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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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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Sam has already started work at her new place so this would have been a farewell-and-happy-new-place dinner.

Bayley sitting opposite of me – I was tempted to get a drink like hers JUST to get those plastic figurines on the glass.

We all had a look at the menu before getting to the restaurant – it was so extensive that I couldn’t really decide what to have! In the end, (my eyes were bigger than my stomach) I ordered a starter AND a main dish but I couldn’t finish them all. Yikes!
Okay, I finished the starter (because it was so good!) but didn’t have much room left for the mains.

Seafood chowder – yummy yummy!
I would order this as my mains next time – very filling! The best one I’ve had so far in Hastings.

Look at the size of that burger!

My chicken and mushroom.
I know the serving doesn’t look that big in the photo but after a large bowl of chowder? Uhm…I was told that at the end of the night, my mains looked untouched!

Sam and Jantina

Jantina and FeR

Sam with her cute farewell card.

Made Kath pose with me! My BFF at work.

Sam and FeR

I couldn’t stomach dessert but I never say no to coffee…what more, liqueur coffee.

Lynnette looking really happy to be distributing money! Like a boss.

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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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For the Easter weekend, church is having a light shared lunch after service. I don’t know what else to do but make mini biscuits (I was unsure how many would turn up – mini makes more!)

I went through the two recipe books I own here and decided to go with good ‘ol chocolate chip and this recipe called “Coconut whispers” (had some desiccated coconut to use up anyway).

Coconut whispers before baking…

Crispy and light, thus the very apt name, “whispers”.

Thought I’d “spice” up the shape a bit.

The square ones came out chewy – I couldn’t be bothered shaping them for the 2nd batch.

It turned out alright, I would say. I didn’t have to bring any back home.

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This time, I only called mom AFTER I’ve completed my trip.

At 9am, I was still lazing in bed. Trust the weather to be a nice and cooling stay-in-bed-since-it’s-your-day-off to mock me. I finally left Hastings at about 11.10am!

This is after driving for about 2 hours south and wasn’t very happy being somewhat tailgated by a trailer. Pee stop at Woodville – so glad I have iPheR to navigate me.

These buildings were by the toilets in the park.
There was also a small band practising in the park and I wanted to snap a photo/take a video…but decided against it.

Have I mentioned that I love the Lomo app on iPheR?

When I saw the rocky teal coloured waters, I thought, “I could live in Wellington.”
There’s something about water that attracts me.

I arrived at uStay Urban Apartments near 4pm. I “splurged” and took the ensuite option here ($69/night) – as opposed to the $63/night (shared bathroom) at the backpackers by the train station. I initially booked the backpackers room because I thought I was taking the bus. When that plan fell through, uStay was nearer to the MHC and the ensuite room was cheaper than the backpacker’s.

Security key tags for the main door and elevators. If mom knew where I was during the time, she would’ve been more rest assured.

What’s next?
FOOD!
I spent some time looking up restaurant reviews and their location earlier this week. I wanted to have everything that wasn’t readily available in Hastings/Napier but I was alone (thus no food sharing – what a bummer!) and my stomach can only take so much at a time. That didn’t stop me from being super ambitious! The plan included nasi lemak for afternoon tea (Malaysian style mah but then I forget they don’t have the RM1.50/pack type here), Japanese for dinner and bubble tea to wash it down. The next day, dim sum after my appointment and tah pau roasted duck/pork rice and bubble tea for dinner when I arrive in Hastings. Not TOO bad, right?

I was also wanting to get some Asian groceries while in Wellington but the address I found online led me to more of a Korean grocery store (although they say Asian grocery store online) – I still managed to pick up some snacks. You know they do the best snacks!

Kazu restaurant
It worked out a little differently to what I planned – I couldn’t seem to find Istana Malaysia and I decided to just start with Japanese food first.

There was only one other customer when I stepped in and I’m guessing because it was only just before 5pm!

Beef Tataki Sashimi, $12.50
I read the review on the Menus app that recommended this. I am not usually adventurous with food (especially when dining alone, due to cost and satisfaction risk) and I KNOW what I’d like – yet somehow I felt like I SHOULD give new things a go. You can see in the photo that I did still order my favourites (Sashimi Ume, $10).

The beef sashimi was a little too salty for my liking that I couldn’t really taste anything else. Maybe it was the timing or maybe it is just a case of different tolerance.

While sitting in the restaurant, found that Istana Malaysia is just around the corner! What are the odds (and I’ve got more than enough time on my parking opposite Kazu)! Yay!

Guess who I thought of when I saw this?
The office was just a few steps down Kazu.

Ah! Istana Malaysia restaurant – come to me, nasi lemak!
I couldn’t eat anymore after what I’ve had at Kazu, but I didn’t want to drive out again later in the evening/night. So I decided to tah pau the nasi lemak, $16.90 (it’s $8.95 if you go for their lunch special and I think it’s a dollar off for takeaways).

While waiting for my item, I could see one of them in the kitchen making roti canai – if you were there, you could hear the wheels in my head going, “Hmmm…can I fit a roti canai in with the nasi lemak?”

In case if you were wondering, no, I didn’t.

Whaddaya know? The bubble tea place was also around the corner from where I was parked.
I think about Joanne/Arron/Nicole when I have bubble tea.

Ah! My day is complete and my belly is fully extended. Pig is I!

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Coffee – I don’t think it’ll last long…
Tea
Subway
Nuts
Whole apples
Popcorn
TimTams
Chocolate
Toffee
Dodol
Curry(!!!!)
Soft drinks

That was the short list made before I got my braces on – but as you can see, I can’t resist some of the items (and COULD eat them without pain).

Felt like having this today – it was calling out to me from the snack box.
Typical!
It’s only when I can’t/shouldn’t have it that I feel like eating it.

To make up for that yummy nougat, I invited myself for a roast dinner at Jantina’s.
Yup! I invited myself when I heard her talking to her mom about roast. Oh, shameless glutton is I! Even with braces and the inability to chew properly at the moment.

She was very gracious (and so was Ruth) to have me over!
Thank you!
Roast dinners are WONDERFUL!

Yum!
Ruth even boiled some carrots especially for me (raw ones for Jantina) because I couldn’t munch on raw ones. They are too kind! Maybe I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth – and I was thick skinned enough to show up. Then again, imagine if I didn’t? That would’ve made matters worse, right?

Ludo trying his puppy eyes to get some meat from Jantina…

…failing, which, he turns to me.
Sorry buddy. Even Brinkley got no morsels from me.

With dessert to boot!

I forgot this little kitty’s name…

Ah! It’s such a blessed feeling to have hot dinner waiting for you after work.
I am truly grateful for that!

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I like my pasta al dente but when it hurts to eat a banana, I had to make everything extra mushy (if possible). The pasta was alright to “chew” but the minced meat was torture. So I just swallow most of my meal without chewing…

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