Sighhhhhhhh……..(of relieve)

I’m done! Just finished my Stats test this evening, and all I have to do now is sit and look forward to ski trip this weekend!! Can’t believe it that the 1^st half of the 2^nd Trimester has flewn by! Ok, lets just not think about the things that I haven’t caught up with in class, except those courses with weekly assignments.

Hmmm…so many things has happened that I don’t know what to update.

International Night:

It was A-W-E-S-O-M-E! We had spreads of scrumptious food from all over the world, and boy, were they impressive! Well, whether they were delicious or not is another story, but the presentation was impressive indeed. We, International Students didn’t have to cook anything this year, but the kitchen staff cooked instead. So..yeah, the supposedly Tomato Rice from Msia was more of “kuih” than rice. Haha! And Lecturers were invited from most of the Faculties, and even the Vice Chancellor was there! Apparently last year, they even invited Ambassadors of various other countries! But sadly not this year. The best part though was the presentations! We had some 20 presentations, skits, dances, flash projection, comedy, Jerry Springer, traditional dances, and you name it, you’ve got it! And the 6 of us (Malaysians) toiled for 2 whole weeks to come up with a dance, which was a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and a few steps of Jazz (only those that I can still remember from our “stupid cupid” dance in Traplex ) Yeah..it was just awesome. Kinda rediscovered the joy and satisfaction of performing a dance, that you practiced so long for. Ok, I shall let pictures speak for themselves.

Aaahhhhh...I'm full and sleepy! Had a wonderful and relaxing day today. Went for picnic with a few people at the Sound Shell at the Botanical Gardens this afternoon for lunch, and had a great day soaking up the sun. Though it was kinda windy, and later on, the clouds emerged. Then, we shifted over to Esther's place, where we watched Bride & Prejudice and Little Women. Little Women was soo romantic and touching! And ohya, Esther even made a batch of Honey Oats Cookies! then, much later on, we had dinner at KK's Malaysian Restaurant! Yummy! It's one of the better Msian restaurants, and we had a whole table of, Nasi Lemak, Hokkien mee, Mee Goreng, and some Wan TOn Hor. Though, the names are a lil deceiving, cos my Hokkien Mee turned out to be Hokkien Char! But it was all good!

it was sort of an all-girls' outing for the past two days! Today, only one poor guy joined us for picnic, and then, the rest of the evening were just us, gals, giggly and funny! And yesterday, 3 other friends and myself went for Taebo at the Rec Centre and then shopping in town! And not to mention Korean lunch! Hmm..i need more Taebo. Which brings me to remember that I better catch some sleep , cos i'll be going for Taebo again tomorrow morning! Hmm..I might also sign up for the 3 months Group Exercise at the Rec Centre.

And oh yes...I came back from a totally AWESOME ski trip last monday, but have been too busy..and err,...too lazy to update. hehe! Still waiting for the pics from my friend's camera before I update all about it. So..yeah..ok..my mission for the weekend.

and oh yes, my darling dan has sent me another package! Got another pack of Durian Cake!!!!!! Nothing on earth is better than a taste of home man!!  It tasted like heaven k!! haha...yes...it was very sweet of him. Plus, remember I was "lost" during my bushwalk during last hols, well, he sent me a compass, so I can find my way around. Haha! so cute..

Okiez..goodnight welly!

I miss home.

Lee-Lim AI Ping, all your fault! Haha! *sobs* I was looking through ur 149 pics from ur summer hols album, and gosh!! All those pics made me miss you all (my friends) so much!! THe ppl whom I havnt met in ages (Ann, Aster, Ping, mei, jo, reen ..and the whole lot! ) THose fun things u guys were doing, the countless beach snapshots, and the pictures of Penang food!!!!!!!! Char Koay Teow, and Dim Sum, and the weird internals-of-a-pig porridge. Ping arh..all ur fault lerr..hehe..

Oh well, will be home soon. 3 more months!

Had a good walk to town running some errands, and grabbing some stuff that I've needed for so long. I had to walk for like ages, before I found a place to dryclean the ski jacket, and the traditional clothes that I borrowed off Feli. Then, I had quite an enjoyable time, roaming in town, along the busy streets on a Saturday afternoon alone. Hmm..i feel accomplished. Cos I walked sooo much, and I spent time alone! Sorting out my thoughts, and talking with GOd. Realised that my brain has always been working non-stop, but it's all kept inside, and un-dealt with. Hmm..that's prob why I have dreams practically every night, and apparently that means that I was not having deep sleep.

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" -Luke 12:21-

I've been busy with plans, and countless activities. And I have been busy trying to achieve something. Something that would gain me experience, and give me a decent degree that would then, get me a decent job. But what if, one day, i get hit by a truck or leave this success-orientated world for some reason? (Pardon me, I'm not claiming mishaps on myself, but it's just one of those "what-if-s?" Then, where would my half-achieved dreams go? Where would my half-achieved success go? Would I then leave this world empty handed and void? Life is so uncertain, and yet, in some ways certain if we chose to ignore the realities of life-death? Im thinking, wouldnt it be such a waste if one just lives life everyday, as if he's cheating death, trying to gain as much success, fame, and satisfaction as he can. And then, death would swing by, and wipe off everything, similar to that of a duster, wiping the whiteboard full of writing clean. Then, where would all else be? Is there any point in doing anything while on earth then? IS there any point in chasing after the things of the world such as a degree, fun, enjoyment, sexual satisfaction, fame, glory and self contentment? Isn't it momentary then? Nothing but a fleeting moment of excitement and happiness. I guess it is the Hope that has kept me going. The hope that keeps me looking heavenward. And yet, at moments, I stop myself and think, what am I bringing into heaven? Do I walk through the majestic gates of heaven with arms full of worldly materials, and then, sight my reflection on mirrors mounted on clouds, and realise that my hands were nothing but empty hands.

Then does this mean that I forget all else on earth, and devote my entire life as a pious Christian? Does this mean that I forget about my Biomed degree here, and just go through life, building treasures that would be creditted to heaven. Certainly not. WEll, at least I would like to think not! Surely we're placed here for a reason. And we hear the cliched phrase: You're not here by accident! i believe that amidst living our daily lives, they should be supplicated to God, and the key to that is being willing hands of God to move. that means, incorporating studying with the things of God. But what are the things of God then? Serving people as Christ did?

It's amazing how "people" are one of the most important thigns to God. It's like how sheeps are dear to their shepherd. And it's indeed a challenge to love people selflessly. Many times, I find myself selfish, I find myself thinking of my own benefit. I find myself brushing people aside, where in fact, they are the people taht God wants to love. It's hard man! It goes agaisnt my own rationale! And it takes much effort to do it. It takes much effort to remember that this life is not all about myself! It's not all about chasing after the things that I want! It's not about climbing right to the top. it is not, and yet, sometimes, I find myself, halfway heading to the top, ignoring all else about me. In truth, we tend to get washed into the "flow". GOd..I need you to first place that desire in me to love others as you love me, and as i love myself. Lord I need you.

Im B-O-R-E-D!!

Ok, i've been back from church for an hour, and all i did was slouch in front of the screen, blog-hop! It was fun no doubt, catching up "with ppl", only without them there. The wonders of blogs! Kudos to the fella who came up with this idea! Not too hard to come up with it...afterall, they said necessity is the mother of invention. Hmm..blog hopping is fun, esp when u have broadband, and jumping from one link to another.

Lunch in 10 mins time. Sad that it's the next thing i'm looking forward to? haha! Oh well, food makes me happy! You should see ppl like Esther, Jess, and apparently Karen, who go all over for food. They practically know every other food outlet in Welly. And mind you, Welly is one of the cities in NZ with the most food outlets! Hmm..that's why, you see, i need TAEBO! THat reminds me, I should sign up for the 3-month membership for Group exercises this wednesday. (darn! I just remebered that lunch is half an-hour later during breaks! Ish!!! so, I have another 35mins to ramble! Cis!! ) Taebo's good..makes me feel less guilty, when i eat? Lol! No..gotta build up my stamina. Gotta be as fit, or fitter than Dan! Yesss! *wishful*

Im actually looking forward to the Committee Retreat I'm attending tomorrow and the day after. WE're heading off to some other town, Paekakariki. Not even sure if i spelt it correctly! haha! The amazing thing about  NZ is that they have all these Maori names for their towns, and even roads and stuff! Love NZ for their rich culture! Despite being colonised, the Maoris still have rights here, to what extent im not sure, but definitely more than that of the Aboriginees in Aussie. And I like the way they pronounce the words in Maori! And the slurr of the tip of your tongue, Rrrrrrrrr....haha!

Ok..that reminds me, I prob forgot to mention that I just took on the post of Secretary for ICF. QUite a challenge for me, cos the predecessor, Aik WIn is almost capable of winning the Award for the Best Secretary of the year. Apparently he even memorises the 10 rules of VUWSA (our student association)! But oh well...i'll come up with my own style and above all, i need God. But I do certainly need prayers, so that I manage my time well..what with four courses this trimester, and with endless labs, tutorials, and assigments. Good training I guess. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his lovve into our hearts! SO yeah,..im looking forward to a time away frm the rest of the world. Spending time with the new Committee and Esther's cooking, together with a touch of wine! btw, Esther is the president for this new term.

OK..i've killed enough time. C'mon, lets go do something productive!

Ok...decided that it was wayy too long to comment in your blog. So, i made it my entry!

Jun Yee went in for the feb intake and im absolutely positive that she's taking dentistry, if not medicine. 3 of my frens who are in Aust now (who took HSC) are taking Med or dentistry and they went for the Feb intake. They are in NSW, Adelaide, Tasmania. Mayb u just missed the deadlines kua. Cos i remember them applying like mad during mid-year. It sucks to miss the closing dates. So, u better start applying for whatever u want to do.

Well, in NZ, my Uni definitely doesnt have Dentistry. Im not too sure abt Otago and Auckland. Go to their website and see. I think it's www.otago.ac.nz & www.auckland.ac.nz

OK..i just checked. Otago has Dentistry, Bac. of Dental Surgery or Bac. of Dental Tech. There's a list of them..go to their website and check. I checked Auckland, i dont think they have dentistry. YOu better double check yourself. These 3 unis are the top in NZ, including mine. OHya, u might want to try Massey Uni. It's quite "science-y". As far as I know, they have Veterinerean and stuff...So..they might have Dentistry.

Ok..this is the best I can do. Hope this lil bit helps! But have to warn u that OTago is quite ex, and if im not mistaken, to get into any "medical" line, u need to take general Health Sc.  for 1st year, and then, if u do well, u can specialise. But im sure u'll do well wan lah! Loo su ann is there! and Jessica as well, if u know her! Su ann might be doing Med.

And interesting info for u, NZ has quite a vibrant night life, cos the ppl here are party animals man! And the ppl goes clubbing 2-3 times a week! Well, at least here in Welly! So...yeah...not as dead as most of us would think. U might like it.

All the best!

Ok..I know i know, i went for the ski trip like 2 weeks ago, but Im only updating it now. Well, i yayz for finally getting all the pictures from my other friends! So, let the pictures speak for themselves!

First was a bunch of excited passengers, who couldnt wait to get onto the snow!

Currently feeling: accomplished