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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After Grant left last night, I got a text from him to ensure that LiMay wakes up early and is the first person to draw back the curtains that open up to the deck in front of their house – here I was thinking it’s probably a Kiwi tradition (bear in mind we Chinese have lots of odd bits and bobs, too).

Awww!
It wasn’t a Kiwi tradition – it was just that he had left some flowers out spelling “I LOVE YOU” on the deck and wants LiMay to be the first to see it.

Bridesmaids’ bouquets

LiMay’s bouquet

LiMay all done up – soooo gorgeous!
*sniff*

Here comes the bride!

Can’t believe I haven’t got a copy of this!

I didn’t know that in NZ (I’ve been told this anyway), it’s usually your bridal party that becomes your witness. I was surprised (only got told on the day of rehearsal) because in the past weddings I’ve been to in Malaysia, it was usually the fathers (or family members). Eeeek! I had two days to think about which signature I wanted to use…

…FeR with a flower? Piggy?

In the end, it was the one that I used for my resident visa application. Makes sense right? (Don’t judge my fickleness even in signatures!)

It was a small (by our Malaysian standards) but very intimate wedding – it was definitely an honour to be able to share their special day with them. I love the fact that they knew all their guests, so it was truly THEIR wedding.

I’ve been told this is mean but just look at the female figurine, don’t you think it looks like Whoopi? Okay, maybe not in photo but in real life. No kidding!

Mr and Mrs Grant Morgan! Can you say “gorgeous” when you see LiMay?
LOVE the birdcage veil. LOVE IT! Suits her dress and she looked so elegant! Classic!

I know, I can’t stop raving but it’s true! GORGEOUS!

Hey LiMay! Not bad ah, after signing the paper today, you’ve been promoted to be an official aunty!

I think the number of nephews and nieces amount to 10 or more?

After the ceremony and light refreshments, the bridal party went off for some day photography. We went to the orchard that was just down the road from their house (permission granted prior, of course) – who would have known a plain ‘ol orchard would give us such good photos? Gorgeous photography by Louise Panther!

Sze-Mien and Hoey could have gone with LiMay’s parents to explore Whangarei town a little but I’m glad they came with us. Marie and I were freezing (don’t let our smiles fool you, the wind was cold!) and they helped us with our scarves when we had to take it off to smile for the camera.

The bridal party

Vintage portrait of the bride and groom.

This collage was taken from Louise’s FB page – I like the black and white one of us girls oooh-ing at the rings.

Again, soooooooooo thankful Sze-Mien and Hoey decided to come with us and helped us!

The time after that seemed like a blur – we had some time to rest and off we went for the dinner reception. Sze-Mien, Hoey and I went to the venue earlier to see if help was needed (nope, it wasn’t. By the time we got there – and we were early – it was ALL DONE! Talk about efficient!).

So we sat about and took photos…while I was secretly freaking out about making the MOH’s speech.

I did not change into a different dress – I had to pack “light” in terms of clothes because I had to fly back to Malaysia after the wedding and I had other things to bring back. I know an extra dress doesn’t weigh that much but I haven’t got physical room in my hard-case luggage.

The bride again in her evening wear!

Grant also had a Chinese shirt on underneath his coat. Red looks good on both of them!

I can’t tell you how nervous I was about my public speech. It was worse when I had to go after the funny, insightful one by the bestman and the touching one by the brother of the bride…pressure much?

Anyway, the food was good! Too bad I didn’t take any photos of it. I started when they served us the salad, etc. Then I just got hungry (and nervous) and forgot to continue. It was also my first time sitting right at the front, at the bridal table when I’m not family. All these new things! The upside is that you get served at the bridal table and the rest had to serve themselves, banquet style.

Ah! At the end of the night, the newly wed went back to their undisclosed location (for fear of wedding night hijacking – but truthfully, I don’t think that would’ve happened. Not from LiMay’s side anyway. I just wanted to go to bed!) and we girls went home with LiMay’s family.

For my seemingly simple half-up hair style, there was a total of 39 (?) pins! I had to get Sze-Mien’s help to remove every last one. No wonder my head hurt.

We girls didn’t sleep till about 2am…

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I am sooooo grateful Lynnette let me off earlier (read: FURTHER extend my loooong leave) so that I could attend LiMay&Grant’s wedding rehearsal. I’m excited yet stressed at the same time – I know I’m not getting married but the thought of needing to give a speech in front of (mostly) strangers intimidates me.

I asked Jaime for a favour this time to send me to the airport. The price for the shuttle went up to $42/one way! My goodness. I wonder if it’s the same cost to go by taxi? I usually just pay whatever the amount, just so I would not need to trouble anyone but it’s insane! We also took the chance to have some hotcakes at McDs before we left for the airport (she was starting work at 1130am).

T-2 days: 18th August 2011

When I got dropped off, it was cold and gloomy!

Glad that it cleared up before we took off. I hate flying in bad weather.

LiMay picked me up from the airport and by the time we got back to her house, her family were already in there, arriving from Auckland. We had a quick rest and were off to the church for the rehearsal.

I am sooooooooooooo glad I got to go for the rehearsal because even with the practice, we had to go through the song 3 times (or was it 4?) to get our walk timing right. It was a slooooooow walk. Awkward! Even more awkward on Saturday!

Testing the sound system and positions.

We went to Nomad for dinner after the rehearsal and it was also to celebrate LiMay’s dad’s birthday!

I had their lamb shank – apparently it’s not on the menu everyday. It was really good!

FeR with the blushing bride-to-be.

LiMay’s dad was so cute, going, “Do you want to know what I wished for???”

“Uncle! Cannot say one! Say already won’t come true!”

Well, let’s say it’s public secret. One can easily guess what he wished for.

LiMay’s family helped her prepare these chopstick covers – I didn’t know they had to painstakingly tie the thank-you note to each of the covers themselves. I thought it was done by the supplier! Hard work! We just had to insert the chopsticks now.

T-1 day: 19th August 2011

We were all still in PJs when Grant came by and cooked us all up a big fry-up!

Yeap. Best alarm clock in the world! The smell of breakfast cooking.

Ah! My plate.

Sze-Mien and Hoey were arriving today and we girls were going to have some girly time, getting our nails done. They initially said they won’t join us but I insisted (yes, me, not the bride! *haha*) because I missed out on the get-together in Malaysia AND in Whangarei – I WANT to do some girly/relaxing stuff with my bride!

LiEan also came with us to get her nails done (it was probably hard for her to decide because she also wanted to go with the rest of the family to explore supermarkets – yes, it’s a Malaysian/Chinese thing. We are very fascinated with every country’s supermarket/grocery stores) and we (LiMay, LiEan and I) left the house earlier to walk about town (LiMay needed to get a canvas to pin her handmade craft on).

Sze-Mien and Hoey were supposed to arrive at 1pm but the bus was running a little late and we decided they should grab something during their tea break stops, while we grab ourselves something to eat in town before our mani-pedi appointment at 2pm.

We went to Esquires for coffee, hot choc and small meals.

Uhm…I can’t remember what it’s called. A bacon/potato patty?

The Yap sisters.

FeR, LiMay

I got a text from Sze-Mien while we were on the way to pick them up:

Rite, we r here dy!

2 seconds later, another bleep from my phone:

K waiting inside d northland coach n travel centre. Sejuk..

We squealed for a bit when we arrived the centre but had to keep it short because it was a proper parking space right outside the centre. We had about 30minutes to kill and decided to see if we could go for our appointment earlier.

Sze-Mien, Hoey, LiEan, LiMay

I forgot what was the place called (yes, there is a lot of forgetting here but in my defence, LiMay made the appointment and brought us there) and the package includes complimentary drinks (read: wine – this would make most of my colleagues happy but we are a bunch of Chinese girls who didn’t think drinking at noon would be appropriate, so we settled with coffee/hot chocolate/juices *heh heh*)

For the bride, she got a special room for herself – can’t help but think torture chamber!

LiEan with a gorgeous smile.

Beautiful Hoey.
I can’t believe my eyes when I saw her! She’s all grown up looking now!

We were left last…well, I was left last.

I was tempted to ask, “Uhm, did you forget that there was one more? Me?”

Sze-Mien: I think you can do better than to get that colour lor…
Hoey: Ohhhh… (no, you didn’t just say that!)

No, that wasn’t the conversation.

Positively glowing.
Then again, I don’t know if she requested for a glass of bubbly while in her special room.

My feet looking nice and moisturised for once…

For the Chinese/Malaysian, the happening “room” would always be the kitchen. So happen for LiMay&Grant’s place, the kitchen is also connected to the dining and living. Win-win!

Felt so out of place and awkward that we have not done anything the entire day but relax – and here LiMay’s family fussing over dinner. LiMay’s mom just said, “Nah! Don’t worry about it – just sit down and have your coffee, they will kau tim it.”

Sze-Mien said that’s her philosophy has always been – stay out of the way (since she is not good at cooking so there is no point fussing with them in the kitchen, just stay away and perhaps put her good skills into use when needed – washing up. She said she knows she’s good in that)

Roasted chicken, pasta and sausages.
Thanks, guys!

Of course, it’s not complete for us not to have these 湯圓, especially on the eve of LiMay getting married.

I was excited to catch up with Sze-Mien and Hoey – so we spent our night after dinner in the room chatting and packing (for some)…we didn’t get to sleep until late-ish. As you do, when you have a “sleep over” with friends you’ve not seen in a while.

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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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Happy birthday Jesus!
Blessed Christmas everybody!

Had a pretty low-key-food-full celebration today. I had to work from 1pm to 5pm (this is my 3rd working Christmas since I came here but I can’t complain because I wanted New Year’s off to meet LiMay) but Carmen’s parents were kind enough to start lunch earlier just to accommodate my work schedule. Since I was told we’d only kick off at about 10am, I got a sleep in!

Do I look like a Who?
Probably a scary Who. *haha*

My Christmas presents from Carmen!

Outfit for the day. This is as cheerful as it gets in my wardrobe – and yes, it’s the same one I had on during CNY.

Once again I was invited to Carmen’s parents’ place – this year it’s in Summerset as her parents have sold their house to move into a smaller, more manageable place. It’s kind of sad because I really LOVED the idea of going to their house and looking at all the fruits & vege (being the city-ish girl that I am, I’ve not seen how most of them are grown!). It was through them that I found out persimmons grow on trees like apples.

Finger food while waiting for lunch – pretty, no?

I got a tour around the new place and though the garden is smaller than what they had, there’s no doubt that Manfred is making the most out of it! They already have courgettes and tomatoes! Carmen is amazed how they grow so much quicker than the one we have at home.

A pat on the back if you know what this is.

After the tour, we sat down with tea/coffee and opened presents. I really enjoyed the company and that was what really matters, instead of stressing on presents and what nots.

The highlight of the presents’ opening – a new toy for Carmen from her brother! She was shocked he spent so much but she really deserve (and need!) it.

The lunch spread!

I don’t like big parties/gatherings with strangers or people I’m less familiar with – it makes me feel awkward. I find it especially difficult with people from other cultures because I would worry about what’s acceptable or not in food, mannerism, jokes, topics of discussion, etc. Many times I just shy away and keep mum. I know it’s not the best way to go but I can’t help feeling that way. I was secretly very glad that it ended up with just the 4 of us (initially Carmen told me that her uncle’s family was coming as well).

Brandy snaps to finish the meal.
Judy made a mini pavlova especially for me to take to work because she knew I wouldn’t be able to hang about for too long – aren’t I spoilt! Especially when Carolyn also made me a mini cheeseball. Yum!

Thank You for the best present ever – redemption!
Thank You for never letting go – Your grace and mercies are indeed, new everyday. Thank You Jesus!

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It only hit me when Jaime said, “It’s the longest day today.”
If it’s the longest day here, then it’s the shortest day in the northern hemisphere, right?

I had the flour, the pandan leaves and ginger – so when I got home, I made a tiny batch just for the occasion.

Add a little red food colouring to half the dough.

Extra gingery, just the way I like it!

Happy Winter Solstice!

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Kevin+Joanne had a belated birthday party for Chloe’s first birthday. The poor girl was unwell on the actual day itself and was a little grumps so a later date for the party seems the better option.

Looking demure here.

Being really excited at plucking the leaves off the garden hedge.

Why am I sitting alone here?

I like my vegetables!
(no lies and no joke, she does love ‘em)

Can you spot why I chose to put this photo up?

Starting young.

I have some chips in my hands but I want yours, too!

Okay papa, I had enough. I want to sleep now.

Funny enough I actually picked up the gist of poker through watching a movie on my Cathay flight (Poker King with Louis Koo in it?) and the boys walked me through the game – though half the time I didn’t know what was going on, really. I’m glad I don’t play poker for money because I’d probably lose money without knowing why.

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I, being the frugal Chinese my mother would be proud of, loudly declared – “I’m only shouting you guys ONE drink!”

Okay, I know that sounds really kiam siap but some of them went, “Oh no no, you don’t have to, etc.” In order for them not to feel bad that I’m spending so much money, I had the one-drink-shout announced. I was craving for pub food (don’t ask why) and it was decided that we would go to the Rose&Shamrock in Havelock.

This is me in the dark! All ready to go.

When we arrived, Mel, Jason, Bayley (sp?), Alex and Sam were already there. Both Jaime and I are still freshly excited about our new phones!

If you didn’t know, you’d think, “Poor girl, only given lemons.”
She actually likes them.

Mel with her wedges.

Lynnette and Carolyn (sp?). Look who is engrossed with new phone?

My Midori+Lemonade…and yes, I got ID-ed.

Look at all our numbers! I don’t know why they don’t ask us to share one or two numbers…

Interesting decor.

Irish pub indeed.

My squid rings.

Jaime selling the phone to Lynnette.

Jantina and I.

They got me a nice shiny bracelet! I didn’t expect gifts – I just wanted to hang out, have drinks, chat – so it was a nice surprise! Thanks again guys!

Who and what are you accusing them of, Sam?

Uhm…no idea what was the boss gawking at.

My run-to people in Hawkes Bay!

Jaime, FeR, Lynnette.

Lynnette, FeR, Carolyn (sp?)

Carolyn’s (sp?) answer to, “How old are you?”

My liqueur infused coffee – which I didn’t taste much of the liqueur part. I forgot if it was Baileys or Kahlua…

End of the night!
Very exciting day – now to look at what more can I download into iPheR!

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Chocolate cupcakes for Carmen’s birthday!

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Christmas day!
I know – I’m so late in posting up photos (it’s not even worth calling it a blogpost).

They don’t have Christmas service at the church I go to…and because I wanted the NewYear’s weekend off, I volunteered to take the Christmas shift (again) this year.

Carmen told me they open up presents early in the morning – I didn’t think I would be up early especially when work starts at 9am (yes, typically I jump up from bed, shower and head to work – so with the 9am start, I may be up only at 8 to 815am). I surprised myself by getting up at about 7am.

Carmen offered me a cup of “real” coffee – little dainty china cups. Only seen on Christmas day and special occasions.

Teasing the cat, Lucky.

I had TWO presents under the tree! Wheee!

I even had homemade pancakes for breakfast before I left for work.

My greeting when I arrived work.

Merry Christmas from Toniq!

Well, judging from last year’s experience, I thought it will be a breeze.
It was…until about 11am. When they found out that Dunks was closed and patients from the hospital were directed to the only pharmacy open at that time – which was where I was, listening to the CD Hoey gave to me for my birthday, unaware of all these things.

Scripts were pouring in from next door and the hospital, pack change, retail questions, cold sore questions, people wanting to pay for stuff…
I had to call for backup – I felt really bad to call Lynnette in but I HAD to. When I was dialing her number, I could see the dirty looks from those people who were waiting for scripts from the corner of my eyes. They probably thought I was calling someone to chat on Christmas Day. The bench was messy, scripts and papers everywhere…and people kept coming in!

It was madness!
When Lynnette got in, she was surprised to see so many people standing about (we had about 4 seats available in the pharmacy and not a lot of empty floor space, actually). I wasn’t exaggerating the situation when I called for help.

In half an hour, everything was calm again. Thank goodness!
I guess you could say that it was the most stressful time I’ve ever experienced, working as a sole charge (and sole STAFF!).

Right after the rush, Amanda and Holly brought this for me. A cute lil mini bread dip.

Lunch at Carmen’s parents. Good food!
Paiseh that I was late, though.

Pavlova by Carmen’s mom.

Strawberry cheesecake by Carmen.

OF COURSE I had to have a slice of each.

A nice little daisy plant from Carmen’s parents!

“Garden” tour.
They look like how it is on Farmville…*ahem*…I mean Farmville ones look exactly like the real thing!

Persimmons.
It’s so expensive back home! This fruit will always remind me of pohpoh.
I hope to get some when it’s in season.

After the tour, I felt…unwell. I had to excuse myself, go home and lie in bed.
Stupid timing.

I hope You had an AWESOME birthday, too!

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