Vick's Daily Rambles

Midst of Exams

2010-11-22T02:37:00.003+11:00

So am currently having exams, hence the MIA from blogging... (didn't actually realise I hadn't blogged for a whole month)...
And yes, it's nearly 3am so I need to sleep soon to chug my brain for tomorrow's cramming. I think all I probably need is an extra brain to absorb all the information... sigh... it's crazy at the moment...
Got two exams this week on the Tues/Wed - yes, one after the other - on the 23/24... then my last one on the 1st! It's almost all over! In a way, am excited, but also really worried/concerned about the papers on the 24th and 1st. The thing is that they are based on c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l practs... and also everything I have learnt a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y-related, which means they can quiz on everything and anything, which sucks cause my brain can't hold all that stuff. There is a sup if I fail the oral exam on the 1st, but I am hoping and crossing fingers and praying hard that I wouldn't have to resit. It would mean having to come back for the sup which is in mid Jan and I would really hate to do that. The good thing is I start work mid Jan, but if u do have to resit, the company is pretty okay with it and allows u to do the resit. The bad thing is u won't be able to do much and can't actually fully practice/work yet until you get ur certification/license approved. Well pray for 23, 24 and 1st papers! I've done two already that were on the 16/17 - went okay.. think I did quite well for the one on the 17th.. but anyways, the big thing is to try and pass the papers on 23, 24, and 1st. Please pray your butts off!! Signing off nows for the bed... V...

Study Life - More of It!

2010-10-26T01:10:00.002+11:00

Realised I had no morning class today and overslept till about 11am when I actually went to bed previously at 11pm... That's like 10 hours! It was a good sleep but right now, I can't sleep and it's nearly 1:15am...

I feel quite productive - having kept up to date with my assignments and not having to apply for an extension at all. The only worry I have are my exams. I still have two assignments left and was doing bits of it today... Tomorrow going to try and do one of the assignments and then perhaps try to write summary notes from my lectures for 4 subjects.. don't think I can do it all in one day, but I have to try. I thought it was going to be Wed tomorrow... lol! But it's actually Tues... which is good, cause I have an extra off day to write notes or do assignments.

Yeah, sorry for the boring content of assignments, but it's practically my life at the moment...

Song Stuck in Head...

2010-10-08T23:14:00.002+11:00

This song has no relation to what I'm feeling - it was just catchy and now it's in my head... grrr... can't do assignment cause I keep thinking about this darn song... grrr...

(esp the Chorus) which goes:
You can't make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind
Please don't waste my time, time, time, time, time
I'm not tryin to rewind, wind, wind, wind, wind
I wish our hearts could come together as one

Cause shorty is a eenie meenie miney mo lova
Shorty is a eenie meenie miney mo lova
Shorty is a eenie meenie miney mo lova
Shorty is a eenie meenie miney mo lava...

October and Daylight Savings Make me Nervous!

2010-10-04T00:44:00.002+11:00

I can't believe it's October!! And it's Daylight Savings!! Just screwing up with my biological clock... The good thing is that all my computers and phones in my house changed automatically, but my car didn't and while on the way to work today, I thought "wow, it's actually early" so I ended up taking my own sweet time driving and actually got to work 5 mins later than I would have liked! No dramas - just intended to head into work early to look over some of my research notes for one of my assignments - and then realised that I had no time and it was already time for me to be working on my news feed. Sigh - brought in my research notes for nothing.

The work day was a little hectic! Another station was crashing, so I had to standby and take over... nothing like m-e-d-i-a days - it's usual... happens all the time...

October makes me nervous cause it's when all the assignments are finishing/due. I've counted and I have at least 5 assignments due - one almost every week which is insane when you have classes Mon-Fri 9-5 and work on Sats. Assignments take heaps of time - sometimes even weeks to write... But I reckon if I have enough motivation, I can write up a good assignment of about 3000 words within 2 days! (Note the "IF I have enough motivation"). Milo is good right? Energy drink for the night time? I dun really like coffee, but hot drinks such as milo on cold rainy days like today is good... =P

When November comes, that's gonna be crazier cause there's review week, exam study week, and exams... During the exam study week, I'd be in Melb house-hunting. Really really have to be motivated then, cause the week after I get back from Melb, I've got 2 exams - and I need need need to pass!! 17, 18, 23 are theory exams. And the week after the last theory exam is my clinical practical exam and oral exam (viva), which I am more nervous about... please please pray hard for moi to pass!! Thanks!! =P

And then December - it's all over! And I would have been finished!!

Where all the Time Goes to...

2010-09-28T15:36:00.003+10:00

So I submitted my resignation and finishing up with the c-a-p-t-i-o-n-i-n-g job first week of Dec. It was sad to say goodbye, but at least I'd be going on to pursue ears! =)

Time really flies... And I just realised I've been in media since 2002!! eeks!

Can't even believe am nearing the end of my course with only a few months left!

Uni has started again and it's back to 7am wake-ups and whole day of classes! The good thing is that I have two days off during the week (Tues and Wed) - but mainly for running errands and doing assignments. Like today, I did errands but uni work was zilch... And was supposed to do work!! At least the day hasn't quite ended yet and I was productive in my errands - did laundry, renewed my driving license, went to get groceries, collected my dry-cleaning, sent a couple of emails, surfed FB pics, did my timetable... And tonight, it'd be work, work, work I hope... Need to start on a couple of assignments otherwise I'd be sooo behind in everything. It is going to be a couple of busy days and months for me!!

And the exam timetable is out!!
17, 18, 23 Nov - theory exams
29 Nov - 3rd Dec - c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l pract exams inclusive of the "deadly viva" (which is an oral exam with three examiners who will interrogate you on two cases). Dates not yet advised! Need to pass so I can head back to Melb without feeling like crap and thinking I might have to resit. If I have to resit, I have to head back in Jan to do so!! So please please pray hard for me!!
Prayers needed desperately on the dates mentioned! Thanks guys!

September Randomness in Melb

2010-09-21T11:45:00.002+10:00

In Melb till Thu...

My dad was down here on the weekend and has just left for Syd. Before he left for Syd, I gave him his belated bday pressie (his bday was in Mar - but hadn't seen him for a while since then)... it was the StarCraft2 PC game. =) My dad hadn't played games for a while but he's played StarCraft before and no harm starting to play it again. Hee!! My dad was seriously hardcore before with gaming and got addicted to a lot of strategy games like RA2, Tiberian Sun, etc...

Hung out with a few peeps on Sun arvo - had yum cha which was so gd!! Apparently it was one of the most relaxing yum chas one of my friends had ever had. Very cruisy! Then after yum cha, hung out at Knox. A few of them wanted to get a pressie for one of their friends. Also went to JB and TY ended up getting his iPad!! =) I chipped in a bit for it - Christmas pressent! =) Gd for when he comes up to see me!! =) Or when he goes travelling with his buddies (next trip is Tassie with the boys). That night we went out with a different group of peeps and had crab! =) There were new peeps that we met, along with M, D, J, and C. And Baby J is sooo big now compared to the last time I saw him. =) After din, went over to M and D's house to have desert and socialise with everyone else. Yummy vanilla ice cream and roasted chestnuts! =) As evening drew on, TY brought out his iPad and everyone started having a go at Scramble2. It was sooo fun, I didn't really wanna leave. Lol! It is a very gd app for group socialising!! =)

J-u-n-i-o-r M-a-s-t-e-r-C-h-e-f is back, but once a week on Sundays! We missed the last one because TY and I had a little date. Hee! Went to watch "Going the Distance" starring D. Barrymore and J. Long - it was light-hearted and just alright... nothing too brain-full (if that's even a word)... lols! Then had a quick snack at P-a-n-c-a-k-e P-a-r-l-o-u-r. Mmmm... I had the Hot Ball which was sooo yum!

Now back at TY's and working on my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l portfolio. I need to feel reflective when I write it, so hopefully by writing my blog, I'd be inspired. =) It's due tomorrow and once I've finished it, will need to annoy some peeps for a printer and scanner. =)

Crazy Lady Driver in QV Carpark

2010-09-21T11:42:00.002+10:00

Yesterday TY and I were going out from the QV carpark and saw this lady driver in a silver Honda go over humps really slow and then take corners really sharp and fast. And if you see the QV carpark, the narrow ramps are 2-way streets, so you really should go slow... But this lady would speed off after every ramp. The good thing was that we were following her - probably wouldn't want to be on the other side coming up towards her... Scary stuff!!

Floodwaters & This Week

2010-09-16T20:50:00.005+10:00

How scary were the floodwaters in VIC - apparently it's the worst in 15 years!! I saw pics and many towns were submerged and cars were floating on the floods... seemed catastrophic! This happened over the weekend before I headed down to Melb - so not too long ago. Wouldn't want to be in that situation with the floods, although it could be interesting to experience it first-hand provided there are SES crews around!! Which actually reminds me... TY and I experienced a storm before. This was when we went to Apollo Bay and there was a massive storm... Some guy died that year at Torquay... not sure if some of you Melburnians knew about that storm up that way... but when TY and I went up to Apollo Bay, we had to drive around big huge boulders. The night the storm struck and some people had died from fallen trees/drowned - we were out driving really slowly through the town to grab late dinner. It was certainly foggy and stormy. We didn't realise the storm had struck until the day after when morning came. The sea was brown, the town was somewhat flooded, and there were big boulders on the roads and trees uprooted, and branches and twigs everywhere! The cops were also about in the helicopters above... Even locals were talking about it being their biggest storm in a few years. Go see some of our pics on FB - Apollo Bay trip... Yeah, it was pretty scary...

Anyways, back to the VIC floods and apparently one of the worst affected areas was S-h-e-p-p-a-r-t-o-n. I was actually so close to taking a job with another company in S-h-e-p-p-a-r-t-o-n, when I declined it and accepted B-e-n-d-i-g-o instead. But just recently, I heard that the c-l-i-n-i-c-i-a-n-s at the B-e-n-d-i-g-o centre also go to S-h-e-p-p-a-r-t-o-n to fill in. But the S-h-e-p-p-a-r-t-o-n centre for this particular company is okay because it's somewhere in the middle of a hill where floodwaters would not really get to. So that's good!

When I reached Melb, the floodwaters had passed, but the floods were still around - and still around today - but in the midst of receding... although it is gonna rain again this weekend and some areas are on flood alert.

Well got a friendly email to visit the B-e-n-d-i-g-o centre where I will be starting work at next year in Jan. So went to B-e-n-d-i-g-o and everyone was really warm and welcoming. It was a pretty big centre - seemed like a medical facility. I even got to select my room and the c-l-i-n-i-c supervisor there was really accommodating. She took us out for lunch at this really nice cafe and even showed us around. I was certainly not expecting to climb an observation platform of about 5 flights of stairs to see the view of B-e-n-d-i-g-o, but yeah, it was worth seeing - but rather cold and windy at the top. Apparently the area has a really rich history and would be gd to explore when I start working there. I will be going to other visiting centres as well... the furthest is about 5 hrs drive, but the company would prob fly you up and put you in some accomm with meals. The visiting sites are actually gd - a different experience and new challenges, and it'd be nice to sometimes have a change too. =) I would not have been able to say that, but it's because today, I went on my first visiting site - and I actually really liked it. Am on p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t at the moment in A-l-b-u-r-y, and today, went to C-o-r-o-w-a (about an hour out) in the company's car. Although it was lugging the entire office with you, it was a really nice drive and even the setting at the rental consult room up in C-o-r-o-w-a was really nice. Passed a town called H-o-w-l-o-n-g - and it had a lot of millionaire-looking properties - apparently owned by doctors... And also lots of canola plants along the way and lots of birds. Saw a magpie chasing a cyclist actually, for quite a few traffic lights - it was quite funny cause he was trying to get rid of it by riding faster, but that didn't work - magpie kept pecking at his helmet... lols! (sorry, shouldn't laugh... but it is uncommonly seen... poor cyclist...). A-l-b-u-r-y btw is a really nice little town. Everyone has been really nice. And the c-l-i-n-i-c is set in a little house which makes it a really nice homely feel. =) People have said it is cold up here in A-l-b-u-r-y cause of the snow and mountains nearby, but the first few days were really pleasant and sunny. Today was ultra cold though and it started raining towards evening. But am back to Melb on Sat. TY is coming up with CH on Fri and we're all gonna have a little roam around before heading back on Sat. =) I met this other student from P-e-r-t-h on Wed at the c-l-i-n-i-c. She's also studying a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y and is a local from A-l-b-u-r-y itself. She was really nice and she gave me a few nice eating places to explore. =) Just added her to FB and I just found out that she's a Christian too. =) She's only in her first year, so she's got another year left... but I'll definitely be keeping in touch and perhaps exchanging notes with her. =) Placement has been good, although I kinda wish I could do more and take over in a lot of situations, but can't compete with my s-u-p-e-r-v-i-s-o-r who often plans out what he would like me to do... Everywhere u go is different though - some s-u-p-e-r-v-i-s-o-r-s would actually let you do everything, some would give u bits and pieces, and others would just get u to observe. Thank goodness I don't get to observe - always feel that if I do something, it gets me practicing my skills rather than observing. I'm not an observer... more a doer... so glad that most of my p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t-s have been getting me to utilise those c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l skills. Another early one and full day tomorrow... so need to sleep soon - it's 9:45pm... and have to get up at 6:30am... Will write soon... *yawn*

What Happens When You Don't Have a Techie

2010-09-08T23:48:00.002+10:00

Computer glitches!! I tried to submit my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l portfolio today and my scanner was not scanning properly. Had to reconnect my printer cable and wait for it to detect and reinstall. Then it was fine. BUT THEN, I tried to submit it on my 3-year-old laptop and the Java Script wouldn't work. I tried to close down Explorer and try again and still it wouldn't work! It was sooo frustrating. It worked before.. I don't know what changed. Fortunately I have a netbook, so I tried uploading my portfolio on there and it worked! Thank goodness!! But now, I have a laptop with crappy Java script, and a netbook that doesn't work with MSN and needing the product code for all its Windows software... So basically when I head down to Melb/Albury this trip, I have to bring two computers with me! It's sooo annoying!

Thank God for Netbook!

2010-09-06T10:02:00.003+10:00

I woke early this morning (9:30am) after finishing my assignment last night at 3:30am (not sure how I managed to wake sooo early - good ol' alarm - heh heh!).

Anyway, thank God for Netbook! Cause I went to upload my assignment onto my computer and there was something weird with the Java Script that kept saying error!! Thank goodness my assignment was due at 12pm so if I really needed to head into uni to submit it, I could. But I thought maybe I'll try Netbook - and it worked!! yay!! =)

On my way to uni now to find a justice of peace to witness me signing an offer letter for my new job! Then gonna run a few errands... And start doing my other clinical portfolio. Yeah quite a few things to do...

PS - In Melb on Thu nite! =) Wooot!

On the Drive Home

2010-09-01T20:56:00.002+10:00

I saw a couple of uncommon things on the way home today - lots of cyclists stopping to check their brake lights. I saw about 5 of them checking their brake lights at side streets... Then I saw lots of people dog-walking. Saw a few utes with dogs in them - their owners taking them for a little drive. It was just a strange strange drive, but thought I share... haha! Something new and interesting for the day. This was at about 5:45pm by the way. Yeah, I left c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l placement today at about 5:30... It was actually quite dark outside but for some reason, but peak hour and everyone was heading back from work or off to do something (such as riding their bike or going dog-walking.. hee)... Is that something people usually do at that hour? hmmm... so if I get a dog, maybe I'll have to end up walking him at about 5:30 or taking him on a road trip... hee hee!

Too Tired to Think

2010-08-30T22:16:00.004+10:00

It's getting late... am supposed to be in bed, but I had to write a script for each clinic appointment... imagine having to do homework after a full day of intense clinic. I've done the whole c-a-p-t-i-o-n-i-n-g for about 12-14 hours before and this is more tiring than that! I got home and couldn't even really think, but had to force myself to sit down and write a script for each appointment (there are about 6 different ones)... and each script took up like 1 page from beginning to the end of an appointment. I haven't even finished them yet, so need to drag myself out of bed and try and finish them off before I leave the house. Leaving house at 7am latest...

Yeah, too tired to think at the moment. Just want to hug my pilllow and Dugong to sleep... At least tonight, I managed to watch the episode on U-n-d-e-r-c-o-v-e-r Boss. =) So got to chill for an hour while eating dinner so that was good. But coming home was a bit of a nightmare, cause I finished clinic at 530 and I needed to drive back in peak hour traffic... so I got home about 7... and this p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t is actually only half an hour away without the jam. So yeah it definitely takes a lot longer with the traffic.

Anyways, overall, p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t wasn't as bad today as I thought it would be, although my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator there is quite demanding. And the daunting part is I have to evaluate myself verbally in front of her at the end of the day and tell her what I think I am not doing well and what I think I am doing good. Yeah don't like those bits at all. But the good part is I am doing a lot more than I usually would ie running many of the appointments by myself. So that's really good for my development as a c-l-i-n-i-c-i-a-n. =) Another 4 more days of weary-ness... I also need to do my hearing aid assignment that's due the Mon after this p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t. You guys are prob feeling my stress and tired-ness from reading this - lols.. so I dun wanna inflict more stress - am sure the week will look up and it'd be gd again once I get organised.

The Busy Bustle and Hustle of Life

2010-08-29T20:20:00.003+10:00

Can't believe time is going by sooo quickly...

There's always lots on my mind (as is the way a girl thinks)... lols! I have 3 months to squash all the material I have learnt so far from this course into my tiny little brain (yeah, it's not very big)... lols! Would love for it to be bigger than it can store and contain more mem... haha! After 3 months, the big test arrives - my exams. I have to be sooo ultimately ready for that and at this stage, time is short, and no, I'm not yet ready... Hopefully in 2 months I would be... but right now, brain says nup. And then after that, the big exciting day of moving back to good ol' Melb for goood!! Yes, I can't wait!! Just need to pass and get through this course! With God's strength of cos!!

Well, in the short term, tomorrow is the beginning of another placement - this time at H-o-r-n-s-b-y. Pretty nervous cause it is a h-e-a-r-i-n-g aid r-e-h-a-b clinic and I haven't been at a h-e-a-r-i-n-g aid r-e-h-a-b clinic for a few months now - so I think I am gonna be quite rusty. Plus the c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator there seems to be a little strict. Sometimes strict is good though - it's those places where u tend to learn a lot more than say if they were lenient. But I also feel that a strict c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator can make a c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l experience less worthwhile. Like if the c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator was approachable and nice, then your learning experience would be enhanced I think, and you would be encouraged more. But if there is tension every day, you probably wouldn't want to turn up or feel like crap for the next c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l day - definitely self-esteem would be affected I think, depending on how criticism is delivered and whether it's constructive or just over-the-top. I guess it all depends on how you and the c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator gets along. Yeah, it would definitely suck if she was strict and mean and demanding. I hope not. Guess I'll find out tomorrow!! And need to leave my house by 6:30am to escape the jam and be there by 7:30am to prepare for the first appointment at 8am... sigh... when all this is over... *dreams*

Brain: No! It's not over!! You still have this h-e-a-r-i-n-g aid assignment due Mon straight after p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t. Then after that, you need to pack, head to Melb and up to A-l-b-u-r-y for p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t... then do more assignments... look for accomm in B-e-n-d-i-g-o... more assignments... uni starts end Sept... more assignments...

Me says: Yes, got all that to do and so little time. *breathe breathe, calm calm* Feeling hungry... cooked spaghetti... yummy... gonna go eat and watch House and go to bed to wake early for tomorrow p-la-c-e-m-e-n-t, and crossing fingers that it will go okay. It's only a week, so if my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator is really bad to work with, then at least it's only for that short period. I should be able to tolerate 5 days!! And I'll try to rem and do my best. Am nervous that I've forgotten things, but at the same time, am excited to be able to handle appointments by myself. =) I'm hoping that when I get in there, it'd all come back to me and I'd excel and impress my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educator instead, that she would go "whoa! This girl knows her stuff!!" *crossing the fingers and toes, and whispering to myself a 'hopefully'... "

Too much stuff, too little time

2010-08-26T22:05:00.002+10:00

My life at the moment:
Work on the weekend,
Placement next week
Assignment due following week,
Placement,
Melbourne, then placement,
assignments, assignments,
etc etc

Then uni begins again end Sept.
Oct comes - more assignments
Nov comes - exams! Plus need to find a house in Vic
Dec comes - need to move out of current house in Syd and move back to Vic
Jan comes - start new job

Crazy huh??

What a start to the day...

2010-08-17T12:34:00.002+10:00

Today I woke up to a bright and sunny day and thought I do some laundry, but the laundry door was locked! I knocked on my neighbour's door and asked her to try her key but that didn't work. We both think it's the new neighbours that just moved in and didn't know everyone left that door unlocked. So right now, am frustrated that I can't do any laundry and it's such a lovely day for laundry!

Well stuck at home today to sort out my bills, tax stuff, work on my clinical portfolio that's due tomorrow. There's always little time when it comes to me being in Syd...

But despite all that, managed to still find the time to blog away.

Can't wait for TY to be up here this weekend! I can't wait to show him the mall behind my place and also take him to Temasek restaurant! Hee! He seems like he has quite a lot organised for us though, so hopefully we will have a bit of time to do those things too. =)

Flying Tonight

2010-05-19T14:08:00.003+10:00

Sydney is having rain???!!!?? Am heading back to Syd from Melb tonight... had to do some stuff for my mum over here... *sigh* At least got to spend time with TY. My dad was also here so got to spend a bit of time with him as well... Such a short trip... Every time I head to Melb, I dun really wanna go back to Syd...

Well back to Syd tonight and hopefully no turbulence on board the plane! I also hope my flight doesn't get delayed cause I have to do quite a lot of stuff tonight before my morning presentation tomorrow...

Time to revamp - reblog!

2010-04-28T18:53:00.002+10:00

Hope all's doing well.. And yeah I think it might be time to revamp my blog and reblog... what's more is the profile pic is old... erm... I think I might just do a revamp at the end of the year, but I decided to blog again...

Speaking of which - too much has happened. The recents (if that is even a word) - TY came up to Syd over the weekend and we went to the Hunter wineries - found a really awesome restaurant - their gnocchi was beautiful! Just melted in your mouth! Would so go again! We also went to the zoo and caught the baby elephant - he was so cute and adorable. I realised he was the elephant that wasn't going to survive initially and now he did - so they called him "Miracle" in Thai. =)

I am in my 2nd year and final year at uni now. Been thinking about jobs and hoping that I get a job back in Melb... but at this stage, all my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l educators are saying that the chance of getting a job is slim in Melb cause so many Melb intern programs and companies only take Melb uni grads... which sucks of course! I am just crossing my fingers and will be throwing everything into the interview process! But I guess just to be on the safe side, I would probably apply for both Melb and Syd. Afterall the intern year is only a year long... I just don't really want to stay away from TY and Melb for too long...

Exams are coming up soon! Yikes! We just came off placements and are now back to lectures. So far we haven't learnt that much though cause it's been site visits and guest lectures at the moment... I am only nervous about the pract exam end of this sem!! Prayers needed!!

Today's Exam

2009-11-21T14:38:00.003+11:00

Today's exam really did my head in... not sure how I went... I struggled at the last half hour mark cause I was panicking and knew I could have written a whole lot more... Just hope I pass the unit. =( I spent so much time on the first two questions that I don't really know if I did enough to pass the other bits. It was an okay paper I think... the case study question was a little difficult and I didn't really know how to explain it...

Oh well... now taking a break and gearing for the next one on Mon!

Getting There - Somehow

2009-11-05T19:54:00.002+11:00

So I got that dreaded assignment out of the way and finished all my other assignments... There is just one in-class test due Mon and then 5 exams! Yeah, 5! And as usual, I'm not really going very well with the studying... hmm.. It's just that I feel like I can't study. For some reason, I'm feeling stupid and that I can get nothing in my head. Sigh sigh... I know it's another month to slog, but it just seems so tedious and too stressful...

Pray for:
1) motivation to study for in-class test: 9 Nov (Monday)
2) motivation and focus in studying for my theory exams on: 18, 21, 23 Nov
3) motivation and focus in prepping for my pract exams on: 24 and 30 Nov (need to get 100% - if I don't, will need to resit - but can only resit just once!)
4) my rent doesn't increase too high. Negotiating at the moment to 300 from 320. Currently on 270 per week for 2br! They're increasing it mainly cause everything around my area is going up as well cause of the shopping centre that's just behind my house - it just opened (earlier than expected)!!
5) safe journey for me and my friend heading to Melb on 30 Nov and 1 Dec (respectively)
6) safe journey for TY and his parents to NZ on 4 Dec

Thanks in advance! =) These are for the moment - until hols begin! But really really desperately need the prayers!!

Going Insane...

2009-10-22T14:37:00.003+11:00

Too much work piling up, hence the MIA from blogging for a while...
Imagine this (OR DON'T) - 2 assignments due this week, 1 online quiz, 1 in-class test, 1 clinical portfolio, 1 case studies compilation assignment, 3 theory exams, 1 practical exam, 1 oral exam... and it all ends 24 Nov!!

People keep saying it'd be alright, but I'm lacking self-motivation! One of the assignments is due tomorrow and I haven't started writing up anything. If it was only easy enough...

Everything is good BUT this course that's draining me from head to toe!! Sigh!! I know it's another year to go, but I'm kinda slowly giving up... sigh!! Pray that I can fight this!!

Most worried about the exams and oral exam in particular!!

Dramas in Class

2009-08-09T14:03:00.002+10:00

So many dramas in class! One of my classmate's hasn't been to class since the hols because he broke his knee cap while surfing and he needed an operation, and then the anaesthetic didn't work on him. Another classmate - her dad went to surgery at the last min - her dad actually fired a nailgun into his eye. I know - Oww! But he's okay. Still another classmate had swine flu during the hols. And another one, she has her period, but she's been bleeding for about over 2 months now, so she needs to see a gyni... But beyond all that, one of my other classmates got engaged last weekend. Too much info that I found out in one day!!

Been hanging out too much since Friday and feeling ultra guilty for not doing any uni work, so might start on a bit today. But one of the girls is viewing my place today - hopefully it doesn't take too long... And I still need to go to Officeworks and print stuff, plus do some errands... As usual, there's always lots to do!! sigh!!

First Week of Uni

2009-08-05T13:47:00.002+10:00

So it's been the first week of uni and I have today off... Monday was the first day and it was really tough! It was straight into everything!! The morning class was really bad cause it probably used up all my brain cells. It's actually only this unit. It's comprised of physio, anatomy, brain testing, graphs... a very very dry subject. And yesterday, which was the second day of uni, was the first practical we had for this subject, and it was soooo boring. It took us 4 hours to experiment and do testing, and I have to write a lab report on it, and as a group, we didn't even follow the instructions all that accurately cause the software was not very user-friendly...

But the other theoretical units are really interesting... on h-e-a-r-i-n-g aids and p-a-e-d-i-a-t-r-i-c-s. Haven't had the peds unit yet, but I just read thru the intro lect notes and I think I am really gonna enjoy it! =)

We also have a few s-p-e-e-c-h p-a-t-h-o-l-o-g-y students joining us in first sem for some of our units, plus two D-a-n-i-s-h students on exchange... =) Something different to start the sem which is good in a way I guess...

One day off today, but so much to just get thru! I particularly need to pay attention to the most difficult and driest unit of all! So prob gonna go over some of the lecture material today. By the way, watched 17 Again recently and it's good fun to watch, but the ending was really abrupt, so was kinda left disappointed... Also been playing all these time management games. I downloaded B-u-r-g-e-r Shop 2 on the weekend and already finished playing it - except for the expert mode. And now, I've just got H-o-t-e-l M-o-g-u-l... will probably play that later as my little reward... hee hee!

And ooh, I got back my tax return money! Got back a fair bit and am happy! yay! But it'll prob contribute to my car servicing which I'll need to get done soon... and rent...

Part 2 Melb - onto Part 3 Melb trip

2009-08-02T16:00:00.006+10:00

Oh yes, I was supposed to write Part 2 Melb... but I think by now, everyone knows a bit about Part 2... so here's my brief version...
Part 2 was my last few days in Melb during the 2 weeks I was there. Ate a lot and caught up with a few movies like Transformers 2 (which was better than the first one), Harry Potter (which was horrible) and Night of the Museum 2 (which was really fun). Also went up to Geelong to visit frens and played the new version Pictionary. It's actually a pretty good game! TY and I had never played it before and managed to whip some arse! Hee hee!! Sorry M and D! But at least it's ur game - you have many many days to improve ur Pictionary skills before the next time I'm there! Hee hee!!

The finale of Part 2 - leaving Melb back to Syd for a supplementary exam and also for work because I couldn't take leave. The supplementary exam is one of those practical exams that you have to get 100%. They don't even accept 99%! It's a pass or fail and every unit is a hurdle requirement for the next semester. The sup was tougher than the initial paper and the surprising thing was that almost half the class turned up! But they were all there for different components of the exam and everyone found it hard. One of my classmates had the same component as me and he came out having a different answer for one part of it, but in the end, he still passed. I guess they are okay with 99.97% or something like that. He received feedback saying he had that one bit wrong, but he still passed - I didn't get any feedback at all - just congratulations. So progressing to Sem 2 and today I have quite a lot of readings to get through!

But first, Part 3 of Melb - ate a lot again. There weren't much movies to see, but I played a lot more iPod Touch games on TY's iPod Touch, celebrated TYs actual bday with dinner which was a funny story, and also went to the snow! For TY's bday dinner, he wanted steak and we were wanting to go to H-o-g's Breath, but it was closed for a private function. So we said S-t-o-k-e-h-o-u-s-e and when we got there, there was a special dinner banquet going on, but the restaurant upstairs was still opened at that hour, and because we were really hungry, we said okay. We sat down, and it was fine dining!! But the food was really worth it! Both of us had a kingfish fillet with celery puree, bugs around it, some seaweed thingy lying on top of the fish, crushed pistachios, alfafa - sheer perfection! Wouldn't mind going again. For about 40 something, it was really worth it! And I cleaned my plate!!

I was only in Melb for 5 days in Part 3 of my Melb trip. One of the other things I did was see Australian snow for the very first time! We wanted to go to L-a-k-e Entrance but it only had 5cm of snow. So we went a bit further - Mt B-a-w B-a-w. It was about 3 hours away and really worth it. It ended up snowing there too! And one of the cafes there ended up having my potato and leak soup! =) Yummy!! It also snowed while we were up there, and we made a really interesting-looking snowman. I tried to make a snow angel but the ice was too hard! The snow was really a last min thing, and because I didn't bring any really thick winter clothing, I had to rent some. Snow pics are not up on FB as yet, but will be soon.

Returned to Syd Fri nite, and had to work immediately the next day on the Ashes (cricket) till midnight. Also went onto my uni site and found out that I have all these readings to do for class tomorrow! Yuck! My housemate isn't back till tonight - she extended her flight - which is kinda good too cause I can clean the place. Also looking for a housemate. Got quite a few interested, but I quite like two of them, and out of the two, I like one better... One is a hairdresser and the other is gonna be studying a postgrad course in music therapy. They haven't viewed the place yet, and I haven't confirmed anything... but will definitely update this! I really enjoyed the hols and Melb! Can't wait to be back again!! Miss the hols and not looking very forward to uni starting tomorrow... Hope I survive the next semester - cause it's gonna be tougher!

Hols in Melb - The First Few Days - Pt 1

2009-07-10T00:58:00.004+10:00

Back blogging!! I know - it's been a long while... Am in Melb at the mo!! It's freezing over here, as winter usually is over in good ol' Melb... but been eating loads of hot and yummy food, and it's great! A friend invited TY and myself as well as another friend over to have potato and leek soup as well as this chocolate cake delight and it was fantastic! He grabbed the recipes off Masterchef and his version was really really yummy!! Like Christmas in July! Hee! I need to find the time to cook like that too! Haha! But it's now the hols - been feeling lazy and thinking about having lots of fun and rest time before sem 2 starts. The fun comes from playing games on TY's iPod Touch and he recently bought me Sims 3, so been madly downloading objects for it and playing it... Games are so addictive!!

Had some enjoyment time up in the Dandenongs (the mountains) where I began appetising on potato and leek soup. Haha! I ate so much while I was up there... Also surprised TY with his bday pressie of a stunt car driving course. He did 180 handbrake spins and 360 spins, car ramp jumps and experienced driving on 2-wheels. He really had lots of fun!! Contributed to his torch pressie too which he absolutely loves and has been testing it in dark places. Glad he loves it! =)

Today, had this email from the clinical coordinator mentioning to everyone in the course about the supplementary exam (to resit the clinical practicum exam), and it seemed really harsh - how they were marking it... She said that every component of the clinical exam we did had to be correct, and if we didn't get certain parts or even one small part right, we have to resit those parts in the sup exam. That sup exam's on the 27th and I really hope I don't have to resit it cause I'd be in Melb then... If I do resit it, I'd have to rebook my flights... One of my classmates already received an email saying he flunked 3 units of the course and cannot continue the course. When he told me, I became really anxious, cause for one of the units, we practiced together and he knew a lot then, so if he flunked it, I wonder what I got... I just need to hope and pray really hard that I don't have to resit the exam, or any exams for that matter!! I haven't received any bad news email yet, and I don't plan to... Always so stressful having to go into my uni mail, thinking there may be an email such as that... Results are out next week, and I am hoping it'd be okay, but it just gives me tummy rumbles just thinking about it.

I just received another email with my sem 2 timetable and class group members, which adds to more stress. I'm fortunate to have really good group members actually (well, they seem to be)... but the timetable is pretty scary - it's more intense than last sem's and I'm just dreading it... Now with only 24 of us (that I know of) within the course, from the 29 that we first had, there seems to be greater competition and it's quite scary... These emails are really making me feel guilty and I think I should start reading up for sem 2 soon...

I probably should try not to think about it and try and enjoy the hols while it lasts. Gonna try to catch up with Gossip Girl actually... I was watching it quite faithfully before I got to Melb and stopped for a while... When I think back on my life dramas and Gossip Girl, there are similar relations (not to the extent of the drama in Gossip Girl that makes you really frustrated), but it makes me think that perhaps one day, I'd write a Gossip Girl XOXO journal-type book. I think it'd be cool!

Tomorrow, TY's taking me on a date. Hee! *grin and shy smile* We haven't done something special in a while and thought it'd be nice to do something like that. It'd be really sweet - looking forward to it! Then on the weekend, it's out with a few peeps! =) Yum cha twice in a row!! Hee hee! But it's out in the burbs and should be good fun!

The Semester Coming to an End

2009-06-14T14:07:00.003+10:00

So the main theory exams are over and I have one practical exam left on the Thurs. Don't really need to study it much because it's a pract. But I have to have the correct techniques etc to pass. So hopefully I do... It's a hurdle as well. If not, I have to be back on 27 Jul to sit a supplementary.

Back in Melb from 4 Jul - Independance Day... and then back to Syd on the 16th to work on the weekend, and then on 20th, back to Melb again till 31st. But of course, if I fail the pract exam, I'll need to head back after that. I wasn't nervous about that pract exam until now... And my first two exams, I was quite stressed, but surprisingly, I was quite calm about the paper during both theory exams. I think I did enough to pass - well, hopefully... but I had a little smile on my face after, which is usually rare after exams... So overall, it was good I guess. Just have to wait for final results. And right now, have to try to make use of the university simulators to practice for the exam...

Can't believe one semester is nearly over!! Am looking forward to semester two - sort of - because there are two units involving pediatrics and I quite like that specialty... but there are a lot more assignments... hmmm... doesn't always come with the best of both worlds... But after this semester, have to enjoy hols... hee!

A Slow and Stressful Studying Process...

2009-06-06T18:01:00.003+10:00

It's been so crazy lately... everyone in my course is saying that this course has given you no life. We can't believe that for each unit this year, we had about 5 assignments due for each... and someone had a look at next semester, and it's doubled! I feel like I'm going insane.

I just completed two major assignments last week - one essay and one portfolio. In fact, I just handed them in yesterday. And am now starting to study for the exams. I actually have two papers next week - one on Wed and one on Sat. Not sure how much will stick in my brain, but hopefully, I can pull it off. There's so much to learn and so much to cram... and I haven't had lots of sleep... so yeah, the lifestyle right now is not at its best. I can't wait for the exams to be all over... but right now, there's not much time. Know the feeling when you have butterflies in your tummy and feel really kanjong? I'm kinda feeling that right now... but I know I just have to pray and try my best. Have to attempt those dreaded past exam papers too... Just trying to write and compile my exam notes for the two units - just want to finish it by this weekend if I can.

I was going to head to Singapore in June for my friend's wedding, but work says they might not approve my leave. That's one reason for foregoing my flights... Another reason is that my mum is kinda paranoid about the swine flu crisis, especially since she knows people being held up at the airport, that she reckons I just shouldn't go down. So right now, I have nothing planned for June except for work... Might have to catch up with social life then before semester 2 of uni starts. But right now, I need prayers for the exams and to be able to register all/most of the stuff that I'll be studying.

An Awesome Time in Melb

2009-05-22T21:12:00.002+10:00

After my tiring placement up in Newcastle, it was a good change to be in Melb for about 1.5 weeks. My Melb trip made me miss Melb a lot and I didn't really feel like leaving. Despite the monstrous number of assignments I had to do while in Melb, I still had quite a bit of opportunity to hang with TY, relax, go out, eat nice food and mingle.

While TY was at work, used that time to work on my assignments, and rewarded myself later in the evening for relaxation and outings, and catch up with a few friends. Really miss all that... It was pretty tough though having my parents around, especially my mum who doesn't work and constantly wanted to meet up during the afternoons. But I had assignments and sometimes parents just don't understand why you need so much time to do them. My parents keep saying "can't I do it at night?", or "it's been two days, haven't you finished it yet?" For those still studying or have studied before, you guys know that two days for a 3000 word assignment is never enough... although I did manage to pull the 3000 word assignment in two days while I was in Melb, with all my research pre-done. Not sure how I'd go though... Just crossed my fingers and prayed as I put it through electronic submission.

Now back in Syd and having to tackle assignments. I have one due Mon and then Tues-Fri, on my second clinical placement. I also have a 1000 word clinical essay due Fri but probably can't do that while am on placement... Hopefully I get these two essays out of the way and done by the weekend... but working Sat. So the plan at the moment is to try and work on my Mon essay tomorrow morning (Sat) before work, work on it a bit after work, work on it on Sun after church. Then try to get my Fri essay finished by Mon... It's due at 9am on the Mon! This way, I can concentrate on preparing for my placement on the Tues.

Quite nervous about my 2nd placement, cause that's at my uni clinic. I have this thought that because it's the uni clinic, they would be more strict on you, because they know what you should be capable of. But all the more that I have to impress them... It's kinda good that I have a laid-back clinical e-d-u-c-a-t-o-r (everyone says he's real easy to work with)... but I still feel that I shouldn't have high hopes. What if he ends up to be really cranky that week? Just hoping it all goes well... And the worse bit is that my exam dates are out! 10th and 13th June! And my last assignment is due 5th June! They don't give you that much time to study, do they? Anyway, please pray for me!! And that I remember all that I can - everything that I will be studying prior to the exams!

So Little Time, So Much to do!!

2009-04-29T01:51:00.002+10:00

7 assignments, 2 clinical assessment port folios, 3 exams! This is all due by mid June believe it or not!

Real people, real clients, real cases - haha, that's my little slogan for next week when going up to Newcastle. You might remember a similar phrase from Judge Judy: "The people are real, the cases are real, the court is real" - something like that anyway... Not that I watch Judge Judy, but sometimes it comes on when I'm having lunch, and I seem to remember the slogan. Hee hee!

I have to admit I am a little nervous, but really excited as well to be going to Newcastle for my clinical placement. It would be a nice change from the real Sydney life to a bit of surfer/bogan life... And hopefully it'd be a good experience. There is one food thing I'll be looking forward to almost every day and that's Cold Rock! It's awesome! And after TY and I made a little mesh with the ice-cream flavours, the flavour we made was the best!! Sorry guys, it's a secret ingredient... hee hee!

Straight after Newcastle, I'm onward-bound to Melbourne! Hopefully I won't have to embrace the cold wintry blast... I'd be there for a week, but will have to do the assignments while TY works... Maybe I'll put up at Melb uni's library cause I need to use a printer and scanner somehow... I wonder if the State Library has a printer and scanner.. hmmm... I might also be able to stay longer than 16 May... I initially planned 16 May cause I had a manual submission of an assignment on 18 May, but I think now I can just email it. So might be able to stay a few more days extra... and then have to be back for another placement!

Need to finish this assignment and start packing maybe, and then start on another assignment!

I'm Back!!

2009-04-09T19:43:00.002+10:00

Am back blogging! Reason: It's just been insanely, absurdly, crazy, intense since I started uni. At week 5 of my course, I already felt like I had an information overload - the study workload I was handling was crammed into a few weeks and there was just so much. I've done a Masters coursework in E-d-i-t-i-n-g and P-u-b-l-i-s-h-i-n-g but it wasn't like this. This Masters is really tedious and tiring. It's a great course and it's really fun when you end up doing the practs, but it really drains you too.

I had an a-n-a-t-o-m-y and p-h-y-s-i-o-l-o-g-y quiz not long ago and I flunked it! Imagine! But quite a few did as well. I just felt really stupid after that. Then again, I've never done any a-n-a-t-o-m-y and p-h-y-s-i-o-l-o-g-y at all... closest would be bio in high school.

Today in the same subject, we had this a-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s quiz and I feel I did a lot better - I definitely know I passed this one so hopefully it'd pull my mark up from the other one. I was more confident too which is good - hopefully... I did check my answers with others after and I already know I did a few careless calculations and using the wrong formulas, but both quizes are worth 10% each so I guess it's not too bad.

Tomorrow's the start of the long Easter weekend - it's not really gonna be a relaxing one, cause I have a clinic exam after Easter and a major essay due on the Tues. And on the Fri, I have a report and presentation due too. So it's church Fri morn and then essays. Then Sat working. And Sun, it'd be church and essays.

In fact, with the sem break, my course might be the few in uni who have classes next week and only have the long weekend off - everyone else in uni has next week off - their mid-sem break - and unfortunately we don't get the break. But I guess it makes up for it because when we are on placements, we don't actually have classes, only clinics. We each get 2.5 weeks worth of placements. I've got two placements - one in Newcastle (Aust) for a week and the other at the uni clinic... The placement in Newcastle is about 2 hrs drive from my home and I had to come up with quite a fair bit of $ for a decent accommodation because the cheap ones were all taken.

There's actually a whole month without classes before the exams, and only 2.5 weeks of placements, so I'll be heading down to Melb sometime in May to spend time with TY. I've still got assignments due during that period, so I'll definitely be working on them when TY is working during the day, then the night's free to do whatever. Might visit Melb Uni's library to do my assignments there... I dunno why, but I seem to be more productive in the lib nowadays... but looking forward to going to Melb again.

Pretty nervous about my placement because I need to write reports and be able to deal with clients and do the testings right so hopefully all goes well. And I definitely need work outfits before placements start... But my main worry now is to get through my clinical exam on the Tues. It'd be on a simulator, but please pray for me that I can do well in it and that I have His strength and focus. Thanks guys! Am going to have a relaxing and quiet night today especially after the a-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s test, then tomorrow it's church and back to the study.

Finally a Day Off

2009-03-19T18:35:00.003+11:00

I had a day off yesterday - finally - after a long week or rather, weeks of classes... but didn't end up doing anything productive. I was really wanting to finish this reflection report but didn't get my head around to it and started watching at least 2 episodes of Desperate Housewives. Then towards late afternoon, I managed to organise my folders and sorted out recent lecture notes. I thought that might get me started into the whole studying thing, but it didn't really - I saw that I had Smallville shows, and ended up watching at least 3 episodes. So yes, it was a very unproductive, unconstructive day. And then it was church time. I visited Hillsongs, it was the young adults service that I went to, and my verdict - overwhelming! Actually, it was too overwhelming, and in the beginning, it was a little scary because we were supposed to have a bbq in church and halfway during our trip to church, they said now it's at someone's house. And right after, we didn't know where our bus went, so everyone just said to get into any car that we could get into, to go to Hillsongs. So that was a bit strange. It was a Brazilian bbq, so it wasn't too bad though, and the people were nice. Everyone was just really noisy and you felt like you were back in high school. Haha! Well, we got to church and the service hadn't started yet, and there were all these young uni students in their early 20s who were bopping around and doing mosh pits. The music was ultra loud and it seemed like a clubbing scene. Plus some of the worship songs were just really club-like - lots of jumping and screaming... But I guess if that's the way they feel God and the way they will grow, then it's great. But for myself, I think the loud pumping hyper music might take a bit of the focus away. I don't mind some really happy "jumping" songs, but others are a bit much personally like the whole b-boy rap they were doing in the beginning on a Christian song. I think I still prefer my quiet reflective moments with God - just helps me focus on Him more. I wasn't expecting a few things, especially during worship and before and after the services, so it was a little of an eye-opener, but the message was really powerful and good. But if it were a non-Christian, I think they'd just say yes to God anyway, because of the fun and entertainment they had... and that can always be dangerous... So in my quest to look for a church, I think I need something in between Wesley and Hillsongs and I haven't quite found it yet... There was a shuttle from the church back to the shopping mall near my place, and I got back about 10.30pm. Good thing my morn class today was cancelled otherwise I'd have to get up really early and usually I sleep by 10:30.

Woke up today feeling really bad because I had such an unproductive day yesterday, but hopefully tonight will be better and I get to do a bit of my reflective assignment. I am attempting to finish it off tomorrow! Crossing fingers and toes!!

At least some time last week, I managed to catch Confessions of a Shopaholic with my coursemates. It was good, although it doesn't prevent you from shopping, it actually makes you want to shop. I do wish I had a lot of cash to shop though... And my coursemates and I, because we are Macq Uni students, we got upgraded to the Silverscreen for free! And we were the only ones in the cinema. It was pretty awesome. Also when TY was down, we managed to catch Watchmen. It was alright actually... a bit draggy I felt... and I was wanting something more light-hearted, but it was actually quite dramatic, so a little bit of a disappointment... I still wanna catch more movies, but there's just no time for anything with this course!!

An "insane" course

2009-03-14T23:53:00.003+11:00

At the moment, am having uni 9-5 Mon-Fri except for Tues which is only a 2-hour pract at the moment, but from the week after next, it'd be uni 9-5 Mon-Fri (same as working hours)... The only difference - when you are done with uni classes, you still have to go to the library after class and also continue working at home through the night. And this is me at the moment - on a typical day, after class, library till about 6pm (class ends at 5pm but there's no point leaving uni then cause of the peak hour jam - so 6pm is a better leaving time...), get home and cook dinner, rest for a bit, shower, look through lecture notes for about an hour, and then it's time for bed. There's seriously no time!! Weekends - work on Sat, church on Sun, and practically having study time on Sun from 2.30 onwards (remember though that I have to sleep at 10.30 latest on Sun for next morn)... And already I'm getting throbbing frontal lobe headaches from too much info gathered per day... I think my brain is tired and can't cope very well... =( But am sure the 2 years would go by real quick. It's only the third week, but I feel like it's been a year already! I've definitely learnt a lot and have made a few more Syd friends since the start of this year.

Having a test on Mon! Please pray for me!! It's on anatomy and physiology, and don't think I'm that good in the physiology section and applying logic and concepts together... at the moment, my thoughts are quite segregated and I only have one day left!! I need the memory and focus and just being able to analyse it all logically. If only I can fit all the concepts and terminology like a jigsaw, that'd be great - and am good in jigsaws - but if only that skill can come across for this test. You can probably tell I'm really worried, but really wanna do well in this course at least. The test is 15%, and I hope for excellent grades, cause that would contribute towards my final mark anyways.

My Brain Goes ARGHHHH!

2009-03-05T18:20:00.003+11:00

This is my blogging moment about classes so far. It's only the second official week of uni and my brain is screaming. Too much info, too much thoughts - just a big overload. I can't even speak properly at times... I just feel so behind with lects at the moment and not really getting lots of stuff. I get some bits but they're only bits and am really worried... Then there are all these smarties in the class who seem to know it all and ask so many intelligent questions all the time, and half the time, I'm thinking "Why didn't I think of that?" My attention span is just deteriorating. It's full concentration with a large hot choc for the early morning class and then it just deteriorates by about 2pm at the start of the next class.

Practs are really fun though. We get to probe our classmates' ears... haha! Not really... but yeah, we do testings on each other. And we have computer simulations too. I enjoy the practs! I think I get a lot out of them even when am tired.

Hopefully it gets better as the weeks progress and I'll be up to date with the lects...

Getting Used to the Unusual

2009-02-25T01:55:00.002+11:00

The unusuals -
It's been hailing in Sydney the past two days and today was brilliant weather - nice and sunny. Then tomorrow, it'd be storming again. It's strange weather... Like Melbourne's just come over here. Haha! But at least when it hails or storms, it doesn't get that cold and I can actually still wear my skirts during that type of weather - but yeah, still a little strange.

Been having to wake at 6:45am to leave at about 7:30am for classes. The first official week of classes just started and isn't actually too bad, because I only have classes Mon, Thu and Fri this week. But today (Tues), I had to still wake early to go and get my TB results and do plenty of errands. A Melb friend also came down with his cousin and we met for dinner in the city, but the traffic was sooo bad with a few accidents along the way that he and his cousin actually had to wait really long. I also dragged one of my Syd friends out. She's like my best friend in Syd - we do almost everything together... most things. And she might end up to be my housemate next year, so I'll looking forward to that happening.

It's going to get busier. The good thing is that my work has been cut down to 1/2 days per week which is so much better than the 3/4 days I used to be rostered on. Perhaps I'll just push it a little further and cut my work hours to just 1 day. See, because I'm still earning a fair bit, C-e-n-t-r-e-l-i-n-k isn't paying me yet (they say if I work 1 day per week, it should be within their earnings bracket and then they'd be able to pay me). Oh well... Tomorrow need to do run more errands - groceries as usual, and uni stuff. Then will probably write up a report tomorrow about the hearing test I had by the 2nd year student.

What a Week!

2009-02-21T00:03:00.002+11:00

Here I am finally blogging away again, with so much happenings.
For starters, I went to Melb for a few days and came back on Vday. Melb was rather smoky and hazy cause of all the fires and TY was so busy with loads of stuff that it was probably a bad time to head down... I flew back on Vday cause the flights the next day were too expensive, plus I couldn't stay till Monday because I had my compulsory orientation course workshop to attend. Anyway, went to the airport to catch my flight back to Syd and found out that due to bad weather in Syd, my flight was the last flight out of Melb Airport. It was also delayed for about an hour and a half... was supposed to fly around 7.15, but we departed at about 9pm. And when I got to Syd, I thanked God that I landed safe - the flight was just really rocky and so turbulentic that I actually remembered praying almost every minute on that flight at least after the first 10 mins of takeoff.

Got back and had a lot of mail - most were bills - haha, the "unwanted" mail. The Internet and home line was still not working, so I had to use my 3G mobile broadband that I bought from Melb - rather expensive to recharge every time though, cause I use up quite a lot of GB... weird that I'd use up so much especially when I don't do massive downloading and often check emails and FB. Well, contacted an electrician who came over and realised that T-e-l-s-t-r-a didn't put a tag on the wires in the main distribution system, so they couldn't tell which wired port was connected to my home phone. So the electrician suggested I ring Telstra instead of him trying to find it which would cost me a bomb. He was rather nice and didn't actually charge me. Rang T-e-l-s-t-r-a and they eventually came. They found out it was the main distribution to the street. So now my phone line works and home Internet which is great! And I don't have to pay because it's a street fault.

So one problem down, another to go... Went to uni and managed to sort out all my applications and student card, so that was all good. Then we had this 3-day intensive orientation workshop - and intensive was intensive! The first day was 8.30 to 5.30, second day was 9-5 (which was better), and third day was 8:30 till 7:30 (that was just insane). But it was great meeting new faces and old. Knew some people from last year, but there were already groups forming.

The semester schedule was released to us on day one. I saw that I had a class test on the Mon morn at 9am on 16 Mar! That's when I head back from M and D's wedding. So yeah, I immediately panicked and emailed my flight agent to ask him if I could change my return flight date, but he checked and the only flight I could come back on, with low-cost fees, reaches Syd at 7:30am in the morn on that Mon. I thought, by the time I clear customs, I'll miss my class test. My flight agent also suggested going to the actual websites of Msian Airlines, Tiger etc... but that same moment, I was at the comp lab and received an email from my course coordinator saying I have to sit a compulsory practical workshop on the Wed, the week during M and D's wed. This meant I had to change my flight going into Spore... was thinking of going to Spore first and then to Msia on my going flight. And because of compulsory attendance in that workshop on that Wed, it means I can only go to Msia from Thu to Sun, but my course coordinator also suggested I not miss the Thu and Fri classes either. It was just all wrong timing... And my course coordinator wasn't too pleased. Sadly enough, I had no choice - tried my hardest, and just had to tell M and D that I couldn't make it to their wed... =( I really wanted to be there - bought the dress, kinda prepared my speech, and wrote up a little poem... I guess I could do a video thing... My cam's got a vid function. By the way, have never done a vid before so I wonder how it'd turn out. But will get a friend to help me hold my camera. Hee hee!

I didn't quite mention the intro workshop of 3 days... One word to describe it - intense! We even have a handbook for this particular course which states all assessments for the year! Not even just for the semester, but for the year. You'd think the probs would have ended, but there were other minor probs such as me forgetting to date my clinica al forms and also not being able to find one of my units on the WebCT... they call it Black-board at Macq. Another minor prob - wanted the student diary and went to get it twice, but they ran out... it was only the third time that I got it. Then Centrelink hasn't paid me yet because I am apparently still earning too much (that's what they reckon)... so until I am earning really really little, then I guess they'll pay me then.

Apart from the 3 days of workshop from Mon to Wed, we also had to attend this P-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s bridging course the next two days. Actually a surprise P-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s test was thrown at us on day two, and a lot of people complained, especially the ones who have done P-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s. They were saying why we still had to do the P-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s bridging course when we already did one whole sem of it. Some people weren't very happy and marched to the course coordinator to share their concerns... and the end result was that the course coordinator realised it was a mistake, apologised, said this is the first time ever this year that we were handed a surprise test and it won't happen again, and then said that those ppl who handed the paper in won't have to sit the phonetics bridging course - basically they gave us a choice to hand in the paper, and they said the solution was derived because the ones who handed the paper in would have had the confidence to think that they'd do well anyway, and that's why they're exempted from the bridging course. I wasn't too concerned, but yeah, I handed the paper in, so I was exempted from Thu and Fri classes this week! But I was still busy - Thu, ran some errands, did some groceries, organised for the electrician to come over. On Fri, I had a h-e-a-r-i-n-g test done by a 2nd year student, booked in for the T-e-l-s-t-r-a technician to fix up my phone, and went for my TB skin test too at the hospital for my vaccinations.

Uni officially starts next week, but am so drained from last week, and I know I still have lots to do. This weekend am working both days, plus a friend is staying over - she's bringing me to H-i-l-l-s-o-n-g-s church on Sun. I'm also hoping to go through my lecture notes for Mon and also do more grocery shopping, and try to sort out my weekly planner... Next week, my housemate returns from her c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l placement; it's uni O-week; I have lectures Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri; have to go for doctor check-up; have to go back to hospital to check TB skin test results; have to submit a few c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l documents to my c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l coordinator; watching a light-hearted movie with friends on Tues; donating items to Bushfire appeal at uni... so yeah, plenty plenty things. Hopefully things will get easier...

Loads!!

2009-02-18T23:58:00.002+11:00

Got lots to blog about, but will do so as soon as I get a more quiet day... Been scurrying too much and too little sleep with a 7am wake since Mon and sleeping at about 10:30pm or 11pm - definitely not enough sleep...

Starting Classes...

2009-02-13T14:54:00.002+11:00

Can't believe I'm starting classes on Monday. I'm feeling quite anxious about the units I have to do. I checked the uni blackboard and I already have a few subjects listed with unit contents from last year and I'm just stressing a bit. I have to tackle some really dry content about waveforms and freq and a-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s that I don't really want to learn about. But then it's part of the course, and in sem 2, it gets better because I get to do h-e-a-r-i-n-g a-i-d-s. I guess I'll just have to try and do my best and ace all the units. Plus lots of people in my class are quite smart, it'll be a challenge. And I found out that one of my presentations is in the week that I'll be away for a friend's wedding. I'm just hoping it'll all work out and my presentation group doesn't fall within that week... It can be the week before or the week after, but just as long as it's not within the week I'm away... And yeah, my course coordinator actually got really confused about the dates of when we officially start, but it's next week, the 16th!

Still Devastated...

2009-02-13T11:57:00.003+11:00

Still shocked by the bushfires... it's really indescribable. Melb's actually got a lot of nice scenic locations and it's been a nice few days for trekking... but unfortunately, we can't go anywhere cause most of the places are closed or burning. I really wanted to visit Bunyip, the national park there... =(

And I'm amazed by the number of firefighters that have been constantly battling the blazes since Sat. They must be extremely exhausted. I wanted to volunteer and help in some way but when I googled, the sites already said they had too many volunteers. So just donated a little.

Apparently my uni - Macq Uni - is doing something for the bushfire victims and going to open up a stall during O-week for clothes donations etc... so when I head back to Syd, on Sunday, will probably pack up some boxes for them.

With all the devastation and despair happening, am sure many people will have mixed feelings, many blaming God of course. But ultimately, God is a good god. How could he let it happen, lots may ask... but if someone's to blame, it would be people. People cause harm on people even from the days of Adam and Eve. God protects souls. And the devil is just as powerful - he can't take our souls, but he can cause people to inflict harm and damage in many ways. I guess from this dreadful situation, it's how people will cope, how they will feel from this, how they will manage - and they could really either turn towards God or turn away from Him...

My Heart Goes out to Those in Vic...

2009-02-10T14:32:00.002+11:00

I really feel for the people in Victoria with the extensive number of casualties from the bushfires... It looked really really bad. Couldn't help thinking about those who were trying to get out via their cars and ended up in a collison and chaos with other cars before dying in the extreme heat. It's like a firebomb just engulfed the towns around Victoria... It's sooo sad. But I guess there's always a reason why some leave us and some don't in a diaster like that. The stories are quite heart-wrenching, and some are really touching too.

My uni here is actually going to organise a clothes/food donation to the victims of the bushfires, and I've also donated to the vic bushfire appeal. Still shocked at how M-a-r-y-s-v-i-l-l-e and K-i-n-g-l-a-k-e are gone. My parents said I've actually been to M-a-r-y-s-v-i-l-l-e before when I was really young and it's a really pretty place. Some of my friends have also been there and said the same... and I know a friend who has friends in the area...

I pray and hope the victims will find God through this tragedy...

Back To the Books!!

2009-02-07T22:54:00.002+11:00

Can't believe uni starts in a week and a half... It's too fast!! I don't think I'm ready for uni to begin yet! In fact, I just paid about $600 for seven textbooks!!

Went for a clinical observation last week and it was exciting. There were already patients around and I think it felt strange with me being on the other side of the platform and these patients were all really nervous and shy and scared... I think the most daunting thing of all was when my friend, the a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t who I was observing, said that our clinical pract exam in first semester of this year involves a few dummy patients and diagnosing them. What's more is I spoke to a few of my s-p-e-e-c-h p-a-t-h-o-l-o-g-y friends and they said that their placements in first year were part of the uni clinic. This is for both M-a-c-q-u-a-r-i-e and S-y-d-n-e-y Uni... the two best unis for s-p-e-e-c-h... and they don't actually commence c-l-i-n-i-c-a-l p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t-s at actual companies/medical centres/hospitals/schools until second year. But for a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y, at Macq U, we actually get to practice in April!! That's sooo soon. Even Melb U starts their actual p-l-a-c-e-m-e-n-t in second semester. Yeah, it's a scary thought... Am fairly nervous, but I'm sure I'll get through it somehow.

Poor Melburnians

2009-02-07T22:48:00.002+11:00

Today I saw the news and can't believe it! Melb actually went up to 46!! I guess it's a good thing it was on the weekend and not a weekday when everyone's commuting to work... Sydney is still the coolest state even though today reached 40. I was still really hot and couldn't sleep very well last night... Then again, my house had a lot of body heat cause I had two friends staying over. And for some reason, my cooler doesn't seem to work as well...

Anyway, am back to Melb for a short few days just for Vday... flights were expensive to travel on the 15th so I'm actually heading back to Syd on Vday itself. =( Hoping the weather would cool down a bit... Maybe I'll bring back some cool weather from Sydney. Hee hee! But can't wait to see TY again! Because it's a short trip... I'll see if I can squeeze some catch-up with everyone else k?

Back to Sydney Moments...

2009-01-30T11:33:00.002+11:00

I know haven't been blogging DAILY... haha.. maybe I should change my blog to Vicky's Random Rambles... haha...

It's busy times since getting back to Syd from Melb. I miss having a hol in Melb... although I have to say it's much cooler here in Syd. We have got cool winds... Melb is way too hot. How do you guys suffer in the 43 degree heat? Or did it get to 45? And poor cat - TY's Kara with all that fur... She'd prob want the fluff shaved... hee hee...

I can't imagine that when I got back, had so many errands to run... Besides the huge move my workplace is doing - they're moving to a new centralised building in Roseberry... down south - which would take me about an hour to get to, cause I'm in the north... I also had to report my Centrelink payments every fortnight which I actually forgot to do and so because I didn't report in 14 days, they kinda cancelled it and I had to re-appeal. Had to go to the office to submit more documents. Such dramas! And then filled in my clinical practicum pack for the Royal Insitute of D-e-a-f and B-l-i-n-d C-h-i-l-d-r-e-n and forgot to date all the forms. I think it's old age that I'm just forgetting simple things... *sigh*

Other than that, spring-cleaned my entire house just two days ago - just in time for when my housemate came back from Melb. She's leaving again though - going to Armadale for her placement. It's about an hour and a half away, so she's gonna be staying there for at least three weeks.

Just also told my course coordinator that I will be overseas for a friends' wedding and will have to miss a week of classes. She replied saying that's okay cause uni starts 16 March. Hmm... that's really strange cause all my classmates confirmed with me that uni starts 23 Feb. Very strange... It's alright, cause a few of my classmates said they'll let me know if there's anything I'll be missing.

Happy times - just watching the men's tennis showdowns... Got a few favs that were already knocked out, but I think that it'll be a Nadal-Fed match. That would be awesome! Can't wait!!

Sooo Excited!!

2009-01-21T00:27:00.004+11:00

Thanks for all your prayers!! Thanks for all the encouragement and support!! Prayers were answered!! Why am I sooo incredibly thankful and excited??

1) Thanks for praying for a safe journey back to Syd - there was a little turbulence. And I nearly couldn't get on my flight because I was a little late... But they let me through. When I was landing, I saw that a few flights were delayed because of a storm that's about to brew in Syd tomorrow. I think the flight crew I had were really tired, cause the lady on the intercom kept saying "sorry" cause she had to keep clearing her throat. But also upon landing, she started to say "as you are aware, the captain hasn't turned the seatbelt sign off, if..." and then the captain turned off the seatbelt sign and interrupted her continuing sentence... and so she said, "oh, and now it's off" It was quite funny to hear that...
2) I received Centrelink government assistance - expenses and rent inclusive!
3) To tell ya the truth, I was pretty nervous about my course and the clinical placement I was gonna get, but I've got a placement with the Royal Institute for D-e-a-f and B-l-i-n-d C-h-i-l-d-r-e-n during the span of 2 years!! They'll be my primary placement.

Was in Melb for my bday!! Woohoo!

2009-01-20T23:55:00.003+11:00

Apologies for not blogging for a while... It's a busy start to the first month of the year... booking flight tickets for friends' wedding in March, sorting out uni, sorting out finances, have to sort out vaccinations, sorting out timetable for work... etc...

So I didn't do a big bday bash, but at least it wasn't like last bday where I sat alone with two friends in an unfurnished house on a 30-degree day eating pizza. This time, I managed to fly back to Melb and TY took me out. He knows I love my cuddly animals, so he took me to the aquarium and zoo! Unfortunately I brought my camera charger but not my camera (doh!) so TY ended up taking pics on his cam. The Melb aquarium had a new penguin enclosure which was awesome. It was hard to describe, but they were so adorable! And there was the one little penguin who had to stand out from everyone else - it was oblivious to people standing at the glass and was nibbling at the silver bolts attached to the stain-glass wall inside the enclosure. Might have thought it was silver fish... Then there was a penguin I started calling Bubble cause he looked like one when he floated on the water. Haha! TY got a pic of that too... but will prob upload it on FB. At the zoo, we saw penguins as well but they were smaller and weren't as chubby as the ones from Antarctica in the aquarium. And I remembered when TY and I were last at the Melb zoo, they had this bird called Bass that lived with the penguins there. It happened to still be there and it was so cute. It stays with the penguins because it can't fly anymore... It was a rehab penguin with a damaged left wing who was found on the Bass Strait... hence the name Bass. The coolest thing was watching it play with the water or bathe itself a bit... It did this chicken-waddle that looked really cute - I felt like copying... haha! But didn't want to embarrass myself and just did it when it was only TY and I... hee hee... Just me being cheeky...

TY's dad also brought me to Paris Go (French restaurant) for dinner. I miss the French food, but over here in Syd, there's no one really to go with. It's one of those nice dinner things that seems like it's meant for a date or special occasion, and even if it's a huge group, the friends I have in Syd are pretty lazy and like to eat budget meals. =(

I also got a really nice bday pressie from TY. It was real sweet! I had to be patient and wait to open it till my actual bday date. He actually placed all these little jewellery items such as a few earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace in this pretty pink flowery box. A few of my other friends in Melb also got me little things... And we all had dinner at Straits Cafe in Doncaster... yummy! My sis and her bf and two other friends of hers also took me out to yum cha. I actually bought a bag I liked and my sis was wondering what to get for me, so I just said she can get me the bag. It's a really nice bag, but it wasn't a splurge... I had two other bags - a white and a beige one - and both of them have torn pockets. I also bought a wallet because mine was just getting too puffy and the zip was a bit broken. Yeah, essential items falling apart - you know the feeling - so they have to be replaced.

My phone contract ended and my dad got me this Samsung touch phone but it was so difficult to use and I got frustrated with it! Actually some of the functions it has isn't too bad and I can live with it, but the big thing is sms! It's sooo tough and slow smsing on that phone!! It's like on my current Nokia phone, I can easily just use one hand to sms. But this one is like I have to look closely at what I'm pressing - the keyboard is a qwerty, but it's so sensitive. I guess it'd be good to have another phone in Syd, since my house phone line is still dead - it still doesn't have a dial tone when ringing out and the Internet still isn't working. The good thing is, I bought a 3G mobile broadband key. Used it in Melb at my sister's QV place, but it wasn't working very well and only worked really well sometimes. But now that am back in Syd, it actually has really really good connection, so am happy.

Oh yes, I was staying at my sister's QV place cause TY's dad was down and staying with him. My sister is no longer staying at QV - she moved out to her bf's place. So I had the whole place to myself and TY bunked over some nights.

I got addicted to TY's iPhone that I actually miss it... the jewel game on it... hee hee! I was trying to beat the highest score, but haven't yet. It's really by chance, but it can be quite addictive. Now am not very addicted to FB... I just check messages and the wall and Superpoke, load pics and update my status now and then, but other than that, don't do much with it.

Kinda wished I could stay longer and for the Aust Open, but had to head back to Syd to continue work and to see if I got approved for the Centrelink government financial assistance. If not, it'd be good to keep working for a bit...

Caught a bit of the Aust Open before I left, but this is the first year in 5 years that I won't be at Rod Laver. Then again, I didn't want that chance of seeing Nadal again. I saw him all the 5 years I've been there and he's quite an annoying player. But I'm going for Andy Murray... Like Andy. And hmm... also liked Andy Roddick before. Seems like I like the name Andy in tennis... haha... TY was looking for an English name at one point and he plays tennis - does he look like an Andy? hee hee!

2009-01-13T21:30:00.001+11:00

As some of you know, I officially didn't get into Melb Uni. I figured they would choose their diploma students first. See, I rang up and found out that they had 30 students for their dip in a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y at Melb Uni and am thinking that if all 30 do really well, they'd go for the Masters, cause you can't actually practice with only a dip in that field... they would need to do the Masters. The MA at Melb Uni only accepted 36 students... so if they accept the 30 from their dip, that leaves 6 places for other ppl... and I'm thinking they'll prob take those with a medical science background or medicine degree. So getting in was pretty limited. But am quite happy I got into Macq Uni. In fact, it was a little weird that when I rang and they put me to the course coordinator, she kinda asked me if I heard from my Macq Uni coordinator about accepting me. I was a little shocked that she knew Macq Uni accepted me. I guess they do talk... Apparently one of my course mates also had a similar thing where Queensland Uni offered her a place really early, but then found out that she applied to Macq Uni, and asked her which she preferred and if it'd be okay to take her off the offer list so someone else can have a go at the course. I guess it's a small field so the coordinators do talk... Doesn't it sound like some sort of crafty scheme? Anyways, am stoked in getting into the course and by end of next year, I'd be a fully professional a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t. To tell you the truth, am a little nervous with clinicals... I think I'll be quite good with people, but from some of the stories I hear from one of my friends who is already an a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t, it can be a bit dangerous near the country. But still excited and can't wait to see what the profession will be like. In fact, it seems when I graduate, a lot of the city a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y clinics would be grabbed up quite immediately, but there are one or two clinics in Geelong or Dandenongs (in Victoria) there's great need of a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t-s. Mary and Dave, here I come! Hee x2!!

The only worry now is finances and to keep me going here in Syd... I applied for Centrelink, but they haven't responded yet so am really really worried.

Back to Melb for about a week for my bday! =) Can't wait! I feel like seeing animals... hee... zoo?

Prayer Requests...

2009-01-09T12:41:00.002+11:00

Please help me pray/thank Him for:
1) Getting into my course at Macq and helping me with decisions (not exactly a decision since I didn't hear back from Melb Uni...)
2) Centrelink government assistance. Applied for Austudy just after Christmas... It's been a week, and I haven't heard back from them yet. Please pray I'll get approval. If not, I'll have to rely on my dad - I'd feel bad having to rely on him...
3) Pray that the course I'd be doing will go really well and I'd excel in it. Pray for focus and strength.
4) Pray for a church I can really settle down in and start to serve and grow within it.
5) Pray that I'll constantly seek His guidance and trust in the plans He has for me.
6) Pray for TY that I that God will give us both the strength to sustain a long-dist relationship - God willing.

Thanks guys!

Embracing the NY

2009-01-02T17:22:00.002+11:00

Happy NY everyone!! How's everyone's start to '09?? Mine - well... I was working... But NYE was great! J and C were at my place - they stayed over for a couple of days (drove up from Melb!!) and we ended up drinking desert wine to the fireworks. Then on NY, when I headed home after a surprisingly cruisy shift at Ch 9, the three of us had a quiet night - dinner which they cooked up for me (so sweet - thank u guys, thank u guys!) and two downloaded movies - Watched Make It Happen (a dance-type movie which was short and only okay) and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (which actually wasn't bad. It was quite funny and good).

TY is in Tassie land for NY. He went over with a few friends on a driving trip. I didn't go cause I get car sickness on driving trips. If I drive, I can probably last about 4 hours the longest perhaps... and if I was the passenger (irregardless of the backseat or the front passenger seat), I can usually last about 2.5 hours... Haven't thrown up in a while though. I think the last time was about 3-4 years ago when I went to Great Ocean Rd. But then again, I seem to always throw up on that curvy road. Now, I just prevent myself and say 2.5 hours and we have to stop somewhere. I also rely on my travel sickness bands - they seem to work... so far... But I'd love to go to Tassie sometime and explore scenic places. I heard it's really pretty.

Today - 02/01 - was my day off!! Sent my car into the service centre in the morning to get these suspension oil parts for my car because something was leaking. Then J and C picked me up from the service centre and we went to watch Marley and Me. Didn't think it was THAT sad, but it was. It was funny in the beginning, but it started getting really sentimental towards the end. BUT I loved it. It was such a touching and moving show. It was sooo good. And maybe it's cause I love dogs and it's about a dog and its owner, and yeah, you really feel the emotions of it. Definitely worth watching.

It's nearing that date to accept my course. I haven't accepted yet, but I should really do it soon or else they might not grant me the placements I want. Still waiting on Melb Uni's offer, but I have this sinking feeling that it's not gonna come. I think if it doesn't come on 5 Jan Mon, I might just go ahead with Macquarie Uni. I applied for Centrelink, so I am hoping they will reply soon. It's government assistance for my rent allowance and just normal living allowance. I do hope I get that because I'd only be working one day a week on the weekend and that wouldn't be enough to support me if I do continue to stay up in Sydney. I just want my mind to be finance-free you know... Also, my housemate will be leaving end of the year back to Melb and I'd have to find a new housemate for the following year. If I can't, I might have to move out and stay alone which might cost me quite a fair bit - unless of course I have the rent assistance from Centrelink.

Financial Strains and Faith

2008-12-28T09:26:00.005+11:00

Today's quiet time for me was on financial struggle... I happen to open my daily readings and there it was - financial struggles... Good topic for the current downturn in the economy too, and am sure we are all struggling one way or another. And maybe we just need that little bit of faith back in our lives... Gonna share what I got out of Selwyn Hughes' 'Every Day with Jesus' book. He spoke about how money plays an enormous part in our lives - so true... He goes on to say that many Christians think that the purpose of money is to provide security, establish independence, or create power and influence, but this is a very worldly view of the topic, but says the Bible shows us otherwise - that God has purposes which He wants to achieve through money - and understanding these purposes is crucial if we are to be fruitful and productive Christians.

Hughes says the main purpose of money is to provide basic needs. It's surprising how little money we need in order to sustain the basic needs of life. These needs can be summed up in the words food, clothing and shelter. And God demonstrates He loving care by assuring us of His help in obtaining these basic needs: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin... willl he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matt 6:28-30)

Second, God longs for us to be dependent on Him. He knows that we experience our greatest happiness and freedom when we rely on Him alone. When we fail to recognise our need for God, we tend to lose our love for God. And the more we love our love for God, the more we come to depend upon ourselves.
1 Tim 6:8 says "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Contentment is the satisfaction we get from knowing there will be provision for our basic needs. We begin to lose our contentment when we compare with what others have - and then before long, expectations dominate our focus to the degree that our expectations increase and our contentment diminishes. Being content with the basics equips us to resist the alluring advertising which seeks to convince us that we are not able really to enjoy life unless we buy some new commodity. A contented person feels wealthy because he knows that what he already possesses is all he needs for daily living.

Third, God confirms His loving direction in our lives. He will use the supply of money or the lack of it to confirm His direction and guidance for many of the decisions we make in our lives. One minister shared how he had asked God to guide him over a certain project and part of his prayer was this: "Lord, give me the money to do this, or else it just cannot be done." The money didn't come, so the minister went ahead and borrowed money for the project. A few weeks later, the project got into difficulties and he was declared bankrupt. He was asked, "Do you know what made you go ahead even though God did not provide the money?" And he replied, saying he had not learned the difference between presumption and faith. Faith is trusting God to achieve His purposes through us, presumption is deciding what we want to accomplish and trying to get God to do it for us. It is so easy to have this proneness to nudge God when things are not working out.

Fourth, God has asked us to bless and enrich other Christians. The greatest benefit of generous giving to other Christians results in an overflowing tide of thanksgiving to God. God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when you take your gifts to those who need them they will break out in thanksgiving and praise of God for your help.

Fifth, God shows His divine power through His miraculous provision of money. A financial miracle happens when God provides one of His children with the money required to meet a financial need - and usually it involves such precise timing that it cannot fail to point to the Lord's direct intervention. God wants to prove to those who seek Him that they will not lack any good thing. When a Christian prays about a financial need, for example, and an unexpected gift is given to him by someone who knows nothing about the need, the supernatural power of God is demonstrated.

Are we ready to ask, What part does money play in our lives? Does it draw us closer to God, or drive us further away from Him? Is our security in silver - or in the Saviour? Most of us would claim that we are serving God. We would strenously deny that we have a greater love for money than we do for the Master. God, however, is aware that what we believe to be the situation is not always so. Sometimes He has to bring us into cramped financial circumstances so that we realise where our true security lies.

In Contemplation

2008-12-27T22:00:00.002+11:00

So... since not getting an offer package from Melb Uni yet, I'm contemplating on taking the offer at Macq Uni. I have to respond to Macq Uni by Jan 10. Maybe Melb Uni knows my heart wasn't fully into it? I guess I was always kinda leaning more towards Macq Uni (at the initial stage). If I do choose Macq Uni, I guess I'd be risking quite a lot of things. Long-dist relationship... Which I'm praying more and more about each day. And am sure if we're meant to be together, we'll be in it for the long haul. Despite the many ups and downs of the years, I do hope this one will end happy and not fall into one of those statistical categories of of long-distance couples not working out. Just knowing that nothing is impossible without God is encouraging. And I'm sure He'd look after us and sustain it if it's meant to be. For now, I'll wait till end of next week and if there's no offer from Melb, I'd prob go with Macq.

The other concerning factor if I take the offer at Macq - finances! Finances are pretty tight at the moment and will be, because I won't be able to work as much next year with the study load I've got (will prob only be able to work at least one day of the week - and on the weekend). Trying to see if I can get Centrelink. Will prob go to the office Mon morn and apply...

Blessed Christmas '08 to All

2008-12-24T20:41:00.000+11:00

Dear all... here's wishing you a very warm Christmas, a season where we remember how Christ sacrificed his life for us, how His love brought salvation to this earth and how He brought the message of peace and goodwill to all. Most importantly, it's a time of giving, and here we are to give thanks unto Him for what He's done for us, and to offer our Praise for He is a good God who will strengthen us and see us through the many dilemmas and heartaches of life. I guess Christmas is also a time for family/friend reunions, to make ammends, to come together, and to be safe. Wish I was in Melb celebrating with close friends, reuniting with those I consider family, but this year, chose to work instead, just to gain the finances for next year. But am keeping those dear to me close to heart and will always continue to keep them in thoughts and prayer. Stay safe and sound this Christmas. I'll visit Melb again when I have the chance. Missing you all terribly!

Back in Syd

2008-12-23T23:48:00.003+11:00

Melb was good - I experienced hayfever, but overall, the weather held up. Went to see Wicked - it was my Christmas present from TY. The show was awesome and we had really good seats. Also caught Twilight in the cinemas. I quite liked it even though I hadn't read the book. Went with TY, S, X and P who also seemed to like it. Then watched Definitely Maybe and PS I Love You (downloaded chick lovey-duvey flicks) with TY who hadn't watched them. Appreciative that TY ended up watching them. Also during my Melb trip, went to see Christmas lights. TY and I started exploring since last year and we love looking up the locations of these houses with Christmas lights deco... this happens once a year, so it's pretty worthwhile to check it out. Usually, the best place to go to in Melb is in the Boulevard in Ivanhoe, but last year, we checked out some other suburbs and they had really great ones. This year, not so... It was kinda hit and miss. But we found the winner of this year's Christmas lights competition somewhere in Blackburn North (yeah, there's a comp)... and that house - if you saw it then - would really blow you away! Can't believe all the trouble these families would go through to get something like that done.

Got my supplementary Stats results back. Was hoping for a credit, but just missed out on it by a bit. So it was a little disappointing, but oh well... Gonna forward on my results to Melb Uni.

So anywayz, I returned to Syd and there was no package in my mailbox from Melb Uni. So I'm thinking that they probably didn't accept my application. But I'll still wait and will give them till the first week of Jan since that's the time frame that I have to respond to Macq Uni's offer. Afterall, this outcome might be the answers to my many questions about everything... But it's always scary and you never know whether you're making the right decision...

One in the Bag

2008-12-17T17:50:00.000+11:00

I got into the MA Clinical A-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y course at Macquarie Uni!! Yay!! I found out two days ago, and no, didn't accept it on the spot, because still waiting on Melb Uni. Supposed to find out this month, and second round offers are in Jan. Just hope they call me soon so I can plan... Actually, during my interview with Macq, the interviewers asked me if I had the interview with Melb Uni. I said yes and then told them that it'd be great to have options laid out for you, but the reasons for accepting either course would be different. If I accept Macquarie Uni, it'd be more for the course. I like how the course is planned out, the subjects, and I already know the academic staff and some of the students I'd be studying with. As for Melb Uni, I'd head back for financial reasons (I can stay at my sister's old place which is empty at the moment... but hey, smack in the middle of the city - can't get any better than that - and I won't have to worry about rent), also TY and friends. So if I get both offers, it's a choice between preferred course and financial survival. Hmm... Melb Uni is also very academic... I mean, I know, having studied there for a while. And the subjects offered - like what is the point of electro engineering-physiology? Sounds appealing? Haha! The good thing about Melb Uni's course though is that for clinical placements, there's a required overseas clinical placement you have to undertake within the course for 2 months. That's exciting - I could go to Singapore or the UK where relatives are!! But either way, if I don't get into Melb Uni, then I've still got Macq Uni. Will just have to find the financial aid. Maybe through Aus Study which is a government funding scheme. On the whole, it's one in the bag, and I can't believe I'll be a qualified clinical a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t or ear specialist in the medical field in 2 years with my own clinic. So yeah, am stoked!! Excited!! Happy happy joy joy!!

Blood Test Results

2008-12-17T17:45:00.000+11:00

So I got back my blood test results and the doc says it's low iron deficiency. She conducted other tests from the blood tests I provided and everything else was normal, just the iron levels. Also told doc that I ended up having a sudden allergy to fruit and she seemed not too phased by it. She said some of her patients have had that allergy with fruit. My lips just swell or my mouth upper palete starts itching. She said if it's happening frequently (which it has been) to stop eating it... Stop eating fruit? But that's my iron supplement right? Anyway, she said if I continued eating fruit that causes a reaction, it could become problematic. So she suggested vegies as a substitution.

Too Many Things in my Thought Process

2008-12-13T12:59:00.003+11:00

So I got back from Melb last week and went straight to work the next day. The Melb Uni interview was really good I felt. They were really nice and I found out that clinical overseas placements are a requirement. That was really exciting to me that it would be included as part of the course structure. It took about 40 minutes overall, and hopefully I said enough to get accepted. I mean I felt comfortable and confident, and good afterwards... so hopefully I don't get my hopes up too much.

Besides the interview, went to this bbq at a park and met some really cool people (friends of a friend). I think there were about 12 of us roughly... But we had an awesome time mucking around and eating. Haha! The food was really good... Although my mischievous side got to me a bit and I destroyed a quarter of a lemon tart by playing a prank on someone - all due to one person edging me to go for it. Haha! Maybe Sydney corrupted me to be cheeky... But after that incident, it became the topic of conversation. Hee hee! I have to say the lemon tart was still edible because it was covered in glad wrap - only squashed. Haha!

Was only in Melb for 3 days, so didn't do very much. The last day, spent some time with TY who took the day off. Also managed to catch High School Musical 3 the night before - the background dancing was pretty good, but the whole movie was really corny. Like half the time, in conversations, they just broke out in song... like there was no flow... In fact, there was a daytime movie I happened to catch on TV one of the other days, which was so much better. It's called Camp Rock. I don't really like the Jonas brothers, but they were in it, and it was actually a really good movie.

Back in Syd and there were lots of training to get through. Will be working a lot during the break because uni has finished - about 5 days work.

This week, also got shortlisted for an interview at Macq Uni for the course I wanna do. That interview was more formal than Melb Uni I thought, but they were still friendly. In fact, I knew the interviewers. One taught me for one subject and the other was a guest lecturer... so we kinda went off tangent a bit and spoke about other things. Haha! And I didn't realise the time I was with them - it went for slightly over an hour!! It was supposed to be for 40 mins... They did ask me on-the-spot questions as well, like whether I applied to Melb Uni too... I basically said yes, but I mentioned that I'd like to have my options open and if I get into either course, it would be based on different reasons as to which one I accept.

I hear back from Macq Uni sometime next week, and I hear back from Melb Uni late Dec to mid Jan they said... The difference is that Melb Uni is more clinical focus whereas Macq Uni is more patient focus... I kinda prefer Macq Uni's course structure, but financially, it'd be good to go to Melb Uni and be back in Melb.

On Friday, I checked the university website and I got in the supplementary exam on Tue 16 Dec. I actually didn't think I'd get it cause you had to go through so much paperwork just to sit for the exam. And that was my mistake, cause after the initial paper, I didn't bother studying for it. And now, I have 2 full days (Sun and Mon) to study for it. Well, for starters, I'll rewrite my cheat sheet properly, so I know where everything is. I'm really nervous for the exam, because I need to get at least a credit! I actually had work on Mon, but a colleague of mine was kind enough to say she'll do my shift for me so I have extra time to study. I'm hoping the sup paper won't be as tough as the other one.

Remember my fainting spell after my last exam? I still haven't heard back from the doctors about my blood test results. Apparently I can't just collect it and will have to see a doc for him/her to explain the results to me. So I've booked a private doc for Wed 17th. Am working that day too, but will have to vacuum the house and pack as well, cause I'll be leaving for Melb early the next day. And when I head back, my friend will be staying over... So it's gonna be hectic and stressful for a bit... *sigh*

Plus I have yet to buy my Christmas presents and have already spent tons this month! I think I'm gonna incur a credit card debt!! Arghhh!! And I still have to do my traditional Christmas card mailout. Whoever wants a Christmas card, email me your address k? Or if you don't have my email, msg me on FB! Will be in Melb from 18-23 for an early Christmas and then working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day... and NY's Day! I kinda requested those days cause I'll never really get them again once I start uni next year - and I need those bonuses for uni fees and rent.

Exams Over BUT...

2008-12-03T23:37:00.002+11:00

The exams are over, but on the last day of the final exam, I ended up having a fainting spell. It was actually really scary cause one minute I was speaking to a classmate of mine, the next minute, I was trying to throw up and everything was turning white - I couldn't see and was blacking out and perspiring a fair bit. I remember saying "I don't know what's going on. Something's wrong with me..." to my classmate. We were so close to calling an ambulance. In fact, I asked one of my medical friends who said the symptoms all fit low blood pressure. I wasn't surprised because my mum has low blood pressure. I spoke to the massage therapist who was at work today and she confirmed that it is low blood pressure. I told her when I had that fainting spell, I straightaway went to buy some iron deficiency tablets from the chemist. They worked, but don't seem that strong. It also causes a bit of constipation. Anyway, she recommended some other glucose supplements over the counter at the pharmacy and will pass them to me when she sees me on Friday at work. It's quite fortunate knowing her cause she works at a health medical clinic and seems quite familiar with all of this... But yeah, diet-wise, I now have to stick to red meat for a while, beans and spinach included... anything with iron really. And she said to snack on something sweet once a day which I already do - I tend to have hot choc everyday, along with the daily choc bar during my shifts. Hmmm... If I have too much sugar, that'd turn me into a diabetic wouldn't it? But then if I have too little, it'd make my low blood pressure worse. Of course if it gets really really bad, have to go straight to a doctor.

By the way, the last paper, I thought, went quite well. I might have missed out a few pointers, but there's so much one can really remember right?

Now just waiting on results, and also waiting for approval onthat Stats supplementary paper. If I sit it again, it won't be a bad thing hopefully, cause at least I'd be able to do better second time round yah?

This Sun, leaving for Melb till Tue. Have the Melb Uni interview on Mon 8 Dec at about 1pm. Pray for me. I really hope I get in. Then I'd be able to stay in Melb. Today at work though, I received a really odd letter from the head boss here in Syd who said in token of my appreciation of past work and what I'll be doing in terms of the new office move, he's giving me a bonus which would be transferred directly to my bank account end March 2009. I certainly wasn't expecting that at all, because my other colleagues haven't received anything like that - I asked if they got a letter from head boss and they didn't... *shrugs* But it seems like I'll be a huge asset towards the move. Hmm... I prob shouldn't question it anymore... haha! But it sure seemed strange.

More work tomorrow and am going to go back to voicing an entire bulletin live, which I havn't done in ages, so it'd be interesting to see how the recognition turns out...

Because it's after exams, went shopping and got quite a few items that cost me lots. I had Tues off but had to run some errands like my car service at Honda. Speaking of the Honda car service, the place I went to was amazing. It had a shuttle bus directly to the train station, they washed your car after the service, they served free coffee/tea/biscuits. Couldn't have asked for more. Then of course, in between that time, I had yum cha with my housemate and her friend, then went shopping, but also pampered myself with a massage. Now you don't have to wonder how I could spend so much. Haha!

Today, had a really bad headache - probably from low blood pressure, but just took it easy. In fact, I didn't really do a lot at work today. I was just lazing around. We had a few meetings, a few things I had to mark up, and documents I had to sort... but that was pretty much it. But then again, I told my boss of my condition, so I think they decided to give me simple stuff to do. But then again, I'd prefer if I had stuff to do... so it'd keep my mind off things. But I guess if something did happen, then I'd be covered under WorkCover anyway... After work, was early, so went to SES (this fashion clothing store) and bought a top. Then met up with a few of my Sydneysider friends for dinner - we went to this Thai place. Chatted, made a new friend, and really caught up with each other. So yeah, very different to the pre-week exam life - this is the way to be - post-exam life! Hee hee!

One More Day to the Mon Exam

2008-11-30T01:01:00.003+11:00

Pray for me!! One more day for me to cram everything into my brain. The exam's at 1.50pm on Mon, so please pray that I can retain all the important stuff. I've been trying to go over the revision again and again, but haven't got very far with remembering... and am starting to panic and get all nervous. Today was productive, but not as productive as I hoped, so hoping for a better memory day tomorrow. The good news is that for this subject, I've already got a D for the previous assessments, so it's just maintaining that grade or the most, get a C. D (for distinction), C (for credit) just in case you were wondering... It's 1am and I think my brain is shutting down, so am gonna head to my pillow.

4 Days to Mon Exam!!

2008-11-27T14:55:00.002+11:00

Can't believe sooo many people have finished their exams and I'm still studying for it! I've got 4 days left... just gonna summarise and type out my rough revision answers for the exam and memorise some tonight... So much to memorise... And it doesn't help that everyone's finished and asking me to head out. Haha! I plan to do some shopping therapy after - if I have the cash!

1 Dec Exam Prep

2008-11-25T13:23:00.002+11:00

So my exam prep for 1 Dec is going okay, although I haven't memorised anything yet! I still need to go through a few sections and condense some of them or add more info. But can't do it tonight cause I end late and need to start on an early shift tomorrow.

So technically, I'll have about 4.5 days to memorise it all!! Yikes!!

Post-Stats Exam Trauma

2008-11-21T09:46:00.002+11:00

Heyz, so I felt really really depressed and upset after my Stats exam that I immediately went straight to the department to apply for special consideration...

I was actually early for the exam, but then the bag queue was sooo long that I only got to the exam venue during the 5 mins reading time (we had 10 mins)... so it was pretty much panicky all the way. Then my biggest mistake was - I started on the tough questions first thinking if I can earn those big marks. What a dumb thing to do! Cause it lowered my confidence and I wanted to give up. We were allowed a 2-sided A4 cheat sheet for this paper, but because I wrote soooo tiny and crammed everything, and it was pretty dsorganised, I spent half the time trying to look for things, and felt frustrated. The exam was 3 hours, but I ran out of time and missed out on 2 whole sections. I saw the clock running and when it was half an hour left - for those 2 sections, I just scribbled a hypothesis accepting everything or saying there's an association and for the conclusion, it was supporting the entire results an hypothesis... Am hoping to get 1 mark for that. But yeah, I definitely knew that entire exam was pretty bad... especially since I only had about 2 days to prepare for it... cause I had this major phonology assignment that was killing me... My classmates said I should be alright - they think I'm like really smart or something and can pull through. But I knew from the moment I stepped out of that room, it was like I fell in quicksand.

Oh well, hope I get to sit the sup. If I sit it, that'd be 16 Dec. So at least I won't need to change my flights for that. The department said that the requirement for sitting the sup would mean you need to have passed your other coursework - that, am not worried about cause I have about 80% plus on my coursework. I'll only know 12 Dec whether I'd be sitting the sup or not. And when I do, I'm definitely going to write up my cheat sheet differently this time and head in extra extra early.

Now it's down to the wire for my next exam on 1 Dec. Working today and Sat and then next week, working 2 days also (on the Tue and Wed) then having the rest of the days off for study. But been waking pretty early at about 9am (Early for me... haha) to try and cram in some study... Usually I get up about 11am... Today my biological waking up clock was really weird cause I woke up and I checked my phone and it was 6am! I was like what - 6am?? So I went back to bed.

Lots of memorising for the next exam... If I can memorise two to three sections per day leading up to it, I'd be prepared for it. And hopefully I'd be able to maintain that D in it!

Exam Early Morning Tomorrow!!

2008-11-19T19:37:00.003+11:00

So there's an exam tomorrow at 9:20... meaning I'll have to wake about 8 and really get prepared - make sure my calculator is working, I've got my cheat sheet, know my seat number and room, and pray. Can't really do anything else. Just have to leave it all to Him.

It's actually good that they gave the option of a cheat sheet of one A4 page, but right now, am starting to write the sheet and have no idea what to put on it. I'm just going by lecture and hoping that my notes will be readable and comprehendable. This is a Stats exam by the way... and it's all short answers/report-like questions.

Don't know whether it's to do with stamina, but I've been trying out past exam papers and after the first question, I've already started to give up on the Stats content - didn't really feel like doing anymore... There will be about 8-10 questions in the exam with lots of different parts to it, so hopefully I can answer all of them in the 3 hours that we have.

Really really nervous (which is quite normal I guess) - maybe cause it's my first paper for Sem 2, but I know I should really just try my best. This is my second-last paper. Kinda wished I started studying for it a little earlier, but now there's no time to re-practice those past exams, so I'm just gonna try at them with crossed fingers.

The strange thing is, after the exam, I will be going to work - You guys might think I'm a little crazy especially since I requested it... But at least it'll kinda keep my mind off post-exam thoughts such as "oh no, I think I did that wrong" "oh no, should have done this" etc... And the $$ after exams should be good. Hopefully it'll be a gd day of work...

The Signs of Exams!!

2008-11-18T19:39:00.002+11:00

The assignments are gone! Yay!! But now, it's the exams! I'm kinda stressing a little for the Stats exam on the 20th (this Thur!) because I don't really know how to study for them. I've been trying out a few past papers and believe it's all about practice. But I just started today in the afternoon, and there's not much time left. I think I know how to do it, but then again, all the past papers were extremely hard, especially the 2006 one! So I'm just buggered at the moment!! Well, 3 more weeks till I officially close this semester's chapter, and then my grades are all left to Him. Prayers needed abundantly!!

It's 2AM!!!

2008-11-14T01:48:00.003+11:00

Why am I still up??!! Not sure - think I have lots on my mind...

First - good news! I finished this one assignment about an hour ago. It was a bit slow and draggy, but with His strength, managed to do it!! Yay! One more dreaded assignment to go and then it's down to studying for the exams! Yes, I managed to resist the shows TY gave me. Haha! The shows are sooo addictive!

Today has been a really long day... I had to get the nurse to look at my stitches again because they were protruding and weren't dissolving - stubborn little things. I went to the clinic and they actually got a tweezer and pulled the thing out. It was Ow! Then after that, I had to get my mum from her hotel. She wanted to cook for me which was really sweet. So we went to get groceries, but by the time we got back, it was about 4pm. While she cooked, I had to do my assignment, but I did warn my mum beforehand... She just came at a really bad time when everything was due. While she was cooking, I couldn't really do much of my assignment because my mum kept asking me where to put stuff... I managed to write about a paragraph though. Well after all that cooking, I sent my mum back to the hotel, but it was around peak hour and when I got back, it was already about 7:30pm - ate and then took about 3 hours to complete the rest of my assignment. But glad that one's over and done!

Oh, while grocery shopping - and this is the exciting part - the Otolaryngology department at Melb Uni called. Haha... I can't even pronounce that word properly. Oh dear me! Anyway, they called and I was shortlisted for an interview, which means I head back to Melb earlier than planned. But because I already booked flights for the 18th to 23rd to Melb (my initial plan to Melb), I will only go for a short trip just for the interview, cause of work commitments. The interview's on the 8th and I'll be in Melb from 7-9th Dec. I really can't believe it - that I got that interview. I mean, I understand I did my BA and Honours in Melb Uni, but I also tried out this Pgrad Cert and never really completed it... Hmm... Plus, rem how I did BA/Law and dropped out of the Law bit in my first year of undergrad? Hmm... wonder what they'd say to that. But yep, am happy and it's all really exciting getting that interview! Hope it all goes okay.

A piece of bad news - been spending sooo much, the finances are sooo tight. And especially since I only have 10 days paid sick leave per year and used them all up, and then had additional sick leave... haven't really gotten paid much at all. Plus I just got a toll notice! It was way back in October... didn't really recall where I was then, but it said I was heading north... I'm assuming I was going to work at that hour.

And then my sis is planning to go to London in Dec with my parents to visit relatives, but because I already booked flights for Melb and the interview and visiting TY and frens... I don't have the savings to go there at all.

Then there's this other thought in my head that if I get into my course, I'd prob not work in media anymore and work in a health-related field instead. So many things...

Anywayz, tomorrow, it's handing in my assignment, getting a few groceries and then heading to work. After work, it's purely the last and final assignment for the year... and then down to business with the studying for the exams. First major exam's on the 20th!! Lots of prayers needed!!

How's the Studying?

2008-11-11T00:55:00.003+11:00

I keep getting distracted... One of the nights, it was a Heroes marathon for me. Then tonight, it ended up to be a Desperate Hsewives marathon. *sigh* I think I'm trying to sweep the assignment stress under the carpet. Like I have this practical test on the 12th, so Wed... an assignment due on the 14th, another assignment due on the 17th, exams on the 20th and then my final exam on 1 Dec. The good thing about the 20th and the 1 Dec is that I have 10 days to study for my next paper, which is good. But am also working too... Will probably try to do my utmost best and try to score. My last chance for this year really and hoping it'll all go okay...

For now, it's just assignments. Haven't got to the study bit, but will try to finish one of my assignments by Wed and then start a bit of study on Thu with my other assignment. That's the plan!

Seeking Direction from Above

2008-11-10T01:29:00.005+11:00

Dunno why, but been having doubts about my course next year - might be the stress with all my assignments, work, how to cope financially next year, what's going to happen in two years after my course... So many thoughts and many decisions to eventually make, as well as risks... And just felt like I needed God. I need His direction, I need Him to show me light, I need that burning faith again... So I took some quiet moments with Him today and yesterday. And in fact, yesterday, I turned on my radio in my car and this song spoke every bit of what I've been feeling at that particular moment... You guys may recognise it... the lyrics go... (the song sounds sad, but it's actually got really nice tones to it. And this little sharing is just my plea to God, and yeah, I know it'd all be ok cause I have Him - take it as a "hope" song)

My life, has led me down the road that's so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way,
Trying to find the faith that's gone
This time, I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You

My life, has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn I'm always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won't You show me where I need to go
Oh oh Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it`s the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You - Third Day's Revelation

Getting Sidetracked

2008-11-07T23:31:00.008+11:00

As most people know, exams are around the corner for me and I still have 3 major assignments and 2 mini-tests left. The killer assgnment is going to be phonology.

Anyway, had work today, came back and wanted to start on some phonology readings, but some news disrupted that thought... See this cute thing...

Ain't it gorgeous? Baby pygmy hippo at the Torongo Zoo here in Syd!! Hee! I want one!
Note: I do get distracted by animals... Hee! Who wouldn't if they are as cute as this?

But yes, back to studies. Did a 2-week timetable and as long as I follow it strictly, I think I should do quite ok - hopefully. Need lots of prayers!! Need that distinction!! *stress hits head*

Muddleheaded...

2008-11-03T15:09:00.002+11:00

Don't know what I was thinking. But on the weekend, actually yesterday (Sun), I messaged one of my classmates regarding an assignment and he replied back saying "Err, it's due tomorrow (Mon)." I was like Yikes!! Cause I somehow wrote in my diary that it was due then 3 Nov Mon, but in fact, I drew this arrow to 5 Nov Wed... and so all this while, I thought it was due then. So I quickly emailed my lecturer to ask for an extension. Good thing the uni email system was down the entire weekend due to maintenance - that way, it was easy excuse. My lect responded and said ok, so a bit relieved. But been reading up my notes and haven't written anything!!

Plus I've been more achy today and I called my doc to see if it was normal. He said it was normal and perhaps the skin is just stretching around the area. He said if it is still painful to just take panadol. But at this stage, I would say the pain and ache is tolerable - don't really want to be feeding off panadol. He also said I can massage the area a bit if I want. But just touching the skin with the dissolvable stitches that hasn't dissolved... it's like *scrinch* (may or may not be a word, but you know the feeling)

Prayers needed for assignment... It's 1000 words, but it comes with graphical plots which I'm about to do soonish. I have till tomorrow morn deadline because I'm working tomorrow and then Wed, I've got another assignment (a group one) to tackle. It'll be one of those miracle assignments if I can get it done in a few hours and get really great marks! I hope of course that I will...

What Sickness Does

2008-11-01T13:04:00.003+11:00

I felt like drowning myself with Codral yesterday... was soo sick...
Today a bit better - still sniffling. Didn't want to call in sick, cause I used up all my sick leave already and need the $$ for rent. You could tell I was pretty sick cause I went online to do my Stats online quiz and it was the first quiz ever that I got 55%. All the while, been averaging 80% and up. My brain just wasn't up to it.

Have a few more assessments to go. Tomorrow I have a group discussion for a group assignment and there's this other vowel assignment as well. First exam's on the 20th! Argghhh!! I've applied for some leave during the exam period to study. Just hope I get on top of all the studies. Doing my head in.

My Fair Lady

2008-10-31T19:23:00.016+11:00

Went to see My Fair Lady at the Royal Theatre in Syd with a colleague and her bf on Wed. It was sooo good. The script kinda reminded me of my phonetics assignment because it's based upon the UK English lang. Hee! But the actors were really good, especially the linguistics professor. He had so much charisma and character. Worth a watch really!

Also, what a strange place to meet, but I bumped into one of my old guy friends from OCF. He was with his wife - they were honeymooning in Syd, but will be returning to Msia on Monday. I was like "What a place to honeymoon? And Syd??" But then again, she may have never been to Aust. And maybe because he studied in Melb all this while, he didn't want to honeymoon there. Hmm... Hadn't actually seen him in ages, so we had a good short catch-up during the interval.

It was a rather long day actually... because before the play, I had a uni workshop and even before that, woke up at about 8am to rush a dreaded assignment. My colleague was actually sick on the day of the play but really wanted to see it. I think I'd be happy if it was postponed, so that I could concentrate more on my assignments. But the play ends this weekend and when my colleague called to change it to this weekend, the box office said they don't refund or swap play days... Pretty fair I guess.

Well towards the evening, I started to feel like I was coming down with something. Could be the flu bug from my colleague, but didn't think it'd travel that fast! And today, am really sick... Down with the cold and a slight fever. Was supposed to be working today, but called in sick. Feeling quite lousy... Worked yesterday and the colleague I was working with said I sounded really bad with the sniffles. Felt really bad calling sick... but I guess I just needed more rest and need to build that immune system back up again. Vitamin C - my new found friend!! Haha!

Back to the play topic - we couldn't really take pics inside, but here are some outside ones... You may notice how tired my colleague and I both were. Her tired-ness is due to sickness and mine that day was just waking really early and using lots of brain power for that struggling phonology assignment. Hee! But here are the pics to enjoy:

Three of us with the tix. Her bf didn't want to be in the pic... Said he hates seeing himself in pics. Haha!

This is the Royal Theatre. It links to a shopping mall, but you can hear the train rumbling from inside. It's quite pretty - the architecture, but there were lots of people and I didn't explore that much for fear of getting lost...

Me and my colleague just outside the door entrance to the theatre.

Me! I found a poster just outside the theatre itself... It's sooo pink... Hee hee!

Added Stress...

2008-10-28T11:02:00.002+11:00

My computer's graphcs card died a few days ago and my motherboard needed replacing, so I had to get further extensions on my assignments. Fortunately the tech guy came today really early in the morn, and managed to fix it up. It's back to assignment and study mode. And back to work this week! Grrrr!!

Visiting Syd

2008-10-28T10:17:00.013+11:00

TY, Mary and Dave all visited me in Syd last week and bunked over my place. Mary and Dave arrived later, because their flight was delayed... Jetstar... Hmmm... But anywayz, TY and myself went to get some supper nearby. We couldn't really find this place we wanted to go to, so we went to Macs instead. The Syd Airport isn't quite near anything...

Oh, when TY came down, he gave me this little cute guy to express his feelings... (Sorry if it's too mushy for you guys... Hee...)

It was good having them down in Syd even though it was a busy period with the assignments piling up from post-op, but it was so much fun! We went to the Blue Mountains, but because of post op, I couldn't trek, so instead I brought along my assignments to do, while Mary and Dave went for a little exploration walk. Wasn't very productive, but I did read a few lecture notes. TY kept me company and didn't mind at all - he had his handy iPod with movies to keep him entertained. But it was such a lovely day and I wanted to trek, but of course, was incapable of doing so. One thing I shouldn't have done was drive there. I felt ok, but towards the end of the day, pain and soreness kicked in. I think I strained myself a little much...

We could have explored the Blue Mountains more, but I cooked French toast and scrambled eggs in the morn and that took a while.

On the way back, we dropped by this town near the Blue Mountains and had Belgian waffles. They were sooo yummy! The guy said to look out for him if he heads to Melb. We all reckon he should open a cafe there. It's really really good! And next time that Mary and Dave are here, they said they'd want to stay over at the Blue Mountains. That'd be fun!!

Everyone actually wanted to have an "old people sort of holiday" thingy, but we actually did a fair bit within 4 days. Still, it wasn't enough time to do a lot. We met up with Mary and Dave's friend, S, and we hung out at the Fish Market. Tried the yum cha place up in the restaurant on Level 1. Haven't been there, but it was sooo good. There was even a special offer - if you spend $25 or more, you get 2 hours free parking. We couldn't really decide if we wanted yum cha or wanted to eat the sashimi and oyster stuff. SO we ended up having both! Hee! We just made sure we would spend slightly over $25 at the yum cha place and then leave our stomach rooms for sashimi and oysters. After the Fish Market, we drove into the city - found parking on York St for $2.20 per hour. This was the weekend though, and pretty easy to find a park... not sure about weekdays. Then we visited this really cool architecture building (the Dymocks building) on George St... We wanted to go there because Mary was in the hunt for wedding shoes. Everytime she mentions white shoes, I keep thinking of BATA and velcro. Hee hee! Anywayz, the entire building was like bridal galore. It was quite overwhelming.

We also went to Tiffany's & Co. Mary and Dave wanted to check out wedding bands. It was quite fun seeing what size fingers we all had. Haha! By then, our carpark was running out, but at least TY got to catch quick glimpses of his Omega shop next door. Then we went to check out Balmoral Beach. Haven't actually been there... but had a lot of positive views from people. And it was like those people recommended - the weather, the scenery, etc... It was a really pretty beach with a little park and pier. Reminded me a little of Perth. We even went into one of the cafes to snack cause we were hungry. After that, we went to Red Oak for din with a whole bunch... The beer was great! Unfortunately a lot of the pics were taken on TY's cam, so don't have the candid moments. They'll prob be on FB soon!

Was a bit sad when Mary, Dave and TY all had to leave on Sun. Yeah, I miss them and miss Melb!! By the way, they gave my housemate and I this thank you gift for the stayover:

Thanks guys!!
And the sweetest thing - TY got me these (my fav flowers)... =)

Feeling So-So 10 Days Post-Op

2008-10-20T15:05:00.004+11:00

Received an email from the Stats coordinator who said that I don't have to sit the Stats class test this week because of what happened. Instead, she said that there will be more weighting on the exam (70% instead of 60%). Initially I told her that I wish to attempt the Stats class test, but in fact, I don't think I'm prepared for it, or will be able to prepare for it this week, so I've just emailed her that I don't think I'll be able to do the Stats class test and am fine with having more weighting on the exam. I guess I could have sat the class test tomorrow, spend some time on it today, but then there won't be any time for my other assignments... So in a way, I'm hoping it's a good thing to miss out on the class test and it's the right decision...

Today was my first day driving. It was pretty easy driving straight, but tough putting on the seatbelt and also doing a 3-point turn.

My follow-up with the doc is on Wed... have a few concerning issues with the surgery, but hopefully nothing to worry about. Still tough reaching/stretching/lifting things... oh yeah, can't lift things for at least 4 weeks and can't vacuum for 6 weeks... I think what's straining me at the moment right now though is sleep deprivation (can't seem to sleep properly... the first few days were okay cause I had really strong meds, but now, been sleeping past 12am which prob isn't so good, but can't help it - been staying up to do assignments... and the strange thing is, I'm still waking about 9am which is not even 9-10 hours sleep during recovery. Doc said to try and rest and sleep a lot to recuperate, but somehow, I think I just have too much on my mind right now. Like the feelings these few days have been pretty manic, or happy-moody type... Also straining me - sinuses, emotions and movements... every time I sneeze, I ache. Every time I laugh, cry, etc... I ache. Movements (certain ones quite obviously), I ache... But holding on and being strong as always.

The Recovery Process

2008-10-20T14:36:00.013+11:00

Kinda needed some cheering up today (just had lots going on)... and what more could I have asked for than a surprise package waiting at my doorstep?

Ta da!!

This is what Mary and Dave kindly bought and shipped to me... Check out the adorable shoes!!

That wasn't all... they also got me...

Got to have the temptation goodies!... Thanks Mary and Dave - you guys are awesomeness and so sweet!

Did I also mention J has been terrific while I stayed over at her place for about 6 days? She was so supportive and made sure I took all my pills at the specific time stated on the prescription labels and also made sure all my meals were looked after. And when she wasn't home, Funny the cat kept me company... Yes, its name is Funny. It belongs to J's housemates. And compared to Kara, TY's little girl cat, Funny isn't as curious. She's pretty obedient actually and strangely, doesn't have a lot of toys to play with... Like most of the room doors could be left open and she's trained to not even go in there. But I have heard from J that she's fallen off the balcony twice... It's pretty high too... the last story of that building... so maybe about 4-5 floors? But she's survived it all... Apparently they went looking for her and she meowed from downstairs. Then they looked down the balcony and there she was looking up to them. I guess she kinda lifts up to her name... Hee hee!

Here's Funny...

This is Stress!!

2008-10-18T18:23:00.002+11:00

Been acting up on sinuses this morn, and every time I sneeze or cough, my chest hurts or my rib nerves... so I learnt to hold onto my chest/stomach when I do. Wish I had more hands to cover me... haha... But getting better day by day. Can't wait to feel normal... Apparently 6-8 weeks...

Woke up really early today - even before my alarm - it said 7.10am. What the? Then I went back to sleep. Woke up again and it said 8.15am. Again, what the? So I forced myself to bed one more time and when I got up, it was about 10 something... That was better. Well... considering I didn't end up going to bed till half past 12 last night and am post-surgery. Doc said to get enough sleep... so just obeying doc's orders.

And the reason I was up till half past 12 (wanted to have an early sleep at about 10:30pm) but my GeForce graphics card on my laptop crashed! It was like having all these black squares on my desktop and there was this thing copying all my desktop files across my desktop, I couldn't even shut them down. And yes, I rebooted my comp like six times. It really scared me cause I wanted to write at least a paragraph before bed time, but also wanted a bit of a laugh and clicked on the Superhero movie, then that happened. Anywayz, called my technie bf who told me to uninstall and then go to the website and reinstall, so I did. All good now, but it's working on my standard graphics card at the moment. Somehow, I downloaded the GeForce graphics card again, but the system would only run it halfway and there's an error. But at least I can still do stuff. Will just wait for TY to head down next weekend and see what he can do.

Anywayz, this morn, my standard graphics card died. So anywayz, I reinstalled it somehow, with the NVIDIA website. That really freaked me out cause I rely so much on this comp to do all that I have to do for Mon. Well, after that was fixed and dealing with what I have, just been reading up all over my assignment notes again. I thought I had all the thoughts and ideas compiled yesterday, and today, I can just start writing the whole thing free-flow, you know. But instead, I had a mental blank. Was starring at a blank Word doc for at least 40 mins... Called my classmate to see what her thoughts were on some of the hypotheses and she helped a bit, but when I went back to that Word doc, I still couldn't type out more than two words - "the hypothesis..."

So I started watching Made of Honor which was awesome! It's one of those chick flicks that I'd love to watch again. But I have to admit I cried... It was so touching. Definitely recommended. After that, ate my cooked green beans from last night. And then, the amazing thing - I started writing at least a page. I'm supposed to explain 15 hypotheses... only have 4 at the moment. But I am hoping - by some miracle - to pull this off sometime tonight, so that I can get cracking for the studying of my Stats test which I'm totally dreading.

My housemate's gone out to her aunt's place today to have a little exercise (swim and gym stuff) and have dinner. So tonight, am gonna try to get out of my sandwich-eating habits and try some actual cooking. Gonna cook now and then hopefully by 8pm, the brain will do its job. 8pm is the time I'm gonna continue the writing process... just in case you guys were wondering...

7-day Post-Op Update

2008-10-17T19:57:00.000+11:00

After surg, my biological clock has gone a bit funny. I've been waking pretty early and heading to sleep fairly early, which might be a good thing for the long run. But I actually feel like I'm turning into a pig. The past week, it's been eat, sleep, eat, sleep.

The doc said that I can start driving from Mon onwards, but should take it easy. Will perhaps drop by the post, and then have to drive to uni for the class test. I'll be having my post-op follow-up session on Wed too - more updates on that in another blog post.

Whammy!!

2008-10-17T19:45:00.004+11:00

Applied for an extension for one of my assignments - my S-p-e-e-c-h A-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s assignment due Friday (today), which was granted, but instead, I found out that the extension extends only till Monday, which is the same day as my Stats class test. So right now, I'm going arrghhghhgh! But I'm going to apply for Special Consideration. Didn't realise there were sooo many forms...

It'll be a busy weekend as you guys can see, with the uni work... Might try to finish up this assignment tonight and tomorrow morn and then start studying for my Stats class test in the arvo and on Sun.

Then after Mon, going to start on another assignment which is due the Mon after M, D and T leave. Don't you just hate Mondays? But will try to get that assignment done the day before they come. *crossing fingers and hoping*

Then once M, D and T leave, I'll be revising my cover letter and applications for my course next year. And of course, once that's finished, it's exam study time. That's the plan...

Heading Home Today...

2008-10-16T13:30:00.004+11:00

Heading home today - finally! I think I've been at my friend's too long, occupying her space and using all her stuff... I know she doesn't totally mind, because I'm sleeping most of the time, but I feel bad. Have to head home anywayz, cause most of my uni files are there. Got this assignment due Monday... Also got a Stats class test on Monday. For the Stats class test, my lecturer placed a sample test on the student online board. I had a look and it seemed tough. But I'm not that worried, cause it's only 10%. So I'm not going to do any study till the last min for it, even though there's sooo much stuff to do for the unit. I'm just hoping to do better in the exam.

It'll be a bit tricky heading home. First, got all these stuff... like heavy cleaning solution for my wound, my big bag, laptop - and I can't actually carry heavy stuff for at least 4 weeks. Doc said I can't vacuum for 6 weeks, which would be quite disgusting if I didn't have a flatmate. Anywayz, J (the friend who's been looking after me at her place) is going to come back after her uni and help me load my stuff in the cab. Then when I get home, my housemate is going to come downstairs and bring all my stuff up. So it's all good.

Once I get home, I think it'll be down to assignment business. Hopefully I finish it by tomorrow or Sat. Then on the weekend, will study Stats. That's the plan for now...

6th day post-op...

2008-10-16T13:24:00.002+11:00

It's going to take me a while to heal. But today, am completely off my prescribed meds. Feeling really achy and this morning, the pain just escalated cause I wasn't on any more meds. I can take my panadol or panedeine though. Might take panedeine since it's stronger... By the way, my sinuses, sniffling symptoms are back! Pretty tough sneezing, cause every time I sneeze, my chest hurts. I was having muscle spasms, backaches and neck aches and just pain, so decided to sign up to a surgery message board to feel better. I know... last resort! Never been on one, but I was feeling low... And the people on it, having gone through similar procedures, have been sooo awesome. Of course, we all have nicknames so everyone is kinda anonymous. But the good feeling is, they are like your little support group.

Post-Op

2008-10-15T09:55:00.003+11:00

The first three days after surgery, I think the doc gave me some really strong pills, cause I was sleeping practically every day, for almost every hour. It was pretty rough at first, because I couldn't lift anything, comb or tie up my hair, or dress up properly (still having a bit of trouble, but just slowly doing it bit by bit). I really feel like a disabled person. I think if I fractured a limb, at least I'll still manage more by being able to make use of the non-disabled side. But in this case, my injury's connected to my upper torso which means it's tough to even manoevre and scratch your back or turn around. You have to just move like a robot. And I feel weird sleeping on my back, cause for all these years, I've never done that. Definitely something I've been trying to get used to. I was sleeping sooo much for the first three days, that the only movie I watched from my comp with my friend was 21, which was really good I have to say. Not really about gambling... kinda like counting... hee hee!

At the moment, staying at my friend's and she's been sooo sweet and such a great carer who I think will make an awesome mum and nurse. Hee!! She wakes earlier just for me and makes my breakfast every day before she heads off for uni. She also puts aside the pills I need to take, makes sure my ice packs are cold enough and I've got the essential blankets, etc... I feel sooo bad for the way she's taking care of me that I'm gonna treat her to a really awesome dinner after this. But of course, it'll have to be after exams - we have exams around the same time... Another friend of mine, M, also helped pre-surgery by reassuring me, helping me to get my pills from the pharmacy, etc... so I'll be giving her that dinner too. I just thank God for such awesome friends!! I really never expected that they'd actually do all this, especially since I've only known them since Jan this year.

Sleeping patterns - on Mon, can't believe how much I slept. I woke up at 7:30am wanting my pain killers and I think J must have heard my difficulty getting up, because she got up to get them for me. Did I already say she's been awesome? Then I went back to bed and woke at about 10:30am to have my other pills. Started watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall which was really nice. Love those girly type flicks, but not too girly of course, if you know what I mean. At about 12 something after the movie, had a bit of lunch - couldn't find anything to eat cause J was at uni and she thought I'd wake at about 12... but woke really early and had already finished my food for breakfast... so anywayz, I just had plain bread and my pills. Then I went to bed and didn't get up until about 9pm when J was already home with din. She cooked fried rice for me. It's a strange thing... after eating a lot of crackers, sandwiches and biscuits, all of a sudden, fried rice tastes like Wow! And yeah, I know... It'll have to be many big dinners for J. Hee!!

On Tues, I didn't sleep a lot... woke early, but not that early - just a bit after 9am... did the usual - breakfast and pills. Managed to watch Aquamarine which was a really girly girly type flick, but something light for the brain... And also watched the Water Horse which was soooo sad, I have to admit it made me cry. Then there was a power failure in J's place... My comp was on the entire day and I only had about an hour and a half on my batt left. So I did one of my Stat pract quizzes. Also read up on my a-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s assignment. Finished all that... so yeah, it felt quite productive. Later in the evening, the power came back on and I just surfed the Net and it was to bed.

The hardest things about post-op is getting up and lying down on the bed when waking and going to bed (it hurts whenever I get up/lie down), but also showering and changing... It takes me so long to shower and change cause I have all these ointments for cleaning the wound.

The things I miss - combing and tying up my hair, plus driving. I can't drive for at least 12 days... and the doc advices me not to take public transport as people will bump me around... so I have to resort to cabs here which are efficient but really really expensive!

Today, will sleep for a bit... can't believe I woke at about 8:30am... just had my pills and going back to bed now. It's cold today, so it'll be nice to sleep. Might wake a little later, have lunch and continue with my assignment. By the way, I managed to get an extension for the assignment till Mon...

I'll be OK...

2008-10-12T16:48:00.002+11:00

Chest pains today are less than yesterday. My pain threshold was probably about 8 out of 10 yesterday still, but today, it's gone down to about 6.5, which is good. I need to see the doc at the moment. Been watching shows... like yesterday, watched 21 and today watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall. They were both really good movies. In fact, Forgetting Sarah Marshall was pretty funny, it was hard not to laugh, but I had to laugh... and then it just hurt all over again.
Took some meds after some crackers and I seem to be feeling rather drowsy...

Tomorrow off to the doc. Will have to go by myself cause J's got uni... but she's heading back during lunch time to assist me with a few things. Signing off for now, but stay tuned...

Freak Accident...

2008-10-11T16:07:00.003+11:00

This is my freak accident story.... which could probably happen to anyone... and perhaps the lesson is to slow down and take it easy and not do too much at once.

As all of you know, been working to the bone ever since I returned from Melb. It's been hectic and crazy.

Then one morn, went to help J fix a light bulb at her place cause she was moving rooms... It was in the kitchen and it was slippery because the cleaners came. But their light bulb needed fixing and I said I'll do it. So I used J's stool - a bad decision, because as I installed the light bulb, and slipped (which rotated the stool about 360 degrees) and I hit it and then the floor. I couldn't really get up and J's housemate had to carry me into his car. He rushed me to emergency at about 7.30am, told the hospital staff that I was in a lot of pain. They then stretchered me from the car into the emergency ward where my blood pressure, X-rays, etc, were all taken. They also gave me a minor pain-killer because they wanted me to be alert enough to let them know what I was allergic to. I actually waited for quite a while as they were sorting out theatres and beds. After my X-ray results were released, the doc said I had a severe rib fracture and needed immediate surgery as it was touching my nerve. He also said it's a good thing I didn't have a full break or I'd be looking at about 6-8 weeks off everything. It was a day surgery from 12pm and I was discharged at about 6pm in the evening... TY rang me at about 5pm and I was still in recovery at that point.

It was quite a strange experience because I've never been in surgery or under general anesthetic before. Before the anesthetic kicked in, I recalled my last words about Perth, how I did high school there, and how the weather in Sydney was better than Perth. They asked me something else after, but I think I just totally knocked out. Couldn't remember anything after that. But I woke to the nurse calling my name. The anesthetist prescribed me all this medication - got like about 7 pills to take... I think I'll buy that weekly pill box...

Got to see the doc again on Mon to remove my bandages. Stitches are dissolvable. J's got class on Mon, but hopefully I'll be better to take a cab on my own to the medical centre.

J and M, two of my really good friends who I met in Summer School at Syd Uni, are looking after me right now. But I feel so helpless... Like J had to tie my hair today and button up my pants... They had to grab all my bags, had to get my meals, had to lift me up from bed... I am definitely going to treat them to a really nice dinner after I'm fully well.

Of course when this happened, pre-surgery, I only told my work colleagues and TY. J and M already knew because they were there when that happened.

Post-surgery, I didn't feel nauseous at all, just dizzy and in a daze. But the girl next to me who had a rib reconstruction done, puked all over her blankets after taking the same pills that I did...

This morning, the nurse called me to check up on me and I just woke up. But I had strong chest pains. She said it's common, because the meds would have worn out by then. So she suggested I eat breakfast first and then have my meds. I did and it's all good. I actually tried to carry J's bag just now, but I could feel something pulling and then I realised yes, definitely, I can't carry anything.

All in all, I'm okay... The doc gave me about 2 weeks off work and then M and D and T arrive. Hopefully I'll be okay by then to venture places with them, but for now, trying to rest up. The doc said I'll be myself fully in 6 weeks. And at least for the 2 weeks, I can concentrate on my assignments and study for the exams. There's also shows and TV series to watch, but you can't watch them all the time. In fact, I'm already bored and it's one-and-a-half days post-surgery...

Exams Unleashed!

2008-10-07T20:49:00.003+11:00

The draft exam dates are out! And those dates will probably stay as it is... My first exam is on the 20 Nov. What a way to kick off with Stats... And the last exam is 1 Dec. Having said that, I have about 10 assignments, all due in between that exam period and up to that week of the first exam. My brain is going whoosh at the moment, trying to keep up with every single thing that jumps at me. So far so good this sem, cause I haven't once applied for an extension. Hopefully not in the near future... But I can't believe the semester has gone by so quickly.

I'll also need to submit my applications for next year's MA a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y course... And I'd better get cracking on those assignments before M and D and T come over! It's going to be an intensive two months...

Lots To Do

2008-10-03T23:25:00.002+10:00

Ever since I headed back to Syd, I seem to have lots to do. Got a p-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s and p-h-o-n-o-l-o-g-y assignment due on Monday which I just started today. Heading to a good friend's place Sunday afternoon to get some help on it... If I do really well, I ought to treat her for sure.

Then I have to finish up 4 little Stats online tests. Hopefully they don't take too long. I just completed one so all I have to do is key in the answers for it.

On Thursday, I'm going for this a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y info session in the evening. As you all know, I have to repply for my course next year. I'm also going to apply to Melb Uni just to weigh options. I would like to stay at Macq Uni though cause the teaching seems to be better and the syllabus too. Also, I just received an email from the course selection officer saying that I can reuse my previous cover letter. But I think I'll probably change it a little bit, especially since I've gone to observe a few a-u-d-i-o-l-o-g-y clinics. So I'll mention that in my follow-up cover letter.

The week after that, more assignments due and a Stats class test... Don't forget work shifts too. But hopefully I'll be able to catch up with uni stuff. Only a month and a bit before exams and then sem 2 is over!! It's pretty scary. So yeah, I'll have to really up the anti with uni workload soon! Been writing up weekly schedules to help me organise time.

And a busy month this one, because friends are heading down...

After the exam month, I'll have to plan my trip to Spore and Malaysia in March next year. I'll also have to get all my vaccinations done. Busy busy... Prayers needed for strength! Thanks guys!

Dying Phone Saved

2008-10-03T23:20:00.002+10:00

I'm so glad I got my phone charger back! It's weird having a dying phone. I left it in Melb and TY was sooo sweet to courier it to me to Syd. It arrived just before noon. Good thing that TY had that option of sending it to me via express courier, cause if I didn't get my phone charger back by then, my phone would have been completely dead.

Melb Melb!

2008-10-02T00:36:00.004+10:00

Just returned to Syd from Melb!!

Melbourne was sooo much fun! It was so enjoyable and definitely missed by me. Made me really miss the people. The trip was good, but I brought down an assignment hoping I'll finish it there - and um... didn't do any of it. At least I read the notes though... So at least I didn't feel all that guilty. It's actually due this coming Mon and I'm going Argghghhh at the moment. Working tomorrow from 2:30pm, but am expecting a few early mornings and maybe late nights.

Anywayz, my little trip to Melb was worth it. What I did dislike a lot was the weather... It was sunny and looked pretty nice most days I was there. But the sun, as some of you know, is quite deceiving - and it ended up to be cold, cold days. It was really dry too, and my face was drying up and peeling - even the moisturisers weren't doing the bestest of jobs.

My adventure in Melb:
The day I arrived in Melb - Arrived on Sat midnight and it was supposed to be sunny (as the forecast said), but it rained. Can't predict Melb's weather. Poor TY's car got really filthy and dusty. So after we went home and unloaded my stuff at his place, TY had to go back down to the carpark to wipe off all the excess dirt and water off his car to make it shiny again.

Day 1 - It was church day, and TY and I woke early and grabbed a quick breakfast at QV before going to church. Bumped into a few people... After church, a few of us gathered for lunch at this Jap Ramen place. It was pretty good. Then after, we just hung around for more. It was still early so we ended up watching Wall-E. The movie was sweet. And the animation was awesome. Didn't think the story line was gonna be that good, but it was. Especially if you're a green kind of person I think. After the movie, we gathered to have dinner and to watch the Singapore F1 outing at W's place. There were quite a few of us... Well, we got Chinese takeaway and then headed over to W's. It was still early for the Singapore F1, so we switched on Idol. Some of the others just played comp games. I have to say the Singapore F1 was amazing. Ch 10 had a really cool opening promo for it. I guess because it's the first ever broadcast in Singapore. At least they made it look like Singapore wasn't all China-town like. I saw a documentary before on Singapore and they never showed Singapore with its modernised city. Instead, the documentary showed Chinatown and Little India - the towns that don't look so great. And in fact, it's not where the new generation of cool kids hang out. And it might be shocking to some of us, but many people here in Aust actually don't know that English is our first language - perhaps because we have different syntax. They are usually quite surprised when I tell them that that's the case. It is quite sad that people don't really know that... Anyway, the F1 race was pretty exciting. I'm quite glad that Alonso won, because Hamilton - even though he's spunky, he seems to have this sense of pride and chauvinistic outlook about him that I don't really like.

Day 2 - TY had work, so I slept in. And when I woke, just started reading my assignment notes for a bit and surfed emails. Then met up with a few really close friends for lunch. There were 6 of us all together and we had great Malay-type food. Unfortunately I'm not a chilli person so couldn't eat a lot of the spice... But the dishes weren't very hot anywayz and very yummy. I think the rest just had sympathy on me, so they ordered all the not-so-spicy dishes... Hee! Thanks guys! M gave me a really nice surprise by not telling me that D, her fiance, took the day off and would join us for lunch! But they were the first ones to leave cause they had to run wedding errands. WH had to go to work so he couldn't stay long either... The rest of us just hung around chatting and talking about everything. It was good catch-up. I was actually planning to head back to finish off my assignment, and the rest were also wanting to finish off their assignments. But by the time we all planned to leave, it was already 4 something in the afternoon. And to think we were there from 12:30pm talking nonstop. As I headed back, TY finished work, so then we just met up there and then. We started making our way to M's place to have dinner with her, D and her housemates. They brought us to this Chinese seafood restaurant and it was actually pretty good. The restaurant had automatic doors. That was quite cool. Haha! I mean, usually I don't see that everyday. Then after that, we headed back to their place, chatted and chilled mainly... until it was pretty late.

Day 3 - TY took the day off! He organised this outing to go to Werribee Open Range and invited a few others. But in the end, it was only 4 of us. Everyone got a lift in TY's car. Then we went for breakfast at this really nice place near Vic Mart. When we went to Werribee, we decided to take the Safari bus, but when we took it, there wasn't a lot we saw. Like the zoo was actually having a few construction bits to put in new enclosures for primates, dingoes, etc... We got to see a few wildlife, such as the girraffes, rhinos and zebras, but was a little disappointed because I wanted to see the big cats really up close. At least we saw camels though, and one with a deformed lip. Hee! The walking trail was much better though. Pics going on Facebook soon! So stay tuned. After the trip, we sent S home and caught up with this other friend, L, and together, we all went to watch Eagle Eye. It was pretty good. Nice little action film, but very similar story line to iRobot. Then after the movie - I can't believe we did this - but we sneaked in to watch another movie - for free of course. We watched Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It actually wasn't too bad. People were saying it's quite bad - the acting and all. But it was actually pretty good - loved the visualeffects. I didn't mind it at all.

Day 4 - TY took the day off again. This time, it was only us - our little date. Hee! We didn't really do much... It was a quiet one - but good quiet. We wanted to look for a place that had baby animals, like a farm, wildlife santuary, etc... but couldn't find anything. The only place that would have been worth seeing was at the Melbourne Show, but it was already over... =( Next time I guess... Anyway, TY brought me to this Malaysian restaurant somewhere in Doncaster for lunch. It's called Straits Cafe. Really excellent, cheap food. I finished the whole plate and would have loved to try other stuff there. Probably when I'm next in Melb. After lunch, we headed to Westfield Doncaster to see its new refurbishment. Most of the shops were already opened in there except for a few. But what we saw - it was really, really good - they had almost everything there. Definitely better than the old Westfield. And at least it's not like Chadstone which is too big still. It's bigger, but at least it's not too tiring and confusing just by walking around the shops. We explored for a bit and then headed home and started watching Heroes. Man, it's soooo good that we watched three episodes straight (including the preview episode for this season). I can't wait for the next few episodes!! TY also burned me a few other movies and TV shows. Yes, I've got quite a lot to get through... And I'll need a bigger hard-drive soon, because the one I've got is running out of mem quickly. I guess once the hols are near... or when I have that free time... After the shows, TY brought me to the airport. In fact, I wasn't at all late. The flight was delayed and apparently it got delayed about four times. After my flight eventually departed and landed in Sydney, the captain apologised and he said that the previous flight had a technical fault which caused delays. At least 6 flights were delayed all over Australia from Sydney when I boarded. In fact, Virgin Blue was so much better to fly with compared to Qantas. I was surprised... but the Virgin Blue staff (at the help desk and also in the plane) were friendly (they are probably more light-hearted, but also professional) and the flight landing was really smooth. The Qantas staff weren't very friendly at the help desk and the flight wasn't very comforting... The pilot kept pressing on the accelerator and you could hear it. Somehow, the Qantas flight I was on had really noisy engines and motors... It didn't feel very comforting. The Virgin Blue plane on the other hand was excellent even though it was delayed by an hour. But am back now and that's all that matters. It was a safe blessed journey. =)

For the next few days, I'll probably need to do some real planning - my timetable's gone out of whack a bit. The first plan is working on my assignment tomorrow morning and then work. It'll be like that for a few days... unti the assignment is due on Mon. But then I'll still need to work on other assignments before M, D and TY head over to Syd for a few days.

2 Weeks Mid-Sem Break

2008-09-25T11:54:00.003+10:00

It was a good week last week. Went to the Korean and Brazilian Festival. A weird mix really... But you could notice the difference. The Korean Festival was really small and the performances were like wayang and some slow Chinese dance, whereas the Brazilian Festival was full of energy, it was big and very out there. Lots of people, lots of food - pics on my Facebook!

Now am working 3 days and then 4 days a week. It actually works really well... and I have some Sundays off which is awesome. I actually get to concentrate more in studies and also have more of a social life - finally! But it's still pretty tough... And I'm still behind all my work. Might try to make up for it during the break...

Yes, Macquarie Uni (where I'm studying) is currently having a mid-sem break of 2 weeks. Syd Uni has just 1 week break. I know all you Syd Uni peeps must be grumbling... Haha! But it's okay, because you guys started one week later in the beginning of sem, so it all works out. Anywayz, this mid-sem am working quite a bit, so not entirely a break.

But am excited - I'm heading down to Melb for a few days!! Arriving Melb at 11:50pm on Sat night... so yes, close to midnight... and TY will be picking me up - I feel like Cinderalla. Haha! And am leaving Melb on Wed at 8:15pm. Couldn't actually get cheap flights going to Melb - The Happy Hour Virgin Blue tix were all booked out - even the Super deals - wonder what's happening over there... Hmmm... So I went into my Qantas account and realised I actually had enough points to use for a one way ticket, so I did. So I'll be heading to Melb on Qantas and returning on Virgin Blue. A bit weary of Qantas now, with all those sudden plane malfunctions... pray for safe journey.

Pre-Melbourne trip, I'll be washing clothes, doing some house chores, finishing up some Stats revision for Lectures 1-8 on this CD that everyone in class was given for this subject. No, not hardworking - am just writing out notes. Hee! Might attempt one of the online tests as well... I have 4 Stats online tests all due mid-October, but they're open already, so I should start cracking on at least one before I head to Melb. Also have a P-h-o-n-e-t-i-c-s assignment and a S-p-e-e-c-h A-c-o-u-s-t-i-c-s assignment due after the break - yeah, it's all coming at once!! Argghh!

Today and tomorrow are gonna be nice days. Wish I had time to wash my car, but unfortunately, I have to start at 2pm today to help one of my colleagues do some web stuff. And before that, doing some laundry and cleaning the place... which could take an hour, and then I have to go get some groceries... and rush off to work.

Thank you Lord!

2008-09-14T11:40:00.003+10:00

For the past two weeks, I have been sooo drained. The week before, I had 5 things due - one Speech Acoustics class test and 4 online Stats tests. Also that week, I had lots of post-Olympics operational work training to cover with staff and meetings. This week, I had 4 things due - one phonetics assignment that was really tough and 3 Stats tests. Just handed in that phonetics assignment... I don't know if it's all wrong, just gonna trust God with the results. Plus, there were relationship blues too... maybe because of the stresses from the two weeks. *shrugs*

Anyway, for the Speech Acoustics class test, I thought even if I just passed with 50, I'd be happy, cause I studied the day before. But I ended up with 80%. I actually still can't believe it... but am definitely happy.

It looks like I'm doing well so far this sem. God's looking after me and making sure I get through and maintain my spot in audiology. It's certainly been busier this sem, yet I'm able to cope with so much - but really couldn't have done it without trusting in His strength to see me through the difficult times. I know I often doubt myself - uni, the future... but it's really all about continuing that trust in Him, and I know it can be hard because of the way of society and earth life and just pure human error.

I was doing my quiet time earlier today and came across one of these passages in one of my Christian bks by Selwyn Hughes. Here's my bit of sharing - hopefully it'd encourage you guys too:
Many Chrstians shrink from walking the road of ambiguity and uncertainty in company with God, saying in effect: "My trust is in myself and not in Him." We never like to put it in those terms of course, beause it challenges our self-interest. And if there's one thing to learn about ourselves, it is that we do not like to be challenged, confronted or dislodged. But when we surrender to the certain, we never need to surrender to the uncertain - if we are sure of God, we do not have to be sure of anything else.
It's the struggle of dealing with oneselves - who is to be first - myself or God? We are ofen more concerned about our own purposes than we are about His - hence creating uncertainty and insecurity for ourselves. Decisions decide all other decisions. The moment you fully surrender to Christ, you automatically die to your own intentions and purposes and you gain a new perspective on life. You look out at ambiguity and uncertainty and say "I may not know what the future holds." But if you strongly believe and trust that God holds the ultimate future, then you do know who holds that future.
We are often in situations that prevent us from being in focus with God, and all our life's pictures have been blurred and distorted. Wanting God's way is still a struggle for many, especially with what the future holds, but perhaps it's the last battle to fight for, finding ourselves in situations that are vague and ambigious without fearing the outcome and knowing the issue has been settled once and for all.
Ultimately, we should look to God for that direction - to direct us back on the right track and help us see life from a new point of view - His point of view.

Bogged down

2008-09-10T01:28:00.003+10:00

Just having 4 things due this week (1 major assignments and 3 tests)... and on top of that, training at work... Pretty hectic week, but have to try and rely on God's strength to get through this. Plus the pressure is on, because I now have to average a high credit or a distinction this semester. If not, I don't maintain my spot in my course. They're really making it tough. I spoke to an audiology friend the other day and she said she only had to get passes through the course. It's quite a shock to a few of us who are doing the qualifying program in audiology, particularly cause we were thinking that audiology is a profession in demand that surely the uni would want to allow more students into the course, so why raise the standards right? Beats me... I haven't really thought about "What if I don't maintain my spot for next year?" which is a probably a good thing not thinking it... cause then I have set that goal that I have to do my best and do well... It's all hoping and praying at this stage. But it's a real struggle just trying to cope...

Spring is here!

2008-09-07T01:45:00.002+10:00

It's nice that Spring is here, but the weather seems to be really crazy the past two days. It actually hailed up north in Syd and the rain was a bit monsoonal. Strange weather really...

I know it's been a fair while since I've blogged again! And you guys guessed it right - it has been pretty flat out. I'm trying to get four online tests and one big assignment done for uni by next week at the moment. Plus, I'm down for only four days of work, but it's training and late shifts at the moment. Once I have those tests and one assignment out of the way, I'll probably be able to catch up on my lectures and actually get back on track with the latest study material. So far, I'm keeping close to my personal timetable. Can't wait for all this to be over - in about 3 months - and then hopefully I get a real good holiday. A little jealous that a friend of mine has gone over to Japan for three weeks. Am sure he's having a ball! But at least it's something for me to look forward to - the time of hard work - and the reward - holidays. At least for the short-term, I can look forward to a few of my good friends visiting me during the month of Oct and also Dec. Yay!!

Back blogging?

2008-08-26T18:08:00.002+10:00

The answer to my title heading (Back Blogging?) is, yeah, but it's definitely going to be less frequent than my daily entries. I know I've been slacking on the blog, but honestly, my schedule has just been crazy! For starters, the Olympics felt really really long even though it's been three weeks. I feel like I've been worked to the bone, hardly any sleep, plus last week, with three things due - that was pretty mad. But this week - 4 things due, and working 4 days.

Today, I had post-Olympics meetings all throughout the day, trained two people and then, it was back to operational/technical meetings. And tomorrow, I have a class test. I know it's only 10%, but I haven't learnt much at all. Kinda stressing lots. It would be really awesome if I could get a 9 out of 10 at least... For me to achieve that, it'll probably come down to real memorising and being able to absorb everything by tomorrow morning. The test is in the late afternoon at 4pm, and yes, I'm definitely hoping I can pull it off by then. Pray for moi! It's on Speech Acoustics by the way. Sounds easy enough, but try Fourier theories and calculating the Doppler effect and compressional wave fronts... Yeah... big hmmm....

After the class test tomorrow, I have two more tests on Stats which I should be able to complete on the weekend (it's good that it's online). And the other piece of assessment was due Monday, so that was done and gone... So 1 down, 3 to go.

Also, that's not the end of the busy-ness over here. Next week, I'm meeting my ex-neighbour for din. She's from Singapore and will be in Syd with her fam for a few days and then heading to Melb to see her brother. She's actually married with a kid whose 7, and she was also my ex-piano teacher. So yeah, she's much older than I am and she's babysitted me a few times as well when I was little. I think it'd be a little weird catching up especially since I haven't seen her since I was in my teens. Hmmm... And that week too, I'm catching up with one of my Canadian ex-uni friends. He's in the snow at Perisher Blue at the moment... but he'll be venturing to Syd. So will prob catch up. And in the midst of that all, I have 2 Stats tests that week too, plus operational work training I have to do with some of the trainees. One day... when I find a little window of opportunity somewhere else, I think I'll do that and rest a bit... But right now, that's pretty much my life as it is... It's bumblebee me at the mo.

I Need the Hours

2008-08-14T12:30:00.002+10:00

No, not to work... not to study... Just need more hours of sleep and being able to study and work at the same time. I'm feeling a little bit sick today with a cold and some cold sores cause of the really dry weather recently, and perhaps stress. But too late to call in sick... It's like lunch time already, and working on the Olympics later at 5pm.

Work and uni are both really fun, but fatigue doesn't allow me to enjoy it as much... Plus I'm really worried about how to finance myself for next year. I'm definitely intending to quit work so I can focus more on studies. But work gives me the income for substantial living. Perhaps I can work in the uni... Mary will need to give me tips. Haha! Then again, having said that, I haven't even written a cover letter or resume in so long, I think I've forgotten what I've done. Or rather, for the past five years, I've just moved around in the media industry. So undertaking something totally different and mentioning that in a job application would be a little scary to do. I haven't even had the time to look really.

I have 2 Stats tests and 1 large assignment next week, I don't really know how I'm gonna pull it off... But this week, I had to do a demo test and one test and for that one test, I scored 100%. And shock horror - it was a Stats unit! Imagine that! I told my parents and my dad was like "Don't you hate Stats?" And I was like "I did!" Somehow it's starting to be more enjoyable than I thought.

Also, I was trying to swap classes so that I can do this group assignment with this African American chick I met in the lecture. We kinda hit it off when we met and we'll be looking out for each other every Stats lect. =) The unfortunate thing is that we can't seem to get classes where both of us will be in it together - all the classes were full. I wasn't really worried about who would be in my group and no-one has really formed groups yet. I don't think we even do the group assignments till week 5 of uni. But I guess some people are pretty keen like one of the guys I know from first sem. Well, he recognised me and emailed me, asking me to be in his group cause we're in the same tutes. I agreed cause I think it's good to be in a tute group with someone really smart. And I know his study mode from Sem 1, and he is really smart, so you're bound to do well in the assignments. So yeah I'm happy. Another thing I also found out was that guy and three other girls are all doing the same qualifying entry into the MA Audiology course like me. And so this sem, we're all doing the same subjects. We were thinking of having this study group during uni breaks which is awesome. So good to know people from Sem 1. And hopefully if we all do well, we'll all be studying and working together for the next two years in uni for our course. For me, I'm just worried about supporting myself, not really being able to do well at this stage. But of course, I hope to do well too. Can't really say I will from that mini Stats test I did and got full marks, but I am definitely more motivated this sem and aiming for the high grades compared to last sem.

Oympic-ing

2008-08-10T13:53:00.002+10:00

The first day of the actual games in the O-l-y-m-p-i-c-s and it was crazy!! Insanity you could say! I worked from 5pm and still had to do the web transcript after, and I finished my shift at 5pm. Just a 5-min break really... Crazy? Very!! Even the security guard at SBS was like, "You are still here?" When I mentioned O-l-y-m-p-i-c-s, he was like "Wow, you guys work intense hours."

And in the morn, I had uni - yep, class on a weekend - it was a statistics workshop I had to attend. Guess what? It was really interesting. Never thought I'd say this - BUT Stats at the moment seems to be my favourite subject. For the other subjects by the way - there's so much to print off and for me to listen - we have iLectures - and I'm really nervous... It's only the first week of uni, but I have tests from Week 3 and every week after that, and with the O-l-y-m-p-i-c-s going on, I don't know how I can cope. Praying for strength!!

Fortunately I got back home safe cause I didn't have any dinner (couldn't!) and was really, really hungry, plus really drained. Fatigue was really setting in, so thank God I drove back safe and sound. Came home and just ate a mooncake... how sad right? But I was sooo tired, I just wanted the pillow on my bed. My housemate didn't head home that night - she was over at some friends, so at least I wasn't disturbing her with coming through the door with a set of jingling keys.

First Day Back at Uni

2008-08-04T16:31:00.002+10:00

The first day back at uni and I got lost trying to find my lecture. Dun laugh. The venue actually changed. The good thing was that by the time I found my class, the lecture just started, so I didn't miss anything. The theatre was huge and crowded. In fact, I think there are about 400-500 people doing the subject. It was massive. This is a Stats class by the way and a core subject for the course I'm doing... I actually did Stats before, but that was a while ago during my second year undergrad, and I am guessing because I haven't done it in a few years, I have to do it again. The statistical content is slowly coming back to me I think... Surprisingly though, this is the first time, my lecturer is really interesting. Stats was always dry and horrible from what I could recall at Melb U, but this lecturer has made it really intriguing. So yes - never thought I'd say this - I am enjoying my first Stats lect - how bizarre (especially from someone who hates stats)!

TY's Week in Syd

2008-08-03T21:54:00.005+10:00

TY was here in Sydney for about a week. And yeah, dun wanna be too mushy, but I miss him already. He was up on Mon night and just left (Sun night). It was really good having him up here, exploring Syd with me. And his visit seemed short (even though it was a week) but it was really worthwhile. Well, Tues and Wed, we both worked, met up with a few people and ate at various places such as French and Jap (pics on Facebk). Thur, we had a quiet one. Then Fri and Sat, we planned a few impromptu road trips. We kinda wanted to explore Kangaroo Valley (about 2 hours drive from Syd) but when we got there, we couldn't really find the blue "I" for information, so we ended up going to another nearby town called Nowra. The town in Kangaroo Valley was also really small - it was like two traffic light junctions - yep, that tiny. You could walk from one end to the next and we kinda gave up trying to find the "I"... I felt a little silly going up and down that town in our car. But in Nowra, there was actually so much to do. But we left my house late in the morn (kinda my fault needing more sleep - it does get really cold in my room and snuggles in the morn is what I luv... haha). Anywayz, when we got to Nowra, we didn't have a lot of time to explore, so we just ate at a nearby cafe. The weather wasn't that great either - two words to describe it - one or two showers here and there - and wet and muddy... The next two days (the weekend) was going to be really nice, but cold, and it was a toss between the snow and Hunter Valley. We actually didn't go with any of those choices... On Sat, we went to the Blue Mountains instead, and explored a bit. The scenery was sooo spectacular. The only thing bad - it was really cold and windy that everyone there, including the locals, were rugged up. Some of the locals looked like they were going skiing - with knee-high tracking boots and puffy jackets. On Sun, TY and I did another quiet one. He was really sweet to show me how to check the water levels and oil level in my car, and how to use the manual tyre pressure pump - cause I wasn't very familiar with my car's maintainence... and with the manual tyre pressure pump, I've always been using the auto one and didn't really know how to operate the manual type... Then after the car stuff, TY showed me how to view the movies/shows dubbed to DVD from my VCR... It is gd to have a guy who's into cars and gadgets. Hee! Unfortunately TY was only here for about a week, and there are so many more eatery places I want to take him. Next time he heads down... Speaking of eatery places, when TY was here, we googled this Chinese seafood restaurant in Crows Nest and their buk choy is amazing! TY and I seriously cleaned the plate. Never have we ever tasted such amazing buk choy. But not only the buk choy, the food and service is really awesome. We even went back today for yum cha and it was good! Very satisfying. You know how sometimes you come out of a restaurant and you feel really full? We had lots to eat, but the food was just right, and the owner of the place was the one who suggested how much we should have (he said why don't we have a bit of this and a bit of that and he'll specially do a smaller serving of a particular dish...it was so accurate how he could just pinpoint what would be right for your stomach. And the food was just unreal). If you guys ever come over to Syd and you want to satisfy your tummies, it's a place to go - the restaurant is called Ying's Seafood.

TY and I also managed to catch Dark Knight and Wanted. TY had Gold Class tix (a reward incentive from his boss for all the hard work he's been putting in) - and we ended up watching Dark Knight with those tix. It was really awesome!! We also had food vouchers and spent it all on the food menu at the Gold Class cinema - the food was really good even though we couldn't really see it cause it was sooo dark. So yes, my first food-tasting in Gold Class and my overall impressions - brilliant.

In Dark Knight, I would have liked to see Heath Ledger get acknowledged at the end since it was his last big one... But on the whole, it's a must-watch. With Wanted - I have to say I'm not a big fan of Angelina Jolie. But the film itself was actually quite good, both in content and acting. Some really cool action-packed scenes. So yeah, it's a good one to go see too. And of course, TY burned me lots of downloaded TV shows and movies, and right now, just watching So You Think U Can Dance America Season 4... I think I'm hooked! The dancing is insane - a good 'insane' of course!!

Nervous about uni

2008-07-26T13:27:00.003+10:00

I am a little nervous to start Sem 2. It doesn't feel like I had a break... The one week in Melb wasn't enough I think. It was quite rushed and short-lived... And then it was straight back to work. I can't believe it's been a month already...

I just got one of my unit's textbooks and course notes from the post, and I'm looking through them, going Hmm at every word/sentence I see... Nothing seems familiar or stands out which makes me even more nervous. But then it gives me that oomph to wanna start reading up. Time is of essence though... and at the moment, there's hardly any time to do that. I struggle to even get my washing done and clean the house every week. I think I need a good day off!

Am working the whole weekend. Today, I have about half an hour before heading to work. I end at about 9pm so will probably do washing after. Then Sunday, it's church and work. After work, I'll prob watch So You Think You Can Dance and have dinner, and then take down the clothes from the drying rack if it's dry... haha... that's my plan for the weekend... how boring huh? And then Monday, TY heads over at night-time, so I'll be getting him from the airport. During the day, will probably wake early to clean out my wardrobe which may take an hour or two. Then head over to the Salvos to hand them the clothes I dun wan. After that, will probably be sorting out bills, cleaning my room, especially my shelves - just getting rid of papers and certain files... Then might research some places to go with TY when he's here. TY will be here for a week and leaves on Sun. The Mon after, class would have started... So... there isn't really much time for looking through my notes at all before uni. The good news is that I am gonna be doing two of my subjects from home. But the first set of course notes already looked tough. Hmm...

With work and uni next Sem, I think there'll be more blog entries about less sleep... plus budgeting... I just spent 6K on Sem 2... ouch ouch! A little bit of my fault though - cause I went out a lot this month... but it was definitely good. The social life is always great to have.

A missed friend and pet

2008-07-25T02:31:00.002+10:00

Tribute to Cuddles (my rabbit)... who passed away a few days ago...

The guy who was looking after him went on leave and left it with another friend who was also looking after his other three rabbits... so in total, four of them including Cuddles. But Cuddles just passed during one of the nights... they think it has to do with old age. But yeah, the guy said he was quite sad about it, cause Cuddles was very unique. He said even his mum liked Cuddles a lot. He thinks it's cause Cuddles had a human-like personality. Cuddles was also his favourite rabbit among the others... like every day after work, whenever he heads home, Cuddles would run to the door to see him and the other rabbits won't really care... so he kinda misses that.

I miss Cuddles lots too and was hoping to see him my next Melb visit, but I guess now, I can't really. It's really sad but at least Cuddles lived happy moments of 5.5 years. And yah, I'm ok. Just miss having a pet...

Catch-ups

2008-07-25T02:09:00.002+10:00

It's been a flat out week working, filling up my tax return, doing groceries, cleaning up part of the house i.e vaccumming, doing laundry paying bills, checking my car tyres, looking for cheap petrol.. hee.. I accomplished all those this week, but still have so much to do though - still have to do some more laundry, have to clean out my cupboard and shelves (I believe I've accumulated a lot of stuff ever since I moved here.. lol)... Just to get everything in order before TY heads up and also before uni commences.

I honestly can't believe Sem 2 is beginning in 2 weeks! At least I managed to catch up with a few peeps this week.

Yesterday, caught up with two of my guy friends up in Syd who brought me to the Rocks for German food and beer! The food was yummy! Check out my Facebook pics! I drove in cause it was just easier... The Rocks doesn't really have convenient transportation for me all the way from my place. And earlier in the day, I decided to take a drive to see if there was parking and there was... So I pre-planned. Haha! Or else, it'd probably take me about an hour and a half just to get there by bus and walking. Plus the last bus straight to my doorstep from that place was about 9:40 which was rather early... Good thing I drove, cause after German food, my stomach still had place for desert, and we went to Pancakes on the Rocks. Although when we got there, the pancake portions on other people's tables looked really huge and we just opted for drinks instead. It might have been the walk from the German restaurant or the atmosphere from that German place that made me feel really hot - even the ice choc I had at Pancakes on the Rocks seemed warm. The German place is certainly worth the visit. The ambience was great - dancing especially the German slap-dance... and the entertainers trying to get all the girls and random people up to follow some of the actions they were doing to particular tunes... fortunately we paid the bill just in time and were leaving... I would have been quite embarrassed to get picked and stand up there and do stuff.

Today, had a reunion with my Syd Uni summer school friends. The catch-up was awesome! Lots couldn't make it, so in total, there were just four of us from the 10 who were in our usual group. One of the guys actually made it into the city, but he took about 2 hours to find a park and then when he finally had a park, we were having desert. So he decided to eat somewhere in a cafe and then head over afterwards to look for us. But by the time his food came and he came around to look for us, we were leaving. Poor thing. We told him he just shouldn't drive into the city at all cause parking is just crazy everywhere - even when it's raining and at that hour. I kinda knew parking was gonna be insane... Just lots of people warning me about it. So despite the cold and rainy weather, I bus and trained in.

The four of us agreed to do this again some time - thinking of yum cha. And by the way, the pics of today's event are loaded on Facebook. You'll see that the food was awesome, but the bonding was just as good. =) And of course, after din, M had to get a catch-and-grab stuffed toy for me. She got me a really cute, small keychain. She also got J some thing from those machines. Yup, definitely had lots of fun, and spoke about almost everything. I told them that if there's an audiology course at Syd Uni, I would have no hesitation to transfer... just cause the pple there are better. But then, I said, the lecturing is not that great at Syd Uni - sometimes it can be quite good and other times, it can't...

post-Melb

2008-07-17T22:05:00.002+10:00

Since I returned to Syd from Melb, been flat out. Started the new job, worked 6 days the week before, 6 days the week after, and now 5 days this week, when I'm supposed to be working only 4 as a part-timer. But I guess I didn't mind, especially since hols.

Also, friends were around which is always a good thing. The first week was practically filled with work. Second week, I was also pretty packed with work, but managed to put in some time for some Melb friends who came down for the Hillsong Conference. Also had a childhood friend come down for a visit. I brought him to my church and then we all had lunch at the Fish Market. I'm contemplating on going next year... Third week which is this week, one of my close Syd Uni friends returned and she bunked over my place. It was her bday the next day but she hung out with moi anywayz... I can't believe it though - I baked for her this apple crumble and she started washing up - like on her bday! This week, also met up with another friend (from Macq Uni).

And so far, managed to catch these movies:
Get Smart - It was actually really good. Not so corny and cheesy at all. I really really enjoyed it!
Hancock - It wasn't too bad. There wasn't much history involved in his superhero evolution, so it'd probably not intrigue the Marvel/DC type fans. But I actually quite liked it too... especially the surprise with the female character. Now, you'll just have to watch it to know what I'm on about. If you're a superhero lover like me, I think it's still worth the watch.

Blessed and Unpredictable Events

2008-07-17T20:00:00.003+10:00

I don't really know how to describe today's events - just 'surprising', 'blessed' and 'unpredictable' are probably the three words that come to mind in an instance.

1) I took the bus and train this morn. The bus came on time (which is really unusual - it usually comes like 5 mins late - 20 minutes latest - and it was really unexpected that it came early this morn, especially since the World Youth Day Pope event was around). Plus when I got off the bus, the train came 5 mins after I bought a ticket. That was really quick and it was all in good timing.

2) It was such a lovely sunny day, but really cold today. Amazingly, despite the cold, people were rather cheery and chirpy on the streets. I heard people talking about Jesus and salvation, which was the strangest thing especially you hear it every few minutes from almost every group of people on the streets. It seemed like the whole Sydney city was talking about Jesus. It was really awesome.

3) And while walking to work, I received a little pamphlet from one of those leaflet people and it said "Jesus loves ya". It was as simple a that and it really put a smile on my face. I felt all tingly and warm inside.

4) Went into the office and the first person I see is my boss. She was rather nice today, which was unexpected... But yeah, work today was really busy, but good. I even helped the other bosses around and met a few other people from different departments.

5) At the end of the day, I went in for my video recording for the corporate ad (Rem the assignment/contract job with I-M-A-X)... I just had to give a sample of my voice in this recording studio booth. I read something on the finance market and they played back my voice to see what I thought. I thought it was okay and they said that most people hate listening back to their voice, but I said, perhaps it's cause I already do speech so I wasn't disturbed by it at all. Lol! I was actually really nervous, because I had never been in that setting before. First take, they said I should read faster. And second take was all good. So yeah, overall, it was truly fun!

6) I never took a train at night before but because there were so many people out and about doing their pilgrim walk with the Pope, I decided to take the train and then bus, rather than just a straight bus from the city (cause lots of city roads were closed). I honestly thought I was going to miss my train when I reached the station, cause there was this Chinese lady who didn't know how to buy a train ticket and she was taking forever. She also couldn't understand English. Good thing there was already a girl helping her, but the girl seemed confused what she wanted too. I was thinking I'd help too, but when the Chinese lady mentioned the suburb she wanted to go to in Chinese, and with me not knowing Syd very well, I don't think it would have been a good idea... I kept thinking "Gosh, I'd miss my train." And then, I finally bought my ticket - and the train got delayed like 3 mins - and so, I managed to board it. Blessed? Yeah!

7) I got off the train and walked to the bus stop. And guess what? After about 10 mins, a bus pulled up. It was one of the buses that goes along that route but it wasn't scheduled to stop at that stop. But it stopped and the driver asked where I was headed. How strange (cause I was waiting for the only bus that was listed to stop which was the 533 - and that wasn't the 533). I told the bus driver I was going to Ryde and he said to hop on cause he was going to the bus depot in Ryde and he can drop me on the way. In fact, I wanted to put in my card to pay him, but he said he already closed the till and I don't need to pay. So yeah, he dropped me off at a bus stop near my place - for free! And during the Ryde, he asked me questions like "Did you see the Pope?" "Did you get blessings from all the other Christians around?" and asked me if I went to church and stuff. Pretty cool. Then he started talking about how he's a Christian and aims to lead his family in the Word. Also says he strives to read the Bible every day... and then he showed me his Bible and said he reads it when he has bus breaks and especially when he has to start fairly early in the morn. So quite amazing. By the way, the bus driver was an old guy with a warm face. I think if it was a bus driver who looked like O-s-a-m-a or something, I'd be a little bit scared if he were to drop me off. Haha!

8) I got home safe and as if the day hadn't gotten stranger... or different... there was a group of young people sitting in the corridor near the steps to my apartment. Of course when I came through the main entrance of my building, they all turned to look. But there was this old guy. And know what they were doing? Bible study! Hmmm...

9) Am now relaxed at home... Might start looking through my Stats bk before uni. It looks like an interesting piece of text - which is another thing I don't get... Like I'm getting enthusiastic about stats which is strange cause I originally hated stats.

Results are Out!

2008-07-17T19:49:00.003+10:00

Results were out a few days ago - just didn't have time to blog to spread the news.
The main thing is that I passed all of Sem 1 so am pretty happy! Did better than I expected too. Remember how I said I might fail one of my subjects and had this inkling that I probably would? Well, grace of God really... cause I ended up with 50! I know... That close. The rest of the subjects were better - so close to high percentages - but right now, my main goal will be to do better for Sem 2 to up my average I guess... That 50 really pulled it down.

But because I passed Sem 1, I'm now back to the dilemma of choosing between work and studies. Hmmm... It's gonna be quite a tough choice... Need God to give me wisdom and discernment, and also direction. Hopefully I'll get my answer by the end of the year. I actually mentioned it to one of my bosses today (the one who wants me to assist him on the sidelines) and he seemed disappointed. He's like "Imagine what you can do in this company!" My head is spinning at the moment, but right now, I certainly can't churn out an answer... Prayers needed!

What's Been Happening and the Next Few Days...

2008-07-10T13:31:00.003+10:00

Yes, I know... it's been a while since I blogged. Seriously been so flat out. Was working 6 days last week, one day off, and then 6 days again. I think they really wanna make use of me before I head back to uni. Sem 2 starts early Aug...

So much to do really at work...
Not sure if I mentioned, but during my job last week, I was spotted by a client who offered me a contracter position during my work hours to do voice-over work for corporate commercials/ads. I took up the offer and next week, I have to record my voice in the studios. How exciting!

Also, rem how I was complaining about my current boss? God is sometimes good really, cause yesterday while I was doing some training, the soon-to-be operations manager asked if I'd like to also be his assistant scheduler. I think it's a stage where everyone's movin around. But for me, it's as though I don't have a set position... like I'm everywhere. I am thinking they're gonna find it very difficult to pay me cause my position is really versatile. Hmmm... And now with so many people falling sick and the Olympics starting in early Aug (same time I start uni sem 2), the managers have said that I am probably the only one who is versatile enough to be moved around everywhere. Sometimes they say they wish they could split me. Haha... Am a little overwhelmed with the compliments... Like who wouldn't? But definitely God seems to be blessing me in career. Next step - save for a house, settle down, have kids... haha... Tough times ahead...

This weekend, my childhood friend is coming over for a week... I'll be working but I'll have some time to spare - hopefully. We're not that close, but we've known each other since I was 10... met at this church camp. Also next week, the Pope is coming here to Sydney and all the roads in the CBD will be closed and transport will be changed... Apparently, there will be about 250,000 people to greet him. I hope I don't get stuck in traffic... It'll prob be a nightmare getting around...

Bz, bz...

First days in the new job...

2008-07-03T22:21:00.002+10:00

I started my new job yesterday and it has been a handful, tiring but exciting. Yesterday was also really good cause we had a client visit, and they were watching me do my v-o-i-c-e recognition stuff... and they decided to offer me a job project on the spot. This client is IMAX actually.... They wanted a voice-over artist for their corporate commercials/advertisements, and in particular, they wanted a female with a western-asian tone, and yeah, they picked me. It's an assignment/project thing, so it's as and when, and apparently I can do it within normal working hrs. It's pretty cool and I've never done anything like it before, so it'd be an experience. I have to do a sample recording next week... but of course, if they don't like it, they'll just let me know I guess.

Today my boss came back from her visit to Melb. Not so sure if I like working with her. See, work today was really frustrating and pretty bad... I actually feel like quitting. For starters, I have a new boss, who is pretty demanding, pedantic and not very flexible. When I took the position, I didn't think she was going to be that bad. Guess you can never know until you're working alongside the person. For one, she doesn't understand the time frames when you are on live allocations and she expects me to do everything at once... and just being really unreasonable. We had a chat today where I tried to explain to her stuff but she held her guard. I guess what I am saying is that this wasn't what I signed up for. I think I prefer my old position where I had my own flexibility, was working independently on everything and I didn't have anyone breathing down my neck. For now, it's still alright I think especially since I'm new to the position and learning. But when semester 2 of uni starts, I just hope that my boss would not be as unreasonable as now... *sigh* Might try to find another job online...