a friend's friend of TY's has a male bunny and doesn't mind taking mine, but not sure if they will get along, so we are going to try it out for a few days. If it doesn't work, I'll just contact the moving consultant at King and Wilson (the consultant I have been dealing with) and let her know that I would like to move my rabbit up to Sydney. Afterall, she has given me a quote already. Of course, hopefully the rabbits will get along and I get to save the money on the pet relocation service - it's about $350.
Visited my office today. Apparently they had a card for me, but somehow it has gone missing. Caught up with a few of my colleagues and they were joking about me doing a shift. My boss wasn't in today - I keep missing her. When she returned from her annual leave from Moscow and Russia, I had already left for Sydney. Now she's in Sydney and I'm in Melbourne. And by the time she returns to Melb, I'd have left for Syd. Someday we'll definitely cross paths again I'm sure. Might head back to Melb mid year or earlier. I'll definitely let my Melburnian buddies know if I do head down.
The semifinal tennis match tonight was great! It was Nadal and Tsonga. Good match, but Nadal was totally trashed. A little disappointed that there was a doubles match after the men's singles. We were really expecting the female's singles and men's singles matches. I think a lot of people didn't really want to watch the doubles either and just left. But the men's was a really good game. I'd definitely go again next year.
Leaving for Sydney tomorrow and in the morning, I have to clean out my rabbit's cage, have to pack unwanted stuff into boxes, have to go to the optometrist and then catch my flight straight to Sydney. Wanted to change my flight to a later one, but I couldn't because you had to change it within 24 hours.
Also starting work on 29th, this Saturday at Ch 9. It should be a cruisy shift because I am just observing, but hopefully I still am able to squeeze in time to study for my exam and test. The linguistic exam's on Wed 30th by the way. So is my phonetics test and the movers are coming - all on the same day... so it's gonna be really busy... Then the week after - more tests and exams... and work too. Pray for me... At the moment I am thinking I might fail. If I do, I'll stay till the end of the year (just to be fair to my housemate) and might head back to Melb the year after. But of course I am hoping all goes well and I'll do well. I just need to pass these two subjects!
News regarding my rabbit, Cuddles - a friend's friend of TY's has a male bunny and doesn't mind taking mine, but not sure if they will get along, so we are going to try it out for a few days. If it doesn't work, I'll just contact the moving consultant at King and Wilson (the consultant I have been dealing with) and let her know that I would like to move my rabbit up to Sydney. Afterall, she has given me a quote already. Of course, hopefully the rabbits will get along and I get to save the money on the pet relocation service - it's about $350.
Visited my office today. Apparently they had a card for me, but somehow it has gone missing. Caught up with a few of my colleagues and they were joking about me doing a shift. My boss wasn't in today - I keep missing her. When she returned from her annual leave from Moscow and Russia, I had already left for Sydney. Now she's in Sydney and I'm in Melbourne. And by the time she returns to Melb, I'd have left for Syd. Someday we'll definitely cross paths again I'm sure. Might head back to Melb mid year or earlier. I'll definitely let my Melburnian buddies know if I do head down.
The semifinal tennis match tonight was great! It was Nadal and Tsonga. Good match, but Nadal was totally trashed. A little disappointed that there was a doubles match after the men's singles. We were really expecting the female's singles and men's singles matches. I think a lot of people didn't really want to watch the doubles either and just left. But the men's was a really good game. I'd definitely go again next year.
Leaving for Sydney tomorrow and in the morning, I have to clean out my rabbit's cage, have to pack unwanted stuff into boxes, have to go to the optometrist and then catch my flight straight to Sydney. Wanted to change my flight to a later one, but I couldn't because you had to change it within 24 hours.
Also starting work on 29th, this Saturday at Ch 9. It should be a cruisy shift because I am just observing, but hopefully I still am able to squeeze in time to study for my exam and test. The linguistic exam's on Wed 30th by the way. So is my phonetics test and the movers are coming - all on the same day... so it's gonna be really busy... Then the week after - more tests and exams... and work too. Pray for me... At the moment I am thinking I might fail. If I do, I'll stay till the end of the year (just to be fair to my housemate) and might head back to Melb the year after. But of course I am hoping all goes well and I'll do well. I just need to pass these two subjects!
Syd, Melb, Syd, Melb...
I haven't really made up my mind which I like better - Syd or Melb. Hmmm...
Sydney's weather is really good at the moment - cool and sunny.
In fact, up in Sydney, the living room is set up quite cosily. My housemate, C and I just have to live on bread, cereal and eggs for a while because all we have in the kitchen is a little frying pan just enough for eggs. I couldn't resist living on takeaway so I really needed that little pan. I miss cooking home-cooked meals. So basically there's nothing in the other rooms, especially my bedroom. And yep, am living on at least 2 weeks of clothes. I really can't wait for all my stuff from Melb to arrive.
Uni has been tough by the way. I have a Linguistics exam next week and don't really know what to study. I think I am struggling with Phonetics more... I just can't really get it and a lot of my classmates seem to do much better than me. Sob sob! I think it's mainly because of all the moving... sigh!
Right now I am considering whether I should go part-time with uni and then full-time later on... That should bring the course to 3 years. Hmmm... Honestly, I think the move has taken a lot of my time and has prevented me from studying to the fullest. See, on the first week, uni had started and after class, it was straight to house-hunting. The second week, we got a place, but we had to sign all these documents and then connect electricity etc. I also managed to squeeze in a few hours of studying that week. The third week, C and I went to look at furniture for the unit we got. I also had to submit my enrollment forms and had to get documents photocopied and certified... so it was a busy three weeks. I think I really need to find that extra time to study... maybe sacrificing a bit of social time I guess?
Sydney's weather is really good at the moment - cool and sunny.
In fact, up in Sydney, the living room is set up quite cosily. My housemate, C and I just have to live on bread, cereal and eggs for a while because all we have in the kitchen is a little frying pan just enough for eggs. I couldn't resist living on takeaway so I really needed that little pan. I miss cooking home-cooked meals. So basically there's nothing in the other rooms, especially my bedroom. And yep, am living on at least 2 weeks of clothes. I really can't wait for all my stuff from Melb to arrive.
Uni has been tough by the way. I have a Linguistics exam next week and don't really know what to study. I think I am struggling with Phonetics more... I just can't really get it and a lot of my classmates seem to do much better than me. Sob sob! I think it's mainly because of all the moving... sigh!
Right now I am considering whether I should go part-time with uni and then full-time later on... That should bring the course to 3 years. Hmmm... Honestly, I think the move has taken a lot of my time and has prevented me from studying to the fullest. See, on the first week, uni had started and after class, it was straight to house-hunting. The second week, we got a place, but we had to sign all these documents and then connect electricity etc. I also managed to squeeze in a few hours of studying that week. The third week, C and I went to look at furniture for the unit we got. I also had to submit my enrollment forms and had to get documents photocopied and certified... so it was a busy three weeks. I think I really need to find that extra time to study... maybe sacrificing a bit of social time I guess?
Friday 18 January 2008
Stupid Blonde Moments... and update on move
This is me in a "blonde daze" after a full day of uni - M, my hostel mate, went to get a fan at Kmart for her hostel room. We tried to assemble it and first, took all the parts out of the box. But halfway after putting the fan together, we realised there was no chrome metal rod. Then I noticed a silver thing and said "Maybe it's this." M said, "But nah, it doesn't look like it. That's part of the inside of the fan" (something like that along those lines). So I helped her search her room and the box for this metal rod. She took all her clothes off her bed, looked under her bed, kept saying "Shouldn't it be in this?" and she showed me this blue long plastic thing that looked like the rod was meant to be in there. We took about half an hour trying to find this. Then all of a sudden, she said "Let's try what you suggest (which was that the metal rod was inside the bottom fan bit and we had to pull it up). I don't think it is, but last resort." Well... she pulled it up and then we just started bursting into laughter. That wasn't all... We found a cup looking thing and we didn't know what it was for. We thought it was something to adjust the height of the fan, but when we put it on the fan pole, it didn't fit and just dropped to the bottom. And then we were like "Ohhhh!" It's actually meant for the legs. I don't think we've ever been that dumb before...
Well, today, after I woke and had breakfast, M helped me to put some of my boxes in the car because I'm checking out of my temp accommodation this Sunday. But this was the blonde moment - after breakfast, M was following me to my room and um, I tried to put in my key in the main door that opens to my floor level. I did it twice!
Went to Ryde, the suburb I'm staying at with C and we spent about 3 hours fixing the TV table. It was a huge job and pretty tough. We needed a hammer and I can't believe we hit in about 40 over nails for one table. I couldn't get a small hammer from Kmart either and had to make do with a really big one, but it was really good quality. Anyway, we had to keep screwing and unscrewing the bolts because some of them were too tight, too loose, the wrong way around... but after all that, we finally finished - and realised that part of the cupboard shelf showed the ugly bit. Oh no! But we left it because it was too tough to take out and all the nails were already hit in quite deep. We're thinking of going to Bunnings to grab some wood-like material to glue onto the ugly bits. That should work...
This morning when I met C at Ryde as well, she fixed up the front door cause there was a little bit that needed glueing down and I painted all the window sills. Whoever was there before left white paint so all we needed was a brush. It does look better.
Had a really long day but the house is coming along well. It should be all lived in by a month's time. Why a month? My stuff hasn't arrived yet and it'll only be arriving in two weeks. Plus a neighbour downstairs who is also part of body corporate has mentioned to us that they hired a new gardener who is going to re-plant some other plants and trim the bushes, so it'll look nicer. The nightime sensor lights aren't really working either and that neighbour said she'll put in a word about that. She seems a little demanding, but is quite nice.. She even mentioned about the insects and recommended us contact our agent so that fly screens can be installed, plus she even told us that she's got something long to pull back the trees so we get some sunlight and that creepy crawlies don't go in. We do have lots of spiders and mosquitoes (mossies) in the place, but hopefully once the new gardener does his revamping of the bushes, they will not be there anymore...
Tomorrow, I need to go with my dad's colleague to have a look at a fridge in the warehouse and if we like it, I'll take it. It's free anyway. And then I really have to study. Might go to RTA to change my car rego/license some other time... But there's still so much to do and my heart is really on the move - can't seem to concentrate on studies... It's like everyone's working so hard at summer school and I haven't had the time to really focus. I really need to pass in order to get into the course, but at the moment, I am struggling and I think I'm quite far behind at the moment... Getting nervous too because I have a Linguistics exam on the 30th and know nothing about it. By the way, results of that mini test is out on Monday and then we have another mini test on Wednesday.
Unfortunately I won't have Internet from this Sunday until Wednesday, so if you guys don't hear from me via Facebook, etc... that's why. I may be able to use the uni one but not sure if I need a Student Card. Haven't got mine yet... I think I get it during the official enrolment day... *Shrugs* Might use M's Internet... But yeah, I don't know what I'd do without the Internet. I guess it's a good opportunity to study. I survived approximately one week without watching the TV so I think I can do without an Internet. I'll probably catch up with uni work. And I need to call one of my friend's sister to take me to church this Sunday... Will do that tomorrow...
No more updates probably until Wednesday 23rd which is also the day I'm back in Melb!! I'll be at the Aust Open semis on the 24th. And leaving 25th... so anyone wanna meet up... maybe on the day I land.. although that day is a tiring day cause I have class from 9am and a uni test. Would probably have to wake early for uni - maybe 8am - just in case of traffic... It's the first day I'm gonna go to uni from my new place and M's not carpooling with me (she usually does...). She'll probably have to get up at 6 something - poor gal. So yeah, I'll be tired, but would love to see you guys then!
Well, today, after I woke and had breakfast, M helped me to put some of my boxes in the car because I'm checking out of my temp accommodation this Sunday. But this was the blonde moment - after breakfast, M was following me to my room and um, I tried to put in my key in the main door that opens to my floor level. I did it twice!
Went to Ryde, the suburb I'm staying at with C and we spent about 3 hours fixing the TV table. It was a huge job and pretty tough. We needed a hammer and I can't believe we hit in about 40 over nails for one table. I couldn't get a small hammer from Kmart either and had to make do with a really big one, but it was really good quality. Anyway, we had to keep screwing and unscrewing the bolts because some of them were too tight, too loose, the wrong way around... but after all that, we finally finished - and realised that part of the cupboard shelf showed the ugly bit. Oh no! But we left it because it was too tough to take out and all the nails were already hit in quite deep. We're thinking of going to Bunnings to grab some wood-like material to glue onto the ugly bits. That should work...
This morning when I met C at Ryde as well, she fixed up the front door cause there was a little bit that needed glueing down and I painted all the window sills. Whoever was there before left white paint so all we needed was a brush. It does look better.
Had a really long day but the house is coming along well. It should be all lived in by a month's time. Why a month? My stuff hasn't arrived yet and it'll only be arriving in two weeks. Plus a neighbour downstairs who is also part of body corporate has mentioned to us that they hired a new gardener who is going to re-plant some other plants and trim the bushes, so it'll look nicer. The nightime sensor lights aren't really working either and that neighbour said she'll put in a word about that. She seems a little demanding, but is quite nice.. She even mentioned about the insects and recommended us contact our agent so that fly screens can be installed, plus she even told us that she's got something long to pull back the trees so we get some sunlight and that creepy crawlies don't go in. We do have lots of spiders and mosquitoes (mossies) in the place, but hopefully once the new gardener does his revamping of the bushes, they will not be there anymore...
Tomorrow, I need to go with my dad's colleague to have a look at a fridge in the warehouse and if we like it, I'll take it. It's free anyway. And then I really have to study. Might go to RTA to change my car rego/license some other time... But there's still so much to do and my heart is really on the move - can't seem to concentrate on studies... It's like everyone's working so hard at summer school and I haven't had the time to really focus. I really need to pass in order to get into the course, but at the moment, I am struggling and I think I'm quite far behind at the moment... Getting nervous too because I have a Linguistics exam on the 30th and know nothing about it. By the way, results of that mini test is out on Monday and then we have another mini test on Wednesday.
Unfortunately I won't have Internet from this Sunday until Wednesday, so if you guys don't hear from me via Facebook, etc... that's why. I may be able to use the uni one but not sure if I need a Student Card. Haven't got mine yet... I think I get it during the official enrolment day... *Shrugs* Might use M's Internet... But yeah, I don't know what I'd do without the Internet. I guess it's a good opportunity to study. I survived approximately one week without watching the TV so I think I can do without an Internet. I'll probably catch up with uni work. And I need to call one of my friend's sister to take me to church this Sunday... Will do that tomorrow...
No more updates probably until Wednesday 23rd which is also the day I'm back in Melb!! I'll be at the Aust Open semis on the 24th. And leaving 25th... so anyone wanna meet up... maybe on the day I land.. although that day is a tiring day cause I have class from 9am and a uni test. Would probably have to wake early for uni - maybe 8am - just in case of traffic... It's the first day I'm gonna go to uni from my new place and M's not carpooling with me (she usually does...). She'll probably have to get up at 6 something - poor gal. So yeah, I'll be tired, but would love to see you guys then!
Thursday 17 January 2008
What a hatchday!
Never have I had such a hectic and stressful bday... First, I had a test this morning and uni class. The test went ok but I think lots of people are thinking they'll fail. I think I'm prepared to get 1/5 but if I get more, obviously it's praise Him!
Second, I spent my entire bday unpacking boxes that were delivered to my house. But we managed to assemble our dining table and chairs, and sofa bed. Good thing M, my house mate, came over to assist us and it took really fast to do. There was no fan when we assembled all the stuff, so by the end of it, we were hot and sticky. Yuck! I think we were making too much noise as well with the banging that our neighbour downstairs heard it and actually came upstairs to knock on the door to tell us to tone down, but we didn't hear a thing and she wrote a note. Looked like a mean essay, but it was just a warning which is ok. Hope she's not one of those perfectionistic people like the one in my workplace - that would just be haunting.
The great thing about my hatchday - TY rang me to give me an early wish the day before. Then in the morn, my hostel mate, Michelle, wished me happy bday. It was all the usual wishing stuff until I got to uni and Michelle whispered to a friend who passed on the message that it was my bday and all of a sudden, they burst out singing happy birthday. =) That was really sweet. I have cool classmates. Haha!
After phonetics, we had to sit through another three hours of linguistics. Linguistics is always dry and painful, and a few people left, but my hostel mate and I stayed on... of course tuning in and out. I fear failing these two subjects! They're really tough. And not sure if I mentioned, but Michelle, my hostel mate, lives in the same temporary accommodation as me. She's really bubbly and fun and we get along awesome! Met her during breakfast in the temp accomm and when we heard about us doing the same course, she started to carpool with me everyday which is great because I have some company. =)
Today I also managed to submit my enrollment and criminal check forms, so it was quite a progressive day. Unfortunately for the movers who are transporting my stuff from Melb to Sydney, I could not get a response from the cheap ones... only got a response from the slightly more expensive moving company. Well, I booked with them, but the only day they can pick up my stuff is on the 24th Thursday and the stuff will then be shipped on Saturday 26th and I can only get my stuff after the 30th Wed. I wanted to book the movers earlier but you needed a permanent address for the stuff to be moved to and we just got the accommodation. A few things with the accommodation though - no lightbulbs, stove top not working, we need to paint the window sills... yeah, a few little touch-ups need to be done, but we're on top of it. Just hoping there will be time for study etc...
Since the day I left Melb, I haven't turned on a television! Imagine that!! I feel deprived but not really - still have so much to do... sigh!!
Second, I spent my entire bday unpacking boxes that were delivered to my house. But we managed to assemble our dining table and chairs, and sofa bed. Good thing M, my house mate, came over to assist us and it took really fast to do. There was no fan when we assembled all the stuff, so by the end of it, we were hot and sticky. Yuck! I think we were making too much noise as well with the banging that our neighbour downstairs heard it and actually came upstairs to knock on the door to tell us to tone down, but we didn't hear a thing and she wrote a note. Looked like a mean essay, but it was just a warning which is ok. Hope she's not one of those perfectionistic people like the one in my workplace - that would just be haunting.
The great thing about my hatchday - TY rang me to give me an early wish the day before. Then in the morn, my hostel mate, Michelle, wished me happy bday. It was all the usual wishing stuff until I got to uni and Michelle whispered to a friend who passed on the message that it was my bday and all of a sudden, they burst out singing happy birthday. =) That was really sweet. I have cool classmates. Haha!
After phonetics, we had to sit through another three hours of linguistics. Linguistics is always dry and painful, and a few people left, but my hostel mate and I stayed on... of course tuning in and out. I fear failing these two subjects! They're really tough. And not sure if I mentioned, but Michelle, my hostel mate, lives in the same temporary accommodation as me. She's really bubbly and fun and we get along awesome! Met her during breakfast in the temp accomm and when we heard about us doing the same course, she started to carpool with me everyday which is great because I have some company. =)
Today I also managed to submit my enrollment and criminal check forms, so it was quite a progressive day. Unfortunately for the movers who are transporting my stuff from Melb to Sydney, I could not get a response from the cheap ones... only got a response from the slightly more expensive moving company. Well, I booked with them, but the only day they can pick up my stuff is on the 24th Thursday and the stuff will then be shipped on Saturday 26th and I can only get my stuff after the 30th Wed. I wanted to book the movers earlier but you needed a permanent address for the stuff to be moved to and we just got the accommodation. A few things with the accommodation though - no lightbulbs, stove top not working, we need to paint the window sills... yeah, a few little touch-ups need to be done, but we're on top of it. Just hoping there will be time for study etc...
Since the day I left Melb, I haven't turned on a television! Imagine that!! I feel deprived but not really - still have so much to do... sigh!!
Monday 14 January 2008
Struggling with uni/move
It's been crazy over here... and still is. For starters, I haven't really had the time to sit down and look through my books and I have mini tests every week for the first five weeks in phonetics. Everyone else is so fast and really good... but I guess I have to keep in mind that I have been moving and settling stuff.
I emailed a few movers last week and two replied. One quoted $1100 and the other quoted $1500. I am still contemplating which one to go for... the one that is cheaper seems to have really poor customer service though - not as efficient as the more expensive one. And these were the same movers I emailed four times now with the same question: "How long will it take to ship my items from Melbourne to Sydney?" Still no reply...
Today is the first day I can sit down and actually have some time later to study my stuff. The past few days were like this:
Last week was intense... Mon-Wed, I had classes from 9am till 3pm but had to wake up at 7am so I can leave by 7:45am for class at 9am. After class, it was house hunting straight till Wed. On Tuesday, I only studied for 4 hours before the test on Wednesday. At least I had 4/5 for the test, but they were stupid mistakes and I probably could have gotten 5/5. Grr... Well, after the class on Wed, the agent called and said we got the property so we had to go in and sign. Then Thursday, I connected the electricity and we went to the property to measure stuff. I brought my dad there too later in the day and it was raining like crazy. The property by the way is in Ryde, a pretty nice suburb and safe too. Did I mention my mum hasn't seen it but from what my dad told her, she doesn't really want me staying there because the building is old. Inside is nice though. Anyway, at night, I had dinner with my dad. Friday came and I went back to Melb and packed up the rest of my stuff. Kinda had a little cry because couldn't find Cuddles a home... and RSPCA said they will put him down if I brought him there for adoption because there are too many rabbits. Hopefully I find him a home soon or someone would love to take him. Packed for two days in Melb, then returned to Syd Sunday morning and went to IKEA and Auburn Home Mega Mall to scout for furniture. We found some really awesome deals and we're both really tired but happy.
Now it's Monday, the week after and I will still be busy, busy. Went to class this morning and after that, had an appointment with the beauty therapists (sometimes you need that pamper)... And tonight is THE NIGHT where I can study. Tuesday, it's class, have an appointment and then need to photocopy documents for my enrolment procedure. Then after that, hopefully I can head back and study. Wednesday, it's phonetics test time and linguistics class after. Then I need to go to the police station to certify documents, contact the fridge guy and then meet my house mate at Kmart to get a ladder and other supplies and then go to the house. Thursday, the fridge is arriving and I have to load my car with my boxes from my temp accomm as checkout is 18 Jan. They said I can extend it though... Friday, I may/may not check out. Need to go to RTA and change licence plates. Then I need to change my address with Honda as well and call a friend's sister to find out how to go to church this Sunday. If I extend accomm, it will probably be till Sunday 20/01 as the temp accomm is nearer church than back in Ryde... I might walk there.
So yeah, I am hoping all will go well... for the time being, while waiting for my stuff from Melb to arrive, I'll have to sleep on the sofa bed and put up with the two weeks of clothes I have.
I emailed a few movers last week and two replied. One quoted $1100 and the other quoted $1500. I am still contemplating which one to go for... the one that is cheaper seems to have really poor customer service though - not as efficient as the more expensive one. And these were the same movers I emailed four times now with the same question: "How long will it take to ship my items from Melbourne to Sydney?" Still no reply...
Today is the first day I can sit down and actually have some time later to study my stuff. The past few days were like this:
Last week was intense... Mon-Wed, I had classes from 9am till 3pm but had to wake up at 7am so I can leave by 7:45am for class at 9am. After class, it was house hunting straight till Wed. On Tuesday, I only studied for 4 hours before the test on Wednesday. At least I had 4/5 for the test, but they were stupid mistakes and I probably could have gotten 5/5. Grr... Well, after the class on Wed, the agent called and said we got the property so we had to go in and sign. Then Thursday, I connected the electricity and we went to the property to measure stuff. I brought my dad there too later in the day and it was raining like crazy. The property by the way is in Ryde, a pretty nice suburb and safe too. Did I mention my mum hasn't seen it but from what my dad told her, she doesn't really want me staying there because the building is old. Inside is nice though. Anyway, at night, I had dinner with my dad. Friday came and I went back to Melb and packed up the rest of my stuff. Kinda had a little cry because couldn't find Cuddles a home... and RSPCA said they will put him down if I brought him there for adoption because there are too many rabbits. Hopefully I find him a home soon or someone would love to take him. Packed for two days in Melb, then returned to Syd Sunday morning and went to IKEA and Auburn Home Mega Mall to scout for furniture. We found some really awesome deals and we're both really tired but happy.
Now it's Monday, the week after and I will still be busy, busy. Went to class this morning and after that, had an appointment with the beauty therapists (sometimes you need that pamper)... And tonight is THE NIGHT where I can study. Tuesday, it's class, have an appointment and then need to photocopy documents for my enrolment procedure. Then after that, hopefully I can head back and study. Wednesday, it's phonetics test time and linguistics class after. Then I need to go to the police station to certify documents, contact the fridge guy and then meet my house mate at Kmart to get a ladder and other supplies and then go to the house. Thursday, the fridge is arriving and I have to load my car with my boxes from my temp accomm as checkout is 18 Jan. They said I can extend it though... Friday, I may/may not check out. Need to go to RTA and change licence plates. Then I need to change my address with Honda as well and call a friend's sister to find out how to go to church this Sunday. If I extend accomm, it will probably be till Sunday 20/01 as the temp accomm is nearer church than back in Ryde... I might walk there.
So yeah, I am hoping all will go well... for the time being, while waiting for my stuff from Melb to arrive, I'll have to sleep on the sofa bed and put up with the two weeks of clothes I have.
Wednesday 9 January 2008
Test today
Today I had my phonetics test. The day went pretty bad - first, I ended up having really bad cramps and felt yuck and icky. So having to sit through the test was like *groan*
Our test was 5 mins and the day before, I was settling the Sydney housing and only managed to study for 4 hours only. Anyway, after class, the lecturer was marking the tests and I got my result already - 4/5. It was stupid mistakes!! I could have gotten 5/5. And I didn't realise they were so particular with the symbols being under the line or over the line and joined or not joined. Grrr... There were four other people around me who got their results as well and all of them got 4, 4.5... one gal got 5/5. It's gonna be pretty competitive.
Anyway, after that class, a lot of us were dreading going for the Linguistics class because yesterday it was soooo boring, AND guess what? There was no class because the lecturer for that subject was sick. So we left at about 11:30am.
Went to have lunch at the QVB with this friend I met who currently stays at my temp accommodation. She's really nice and we have been hanging out a fair bit. We took a bus there, but I really had to get home because my cramps were really acting up and I felt like throwing up. So after getting a few things after lunch - like a few pills, an umbrella (yes, I finally got one!) and other essentials, we caught the bus straight back. Then I slept and now feeling much better.
Later meeting up with my dad maybe... for dinner and to show him my new place.
Heading back to Melb this weekend!!
Our test was 5 mins and the day before, I was settling the Sydney housing and only managed to study for 4 hours only. Anyway, after class, the lecturer was marking the tests and I got my result already - 4/5. It was stupid mistakes!! I could have gotten 5/5. And I didn't realise they were so particular with the symbols being under the line or over the line and joined or not joined. Grrr... There were four other people around me who got their results as well and all of them got 4, 4.5... one gal got 5/5. It's gonna be pretty competitive.
Anyway, after that class, a lot of us were dreading going for the Linguistics class because yesterday it was soooo boring, AND guess what? There was no class because the lecturer for that subject was sick. So we left at about 11:30am.
Went to have lunch at the QVB with this friend I met who currently stays at my temp accommodation. She's really nice and we have been hanging out a fair bit. We took a bus there, but I really had to get home because my cramps were really acting up and I felt like throwing up. So after getting a few things after lunch - like a few pills, an umbrella (yes, I finally got one!) and other essentials, we caught the bus straight back. Then I slept and now feeling much better.
Later meeting up with my dad maybe... for dinner and to show him my new place.
Heading back to Melb this weekend!!
Tuesday 8 January 2008
Prayer works!
Today has been quite a good day. I've been praying to God about the challenges in learning phonetics and for my test tomorrow and I think I am becoming to get the hang of it. Unfortunately I didn't pray about the other subject - Linguistics - and it's actually quite dry. Today the lecturer lost me after Chomsky, this researcher. But I'm gonna grab the textbook sometime and do it then and there. It might be cheaper to get it in Melb so I'm gonna go have a look and see if Melb Uni sells it.
I also prayed for housing cause I was really worried about how my vaccinations are due on the 18th of Jan along with my criminal checks and it says I have to have a permanent address. And today, a phone call - my housemate and I got a place in Ryde, near the North of Sydney. It's a real blessing because the place is a townhouse type, has a carport that is open spaced (which is at the back), is in quite a safe suburb and the place also has a security intercom buzzer. The unit itself is really nice - has quite good sized rooms, really nice bathroom, small living room, but cosy and nice near to modern kitchen. We got all that for really cheap. I can continue describing, but I prefer if you guys visit me to see the place. =) Would love for you to come!
Other than that, I was also worried about my car rego expiring on the 16th, but I heeded a friend's advice and decided to renew my VIC rego so that I have at least three months to convert and don't have to rush.
Going back to Melb this weekend to pack up for Sydney and organise movers.
All in all, it's really coming along nicely. And I am truly grateful to Him for answering those prayers. It'd probably in that rightful time and place that only He knows is best for ya. =)
I also prayed for housing cause I was really worried about how my vaccinations are due on the 18th of Jan along with my criminal checks and it says I have to have a permanent address. And today, a phone call - my housemate and I got a place in Ryde, near the North of Sydney. It's a real blessing because the place is a townhouse type, has a carport that is open spaced (which is at the back), is in quite a safe suburb and the place also has a security intercom buzzer. The unit itself is really nice - has quite good sized rooms, really nice bathroom, small living room, but cosy and nice near to modern kitchen. We got all that for really cheap. I can continue describing, but I prefer if you guys visit me to see the place. =) Would love for you to come!
Other than that, I was also worried about my car rego expiring on the 16th, but I heeded a friend's advice and decided to renew my VIC rego so that I have at least three months to convert and don't have to rush.
Going back to Melb this weekend to pack up for Sydney and organise movers.
All in all, it's really coming along nicely. And I am truly grateful to Him for answering those prayers. It'd probably in that rightful time and place that only He knows is best for ya. =)
Sunday 6 January 2008
My First 2 days in Syd
THE FIRST DAY OF MY INTERSTATE EXPERIENCE:
The day didn't quite turn out excellent... When I got to the airport, the queue was extremely long and I was so close to missing my flight. Fortunately my flight got delayed. But when it got delayed, it was about half an hour of a delay and my poor friend had to wait for me at the airport for that long - there was no way I could contact him either. Because when I went to the gate, it looked like it was going to depart on time. We only got the news that our flight will be delayed because of traffic on the tarmac. I got out ok and my friend took me to this Krispy Kreme factory place where they made Krispy Kreme donuts from scratch and it showed the process. The lady at the counter also gave away free and fresh Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. It was sooo yum. This was near the airport, so everyone who is in Sydney visiting, if you have the time, do go.
After snacking, I went to check in at my temporary accommodation. It's actually a private hostel for uni students at Uni of Sydney, but it offers casual rooms for conferences as well.
Thank goodness I was still quite alert because the housing mistress didn't give me the right set of keys and forgot to issue me a carpark pass. She also forgot to put in a rollaway bed for TY who was coming later on in the day. But she was really nice about it and amended everything quite immediately.
The place is really nice. The room is cosy and spacious... The only facility that was a necessity that the room didn't have was a fan, and I knew TY wouldn't put through that heat so my friend and I asked if they had a spare fan, and a good thing they did. The location around this temp accommodation is rather quiet and it seems like there's a bit of a walk to the train station and to shopping centres, but the city is close. The only downfall about the place is the stale smell of the lift, but that's the only thing - you can still walk up the flight of stairs. The building is 3 storeys high anyway.
After checking in, my friend and I tried to gain excess to the Internet. This was when we encountered some problems with surfing websites. It only went to Sydney University sites and no other site. So I had to go to the technical services just to fix the problem - good thing they were just next door. =)
When that was solved, Christina and I went to see this apartment. It was the first apartment I had ever been to and kept an open mind. But when I stepped into it, I had an immediate eyesore. The apartment was like a turquiose colour - blue/green, but just really bright. The walls and floors were the same colour. One room was pink though. The apartment was liveable, I just think the colour was a bit much. It was too tough to look at. Really!
DAY 2 OF MY INTERSTATE EXPERIENCE:
Today we did house hunting from 9am in the morn and am actually quite stressed at the moment. The housing market is really really competitive up here. Every house you go to, there's about 20 to 30 people around you looking at the same property. Today is my 2nd day in Sydney and yesterday we managed to look at one, but today, we managed to look at about 10. But out of everything we looked at, I personally only liked two of them, but we submitted 4 applications to increase our chances. On Mon, I will have started uni classes, but my future housemate will continue looking at apartments and I will most likely join her after my class. Class for me starts at 9am and ends at 3pm every Mon to Wed... I really hope to get an apartment by Wed at least. Thursday, if all goes well and I have an address by then, I'll be going to the RTA to change my rego and get new plates. Hope I have a good numberplate - one that is easy to remember.
During all that house hunting, TY was the navigator, Christina was the organiser and I was the driver... We had one break and TY was so sweet. He bought me a GPS, which is good. It works really well and it's so simple to use - just what I need. And it's a good thing too cause he will be leaving tomorrow night and won't be around to guide me to places anymore. I just have to figure out how to update the system online, but I'll have a look at the manual tomorrow.
At night, a few friends took us out to Chatswood for dinner. It's really quite a nice place, but probably beyond our budget. If only I earned that much...
Tomorrow is Sunday and will be too busy really checking out map directions to uni, getting around places near my area, getting my uni books and getting a few essentials. And for Mon - looking forward to my first class of the day.
I think for the first month, it'd be tiring but hopefully it will all come together quite nicely before my bday. See, I have vaccination papers and criminal check papers due on the 18th of Jan. Vacinnation papers because I will be working in hospitals... In fact my health booklet is in Melb right now, either in one of the boxes packed, in the plastic bags with my photos in it or in my cupboard in a plastic bag... hmmm... I'm getting TY to post them up to me by express so I get it quite fast. Then my car rego is due on 16th Jan, my bday... and there's apparently an inspection thingy. So yes, hopefully I can get everything done by then.
Small regret
I think I should have not been too enthusiastic actually and probably was a little crazy to have gone to Spore for a week, come back on the day and work, plus end on the 3rd and move to Sydney on the 4th, and now classes are starting real soon - 7th Jan! Yikes! It's just too rushed...
I don't think I had much sleep either because from the 31st, I have been working. Yep, on NY's Eve and NY's Day. And it was a mere 40 degrees during those days. Anyway, worked during the day and after my shift, I rushed home to pack more boxes... Just realise I have lots of stuff. Too much in fact. I did put a "to chuck" pile... and it's mostly sitting around the living room - in a pile of mess. So I will need to clear that. But for the time being, I am in Sydney going to start uni on Monday and nerves are kicking in... and also, the housing issue - we're wanting to find a place by next week. Pray, pray for me and Christina, my future housemate.
Hopefully if all goes to plan and we get an apartment/house/unit in the next couple of days, I can head back next weekend to pack up the rest of my stuff and organise movers. Then I can start filling all my other applications in time too.
I don't think I had much sleep either because from the 31st, I have been working. Yep, on NY's Eve and NY's Day. And it was a mere 40 degrees during those days. Anyway, worked during the day and after my shift, I rushed home to pack more boxes... Just realise I have lots of stuff. Too much in fact. I did put a "to chuck" pile... and it's mostly sitting around the living room - in a pile of mess. So I will need to clear that. But for the time being, I am in Sydney going to start uni on Monday and nerves are kicking in... and also, the housing issue - we're wanting to find a place by next week. Pray, pray for me and Christina, my future housemate.
Hopefully if all goes to plan and we get an apartment/house/unit in the next couple of days, I can head back next weekend to pack up the rest of my stuff and organise movers. Then I can start filling all my other applications in time too.
Tuesday 1 January 2008
NY Fireworks for 2008
Happy and Blessed NY to all!!
Those who aren't in Melb, you guys missed out on the fireworks last night. It was spectacular! In Melb, they put them on the buildings in the CBD and they were big and better compared to last year. TY and I had a really good view from the apartment. Cars tooted at that time as well and people below our block wished us. I bet there's a lot of partying to the sense that no-one will be able to work to their best today... I'm working later on in the afternoon, but for now, it's pack pack pack. I don't think I will finish packing everything by the time I leave and will probably have to head back to settle all the packing business. That's my plan for the first few days of the NY.
Those who aren't in Melb, you guys missed out on the fireworks last night. It was spectacular! In Melb, they put them on the buildings in the CBD and they were big and better compared to last year. TY and I had a really good view from the apartment. Cars tooted at that time as well and people below our block wished us. I bet there's a lot of partying to the sense that no-one will be able to work to their best today... I'm working later on in the afternoon, but for now, it's pack pack pack. I don't think I will finish packing everything by the time I leave and will probably have to head back to settle all the packing business. That's my plan for the first few days of the NY.
Christmas Reflection
I know last year I wrote about the true meaning of Christmas and shared a testimonial. This year, I think I got too excited about my entire holiday in my previous blog entry, I forgot to share my personal reflection on Christmas itself. But in short, I really just want to say that I was truly thankful that I got to spend Christmas with close family and friends, in fellowship and celebration of the birthday of Christ our Lord and Saviour. This Christmas I went to three church services in three different churches and felt a little overwhelmed, but the messages were inspirational and heartfelt and I'd do what I did all over again. Mainly, I was mostly encouraged, seeing Christians all over the nation embrace His presence and remember how He came on that holy night.
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