Ok, this is a reply to ping's comments for my previous entry. Te Papa is the name of the museaum in Wellly. Umm..not a small world leh, jess texted me first to ask if i wana meet up, didnt bump into them or smth like that. And Dan and I are alright now, i think. Haha. just the typical LDR stuff i guess, and nth we can do except to look to God.

First day of the 2nd trimester. Waiting to go for another tutorial for Chem. So glad my lectures start at 11 on mondays! the joy of sleeping in!

WEnt for a TSCF (tertiery schools chirstian fellowship) conference on thursday, and only got back yesterday! We went in a van, and gosh! It took us about 9 hours to get back frm Ngaruawahia (a lil suburb north of Hamilton) k!! crazy-ness! Wel, we did stop by Taupo to have a meal, and also a few toilet stops. And ohya, I saw Lake Taupo, which is actually a Volcanic crater, and apparetnly the last time it errupted was in 1996/1997. And the spectacular thing about it is that the lake is bigger than Singapore!!! haha!

Anyways, the camp/conference was great cos we I got to mee so many ppl, frm Auckland, Palmy, and the states and Uk!! It was great to meet up with some friends frm Easter camp. And boy, the conference was sooooo international k!We hada  team of Americans who came, and also a team frm UK, and then, in all the various local Christian groups itself, we have heaps of international students frm India, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spore, Solomon Islands, ....etc. And i love it when we have the intro, cos we usually do it the Maori style, whereby the 'host" will invite us, and we would sing Maori songs, and then, the best part is when the "guests" were allowed to speak as well. And ppl frm all the diff countries would just stand up, and greet everyone in thier own language! haha! Well, we dont understand what they spoke, but it's just nice to see people of all tongues gather together, because we are all united by Christ!! And it was just awesome to be able to talk and discuss issues with ppl frm diff cultures and backgrds! I mean, yes, it's still in the context of Christianity, but it was very eye-opening for me to find out what diff cultures view Chirstianity and stuff like that. And the one thing i realised is the difference of the camps here compared to the camps back home. The ppl here are more outspoken, and the stuff they talk about are more serious, and umm...important? Not that what we talk about back home are not important, but it's just that here, ppl are more aware of the issues and they are opinionated. Dont really know how to explain it, but it's just that we talk abou tthings that are real, and prevalent in our lives these days. And we had various workshops which were pretty good as well.

And ohya, we all watched rugby on a big screen in the hall on saturday, cos it was the 2nd test between the All blacks, and the Lions(the British team). And prince William was in Welly at that time k! cos the games was in the Westpac stadium in Welly!! But no one was interested in him lah, considering that there so many more handsome hunks in the field! haha! And Daniel Carter is quite cute, esp when he stares up at an angle, to aim and kick! haha... The most amazing thing is that we had Scottish and British ppl with us in the hall, it's always fun to have ppl supporting the two sides, plus some of them even wore the Lions jersey and stuff! Hmm..one day, i must watch a rugby game in the stadiums. Im getting into i! hehe!

ok./..gotta run for tute. af ew more stories to tell, but will con't later..hehe

Ohya, i forgot to update about being lost in the forest when we went for a bushwalk near the camp site last saturday. Ok, you see, we had free time, and we could either choose to go to the hot pool, or for a walk in the bush, or to visit the Marae or smth else. So, some twenty of u left ard 3.30pm and it was fun, walking on slopes and hills, that spreads as far as ur eyes can see. But we had to look out for dungs though! It was good that it was so cold, that i could barely smell anything. And then, we entered this bush/jungle trekking path. And it was fun, walking in NZ bushes, cos they're the safest! No leeches, or stuff like that! ANd then, Val, the lady who organised the COnference, told us that the bushwalk would only be an hour or so, and if we could either take a short cut, which leads back to camp, or go on. So, after reaching the junction for the short cut, most of us decided to go on cos we only walked for a while. So..we walked and walked, and reached the "top", which wasnt actually the top cos we couldnt look down or smth. Not too spectacular. So we continued our journey, and we went downwards, thinking that we would arrive after a while. But soon, we found ourselves going up again! And then, down, and then up and down and up again!

WEll, we knew we were on the right track, cos there were bright orange tags on the trees, along the track, but then, we saw the sun set, and then, darkness just surrounded us! Plus, the downward slopes were kinda treacherous cos it was muddy, and slippery. SO, when night fell, we could barely tell the stones, mud, and leaves apart! We could barely see the track! It was sooo freaky k! Plus, we kinda split up a lil, cos some were faster and they were much further in front, while some were slower and they were behind. And we didint really have any headcount when we went into the forest! Plus, the sun sets real early here, about 4 smth 5pm. So..we spent anth 30-45mins in theforest in the dark! And none of us knew the way, and we could barely see the orange tags by then! Stephanie who was infront of our small grp, almost took the wrong track that lead down to a creek and then a river! THank goodness she realised and we back tracked! It was seriously the freakiest adventure man! By then, i was praying hard, that none of us fall down the slope or smth like that. Cos many girls and even guys slipped in the muddy slopes, and got their bump all gooey! We pnly got out of the jungle around 5.45pm i think. And guess what? we got out of the jungle into a "main road" which didnt have any street lights or whatsoever. And occasionally, there would be a few cars that zoom by fast enough to bring all the dust flying! ANd u bet the stars were already shining down on us already! And not only that, we were 2km frm the campsite! luckily some ppl who got out earlier ran back to the campsite, and a van came to pick us up. Well, looking backnow, i can say that it was quite a good adventure, now that im out of it! haha!

Ohhh...and the sky was just so crystal clear at Ngarauwahia that I got to see the milky way!! It was soo chun k! THe whole sky was just spotted with stars, and then, there was this spectacular stirp of glittery dust that formed an arch in the whole sky! Just WOnderful! AMazing how GOd placed the stars so precisely!

And ohya, i learned how to play mahjong!! heheh! The ironic thing was that a kiwi guy thought us how to play it! So farney! And he understood the chinese characters on the mahjong cards more than we do! Shame on us indeed! hahaa...

Hmm...I have a dilemma. When should i come back end of this year? Well, i have almost a 3 month hols, and so, i thought it would be good to stay here for a month, and just work. And then, come back in time for Chirstmas. but the thing is that Im not sure if there will be jobs that are willing to employ us for only a month! Plus, for the extra time that I stay here, I have to pay extra, either that or i have to crash at somebody's place. And is it worth it for me to stay here, and work with the limit of 40 hours per-week (i think). What if i booked my ticket to stay for an extra month, and Im not abe to find a job at the end? How? Or maybe I should just come back earlier, and then just enjoy my time at home, and probably work or smth! Ohyea, it was on my "to-do list" end of last year to volunteer at SPCA, smth like wat tracy did i think. Hmm..mayb i shd do that. ANd then go back and travel a lil in Msia with Dan, and whoever else. Hmm...But i wana earn the money here, cos that means I can buy Christmas pressies!! Nice ones! Plus, i'll be able to shop like a queen back home cos of the exchange rate! Hmm...dunnolah..

Oh, btw, my cell phone LCD screen just konked on me while i was at the conference!! So, now everythign on the phone works fine, the sound and vibration and all, but I only see a flickering/white screen!! Arrghhh!! What am i gonna do? plus, i doubt if they have a samsung service centre here! And i cant send it back home, cos we're not allowed to send batteries on air mail!! Arrgghh..stupid samsung! Mayb i shd just learn to survive w.out a cell phone.

Yay! we're gonna watch batman tonight. WE got a free ticket! I'd better enjoy my first week while I can, cos tutorials and labs havnt started. Though i already have an assignment for Chem.

Hmm..bored bored. Got back from stats a while ago. Gloomy day today. How weird that Welly has alternate days of sunshine and gloom. But that's good. Better than down in Dunedin where it goes negative.

We're getting our 2nd Meningococcal B shot later this evening. Im not ofraid of needles or what, but i sure hope there won't be any side effects for me this time. Got it quite bad last time. Not really looking forward to sore arms for a week though!

We're having Mid Winter Christmas celebrations at CF this friday! It's gonna be fun and meeting everyone again. Yayz!

Hmm...God has been good. And it's great that my classes start at 10 or 11am this trimester. This means I can get up for breakfast, and then I have time to do my quiet time in the morning. I do have to agree that doing devotions in the morning does put our mind and thoughts in the right perspectve right frm the start of the day. And I've been doing the Master Life series with Dan, well sort of, he has done it. It's a workbook, kinda like experiencing God. And it has been going well so far, the memorising scriptures and stuff. Really gota leap in my walk with God. Have been fluctuating too much. Sometimes I do wonder, would ppl who seem so on fire for God now, just dimm down and finally die off. I wonder. I look at the great youth leaders/ young ppl now, and wonder, if they would hop on the train of life and get into the wave, and just leave all their noble ambitions in a corner? And it scares me smtimes to think that if im not careful and steadfast, I might end up like that as well. The amount of adult pew warmers in church makes me wonder if I'll join them when im "old enough". It makes me wonder if it's just a cycle, when we're young we think we can take the world for CHirst, and then, when u grow older, u realise that it doesnt seem that possible anymore. I know I shouldnt judge, but it's a fact sometimes. And nothing much I can do but to keep myself close to God each moment, and just press on.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  -2 Cor 4:16-

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  -Phil 3:12-

Currently feeling: Contemplative

Hmm..Im supposed to fold my dried laundry now, but lazy lerh. But today has been beautiful, perfect weather, and sun-shiny! Helps take my mind of the cold i have now. Aihz..Currently on Codral, some medicine for fever and flu and that whole lot.

THis morning has been quite good. GOt up in time for breakfast, and then, came back and just took time to dwell in HIs courts. I love it when i can just read His word, and absorb it, with all the time I have, without having to worry about doing anything else. I guess, that's what u call setting aside time to be spent with my Father.

And ohya, you guys heard about the London bombing? Hey, ju, jen, and whoever else, do u know if Sue is back home yet? Cos I think she was supposed to be back in Msia d.

arrgghh...i dont know why! Havnt been having peaceful sleep for the past week! I've never had any trouble trying to sleep, not until recently. Aihz...I dont want insomnia! And my head is killing me. I dont even know what's bothering me...I was praying so hard, that God would give me good sleep llast night, and i did! Praise God! But towards the end of today, the headache came back again. At least I've handed in 2 of my assgmts today, so mayb I'l get some sleep. Aihz..Hmm..I should give myself a break tongiht. Gonna spend some time with God, and then prob watch a DVD or smth. Can you believe that I havnt finished watching the whole lot of DVDs that Dan/mum sent to me! haha! And then, talk to Dan for a while. THen Im gonna have an early night tonight! Yeah!

Ladida dida. Jas is going out for some quiz at a Sports Bar tonight, so i'll have the room to myself! Yayz! Nah, it's not that it'snot fun when she's ard, but it's just that smtimes we jsut need some privacy.

That reminds me, I might go up to Palmy over the weekend for Combined Prayer with Palmy's OCF. SHould be fun. Plus, there's gonna be a hot pool or smth like that!

arrgghh..have been trying to download my lectures off Blackboard, but IE kept having errors! So geram.

It has been an absolutely long day for me. Haven't been having much long days over here in NZ, cos everything is just more relaxed, and I guess I have less commitments here. But then, I have wayyy more classes, tutes, and labs now, and classes don't end till 3-4pm. And sometimes, I dont get bacak till it gets dark and cold.

But despite it all, I'm looking to God cos I know He gives strength to His children. Woke up feeling blur this morning, and it felt like the headache was just somewhere at the corner, and it will come back if something triggered it. I prayed hard about it, and took every opportunity while I was walking to class, back for lunch, back to class, down to town, and basically all my walking moments talking to God,  and asking Him to take away my headache. And truly, God has been good, Im still alright now, though Im dead pooped.

Ohya ohya ohya, guess what my dearest sent to me????? I got a parcel today, and dan sent me some VCDs, a mini torchlight, and DURIAN CAKE!!!! muahahah!! :D you bet I was grinning frm ear to ear. Finally a lil taste from home. Yummy. Shared some with Micheal, Michael, and Aiden. And only Aiden liked it, the rest said it tasted weird, and Micheal even said it tasted like onions or something. Haha! Jas loves it though. Hehehehe...I'm amused that Im cheered up by such lil stuff. Ok, it's not lil, it's FOOD! Glorious Penang/Malaysian FOOD! hahah..ok, Im going kinda cranky..

ohya, did any of u watch Sepet? I think it was out quite some time ago. Some Malaysian production about a Chinese boy falling in love with a Malay girl. The story was quite good, and truly, it did bring out the Malaysian-ness, and the issues that the community face living in a multi-racial country. It was quite a laggy show, but it did somehow managed to make me cry. Wasn't such a good idea to watfch it before I slept last night, cos crying before sleeping, is NEVER a good idea. haha..

neways, good night Wellington.

Currently listening to: Wonderful Cross
Currently feeling: Zzzzzz

This is just perfect. Muching on sweetly-chewy fragrant durian cake as dessert after my most unhealthy lunch. But unhealthy food always tastes the best. Totally missed lunch cos I stayed back with some friends after church for coffee & tea. Anyways, I totally had nothing to eat at home, besides noodles, and seaweed, and some eggs in the fridge. So I had a packet mini cup noodles, simply cos they're the easiest to cook! Just add hot water! Hmm..how much lazier can one get? And I decided to beat up 2 eggs and added a slice of pepper cheese. Unhealthy, but yumm...As I wait for the stubborn remnants of egg and cheese to get off my bowl so i can wash it, i must as well write an entry.

Oooh..Pods is one of my favourite chocs now! Ingeniously crunchy. Some product of Snickers/Mars company.

Anyways, church was so fun today! Creative in fact. To mark the launch of 40 Days of Community, they made the whole church service to seem like a flight! There were air-hostesses around, and we even had a boarding pass! And we even had a safety talk, and were shown how to use the emergency gadgets, which included the oxygen mask, life jacket, and a salvation kit, which is the Bible of course. It was hillarious! Kinda looking forward to 40DoC, but I have to decide to join one of the lifegroups.

Our day trip to Palmy yesterday with the ICF-ers turned out to be so fun! travelled for 2 hours up north, and met up with the OCFers from Massey Uni. They treated us to lunch, and then we started prayer from 2-4.30pm. Then, some headd back to Welly, while some of us stayed over for dinner. We all couldnt decide in unison on where to go for dinner, so we ended up having a fusion of food at Cal's place. And I had Ostrich and ROo burger from Burger extreme! totally yummy! And we also had yummy indian curry, some chinese takeaways, and fish and chips! It was just awesome to be able to meet ppl and just come together in fellowship, and of course, to pray together. Cal's place was a hit cos he has a table tennis table, and air-hockey (the ones we play in the arcades)!!! Then we also had Singstar, some karaoke-ish singing thing frm the Playstation.

And ohya ohya ohya! The funniest encounter we had while we were driving up to Palmy. We were driving on the Motorway(highway) and then, some random guy ahead, was falgging us down, so we slowed down, and he just let us go again. And then, not too far down, we saw a whole herd of cows coming head-on at us!! It was so hillarious cos cars were going pass us on the right, and the cows were on the wrong side of the road! Haha! So, Karen had to stop, and I was like, "reverse!!" But instead, she just pulled to a halt, and pulled the handbrakes! haha!! And we watched at the charging herd of cows, in amusement and horror. Amusement cos there were so many of them, and horror because they all had drool and snort flowing profusely out of their orifices! And it blows in the wind! Eeewww! Yuck!! and not only that, they shat so much as they walked!! hahahah...so, when they came near to our car, they meadered to the sides, and walked on. But u see, the cows walk so close to each other, as if they were smelling each others ass (shitty ass! ) And so, once the first cos swerves to the side, the cow behind, prob has to move quickly off the side as well. But once, there was this cow, that was soooooo lost, it came right in front of us, so close to the windshield!! And the poor cow had the most confused look on its face!! And it just stood there in front of the car for a few minutes, looking so lost!! It was sooo cute k!! well, lets just not think about the snort. Then, slowly, it orientated itself, and walked off to the side, along with the flow of other cows! Muahahaha!! You bet we were laughing our heads off!! And one more thing, the cows had yellow tags on both sides of their ears, probably as marks, and they were like earrings! haha... When the cows finally cleared, there was a whole long trail of droppings on the road, and we drove over them.

I was relating this story to Micheal and Ushma when i got back last night, and they probably think I was "sua pah" (as in kampung)! haha!

Remember how I was complaining that NZ is so ulu, cos they don't even have the Shopaholic series here? I managed to get hold of the Shopaholic and Sisters!! And this is also because this new girl, Urvika, who just came from India brought it! Haha..Books and novels here are so darn expensive. Considering that they're probably less than half the price in India! How I wish i could just cuddle up in bed under my duvet, on this chilly day, and read this novel to my hearts content! But, then, there's always assignments to spoil the fun. Aihz..and i have 3 assignemts due this tuesday, and all are barely "half-touched"! In fact,  for the rest of the trimester, I'm gonna be having 2 assignemtns and one lab report due every TUesday at 5pm. Aihz... God please give me strength.

Ok..better chao...!

Currently feeling: Satisfied

Tired tired tired. Though i already had some 2 hours of sleep in the afternoon.

And for once, today, my classes ended by noon. The Universities all over NZ except for Otago are on strike. Well, you see, the staff/lecturers are represented by the some Union, and for the past 10 years, they only had 3.75% of pay increase (i think). But it's a waste that all my other classes were still going on, except for my Stats class. It was kinda interesting, cos over here, the ppl are more vocal, though i still question the effectiveness of strikes like that, which apparently happens every year. Then, surely the effect is lost rite? PLus the purpose of it is that the lecturers dont turn up to lecture, and then, create havoc in the Uni, hoping to get students to complain and stuff, to give trouble to the Vice-Chancellor. But then, if u meet students like yours truly, im more than happy for less lectures! haha! it was quite interesting though, cos as i walk up the hill towards class, the lecturers and staff were all standing by the road, holding up banners, posters and signs, waving them to the cars on the road. And then, the cars would honk and stuff. Quite "lau juak"(hokkien). Would have taken a pic if i had my camera with me.

Had a relaxing afternoon just now, and managed to change my "chanh" chair for a better one, from the main building. And then, Jas and I continued watching La Divorce, some english-french mvie, which we watched halfway yesterday.

And ohya, it's kinda our 14 months anniversary today. 14 whole months. Time does fly indeed. And month by month seem to go by so fast, and yet, the days seem to be never-ending, esp when we have exams or assignments or stuff. But yeah, dan gave me a surprise call last night, or should i say morning, cos he called at my 4am. Didnt hear the phone ring, til Jas kinda woke up. Hmmm..it was sweet of him,, but I guess i was kinda grouchy, cos I was really tired, and I was dreaming at that time! THat reminds me, it should be Sharon's 13 months in 2 days's time rite? Aww..at least u guys got to spend ur 1 year Anniv together.

Hmm..ok, gotta go finish some labs, and then, shopaholic! And Jas is prob gonna read Harry Potter all night cos she just borrowed it frm Micheal.

Currently feeling: tired

Dead tired.

It's so crappy that when i finally can sleep in for the day, i cant sleep past 10am! Probably due to the fact that I have been getting up at 9 every morning nowadays.

it was the Weir house Ball tonight, and actually it was quite a huge thing, but some how, we didnt end up going, cos 1st, it costs $40 for the tickets (and that only includes nibbles and some booze, not even a meal), and then, the theme is Arabian, and I thought we have to dress up. Only much later did I find out that most ppl dont go by that theme! So, I could have actually wore my prom dress frm last year. But then again, doing my hair would cost tonnes, unless i come up with some hairdo on my own. ANyways, nevermind...

But we had quite a decent farewell party for Green, this Korean friend from ICF. He's like one of the greatest guys in ICF, totally friendly and someone whom we can chat to. And he's just totally hillarious! to quote Karen, he makes people laugh without intending to. It's just amazing to listen to his stories about Military Training while he was in Korea, and his farm experience in Otaki and just stuff. Had a chance to be in the same van as we travelled to and fro from COnference recently, and we were sharing the typical, "most embarrassing moment" and his was totally farney! Ohya, he's actually one of Esther's flatmates. But hope he doesnt really have to leave, cos as of now, he still has a few job applications that hasn't replied him. Anyways, food was good, as usual, and then, a few of them had short presentations. Esther, Cal and Dan came up with thier own lyrics from a few songs, and they were just so funny, yet fitting! But i think the best was Matt's song! He played the guitar and sang the song. He did ok, but was choking up while singing certain parts, and of course, i shed a few tears as well. Could never hold myself at farewell parties. ANwyas, I loved the lyrics of the song so much that i searched it up on the net.

Friends (Michael W. Smith)

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes he’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the lord’s the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love god’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Hmm..was looking forward to talking to dan tonight, but seems like he's busy. And i guess the effects of a LDR seems to be kicking in more, now that he's busy with Bible College, and new work, squash and stuff.  Plus, now our timetables seem to clash, so..yeah, less time to communicate. Kinda stinks sometimes, but I just have detach myself to a certain degree, so that I dont get so affected. I mean, hey, u cant things to be that easy if oceans and seas separate you guys rite? Just gotta hang on to God, not just because He's the last resort, but more because it's all already in His hands.

Weir House Interntional Night is coming up, and it's quite a big event cos we, international sutdents gotta come up with some performance. Well, we have 6 Malaysians here, so we decided to come up with a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian and modern  dances. We've gotten most of our steps, but costumes kinda gives us a headache. It was kinda silly of me not to bring any traditional constume at all. Not a single one! haha..probably gotta get one when i get back end of this year. And didnt realise that it's that hard to get a chinese fan here in Welly. Ok, yeah, i know it's Welly.

HAPPY BURFDAY JU!!

Currently feeling: disappointed..sleepy

I. Am. So. Dead. Tired.

The whole week has been long and hectic. And it has not ended yet. One more long day, of superly long labs to go. Ish! Well, oklah, i do enjoy mopst of my labs for this trimester cos all the lab demonstrators are so nice and helpful! Hmm..considering, I've got quite good lecturers for this trimester. Except this guy from God knows where, who has God knows what slang, for my Biology of Diseases course. Plus, that's like one of the harder course.

ok, Funny incident.

Welly. Is. Windy.  (it's fun making statements like that )

there's no doubt about that man! I was going to town yesterday evening to run some errands. And I used the shortcut, which is behind Weir, and the slo[pes and flight of steps lead to Lambton Quay (CBD). And so, i was walking on the five-foot path by a road, and it's acutally sort of a flyover cos there were cars under me and stuff. Anyways, so there were cars on the right, and then, there are railings on my left. And suddendly, the wind just blew SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO strong, that as i lift my foot alternately to walk, i was blown sideways, almost onto the road!! OK, so i remembered Aik Win saying that u sometimes have to even stop and grab a pole when the wind blows so strong! So fine, i didnt want to be blown onto the road, and be killed by a car!  So, I kinda turned around, so no one driving would see me, and i grabbed the railing! Then, i felt so silly cos i was walking on my own, and who on earth stops and stands still. So, i decided to brave myself, and counter the wind! So i continued my walk, and to my horror, i was blown side ways again! And i bet there were ppl laughing at me when they saw me struggling to beat the wind! Donkeys! But anyways, i ended up holding the railing while walking, like some old lady, and made it to the end of the street, where there are buildings which blocked the treacherous wind! Craziness! But i was laughing as i walked the rest of the way. haha!

ok..gotta get my nap. Ciao!