Twitter helps me keep track of what to blog but at the same time it causes me to be lazy. So much for wanting to blog about what happened in September, October, November and December 2011 before the year ended…

Anyway, for family and friends who have not given up on coming here, I apologise for the lack of updates apart from the weekly twitter digest (which was set up to be published automatically, I didn’t even need to log into my WP!). I use Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch but sometimes I have more than 2 sentences to say about something, so I like the option/freedom to continue here. Then I’d procrastinate and forget what it was that I had more than 2 sentences to say about.

This year is going to be interesting.
I can’t share the exact details yet but this much I can say…I’m stressing about where to find the time to do it all!

To be brutally honest, I start the/every year reading my bible and then towards February I slack because we get to Leviticus. I also used to be able to remember the list of books in order…uhm, I can’t do it now even if my life depends on it.
So one of the things for 2012 I WANT to WANT to do is to read the bible through, to treasure His word and not just to say that I do. I cannot see myself getting through this year without surrendering it completely to God.

I’m not choosing to do it and to jot it down here to be “holier than thou”. I’m choosing to do it because I WANT to and I want to learn to trust God completely. I’m jotting it down here because then I have an account of what I have pre-determined to choose…and also, to have friends to be accountable to (if they read this).

It may not make sense to you but as I sit here, letting those previous sentences echo through my mind, I’m no longer dreading the year…I feel excited!

—

I feel a little overwhelmed by what the year would bring to me at work.

I have done the influenza immunisation training last year but didn’t get to complete the practical part of it (administering the vaccine to at least 2 people) – I hear we are to complete it this year before the winter season starts. Have I mentioned that I have a fear of needles?
The vaccine is pre-filled in a syringe (that’s why I said I would do the training) but I wasn’t told that I need to draw out adrenaline shots with your regular syringe and needle in the event an anaphylactic reaction occurs (don’t ask me why I didn’t think of the possibilities of ANY side effects at that time, it’s part of my job!).
Yikes! I can do this!

Preceptor training and perhaps also, training to be an approved supervising pharmacist for trainee technicians. This is all apart from the regular CPD records and my personal target to learn more about health supplements.

—

I want a better, healthier lifestyle this year. I ALWAYS talk about losing that 5kg I’ve gained since I moved to KL 6 years ago. Time to do something about it and get results!

No crash diets (honestly, I have considered the Dukan diet because it was the royal choice *ahem*) but cheers to healthy eating and a more active lifestyle.

—

My guitar has been sitting in the corner since end of 2009 (bought it early 2009 but enthusiasm waned by mid year) and instead of moaning about how I envy those who could play the guitar effortlessly, let’s spend some time doing something about it. I actually created a timetable to maximise my time when I did the influenza training (there were materials to study/read and quizzes to complete) and included “guitar time” – it worked well and I actually got to touch the guitar.

Camera has also been sitting in its bag (yes, I know it should be in its own dry box!) and I’ve been contemplating taking up a part-time, online course since last year (or was it 2010?). I received an email about how they were offering the course now for nearly half the usual price…hmmm…but my lens died on me last year (sigh!). I have yet to replace the lens.
I also have books I’ve yet to touch! I can’t be hoarding all these stuff (buy buy buy!) but not putting them to use.
Again, time table!

—

The year 2012 will be interesting (so much I want to do and HAVE to do) and it will definitely require me to maximise the use of my time – no more wasting it sleeping (gasp!), playing AngryBirds for hours (I was aiming for 3-stars), re-watching my favourite series back-to-back for hours…you get the gist. I know I can treat myself to doing all those things but not every week/day…

It’s going to be challenging because I’ve always been a procrastinator in the past (BAD HABIT!) and then moan about it after when my time is lost.

I pray that God will grant me the strength to persevere and to turn away from temptations that will cause me to procrastinate. I want to make full use of my waking hours in a day (also to have at LEAST 15 waking hours instead of 12… )! I also pray His grace to grant me support in terms of family and friends’ encouragement/help.

Yes! Excited now!
Hurray!

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This is by far the most photo-packed “Looking back” post. Continue at your bandwidth’s risk.

1st August 2011, Monday

Kath said to me (while she was closing our front door), “Come and have a look!”
Have you ever seen such a contraption? I don’t even know what it’s called – basically it goes around the tree, opens up like an upside down umbrella and shakes the trees of its dry leaves. Save some time raking them at the side of the street. But hey! Never seen them in operation before. This is a first.

3rd August 2011, Wednesday

Honey haul from Arataki.
Bumped into HollyD there and whose baby is still unwilling to say “Hello world!” Apparently Arataki is her daughter’s favourite place.

5th August 2011, Friday

First ACC claim.
My toe looked a bit swollen yesterday and it hurts a little when I put pressure on it. I’ve had this pain before but I never bothered checking my toes because I put the pain down to occupational hazard – being on my feet for too long in closed-toe shoes. It was definitely swollen yesterday (so glad I took a photo) but of course it looked like nothing is wrong with it today when I went to see David. So I showed him the photo I took yesterday…

6th August 2011, Saturday

Jantina got me a big cookie from Westerman’s. Look at the size of that choc chip cookie!
We were talking about BK’s doughnuts for breakfast and was so disappointed when she went there and BK was closed for their renovation.

9th August 2011, Tuesday

Went for my appointment at the orthodontist today and guess what? Dual colour ligatures – oooo!

I was craving, really. The next best thing? Doughnuts from Countdown.
Not as soft, fluffy as I’d imagined them to be but hey! Beggars can’t be choosers.

13th August 2011, Saturday

Can you guess which eye is more “made-up”?

We had Samantha’s farewell dinner at Off the Track – more photos here. Next time? Don’t order any starters (that you don’t intend to share – like piggy me) because you won’t be able to finish everything.

15th August 2011, Monday

Hmmm…so what does that mean? Q6-8H?

18th August 2011, Thursday
My holiday semi-starts here, flying off to Whangarei for the wedding preparation

20th August 2011, Saturday
LiMay and Grant gets hitched today!

21st August 2011, Sunday
Now, this would be the start of my holiday…

22nd August 2011, Monday
This is surreal – I’m back in Malaysia.

Finally got to taste my 姐’s cupcakes! This is the baby hummingbirds.
She is based in Seremban, so you can place your orders through her website here.

Yes, hummingbird cupcakes.

Sprinkles make for beautiful finishing touches.

My first meal at JJKwan’s place consists of Korean instant noodles!

Sitting in the new car!

So happy to see this message! It means my microSIM has been activated and I am back online!

The downside to being back (just for the initial few days), swollen feet! Is it due to travel? Humidity? Change in weather?
*shrugs*

23rd August 2011, Tuesday
Today is my dad’s 60th birthday. I missed out on his celebration last Saturday so today I thought of taking him out for breakfast. Since it was his birthday, I let it slide when he poked fun of me in front of his friends whom we invited along (I wasn’t impressed but I wasn’t going to be angry at him…”give face”).

We went all the way to Nilai for 點心 because the birthday boy insist that Seremban has no good 點心 place…

My favourite porridge – funny how I never liked century egg and now I CRAVE for the porridge.

Your regular picks.

Those shiny mini buns are the 天下第一包 – they are nice as it’s not made out of your regular bun (it’s like those bakery “egg buns”), but as for the name…uhm, a bit of an oversell.

Fluffy egg tarts.

The 點心 was nice but honestly, I don’t think it’s that much better than MinKok – you’re talking to someone who has been deprived of any kind of 點心 in the past year!

After dinner, I got some bb cupcakes from 姐 as dad’s birthday “cake” – he seems to like the hummingbird ones.

I’m surprised that the lamp still works – after being out of action for…2002? Same bulb, too!

24th August 2011, Wednesday

客家麵 for breakfast!

經濟米粉 and 糖水 for dinner.

25th August 2011, Thursday

Thanks to Winne for helping me out even though she was busy at work!

Lunch with my 姐 at PapaRich – also got her to help out with some decorating ideas.

Nasi Lemak – ah!

26th August 2011, Friday

Hokkien noodles.
Gone were the days that a good plate of “黑麵” can only be found when we go to PJ.

I was craving for vegetables but for this to cost more than my plate of noodles (which is an all-in-one meal on its own) is silly!

Ugh! This is something I do NOT miss – traffic jams. More importantly, why is it all jammed up at this time of the night in Seremban?!

27th August 2011, Saturday

Can’t believe I’m here to squeeze with the Raya crowd.

Okay, start with a cuppa first.

The material for this plum coach is very plushy. Like the colour, too!

Meatballs anyone?

I just dropped my naked iPheR on the edge of this on the floor.
*cries!*
No cracks. Phew!

Getting to KL was still okay as I arrived before noon but it took me ONE hour to get from Nilai to Seremban. Should’ve stayed on the highway instead of going off track and take up the same time (or even more!).

Everything looks brown and they are probably bad for my throat – but I am blessed that dad made dinner for me.

Oh! Missed the parcel!

Went out for my first mamak session since I got back – 10pm meet up. That is SOOO late.

Winne’s very unique way of sitting…

Winne and FeR. Winne was sooooo kind to me to rip up the roti canai, so I could pick on the pieces.

28th August 2011, Sunday
I think I need to go shop for track pants – haven’t got any for baptism next week. Jeans would be too heavy when soaked. It was a speedy “baptism class” today lead by EstherTC.

Pleasantly surprised to find that I can get bubble tea from Jusco now!

29th August 2011, Monday

Senawang’s 老鼠粉 for breakfast – so that I can also go pick up my parcel.
Didn’t know that PosLaju has moved to a nook in Senaway so I am thankful dad took me there.

Hello Monkau#1!!! It’s been a while since I last saw you. Hope you’ve been good for JJKwan!

Seeing 姐 in action – orchestrating in her kitchen.

You know it’s bad when I voluntarily take medication. The cough is driving me nuts! Hoping the 15mg of pholcodeine would do the trick.

30th August 2011, Tuesday

Lunch at 415pm in peaceful solitude – how I miss you, Zinger burger (Malaysia)!

It doesn’t look that great but it’s pretty good – and you can’t find it in NZ!

My sore throat has progressed into a cough…this shall be known as The Cough of 2011
*dies coughing*

31st August 2011, Wednesday
Selamat Merdeka, Malaysia!!!

Excited with my 包!!!

This is the kind of 點心 that I miss – by the road, with good company of friends.

Nicole drove to Seremban to meet me, too. It was nice to catch up, despite finding out that it’s been a tough year for the both of us. I do wish you well! Thanks for making the time to come see me.

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2nd July 2011, Saturday

The girls are getting together for LiMay’s bridal shower/birthday party today – too bad I can’t be there.

3rd July 2011, Sunday
Sometimes I miss ALL my close friends at one time and get really emo when I think about the times when we hang out.
Sigh.
I need friends of my own age group/interests/hobbies/maturity/sense of humour/stage of life…it’s a little tricky finding them here.

4th July 2011, Monday
Today, I learnt a new game (well preserved board game by Judy from when Carmen was a little girl!) – very interesting play.

Hey, hey, witch way?

With beginner’s luck, I won.

No wonder she dislikes me when I take unflattering photos of her bum.

Pharmacist is back on the SOL list again. Guess they still need us in Australia!

5th July 2011, Tuesday

The blue section.
The second dress arrived yesterday and I got to try it on today. It needs to be taken in a little but definitely more comfortable than the first one. Yay! Finally got a workable dress for LiMay’s wedding. Cutting it close at 1.5 months…

6th July 2011, Wednesday

Only the cool people get excited about receiving their backordered amoxicillin suspension powders, okay???
It was out of stock for a while and being the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, it was a disaster! We were all very glad to have received this lot – else there would be a lot of dignified begging to get some from other stores.

7th July 2011, Thursday

Applied online 3.3.11 and got the approval on 7.7.11! Praise God!
I was hoping for it to get through but definitely did not expect it to be THAT quickly. Thank God for the “express lane”.

8th July 2011, Friday
Booked KUL-ADL to make my initial entry. MAS was surprisingly cheaper than Jetstar (base fare not including baggage!) – bargain!
I can even visit NN now! Yay!

10th July 2011, Sunday
I got my visa granted but the document checklist still says “required”. Heh! That’s why I gave up checking the online tracker for a while.

11th July 2011, Monday
Pet peeve: When customers say “hypo” to describe their hyper kids. It’s hyper, not hypo.

12th July 2011, Tuesday
Dreamt I went on a holiday with friends and they asked me to take a photo in front of a Korean embassy (why? I don’t know!). Suddenly dancers & crowd came in before I could snap a photo. Photo fail!

Look what we found? Kerry’s dog got loose and thankfully got to our house rather than being caught by dog pound!

Have to use fairy lights because my side/table lamp’s bulb died on me.

13th July 2011, Wednesday
I got a “just because” phone call from Chelle all the way from Penang. Aww
Initially when she texted me, I thought I was in trouble!

14th July 2011, Thursday

Where is my cheese? I paid $0.75 extra for cheese but non spotted here. Sadly, this is also not the first time, BurgerKing.

15th July 2011, Friday
I wondered if it was “one of you HAS to” or “one of you HAVE to” after watching an episode of HouseMD. It sort of sparked a little debate on FB but all good. It’s “one of you HAS to”…just in case if anyone needed to know, like how I needed to.

17th July 2011, Sunday
Evaporated milk as a substitute for fresh cream in my pasta?
NEVER AGAIN! No matter what it claims on the can of the evaporated milk.

18th July 2011, Monday
Little sparks of light under covers – static sparks! Amazing! Only see it when it’s completely dark and when I rustle my fleece blanket.
This is why science is so cool!

19th July 2011, Tueday

Does it look like I broke my foot?

20th July 2011, Wednesday

The dirty green/silver/blond is gone.
Yay!
DIY colour mousse – I’m sure you can spot the coloured area.

21st July 2011, Thursday
I have been looking at GradDipClinPharm courses and considering them again. Distance learning, bettering myself, sprucing up the CV. The thing is, I’m not that confident that I can get back into studying again. It scares me!

23rd July 2011, Saturday
I guess nobody likes to lose. The silence makes me think that I didn’t pass the mark and it bugs me to not know why I wasn’t chosen if so.
I’ve not heard back since 10th June.

24th July 2011, Sunday
Since Alex+Sam do not work in the same company as I do anymore, we have to consciously make time to catch up. They mentioned Speight’s Ale House a while ago and we finally got to try it out.

Getting cosy by the fire.

Mr and Mrs Chan – unfortunately Mrs Chan was fidgety.

Alex’s steak…I forgot what did Sam have?

Plain’s pasta – I now know that having pasta from a restaurant is possible in HB! I do miss the abundance of food/restaurants in Malaysia.

Piggy me couldn’t decide – so I got the Hunter’s ribs as well (starter size).

25th July 2011, Monday
CX smear: One is always vulnerable (emotionally and physically) when one has to drop their pants in front of their doctor.

My radical doctor said, “Who says you must have your period every month?”
Hmmm…biology classes?

Due to snow storm, all flights in & out of Christchurch are cancelled! Hopefully this won’t be happening next month! I need to be home at planned time!

Finally going to dig into my chocolate egg from Easter. Tempted to dunk it in warm milk to make hot chocolate!

26th July 2011, Tuesday
Don’t know what on earth is wrong but I just had to leave the house. Too much unexplainable drama from a 9 year old. So much screaming and baby tantrums from a kid whom you expect more maturity from. Ugh!

I went for a 20 minutes walk around the block and even before I stepped over the gate threshold, I could still hear screaming. They were STILL at home after fussing about going out for a walk! At times like these, I wish (again) I had a place of my own.

27th July 2011, Wednesday

I have onions, bacon, cabbage, carrots and pasta. Bring on fusion stir fry!

28th July 2011, Thursday

Can’t believe mom paid about USD1 for a golden kiwi. ONE. A golden kiwi.
And here we are in kiwi season.

29th July 2011, Friday
Anyone getting emails from atcencommunication? Where did they get my email? I’ve unsubscribed a few times but now there is no option to do so on those emails. It’s irritating and I do not remember EVER subscribing to those emails.

The near-dark sky.

Vasuki, FeR. Will miss her dearly!

30th July 2011, Saturday

Best home made BKT ever!! Secret ingredient is in getting this sachet of instant BKT – tastes like the real deal!

31st July 2011, Sunday

Had leftover cheesecake (NewWorld makes really good cheesecakes!) while updating blog. Loooong overdue update for my (nearly forgotten) blog.

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1st June 2011, Wednesday
Just remembered my odd dream – the diagnosis was left leg thinking/acting like it’s the right leg. Don’t ask me how that’s possible.
To “treat” that condition, I had powdered Olanzapine (schizophrenic medication) in a little box strapped around my left ankle – every time my leg acts up, I had to shake my leg to dispense the powder.
I think I’m working too hard.

2nd June 2011, Thursday
Watched Pride & Prejudice again – balls & social dancing seems fun! Love the courtship (minus the women’s total dependency on marriage for survival). Really love that era (in movies – I think I’d die living in that era but Julie says we would have servants *haha*) Gushing over Pride & Prejudice with Julie!

5th June 2011, Sunday

Mmm! Mother-made 麵粉糕 at the Choy’s place.

6th June 2011, Monday
Really frustrated. Why did I start telling the story about being a sales rep to Jantina right after talking about hair conditioner??? I can’t remember! This is terrible – I possibly have to increase my fish oil intake. I’ve actually done this while explaining/talking to a customer (thankfully at that time, I remembered my story in the end).
Imagine if I didn’t remember then…

7th June 2011, Tuesday

Wah! While walking home, saw this lurking on front door (door that we don’t use).

Surprise “care package” from NN.

8th June 2011, Wednesday

Pearls arrived today. Not too bad, right?
Got this off the internet for LiMay’s birthday. It’s our 30th this year and it would be her wedding gift as well (30th anniversary=pearl, if she chooses to wear it for her wedding, it goes very well with her dress!)

10th June 2011, Friday
Strong candidate. Lip service or really? Hmmm…
I’ve not done this in a while and it’s a little awkward trying to sell yourself in the best light possible.

11th June 2011, Saturday

So spoilt! Couldn’t make it for Ryan’s full moon party but Joanne and Kevin sent these back with David who went at lunchtime.

My first time getting 1st place playing Scramble online with other players!

14th June 2011, Tuesday

I found materials from more than 2 years ago – abandoned projects!

Pretty fabrics that were meant to be used to make reusable shopping bags.

Look! Proof. TWO years ago…

17th June 2011, Friday

Final presentation for Carmen’s birthday. That was the card I left out for her this morning.

18th June 2011, Saturday
It’s been a while since I’ve been to the movies – today I watched “Bridesmaids” with Jantina and Deidre. The part I loved most? The door gifts at the bridal shower!

It took me a few months to find my “i” stamp, I wonder how long it would be before I find my used Farmer’s gift card (I want it as a keepsake). Hmmm…

19th June 2011, Sunday
Went to an open home – I am quite keen on it. Nice, small and tidy. Literally around the block from work.
Possibly needing work: insulation, bathroom, paint.

22nd June 2011, Wednesday

My first “win” – it was a tweet asking anyone who is interested to PM with name, address and t-shirt size. Thanks to grabaseat!

27th June 2011, Monday
Last night with lower braces. It’s coming off tomorrow and after that, dental hygienist appointment to get a good clean!

28th June 2011, Tuesday
Hmmm I thought we get $0.80 off if we bring your own Starbucks tumbler. Now it’s only $0.40 & if I didn’t ask, she would’ve charged full price!

Anyway, the (lower) braces are off! Will be going back later to get the splint.

My incisors (bottoms one, especially) are sensitive to scaling so Jacqui gave me this to try. It’s (as its name states) suppose to provide rapid relief to any sensitivity – here’s hoping it works!
I had to run off at the end of my appointment (even though it’s not quite all cleaned) because I made an appointment to view the flat again – this time with Samantha, Michelle and Jantina. I wanted to get an honest opinion because I think I’ve got “flat goggles”.

It was on this day that I learned loyalty meant nothing in my current job. So many times/examples that the ones who are still here are not being appreciated.
*sigh*

Also on this day, Vodafone increased my monthly text allowance to 2500 (any NZ mobile). Too bad I’m not a teenager, I can’t even use up my allowance of 300 last time. Then again, maybe it’s just sad that I haven’t got any friends to text. Boo!

Tooth Mousse – made easier with my Essix retainers!

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1st May 2011, Sunday
My donation’s tax rebate (you get 1/3 of the total you’ve paid out, pretty good, huh?) was speedy, I think it’s been processed and approved within 2 weeks or so! Now if only I’d hear back from the justice department – it’s been more than 20 days now.

Also got sent some photos of these two cutie pies!

3rd May 2011, Tuesday
Orthodontist says braces can come off! Wowee! That was pretty quick. So much earlier than expected.

In the past 12 months, poor NZ has been hit in all ways! Now it’s a tornado?? Auckland?? Death??

4th May 2011, Wednesday
Many 3′s this year.
28th May is my 3rd year “anniversary” here in NZ, god-daughter turned 3 today and your truly is turning 30 in October! *gasp!*
Well, frankly I think my 20s were not too great…there are things that I wished never happened but those are also the things which brought me to where I am today – here’s looking forward to a better decade!

6th May 2011, Friday

I know I should but I don’t really want to because it hurt the last time.

On the up side, I received a surprise gift from Hazel! Yay!

8th May 2011, Sunday
I know I’m repeating my complaint but *sigh* the outcome still doesn’t fix my facial symmetry. Bleh. Yes, hung up about it. Big time.
I think it can only be fixed by jaw surgery. I’m vain…but not will-do-surgery vain.
Okay. I think I’ll just have to stick with good bite & a deviated lower jaw.

Found another flea! Ugh!!! It jumped away & I can’t find it! Paranoid about sleeping. I really dislike that cat.
Why me? Then again, I’ve had problems I’ve never had prior to coming to NZ – like conjunctivitis and now flea problems! Hmmmph!

9th May 2011, Monday
Time to get to work, saturate the room with flea spray and the clean up begins when I get back.

Bombed my room at 430pm. I now wait for 2 hours.
Carmen wasn’t exactly happy that I’ve decided to do it today – but she isn’t sleeping in my bedroom. She thinks sleeping in the room after bombing it is toxic and will “kill me”. I think I’ve got plenty of time to air it out and clean up after. I would be angry if I still find survivors after this round of clean up!!!

10th May 2011, Tuesday
Yes! It’s here!! Yay! Praise God! (crimical record)

I finally have all my documents for my 176 visa application.

16th May 2011, Monday

It’s a boy! Joanne and Kevin had a baby boy yesterday – I was fortunate to meet their new bub!

Peacefully sleeping while we clattered about in the hospital room.

Chloe; fascinated with the helium balloon

Tiny, tiny Ryan.

She got a little upset when Kevin went to get the car ready.

She loves her fruits!

18th May 2011, Wednesday
3°C! Brrr! Possibly debrace day tomorrow unless my orthodontist listens to my plea.

19th May 2011, Thursday
I am possibly the saddest orthodontic patient when I was told it comes off. Upper off today.

Midlines don’t meet…

Need to get to the dental hygienist to get rid of all the glue/adhesive remains.

Can’t believe my orthodontist played the “miscommunication” card. It’s okay…*sings* “You’re beautiful…”

One upside: brushing and flossing, never been easier (or rather, I forgot how easy they were without braces)

20th May 2011, Friday
My splint (retainer) & retainer case. The excitement’s in choosing the colour of case.
Too bad you only get one case.

Putting it on is like putting dentures on.

Smiling with the splint/retainer on.

If I smile REALLY widely, you can see the edges and know I have something on. Else it looks like I have nothing on. Apparently I need these instead of the Hawley retainers because I had teeth rotated, these Essix ones would be better to ensure that they don’t “turn back”.

21st May 2011, Saturday
This has never happened before – phone fully charged when I went to bed but when I woke up, only 18% left! 7 hours on standby (??)
My phone battery is doing something funny. Why is it draining off so quickly!?
[Okay, not having wifi and being in a group chat is not a good idea. That was the cause of the drain - had to work harder as 3G signal around this area is not exactly mint.]

22nd May 2011, Sunday

Had to use all my greens up!

23rd May 2011, Monday
740pm.
Showered, in jammies, in bed with book.
This is the season where I usually fall off the radar from family and friends.

25th May 2011, Wednesday
What’s with all these practitioners and their attitudes tonight???
[Later on, I found out that this particular patient does NOT qualify for the prescription subsidy. She did NOT have a 2 years' working visa. Where did the midwife get her info from??? Blergh!]

27th May 2011, Friday
Arrived in Auckland, another hour to go for next flight up to Whangarei. Made a fool out of self trying to use mPass for the first time
Bumpy ride during descend into Whangarei. Do NOT like turbulence.

THIS is how you do it…not putting your phone at the top of the machine where it says ePass.

28th May 2011, Saturday
I arrived fresh faced (off the boat *haha*) in NZ on this day, 3 years ago. I was also here in WRE last year on this day.

29th May 2011, Sunday

The mist this morning when we got woken up by, “Good morning, girls!!!” and the sound of locks turning at the front door.

Misty sunrise.

When I got back to HB, I went to Duke Street to pick up our order of Fish+Chips – belated “celebration” of my 3rd anniversary in NZ.

Happy with my crumbed fish!

Even Lucky decided to come indoors and sit with us. Ah! It does remind me of my first day here.

30th May 2011, Monday

I am so blessed! LiMay bought me 2 bags of persimmons…when I went to work today, Julie bought me another 2 bags!
I wouldn’t be able to finish all the persimmons – photo was taken after giving a bag to Kath and after eating a few mushy ones.

Is Whatsapp free now? It’s in the top 25 free apps when I did a search.
[It was from this day that I found out it pays to check the free apps from time to time as they would sometimes have offers on paid apps to be downloaded for free - usually for 1 day or something]

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Okay. The Cold has gone but now I am faced with something even more irritating.

Yes, no surprises here, it’s in the title. This cough REALLY takes the cake. Then again, I’ve not been watching what I eat (a Chinese practice) – c’mon! I’m on a holiday. All was fine when I arrived on 22nd August…ended the day and when I woke up (again, at 4am), I has a sore throat. So that was Day 1.

Day 2 was filled with lots of gunk from both nose and throat. Bacterial infection, so you can guess the colour.

Day 3 and 4 was relatively okay. I start out with a stuffy nose in the morning but by the end of the day, it was bearable.

Day 5…was epic. I began to lose my voice. I had to speak in lower tones if I want to be able to finish my sentences. If I get excited and go a few tones higher, my voice breaks. Tried and tested…but if you know me, how can I NOT be excited when I get to catch up with old, dear friends?

Day 6 was in church and I couldn’t really talk much. Just smiled, waved and nod. That was the best I could do. If I said “Hello” back, people take a step back.

The Cough crept into my system in Day 5. Slowly.
It was a dry tickly cough and we had Pholcodine at home, so I took 15mg (5mL) yesterday before bed (was worried it may make me drowsy if I took it earlier). Hmmm…I was coughing like there was no tomorrow! I thought only expectorants do that to you (seemingly cough more to get the phlegm out) so why did a cough suppressant made my cough worse?! GARGH!

Today, The Cough is still here. Stronger than ever. Let’s give 15mg Pholcodine another go.

Here’s hoping!

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Yup! Great start to my Holiday of 2011!
21st August 2011, Sunday. Not looking forward to the long transit in CHC though.

Breakfast is like a lunch set!

When the newly weds came back home about 11am or so, we were taken to the paddock by the side of their house to see some cows! We city folks don’t get much of that back in Malaysia – especially when it’s JUST beside your house!
From being brought up as a city girl, to loving it as a country woman – what a transformation for MissYap in the past 3 years.

The cows were not impressed with us pointing our “black boxes” at them, but aren’t they cute looking at you??

Grant’s car was PRETTY full by the time we got 5 people’s luggages (3 traveling internationally) – I wonder if he could see out of his rear view mirror! I hitched a ride up to Auckland airport to take my flight to CHC (then to KUL), Sze-Mien and Hoey were going to stay for a night in AKL and then going on to Rotorua, while the newly weds were flying out to Queenstown for their honeymoon.

I’ve NEVER been to this side of the domestic airport before. Honest!
It’s always been on the other side because the furthest I’ve flown from Auckland is Hawkes Bay. This is my first time flying right down to the South Island.

It was a big plane! And I had the row to myself! Thank you, God! (I have this toilet-phobia if I’m seated by the window and there are people beside me)
Again, pardon my excitement but for as long as I’ve been in NZ, I think this is my second time sitting on a bigger plan for a domestic flight. In Malaysia, this is pretty much the standard size – but here, it’s a bigger plane.

Rugby ball shaped chocolate biscuit.
The new safety instruction video (featuring the AllBlacks) is very entertaining, too!

Mount Taranaki? Mount Ruapehu?
I have no idea and I don’t know if I did miss the pilot’s announcement.

See?
There were no luggage wrap services in the domestic terminal in Auckland, so I had to check my bag in and pray that it would not explode. I really do need a new bag.
Thankfully they have a luggage wrap service at CHC.

Yeap, the place is pretty dead at night. I was wondering if there would be staff around when the time comes for us to board the flight. It was too early to check in, so I just hung about.

After checking in, found a nice quiet spot (before some other passengers found it and crowded the place! Bleh!). Our flight was delayed by an hour due to a medical emergency in KUL (passenger had to be sent to the hospital and his/her luggage had to be removed from the plane – took a while to retrieve it) and I asked the staff manning the coffee kiosk what time do they get to go home – “When you lot get on your flight” – sigh!
I know how it feels but it’s 10x worse because it’s not 8pm (for me at work), it’s 11pm! And our flight was supposed to leave at 1210am – now it’s further delayed to 110am! I hope they get penalty rates for their extra time.

I’m sooooo glad no one was sitting beside me. I got “conned” into thinking there was a gap between the two seats, that why I paid to choose that seat. I guess squeezing by ONE passenger is the lesser evil of squeezing by TWO passengers.

I have a very uncooperative body. My bodily functions get hyped up when I know it would be a hassle to get to a toilet.
If I have an aisle seat, I am fine.
If I have a window seat with no one beside me, I am fine.
If I have a window seat with passengers beside me – I need to go every other minute!
UGH! Hate it. I know it’s the stress and I work myself up to it but I can’t help it. Eeeek! So there. That’s my “toilet-phobia”. Not so much a fear of toilets but it’s a fear of not being able to get to one. Happens when I’m traveling long distance in a bus, too.

Uhm…in my daze I thought everyone had to fill this up. As in, EVERYONE. Don’t ask me why but I think the whole new experience (plus, it’s late yo!) of flying with a different airline also messes my mind up.
Turns out, hey! I’m a Malaysian citizen. I cruise right in, no forms needed.

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Delayed video – because I didn’t know how to edit clips. N00b.

I recorded the first part (obviously) when I still had my braces on, on the day when I was told by my orthodontist that they are coming off…soon. The second half was done just earlier. I HAD to because the first video didn’t have a proper ending (yes, the ending now is “da bomb” )

So here it is – FeR talking about her “failed” orthodontic treatment.

I actually added annotations using YouTube but it’s not showing – except when I’m in “Edit Annotations” mode. Odd. This video is so plain without the annotations.
*sigh*
Okay. Apparently the annotations won’t show if you insert any of them right at the very start of a video or if the timing of the last annotations goes RIGHT to the end of your video. It messes it up. I shifted the first annotation to start showing 1sec later and voila! It works. Yay!

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2nd February 2011, Wednesday
Glad to have Alex+Sam back…the first time we got together for dinner was also on CNY eve in 2009 when they just got to HawkesBay. We went after work to ThaiSilk on OmahuRoad.

The newly weds back from their wedding and short trip in Malaysia.

Sam and FeR

Appetisers

It’s only 3 dishes but we finished it…with a bit of a struggle. Possible coconut milk overdose!

3rd February 2011, Thursday
People have certain habits that sort of hold them back – if I were to name mine, it has to be sleep. Sleep trumps productivity in my books.
We see a lot of people getting prescription medication to help sleep – I need some that makes me NOT want to sleep.

Went to CC’s place to have a look at their quail chicks. Awww!

4th February 2011, Friday
Too ambitious and greedy – don’t think the 齋菜 came out nice. 唔夠味呀! But I guess it’s better than having nothing, I suppose.

5th February 2011, Saturday
New favourite game. Well, a new way to play it (especially if I don’t have kaki‘s)

6th February 2011, Sunday
Will start eating healthy/losing weight according to resolution (5kg for the year) after CNY (yeah, right!)

Steamboat tonight! In crazy hot weather! We’re having it at Alex+Sam’s place with the airconditioning on.

8th February 2011, Tuesday
My CNY ligatures – red and gold (although the gold just looks like yellow).

My bite is settling in, although midlines are still off.

Top arch.

Bottom arch.

9th February 2011, Wednesday
Drop Dead Diva is quite good! Can’t wait to watch more of it!
Jane somehow reminds me of Lav, I don’t know why. Even when I look at how she places/uses her fingers. *shrugs*

12th February 2011, Saturday
Excellent catch up with JoFo! 1.5 hours yo!
I really think iPheR is my best investment and Viber is great (most of the time) for free calls.

14th February 2011, Monday
Got a special delivery today…my work visa has been approved and I’ve got my passport back! Finally!

15th February 2011, Tuesday
The itch from mozzy bites are killing me! So itchy! And I can count 12 of them on my right leg!!!
(Turned out later to be flea bites!)

16th February 2011, Wednesday
I got a letter to say that my resident visa application has been approved! Praise God!
That was super speedy, especially when I was told (and told again when I rang immigration) that it may take up to 16 weeks to get my case officer (I got mine within 3 weeks!) and it normally takes 9-12 months (they received my application on 21st December 2010 and started the process on the 23rd of December, so it took them less than 2 months) to process an application. That’s why I had to go re-apply for my work visa.

And what I have thought has happened – applying for the work visa in vain and wasting $230 because my previous work visa doesn’t expire until April 2011. I tried ringing to explain my situation, to see if there is ANY possibility of getting a refund or some money back (I only got my passport back for my work visa 2 days ago!). I was told that my previous visa would have been cancelled when they approved the new one, so technically I needed that work visa for 2 days (else I would have been illegally working/living in NZ). 2 days! I don’t earn that much in 2 days to cover the visa expenses…but oh well. Nevertheless I am still really thankful I got my resident visa this quickly.
I suppose it’s better to be safe and have that work visa application sent out anyway – just in case if it did take 9-12 months to get my resident visa. Hopefully their timeline would be consistent for people applying for the residence-from-work visa because then LiMay would be able to make use of my timeline and depend on it (else she would be in the same predicament as I have been – to reapply for the work visa while waiting or not).

17th February 2011, Thursday
It’s a flea! I saw it but jumped out of sight! I feel so paranoid to sit on my bed, let alone sleep in it. The bites are really bad. I have calamine over them to soothe the itching (not really working)

Hah! I found the flea! Semi dead flea (I squished it for good measure after I took photo) that jumped out of sight – the spray works!

Look at the photos below to see how vicious that one flea was! I am guessing (and hoping) it was only one because I only found one.

I went to Jee’s house with Alex+Sam for some sort of a CNY dinner – it was very scrumptious! We were spoilt with roast pork and belacan kangkung! I was also given good ‘ol Mopiko for my flea bites.

18th February 2011, Friday
As far as I remember, as an adult – my first promethazine tablet. The itch is driving me mad!

19th February 2011, Saturday
I’m feeling so tired. I thought the sedating antihistamine yesterday would help me sleep better through the itch but instead, it caused me restlessness!!! I had to be an atypical case.

Went to see Corinna next door and she gave me some prednisone and cortisone cream for my allergic reaction to the flea bites. Here’s hoping it works! Look at how red and “bruisy” the bites have become…

22nd February 2011, Tuesday
Used the Dominos pizza app for the first time today! Geek!

24th February 2011, Thursday
Hmm! Failed to get $1 diamond pendant as a present after queuing outside MichaelHill. My first time doing something like this (for a cheapie!). Jaime and I queued together but she really wanted the pendant for herself (there was only one left – only 3 out for the $1 sale and the two ladies before us got one each), so I told her to go ahead first.

Not bad for $1, ya? Original tag was $700++.

My consolation price – pancakes and hashbrown.

25th February 2011, Friday
Alex’s last shift before he leaves for his new pharmacy job, so I went to meet them at KFC by Dunks to have dinner. On the way out, saw a dead cat in the middle of the road. I thought it was just sitting in the middle of the road but as I came nearer and it did not budge, I pulled over and took a look at it. I did the only thing I knew, walked back to the house and asked Carmen what to do.
She asked, “What colour was it?” but I told her it definitely wasn’t Gypsy or Lucky. She was so brave and picked the cat up (she said it was still warm, so someone JUST hit it) …then she found the owner (she climbed over their gate and knocked on the door), who lives just 4 doors down our street. The poor lady cried.

Then…I’ve never got a breathalyser test before but I got stopped TWICE tonight – within a hour! To and fro KFC for dinner. So silly! The second time made me a little worried because it took longer for the little machine to beep and I only had MountainDew at KFC, okay!
Carmen found it so funny that I got stopped twice and commended me when I said I had to refrain from taking a photo (first time mah!)…else she would have to come pick me up from the station. Not because I had a DUI charge, but under an “obstruction of peace” charge.

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1st January 2011, Saturday
Just got awesome news from LiMay today! When I first saw her message, it came up as a preview on my home screen with her written message only, which was something in the lines of, “Guess what? Happy new year!”

I only saw the photo when I went into my inbox (the message only came through at 5 something am when she actually sent it out late last night – telco congestion, perhaps).

It’s just another day but can’t seem to shake off the newness and excitement of it being 1-1-11. My first patient of the day was our daily dispensing pick-up and it was relatively quiet…until 10 minutes before we were due to close, it turned into a madhouse next door. First day of the year and we’re out an hour later after closing time.

2nd January 2011, Sunday
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms – left phone at home and didn’t find out until I got into work. Feeling jittery.

Sunset as I approach Taupo.

Sunset from our accommodation – TheReef

3rd January 2011, Monday
Orakei Korako thermal park. Hot!!!

More about my meet up with the newly engaged here

4th January 2011, Tuesday
More stories on our day 2 here.

5th January 2011, Wednesday
Definitely got sun burnt on scalp – patches of red on left side and non on right side.

The burnt parting…

Other areas

6th January 2011, Thursday
Excellent day to be out and we went out. Carmen and I went to Ocean beach.

Got the insulated tumbler from Starbucks before going into work in Napier.

Sunset on the way home from Napier after work. It’s been a good day.
Praise God!

7th January 2011, Friday
Gypsy looking like roadkill on the porch – it’s a hot day for us here.

9th January 2011, Sunday
Take home message from church today:
“Humility is strength under control; not a sign or indication of weakness.”

11th January 2011, Tuesday
It is really frustrating having to go through all this work (and cost!) of trying to remain here legally. Yesterday I rang immigration at 1030am and requested the call back. Even after more than 9 hours (I’m sure I keyed in right number), I did not get a call back.
Actually, I have my documents at the ready, it’s just that it’s rather tedious especially when they can’t tell me how long it would take to process my resident visa application. I have a feeling it would be really ironic – when I do submit my work visa application, I would get my resident visa. That would just be a waste of time and money. At the same time, I wouldn’t want to be caught out not having legal rights to work/live in NZ if I don’t reapply for a work visa and my resident visa doesn’t get approved in time.

12th January 2011, Wednesday
Feels like as if for every Wednesday, without fail, we do not get to go home in time at 8pm.

After complaining about the hold back at work, finally left the building at this and everything was forgotten. God is really good, even when I’m bratty and complain about circumstances. I also received my receipt for my professional fees today – with that claim, I can pay for visa fee!

13th January 2011, Thursday
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful. Thankful! Thank God for the amazing speed but it’s just typical, huh? The day after I sent out my work visa renewal documents, I got an email saying I’ve been assigned a case officer for my resident application. And I assume that they have also received my work visa application because $230 has been deducted from my bank account.

14th January 2011, Friday
My scalp has started to flake today (from the sunburn) and we’re talking about mega sized dandruff-resembling flakes!!! Ewww.

16th January 2011, Sunday
I suddenly had hang ups about friends. Other people go through BGR hang ups, I go through friendship hang ups…but you know what? I should invest my time and energy on the many others who cares enough to keep in touch, rather than have thinking about those who don’t give two hoots.

17th January 2011, Monday
Used all 7 (well, 6 and a blank one) tiles in my Word game with random opponent. “Liberty” for 71 points.

A little overwhelmed while choosing birthday cards – 30th! We are approaching another decade my fellow comrades from class of ’98!

18th January 2011, Tuesday
First time cooking century egg and I threw it into a slow cooker pot with rice, salted egg and minced pork yesterday night. Lesson learnt: do NOT put century egg or salted egg into slow cooker overnight. They’ve completely dissolved. What a waste of eggs…

19th January 2011, Wednesday
I’ve suddenly been sent so many random emails. They started exactly a week ago with the first email dated 12th January 2011. I didn’t sign up for my contact to be mongered – who gave my “work” email out? Why am I still getting emails after going through their links to be removed from the mailing list? Who is associated with ATCEN communications????!!

20th January 2011, Thursday
At hairdressers again to fix up my blue (which is now dirty teal/green) strip of hair. Gotta love pay day…but $75 for my colour touch-up and trim? This would be the second and the last time I would do this before I get a box of dark brown dye to DIY. It’s too expensive to maintain this one streak.

I’ve got to admit that the blue is pretty cool, though.

25th January 2011, Tuesday
Busy, no-overlap-of-pharmacist day. I’m surviving on one banana, one cup of coffee, one plum and one glass of water since 8am. I am famished! But no break till home time in one hour. Life is tough as a sole charge pharmacist.

Look what I found at Whitcoulls! Can’t believe I missed them (tinyyyy section duh!) last week.

27th January 2011, Thursday
Got a letter from HB DHB and my heart palpitated a little, not knowing what news it brings. Turns out, it was just a cc from the specialist (old news). Phew!

Made pineapple jam in preparation for pineapple tarts. Turned out I had the house to myself and I thought I could do some night baking…but I think not. I am tired from making the jam.

28th January 2011, Friday
Boo! 404am – quake woke me up or I woke up right before the quake? I do not recall but my bed shook for a good few seconds. I dislike it when it happens and I’m home alone…

Quail eggs from CC! They have 6 quails at home and graciously shared some of the eggs with me. I love them and mom usually buys from them from the pasar malam for me.

30th January 2011, Sunday
I am so excited! Had my first video call on phone through Skype with mom. When did the update come through??? The last time I tried to show her the house (and the outside) via Skype on my phone, we could only do voice calls. Wow! Exciting! *geek*

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