♥ $herRi3 ♥

Super Nerdy Valentine's Day Post

2012-02-14T13:42:00.004-06:00

14 Ways an Economist Says I Love You

Give your loved one a nerdy Valentine and they'll be yours forever! Why? Because if you give them diamonds/cufflinks this year, anything you get them next year will fall short. Give them one of these and anything they receive next year will be a step up. It's called expectation management and is the key to a long and happy relationship. On that dismal (science heyoo) note, Happy Valentine's Day.

Source: http://fosslien.com/heart/

Moved on? or Left Behind?

2012-02-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

Scrolling down the news feed on my Facebook, posts and pictures about friends getting engaged/married, having family of their own, working and even some having children.. I realized that everyone is moving on to the next phase in life. And I'm getting old! haha..hanging out with a childhood friend (Stephanie) a couple days ago made us both realized how long ago it was since we first met in Children's Camp..how long ago it was when we first went to Youth Camp..honestly, it doesn't feel that long ago but then I realized, it was 11 years ago since my first time in Youth Camp. =.= Stephanie and I were just looking at our own circle of friends, it made us realized that everyone else had moved on except the very few of us, struggling abroad. At 25, every one is on their own career path and on the road to having their own family..As for us? We're still struggling to look for a job, struggling to finish school, struggling to be accepted in this society here, making new friends, re-starting my entire network, struggling to pay the bills...It made us both feel like we're so far behind our peer. Made me wonder, what is wrong with me? Why wouldn't anyone hire me or why is it so hard for me to fit in? Why is it so easy for some people to get a job and achieve their goals, but not me? Hmm..oh well, I'm sure God has a plan for us both. I just have to be patient and trust that God will provide a path for us in the end. Maybe I'll get a job really soon, or maybe I need to continue pursuing higher education and become a professor? All good things come to those who wait right? So, I'll just have to wait patiently, do my best and trust that God will show me what's next in my life. =)

Ranting

2012-02-11T18:12:00.002-06:00

Graduation..another one next year. I should be excited, but I'm not anymore. Today, I asked my family if they were coming to my graduation next year, but all I got was a "No". I can't say I'm surprised since they never actually showed up to any of my graduation or award ceremony before either. But what hurts and surprises me is what my dad said. I think I'm more disappointed and angry than sad. Since he promised that they will be here for my masters graduation, seeing they missed my last graduation, I thought they would at least try. But he said, "what for? your mom is not going anyways.." It makes me wonder, am I really that not worth being proud of? Am i really worth that little to them, that they never showed up to any of my award ceremonies?He showed up for every ceremony Sheryl ever had. He was there every time Sheryl was on stage, performing. He was at everything Sheryl did. But none of mine. I doubt that even with a PhD, they will show up for that graduation anyways. People wonder why I have so low self confidence and why I hate people not honoring their words, but after so many disappointments in life, I can't say I will ever hold my head up high and be proud of any of my achievement. None of these so-called achievements seems to worth anything to my family, huh? I wonder, if I ever get married one day, will any of them even bother to show up or would he ask me again "What for?" ..

So, both my sister won't be able to be there since it's exam period. The rest of them decided it's not worth anything to be here. So instead, graduation will look like this picture below. AGAIN..what's new? Maybe I won't even attend graduation then. It wasn't fun sitting and standing alone in the crowd last summer, everyone had someone cheering them on, being happy for them. But when my name was called, it was drop-dead silence. No sound. You could hear a pin drop. That feeling was horrible, it was suppose to be joyous but I was more excited for the entire ceremony to be over with. So, I don't intend to go through another lousy graduation again.

White Chinese New Year

2012-01-21T22:04:00.002-06:00

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Gong Xi Fatt Cai!

恭喜发财！龙年快乐！万事如意！年年有余！笑口常开！

红包。。请快递送来~~~ 嘻嘻。。。。

Oh! And instead of a white christmas, I now have a white Chinese New Year! =D

2011 in summary

2012-01-01T21:48:00.000-06:00

2011 has been a very eventful and interesting year for me.

Early this year, I graduated with my bachelors from U of A with several leadership awards which I was pretty proud of. I didn't know all my work was recognize till today, that the UA is still sending me emails to host events. I also applied to grad schools and LOTS of jobs nervously, got accepted into all the universities I applied to (Thank God! ^_^) , went back to KL for summer, got to spend time with my family, and moved to an entire new city. Packing up and move to an entire new city, starting a new chapter in my life was definitely not an easy one. Having to make new friends and adjusting to an entire new environment, transition was definitely a challenging one. Having an awful and discriminating professor made it even harder. A bad roommate choice was the cherry on top of my bad start in the city.

Well, there were definitely some happiness in my new chapter. I got 2 new pets for my birthday. 2 beautiful and playful leopard tortoise: Rain and Skye. Both of them had kept me company each day, close by my side. They were adorable! hehe..I made new friends, exploring my new home, ate lots of donuts! and also lots of asian food..haha..

Christmas was simple and fun. I made dinner for two: roast chicken, potatoes, campbell soup and sweet corn. Oh, and sparkling grape juice too! It was delicious. We also had ice cream for dessert. Yummy~~~ We were so full after all the food. Skye and Rain had their choice of salad and got to walk around the apartment all night.

However, things turned for worse again. Rain started getting very very sick due to a stupid stupid roommate. You see, there was a rat in the apartment that happened to came into my room. So, she decided to spray pesticide on ALL my belongings, including my 2 poor tortoises. When I told her to stop, she said "this pesticide is for roaches, it won't kill anything else but roaches .. " How stupid can she be? Another thing is, if it really only kills roaches, then why would she try spray it on a rat??? Urgh...anyways, my tortoises started getting sick and lost their appetite. Skye started recovering in a week but Rain was having lots of difficulties. He was alright in the beginning, but since Christmas, his health started taking a very bad turn, losing all appetite and all ability to retain heat. Unfortunately, all clinics were close for the holidays and with the cold weather, it was killing him. So, I had to hold him all the time, lay him on my stomach and legs to keep him warm ..but I guess it wasn't enough. On 27th morning, Rain died. I woke up only to find him lifeless. I was heartbroken because I was going to take him to a vet later that day. Skye was depressed (still is).

So, I went to get a box to put him in. I took him to a nearby vet to confirm that it's dead before we headed out to bury him. Since there wasn't any where to bury on campus or near my apartment, we took a 2 hour drive to Chatham Beach to bury him by the lighthouse and the beautiful beach. After finding the perfect spot, wrapping his lifeless body and digging up the hole, we said our goodbyes and buried him. I was definitely sad to lose my best friend who had always been by my side for the last 2 1/2 months. Right now, Skye is depressed, constantly looking for his brother around the apartment, waiting for Rain to show up for meals together..it was sad to see his eyes and the way he was acting. So, I'm spending time looking after him, making sure he will be alright.

That was a wrap of my 2011. Filled with many excitement, happiness and sadness. Although it ended sad, it was definitely an eventful one. I hope the new year would be a good start and no more bad stuff.

Here are some pics from the last few months:

Christmas Dinner

Dunkin Donuts Peppermint Mocha

Cape Cod

Chatham Lighthouse

Rain:

It was a beautiful day that day

Digging

Preparing to put him in

Bye bye Rain <3

Really?

2011-11-08T21:49:00.001-06:00

A couple days ago, I decided to leave to campus late afternoon, not realizing it was the same time as schools are over. A nice policeman decided that I was a kid, going home from school. He stopped the cars and escorted me across the street, asking "So, how was school today? Learnt anything?" I looked at him and smiled, "school was great today..thank you! " I wondered, do I look that young?

When I came home from school another day, I let a small kid have my seat on the bus. A nice gentleman said "That's really really nice of you. More kids should be like that.." I smiled, thinking "I'm probably around your age, sir."

While waiting for a friend to have dinner together, a couple of teenage boys nearby decided that I was worth hitting on. They started talking and cheering (wasn't paying much attention what exactly they were trying to say, but I know what they were saying about me since they were pointing and had that teenage smirk on their faces)..I was annoyed, thinking "Kids, even Sheryl is older than you..."

Everyone sees me like this..

A lady on the bus, trying to strike up a conversation asked me "So, which high school do you go to? Why aren't you in your uniform today?"

I didn't know how to answer her any more politely than "I'm a grad student...*smile* "

Yesterday, my classmates came up and ask me "Do you have a twin sister? That's so cool!" I was surprised. Wait, who are you talking about? "Oh, the sister that has the same name but instead of "e", it's "ll" ....

=.= erm, seriously????

And a couple more situations throughout the last 2 months had made me want to keep asking the question: "DO I SERIOUSLY LOOK THAT YOUNG?" and "Doesn't anyone believe I'm a grad student?"

when I should look like this...

Tale of a devoted wife. (Got it in an email)

2011-10-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

A very old man lay dying on his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs.

He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.

With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven.

There, spread out on newspaper on the kitchen table were literally hundres of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.

Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?

Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself towards the table. The aged and withered hand, shaking, made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when he suddenly was smacked with a spatula by his wife.

"Stay out of those cookies" she said. "They're for the funeral."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....

Smile

2011-10-27T23:17:00.000-05:00

For some, the warmth of coming home after a long day at work or school lies when having loved ones waiting at home, kids excited to see you home, dogs that would jump and give you sloppy wet kisses...

MINE?

SIMPLE...

I come home, I call "Rain Rain" and I see my 17 week old baby tortoise come out of his hiding and start a conversation. Although the conversation was him saying "ngiap ngiap ngiap" for 30 seconds, it puts a smile on my face. At least someone (or in this case, some animal) is excited to see me home..haha..

Rain is just so precious!

Oh, what about the other bigger one?

This is how it usually goes..

"Skye Skye..come out.."

Skye turns around, sees that I'm offering no food and there is nothing interesting at the moment, turns back and continues sleeping...

>.< No excitement or whatsoever...

Just a number

2011-10-25T00:44:00.000-05:00

Age is just a number.

It's not a measure of maturity.

When age and maturity differs so much, I wonder what they did throughout those years, wasted..

Just wasted..oh, I wish some people could be at least as mature as their age range...

Maturity of the mind, if not obtained, then life experiences have been wasted.

Life during those wasted years would mean nothing.

Nada. Zero. Kosong. Takde. Zip.

Oh, I feel sad and pity for those wasted years.

But pls do not trouble me with your immaturity.

Do not burden me with your wastefulness.

I just want a drama free life for now.

Thank you very much.

Maybe you don't understand, but please respect my decision and do not act so childishly.

I would like to remind y'all, that I'm way younger than you are.

Please do not embarrass your intellect, or at least that of presumed by others.

Por favor y gracias.

Terima Kasih banyak-banyak.

Reminisce

2011-10-24T00:23:00.000-05:00

My life used to consist of...

hanging out with friends

Playing music whenever I want to..

Going window shopping with friends and family...

Eating whenever I want to, as much as I want..without gobbling down everything like a glutton or starving poor student..oh, and I miss home-cooked food (not of my own)

NOW..

LIFE LOOKS LIKE THIS EVERYDAY:

Oh, life as a graduate student..that's why they say grad school is not for everyone. The only thing that puts a smile on my face each night is to see Rain and Skye excited for me to be home from school, to play with them and to just hang out..yes, i know it's sad that hanging out is no longer with human but with tortoises..but oh well, who has time to go out anymore right? hahahaha....

Life as I know it

2011-10-19T22:12:00.003-05:00

That summarizes my new life. New city, new friends, new tortoises, new chapter. A tough and stressful one, no doubt, but I honestly hope everything will payoff in the end... all my efforts and struggles would not be in vain..all this stress and struggling to stay afloat..Even though I feel like I should give in and stay depress and when I feel like I'm at a point of hopelessness, this comes back to me:

" No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, HE will provide a way out so that you may stand up under it."

~1 Corinthians 10:13

Bible study and memory verse are what keeps me afloat at times of depression or gloominess. When the world convince me that I am useless and stupid and that I will never succeed, I know these are lies of the world. Although it's really hard right now, with studies and finance, and with all my close friends leaving the country, I know I will be okay..God must really think I can endure all these (ok, maybe I doubt myself but HE does know me BEST. I trust that.)..HE must know that I'm stronger than I think I am..

P.S. Don't worry, even if i am tempted to be depress, I will be ok.

BACK

2011-10-11T20:56:00.000-05:00

MY BLOG HAS BEEN REVIVED!

WOOHOO~~~~~~~~

Alright peeps, now that my blog has been restored from the weird error that has occurred for months (and me being too lazy to figure out the problem), there will NOW be more updates!

erm, maybe tomorrow la..hahahaha....or later...

But my blog is BACK, yo!

HOME

2011-07-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'M BACK!!!!!

Hello everyone! I'm back in KL and it's super super hot! haha..after more than 24 hours of hassle and waiting in airports, I arrived safely in KL at 7.30am. Only to find them not at the airport waiting, but stuck in traffic. The first smell of Malaysia----guess------public toilet... =.= yes, public toilet..it was an unforgettable stench that I thought I could forget in the last 4 years. But when I arrived, the stench was the first I smelled, as if to welcome me back to my beautiful motherland..hahaha...first meal: wantan mee with Kopi-ping =)

Went out with friends, only to have 2 show up. Had buffet hi-tea at the KL Tower rotating restaurant, which by the way was nice. Good food + amazing view of KL. Grocery shopping for my favorite local snacks. Jalan-jalan at Midvalley and KLCC. Have some surprises come my way and not forgetting, all the amazing food I've eaten so far.

It's been a week now, and I've eaten quite a variety of food. Looks like this summer is more eating, sleeping and well, all in all, being a pig. hahaha...anyways, I've been so busy looking for apartments online. Everything in the city is so expensive!!! I wonder how I'm gonna afford next semester..sigh..

HOME

2011-06-18T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all back in Msia!!!

I'm coming home for the rest of my summer break!

Check your schedule, shift it around, make time slots available coz'...

we NEED to hang out!!!!

Hoops

2011-06-12T14:27:00.002-05:00

This weekend, after staying home and packing, I decided to hit the gym and do some work out. After 30min of gym, we decided to shoot some hoops and play some basketball. After years of not playing, my skills has not deteriorate too much..haha..at least I managed to get the ball through the hoops 80% of the time. After more than 30min of shooting hoops, now, my arms are sore..haha..but it was fun!

Warm weather

2011-06-04T09:52:00.002-05:00

The weather has taken a turn, from cold rainy days to warm summer days..bugs are out (and getting on my nerves), birds humming in the morning and of course, the a/c busy at work to keep us from overheating. Yes, we're participating in global warming but the heat is sometimes unbearable. You would think someone who grew up in a country right on the equator would be okay in dealing with the summer heat..but honestly, the heat is so different. It feels so hot and dry, making the heat unbearable. I wish it would be a little bit more humid. Maybe more than a little. Oh well, maybe the next summer would be just humid enough, but probably much much much more colder. Yes, I am emphasizing the coldness! haha...

For now, it's the heat I'll have to deal with. Next, the cold. One weather at a time.

Graduation and stuff..

2011-05-31T17:26:00.008-05:00

Back from hibernation and procrastination, I've decided to give my blog a new look, a new sound and now, of course, a new post as the first step to a new chapter in my life. After 4 years in this tiny town, I've finally got my degree. Although these 4 years had it's awkward moments and bad experiences, I've learned and grown so much..and not forgetting, I've enjoyed most of those 4 years. Travels, friends and fun random spontaneousness definitely made things interesting. During graduation week, families started pouring into this small town. Honestly, it did made me a little jealous because my family were not able to make it. Everyone else had someone, and I didn't.. even my sister wasn't here..hmm...but oh well, like I said, graduating with my friends and celebrating with their families were fun. Different, but fun nonetheless. And since my parents could not make it, they sent me 2 dozens of roses! Coming home from an award ceremony one evening and I found a box of roses for me! That made my day and definitely put a smile on my face. The roses bloomed beautifully and waking up to the smell of roses was refreshing.

During graduation, I was awake since 5.30am to prepare for the student leaders awards and breakfast..I was so tired that my makeup was pretty lousy..haha..even my mom said she can't tell if i actually had make up or not...lol..anyways, yawning throughout the day wasn't the best thing either. haha..After the breakfast, I went home to try to get ready and fix my hair a little better. Then, it was picking up my friends who needed a ride and heading towards the arena..and of course, I got the wrong location..haha..luckily, we decided it was odd that we were walking in an opposite direction from everyone else, and followed someone else instead..imagine what it would be like to show up at the wrong place! lol..I know, this is the sort of thing I always do..but we made it on time and got to our different majors. In Finance, I realized that most of my classmates were guys..I wondered what happened to the rest of the girls who were in my class...hmm....anyways, I lost my tassel when a guy bumped into me (I am not that short ok? I just don't understand why these guys keep bumping into me... ^_^"") ..I was frustrated because I was the only one in my row without a tassel. After speeches and stuff, we were finally getting our diploma folder. I was too tired to smile and be excited, not to add that Norwood had difficulty with my name despite the fact that 3/4 were actually made up of english names..I walked across the stage with a frown..it was pretty funny because Dr Liu, our department chair, actually asked why I was so sad and that I should smile..haha..in actuality, I was too tired and confused by many thoughts in my head.. After walking back to my seat, it was another long wait. I think most people in my row almost few asleep while waiting..The entire ceremony was almost 3 hours!

Anyways, after the ceremony, it was a game of hide and seek, trying to locate my bag and stuff..not to mention, to look for my friends who were there to see me and also those who needed me to give them a ride back. It was chaotic and exhausting. Walk, Walk, snap picture, walk, phone call, walk back, pose for picture, walk somemore....at the end of the day, I had blisters on my feet from walking in the wrong directions in everything all day! *sigh* Anyways, the bottom line is I graduated and I found all my stuff, including my tassel! haha..I got calla lilies a card from Monica and ice cream from Stefan! haha..those cheered me up from my blister and exhaustion. After that, I went to the engineering ceremony since most of my friends are graduating too.. (I managed to sneak in at the last 15min due to the ice cream stop..haha)

Anyways, here are some pictures! Enjoy~

Aren't they pretty?

Leadership Walton! with Sara and Renee

Stefan!

Diego!

(Can't believe he wasn't gonna come for the ceremony.. )

***

Stefan & Diego, I'm gonna miss you both!!!!! Can't believe it's been 4 years since we first met at the lobby in Yocum! And you guys took care of me and all those study groups in the middle of the night, late night snacks, and of course, our weekly movie nights..Hope we'll keep in touch wherever we all end up at! Call me when you come to the east coast!

***

Richard!!!

Old main

more old main

I'm tired..

Getting late

I just needed another picture..haha

***

Now that I've graduated, I wish the paperwork from my new school would come so I can go home..hmm..I'm craving so many Malaysian food already..

Rill, we're going to eat to our heart content when I come back! =p

Oh yes, I got into grad school~~~

hi

2011-05-30T23:22:00.001-05:00

Hi All!!!

I can't tell if anyone is reading my blog anymore. Seems like everyone is so busy with either work or school..and well, I'm just being lazy..haha..I'll update more tomorrow or so! Just dropping by to say hi and this blog is not dead yet...it's, erm, just hibernating... =p

Stronger

2011-04-26T15:07:00.001-05:00

This song is encouraging and so true:

In Awe

2011-04-20T15:06:00.006-05:00

Have you ever doubted God?

Have you ever doubted His plans for you?

Have you ever felt that your future looks so dim?

Have you been rejected so many times that all you expect in life is more rejection?

Have you ever lost hope that you think God has maybe forgotten about you?

Have you ever felt so rejected that you doubt the very purpose you were created for?

Have you ever felt so small and un-belonged to this world?

Well, that was how i felt when I was constantly rejected for internships and jobs for the past 3 years. Interviews after interviews, I was constantly rejected. I didn't get it, I had great leadership experiences and I had good grades. Then, when I took the GRE, I didn't do as amazing as I wanted to. Don't get me wrong, I did pretty alright. When I applied to PhD program here at the U of A, I was rejected. It was rejection after rejection. Not to mention the social pressure I face daily, trying to be apart and different from others is not an easy task. I has never been easy to face the world, knowing that I can't fit into the very mold our society has set for each and every one of us. And I probably will never be like every other girls out there. I should be proud to be just me, many wonder how I can stay so strong at times, but what people don't see is I am not as strong as I look. There are times when I started believing in the lies of the world. Until one day, during my Bible study with Jac, God told me to stop depending on my own strength..I have to let Him take control. Those who know me, knows that I like being in control.

When God didn't answer my prayers for internship and jobs, I started taking things into my own hands. I tried to fit in, and failed. I tried massive job applications. Failed. I tried networking on my own. Failed. Well, you can tell, when I depended on me, I failed. I was getting angry and upset that the world kept rejecting me. Then, I read:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."

-John 15:18-20

Last month, I started to do my devotion and prayer consistently in the morning. Sometimes, I pray whenever I can. Sometimes, just in the morning. It's amazing how God works in my life when I decided to let God take control in my life. Since then, I have now been accepted to 2 schools for Masters in Economic. I'm still waiting to hear back from 2 other schools, but I am in awe! 2 schools said yes to me when I expected rejection..BEFORE EASTER! I am jumping with joy and beaming..I'm so excited to share my testimony with everyone, and to tell everyone that if you trust in God with all you heart, soul and mind, HE will never fail to amaze you!

I should never have doubted God. Looking back, I had NO reason to doubt Him! He provided me with the best primary school where I learned a lot! He provided me with the best secondary school in the whole country. He provided me with friends who stuck by me, who didn't mind me being different, to look out for me. Even my most notorious friends (not your average skip school kind of notorious, I do mean big time bad influence) looked out for me , esp in bad neighborhoods, as if God Himself was there to look out for me. Oh, and not to forget the Malay bus conductors who would personally check on me on the bus to see if I was ok and not let any weird person sit next to me. He provided me shelter and protection during my 3 months in NS. He provided me with help throughout A-Levels. He provided me a way to study in the US and had allowed random strangers to be right beside me to help me through my journey alone. He provided a great and amazing Christian family to welcome me into this new country in every way possible. He provided me the best roommate I ever had and she is now my best friend. He provided me a way to influence others through leadership. He provided me a bunch of friends to welcome me at Holcombe Hall when I first step to campus, who immediately introduced every single new international student to me. (I do mean EVERY!) He provided me with a close circle of Malaysians who are also Christians to help guide me. He provided me with all the strength and protection I needed to grow. He provided me with my few best best best friends that I met the very first day I arrived, who made sure I was healthy, alive and I had fun! I could just go on and on about how much He had blessed me, but He had provided EVERYTHING for me. So, I never had much of a reason to doubt, because HE had seen me through everything. I never should have doubted and I will try my best to never to doubt HIM again. Trust God..trust that HE has a plan for you..no matter if you have a talent or just an Average Jane like me! You'll be amazed of what He has in store for you.

Listen to this song, and it's amazing!

when in doubt..trust~

2011-04-18T15:49:00.004-05:00

All the doubts and headache are being cleared.
My future isn't that dim anymore.
I now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank God for answering my prayers, for constantly providing for me, for always using everything around me to shape and mold me.
I'm so grateful for everything.
I'm jumping for joy~ wee~~~
I should never have doubted since HE has always provided for me, in every circumstances and for everything.
Never Doubt God..HIS plans may turn out to be better than yours!
God has never failed me, and HE never will…

long time no see

2011-03-29T22:32:00.001-05:00

I like this song and I thought I'd share it with y'all! =)

♫ I ♥ cooking/baking ♫

2011-03-27T18:10:00.004-05:00

Spring break has come and gone.

I haven't accomplish as much as I would like to, or maybe I overestimated myself?

I worked on 25% of my econometrics hw (due Apr 30 since it hasn't been covered in class), started the book review, BBQ, found a new thing to learn, baked/ cooked, hung out with friends from in/out of state.. Recently, I have been craving so many Malaysian food. All thanks to my friends in Malaysia and the one in London who keeps posting Msian food (haha..this is credited to you, Sam!), I went online to search for the some Malaysian recipes that could be possible to make here in the States. Well, Fayetteville to be exact since ingredients are hard to come by in such a small, and angmoh populated town. So far, I've made Portuguese Egg Tart, Chu Yao Cha, Hokkien Mee and yesterday, I made Siew Yuk! hahahaha....I'll post the pic of siew yuk when I eat it la, right now, it's frozen in my freezer! I think I'm starting to fall in love with cooking/baking (not the clean up part). With the constant cravings and tight budget, I honestly am getting pretty good at this skill. Oh well, basically, I ♥ food..hahahaha

I have couple more recipes in mind that I wanna try, but those might have to wait till summer. Anyways, this spring break has been the most relaxing one I had in 4 years! And with someone to always help me with my chores around here and to drive me around town whenever and wherever I want, I can't really complain.. ☺ well, I could, but it would be chore/transportation unrelated..haha..being rejected constantly has taken a toll on me recently and the waiting period is excruciating. Jobs are hard to come by. I really really really really pray that Northeastern, UTSA and CCNY will accept my application soon.

Anyway, here are pics of my egg tarts! They're delicious!!! yum~~~~

*drool*

Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior?

2011-03-17T23:09:00.008-05:00

The way I was brought up, and the way my future kids (if any) will be..i guess that explains my competitiveness and ability to strive better under stress... =p

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Can a regimen of no playdates, no TV, no computer games and hours of music practice create happy kids? And what happens when they fight back?

By AMY CHUA

A lot of people wonder how Chinese parents raise such stereotypically successful kids. They wonder what these parents do to produce so many math whizzes and music prodigies, what it's like inside the family, and whether they could do it too. Well, I can tell them, because I've done it. Here are some things my daughters, Sophia and Louisa, were never allowed to do:

Erin Patrice O'Brien for The Wall Street Journal

Amy Chua with her daughters, Louisa and Sophia, at their home in New Haven, Conn.

• attend a sleepover

• have a playdate

• be in a school play

• complain about not being in a school play

• watch TV or play computer games

• choose their own extracurricular activities

• get any grade less than an A

• not be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama

• play any instrument other than the piano or violin

• not play the piano or violin.

I'm using the term "Chinese mother" loosely. I know some Korean, Indian, Jamaican, Irish and Ghanaian parents who qualify too. Conversely, I know some mothers of Chinese heritage, almost always born in the West, who are not Chinese mothers, by choice or otherwise. I'm also using the term "Western parents" loosely. Western parents come in all varieties.

Ms. Chua answers questions from Journal readers who wrote in to the Ideas Market blog.

All the same, even when Western parents think they're being strict, they usually don't come close to being Chinese mothers. For example, my Western friends who consider themselves strict make their children practice their instruments 30 minutes every day. An hour at most. For a Chinese mother, the first hour is the easy part. It's hours two and three that get tough.

When it comes to parenting, the Chinese seem to produce children who display academic excellence, musical mastery and professional success - or so the stereotype goes. WSJ's Christina Tsuei speaks to two moms raised by Chinese immigrants who share what it was like growing up and how they hope to raise their children.

Despite our squeamishness about cultural stereotypes, there are tons of studies out there showing marked and quantifiable differences between Chinese and Westerners when it comes to parenting. In one study of 50 Western American mothers and 48 Chinese immigrant mothers, almost 70% of the Western mothers said either that "stressing academic success is not good for children" or that "parents need to foster the idea that learning is fun." By contrast, roughly 0% of the Chinese mothers felt the same way. Instead, the vast majority of the Chinese mothers said that they believe their children can be "the best" students, that "academic achievement reflects successful parenting," and that if children did not excel at school then there was "a problem" and parents "were not doing their job." Other studies indicate that compared to Western parents, Chinese parents spend approximately 10 times as long every day drilling academic activities with their children. By contrast, Western kids are more likely to participate in sports teams.

What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it. To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it is crucial to override their preferences. This often requires fortitude on the part of the parents because the child will resist; things are always hardest at the beginning, which is where Western parents tend to give up. But if done properly, the Chinese strategy produces a virtuous circle. Tenacious practice, practice, practice is crucial for excellence; rote repetition is underrated in America. Once a child starts to excel at something—whether it's math, piano, pitching or ballet—he or she gets praise, admiration and satisfaction. This builds confidence and makes the once not-fun activity fun. This in turn makes it easier for the parent to get the child to work even more.

Chinese parents can get away with things that Western parents can't. Once when I was young—maybe more than once—when I was extremely disrespectful to my mother, my father angrily called me "garbage" in our native Hokkien dialect. It worked really well. I felt terrible and deeply ashamed of what I had done. But it didn't damage my self-esteem or anything like that. I knew exactly how highly he thought of me. I didn't actually think I was worthless or feel like a piece of garbage.

As an adult, I once did the same thing to Sophia, calling her garbage in English when she acted extremely disrespectfully toward me. When I mentioned that I had done this at a dinner party, I was immediately ostracized. One guest named Marcy got so upset she broke down in tears and had to leave early. My friend Susan, the host, tried to rehabilitate me with the remaining guests.

The fact is that Chinese parents can do things that would seem unimaginable—even legally actionable—to Westerners. Chinese mothers can say to their daughters, "Hey fatty—lose some weight." By contrast, Western parents have to tiptoe around the issue, talking in terms of "health" and never ever mentioning the f-word, and their kids still end up in therapy for eating disorders and negative self-image. (I also once heard a Western father toast his adult daughter by calling her "beautiful and incredibly competent." She later told me that made her feel like garbage.)

Chinese parents can order their kids to get straight As. Western parents can only ask their kids to try their best. Chinese parents can say, "You're lazy. All your classmates are getting ahead of you." By contrast, Western parents have to struggle with their own conflicted feelings about achievement, and try to persuade themselves that they're not disappointed about how their kids turned out.

I've thought long and hard about how Chinese parents can get away with what they do. I think there are three big differences between the Chinese and Western parental mind-sets.

Newborn Amy Chua in her mother's arms, a year after her parents arrived in the U.S.

First, I've noticed that Western parents are extremely anxious about their children's self-esteem. They worry about how their children will feel if they fail at something, and they constantly try to reassure their children about how good they are notwithstanding a mediocre performance on a test or at a recital. In other words, Western parents are concerned about their children's psyches. Chinese parents aren't. They assume strength, not fragility, and as a result they behave very differently.

For example, if a child comes home with an A-minus on a test, a Western parent will most likely praise the child. The Chinese mother will gasp in horror and ask what went wrong. If the child comes home with a B on the test, some Western parents will still praise the child. Other Western parents will sit their child down and express disapproval, but they will be careful not to make their child feel inadequate or insecure, and they will not call their child "stupid," "worthless" or "a disgrace." Privately, the Western parents may worry that their child does not test well or have aptitude in the subject or that there is something wrong with the curriculum and possibly the whole school. If the child's grades do not improve, they may eventually schedule a meeting with the school principal to challenge the way the subject is being taught or to call into question the teacher's credentials.

If a Chinese child gets a B—which would never happen—there would first be a screaming, hair-tearing explosion. The devastated Chinese mother would then get dozens, maybe hundreds of practice tests and work through them with her child for as long as it takes to get the grade up to an A.

Chinese parents demand perfect grades because they believe that their child can get them. If their child doesn't get them, the Chinese parent assumes it's because the child didn't work hard enough. That's why the solution to substandard performance is always to excoriate, punish and shame the child. The Chinese parent believes that their child will be strong enough to take the shaming and to improve from it. (And when Chinese kids do excel, there is plenty of ego-inflating parental praise lavished in the privacy of the home.)

Second, Chinese parents believe that their kids owe them everything. The reason for this is a little unclear, but it's probably a combination of Confucian filial piety and the fact that the parents have sacrificed and done so much for their children. (And it's true that Chinese mothers get in the trenches, putting in long grueling hours personally tutoring, training, interrogating and spying on their kids.) Anyway, the understanding is that Chinese children must spend their lives repaying their parents by obeying them and making them proud.

By contrast, I don't think most Westerners have the same view of children being permanently indebted to their parents. My husband, Jed, actually has the opposite view. "Children don't choose their parents," he once said to me. "They don't even choose to be born. It's parents who foist life on their kids, so it's the parents' responsibility to provide for them. Kids don't owe their parents anything. Their duty will be to their own kids." This strikes me as a terrible deal for the Western parent.

Third, Chinese parents believe that they know what is best for their children and therefore override all of their children's own desires and preferences. That's why Chinese daughters can't have boyfriends in high school and why Chinese kids can't go to sleepaway camp. It's also why no Chinese kid would ever dare say to their mother, "I got a part in the school play! I'm Villager Number Six. I'll have to stay after school for rehearsal every day from 3:00 to 7:00, and I'll also need a ride on weekends." God help any Chinese kid who tried that one.

Don't get me wrong: It's not that Chinese parents don't care about their children. Just the opposite. They would give up anything for their children. It's just an entirely different parenting model.

Here's a story in favor of coercion, Chinese-style. Lulu was about 7, still playing two instruments, and working on a piano piece called "The Little White Donkey" by the French composer Jacques Ibert. The piece is really cute—you can just imagine a little donkey ambling along a country road with its master—but it's also incredibly difficult for young players because the two hands have to keep schizophrenically different rhythms. Lulu couldn't do it. We worked on it nonstop for a week, drilling each of her hands separately, over and over. But whenever we tried putting the hands together, one always morphed into the other, and everything fell apart. Finally, the day before her lesson, Lulu announced in exasperation that she was giving up and stomped off.

"Get back to the piano now," I ordered.

"You can't make me."

"Oh yes, I can."

Back at the piano, Lulu made me pay. She punched, thrashed and kicked. She grabbed the music score and tore it to shreds. I taped the score back together and encased it in a plastic shield so that it could never be destroyed again. Then I hauled Lulu's dollhouse to the car and told her I'd donate it to the Salvation Army piece by piece if she didn't have "The Little White Donkey" perfect by the next day. When Lulu said, "I thought you were going to the Salvation Army, why are you still here?" I threatened her with no lunch, no dinner, no Christmas or Hanukkah presents, no birthday parties for two, three, four years. When she still kept playing it wrong, I told her she was purposely working herself into a frenzy because she was secretly afraid she couldn't do it. I told her to stop being lazy, cowardly, self-indulgent and pathetic. Jed took me aside. He told me to stop insulting Lulu—which I wasn't even doing, I was just motivating her—and that he didn't think threatening Lulu was helpful. Also, he said, maybe Lulu really just couldn't do the technique—perhaps she didn't have the coordination yet—had I considered that possibility?

"You just don't believe in her," I accused.

"That's ridiculous," Jed said scornfully. "Of course I do."

"Sophia could play the piece when she was this age."

"But Lulu and Sophia are different people," Jed pointed out.

"Oh no, not this," I said, rolling my eyes. "Everyone is special in their special own way," I mimicked sarcastically. "Even losers are special in their own special way. Well don't worry, you don't have to lift a finger. I'm willing to put in as long as it takes, and I'm happy to be the one hated. And you can be the one they adore because you make them pancakes and take them to Yankees games."

I rolled up my sleeves and went back to Lulu. I used every weapon and tactic I could think of. We worked right through dinner into the night, and I wouldn't let Lulu get up, not for water, not even to go to the bathroom. The house became a war zone, and I lost my voice yelling, but still there seemed to be only negative progress, and even I began to have doubts.

Then, out of the blue, Lulu did it. Her hands suddenly came together—her right and left hands each doing their own imperturbable thing—just like that.

Lulu realized it the same time I did. I held my breath. She tried it tentatively again. Then she played it more confidently and faster, and still the rhythm held. A moment later, she was beaming.

"Mommy, look—it's easy!" After that, she wanted to play the piece over and over and wouldn't leave the piano. That night, she came to sleep in my bed, and we snuggled and hugged, cracking each other up. When she performed "The Little White Donkey" at a recital a few weeks later, parents came up to me and said, "What a perfect piece for Lulu—it's so spunky and so her."

“ I am in disbelief after reading this article. ”

—James Post

Even Jed gave me credit for that one. Western parents worry a lot about their children's self-esteem. But as a parent, one of the worst things you can do for your child's self-esteem is to let them give up. On the flip side, there's nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't.

There are all these new books out there portraying Asian mothers as scheming, callous, overdriven people indifferent to their kids' true interests. For their part, many Chinese secretly believe that they care more about their children and are willing to sacrifice much more for them than Westerners, who seem perfectly content to let their children turn out badly. I think it's a misunderstanding on both sides. All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. The Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that.

Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions, supporting their choices, and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. By contrast, the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they're capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits and inner confidence that no one can ever take away.

—Amy Chua is a professor at Yale Law School and author of "Day of Empire" and "World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability." This essay is excerpted from "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua, to be published Tuesday by the Penguin Press, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright © 2011 by Amy Chua.

One of the best CNY abroad

2011-02-27T21:52:00.006-06:00

Like everyone back in Malaysia, I had a great CNY dinner.One of the best CNY I'd ever have abroad.. after 4 years, finally a Malaysian style CNY gathering dinner...there were 22-23 of us, with only 5 non-Malaysians.

Starting off the evening was yee sang prepared by Lili and then steamboat! I helped made the meatballs! hehe...I arrived early that day to help entertain lil' Jon Jon and to make meat balls..hehe..funny of Jon Jon to be so entertained by me all the time. Apparently, he's quiet and well behaved when he sees me, so he's happy to see me. Guess all babies like me? haha..anyways, it was great to meet all the Malaysians and have a great time together. Chatting, catching up with each other, watching their kids grow..it feels funny to be one of the youngest among them, and not being someone else's kid there..the youngest adults..felt strange for once, but fun..

Here are the pics:

Poor Dash was banished to the yard..no space for the big Dash

Preparing for yee sang~

Everyone getting ready to "lou sang"

Eating

They were trying to make me feel guilty for having to leave a pot "mushroom-less"..haha..

let's bring down the mountain~

2011-02-20T13:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T22:15:00.003-06:00

White Chinese New Year 2011!

2011-02-13T19:19:00.009-06:00

Most people have White Christmases, but I have White Chinese New Year! =D

This year, we had about 8inches of snow the first week, with extremely low temperatures. The university refused to close until 9.30am on Thursday as the transit bus could no longer run safely. I was in class when I received the text message, stating that the university will close and the last bus will be in 10minutes! You can imagine how all of us ran out of class and towards the bus stop, all cramming into the bus like a can of sardine. Anyway, the snow did not stop for the weekend either..which means sledding and making snowmen...luckily I had groceries stocked up just in case of emergency.. =D

Later the next week, we had more snow! 25inch of thick, white, fluffy snow and -23'F temperature made Fayetteville colder than Alaska! haha..pipes froze up, people snowed in, stores closed and well, you get the picture. No one was crazy enough to brave the weather and head out like me..hehe..i drove around town, in search of delicious soup to go with the cold weather. I had delicious butternut squash soup at Atlanta Bread one day and instead of more soups, I had 2 nights of warm steamboat with friends. Since Arkansas is not equipped to deal with such severe weather, schools were closed for the entire week, cars drifted, people stranded, pipes burst everywhere, heaters on fire, roads unploughed and I had NO shovel! So, being creative, I used my sled and legs as alternatives..hehe..All in all, I had a great Chinese New Year with ample snow~~ School finally resumed today and there's so much catching up to do since we had been out for 2 weeks.

Pictures time:

Snowmen

Poultry Science Lawn where I sled and others broke their arms and legs doing so! =p

Sled

With 8-10inch of snow:

With 25inch of snow, +1-2inch every hour:

This is what I woke up to

Can you spot my car?

6inch of snow on my windshield..

Got buried while cleaning...imagine how much snow there is!

Around town:

(Can you spot the stranded car?)

Where's the railroad track???

Happy Chinese New Year!

2011-02-03T22:30:00.001-06:00

It's been snowing all week! and each day is colder than before..>10inch of white snow to celebrate the year of the Rabbit! =D

Weekend at the Big Apple

2011-01-26T17:09:00.002-06:00

The entire UA Representatives!

You know how some people say "I went to XXX for the weekend!" or " I went to Paris to shop!" Well, now I get to say, I went to New York for the weekend! haha! No, it's not for pleasure or because I'm rich..but it's for the Danone TRUST Challenge 2011. Expenses were covered and lodging provided, making the trip almost free. UA sent 4 teams, total of 20 students, for the competition. The challenge was to run a business simulation, making business plans for the company for the next 3 years, making choices as executives and forecasting P&L. It was similar to what executives face on a daily basis. The challenge lasted a total of 5 hours straight of brainstorming and decision making. What makes it more challenging is working with 4 different strangers as a team. But quickly, we got to know each other and the group dynamics remained positive. The challenge was fun, especially when you see how others work under stress and pressure. For me, the more pressure or stress, the better I work. I actually felt more comfortable in the stressful period than the beginning. Weird, huh? Anyways, I think our team did well and I pray that our team will make it to the finals.

After the challenge, the entire group from UA decided to head down to NYC for the night. So, we went back to the hotel and freshen up before heading out. It was a fun night out, getting to know others and joking around. Being in the city/ Times Square made me feel just right back home. The crowd, the traffic, bad driving, sirens, running across the traffic...I felt belonged and safe there than in a small town. (Ok, some of you may be thinking I am a little strange to feel safe with the constant siren blaring off but it definitely made me feel back in KL)..Anyway, I had great Japanese food, great conversations and of course, fun!

A weekend away, great company and challenging competition is just what I needed. This trip further confirms my passion and dream of one day being a corporate executive/ board member. I guess now I can say, I am on the right track! =D

Winter Getaway 2010

2011-01-04T15:09:00.008-06:00

Like every other year, I take a trip, a getaway if you will.. This time, it was nearer to home..Houston, TX! Our 10 hours drive started at 6am. It was pleasant drive there at first, since I only drove 2 1/2 hours of it..haha..however, our drive was longer than 12 hours! haha..guess what happens? Like every time, something interesting has to happen..this time, another flat tire! hehe..I was sound asleep when he pulled the car by the busy highway and woke me up, and the first thing he said "I think we got another flat tire *grins*".. For some mysterious reason, every trip I take, something like that is bound to happen. The day before we left, he had gotten a flat tire and changed it out. 2 weeks before that, we changed another flat tire during our Thanksgiving day trip. Anyways, we pulled over by the highway, tried to get change the flat tire out with our new gadgets! hehe..he must be thankful that I made him bought the new gadgets, since the last time we did it with the pathetic small gadgets that came with the car, we couldn't even get the car above ground level..anyways, a man pulled up by the highway and started reversing towards us. He was friendly enough to offer us help and directions to the nearest body shop.

Ok, after changing out the tire in the midst of heavy traffic, we started heading towards the body shop the man had told us to. First body shop -NO such tires in stock. Second body shop: NO tires in that size either..Well, they gave us another body shop to go to, and this time, it was starting to get dark and traffic was picking up..we stopped by a gas station to refill gas and reconfirm our directions. Guess what? The guy gave us a body shop which was 2 hours away.. ^_^"" How were we gonna get there with the small spare tire? So, the guy at the gas station gave us a couple of nearby body shops addresses. At the gas station, we meet some Chinese guys who kept staring at our car and us..then, after 20min, 3 of them came and ask if we were from UA and apparently, they know who he is and have seen us on campus... ^_^""" (i guess that's what being president is like huh? many know who u are, but u may not..haha)

Ok, Houston..we spent the first 2 days getting his passport renew and the car fixed. So, I was either sitting around in Starbucks with my book or walking around the area by myself while he's busy somewhere else..We also got to go to Galleria Houston, the 4th largest mall in the US..it was lovely..we went there almost every other day.. =p

Anyway, this trip, we got to eat a lot of good chinese food..we stumble upon this first place in downtown Galleria and they were pretty good..i was a happy camper..we came here for the first 2 nights in a row.. the dim sum and food service were excellent! We also went to Cheesecake Factory for my favorite meal and cheesecake..on Christmas Eve, we went ahead and got me my tiramisu cheeesecake for Christmas breakfast..hehe..ok, so, we had lots of good chinese food to eat! Even "ta pao" home duck rice for my next day's lunch on our way home from Houston...

Oh, we also went to visit NASA center. The place was really cool, you can actually see what they do and get a tram tour around the facility..you can't imagine how big and yet cramp a rocket really is..the way they eat, cook, shower and even go to the restroom is interesting..hehe..there were several games to play with, several performances and of course, LEGO showcase at the same time! =D

Overall, my trip was shopping, sightseeing, eat, eat and more eating..it was a blast! =D

*Pics time!*

yummy char siew and dim sum!
he was excited for pickled appetizers..
Part of a rocket @ NASA

LEGO!!!!

Beautiful sunset at Galveston Island

this last pics was just for fun..he was irritated by me snapping pics.. =p

Procrastination is a challenge

2010-12-16T15:15:00.004-06:00

Finals are over! Schools out! Work is almost done!
It's time to:

Laze around and do nothing!

BUT

Argghh....Even after finals, I am capable of getting busier than ever. @.@
I have to work, clean the house, cook, do laundry, chores, grocery shopping, workout, study(yes, study...), applying to schools and jobs and keeping fit..all to start over again the next day coz' you're not alone but alone in keeping this place clean, tidy and working in order.
Can someone please teach me how to stop, relax and enjoy the days of doing nothing?
Procrastination comes naturally to most, but is definitely a challenge to me..
*sigh*

It's almost here...

2010-12-04T11:43:00.003-06:00

Christmas is almost here! My favorite season of all times! =D

I wish it would snow this year...lots and lots of snow!

Oh well, it's finals now. Which means I'm buried under a pile of work and books. My best friend, Stress is now knocking on the door, hoping to spend more quality time with me during this wonderful time of finals. Hopefully temper and frustration don't come knocking too..Or I'll probably knock someone's head..hehe..yes, if you don't know, I have a wonderful temper.. =p Anyways, despite all the stress and frustrations, I do make time for GRE and Entertainment! hehe..

here's a MUST watch: TANGLED!

I laughed like a kid all the way through the movie. It was fun and relaxing..a good way to get stress out the door.

Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-27T18:57:00.003-06:00

This year's Thanksgiving is different than every other year..no house hopping, no big-time entertaining, just simple and fun. Johnny brought a turkey from his company and I cooked it. And some dishes. =) I'm splendidly surprise of my cooking skills..really...it's my first time cooking a turkey, well, cleaning a poultry that is not already fillet, cleaned, packed and ready to cook..it had everything intact..it was an interesting experience that I hope not to do again..haha..i mean the cleaning part. Anyways, turkey turned out great. Stuffing was ok, gravy was perfect..after an entire day of toil and labor, we had our delicious Thanksgiving dinner..

Black Friday was fun too. We went to Tulsa, OK to shop..hehe..and well, there were couple of good deals..bought couple of stuff and Christmas presents. All were fine and well, happy as can be, we headed back. But then, of course, something has to happen..as always! =p Flat tire! We pulled over, tried to remove the nuts but they were screwed in too tight..both of us were not able to get them loose..so, we decided to pull over on a flatter road..Thank God for the kind and helpful people out in the nowhere..an old man saw us pull over near his place and immediately came out to help. He jacked the car, and helped us change the tire..and he even told us where to get new tire which was just 2 min away. All is well, we got the tire changed for low price and we were set to go..eventful huh?

anyways, GRE on Monday..pray for me and wish me luck! =)

Almost the end...

2010-11-16T21:27:00.002-06:00

It's almost the end of another semester..3 more weeks of classes and I'll be done with this semester..Can you believe it? I'm one more step to graduation! Anyways, things are going crazy for me now. Exams every week, homework, papers, working 2 jobs and of course, chores. Caffeine is my daily source of energy, no more 8 hours of sleep and no more gym..I haven't been to the gym in 2 months! It's crazy..from every 2 days to once a week to now, every 8 weeks? I really need to start making time to exercise. Fortunately, I quit housing job to concentrate more on my studies and now, I have more time to study and sleep.

Last Friday was my last day at Housing. My colleagues and supervisors threw me a mini "goodbye" party. Everyone brought food =) There was Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, homemade Malaysian-style banana cake, homemade sausages (which they all finished before I arrived) and cupcakes! hehe..It's fun working there but things had become routinely. People here are great to work with, everything was easy and uncomplicated. I get to study on the job but internet on the computer I have is super super slow..Instead, I decided that my time is better spent on studies as it's my senior year and I really really wanna get into the phd program here...

So, now with only one job, I get to use my mornings to study instead of filing and just tutor on weekends and after class. It's so much more relaxing since I get more stuff done now (and more sleep, less caffeine). GRE is coming up after Thanksgiving..so, I have a lot to do..I really wanna make at least 1500 on the GRE.. =)

Anyways, time change has messed up my schedule a lot. It gets dark too early and bright way too early in the morning. Wind blowing at my face, wearing layers and boots...call me crazy but I now look forward to SNOW! I'm so excited!!!

Ok, back to studying and being a nerd..haha...

Overloaded

2010-10-28T13:13:00.002-05:00

2 Weeks of of sleepless nights, headaches and frustrations, I hope everything goes well and it pays off. I had 3 exams this week, 2 term papers to draft and 2 bonus essays to draft..done with the exams, leaving 4 papers to draft..At this point in time, my brain is about to explode from overload. And all my friends told me that senior year was going to be easy going and headache-free..well, that's not happening for me. Senior year is tougher than the past 3 years, more hard work and more effort..My life always seem to be different from the mainstream..but I love every bit of it..So, Rill, if you're reading this, go back to studying..hahahaha......

Things (I still need) to do for this week:

Register for GRE.
write my application essays
set up my other students' tutoring session
decide which schools to apply
Study for GRE.
Draft my 4 papers..

Not too bad right? =p

Grateful

2010-10-20T00:29:00.002-05:00

Despite all that has happened, I'm so glad I made really high A's in my Risk Management and Emerging markets exams. Both my favorite classes too! I was so worried about my Emerging Markets class as we had to write more than 10essays in 1 1/2 hours! haha..I wrote till my hands hurt, but I guess it's worth it!

(Even that one question I wasn't sure what I was writing and have no idea where the answer came from, all I did was pray and I made full score!)

Thank God lots and lots!

Oh well, more exams and papers to do now..that's all!

My 23rd ♥

2010-09-27T18:23:00.005-05:00

My 23rd Birthday was awesome! I had so much fun and enjoyed every part of it. In the afternoon, Johnny, Sheryl, and Daniel went to the mall with me. We had lunch since all 3 of them were hungry..it was short and ok..then we kinda just split up and went seperate ways since Sheryl and Daniel wanted to go somewhere else outside the mall..I don't remember where they went, something about BestBuy and other outlets..so that explains why I didn't see them in the mall after lunch..anyways, I had fun shopping..I got my winter boots, a knit vest, a cute winter cap, a small black knit short-jacket (so I can stop borrowing from Sheryl) and hugs! It was funny how I keep bumming into the students I worked with that day and I got hugs. After my little "spree", Johnny and I went to watch "Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps". At this point, still wondering why I can't find Sheryl and Daniel at the mall..so anyways, the movie was really nice! Sadly, I was the only one who knew what was going on in the movie. Haha..nevertheless, I had fun.

After the movie, we headed back to the mall to pick Sheryl up, thinking she would be there..After some time, we still couldn't find them and so I called her. They were already at Shogun..at least they could have told us. *sigh* Dinner was at Shogun. Food was not as good as we expected, environment was weird because someone had party music right behind us. Overall, the day was fun. Of course, Sheryl disappeared again after dinner and me? I had to head straight back into my books..haha..so, yes! I enjoyed my "little holiday"!

♥♥♥

Some pics!

(I think he had a headache trying to order? haha)

My Miso Soup

heart attack for appertizer

My Spicy Chicken Bulgogi

(yes, I had korean food at a japanese restaurant..haha)

Sheryl's Yakisoba

Johnny's Steak Teppanyaki?

Slippers from Sheryl

Mirror from Daniel

(it came with 3 price tags! haha)

my cute cute cap ♥♥♥

oh, and introducing my new study chair..hehe

it's so comfy ♥♥♥

bye bye back pains and uncomfortable seat..

♥♥♥

That's all for now..BYE~~~

Another year almost gone

2010-09-24T18:39:00.002-05:00

Another year is almost gone..i woke up to FB greetings and chocolates on my work desk this morning. My "supervisors" treats me to all these chocolates during my bday and christmas time..it's awesome! They must really know how much I like chocolates..haha..And guess what? It's not even my bday yet..haha..one more day and I'm already enjoying it..I can't wait till tomorrow!

Day Trip to Praire Grove

2010-09-11T23:41:00.003-05:00

Today was different..I spent my day at a couple's new house today. Jaci and Michael were building their house from scratch, every plank cut and trim, every dirt poured, every single detail were personally done by the couple. It was amazing, how much effort and details went into the planning. When we got there, we were greeted by the dogs (surprise, surprise...more dogs...) I'm just not a big fan of overly excited/hyper dogs.. Anyways, they were so hospitable and friendly..i enjoyed my time. I learnt so much about animals, building a house, designing your house, nature and a bit of nature stuff..i hate never got so close to nature and animals as i did today. =)

I got to see 100s of hummingbirds up close. Did you know they hum and make sounds as they eat from the feeder..and they can fly backwards or stay at the same spot for some time? They fly at more than 34 mph..fast huh? I was enjoying the sight until one of it flew right into the glass door and fainted..it was so scary! I thought it broke its neck and died..luckily, it was alright. Jaci took it inside the house and it started gaining consciousness again..she brought it out for us to look up close and said it would come around in couple minutes..so i thought it'll be a great idea to lean in and admire the bird up close and personal..but that little thing flew right at my face and went back out to the feeder..i was so surprised when that happened that I flinched and spilled my drink all over me.. ^_^" (anyone who knows me knows this is NOT highly unusual..haha..) i felt so bad..oh, and they put away the dogs for me too..they brought them out one by one, well, not the big ones to say hi to us..Lucky impressed me the most. It's the sweetest thing ever..

We had a tour of the house and property..found lots of interesting stuff during our short hike..i got hit in the face by a grasshopper which was jumping way too high..didn't get to ride horses though, which was what i was looking forward to but it's ok..basically, i got to be out in nature, without getting allergies..it's an awesome feeling! At least for someone who grew up without animals and much nature..haha..oh, later, we cooked Bak Kut Teh, scramble eggs with tomatoes, stir-fry spicy chicken and rice for dinner for them. It was our treat, of course..I was afraid they would hate the food, but to my surprise, they loved it! =D I was so excited..hehe..after dinner, we played mahjong. Jaci bought the mahjong set from China, so we were learning it..they are really fast-learner and strategist..hehe..shows how much more i need to learn in reading people during the game. All said and done, I had an awesome time. I really appreciate them having me over today..it was quite an experience..although they probably think i'm weird because i never bother about animals or nature much before..haha..

BTW, their house is pretty awesome!!! esp, the kitchen. It's huge and oh, the recess lightings are amazing..and the large island..it's not quite done yet but i love the layout! =D

My new toy

2010-09-09T23:31:00.002-05:00

Say hello to my new (upgrade) toy: HTC Aria!!! ♥♥♥

My early bday present from my friend..hehe..it's accessories will be here next week..hehe..I'm so happy! ♥

Earlier today, I was getting anxious about when it didn't arrive today. Checked the UPS status and it said it's "in-transit" and I was sitting here wondering where my phone was. As I was debating what to cook for dinner, suddenly there was that loud knock on my door..my htc is here!!! hehe..you can imagine how happy I was. I was smiling cheek to cheek..well, dinner was very very simple of course..haha..Then, later, there was another loud knock on my door..so I thought it was the other package, with the accessories..but to my dismay, it was some little girls selling cookies..*sigh* but it'll be here next week...i can't wait!!! ♥♥♥

Anyway, this birthday is getting better and better..did i mention i got a smallfry from Build-a-bear last week as their bday gift to me? ya..it's super adorable..haha..♥

missing them

2010-08-28T22:32:00.002-05:00

It's been less than 24hours and I miss them so dearly now. Watching them leave is harder than me leaving the country the first time. =(

The smell of constant cooking and cleaning, the constant sounds of repairs and modification, the sound of laughter and unique ideas, that little voice that tags whe

rever I go..all these are now gone as they are on their way home. Living with them for almost the past 2 months was awesome! I did not have to worry about everything myself or try be an adult in every situation. Mom and Dad was there throughout the 2 months, helping us out in our place, making us breakfast every morning, packing our lunch boxes, organizing all our stuff the way it should have been done, buying us organizers we thought we can't afford, repairing every broken piece in my house, cleaning it everyday so we'll have a clean home to come home each day, doing my laundry so I won't have to worry about it, redecorating my ro

om with love and joy, stocking up my place with food so we won't starve..all the little things makes so much difference. They were always there to take care of everything for us. It was more like a vacation for me than for them.

Now, I wake up to quietness, loneliness and the smell of independence. I miss the smell of fresh home-cooked food, the sounds of repairs and new ideas, the laughter and joy, every moment we spent together..How I wish they did not have to leave so soon. They were so patient and understanding to everything we did/say here. Sometimes, we can

just be immature and ungrateful..but I just want you all to know I appreciate everything you did for us. Everything you had sacrifice so that we could have a better life, better opportunity. This has been the BEST summer ever!!! I promise I'll work hard and get a job and give you all a better life in the future. I love you all! Have a safe trip home!

Happy 3rd Anniversary

2010-08-10T01:50:00.002-05:00

3 years and 5 days! that's exactly how long I've left home and studied abroad..that's when I first started my adventure of independence..it had its ups and downs but I love every moment of it. Thank God for giving me this awesome opportunity..and I pray for more to come..hehe..

Anyway, here's me with Tina Turner's star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and also Golden Gate Bridge..I wouldn't wanna live here in CA but I LOVE shopping! hahaha..one more day tomorrow.. =D

Roadtrip..1

2010-07-29T01:10:00.006-05:00

Roadtrip so far has been interesting, with so many people in a car..being together 24/7 is challenging. Being judged all the time ain't helpful either. Being called fat, picky and other names ain't much help to my self-esteem eh? I just hope they would learn to accept me as an individual, an adult, with my own lifestyle and personality..

Anyway, the scenery is beautiful and the time spent with family is priceless. We've been to NM and AZ so far..including the South Rim of Grand Canyon..had tons of unhealthy food that I feel so unhealthy and bloated right now..lack of sleep, constant driving and noise level up high..allergies are back..Grand Canyon was amazing. It's more than 6000 ft above sea level! God has really blessed this land with so many beauties and wonders, which I hope to enjoy without allergies kicking in..here are some pics to show you to wonders I had enjoyed today..apart from the Canyon and Colorado River that flows through the Canyon, there were several wild animals that came out to play..but we didn't get to see a mountain lion..hahaha...nvm...here you go!

on the way!

Grand Canyon

So misty after the rain

my awesome windbreaker became a raincoat..

RAVEN

Squirrel

DEERS

Of course, me..at Hermit Rest..

UB: Week 6..Final Week

2010-07-23T15:03:00.007-05:00

This is our final week in Upward Bound 2010..6 weeks of drama and fun are about to come to an end. I'm relieved, yet a little sad. I'm going to miss these kids..spending 6 weeks with them, ALL day and night is tiring and fun..sometimes dramatic. But I'm glad it's going to be over, so I can spend time with my family and friends.

This week was eventful: first off, PROM!

Theme: Mardi Gras..

Venue: Uncle Gaylord's..(weird name? lol)

It was fun, dressing up and dancing like a puppet..those who know me know I can't really dance..so the kids had me like puppets..hahaha..esp Yuki..

(P.S. It's not alcohol..)

Second event: Memphis, TN trip

We spent 2 days 1 night there. It was a long 6 hours bus ride, uncomfortable one too. I had the noisy bunch sitting right behind me..i tried to sleep but was too uncomfortable. We had lots of authentic southern food (heaty food..sheryl's fav..all deep fried), visited Arkansas State University and then went to Southern Folklore for dinner and blues music..it was fun and entertaining. Food was not bad actually..

The next day, we walked to hard rock cafe for lunch..found a strand of hair in my plate which the waitress said it was cheese! drinks tasted weird, according to my table of girls..had a campus tour of University of Memphis which wasn't that great. We walked under the heat and did not even see the inside of the buildings. Later we visited the Civil Rights Museum which was educational and then had fried chicken for dinner..yes, more fried stuff *so heaty* ..then we boarded a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River..the river had a stench and it looked murky..it was horrible..but overall, it was relaxing and fun..I liked the breeze. Since most of the kids were busy partying and dancing in the cabin, the outdoors of the boat was relaxing..i liked it. But because of the long day and sweat and hot sun, i had heat rash and some type of allergy.. @.@ After all these, we started our journey back to Fayetteville. We got back at 3am! I'm so tired..and had to checked a girl out at 7am..which meant, after shower and all that stuff, I only had 4 hours of sleep all day today.. =(

Oh, the kids leave tomorrow! =)

Paul the octopus

2010-07-14T13:41:00.002-05:00

Up to $4.5 million for the endorsement of an octopus that ate a clam out of a box labeled with the flag of a match-winning team eight consecutive times?

Since Paul is an international celebrity of the highest order now, everyone wants a piece of him - both literally and figuratively. Italy is trying to claim that he was caught in Italian waters, Spanish businessmen are trying to buy him for €30,000 ($38,000), and Dutch priests tried to dismiss him.

(cite: Yahoo! news.. http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Paul-the-octopus-could-make-millions?urn=sow,255780)

LA Times reported that a businessman has offered nearly $38,000 to rent Paul as a mascot for a food festival in northwestern Spain. Paul also has a Facebook page and millions of fans and followers all over the world.

After Paul's prediction on July 6, death threats and recipes from Paul's own countrymen were sent to his owner. Now that his prediction has proven true and Paul's World Cup 2010 picks remain 100% accurate, the AP reported that most Germans are now thinking about Paul fried in garlic butter.
(cite: the Christian Science Monitor)

All these fuss over an octopus is ridiculous. There is no such thing as a psychic octopus. Here is my theory..when you put an octopus to choose between 2 containers with clams in it, having a flag over the container, the probability of it choosing either one is 50%. 50% for every game, each team. 50% is a half-half..An octopus cannot recognize a flag. It is not scientifically proven that an octopus have the capability of predicting. It's a dish (sorry to those who get offended, but it is a dish in certain places.) It is merely a game of luck..OK, so, it predicted 8 games correctly..but does that make it psychic? The number of correct prediction does not increase the probability of a team winning a game, it does not add to the credential of an octopus.. Having bidding millions on an octopus that has 6 more months till its average life span is not a good investment. Having international dispute of ownership of an octopus is ridiculous. What's going to be next? Bidding billions on a chicken that has "psychic" powers too? Is this a matter of logic or just mere egoism? Is this an investment that would reap great returns? What do one gets from owning the octopus? Take it to a casino and increase your chances in winning? This is insanity..

Summer fun...week3

2010-07-04T01:38:00.002-05:00

This week was fun with the kids..I think most mentors were worn out by this week. By Thursday, everyone was grumpy and tired, including me. Everyday is a routine. Hugs are getting more frequent, squeezes? Yes..those too..My nicknames are getting longer, including "sparkly" because I have a sparkling personality? lol..We had dinner on Dickson last Tuesday too. My family were planning to got o Kosmos with Anthony's family. Somehow, that place was mysteriously closed? haha..so we went to Feltner's Brothers. A burger place. Not too cheap, but not too expensive either. After that, we went to Orange Mango. Made my own ice cream with full of chocolates..not too bad. Somehow, I prefer Braum's ice cream..cheap and it comes with waffle cones! =D Since dinner and dessert ended pretty early, Anthony and I took our families on a long and exhausting campus tour..we went into at least 6 buildings, exploring each floors and rooms possible. You can imagine how tired my legs are after that fun, insight tour we had. Oh, and Thursday, we went to skate! Yes, I did try to skate. The mentors were going for the 80's look, so Jessica lent me a bright neon orange shirt and Chandra applied some extremely bright neon apple green eye shadows for me, which pretty much made me "eye-catching"..As for skating, having 2 girls holding my hands and going round in circles was definitely fun..but I wish my balance was better so I could have enjoyed it more. The feeling when skating reminded me of skiing in SD..maybe one day, I can try again.. =) Theme dance is next week. I think I can pull off the Sailormoon costume..we'll see about that one.

Today, I went to Beaver Lake for sightseeing..or at least attempted to. GPS has no clue where it was either..sigh..later this evening, we went to ISCA for some delicious homemade ice-cream..Sheryl put so much chocolate toppings on hers that I can feel a sore throat coming soon...After dessert, everyone headed down to Dickson Street for July 4th fireworks! We managed to get a pretty good spot at the Bikes, Babes and Bling (BBB) site. Apart from cigarettes and smokes, it was pretty good. I really enjoyed the sight. Pictures should be up later on, on FB...when I remember...

Weekend

2010-06-22T15:08:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, we watched 3 movies (2 in a row!)..
This week..just 1..haha..
Anyway, met an old friend at church this week and it was just random..it took me by surprise because it's not everyday we see someone unexpected at church..lol..but what meddles with my mind is how people always look at me when I put on a skirt/ dress/ shorts...anything non-denim..I mean seriously? how different can I look when I'm not in my regular jeans and t-shirts? just a random thought...

oh, last week, I got the best compliment ever..
"I like your accent, it's really cute"
yes, my "cute" accent compliment from a 15yr old..lol
but the thing is, that isn't my entire msian accent..it's the suppressed accent.
After all the mocking and making fun of my accent and pronunciations,
I honestly appreciate it..

UB Week 1

2010-06-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

So the kids have left..the hallways are so empty and quiet! this week has been a super long week, it feels as if it's been more than 2 weeks already. maybe it's all the walking under the heat, keeping up with the kids, HPER trips and lack of sleep..as you can tell, I'm worn out. and there's 5 more exciting week! haha..132 kids is hard to keep up with.

This week's been fun so far. We had a birthday bash and dinner on dickson. The birthday bash was awkward for me, since i don't dance. The songs were really loud, which lead to a bad headache. But the kids seemed to had a lot of fun..which was the entire point of the party. Anyway, Jessica's mentor family and mine decided to haed to Blu Fin for dinner. Blu fin on Dickson was expensive! Gladly, I'm not paying it out of my own pocket. =p The sushi was ok (i've had better ones, but not here in Fayetteville), but I think a lot of the girls had a bad culture shock! Some of them were willing to try new food, but others, not so much. Couple of girls were, of course, disgusted by the food..One even claimed that seaweed was fish poop-ing place and miso soup to be weird and disgusting..oh, and yet the best is..tofu is mini french toast bread! It's definitely an eye-opening for some and interesting dinner conversation for me and Jessica..lol..I even had Tamago sushi. Everyone thought it was weird because the egg looked different than regular eggs... ^_^""" I guess if you're from a rural place, it's normal reaction..but I just felt the entire dinner was interesting to see their reactions..lol..something normal to me is definitely a huge culture shock for a lot of the kids..

Anyway, kids are off for the weekend and will be back before I know it. So, adios everyone..I'm gonna go enjoy my days off....

Summer fun

2010-05-30T23:03:00.007-05:00

I spent the last few days hanging out with my friends, catching up with friends here and everywhere else, studying GMAT, baking and other fun stuff..hehe. So far, we had steamboat/ hot pot (yes, we ate it during this horribly hot weather! XD ) and bak kut teh..what's next? haha..I have one more week of freedom before I move into the dorm again for work. Staying in the dorm would have its perks: free food, free lodging, TV cable. Bad is less freedom to hang out, less flexibility to yam cha or do things the way I'm accustomed to, more rules to follow, and less hygienic (based on my standards)..anyways, here are some of my all time favorite "Famous Amos" style chocolate chip cookies, it's so delicious!!! (sorry pics are a bit blur)

summer

2010-05-18T16:14:00.003-05:00

Summer holiday:

should be fun
should be filled with excitement
should be filled with craziness
should be filled with activities

Not work
Not boredmn
Not others busy
Not nothing to do

Ahhhhh......FAYETTEVILLE IS JUST TOO SMALL!!!!!!!!!!

any fun ideas, anyone?

MOVED..........again

2010-04-26T13:49:00.002-05:00

Moved!
haha..yes, I've moved again.
I have moved 9 times within the last 2 1/2 years! lol..
but I don't think this will be the last time since I'm graduating in 1 year time.
Anyways, I've moved to a townhouse closer to campus bus route..
every 10min..
yay!
no more missing the bus?
haha..
I love my new place!
Hardwood floors, real tiles, real kitchen, Harry Potter bedroom
AND
my walk-in closet!

Spring and Prayer request

2010-04-15T22:32:00.003-05:00

Spring is here! Campus is filled with flowers and the sun is up again! =)
It's hot, dry and feels so nice. I am going to miss the snow, but it's ok..for now...
I'm enjoying this wonderful weather as it lasts!

Oh, please please please pray that I'll get into either the Fixed Income Securities Class or the Portfolio Management Class. Both of these classes accept only a limited number of students per year, and is extremely competitive. Although none of my friends or people I know are applying, I know there are a lot more other students applying for these classes. So, please please please pray I'll get into the class. I've been wanting to get in since freshmen!

Second thing is, please pray I'll get an internship? Economy is bad, and I need an internship..but someone needs to WANT to hire me..

Thanks, everyone! =)

a not so fun spring break

2010-03-25T16:10:00.002-05:00

So, my plan for Spring Break did not work out, again!
It hasn't really worked out as planned for the past 2 years either.
No, I was not procrastinating this time, but Ms. Gastric decided to pay me a visit.
Not sure what I ate that actually caused the gastric but it was so bad that I was in bed for the past 3 days. *sigh* Can't go to work and left at home alone all day is boring!
I can't even study or concentrate in that matter, but I did get my hws done!
Now that I'm regaining my strength, I have so much to catch up and do before my break is over..
even though I'm still resting at home, bored..haha..but this is definitely better than laying in bed all day, thinking of the things I should be doing...

Oh, we had 8 inches of snow the first few days of Spring Break! hehe..I was so happy to see snow again! I love snow! It's cold, but it's so white that the earth actually look so clean and beautiful. And, I went sledding too! Bought a sled for $5 at Walmart, got my friend to make a path to sled downhill at the poultry science lawn, the side with less crazy people (I couldn't move the sled because apparently, you need weight to compress the snow initially), and a path to walk back uphill without falling! It was so much fun, even though most times I fell or tumble downhill instead because my sled just flew away from me and went the other direction..lol..but I had so much fun! I'll post the video soon!

Malaysian Night is this Saturday, people! I'm excited! Hopefully I would have recovered by then to enjoy the event. =)

Spring Break!!!

2010-03-20T12:27:00.002-05:00

It's Spring Break!!! *big smile*
Finally, a week of break from classes.
But, I'll still be working, studying, looking for new place to move and a car!
and
of course!
Hang out with my friends as much as possible!
So, Uri, drive through on Monday? Hoghaus this week?
Dickson st anyone?
Movies? Shopping?
Call me! hahaha

My sister is off to Branson, Missouri for shopping spree..
*sigh*
That's what you get for having a rich boyfriend, I guess..
Well, simple things in life is still the best, although money would do great!
Anyway, I'm going to enjoy this week, regardless if i can get a shopping spree..
=)

Addiction? Maybe not?

2010-03-10T23:25:00.003-06:00

Cups of Coffee, couple dozes of caffeine, few spoonful of sugar...
My daily doses of caffeine and sugar to keep me up and going..
But today, I had 2 cups of coffee and lots of sugar since I have so many exams..
Now I'm still awake, waiting for the entire effect to wear off and crash in bed..lol..
My 2 best friends since the first day I stepped foot in AR, Stefan and Diego said "Why even bother trying to get some sleep when you know you can't get any?"
Makes perfect sense huh?
that's my friends for you! haha
:p

A new old game

2010-03-08T11:06:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday, I learned a new game--mahjong..yes, the old people game we watch on tv all the time. Ho, Johnny and I went to Albert's house for szechuan "ma la" MUTTON steamboat. We had so much mutton, veg and seafood..hehe, it was delicious! Albert's apartment is so clean and tidy, I mean for a guy's place, it's the first of so many I have seen. Anyways, after eating, Albert and Johnny decided to teach Ho and I mahjong. It's an ok game, not much of a strategy or mind game either..it's a game of pure statistics and luck..I hardly play games involving luck or having no strategy or whatsoever.

After playing, one thing I still don't get is how does all the "tai tai" in those dramas can play that game and look like they were having so much fun??? What's so exciting and adreneline pumping about this game???? *sigh* maybe I just don't get it..anyway, I still learnt a new game and had great food and company this weekend.. =)

Blood Red Waterfall@ Antarctic Glacier

2010-03-06T14:39:00.001-06:00

The amazing work of God...looks like blood coming down from the waterfall.. O.o

There is a five-story, blood-red waterfall pouring slowly from the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valley. Its back story, at Atlas Obscura, is simply remarkable:

Roughly 2 million years ago, the Taylor Glacier sealed beneath it a small body of water which contained an ancient community of microbes. Trapped below a thick layer of ice, they have remained there ever since, isolated inside a natural time capsule. Evolving independently of the rest of the living world, these microbes exist without heat, light, or oxygen, and are essentially the definition of "primordial ooze." The trapped lake has very high salinity and is rich in iron, which gives the waterfall its red color. A fissure in the glacier allows the subglacial lake to flow out, forming the falls without contaminating the ecosystem within.

One takeaway here is that life possible in extreme conditions. That said, in the absence of ideal conditions, life can evolve without begetting plants or birds or cuddly mammals or sentient beings who write blogs on the internet; it just begets a glob of ooze.

Source: http://www.good.is/post/science-rules-antarctic-glacier-has-five-story-blood-red-waterfall-of-primodial-ooze/?GT1=48001

HAPPY CNY

2010-02-12T13:40:00.004-06:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! The banquet was fun, tiring and stressful..problems did occur but everyone at the banquet did enjoy themselves, so that was good...

Gong Xi Fatt Cai everyone! Angpau?!? :p

Hello Long weekend?

2010-01-28T22:56:00.002-06:00

I have 4 days weekend...
Are you jealous?
You should be! hahahaha....
my classes were canceled for this afternoon and tomorrow due to the ice storm.
So, hello holidays..
***
well, it's too good to be true huh?
well, so hello boredom too (if internet goes down)... ^_^"

Here it comes...

2010-01-28T13:44:00.001-06:00

CLASS CANCELED for the rest of the day!!!
Thank you ice storm?
Anyway, hopefully I'll still have internet tonight...

Ice Storm? Yes? No? Maybe?

2010-01-27T18:00:00.003-06:00

Remember this?

Remember this?
Exactly one year ago, U of A was closed 4 days in a row.
The longest it has ever closed in a year.
Ice-storm 2009, caused so much inconvenience for those off campus.
I was lucky I guess, the dorms were not exactly affected.
While everyone was scramming around for heat and food and hot water, I was sleeping in my warm bed and watching tv all day.
*wide grin*
Maybe these pictures will remind you how it was:

Oh ya, for those who know me, you're probably shaking your heads when you see my pictures..
Yes, I had those bright ideas to go around in the ice because I wanted McD so much! and I needed pictures for memory's sake! haha

They say it's going to happen again...
This time, worse..
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
This time, I'm staying off campus, that means I might lose electricity and heat...
No food, no heater, no hot water, no electricity...
At these times, I wish I was still in Yocum.

Avatar 3D

2010-01-24T20:42:00.002-06:00

Last Friday, right after work, my friend and I headed to the theaters for a movie we've been trying to watch forever...avatar 3D! Tickets are always sold out and the place is packed like sardines! Anyway, the movie was awesome! The sound and technical effects were really nice, and the story depicted was really interesting. No wonder some people say it's the next titanic...lol..so, here's the trailer link (although I assume most people have already watched it):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ceBgWV8io

Still having fun.

2010-01-19T22:35:00.004-06:00

Classes has been fun so far, fun as in I am still in my normal mode. haha, no worries, not in my stress mode yet. As for those who know, stress mode is B-A-D for everyone around me..haha..anyways, even with this 1 accounting class I'm taking right now, I think I'm still doing fine. (p.s it helps with my patience..until I run out of patience, that is..)

This semester is definitely going to be a very challenging one, but I think it'll be one of those semester where I enjoy learning and be able to have some fun. I mean, learning should always be fun, and that makes all the hard work and sleepless nights worth it, right? Anyway, 3 finance classes and 1 accounting class. All upper lever classes. Fun. hehe..Maybe it's still early in the semester and the bad hasn't come yet. We'll see, but as for now, I'm here relaxing after all my work is done while my sis is just starting her work.

And I thought Freshmen and Sophomore years should be more relaxing, like how mine was..haha..

New Year and stuff

2010-01-11T14:37:00.004-06:00

My first entry for the year 2010..Year 2009 has its ups and downs. Lots of stuff had happened and now, I have a sister here with me, lost a grandma, had a nephew, got a cousin-in-law, increased my GPA, went for interviews, had a road trip, stranded in a blizzard, started my own RSO...etc..anyways, long story short, my 2009 was a roller coaster ride..

So, to begin 2010, it's been fun so far..Last week, almost everyday, I was out hanging out and watching movie with the gang..hehe..anyways, class starts today and the semester looks tougher than last semester. Everything was going smoothly till earlier this afternoon.

I was doing my revision in my room when a guy from Crafton Place Management knocked on my apartment door. So, I opened the door a little to see what he wanted but all he said was "I need to check your toilet" and barged in. I asked him to remove his shoes since I had just cleaned the apartment, but guess what? He just shouted at me "I have a lot of things to do. No time!" and pushed my door wide open and barged in..(Hello? I'm standing there, holding the door?!?) He walked into the toilet, screwed here and there and messed up everything in the toilet! My carpet is dirty! My toilet is a mess! There is no respect or whatsoever for us students staying here in this property. They barge in whenever and however they want to. I talked to the lady in charged of the property but all she said "ya, we can't ask people to remove their shoes. Maybe you should get a carpet runner..." and that maintanence guy just walked out of the office as I talked to the lady, angrily..I mean, if he is as busy as he claims to be, he wouldn't be sitting in the office, RELAXING! But since when it's appropriate for management to barge into someone's apartment and has no manners or so..no need for permission to enter? no need of respect because i'm just a mere student? no need of consideration? I am just so angry and frustrated over this place. There is no safety here..how can this place have good recommendation? I am not going to let this go just like that because it is not the first few times..I'm definitely moving out of here and letting all my friends know how horrible this stupid Crafton Place is!

Exciting Christmas!

2009-12-28T18:12:00.006-06:00

Hi y'all..

Christmas was an exciting and unforgettable one this year. Indeed, it was a very white christmas..but there was also a blizzard that decided to drop by to visit town..we were planning to travel to Sioux Falls that Christmas day, but we did not know exactly where it would hit and how bad it was gonna be..so we decided that we would still head out. As soon as we hit I-90 not too long, it was closed by authorities..so we had to go to local roads..and according to GPS, the next route was Hwy 44..so, we followed the GPS but let me say this, it was one of the worst decision ever made...it took us into a mountain area where we had no phone connection (Stupid AT&T! Use Verizon! 5x the 3G coverage...) and hence, we were practically helpless..Whiteouts began to occur every couple of inches on the road. It was scary and dangerous. But there were no one else to go..Then, the wind decided it would be a great idea to blow our way and it drifted our car off the road. The guys (well, one very unwilling one) had to get down the car in the horrible weather to push the car while I try to get it back on the road..it was an exhausting and panicky hour or so..a lot of drama (especially when you have 18 yr olds in the car *sighs*)..after getting the car back on the road, we were met by patroling guards. Our luck took a better turn! The guards drove us to a place where they had everyone stranded meet and wait till they get everyone else on the road before guiding all of us to a small town called Kyle, SD. They took us to a motel called Lakota Praire. The owners were really nice people. They got us a room ready for the night and helped us through everything else. They opened their restaurant to serve hungry stranded people and they helped us call everyone to see if it's safe to travel, which route to take and where to refill gas. They even gave us a discount for the 2nd night we stayed there! I guess we looked really depress and tired..but, I'm glad they were such nice people..After 2 days at the motel, the blizzard moved east and the roads were plowed. It was safe to travel again and hence, here we are in Sioux Falls!

Thank God for His protection and blessing! I mean, the guards do not usually patrol the highway in such horrible conditions. But, because they received a call from the horseback riders patroling the mountains who were stranded on the mountains, they found all of us! With no network, we could not even call 911! How ridiculous is that?!? But anyway, Thank God for keeping us safe and protected. Thank God that He sent all these nice people in our troubled ways to help us and keep us protected and safe. I'm just really grateful for all He had done and given us.. =)

Merry Christmas and a very Blessed New Year!

SKIING ♥ Winter Break Part 2

2009-12-24T20:33:00.007-06:00

Terry Peak, Black Hills, SD ----SKIING!!! ♥

This was definitely the best part of the trip so far..hehe..I was so excited that I did not feel the cold wind..hehe. Anyways, we rented boots, poles and skis..after that, it was time to try to get everything together and move around the snow..haha..Sheryl and Peter decided that it was too cold and too dangerous to try it out, so it was just Johnny and I..luckily for me, Johnny knows how to ski, so I get to save the beginner's lesson fee..hehe..Skiing is not as easy as it seems on tv! I was fooled by the media. The boots were so heavy that it hurt my ankles. It weighted more than my feet, it was so heavy that I started to lose the senses in my feet. I could not feel a thing! It was just horrible that I started to panic a little because I couldn't control my feet! After getting them into the skis, another problem occurs--I have used up all my energy in carrying my boots around on my feet that I had no more energy to push down the locks on my skis. I used my entire body weight to lock one ski and it wasn't enough..maybe I needed kids skis? haha..just a thought. After a couple of times, trying hard to get my feet to work, I managed to move around in my skis..ok, maybe it's not much coz' I didn't do the slopes, but hey! I skied around for a bit..but once I started to really get the hang of it (turning, stopping, putting the skis on by myself with no help from others), we had to leave..there was a snow storm scheduled to come into town! haha..so, I said goodbye to the skis (I think that made Sheryl and Peter happy though, leaving) but I really really wanted to try the slopes..at least a little..sigh..oh well, maybe another winter? Oh, I forgot to mention, there were so many professional skiers and snowboarders..very "yao yeng"..haha..just thought I mention it a bit..hehe..

***

Here are some pictures:

the lifts, which I didn't buy tickets for..

getting ready for another try

here I come

yay~~ One more time!

Winter break part 1 ♥

2009-12-24T18:17:00.014-06:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm here at Rapid City, South Dakota right now..will be heading to Sioux Falls tomorrow..hehe...it has been snowing ever since I crossed to border of South Dakota...everything is covered in pure white snow. Everything looks so clean, so pure, so innocent...the journey here has been an awesome one.. † I'm in awe of the wonderful things God had created, the scenery, the landscape, the weather, the rocks, the mountains, the sky....etc...I could go on and on...oh, and thank God for the safe trip here and His blessings and protections.. †

***

Ok, here are my updates:

1. Chimney Rock, NE

see how excited I am? haha

hmm..what do people actually pack for their journey to the West..across the Great Plains?

Chimney Rock

2. Bluff National Monument

It was a tough hike (or so I may say). The mountain was covered with thick snow and was kinda slippery. With the help of my friends, I managed to not slip and fall..

scenery 1

scenery 2

scenery 3: Sheryl and I

3. Lake McConaughy, NE

cold..

i found paw prints!

4. Carhenge, NE

the spawning salmon

5. Mt Rushmore, SD

the 1st 4 presidents of the United States

The artist and us

I'm so happy!

Group Picture...(Richard, you should have been here too!)

one more before we leave...

Hello Nebraska!

2009-12-17T21:12:00.002-06:00

Hello Nebraska!

The 10 hours drive was long, but not too bad. The weather was actually really nice today. We were eating or sleeping or driving. Snow was everywhere in Nebraska..pure white snow. It makes the place look so pure and clean, so pretty and secure..tomorrow is another 10 hours drive..hope the weather will be nice..can't wait to get to south dakota and black hill..wee~~~~~~~~

Hello Vacation! Hello Nebraska!

♥ Hello, Winter Break ♥

2009-12-14T15:56:00.003-06:00

Oh, the smile on my face after this stressful period.

No more Finals! yay ♫♫♫

Bye bye books (for the week) and hello holiday mood...

♥ Plan for the break:

Roadtrip ☺
Study for next semester
Study for GMAT
Plan next semester's study and work
Apply internships
Relax! ♥ Have fun ♥

See, I have a plan..whether I'll stick to it all winter, we'll see about that, but one thing is for sure: I'll get most things done...especially number 1,3,5 and 6..haha...

Keep you guys updated later..when I get internet connection at my apartment..lol

I miss.......internet

2009-12-13T15:40:00.002-06:00

Internet connection at my apartment has been down the entire week..so the only time I get connected with the outside world, is on campus...sad huh? and with transit on reduced schedule and no night services, I'm practically stuck at home or depending on friends to get about. I dread the holiday season for this reason, no tv, no cable, no internet,no car, no-non-textbook-or-business/finance-related books to read... what else does a girl have to do at home all day? Can't you tell I'm bored out of my mind?

I miss INTERNET... =(

story of my life

2009-12-08T16:48:00.003-06:00

FINALS IS HERE AGAIN!!!

It's that dreadful time of the year again, burying myself in books and notes, crossing my finger and hoping I will be able to remember every single detail I have read throughout the semester..I wish my brain capacity is as big as I wish it is..but anyways, although finals are around the corner (literally), I am not as stressed out as I was for the past 2 years. Maybe I've become so accustom to having exams and tests each week, now finals feels just like another week of classes. Sad huh?

Good thing is, I have something to look forward to after finals. Like the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining...my silver lining is my winter road trip. Yes, road trip during winter..hehe..some of you may think I'm crazy, but I've decided to go North! haha..all the way to Nebraska and South Dakota...Mount Rushmore, shopping malls and Oooo...the mountains!!!! ^_^ My family doesn't like my idea of wanting to try skiing and snowmobiling..yes, I know it's dangerous, but I won't be able to do these once I get a lot more older right? I can't try skiing or bungy jumping when I'm 50 or 60...or maybe I'm just too adventurous? haha..anyways, at least, I have to try tubing and snowshoeing, regardless of what Sheryl says. We'll see...as for now, I'll be studying as always..pray that I'll make fantastic (good) grades ok? A's....hehe

Happy Turkey Week

2009-11-29T22:01:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving Break was awesome, not fruitful but relaxing..hehe..Apart from studying and rushing assignments, I was able to squeeze in 3 movies this week..hehe..I watched "Love Hurts", "2012" and "New Moon".. *dances* It was fun and definitely a break needed! I've been so stressed out recently with work and studies, not being able to balance everything I have on my plate. Maybe I have too much on my plate?...maybe..well, I truly pray I'll find that internship I want. It'll be a great experience for me to learn and meet people. oh well, I'll keep trying...

Anyways, I spent Thanksgiving at the Hoover's house again. Ronnie and Dana invited me over for "dinner" with their family and it was fun and memorable. We had so much food: turkey, ham, bacon, mashed potatoes with gravy, salad, casseroles etc..Their entire family was there, with 5 international students. My sister went with a host family since I thought it'll be better for her to go experience something without being introduced as "Sherrie's sister"..hehe..we chat and chat random topics at the dining table, which was quite entertaining..hehe..then we played "Mad Gab" and "outburst", which was fun. I had so much fun, competing with the other team of course..hehe.. *smiles*

On Black Friday, I decided that we need to go do some shopping. So, we woke up at 430am and went shopping at 530am at Rogers. hehe..sadly, the shops were not fully opened as advertised..to make it more interesting, it was near 0'C..the cold breeze was enough to make your hair stand. After walking around, I bought a pair of boots from Charlotte Russe..hehe..one of my favorite shops here (they always have my size! *grins*) Too bad sheryl couldn't find hers, so I decided to try our luck in Fayetteville. After 8 hours of shopping, we both bought a pair of boots and I got 2 blouses, Sheryl a t-shirt..the sales was not bad, but I can't wait for the after-Christmas sales..that'll be fun fun fun! *yay~~~*

Well, now that the break has come to an end, I have to go bury myself in my pile of books and notes..so bye for now..

Happy Turkey Week!

hi

2009-11-16T22:22:00.004-06:00

¡ Hola chicos!

Sorry I haven't been updating..then again, now i wonder who ever reads my blog..lol..
anyways, life is hectic and routine-ish. Winter is almost here again..hehe..which means, out comes my winter clothes. ♥ That means my cute pair skinny jeans is out of my pile of "winter stuff".. ♥ Will be bundling up again just to keep me warm and cozy. Sunsets at 520pm each day, making my days shorter (not the dying way ok?) and as Sheryl puts it: "it's very depressing"...lol...however, that means i wake up at 6am each day just to try to fall back asleep again...Miss Sunshine has to shine at me each day at 6am..oh,and the cold winter wind has already cut through my skin today, but surprisingly, it doesn't hurt as much as it used to. Maybe I'm getting use to being injured? (mostly paper cuts and bruises) haha..wonder what it would be like when we head North to the mountains during our winter break trip..poor Sheryl, she's wearing 5 layers of clothes already and it's only the beginning...so much for me wanting to go on an adventure. ☺

♥♥♥ STAY WARM,EVERYONE!!! ♥♥♥
As for those in Malaysia, don't stay too warm..it's hot enough there...lol...

♥♥♥
Next week's Thanksgiving week..yay!!!
couple of days off before the next wave of exams.
Till then..God Bless y'all.

2009-11-04T21:02:00.002-06:00

i like this song.. esta canción se pega en mi cabeza ... =)

...

2009-10-30T13:02:00.002-05:00

Life is getting so hectic right now, suffocating my life.
Everyday is the same routine: wake up, class, work, study, assignments/RSOs, meetings, sleep. Entertainment is no longer a normal part of my daily life. No more tv. No more movies. No more sports or piano or any music instrument. Just occasional youtube and pandora box.

*sigh*

I am not complaining but I do really miss those fun I had in my freshmen and sophomore years..movies and hanging out~~ things that seem far from my life right now. (yes, I know..I'm a junior now...) Studies are getting tougher by the day, more time is needed on each subject. And I have to admit, I have to work 200% more than I used to. As graduation approaches, I'm getting nervous. Will I get an internship or a job in this job market? I believe God will provide, but I can't help feeling so nervous right now...there's so much to do each day, so much to worry about and so much to think through. Feels like exploding..I can't wait for winter break to be here..then, I can relax a bit and find that balance in life again.

Please pray for me to get an internship/job.

Enjoy ♥ ♥

2009-10-14T21:15:00.001-05:00

Oh, and this is my friend's brother..what do y'all think about his voice?

Fun Times

2009-10-05T22:33:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 awesome videos I wanna share with everyone out there! Enjoy~~~

♥ My 22nd Birthday ♥

2009-10-04T15:46:00.004-05:00

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
My 22nd Birthday was a surprising one! hehe, literally surprised!
My friends decided to throw me a surprise bday party at Logan's (coz I love the peanuts and bread they serve for FREE!) hahaha...So, after classes, I went to work at Housing and Bible study with Jac as I do on every other Fridays. After my Bible study, Jac sent me home and I got ready for dinner. My friend told me he was going to take me and my sister for dinner to celebrate my birthday and I said yes! (who says no to free dinner? haha) Then, things got suspicious when I saw Sheryl in a dress! she hardly ever wear dresses, and her excuse was "if i don't wear it now, i won't get to wear it since it will only get colder.." what kind of excuse is that? I mean, she's already freezing in the apartment, how am I to believe she'll be ok going out in a dress? anyway, I got ready and we headed out to Logan's.

The moment I stepped in, I saw the entire group of friends waiting for me..it was quite surprising! It was everyone I had met the entire day and yet they did not say a word. I saw Simon at work, Jac at Bible study, Paul at lunch etc...but it was really fun! We ate and chat and had lots of fun. Oh, and Lucas whispered to my ear "I have 2 surprises for you. One is what you hear on the speaker, 2nd one is coming..." haha..guess what was the 2nd surprise? They all had the staffs at Logan's to shout a "yee-hah" for me as a birthday gift. Oh, it was just so embarassing coz i had the entire restaurant looking at me...and Richard Tan had to add "oh, look! sherrie do get embarass..." ^_^" i'm not that muka tembok ok? or am i?

After dinner, we headed to Jac and David's house (I had no clue till Ashley bocor rahsia) for dessert and movie. We had homemade pulut hitam by David and Jac, followed by a super pretty 2 layered purple cake with butterflies! It was just the prettiest cake..my favorite color and picture.. =) I can't believe they went through all those trouble getting these done for me..it was awesome! the top layer was strawberry cake and the bottom was chocolate cake. Apart from it being too sweet, it was really nice. After eating more food, the Chuas had to leave because of Lucas's bedtime and the rest of us watched "No Reservation". (Jac remembered I wanted to watch that movie. =) ) It was a really good movie..with romance and comedy. hehe..

After all that, we went to FNL for free shirts and later to BBB with Ho, Albert, Joey and another guy whose name I forgot once again. BBB was not much fun coz' people were drunk and there were smoke everywhere..and my leg was hurting from the other day.

All said and done, we went home at 2am. This birthday was really awesome! I got matching earrings and necklace from Sheryl, a necklace from Johnny, hand lotion from Jac and David, a 4GB pendrive from Albert, Applebees gift card from Richard Wang and the weirdest stuff from Paul! Paul gave me a "New York Times" and "Miracle Whip". Apparently, it stands for extra knowledge and whip dressing for facial? hahahhaa.....I have interesting friends huh? But I thank God for them, they really made my birthday special. Thanks, guys!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

<3

2009-09-19T00:47:00.003-05:00

Just few months ago, she was just a Year 6 student, nervously preparing for UPSR...

Today, she's a Grade 8 student? hehehehe....

She did Grade 7 in just a day, yes, a day..and passed the entrance exam and got into Grade 8 immediately.

Now, she's in class with kids at least 2-3 years older than her..

I'm so proud of you!

xoxo,

大姐

pray

2009-09-15T21:59:00.002-05:00

I'm nervous and excited.
How did I end up with 2?
Everything is happening too fast..
I'm not 100% ready...
I'm sure it's not happening because of what I'm capable of..
it has to be God...
Please pray for me that everything will go smoothly tomorrow..
that my future will be brighten despite this horrible economy crisis...
I believe if God has brought this opportunities to me, He will see me through..
So, please pray for me..

update update update

2009-09-12T22:09:00.003-05:00

Sorry for not updating recently. I'm back to my non-updating part of the season again, I guess. It seems to be so much to do everyday and yet, so little time..24hours seem not enough. Classes, work, assignments, group projects, babysitting, cooking, cleaning....ahhh....just too much for me to handle. Anyways, I'm still surviving this adaption period.

So, H1N1 is a serious case here. I know couple of people who has been down with it and yet, they refused to quarantine themselves. It's really irresponsible of them, spreading their germs and sickness to the entire population here. What's worse is that one of them keep trying to call for leaders' meeting when he is still very sick with H1N1. *sigh* seriously, he should keep himself at home. Stop spreading the virus around. His antibody may be strong enough to fight the virus, but that does not mean everyone can.

And sadly, Jonathan Nelson, the guy who does taxes for all international students passed away over the labor day weekend. *sigh* I saw him right before the weekend at the office. He did look sick/ down. I wasn't sure..I just didn't think that would be the last time I see him. He really did helped me a lot with my taxes. I'm really sorry for the lost of his family. But, well, it is all in God's plan ..

Oh, and another bad news, (sorry this is a lot of negativity) a girl was raped at her dorm room last week, during the labor day weekend. She was drunk and didn't remember getting back to the dorm, and what's worse is that, she became sober only to find herself being raped. Yes, she woke up when she was being raped....I'm not sure if it's good or bad. If she didn't wake up, she wouldn't know she was raped. But if she did, she would be just terrified and shocked to find a guy raping her. *sigh* I really don't know why so much has to happen during the labor day weekend.

Well, on the brighter note, I cut my first "customer"'s hair. hehe..Jac called me and asked for a trim. I think I did really well with the layers and bangs, I must say. hehe...I was so nervous but yet confident..I don't know why, but confidence is good.

Next week will be busy busy busy again. There are 2 career fairs to attend, assignments due, winter break planning and my MSA setup to plan. But I love my busy lifestyle. hehe..I can't stand not doing anything everyday...eventually...lol...

Well, keep me posted guys! Glad you had a safe trip to Birmingham, Sam! Now we're closer to each other..hehe...just 7 hours closer...6 hours difference! Keep in touch! (we've been saying that for 14yrs! =p )

Do I need one?

2009-08-26T21:34:00.003-05:00

The good old days...haha..not really. I think this little girl is lucky, she only has ONE backpack. When I was her age, I was carrying 3 huge bags like hers to school daily. All my books for morning session, afternoon session and after-school tuition books...I would have to carry my bags and my sister's (that's what good older siblings do, right?) and walk home from school...man, those days didn't seem too bad till today..

***

So, there was the Walton Block Party in Sholmier Plaza and Razorbash Party at the union today afternoon. It was fun. There were so many free stuff and lucky draws. I was just grabbing and signing up for stuff..kinda fun. lol...well, not until I went for the FREE SPINAL CHECK. *sigh* I'm not sure if I should be grateful or worried. Apparently, my spinal cord is messed up. senget bones, structure not proper...I only managed to get a 30% on that test. Yes, this is the first test I failed. Maybe it's a good thing I found out early...maybe not? I was told that I should not be carrying anything above 10% my body weight and anything more than that is harmful to my body. And yet, my bags were way more than that 10%.....but I need those books....how? *sigh*
They gave me a free 1st consultation coupon...should I go and test it out?
What do y'all think?

Fayetteville

2009-08-11T00:08:00.002-05:00

I'm back here in Fayetteville once again. I arrived here safely (of course) about midnight yesterday and I'm still sore. My arms and back hurts way too much to bear. The cuts and line marks from all the luggage carrying was horrible, because my sister could not (or maybe refused to even try) carry her stuff. So, I had to carry all the luggages except her backpack and teddy bears. It's just horrible. It was about a total of 115kg! that's like more than 2x of me. No wonder I'm in such pain.

Anyway, first stop from KL was Japan. Narita airport was ok. It was pretty interesting. We showered, ate lunch, skype with my family and bought lots of snacks..hehe..yes, I couldn't resist the snacks.. the food on the plane was surprisingly good. It was better than the one I had when I first arrived through HK. My flight from Japan to Chicago was a very long one. A very tiny leg space too, which did not help the backaches. But other than that, it was nice. When we got to Chicago, our plane was delayed for 3 hours! 3 whole hours! *sigh* And what's worse was I was having my gastric and allergy reaction (so much for trying out the pasta)...it was one of those worse situation you can get when travelling. And just before I left KL, I was recovering from another gastric and allergy problem. Aaahhhhh.....I just don't like experimenting this way.

When we finally arrived in Fayetteville, Jac and David were there to greet us. It was really nice of them to pick us up and help us with our luggages. Coz' by this point, I'm almost ready to collapse. As soon as I got to the apartment, I just started cleaning the apartment a little, tidying up some of the stuff around here. I was extremely tired. After taking a bath, I talked to my family a little before heading to bed.

I'm still suffering from jet lag. Sorry if this update is not so coherent...I can't think much right now...so much more to do before class starts. Hopefully I'll have fully recovered by then =(

C.U,T,E

2009-07-27T23:37:00.003-05:00

I passed the C.U.T.E. !!! I'm so happy!
No, not this type of cute..
I'm talking about being officially cute.
haha.

C.U.T.E. is short for Computerized Unit Trust Exam
It is a professional exam held by FMUTM.
I took the exam last weekend and I passed it!
Initially, I didn't really wanna take the exam because it is my vacation time.
But since daddy signed me up and before I knew it,
I was in a one-day lecture
(almost bored out of my mind since I knew most of the stuff except for Syariah laws)
and then a week later, I was in the exam room.
15min in the exam room and I was done and asleep.
hehe.
yes, I did fell asleep.
After 35min of napping (sort of), I decided to click "finished" and exit the room.
And "PASS" appeared on my screen.
hehe.
I am so happy.
As my lil sis says "I am officially cute right now"
Lol...

till then...

2009-07-20T23:49:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,
Things are going crazy right now.
So much has happened in one summer.
So much more to do and achieve.
And in 3 weeks, I will have to leave this place again.
I don't want to and yet I need to.
I need more time here...
Oh,
Tsunami is coming..they say it's gonna be worse than 2004!
I hope it would not.
No tsunami or earthquake.
Malaysia never had these till 2004..
It's heading this way, but I pray it will not.
I'll be back with a new skin, a new chapter in my life...
Till then....

The meaning of Death

2009-07-15T09:59:00.003-05:00

Death, the end of life. A state where your brain and heart do not function anymore. It is a hard situation to be in, losing someone you love and care about. It's sad and nobody would want it to anyone, no matter what the situation is.

Death has already hit our family twice, within 2 months, within this very summer that I am home. On May 13, 2009 , I lost my dearest grandma who had taken care of me since I was 5. She taught me how to speak chinese and hokkien. She picked up english so she could communicate with us better. She was always there by the door, waiting for us to return from school. If we were even late by 5 min, she panics. Whenever I come back from school, she would be there waiting, with food prepared on the table. All my favorite food too. Even when she was sick with cancer (twice), she still managed to put on a strong face. Maybe she didn't want us to worry about her. When I left to US 2 years ago, she said something that I wished she never said. It has become reality now. She said she would be gone when I come back this summer. But why did she have to leave right before I came home? Just another week or so. Anyway, her last words on the phone when I called was "don't worry about me. I'll be fine. thanks for calling, be good now. study hard. " I remembered her reaction when she first saw me on skype. It was precious..haha..she never knew she could see me within the 2 years I was away. May 13, while I was on my trip to MA-NY-DC, she passed away. In her sleep. I only knew it on the day before my flight home.

Anyway, exactly 2 months later, my grandaunt (her younger sister) passed away too. It was too sudden. She was always so healthy and kind. I remember the days she always brought us homemade Bak Kut Teh from Klang. It was delicious! They said it was her heart problem and depression. Maybe her heart couldn't take it, I mean the lost of her older sister. Maybe. July 13, 2009. Exactly 2 months! such coincidence huh?

Why? Why does this type of thing keep happening to our family? I wish all these would stop. 2009 has been hard on all of us, esp my mom. I just wish things would be better soon!

Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

2009-07-08T10:23:00.003-05:00

King of Pop, Michael Jackson
(August 28, 1958 ~ 2009)It's kinda sad to see such a great singer pass away.
He was determined to achieve his dream as a great singer, and he did!
He became very popular and white too..
His songs were unique and irreplaceable.
His dance moves were, well, I don't think words could replace those.
Yes, Michael Jackson did made mistakes in his life,
but we are all human right?
everyone makes mistakes.
I feel bad for his 3 beautiful children,
I pray that God will help them through this tough times.
May MJ rest in peace.
I think people will remember him for ages to come.

Cut cut cut

2009-07-08T09:59:00.002-05:00

I've learned to cut hair today. haha..all these while, I've been cutting my own hair by trial and error, but today, I finally went to the salon near my house where I used to get my haircut as a little girl to learn the techniques of hairstyling. lol..Thanks to both aunties who used to cut my hair ever since I was 4? They volunteered to teach me and my sis their techniques before we leave to the States again and they even bought us all the appropriate equipments: scissors, wigs, clips and cloth. It looks fanciful and it costed us RM700 for everything. It's not too bad since other places are charging RM2000 for basic lessons.

Today, we learnt to cut straight cuts and bob style. I managed to pick it up quickly since I had experience of cutting my own hair for the past 2 years (kedekut right? it cost too much to get it trim in the States!) I managed to cut and practised 5 times whereas my poor sis only did 3 1/2 because of her crooked finger. She better improve her skills because next time, it's not a wig she will be cutting...but my hair...lol....maybe i should open a barber shop soon?

Tomorrow will be lesson 2..wonder what I will learn this time. hehe..I'm excited! Oh, and I'm thinking about getting highlights...since my hair is now burgundy, they told me to get blonde highlights...hmm...what do you guys think? blonde or redish or what color?

Burgundy

2009-07-07T10:07:00.002-05:00

(no, i did not use Clairol, I used Wellas)

So, burgundy is not exactly a great color for me. It was suppose to turn out a little redish and purple-ish but i don't see much of a difference on my hair..sigh...my hair is still as black as ever, with only few stripes of burgundy. hehe..oh well, i think i wanna try red next time..lol...

起立，行礼，钟老师早安。

2009-06-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

起立，行礼，钟老师早安。

Those are the first few words I hear every morning.
Having the kids bow and greet me was a strange feeling at first,
but it's kinda amusing too. hehe...
The kids were pretty loud and noisy, very different from the time I was in their place.
But, they adjusted to me..hehe..
a fun and interesting bunch of kids, that's about all I can say about them.

But, I am truly disappointed with how Chung Kwok School has become after all these years of being a well-known school. Discipline, organization and management has gone down the drain since the arrival of the new headmaster, Mr Chan Seng Choy. I don't understand how can the government put such a stupid guy to be in charge of such a great school. The school's reputation has gone down the drain....way way way down!!!! sigh..such a huge disappointment. What's worse is that he can't even behave like an adult..makes me wonder if he has any sort of mental problem actually....oh, and he threathens and canes for fun too..

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T08:40:00.002-05:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

daddy peeling crab for me! hehehe

Thank you, daddy for everything you've given us
for all the sacrifice you made for us,
for the days you spent time with us,
for the food you provide us daily,
for the ups and downs in our lives,
for the love and support throughout our lives,
for your confidence in us,
even when we do not believe in ourselves,
for the time you are always there for us,
no matter what the situation is..
for the trust and faith you have in each of us,
for your unselfish love for us,
for your constant encouragements and challenges,
for giving us this very happy blessed family...

Happy Father's Day, daddy!
I love you~~~
(if you read this, of course... =p)

Roller coaster ride

2009-06-17T11:31:00.003-05:00

It is amazing how life can take a turn so quickly. Since I've been back for the past 3 weeks, so many things and emotions had taken over. There was:

The Happy:

The sad part =(

The road trip

The food:

The smile:

It has been a roller coaster ride. Words could never express my true feelings but God knows what goes through in my life each day. I thank Him for each brand new days, for my beloved family, relatives and friends. Without His grace and mercy, I would not live to see another day. Parents are a blessing, so is family, friends and everyone we meet. There is a purpose to everything that happened in our life--the sad, happy and the in-between(s)..

Home Sweaty Home

2009-05-28T06:24:00.003-05:00

I finally got back to KL yesterday afternoon after an extremely long flight and layover time. I left Fayetteville at 5am, got to Chicago and then LA..I had the longest wait in LA ever! I got there at 2pm local time and I had to wait for my 1.40am flight...*sigh* I sat at a table with all my luggage, plugged in my laptop and began my super long wait! you cannot imagine how bored and tired I was! I had 26hours on 5/26..haha..with only 3hours of sleep previously, i had to keep myself awake. Watched some dramas, played games, ate a little, chat and stared into the thin air daydreaming..coming home is really exciting and yet there is a feeling of uneasiness. There will be that one person who will be not there to greet me anymore. It feels so different everytime I think of what my grandma said "I won't be here anymore when you come home.." and sadly, it did came true..sigh...after 2 years abroad, coming home is really different. Things are no longer the same as it was before I left. Anyways, my first impression when I got off the plane was "THIS IS WAY HOTTER THAN I REMEMBERED! IS THE A/C ON?" hahaha...yes, it's hot! I admit it! rememeber the time I complained how cold Fayetteville was? ironically, i think this is too hot! It feels like you're in this big constantly heated oven..*Sigh* My family was there to greet me with a sign my lil sis made (just in case I couldn't recognize her ^_^" ) and we headed out for lunch. It was a big bowl of rice! hehe..but it was good..and I had Hokkien Mee for dinner..yummy~~~

As for today, I slept till 1.30pm! hahaha...jetlag, i suppose. Got a hair trim and a new pair of sandals! yay~~ Gonna start my lecture on UPSR with my lil sis..lol..will keep u guys updated! Email me or MSN me, people! I wanna hang out with you guys who are in KL this summer... =p

Roadtrip update

2009-05-27T06:12:00.000-05:00

Road trip was fun and awesome..hehe..
I'll let the pics speak for themselves =)

Massachusetts

NYC

New York New York

2009-05-18T02:22:00.002-05:00

Hi,
Sorry for the "no-updates-again-sherrie-went-MIA" period
Blog will be updated soon..
erm, not too soon
next week, maybe
XD
As Frank Sinatra sings, I am in NYC,
"...I wanna wake up to a city that does not sleep..."
See you guys soon...
DC, here I come..then next stop?
Fayetteville and then KL! yay~~~

Did you know?

2009-05-04T21:51:00.004-05:00

Did you know that you shouldn't take an exam when hung over? hehe..I just learnt that lesson today, during finals...I had a finals at 7.30am today and guess what? I didn't wake up till 7.20am! (Thank God!) Carolyn set her alarm for 7.20am for some reason that she doesn't know..hehe...thanks to her (many other times too) that I managed to wake up just in time to rush all the way to the exam hall..with a major headache and runny nose..

Ok, before anyone starts scolding me "Sherrie, how can you be so stupid to drink alcohol before a major final exam?" ...Ok, I admit I drank alcohol, 10% actually..but it's not what you think..it was Nyquil! Who knew cold medicine could give you a hungover? The one time I decide to be a good girl and take my medicine, I get hung over~~~ ^_^" Next time, no more Nyquil for me before anything important..then, Carolyn told me "hey, you know they have Dayquil instead..it keeps you awake!" ....if only she told me sooner....hahahaha.....

This, truly, is an unforgettable lesson learnt!

T.A.I.W.A.N.

2009-05-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

So, not only we humans like chinese food..so does our dear friend, Mr. MOUSE..it was horrible to see it running at the front door as we were exiting the shop after dinner..who knew restaurants in the U.S. would be this dirty too! Where is the Health Department people? ahhhh.....it was just disgusting to see a mouse in a restaurant where you just had dinner...I felt sick after that, and threw up last night..it was a horrible feeling. My kidneys felt cramp and my stomach hurt so badly that I couldn't move but lay on the bed and hope to fall asleep so that the pain would go away...my ears felt clogged and my head was spinning..but I'm feeling better now..why is 2009 filled with so many troubles? sigh..I fell sick / injured myself so many times this year, and it's only May! @_@ So, as Dick Lee sings in his song "...and don't go to TAIWAN anymore..." (not the country, but the restaurant on 6th Street)...

Oh, and the song is kinda funny.. just in case anyone wanna hear it..lol.. (sorry if there's any vulgarity in it! I just thought about it because the shop was called Taiwan too..)

swine flu ALERT!

2009-04-29T11:40:00.002-05:00

Put on those mask! Wash your hands frequently! Swine flu is now sweeping across the country and is currently at Level 4, almost to Level 5 as WHO states. It is moving towards Level 6 in being pandemic...ahhhh...look at the map! (move it around to see other places here in America.)

It looks scary to know how many cases there are in the US itself. What's more is that i am traveling and those areas are affected....please pray for my safety.....

View 2009 Swine Flu (H1N1) Outbreak Map in a larger map

spring cleaning in spring

2009-04-27T20:51:00.002-05:00

Presenting my new apartment!

hehe..NO! that's not what it looks like..although I do wish it would, look at the skyline! Oo..and the grand piano...i want one! hahaha...

Ok, back to reality..I spent my entire Saturday cleaning my "new" apartment, trying to get everything sparkly clean before my official big move in day. 7 hours non-stop cleaning wasn't all too fun. I washed, scrubbed, vacuumed, mop and wiped every corner you can think of in the apartment (yes, mummy, including the walls..they are all clean!) Before I realize, time flew and my friend came back to give me a ride back to campus..but I wasn't ready! you can imagine how obssess I was with the cleaning process..lol...so now my apartment is clean and my back hurts from the 7hours process..*sigh* (why do I have to keep injuring myself?)

So, now I spent most of my study time here at the apartment where it's quiet and away from all possible distraction..if you're thinking "blogging and chatting are distractions!", no! these are my necessary conditions in order for me to focus on my study. Internet is a must! haha...so, back to my studying..just one more week and all these will be over....i can't wait for it to be over! =)