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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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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…and a cat person/lover?!!

NEVARRRR!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uhm…what was the point of this post again?

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

Follow @jewoley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dainty teacups for the ladies.

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

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

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

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When they announced the venue of the work function this year, we were all pleasantly surprised that our usually kiam siap (okay lah, maybe use the word prudent?) company chose to have it at The Old Church restaurant.

Today, I also decided to open up my pack of grey contacts and give it a go. It’s my day off so I’m going to also experiment on putting a bit more colour on my face.

Doesn’t look grey here…

This is the best I can do with what I have. I am also FINALLY wearing the dress LiMay got for me for my birthday last year (tak jadi to wear it on my birthday in Melbourne).

Can’t really see the dress here and grey stockings because it was cold! It’s really difficult to get a full self portrait.

Ye Olde Church.

My Midori with lemonade (Sprite) and guess what? I didn’t get ID-ed!
*haha*

We got the corner room leading out to the garden. Exactly where I was the last time I came here with Hazel.

Jaime, our sober driver for the night.
I’m working tomorrow so only one glass of alcoholic drink for me (not that it matters because I can only tolerate one these days).

Polly want a cracker?

The lovely young couple – Alex+Sam.

My starter – wild mushroom cappuccino with porcini foam, truffle oil and brioche grissini.

The other starter – duck liver pate with apple cranberry chutney and crostini.
I am NOT a fan of liver pate but I could think of a few dear friends who love them.

Cherry and rosemary sorbet to cleanse the palate.

The party hat is too big for me.

My main meal – sage and Arataki honey marinated grilled pork loin steak with red cabbage stuffed Granny Smith apple, bush mustard crushed potato, baby carrot and pomegranate molasses jus.
The other option (in hindsight, I should’ve picked that) was apple and chestnut stuffed chicken, roasted baby onions, fondant potato and sour cherry jus.

Viv, our naturopath at Dunks.

Sam and Jantina (with Sandy at the back)

Sandy, our faithful delivery man!

Lynnette and Kim.
I insisted that they posed – Lynnette initially showed me another type of finger formation…

Doesn’t it look like a turkey?
Not my dessert – hot chocolate fondant, salted caramel, jaffa ice cream.

My dessert – classic pavlova with fresh fruit, fig and honey ice cream.
See the fork?
I think it’s supposed to be “cream” instead of “ice cream” because there definitely wasn’t any ice cream on any of our pavlovas. I passed on the chocolate fondant because the only fondant I know of is the one you use to decorate cakes and I DISLIKE them. Oh well!

Never fail to capture my attention.

Good night, Ye Olde Church!

The downside to the night was the starting time. Granted, it’s fine dining, but the 8pm start was a little too late (I think initially it was planned at 7pm) – I was STARVING waiting for our starters…I think our mains came out near 10pm. Contemplated going to a fastfood drive thru!

In the end, the night was good – catching up/chatting/joking with work colleagues is very different when we’re not interrupted by the call of duty. It is unfortunate that we only sit in our own cliques (according to where we work) but I suppose no one else would want to sit with us either. We were the NOISIEST table and Leslie kept looking over her shoulder to see what’s so funny.

Gotta love Hastings!

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This phrase was found at the footer of a prescriber’s prescription:

The trouble with the world is that the stupid is cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt

How true!

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Jantina and I decided to paint the town red after work and go out for dinner. Heh!
We were both so hungry and looked at menus online while deciding on where to go for some cheap meals. By 730pm, our appetites were so worked up (from reading different menus) that I was really tempted to shut shop early.

In the end, we just decided on Breakers (around the corner from work) – I couldn’t be bothered going anywhere further and let’s face it, going out on a Friday night after work? Yeah right!

Pink lady.

I had an “after work” drink – Midouri+Pineapple juice.
Very often they ask for my ID but I forgot if she did…I think it’s the braces.

Fish+Chips are cheaper on Fridays! So the both of us ended up getting that.

I made her take a photo with me before we could start.

Hey! It’s not everyday I go out for dinner after work.
I know it sounds sad but you just couldn’t be bothered after 8 hours of being drained by customer/patient interactions.

My number!
Waiting for our desserts.

Cheesecake for Jantina…

And doughnut+ice-cream for me! Kid’s size.

A nice sweet ending to our night out.

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This month I said goodbye to two colleagues. One is off to work in a cruise ship (lucky thing!) and the other is off to better suited working hours.

Bye Kimberley!

Bye David, you mysterious man!

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