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.

Tweet

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!

Tweet

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.

Tweet

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

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

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

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

Tweet

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.

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

It’s here! A whole week early!
Well, the estimated delivery date was 16th December but it’s here. Not that I’m complaining.

Little stickers and minicards.

I know the photo is blur…
My little “workshop”, fairy lights and all.

Tweet

I got an email beep on iPheR and it was mom saying she got herself an iPhone!

That was SUPER DUPER QUICK! She just mentioned yesterday that she was going to “check it out” today. I’ve been harassing her about getting it (or at least, a phone that could receive or send a text! Her old one just refused to do it, don’t know why) because sometimes I just want to text her something and I would have forgotten by the time we get to chat on Skype.
Wheeee!

Tweet

I have not visited any hairdressers since I first came to NZ but within a week, I’ve gone to not one but TWO different hairdressers. Talk about excessive!

First one was to get a trim but because I didn’t feel any “connection” with the stylist there, I decided to go to another to get my streak done. Though I must admit, he did a good job in styling it. My hair was superrrrrr smooth for two days after my trim+wash+style.

This is my long unruly hair tamed into a bun before my appointment.

Carmen recommended this place so I thought I’d give it a go – without any preference of stylist. I thought a trim couldn’t go wrong, as I was saving any drastic changes to when I get back to Malaysia and see Philip!

Don’t you think he looks like Wolverine’s brother?
I feel bad that I’ve forgotten his name in such a short span of time but I will always remember who he reminds me of.

—

Second appointment was to dye a streak/panel of hair blue. What I had in mind was a solid blue blue but hey! Hair is different from paper. I chose to get a streak done blue by the nape of my neck due to work (I have to look decently professional) and also I think it’s in line with me being “secretly” rebellious. I got a few gasps and “you-don’t-look-like-the-kind” comments.

My beef with this second hairdresser is that I was made to wait 45 minutes PAST my appointment time. Not impressed.

This is when she has sectioned off my hair – after agreeing to where and how wide the streak/panel would be.

I am a colour n00b and this is my first dye job EVER. I didn’t know I’d have to have my hair bleached first (though when she explained the process I went, “Duh! Of course! That makes sense.”) so here I am getting my hair fried.

Nicely sectioned and foil wrapped.

Look at the layers!

This is the photo after my hair was bleached. I was AMAZED at how golden it looked! And it’s not even a colour…as in it wasn’t dyed but got “colour” taken off.

This is also when I sent the photo out to a few good friends to tell them I am getting lala-fied. Most believed it and I think only one asked, “I thought you wanted blue??”

Here’s the blue.
She showed me two colour swatches and we decided to go with the darker one (although like I mentioned earlier, I was expecting a solid blue. A bright solid blue. She told me the colour would wash out and it will turn lighter, thus the choice).

It’s some sort of metallic blue and it’s nicer in real life, if I may say so myself. I can’t seem to photograph it but those who see it in real life would say it’s visible. A few colleagues from next door took a second look just to make sure I didn’t have anything stuck in my hair.

Indoors.
Can’t see much of it, right?

A different angle, a different reflection of colour.

This was the day after in natural light.

—

Unfortunately, the colour bled profusely when I had my first wash at home. Can you see the yellowish streaks? It’s more teal now because most of the blue is gone from the ends and the yellow underneath (the bleached hair) is showing.

Looking a bit minky.
I know it washes off but after ONE wash???

Got it redone without charge today and hopefully it will lasts a little longer. The hairdresser did tell me that the first one won’t really hold because my hair has never taken colour before, so it may take two or three applications to get the colour to stay longer (this is especially true for semi-permanent colours like blue or pink). Here’s hoping!

Tweet

I hmmm and hahhh-ed over these a while ago and I was a little disappointed when I didn’t see any on their shelves when I got there before starting work at Napier. Felt so silly asking the barista and she casually pointed to basket in front of counter, “You meant these ones?”
:shy:

Then of course came the part where I need to decide – plain green or candy cane straw??

Some views while driving to and fro Napier for work today.

*puff puff puff*

Wishing I was in LA

Zooming back home

A sliver of light left – after 9pm at night.

Beautiful sky

Nearly home

Got back to some leftover pasta from yesterday – stirred in some spinach leaves so that I would at least have some greens in my diet.

Tweet