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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…and a cat person/lover?!!

NEVARRRR!

Okay. Calm down.
And no disrespect to cat lovers. I don’t hate cats but I’m not a cat person – like if you get asked a question, “Dogs or cats?” I will not choose cats over dogs.
If it’s “Cats or toothaches?” then, of course I will choose toothaches.

No, I joke. I would choose cats over toothaches.

Anyway, what spurred this was when I read ShaolinTiger’s post. No, it wasn’t about cats or work…

It was about infographics generated by a tool from Visual.ly using your Twitter data. Since it was pretty accurate for him, I got curious and wanted to see what my tweets say about me.

Yes, thus the indignation.
I’m not a workaholic! I’m not! I only work 7daysaweekeveryotherweekandsometimes8or9ifshortstaffed!
Really though, I’m not.

Look, I’ve had a Twitter account since 20th November 2009 but never really used it (read: didn’t know how to) until late last year. I think I signed on merely to get messages from grabaseat so I could score cheap tickets (I get a text on my phone and frantically get to the nearest computer). My first tweet was a reply to my cousin’s photo about the GenderTest (I think I thought I was making a comment on the photo but it turned out to be a tweet – to NOBODY. Yup, that’s me, the n00b). Two tweets on 13th December 2009. Then silence…

…until I got iPheR in October. I don’t know how I survived without it prior to that.

From 16th November 2010, I started stalking people on Twitter (unfortunately, not many real life friends had a Twitter account…or maybe they are hiding from me) and using it for “right now” rants. This was when blogging took the back seat.

I realise now I rant a lot about work on Twitter. Most of my waking hours are spent at work (yes, how sad is that?) but I’m not a workaholic and I’m NOT in denial. Me? Workaholic? Never!

And the cat…oh the cat. After THE flea episode of February 2011, I really do not find her sleeping in my bed cute but that’s what I’ve been finding (her in my bed when I get home). This infographic tool should come with a negative filter – like when I write about Gypsy it’s because I am irritated by her, not because I looooove cats.

Uhm…what was the point of this post again?

Anyway, do check Visual.ly out and Twitterize yourself!

Follow @jewoley

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1st April 2011, Friday
First day of the month and I got a quote for my watch repair – $130. Apparently the fall broke the coil in my watch…*sigh*

3rd April 2011, Sunday
The clocks are turned back an hour! Yay! Another hour for sleep and well timed because I only got home after 12am.

I took my first threadworm tablet as an adult. I THINK I grind my teeth at night and I’ve been easily irritated…so I thought I’d give it a shot.

My blue streak has turned dirty green and I can see how much my hair has grown since November (about 4-5 inches?). I must go get myself a DIY home colour kit. I thought perhaps I could colour it again but at $70 for that one strip of hair, can you say “overpriced”? Especially when a box from the supermarket costs less than $15 (and I probably could get 5 applications for my streak from that box)

4th April 2011, Monday
I usually (double) check that our Medico deliveries are sorted when I get in on Mondays but somehow the excitement of getting my medicals done within a day made me forget.

So we get a phone call in the evening (when our driver has clocked out), getting told that we are very unprofessional and our slip-up is unacceptable (yes, we are human, we are NOT to make mistakes…EVER). This was coming from the patient’s brother, who apparently works with the DHB/hospital in Wellington and he has a good mind to raise a complaint when he goes back to work.
I apologised and offered to personally deliver the pack after work. I apologised even though it wasn’t my fault because her account was overdue and has reached the credit limit. After all that, he was still harping on how unprofessional we were and asking if we would be responsible if anything happens to her if she didn’t have her pills in the morning. I held my tongue but I was *this* close to saying, “She won’t die. It’s just some paracetamol and low dose of BP medication. Plus, our driver does his deliveries by 10am, she would still be able to take her morning dose.” In the end, I told him that I am doing my best to rectify the situation and if he would just hang up (I had scripts to check and patients waiting in the pharmacy, 15 minutes before closing time), I may get out at 8pm sharp to go delivery the pack.
When we (Jantina graciously offered to go with me because he didn’t sound like a reasonable man) got there, the patient herself was apologetic but the brother was grim. The son who was in the background HAD to add in his two cents when his uncle said anything. What a coward, hiding behind his mom and piping in when his uncle said anything. Pfft.
The brother asked for a receipt and we told him we have to send it with the driver tomorrow (yes, hang on a moment, I’ll go get the cash register from the back of my car and get you that receipt). Unsatisfied, he asked me to write down my name, date and time I took the $30 from him. Yes, I will flee the country with $30.
[The crazy part is, when they came in the next day, the brother was very pleasant and friendly...I'm glad Jantina went with me else everyone would think I'm a drama queen. "What on earth are you talking about FeR? He is such a pleasant man." ]

7th April 2011, Thursday
The vaccinator training pack arrived today – 3 weeks till training! Time to start cracking.
A software update fixed the birthday glitch that happens with NZ timezone (don’t know why but there was definitely a glitch because when I switched it to another timezone, it works perfectly well!) Yay! I can finally make full use of the contact/birthday option. *geek!*

8th April 2011, Friday
Weird dream! I dreamt that I was transported to a weird place/world…but I managed to get home in time because I had a footie tryout (I don’t play or even watch football/soccer!!). And in that dream, I didn’t even get to play on the field at all (I remember that my uniform was light blue in colour) but I was told that I was good and was asked if I would like to join their team…urm…over confidence, much?

11th April 2011, Monday
Did a quick tax calculation and found out that I won’t get any tax back this year!

Found out that all those extra hours last year bumped my tax bracket up! If I knew better, I would have just took those time off and relaxed. Oh well.

12th April 2011, Tuesday
Level 3 first aid training in Napier – after tonight’s training, I’m having second thoughts about getting accredited for the influenza vaccine. So scary if we EVER get a patient with adverse reactions/anaphylactic reaction! We’re talking adrenaline jabs and oxygen tanks.

Today is also one of those days that I sit and admire how some people seem to have so much time to do so much (and are so good at it)…and get a little depressed at my own limitations. A big part of “not doing much” is because of my own laziness (yes, I admit) but even when I do put my time into it, I would only be good. Not a “wow!” or it’s not something people would see and think, “Yup, that’s FeR.” Do you ever feel like that?
I mean, I know I can do some things well, but it’s not my “selling point” or it’s not a “thing” that people go to (e.g. Need a singer? Sandra is your woman! Need a photographer? Lance is the man! You get my point?)
To think today’s thoughts stemmed from the first aid training. It made me think, “Wow, I’m moving forward in my profession but do I REALLY want to be a pharmacist?” It’s always a job to me but I’ve been thinking of extending it further…but have I got what it takes? Even as a pharmacist, I won’t recommend myself to be the go-to person if you need one. I still have to look things up and I feel like I lack in so many areas.
One of those days…

14th April 2011, Thursday
Hung out with Joanne and Chloe while Kevin is away.

15th April 2011, Friday
Happy Friday with a surprise parcel from mom!

16th April 2011, Saturday
Any new found enthusiasm to pick up the guitar thwarted by a cut RIGHT on the tip of my finger. Ouch!

18th April 2011, Monday
Instead of talking about how I envy others of all the things they are able to do (or how they find time to do so much!), I made a timetable to maximise my time. I even made a food/meal plan…let’s see how long this would last. I really need to reign in my time management especially when there are quite a bit to do in terms of studying for my vaccinator training and completing the BLINK modules.

21st April 2011, Thursday
Day 4 of timetable and I think I’m doing alright…I think.
Finally broke into the Pilates DVD that I got in DECEMBER! It says beginner but I think they meant beginners who have the basic core strength already.

Another day in history – the patient that REFUSES to be served by me not only allowed me to serve her, not only did she SMILE at me…she even said, “Thanks, honey” at the end. Can you say PWNED?
It only took 3 years.
Slowly but surely I’d get all of you. You wait…*cue evil laughter*

23rd April 2011, Saturday
Did some baking…and JUST found out there is a workbook to complete before our 4 hours’ training next week! I’m just glad I re-read the instructions today instead of next week…

24th April 2011, Sunday
Had a dream that I lost 2 of my molars and 1 incisor – while braces still intact. It was very vivid and my other teeth felt loose as well. I placed those teeth in a bowl and went running for help…

25th April 2011, Monday
I left my workbook at work! How silly is that??? I asked Lynnette if it was okay to go back to get it – else I’d lose another day of study.

27th April 2011, Wednesday
I guessed that I was forgotten in the head count and there is no place for me. I will have to drive to Dannevirke tomorrow (with storm warning – great!). I expected it but it still hurts to be forgotten. Thanks, mister.

28th April 2011, Thursday
Samantha came with me in my little car to Dannevirke. We got there just in time despite the weather. The immune system video was awesome! If only all our lectures were done that way, I think I would have a better (and permanent) understanding of human physiology.
In other news – the white iPhone 4 is launched in NZ today. Whaaaa…? It’s okay, I still love iPheR, no regrets there.

29th April 2011, Friday
Gina sent out invitations to watch the royal wedding together at her house – dainty plates of food requested, so I made mini cupcakes/muffins.

Dainty teacups for the ladies.

We started watching at 7pm! Can’t believe we sat through all the miscellaneous commentaries.

Buddy is a big boy now! Even then, he is pooped.

I had to work at 8am but couldn’t resist watching the whole thing! I only left Gina’s place at 1am!!! Madness

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2nd March 2011, Wednesday
Say goodbye to my CNY-themed ligatures and hello to some brighter colours! The elastics are doing well to deepen my bite and lining my midlines.

3rd March 2011, Thursday
Went to Isabel’s place to get my skin checked out and apparently it’s better since I’ve been using Artistry. I still alternate between the cleanser and Cetaphil (Cetaphil FTW!) but seems to be going well.
On the way back, I saw an email come through from SouthAustralia. I stared in disbelief that I’ve been granted a sponsorship! After 10 months, I’ve given up hope of hearing back, let alone getting a positive response. I actually got the sponsorship approved on the 22nd February but only got the email now – and it says that I have 30 days to respond from the date of approval! Why was the email not sent out earlier? Eeek! Nevertheless, extremely thankful and truly, only God could have seen to it. What did I do next? Lodge an application online, of course. I’ve already got all my documents ready in a folder since last year…

4th March 2011, Friday
After submitting the application and spending AUD2575 (non-refundable), I wonder if I made the right decision…
I’m being such an ingrate now – would I really want to swap my lush greens here for dry browns there?

5th March 2011, Saturday
Ooooh! Makes me angry when patients/customers lie to our faces! I will get to the bottom of this! She said that she ONLY comes to our pharmacy but evidently, she must have gone to another outlet because computer systems don’t lie. We did not issue any vouchers with that barcode number on it, I looked through the database of all the vouchers issued since we relaunched the loyalty programme.
Went to Dunks after work to check her details out and guess what? She signed up for the rewards card there and that’s how she got her vouchers. I don’t know why she INSISTED that we gave the vouchers to her. It’s not like I won’t allow her to use it, I just needed the details from the other card in order to use the vouchers. Grrr!!!

8th March 2011, Tuesday
Left a comment about the batch of Moccona’s caramel cappuccino tasting/smelling off and I got an email back with an offer of a replacement voucher. Very prompt service!

10th March 2011, Thursday
Finally got my passport back. I got my resident visa letter on the 16th of February and I remembering sent it out by courier not long after. My resident visa label was only made/printed yesterday (9th March 2011) – I’m just really glad my passport didn’t go missing if it was sitting in a tray at their office for about 3 weeks.

12th March 2011, Saturday
Whaddaya know! Jar Jar Binks! Lego today has come a long way since I was a kid! Saw this staring at me when I was having breakfast.

13th March 2011, Sunday
I finally found my “i” stamp that went missing since last year – can you see it?

It’s finally a complete set again. *sigh*

15th March 2011, Tuesday
I just heard that we got the contract to give flu vaccination – this should be interesting! Pre-filled 0.8mm pens. $375 for training, though.

17th March 2011, Thursday
My dental hygienist (20 years experience) said I had the CLEANEST teeth (with braces) she’s ever seen. Not “one of”, but cleanest! *smug*

Bible reading on the iPhone using Bible.is app, following the “You’ve Got The Time” program.

22nd March 2011, Tuesday
After months of having the Trademe app, I finally learned how to use it (properly). I knew something was amiss if I can’t search for listings! Phail geek.

23rd March 2011, Wednesday
Bugs on our bench! Eeek!

Yea, goofing at work. These were sent to use for the headlice product promo/display.

Also got news that Kyra Teoh said hello world! Same birth date as Chelle but 4 months earlier.

24th March 2011, Thursday
Attended my first talk at the hospital – interesting but at the same time disheartening to see the negative statistics on the youths in HB.
Lynnette talked about switching our shifts to a permanent 5-days week basis. I’m all for it! Tuesday-Saturday every week beats the 7-days week (even if it’s on alternate weeks, it’s a killer!) Hopefully we can start doing that. Need someone to help us out on Mondays and Fridays.

25th March 2011, Friday
Warren’s bakery last day of trading. Their infamous custard squares – extra long today. Farewell!

26th March 2011, Saturday
Watched TheBigBangTheory S1 again and I noticed in episode 7, Raj spoke when Penny was there (no alcohol).
Learnt how to get the ° symbol on iPhone. Sheesh.
Maybe it’s time to get out of house.

The care package is ready to go! Something for Kyra, something for Chelle and something for Darren.

28th March 2011, Monday
Dropped my watch at 1110am and it stopped dead there. Have to be sent to Wairoa to get it checked. Hope it’s fixable!

31st March 2011, Thursday
Orthodontist said, “No more elastics!”
Hurray! That was pretty quick – four months? My bite is nearly fixed but my jaw and face still looks senget. Great. The thing that I want to fix the most is still staring at me.

Anyway, will end this with the progress of my teeth

Without elastics, my midlines are still a bit off.

Top arch.

Bottom arch.

Right upper canine between lower premolar and canine.

Left upper canine between lower premolar and canine.

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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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I have a few blog posts coming up (under titles of “Looking back: Month 2011″) and be forewarned that they are lengthy. Some are photo filled, some have links to individual posts (due to the amount of photos), some are just boring, random updates from what I’ve been up to in the past 7 months in the year 2011.

If I don’t do it this way, I’d never catch up. Twitter helps heaps but at the same time, it has made me lazy in keeping this blog up.

I am still alive!

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I thought I was nearly there but just realised I had photos hanging around on my server from June 2010! We’re talking about forgotten stories from more than 6 months ago!

Aiyor.

I’ve cleared December 2010, November 2010 and October 2010. Some of the ones I’d like to specifically share are:

When I got my new phone, my belated birthday outing with work colleagues, Chloe’s birthday celebration, visiting two hairdressers in a week, trip to Wellington, our work do and my Christmas celebration.

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Sometimes, new is not always good.

I thought it was the new theme that was messing up my smilies but later on, I figured out the codes were missing in the functions.php file (clearly it’s been wiped out since I upgraded WP to version 3.1) – so I added them back into the list, made sure the smilies were in the smilies folder.

Nope.
Still nothing.

I reverted back to my old theme and STILL no smilies (when it worked previously). Is it logical to assume it’s WordPress 3.1 that’s messing it up?

I’m going to try to “fix” it by installing a smilies’ plugin.
Hmmph.
Way to go.

—

Edited:
I’m soooo glad the plugin works! Yay!

So much for trying to get my CPE record updated today…I end up trying to update blog theme.

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