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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

—

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

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

—

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

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

—

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

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

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

Yes! Excited now!
Hurray!

Tweet

I’m thankful for each and every day I wake into (despite the slow start up on some mornings, even to the point of refusing to leave the bed).

I’m thankful for my family who has shaped me into the person I am today and at the same time, by God’s grace, what I am NOT (if that makes sense).

I’m thankful for friends and grateful that our paths have crossed at some point or another. Thankful that I have a few that I could still count on despite the distance between us, nostalgic (sometimes) for those that I have grown distant from.

I’m thankful for my parents’ sacrifice, without which the means I have to support myself today would not exist.

I’m thankful for every irritant; there lies a blessing (or at least, I try to believe that!) in disguise.

I’m thankful for the kindness of strangers – a word, a touch, a smile (sounds familiar, Agapeans?)

I’m thankful for the love of God, without which all the above would not be possible.

Tweet

Hello, good morning, how you do?
What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too
All of my regrets are nothing new
So this is the way that I say I need You
This is the way that I’m

Hello good morning how you do?

-Switchfoot-

Tweet

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.

Tweet

Hello God, it’s me.

It’s been a while. I had the day off and didn’t feel like doing anything but sit down by my room’s window. Watching.

I don’t know what I was watching – my window faces the green fence that surrounds this house. I just stared. There are voices in the background as my flatmates are home but all I could hear was the whir of my mind; churning out a million thoughts, verbalised internally.

Why am I feeling this way, God? I can’t even begin to explain it but I know You understand what I mean. That’s one of the reasons why talking to You is so easy.

Why do our eyes sting and our noses hurt when we are at the verge of crying?

Are You trying to tell me something in this silence? It’s not a sad feeling, this staring-out-of-window. It’s comfortable. At the same time, I can’t help (over) analysing it.

Oh? Just quiet down my soul?
Okay, I’ll try.

As You know, I then listened to some music. I guess I have lots to learn about keeping still – in spirit, mind, soul and physical self.

“…He shall reign forever, He shall reign forever, He shall reign forever and forever…”

I look at my stretched out hands – the pores are visible to the naked eye. The skin of my hands is not as smooth and elastic as when I was in my teens.

I’m sorry I wasted my youth, God. I know it’s not too late but at the same time I’m reminded that time is passing by really quickly.

Use me, Lord. I want to be a vessel for honourable use.

“…we look to Yahweh…”

Help me commit everyday to You. Sometimes I forget.
I know, how can I say You are my everything if I can forget to commit each day to You. I try. I want to try. To mean it all; not just lyrics to songs, not just words from the bible.

It’s been good talking to You, although we’ve not exchanged many words. That’s the beauty of having the Holy Spirit with us. Thank You for sending Him to us, to guide us.

It’s been a nice day. I hope it’s nice where You are too.
Please calm the earth around Oklahoma. They already have tornadoes and thunderstorms, the earthquakes are scaring them. Please help look after Aunty Mandy, Uncle Jeff, their family and the community there.

Thank You!

Tweet

I finally got water baptised today! I even have a video of it courtesy of friends from church.

I know it’s been a long time, more than 8 years but oh happy day! I never would have imagine my dad would be willing to step into church to witness my baptism. It’s no small feat! We’ve come a long way and I’m happy enough (for now) that not only can I ask him openly to come witness my baptism, he agreed and stuck to it.

Praise God! For everything that happens, I know You are in control.

Wheee!
Here’s proof at http://t.co/NIwI5aj

It’s also extra special because we had Holy Communion, too. Two of the ordinances that make a church, a church – happened on this very day. I’m feeling extra special to be baptised today.

Oh happy day!

Tweet

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.

Tweet

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*

Tweet

I had a dream about my past on Saturday night and woke up to a timely sermon on Sunday morning by PastorTodd.

Inevitably, we have baggages. Some are not of our own choice, that we “inherited” from our family, that we did not necessarily invite into our lives. Some are of our own doing, we choose to let them into our lives.

I suppose in my subconscious, I still carry this baggage of mine. It is marked with my name and it was by my own choice that I carry it in my life.

I feel that God is telling/reminding me to truly let it go. Don’t leave it at the cross but still hang on to the handle, or go back and pick it up again. Let go.

So here I am, (still) trying to embrace the true meaning of grace and forgiveness…and to not allow the devil to use self-condemnation to distract me from God’s promises.

Tweet