The Radical Dreamer

my new years resolution no.1

2012-01-02T14:01:00.004+08:00

LESS TO NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (for real)

This came after I discovered that I have a typical asian genetic deficiency which is the accumulation of Acetaldehyde which may be caused by a missense polymorphism that encodes acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) an enzyme normally responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde (or basically known as alcohol).

I mean I have noticed this reaction for a long time and back then it was worst as I had far more terrible rash than now. But during a new years party, after drinking half a cup of mojito, my face turned red as a paprika instantly and everyone was wondering if i am drunk. The host whom is a medical student told me of such syndrome and the cause. Lastly she even warned me that if more alcohol is taken, this could induced cancer in the long run... OK. this is officially freaking me out.

Ok my alcohol history dated back to when I was 12. My dad and my brother both have the same genes deficiency as me but i think I am the worst among them. When I was 12, my dad taught me to drink red wine and said it was good for health and I was starting to adapt to the taste. As years go by, I started drinking more often especially during my college and bachelor degree times, (the period of teenage rebellious) I was often drinking til I was in bad shape after clubs and parties. Then at the age of 19, I discovered that I have bad allergic, for the first time I had hot and burning rashes that stayed on my chest and neck for 1 week and when it is gone left dead skins peeling everywhere. Clearly, I was not convinced by that as I was perfectly fine all the way since 12 years old. Why now?

So me being teenage stubborn, decided to try again and it occurred each time without fail. I felt sad because I was just about to begin enjoying clubbing sessions and my freedom to drink at a legal age and then this...! So i heard of people with this kind of condition, and some of them even advised me to keep drinking so maybe one day I will get immune to it.

It never worked....

At 22, when I went to Australia for studies, I slowed down on my drinking as instead of having heavy liquor went for wine instead after all I am in Australia the country which produces one of the finest wines. The condition went on but I ignored it compromising by only drinking during occasions.

All this while I never took this seriously thinking maybe it's just something common among Chinese and it will go away eventually. After i found out the truth from wiki, I am ready to give up this life long inconvenience and stick to strict non-alcohol policy because life is too beautiful to be given up for short term pleasure of sinking in alcoholism.

P/s: advice to all other Asians who suffer the same problem as me, think wisely before consuming alcohol if you appreciate life. :)

moving on 2012.

2011-12-31T14:18:00.003+08:00

A little recap through what happened in 2011.

According to my memory, it seems like not long ago that I hosted my 2011 new year party where I behaved bizarrely after a few drinks. I definitely started my new years not as sober as this year. I am pretty sure because i will have to drive home after the new years party tonight.

I felt like I have achieved many in 2011 through good and tough times.

I braised myself and went for study tour in Europe, met a lot of new people and see a lot of new place.

Back in Melbourne, I had hard time looking for an apartment initially but settled to stay in Malvern for half a year. Found a cosy little room which is located in the suburbs. Made my all long dream came true which is to stay in a suburb. Lucky me, I even had a few friends which lived around. Therefore I bought a bicycle and did lots of road trips and more eating with them.

Stefan also came to Melbourne to gave me a surprise visit and we ended up going to Brisbane and Gold Coast, giving me an unforgettable memory there.

The half year ended with me graduating with good grades and I looked forward to embark my new journey in Germany right after that!

My second half of 2011 began with going to language school in Berlin, getting to know Germany and making more new friends and spending most of the second half of 2011 with Stefan and his family and friends. I had tough time struggling to find a job in Germany and ended up with many arguments and tears and dramas with family and even had chicken pox during that time. Thankfully, Stefan was there all the time going through the rough patch with me. Eventually 2011 slowly ended with me being back in KL and Stefan second visit to KL. This time was Stefan's turn to get to know my family and friends more.

Now here I am sitting on my bed writing this post after celebrating with a bunch of high school friends, saw amazing fireworks under the KL nights on the roof top.

I know 2012 is going to be another challenging year and I have many aims that I want to achieve so I will start this year with hopefulness that would keep me company through this tough journey ahead. I also know my family and friends will always be there for me. Who knows, I might be posting more good news in time to come ;)

This blog will definitely be the first to know!

Tschüs 2011, Hallo 2012.

The Top 5 Regrets In Life By Those About To Die

2011-11-30T23:27:00.001+08:00

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard - This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship.

Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings - Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends - Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier
This is a surprisingly common one.

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.

They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

upright

2011-11-29T00:50:00.001+08:00

sometimes i just have to stress myself and make my point clear so that others will know i am serious.

i am starting to talk like Anne Frank, must have been the book... :=/

weird and strange feeling

2011-11-28T13:46:00.000+08:00

i am feeling a little strange after 2 years of moving out from my parents place and now that i am back i still feel that my parents are treating me like a child. honestly i hate that feeling. now i know why people always say that they rather stay on the streets than live with their parents again..

attack of the chicken pox!

2011-09-20T16:37:00.002+08:00

my chicken pox came too late... way overdue since i was 4!

how comes only 20 years later :(

i look awful now, pretty sure if i was 4 i wont bother how i look with those red spots all over.. ;-/

Updates from Berlin

2011-09-19T02:44:00.003+08:00

Yo friends following my blog. I am sorry for my really inactive blog, since I left Melbourne and arrive in Berlin, my life have always been on the run.

For all of you that have missed out let me refresh you with what I have been doing since

In July,

After I have completed my master degree in Melbourne, I took a loooooonnngggg way (almost 21 hours of travel) to get to Berlin. Of course on the way I dropped by my beloved KL for 1 and a half day. Just enough to get all I need for upcoming journey and meet my long-missed family members.

I spent one and a half month in Berlin doing german language courses and getting adapted to the city.

Good side: I met lots of nice people from all around the world, seen lots of nice places, learn alot of new things, get to spend lots of time with Stefan's family and know them better.

Bad side: Missed asian food sooo badly as good asian food is hard to find (haven't found any Malaysian restaurant in Berlin so far), felt alienated sometimes because of the language barrier and of course the usual - home sick :-/

Thanks to the supportiveness of my ever thoughtful boyfriend, Stefan. I managed to overcome most of the downside.

In August,

We left Berlin to KL to visit my family and travel a little, we spent three weeks back home and I wished we could have stayed longer but it won't be possible as Stefan had to complete his final thesis which was due in September.

But we both had a good stay, Stefan got along well with my family and tried and seen lots of new stuffs in KL and Malaysia. KL was definitely a good distraction from all the stress we had.

In September,

Got back to Berlin, I had to start language school the next day after I flew back from KL. We had to battle jet lagged and adapt to all the stress again. Stefan and his final thesis dateline. I on the other hand apart from doing language course was busy job hunting. It has been a really stressing moment for us as I was sending out many applications but not getting any positive respond. Despite so at the moment, I am still trying and hoping for the best.. *keeps fingers crossed*

More to come on my updates... stay tuned!

Life in Berlin

2011-08-04T22:19:00.000+08:00

the city is beautiful

the people are nice

the weather is not as good as expected for summer

the language is a big problem but is getting better day by day

the histories are always so interesting

the food is very healthy

the culture is really colourful

about me:

living here have taught me many important lessons so far, to be optimistic no matter how hard situation goes, to be open minded about new things, to enjoy life even if tomorrow is the end

no doubt, i am still learning to adapt at the moment and hopefully could settle down soon enough :)

more updates soon

my official farewell to Melbourne

2011-06-29T10:33:00.005+08:00

I hesitated for a moment and let these flashbacks run through my mind one last time,

of all the memories i had created here.

it has been a great one and a half year here.

met amazing people, visited beautiful paradise, did crazy things, learnt valuable lessons in lives, tried yummy cuisines, gained alot of weights..etc!

i can now be proud to say i know melbourne and this was once my home.

nevertheless life goes on and i have to bid my last goodbye to this city which have hosted me.

i will truly deeply miss you Melbourne...

significant people in my life

2011-06-27T21:46:00.003+08:00

friends since 2007 : Edwin & Joe

not swallowed in the sea

2011-06-27T21:29:00.005+08:00

i never think that it is stupid to go all out to follow your heart,

even if that means that you have to suffer judgement and defamation.

i stand firm for what i believe

they can call it crazy or what but one thing for sure no one in this world know what i want more than i do.

my life is brilliant

2011-06-19T09:58:00.003+08:00

trashing risk management on a beautiful Sunday,

in a good way, afterall

i finally found my passion in finance :)

tell me about love at first sight.

crunch time!

2011-06-09T12:11:00.004+08:00

yay! finally finished my final assignment for my academic life.

moving on to studying for my final exams for my uni life..

funny thing it didn't felt so tiring and stressful this time, felt more like savouring each moment of studying knowing i will miss this feeling.

more importantly, i am looking forward for what's coming up after exam! FREEDOOOOMM and WORK!!

a kind soul i will never ever forget

2011-06-09T10:20:00.005+08:00

the lady with the kindest heart who took all the effort of keeping my wallet safe and return it back to me despite all the hassle.

i have no words to express how much i am touched by her kindness...

if i have babies, i will definitely buy my baby clothes from your store...thank you Jan Brown.

my final countdown in australia

2011-05-31T20:25:00.002+08:00

tomorrow will mark the official last month of my stay in Australia.

I have summited my research paper and I just have one more subject to go and I will call it done once and for all.

I have sold my beloved bicycle today.

One step at a time and I am slowly concluding my journey here in Australia, as the days draw nearer I am starting to realise this is it. this is the end. i won't be seeing Australia for a long time, a place once host me and all the wonderful memories.

I will start to appreciate this final league here, for I know once I leave I will miss this place dearly..

friends which stay through thick and think, hot and COLD!

2011-05-25T09:38:00.003+08:00

My three lovely best friends from KL came to visit me in this cold cold autumn/winter. They came just in time when I am at the bluest time of the season. Their presence have sent some comfort for me, it's like they brought some sunshine from KL to warm me here in Melbourne.

I am really glad to have good friends which will meet me no matter which part of the world I am, thanks guys and girls for this amazing friendship <3

dark days

2011-04-13T13:18:00.002+08:00

the sky is gloomy

the air is chilly.

i am feeling messy.

too much pressure on myself i guess.

can't seem to see the big picture.

i need a rational and relaxed mind

i need a holiday.

i hope i can find peace in myself soon!

living a life of lies

2011-04-11T09:07:00.002+08:00

if i could choose i would never lie to people that i love in my life.

i would rather tell them the truth and let them see through me.

however, at time things aren't so simple as it seems.

one things lead to another. and it stirs up more complications.

how i wish the world is much simpler

would't it be a nicer place to be?

i feel good.

2011-04-06T19:01:00.002+08:00

today is a good day:) i felt like a kind and good human being after so long.

it gave me a really satisfying sensation.

i met a dutch girl who was travelling in australia for a month. i was observing some street performers and she overheard my conversation and we chat casually for half an hour. she was telling me about her life and we exchanged point of views and gave each other contact and promise will go out for a drink before she leaves to perth.

it's amazing how bumping into a stranger on the street and bring so much difference to a normal and dull day..

second event was calling up my best friend who just broke up with her bf. I sensed that she needed someone to talk to and I was right, she cried to me on the phone and i had heart to heart talk with her. She felt relieved after the conversation and i felt so glad i could comfort her and for once i felt like a true friend and i just wanted to protect her from the hurt she is going through because i can understand her situation and her feelings.

She thanked me from the bottom of her heart and I felt so touched that she could seek solace in me even though we are so far apart.

Then I spent my evening accompanying Jerry to pass time and Carissa to get some stuffs although I was effing sick and wanted to just stay in bed.

Seriously I feel that I could be an angel because someone once said I have a big heart.

And I feel happy giving and sharing with people and friends who need me.

Obsession kills

2011-04-02T10:25:00.000+08:00

no matter where i go

2011-03-31T18:53:00.002+08:00

I will always keep my feet on the ground and remember my roots.

I have always try to live with this principle. I am what I was made from. Because I know if I ever fail, my origin will always be there for me.

So no matter how great I have become, I will still be me and be proud to admit it!

me heart Malvern big time!

2011-03-20T14:15:00.001+08:00

Reason no.1 why I like Malvern:

- I have a lovely backdoor in my room.

Reason no.2 why I like Malvern:

- I have plenty of lovely people as my neighbours, Aiden upstairs, Nisha, William and Nicholas just down the street.

Reason no.3 why I like Malvern:

- I get to cycle with my friends every weekend and search for lovely cafe and diners.

Reason no.4 why I like Malvern:

- We have potluck so often I feel so at home

Reason no.5 why I like Malvern:

- 3 cats?! hmmm...

Reason no.6 why I like Malvern:

-Housemates that make me freshly squeeze orange juice

Reason no. 7 why I like Malvern:

- I pluck fresh roses as deco in my room every week

Reason no.8 why I like Malvern:

- I am close to everywhere

Reason no.9 why I like Malvern:

- Fresh air

Reason no.10 why I like Malvern:

- I have a lovely rosemary bush just outside my corridors.

Reason no.11 why I like Malvern:

- I just love staying in the suburb, I get to getaway from the crowd in the city over the weekend

Reason no.12 why I like Malvern:

- I love almost everything Malvern has to offer..

stop falsifying when it's worst enough

2011-03-16T10:56:00.002+08:00

Dear Malaysians out there, I know everyone is freaked out with what happened in Japan but you guys seriously could do your bit by stop spreading fake news and information about radioactive substances rains in Malaysia. The radiation clouds will never make it to Malaysia, it hadn't even reach China yet!

Stop stirring up the panic in the locals. If such radiation rain is such a fuss, what is the quake and tsunami to the fellows Japanese.

*faint*

I feel your grief Japan

2011-03-16T10:47:00.005+08:00

Being part of Asian, I feel sympathetic for the recent Quake and Tsunami disaster in Japan. Although Japan is know to be well-prepared for situations like this, still when it comes to mother nature's wrath, there is no escape.

My prayers and thoughts go to every Japanese and I hope the nation will embrace this challenge with all the remaining strength.

May our dear Lord be with you and shed some mercy.

Odd dreams.. opps..Sweet Dreams!

2011-03-09T08:06:00.001+08:00

I had the weirdest dream ever for two nights in a row.

The first was a lesbian love affair and things even got a little wild :-/.. Not that I am a lesbian, I am perfectly straight and in a very healthy boy-girl relationship with my boyfriend.

The second was that my childhood friend who is also my neighbour had disappeared for some years and when we found her one fine day, she revealed that she was secretly married to a guy and she is no longer studying or working and she is a happy housewife now!

OMGOSH! How weird is that! after all anything is possible in a dream. lol.

Pros vs Cons

2011-03-07T07:08:00.003+08:00

Nothing in this world is perfect. And so the saying goes..

I used to live in my older apartment at St Kilda Road. The place is close to the city has a nice view and most importantly friendly and lovely housemates, so although the place is not so warm, cosy and clean it is a place which is warm in spirit by the residence.

Now I live in a unit in Malvern sharing a house with 3 others. The place is beautiful with nice surroundings and big rooms with everything, however the people living in it is relatively unfriendly and keep to themselves which makes me feel awkward at times.

Oh my... :(

Making use of what's left for me as life of a student in Australia.

2011-03-04T20:51:00.003+08:00

Too much worries about the future appears redundant to me now that I only realised that I have 5 months time of being a student left and whatever that comes after that will definitely not be as relaxed and fun as it is now so I should make full use and treasure the time left :)

Courtesy thanks to Celeste for reminding me of this point that once you step into a working life you will wish that you never graduated :)

New Home Sweet Home @ Malvern

2011-03-01T14:14:00.005+08:00

All the waiting finally paid off, no longer a Nomad :)

Can't you be believing now?

2011-02-27T15:35:00.001+08:00

i need something to keep me moving.

Life as a nomad.

2011-02-26T20:44:00.002+08:00

Ever have the feeling of being homeless and not knowing where to spend the night. This is totally what I feel now.

I can't wait to snuggle up in my own bed, have my own wardrobe and study table. I can't wait to decorate my soon-to-be lovely room. I can't wait to go HOME.. :(

2011-02-24T10:55:00.002+08:00

I speak with confidence when everyone ask me the question "What are you going to do after you graduate?". I know I have to because I can no longer avoid this question.

Is it wrong to answer what I want to do? I could no longer bother to think about what other people will think about me, whether they agree or disagree. I just want to follow my heart and do all I can to achieve it because I choose what my heart wants and I know this will lead to my happiness. I can compromise anything but I can never compromise my own happiness. This belongs to me and not anyone else. I will fight for it and if I failed I know I tried my best and I have no regrets.

The Law of Jante

2011-02-24T10:08:00.006+08:00

As I was reviewing points for my Danish reflective journal, I came across something really unique and only found in Scandinavian country - The Law of Jante. According to wiki, this law shows a pattern of group behaviour towards individuals within Scandinavia n communities, which negatively portrays and criticizes success and achievement as unworthy and inappropriate.

Honestly, it kinda sound like Moses's 10 law of commandments in the bible, except in a more inferior way... but I like it ;p

The ten rules state:

Don't think you're anything special.
Don't think you're as much as us.
Don't think you're wiser than us.
Don't convince yourself that you're better than us.
Don't think you know more than us.
Don't think you are more than us.
Don't think you are good at anything.
Don't laugh at us.
Don't think anyone cares about you.
Don't think you can teach us anything.

An eleventh rule recognized in the novel is:

11. Don't think there's anything we don't know about you.

Cool huh?! Oh and this is not a joke, it really exist!

flowers...

2011-02-23T10:46:00.002+08:00

when i move into my new place, i will place a vase with flowers in it. I will get new and different flowers every week..tulips, daisies, lilies, iris, sunflowers and many more.. in the process i will discover some new flowers... yeah, that's what i'm gonna do..!

a little fish in a big pond

2011-02-21T11:33:00.004+08:00

Just because I'm losing
Doesn't mean I'm lost
Doesn't mean I'll stop
Doesn't mean I'm across

Just because I'm hurting
Doesn't mean I'm hurt
Doesn't mean I didn't get what I deserved
No better and no worse

let's sway to the rhythm of love

2011-02-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

ZARA Europe vs ZARA KL

2011-02-09T00:15:00.002+08:00

I bought a shirt for rm 69.90 with a tag on top of this tag, after tearing it up i saw the price in euro after conversion it should be only rm 60 and now we're talking about law of one price, how ironic. Still, I miss shopping in zara in Paris and Berlin.

The Encounter in Europe continues

2011-02-06T23:27:00.005+08:00

My next destination was Denmark whereby I spent most of my time (2 weeks). I was at Copenhagen city for 1 night and honestly the city is really small. I could just walk the entire city center for 2 hours. But one rewarding thing about Copenhagen is I finally got to eat real good chinese food which I have been craving for 1 week. We were lucky enough to have a chinese restaurant located directly opposite our hotel, We had two meals there and the price was actually one of the most reasonable. There was nothing much to explore in Copenhagen at that time firstly because it was winter and it is really cold, second it was a Sunday and everything is closed!, thirdly it's not a really happening city. Luckily people there spoke pretty good English but everything else were pretty expensive. FYI, I finally saw the little mermaid too!

My main destination for the entire travel plan was actually Aarhus whereby I will spend two week on exchange in the university there. Aarhus is a the third city after Copenhagen and Aalborg in Denmark with a population of 300,000 only. A really small pretty and peaceful city. It is 3 and a half hours train ride away from Copenhagen. The Danes are really unique people, probably typical scandinavianish. I stayed in a really cramp hotel with my roomate Carissa, I had hard time adapting to the limited space in the room. I never stayed in such a small room in my entire life before and I had to stay here for two weeks. The toilet was just so cool whereby you can do your business, wash your hand and shower at the same time because everything was just within reach. Imagine that!

My routines for the two weeks was to wake up at 6am get ready by 7 am and walk to uni which is 30 mins walk away from my hotel every day and have 6 hours lecture and attend uni activities after class. Basically I hadn't really seen daylight for that two weeks because it gets dark at 4pm. Despite that, I really enjoyed being a student there and the topics taught was really interesting because I learnt alot about Denmark and the EU, the after school activities was really fun as well. To sum it all, it was a great two weeks of student life there, but I was pretty sure I was prepared to return to Melbourne to continue my student life :P

Overall, Denmark is a really clean, discipline, peaceful and beautiful country. I have gained so much knowledge through my two weeks stay here and knew some great people from different part of the world. One more thing, the Danes are really IT savy people, you won't believe how I sat for my exam. I actually had two exams and both were conducted using my own laptop and we could use internet for searching info for the exams. The Danes really prioritise practicality and have great trust in the students that they won't cheat during exam which explains why Denmark is the country with the lowest corruption in the world. I would love to stay longer in Denmark but unfortunately my study grant won't last long enough for any extended stay.. so I had to move on to my next destination.. DEUTSCHLAND aka GERMANY! Before that I would rate Denmark 3 out of my 4 destination visited maybe.. because I just got too sick of eating rye bread everyday...? :-/ haha

Here are great pictures form my two week stay in Denmark which include Aarhus:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=326661&id=639640249&l=19f0e21c10

My final destination was Germany. The homeland of my boyfriend. Obviously, there was no escape in visiting Germany. Honestly, I had pretty high bar set from my previous countries so Germany would need to try really hard to impress me. Amazingly, it did! Germany is my ranked no.1 country out of 4. Don't call me biased because my boyfriend is a German. I judged based on my experiences. We basically covered all the major cities in Germany: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Luckily we have a good tour guide and organiser to make sure everything is well-planned and work smoothly and who else could he be :p In my opinion. every city is special and unique in its own way and it wasn't boring at all travelling from city to city. Despite the long haul travel journey, I was always anticipating to see what the next city has to offer. Germany never fails to surprise me. Thanks to my so-lala German language it wasn't that hard to understand what's going on there. Well, Hamburg was the first city that we visited, it is a habour city and the second busiest habour in Europe. It was like a city build by a big river or sea. Then, we headed to the capital of Germany, Berlin. Berlin kinda felt like the perfect balance between modern city life and the historic city. I loved the old monuments which are still standing since WW2. We saw the Berlin wall and Brandenburger gate which are iconic to the world. I like the semi multicultural thing going on there, it was a much opened-minded city than I expected. Then on our third day we headed to Munich, one of the most beautiful city I've ever seen in my life. It's like the kind of fairy tale city every small girl read about. The snow covered historical churches and monuments are just mystifying. It feels like the perfect setting for a fairy tale that are always described in story books. The city was anything but modern, busy and hustle.We even went to the Neuschwanstein castle close to the Austria border, the castle was built on the mini Alps mountains. The view from on top the castle was just breath-taking. Since Munich is under the Bavarian territory, we had heaps of pork (pork knuckles & suckling pork) and they just tasted soooooooooo yummy....! I won't mind gaining an extra 5 kg for eating them.

On our last destination, we drove to Frankfurt where I will depart from. Frankfurt is a city like any other financial hub in the world, with high rise everywhere. Big banks mushroomed the entire city. Kinda felt like Singapore to me. Funny thing is while walking to one of the restaurants for dinner we saw bunnies hopping around on the grasses in front of these high rise. I meant everywhere!? It's just so weird.. hmm they are like bats which only come out at night except they hop around. You definitely don't see that in any other modern cities in the world. OooHh AS a Master of Finance student, I can now proudly say I have been to the European Central Bank too!

As you all know, Germany is my top pick among all four countries. Reason? my bf? NO!!! you have to find it out on your own to understand SERIOUSLY! ;) FYI i'm not getting paid for promoting Germany.

I present to you pictures from all over Germany;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=327252&id=639640249&l=1316d0c766

The Radical Dreamer came back to live

2011-02-06T22:55:00.007+08:00

As I mentioned one month back, I was on a study/travel mission for one month and I promised I will share heaps of pictures and experience in my blog.

Well let's first go through them one by one..

My first destination was London..I had four days there and we went to all the must-visit-place such as Buckingham palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Madam Tussaunds, London & Tower Bridge and Harrods with the Knightsbridge shopping area. Lucky for us we had many days to spare, we took a day tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath- the roman city. So basically I have covered most of the London. Overall I find that London is a city which is kinda overrated and things are pretty expensive. As for the food, it is pretty expected and standard. Maybe I have stayed in Melbourne for a while, the feeling London gave me was pretty similar to Melbourne so for London A I would rate it 4 out of the four countries I've visited.

Here is the link to the photos from London:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=326362&id=639640249&l=c80a75dd4d

My second destination was Paris, the whole trip was pretty rushed and short. We took Eurostar from London to Paris and the entire journey took 2 hours only. Pretty impressive huh. Wait.. Have I forgot to mentioned that I got a really bad bruise on my left leg when I was carrying my 20 kg luggage up the train. I fell on the platform..On top of that don't be deceived by the cool ride. I had a really bad first impression once I got down from the train at the Paris main train station. We totally had no idea how the entire subway worked and how exactly to get to our hotel. So our natural instinct was to ask the information counter and guess what?! Although they spoke English (really badly) they were rude as well maybe because we spoke in English. (French hates English). We had hard time understanding her instruction and had a really hard time getting to the subway near our hotel. While we were at the subway my hand got caught at the barrier and I was yelling for help and no one bothered to help me because they were just simply shouting French at me and I freaking don't understand a crap. There goes my second bruise. Great just got to Paris already injured on leg and hand. What's next!? Oh yeah.. rainy weather... yes alongside with our 20 kg luggage searching for our deserted hotel. The fact that no one speaks English just made things worst. We were drenched, tired, cranky and battered when we finally found our hotel. OK enough of my series of unfortunate encounter in Paris.

Because we only had two days in Paris, we were on express tour plan and we only visited the must see places such as Museum Du' Lourve, Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace and Arc de triomphe. I guess that was enough for our tour in Paris. Oh yeah not to mentioned, the food in Paris is YUMMMM! it was definitely 10x better than English food and don't expect to find any asian food along. And for you girls out there, Paris is definitely a shopping heaven. Prepare enough Euros before heading to this city because I can guarantee that once you start shopping you can't stop!

I really likes the whole romance city of love in Paris concept apart from the people unfriendliness and language barrier. I would like to go back to France one day and visit the souther part which is Monaco. I would rate this destination 2 out of 4.

Check out pictures from Paris:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=326381&id=639640249&l=3099a4b4ee

i came across this song in Karaoke today and it totally nailed me!

2011-02-06T22:55:00.000+08:00

right amount of leather please?

2011-01-18T21:03:00.000+08:00

blog on hold.

2011-01-17T02:33:00.000+08:00

Sorry peeps, I am currently touring Europe for a month so I will not be able to update my blog as frequent but I will post my experience when I'm back in KL. Keep posted!

Cheers :)

welcome new year 2011

2011-01-02T00:21:00.010+08:00

2010 has treated me very well, I hope 2011 will treat me even better.

This year I decided to open up my house for a new year party with close friends and guess what IT WAS A BLAST!!! way better than countdowning at Sg Wang or Dataran :P

We get the comfort, the fun and of course heaps of alcohol to celebrate, although some of us didn't end up pretty much as expected ...teehhheeee!

i'm not lost, i just haven't found my way.

2010-12-29T23:17:00.000+08:00

Yet another memorable gathering

2010-12-27T18:52:00.005+08:00

Terrene and I

Ivy and I

Church friends whom have been great company. Miss those times we used to gossip about anything and anyone. Glad that we still kept in touch after so long ;)

Last Gathering for 2010

2010-12-24T22:40:00.008+08:00

Christie and I posing with WeiHon (our friend who just got back from Brisbane after such a long time)

Christie posing with Nooby, the star of the night! ATTENTION SEEKER!

The group photo of the night. Good friends whom have play important role in my life :) Thanks for the wonderful friendship all these years.

Sean definitely was the the professional "chef" of the night.

The ingredients for the BBQ

One of the most look forward gathering once I touchdown KL is yesterday's BBQ at my place. It was really all about spending time catching up with close friends. Thanks people for coming for the BBQ and it was a great night of fun and laughters and lastly I hope no matter where we are at, we could always keep in touch. :)

Malaysian's pride. This proves KL has heaps of sexy chick

2010-12-21T15:48:00.000+08:00

冬至快乐

2010-12-21T00:58:00.006+08:00

December 22 every year marks one of my favourite Chinese festival - The colourful flour ball festival (I named it myself),

Honestly, after 22 years of celebrating this day I still don't really know whats the meaning or true history behind it.

All I know is i get to eat yummy colourful flour ball in sugar water..I like pink and green in particular without fillings.

In addition to this festival, December 22nd is also my parents wedding anniversary, so it's a double celebration. HOORAY!

p/s: The pictures show actual process of making those flour balls, it tasted absolutely yummy~!

M.Y.E.S

2010-12-17T17:46:00.002+08:00

Reason no. 937736365242452142 why i love Kuala Lumpur.

- Malaysia Year End Sales

IF

2010-12-13T23:42:00.000+08:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

-Rudyard Kipling-

The Road Not Taken

2010-12-13T23:35:00.004+08:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost-

that is the kinda life you could only dream of

2010-12-06T23:36:00.002+08:00

and i will be going there..Neuschwanstein Castle.

snow snow go away..when Elaine comes to Europe

2010-12-03T01:07:00.002+08:00

Dear snow cloud please be nice to me. I really don't want my whole travel schedule to be screwed up. I don't want my planes and trains to be delayed. Please not let it be a miserable study tour. I have planned alot and I am looking forward to alot. I love snow, you are pretty and lovely but please have mercy on my January. I have too much to do and my time is limited... :(

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40473976/ns/weather/

Zara Autumn/Winter Collection 2010

2010-12-01T20:59:00.003+08:00

Gimme some more lovin

2010-12-01T20:41:00.001+08:00

Happiness is Independent

2010-12-01T18:34:00.002+08:00

I was in the hospital today for a consultation earlier. I saw a poster about fighting depression.

Can't believe that depression is such a serious sickness that people actually post awareness about it. After all some people believes depression could be the source of other more sever ailments such as heart attack, cancer, suicidal attempts, stroke, high blood pressure etc.

Not sure if I suffered from depression before, but I believe it is as contagious as any other viruses or bacterial. It does not attack physically but mentally and emotionally, which is even more prone than any physical way.

I believe the ultimate cure to depression is to stay happy. People nowadays find it so hard to be happy. Because of stress from family? work? relationships?

For me, I think happiness is the key to a happy and healthy living. I tried to understand ways of staying happy and in my foundings I realised that happiness should be independent of people and objects. It is a selfish thing. Being happy means doing yourself favour and not let others affect you. It's like doing whatever your heart desire without worrying about what other thinks or how it would end up. It's a feeling of believing, hoping and never looking back and regretting.

If you're an adult, you should held accountable for yourself and not let anyone destroy this accountability you have because this can be the very thing that will keep your life happy and more meaningful.

When I grow up..

2010-12-01T18:15:00.003+08:00

When we were young, we are always asked when we grow up, what is your ambition?

I always came up with crazy ambitions such as forensic pathologist, lawyer, veterinarian, pilot, singer etc. Most of the time, I get all this ideas from movies, books and other people. As I grow older, my ambitions get more and more flickered, i can't even decide.

Until I have to make a decision whether to pursue studies in art or science stream, I know I am one step closer to narrowing down my choices. However, for the safe side I chose science stream. It definitely wasn't because I like studying chemistry, physic or biology. It was more like as an insurance for me in case if I change my mind last minute to art. I studied for the advantage of choosing.

Then, I went to university, I have to deal with my true interest. It was tough and I had to decide. I tried being honest - I hate science. I guess I have to go for art after all.

Okay great. ART- It's such a broad category. I still have to CHOOSE.

So I went for the most ideal art subject - Business. That's how I ended up having a bachelor in business and commerce. Not too bad. I like accounting. I always think that accountants are people who make big money. Definitely the most prospective job among all business and commerce job. Next step, I majored in accounting and econometrics. I find econometrics an easy minor to pull up my grades.

Finally, I am 3/4 done with my Masters of Finance and I could already see what I would be doing in half a year time.

Can you still believe how choices would lead to the shape of your future? Finance was definitely not in my top 10 ambitions when I was young. I can't exactly say finance is my favourite field but I tried. Through the process, I have learnt to like this field as well, and as I proceeded with it I realised this could be one of my passion too.

Despite that, I do see people who were determined to do whatever it takes to be the person they see themselves in when they were 8 or 10 years old. I could truly say that these are people who follows their heart.. I wish I could be like them. Oh well, I am happy with the choices I made and I've never regretted every single bit of it.

is the world around me mobilize or immobilize?

2010-11-26T21:27:00.003+08:00

Maybe I grew up in a world where things always stays the same, 1 month, 1 year, 10 years.. and still no change. This makes me feel that it's sort of like a death sentence like once you're doing it, you have no escape and it will forever be doomed to be your routine.

Is it because these people just prefer to stay in their comfort zone or is it because they don't even stand a chance to make a change?

I guess it's up to me to explore, whatever it is I am willing it to give it a try before calling it quit. I don't want to be a blind sheep that live on one side of the pasteur only.

Who knows 10 years later I will writing another blog in respond to this blog to answer the question....

connought pasar malam revisited

2010-11-25T17:45:00.012+08:00

so far in KL

2010-11-24T13:08:00.003+08:00

I just realised KL is a place for year end vacation. When everyone is working hard hard hard, I'm chilling hard hard hard. I feel kinda guilty for it.

I am anything but being productive.

Oh well this will not last long. One more month and I am up and going on the run all the time. So let me pamper myself with food and sleep for now..

My Part Time Job - Babysitting a puppy

2010-11-23T10:34:00.003+08:00

Hi all,

I am employed without salary so I am basically doing some sort of community service or voluntary job. My job is picking up poo, cleaning pee, feeding pup and walking him.

I have always dreamt of having my own pup but now that I have, it's kinda like the dream that you never want it to come true.

The main problem is that Noobie (pup's name) is not trained to control it's pee, so it PEES everywhere it goes IN THE HOUSE. I am in desperate need to teach him some basic dog manners, anyone with any suggestions? In return I will give you some scooby snacks..ops. I mean yummy snacks ;)

p/s: He is just 4 months old.

Kay Elle

2010-11-22T20:33:00.002+08:00

It's been 4 days I have been back in my hometown - the only truly Asia - Malaysia!

So much so have been happening since I came home and most of it involves eating. I have a strong feeling I am going to gain much more weight that I did in Melbourne. But.. whatever! It's holiday and this is KL. This is what people like me does.. EAT, SLEEP, SHOP.

under one roof

2010-11-18T21:52:00.004+08:00

It is often said that luck is highly needed to get a good place to stay and good housemates. Well for me first time was a lucky charm as I get a really reasonable accommodation which is convenient and affordable but most importantly I have really kind and friendly housemates which make my stay in melbourne even more meaningful. Celeste and Alejandro is their name, we have a multicultural thing going on in 193/416 St Kilda Road. One from China, one from Columbia and one from Malaysia.

I will definitely miss my stay at this lovely place I once called home.

Seems like just yesterday but at a different place

2010-11-16T09:20:00.005+08:00

Today was a lovely day to start with. I had breakfast with Natasha, Emy and Syarlene, my three high school friends that I had not been in contact with since high school which is like 5 years ago. It felt just like yesterday we were still in the same school and class together doing things teenage do just that we are now all grown ups studying any different places around the world, doing different things and leading different life and ironically meeting up at the same place at one point of time. We had a good catch up session, bringing up those time when we were in high school, gossiping about how "classmates" are. It was lovely catching up with old times, one of those moments which is so sentimental. Hope to see you girls soon in KL again and we'll have a lovely girls day out again.

4 months came by with a surprise

2010-11-13T10:59:00.003+08:00

Love in Time of Cholera

2010-11-10T11:14:00.006+08:00

The story speaks of a "faithful and loyal" Florentino Ariza who spent the rest of his life trying to gain the attention of his one and only beloved Fermina Daza even though she kinda dumped and rejected him again and again. Despite that, the story not only evolves around a love-hate routine of drama. It has some heart wrenching and alot of lustful and obscene moments, definitely not for those below the age of 15.

Seriously, would a guy wait for the girl he love for 53 years, 7 months, 11 days and nights? I know it's a book, but can such act be defined as an everlasting love? I'm pretty sure this is every girl's dream come true.

Wait, not only that how there be a book without a movie after it. YES there is a movie about it as well..

Anyways, the climax of the story starts pretty late so don't expect it to be interesting at first. A book worth to read for those who love romance novel.

p/s: The book is by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

The Final Moments of 2010 in Melbourne

2010-11-03T18:01:00.004+08:00

Tomorrow I will be having my last exam for 2010 and I am done with academics for the year. I was reading my notes and I decided to let my imagination run wild for a while.
I imagine my room being empty as I moved out everything, I imagine how I used every space in this room, how this room have been sharing the past 10 months with me, how I decorated every interior from scratch. My first room away from home.

I miss this single bed which could create miracle of having two person squeeze into it. I miss my lovely windows facing the balcony of a beautiful sea view, I miss the funny sliding door which has infinite holes in it and is connected not by a latch but a plastic striper. I am going to miss this room. and all the memories that was build in it.

Despite that, it would be good to leave this room behind and search for a new room. A change of environment will keep me away from the nostalgic feeling that could be unbearable I believe.

Nevertheless, I will carry the memories of the room with me, everywhere I go...

Happiness is only real when shared

2010-10-31T18:32:00.003+08:00

Saw this quote in the movie "Into The Wild", can't agree more with it. I remember someone special once told me the same... :)

Braced myself for the goodbye

2010-10-30T10:13:00.002+08:00

Because that's all I ever know

city condo's swimming pool

2010-10-29T14:47:00.002+08:00

i think i am damm stupid.
let me tell you why.

I live in this gorgeous condo for the past 8 months with a lovely swimming pool and gym.
BUT I only used the pool three times in the past 8 months.
The first time I swam in the pool with one of my high school friend, she hated the pool because she couldn't stand the salty water, so I thought maybe they forgot to maintain it. and I didn't give a crap. hoping for a cleaner pool the next time.

So. after a few weeks or months, I cant remember, I swam at the pool again, and this time it was still SALTY! my imagination started playing tricks with me, I was thinking could it be that some nasty discrete from the swimmers.....or... God knows what it is. I don't want to know. I even tried asking an old man who frequently swim at that pool why the pool water was always salty. And since then I don't want to swim in the pool again..

Yesterday, Stefan and I swam in the pool together, and I wanted to tell him to becareful that the water is salty, and my engineer boyfriend told me it's perfectly fine! It's a way of cleaning the pool besides the usual chlorine method which is more cheaper (that's why most pool or all use them), so now my swimming pool water is better than usual because it is salty?! he explained some sort of water recycling method which doesn't involved chemical. WHAT A RELIEF! YET STUPID PARANOID! now that I will be moving out in less than 3 weeks, I am going to lose out on what I had for the past 8 months. A CLEAN AND HEALTHY SWIMMING POOL! WHAT A JOKE! :(

R.I.P Paul

2010-10-27T11:26:00.001+08:00

Paul the Octopus dies

Prayer List

2010-10-19T08:13:00.002+08:00

1) I will be able to finish off the assignment and take home exam so I have enough time for my revision on econometrics and funds management exam.
2) I don't fall sick in this coming weeks
3)Noobie will get well from its eye infection (my home puppy)
4)Less rain more sun
5) Mind stop playing tricks with me

Thank you dear Lord, Amen :)

i hate monologues

2010-10-18T20:59:00.003+08:00

me: stop whinning

other me: go on, you deserve it!

me: you're such a baby, toughen up!

other me: how....?

me: find it out yourself..

fear

2010-10-14T07:56:00.003+08:00

fear will come silently without notice at the most vulnerable moment - like an opportunist waiting desperately, like a vulture preying on it's dying victim.

fear will mutate into your worst nightmare and attack you from your mind, the weakest spot in a human being - consume you slowly like poison spreading through the veins in your body.

fear will inch you nearer to despair and hopelessness.

fear will use your past mistakes against you.

fear will feast on you and eat you alive.

take what you need and be on your way

2010-10-14T07:14:00.002+08:00

"Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow."
Romeo and Juliet ( Quote Act II, Scene II).

Oh my love,

How I wish you could be my morning rising sun, lifting me gently from the grasp of yesterday, kissing me with warmth of your lips, whispering words of comfort to my ears.
I hate to say goodbye, but I'd like to keep your presence with me. Please give me hope that you and I both will meet again and never to be parted again. This could be a sweet misery that I will endure no matter how long it takes.

"O, swear not by the moon, the fickle moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circle orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable." William Shakespeare quotes (English dramatist, playwright and poet, 1564-1616)

don't leave me speechless

2010-10-08T19:47:00.002+08:00

Elaine's 3 Step Recipe to being Successful in Life

2010-10-07T20:05:00.002+08:00

No 1: Know and Be Sure of What You Want
A ship can never reach its destination if the captain doesn't set the course right.
Whenever thinking of the future, one can be sure to feel uncertainties because of the probability of failure. But if you are able to focus your mind on the target and see yourself being at that position, it will surely give you courage to take a stride forward. Although at times it may seems so impossible, you will realise at the point where you are standing at now was once a glimpse of dream you had long long ago.

No 2: Be yourself
A sheep that is brave enough to jump over the fence will get greener grasses on the other side.
This is true. Everyone have the mentality that if everyone is doing something, then that something has to be the best and right thing. Let's say if it is, so what? It is what they do good in but not necessary what you do good in. I do best in what I am good in. So I follow what my mind, knowledge and interest. Some may call you stupid, dumb or profound but the stupidity is the stepping stone to something no one but only you who dare to take the first step to be different!

No 3: Optimism
Wise man are always right especially the older one. Always look at the cup as half full because in my opinion when I'm thirsty, if I kept thinking that the cup is half empty it will just make me feel even more thirstier. I guess it's a psychological thing but I have to admit it's damn true. Yes I'm pretty sure people always say there is ups and downs in life, sometimes I can't help but feel is it just me being jinx or bad luck that I often don't get things my way. But come to think about it, it's because I'm often whining and focusing on the bad side of not getting what I want. Just human nature of always not being contented with what one already have. When one bad thing happens, the world will end? Try think out of the box, optimism is what drives your enthusiasm and enthusiasm is what drives your performance. You could just D.I.Y, no need for whatsoever formula, just run a little positiveness through your brain and "WAHLA", you will see an open window. The world doesn't end when one window is closed, it's just a test of determination and make sure you pass it!

I certainly know it is easier said then done. But when this three are put together you may just thank me for revealing the 3 simple step to being successful!

p/s: this post is applied to me myself as well :

Skype Conference with my gurls!

2010-10-07T19:51:00.003+08:00

Had a lovely skype conference session for the first time with my two besties, Evon and Esther. The last time three of us gathered together was mid of last year but now the three of us skyping from different location and time at once was just so amazing. Esther being in KL, Evon being in Scotland and me being in Melbourne having girl's heart to heart talk made me feel alive again. We gossiped, chat and laughed for about 2 hours. Obviously the most talked topic for the night was boys. particularly our boyfriends. as usual.

Totally enjoyed the skype session and looking forward to our next conference with more juicy updates...Teeeheeeeee :)

Looking back and I realised how time flies, this is a picture we took 3 years ago during our beach trip at Redang and now we're all over the world. How ironic ain't it. but one thing for sure is that friendship will definitely last forever!

Imaginary

2010-10-05T12:07:00.001+08:00

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming
Monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops
As they're falling tell a story

If you need to leave the world you live in
Lay your head down and stay a while
Though you may not remember dreaming
Something waits for you to breathe again

tulips

2010-10-03T20:35:00.005+08:00

The budding tulips received on my birthday morning from meine schatz

the next day..blooming tulips

taking a final bow in awe of the beauty :)

Denmark, Danes, Danish

2010-10-02T18:39:00.003+08:00

I'm on a mission to complete a 1.5k to 2k word essay about the economical, political, social and cultural aspect of Denmark. Since I haven't been to Denmark I had hell lotta research to do because you can't just write an essay based on your initial perception on the country. Thanks to my study tour groupmates whom are pretty helpful in gathering resources. I have pretty much what I need to work on the essay, the toughest part is analysing the sources and note points out of it.

Initially, I thought it was gonna be hard trying to understand a country from scratch. But after reading articles and articles of Denmark, I found the country to be pretty interesting, it definitely has opened up my eyes and heart to a country on the other side of the world which I will be exploring soon enough.

I'm currently working on the 3rd point of the essay and it's the social part. I hope I have enough insipiration to help me complete the remaining of the essay. Sad but true I will learn to enjoy the process while learning more about Denmark.

"Common to all Danes is their tendency to
take the ups and downs of life with a touch
of irony, often self-irony. Foreign spouses
in mixed marriages often complain that
they find it difficult to understand what
their partners really mean because they
tend to say the opposite of what they think,
in keeping with the nature of irony."

another teenage dream.

2010-10-02T18:34:00.003+08:00

temperature's dropping
tears drying
heart's filling
making up my mind

the awakening sun

2010-10-02T16:09:00.004+08:00

finally cleared my cloudy mind and found the peace i needed for a sunny saturday.

as we lay on the grass and watch the blue skies, i can't help but steal a stare at you, hoping you didn't notice.

and i just realised that i feel i have the world even if you just lie next me.

carissa from malaysia

2010-10-01T06:34:00.004+08:00

carissa opened my eyes.
someone ever so proud of malaysia, even prouder than me.
never forgeting her roots or where she came from.
standing up for her race and those who are chinese
you have all my respect.

i will admit that i'm proud to be a Malaysian chinese too :)

malaysia truly asia

i only can say to the left.

2010-09-30T20:59:00.008+08:00

mein linke linke platz frei, ich wunschen mier Stefan herbai!

i'm 2+2

2010-09-30T20:14:00.003+08:00

thanks mum, dad, and bro for the heart-warming wishes. that's all i need from you all.

thanks stefan for lightening up my morning with tulips and ending the beautiful night with me. thanks for the note.
me love you long long time :)

thanks ed for lending the set to make it all happen. thanks jerry & kevin for the presence.

almost overdosed

2010-09-28T13:56:00.006+08:00

rain is falling
my mind is trying
work is pilling
my heart's left wanting

28/09/2010

2010-09-28T13:26:00.003+08:00

"I love you so much that only William Shakespeare can describe it"

Quoted at 28 September 2010, 12am

how did we ended up here

2010-09-28T13:11:00.003+08:00

One year ago I would hate the position I would be in now.
Why didn't I had a choice to do what I wanted. Why there is always something getting in my way. Why is it so unfair?!
Why? Why? Why?
I blame, I complain, I frown and I sighed.

Now, right where I am standing, looking back I am glad of what had happened. I am thankful for whatever I hated to happen. Because I know if that hadn't happen I wouldn't be here.

I always knew everything happen for a reason. It's the way lives intercept with one another. It's like you will know what the picture is when the final puzzle has been put in place. Only you will realise the beauty of the ending.

But no human can escape uncontentment. When you are at your comfort zone, you start to worry that eventually one day what you have will disappear and you are back to square one.

so you fear, you paranoid and you start losing yourself and regret. and the whole cycle starts again.

you may lose all you had, but one thing you never lose is the fact that you once had it. whether it's good or bad. you know it's what made you who you are today.

When family meets boyfriend

2010-09-28T11:51:00.004+08:00

My uncle and aunt came visiting again to Melbourne. They invited me for dinner and specially requested for my german boyfriend to come along. I definitely saw this coming and I was just nervous. I imagine 7 of them versus 2 of us. It's like meeting the judge and jury for a court case except we didn't commit a crime, that's for sure.

I had confidence that Stefan could handle the pressure because he is just too in socialising and interacting with people. It's just me.. thinking too much as usual and doubting.

Luckily, everything was opposite as I feared. My family were friendly and outgoing and both party were clicking along. We had Peking Duck for dinner at Blackburn, good food, good wine, good chat, good laughter. What more can I ask. With my parents far away from me, my uncle, aunts and cousins are definitely my closest relative. For the first time after so many months, I felt like a real family gathering again, this time with one special person I would like to share with.

After dinner, we headed home to Richmond, my old place. We had some relaxing and spent some quality time as family with the cousins and their boyfriends and mine as well.

Stefan learnt some mahjong skills from my aunt and picked up really quick and I guess he had some beginniners luck and even won a few rounds.

Overall the night was wonderful, there was no need of "nervous" feeling at the first point. Definitely a night to remember :)

sweet misery

2010-09-16T19:40:00.003+08:00

i day dream and i day dream alot. i day dream even before i sleep.

i often dream of life fastforwarding to some random time and place.

believe me or not i even rehearse a moment that i fear ot anticipate. I rehearse every possible words that i will speak or every possible act that i will do.

the outcome? always 50-50. either the best case or worst case senario.

as expected.

waiting for the touch of the sun

2010-09-16T19:30:00.002+08:00

it's freaking spring. where is my sun.

i haven't felt natural sun in a long time. almost a year. funny thing is i was born in a tropical country and i'm complaining about my missing sun.

whatever. i know i will see the sun again and when the time comes when i see the sun again, it will be the time when i need it the most..

Christie and Craig's Visit to Melbourne

2010-09-15T12:44:00.014+08:00

Like I mentioned earlier, one of my plans during the semester break was to host my bestie and her boyfriend from KL on a visit to Melbourne.

The first few days was spent touring around Melbourne City and home cooking Malaysian Food which coincide with the Malaysian Independence Day. We had curry chicken and sour onion salad with ABC soup for dinner and I have to admit as a Malaysian, the curry was definitely too spicy for me as well.

On Wednesday and Thurday, we booked a car and had a road trip to Mornington Penninsula on the first day and Great Ocean Road on the second day. We went for wine tasting at Red Hill Estate and the maze garden, visited the 12th Apostle for the first time. Unfortunately I had motion sickness and it didn't make the journey any better. However, when we arrive at the 12th Apostle the rough journey definitely paid off. The view was breathtaking and the day just ended with awesomeness. Here are some pictures to fit my description.

When the going starts kicking.

2010-09-15T12:12:00.002+08:00

Hi blog, Hi readers, Hi friends,

It's been a good long two weeks or so I haven't update my blog, my boyfriend asked me twice why my blog is still outdated. I guess I just couldn't find the right mood or right thought to start a post.

Or I can just purely blame it on my massive load of assessments..

Fair enough, I just wanna scribble a little thought here before I get back to reading my notes for tomorrow International Finance's Test.

Time is ticking as I am typing this post. Ah how fast time is going back every nanosecond it makes me find it hard to even catch my breath. I just randomly remembered a conversation or even now and then and it felt so fresh in my memories but thinking back it had happened one week ago. It scares me to see time is moving in such a fast pace. Looking back of everything that had happened one year ago it gives me a creep to even think what is going to happen tomorrow. Nevertheless I am aging I have to admit, my wrinkles are increasing by millimeters by day, ok maybe abit too much of exaggeration. Worst of all, I have no plans of what will happen in one year later. It's like going to a roulette table picking a side not knowing where the dice will land. Alas, all I can say is live for today and tomorrow is a new day wherever it may lead me. I believe... and I believe.... :)

Okay folks my posts will be going slow for the next coming weeks due to numerous works but I will tried to update significant events so don't forget to drop by from time to time you may just bumped into the latest gossip from me!

Back from Sydney with lots of drama!

2010-08-29T16:25:00.012+08:00

I was supposed to be back in Melbourne by Thursday night as scheduled but when we arrived at Sydney Airport ready to board the flight we found out that the our flight has been cancelled. So we ended back at the check in counter with a super long queue along with the other passengers which are stranded just like us. We had bleak hope to catch the last flight for the day because of the queue. So we were rescheduled to the another flight on Friday night. This was so unexpected but luckily Tiger airways provided us with a list of hotels and they promised to cover the hotel charges. Of course we picked the best out of all and stayed at Stamford hotel for the night.

Not only that, we even came up with sponstaneous plan to drive to Canberra for the day and arrive back to catch the flight at night. Dramas lead to adventure. The cancelled flight was definitely a blessing in disguise.

Overall I had a wonderful Sydney trip, getting around the city was never a problem and everything went well as planned and I am glad that we had great time and great food. The hotel room was a bonus to our trip. I absolutely love the cossy bed and interrior in Springfield Lodge. I would highly recommend it to any who wish to stay in Sydney.

Most importantly, I had the time of my life with someone special and it wouldn't have been any greater without Stefan. Although there were some argues and conflicts in between we made it thru and we definitely know each other better.

I will rate this trip: 4.5 out of 5 gold stars :)

Here are some snapshots from the trip:

Upcoming Plans

2010-08-22T21:11:00.002+08:00

Folks, I'll be leaving to Sydney for a short trip on Tuesday and I will be back on Thursday just in time for my Friday back to back lecture. It'll be a two and a half day trip with Stefan. Hope all goes well with the weather and travel plans. I will definitely be back with loads of really nice pictures. Stay tuned!

xx

One of my bestie will be visiting Melbourne in one week time with her boyfriend and I am going to be her tour guide during her stay. I am still working on their travel schedule but I promised her heaps of funs and excitement ahead. Really looking forward to her arrival. People if you have any suggestions as to where I should bring them, please drop me a message, I am desperate for any ideas that can fill my itinerary.

xx

There is always a calm before the storm, true enough. September and October is going to be a war period for me. Weekly due dates of presentation and assignments one after another. Not to mention a 3k word essay on Denmark. Wonder why did I even signed up for this study tour. Sigh :(

At least I will be pre-occupied given I have already relaxed and chilled for two months, I guess it should time for me to get my lazy ass up and get serious with work.

Ganbateh Elaine!

Michelle Branch goes country

2010-08-22T20:59:00.008+08:00

Grammy winner - Michelle Branch is going country with latest hits from her soon-to-release-album-Everything Comes and Goes

It has been a while since Michelle is back in the industry following the award winning album - Hotel Paper with hits like All you wanted, Breathe and Are you happy now
I managed to get some updates on her future release tracks from her upcoming album.
Do enjoy ;)

Recommended tunes: Sooner of Later (love a little touch of pop with country)

I'm really looking forward to the reviews. You go Michelle!

German Menu for Dinner :)

2010-08-22T18:32:00.008+08:00

A simple and special home-cooked dinner filled with love by my beloved 'self proclaimed' Master Chef - Stefan. Unfortunately I am the kitchen helper which was assigned to handle the potatoes only :(

the master chef's masterpiece - pan fried lamb with potatoes,eggs and bacon alongside mixed vege as side. 2 thumbs up!

Smiles from the chef himself :P

Stefan in action

Have I done it right this time?

2010-08-22T12:36:00.002+08:00

I was trying to be honest, I told everything I had to, but ended up getting a different reaction. A chain reaction happened. They doubted me, I doubted in myself and him. How can we all be happy when we are all playing the game of doubt.

All I wanted was just to be honest and guilt free. I admit mistakes were done in my life but I have live to learn to deal with the consequences. After all, I am responsible for my own act. I hate the feeling of being accountable for somebody else. I rather prefer being held accountable for myself at least I do not face pressure of trying to be perfect to please myself.

They is a saying, if you made a mistake for the first time, it can be forgiven and forget, but when you do same mistake twice, you are a fool.

Or maybe some people just want to be a fool after all....

Once broken considered sold.

2010-08-22T12:05:00.002+08:00

Trust is like the saying 'once broken considered sold'.

True enough, trust forms between parents and child, husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, employer and employee even between patients and doctor.

Some trust are life and death matter, but mostly is loyalty.

Trust can come in an intangible form such as a marriage vow or maybe even a contract. Once breach, they will always be a consequences that one must face.

Therefore, always think twice before making that promise which is tagged along with trust.

My First AFL Match

2010-08-21T15:55:00.008+08:00

I was once told that if you haven't watch an Australia Footy Match, you are considered to be in Australia before..

Yesterday I went for my very first Australian Footy Match with teams of Geelong playing against Carlton. I was told that Geelong was the champion for last year and it should be an exciting game. Honestly, the local supporters are really enthusiastic with all the banners, scarfs, caps, jersey and all. The spirit is definitely there.

Luckily I have my personal game info provider, I was able to understand the entire game play..

and I cheered for Geelong and they pawned Carlton since the start of the game.

Final game score: 121 for Geelong and 79 to Carlton.

I am definitely looking forward to the final playoffs in September.especially with warmer weather :)