[Benedict]

happy 50th birthday paddington bear!!

2008-10-13T22:46:00.004+11:00

haha, i learnt about it from the cool illustration on google. i like how they have like different drawings around their logo on special occasions! i really enjoy them.

happy 50th birthday paddington bear!!

2008-10-13T22:46:00.003+11:00

haha, i learnt about it from the cool illustration on google. i like how they have like different drawings around their logo on special occasions! i really enjoy them.

melbourne marathon!!

2008-10-12T15:46:00.002+11:00

what a day! just completed the 10km event at the melbourne marathon and it was a great run although it was quite crowded because the path we were running on was quite narrow. it was really exciting and i'm happy to have finished it under an hour! all the training has paid off. but i will have to keep it up for the standard chartered 10km which i'm running with eunice and my siblings!! yay! and i suddenly have the urge to do the full marathon next year, which means i have a year to train for it...

Singapore Day

2008-10-04T15:58:00.002+10:00

Singapore Day today in Melbourne at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Goody bags and free food were the highlights and needless to say every Singaporean there did what we all do best: queuing for freebies! LOL

It was a really nice day, bright and sunny, perfect for the event. Besides the free stuff, there were booths where different companies were looking to recruit people and also information about MINDEF and MOE, i guess for parents in Melbourne who might be deciding where their kids should study.

Needless to say photos going to be up on facebook!

spring break with friends!!

2008-10-03T01:10:00.002+10:00

I had a great time at the beach today with my coursemates!!

We actually went down to St. Kilda Beach and we played a bit of frisbee before going rollerblading! I really enjoyed it, maybe cause I like the sun, got to do something outdoors-y and people watch. Facebook photos coming soon!

And after, we came back to my house for nandos and games (pictionary & uno) and also did quite a bit of drinking!! now, 3 of them are sleeping over at my place! LOL...

Holidays are coming to an end and I hope I can get more work done before it ends. And there is this Singapore Day thing happening this Saturday which I signed up for, hopefully it will be fun! Might blog about it after...

random musings...

2008-08-30T14:32:00.002+10:00

So much has been going on since I last blogged! Firstly, the Olympics are over! There were so many awesome moments and performances which were breath-taking and so inspiring. I'm suffering from Olympic withdrawal symptoms, lol. No more free sport on tv - sad. Wish London 2012 will come soon! After this Olympic Games I suddenly feel like I wanna be a Olympic physiotherapist and be part of the team and experience and walk out on the track (my primary reason, lol).

Next is a big shock: Australian actor Mark Priestley took his own life fighting depression. If you guys follow Aussie tv, he is Dan in All Saints. It is really sad. Depression is really serious and some people don't even know they are depressed. It is important for those around to really pick up on the signs. Sometimes life is just hard and it can very well happen to any of us, and I think we should help and support one another during the tough times and not to run just because we are afraid of getting affected. The people around are really important and we should be more concerned with one another. I'm really feeling sad...

Ok off to another topic. School! Not very exciting because of all the studying and a test coming up on Monday. Got to study. We are having this physiofest event at school, and there is just so many areas that a physio can go into! I dunno what I wanna do! Everything seems so fun. And there is this thing about further studies now, everyone is like doing it. I'm scared! I dunno about my future, whether a Bachelor degree is enough. I guess that is still a while away and God will guide me through everything.

guess I better be studying! maybe after a nap...

wow, what a match!

2008-07-07T21:11:00.002+10:00

Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer at Wimbledon was truly amazing! Both players are great fighters seeing how Federer came back in 2 tie-breaks after being 2 sets down and how Nadal actually won the match after what I would consider devastating having let match points slip by and giving Federer a lifeline.

I was actually supporting Nadal for the first time and it was such a nail-biting experience! I couldn't believe it when he actually won the first two sets. But when he lost the next two, I thought the final would be over and Federer would go on to win his sixth title. I was feeling disappointed. How wrong was I! Nadal showed great strength and confidence. I was feeling so nervous for him! I can't imagine how he felt! It was a great match and both deserved to win but I had a feeling that Nadal would win and he did : )

Well Nadal has really improved his game these few years and it is much nicer to watch compared to the past. I didn't like him when he first burst onto the scene but I must say that has totally changed maybe because he has been around and has revealed more of himself over the years and he is actually a nice guy!

It would have been history-making if Federer won his six consecutive Wimbledon but Nadal winning his first Wimbledon over Federer is pretty special too. He has worked so hard and totally deserved it. Who would have thought, the four-time French open champion winning his first Wimbledon, a truly significant moment in the history of the sport. Will this mark the start of the end of Federer's reign at the top?

neglect

2008-06-28T17:18:00.002+10:00

Waa! It has been a little over 2 months since I gave this blog any attention! It has been neglected! I feel so so bad...

Well I am currently having my holidays and I'm really bored so I decided to share this funny thing I saw on the train the other day. Some background info first: on some trains in Victoria, the doors don't open unless you press this button to make them open, 'cause I guess it saves electricity and keeps the cold air outside (it is winter now). Ok so there was this guy who started pressing the button even before the train even stopped and of course the button won't work because it is "locked". He was like pressing it non-stop and it was making this clicking sound which was annoying. What I found annoying was how come people like to do inefficient things? He could have waited for the train to stop and for the doors to unlock and you only have to press the button once and the doors open. He was pressing it like a madman! Then there was this girl sitting next to the door and you should have seen her expression!! She was giving him the evil eye! haa it was so funny!

Lars and the Real Girl

2008-04-18T22:51:00.002+10:00

I really enjoy going to the movies!! I just had to watch this show, even if I had to watch it alone. The reviews were great and you know its not just another chick flick or hollywood blockbuster kind of show. It is really heart warming and it is a show everyone can relate to. The theme of love and relationships struck a chord and we can't do without them.

Well it was the highlight of my day! I was really looking forward to watching the show and I thoroughly enjoyed it (",)

i need fish!

2008-03-04T19:50:00.002+11:00

I have not eaten fish since being back in melbourne and I don't think it is doing my brain any good! Should buy some salmon soon.

i need a tagboard!

2008-03-01T16:58:00.000+11:00

Is livejournal better? My sister just moved to livejournal.

on the first beat

2008-03-01T16:38:00.002+11:00

I'm finally reaching the end of "on the first beat"! I have been putting off watching it cuz I have not watched the first one "the academy", but after Grace told me that it is not really linked I started watching it.

One of the reasons for watching it is because of Sonija Kwok! hehe. She is so pretty! Anyway I believe that she is not the third party in michael tao's divorce. sorry i'm a bit slow, it was half a year ago.

I think the show is really good as it shows the HK culture like the way they are all so close and I also like the way they talk, as in the way they kid around. Everyone cares for one another and really helps each other out. The love lives of the characters are also developed quite well and it really brings out issues about relationships and how to care for others.

K I'm going to finish the show soon!

the house is decent!

2008-02-23T16:11:00.002+11:00

I finally finished vacuuming all the rugs and folded them up and put them away! Now, the living room is so much more welcoming without all the clutter. Vacuuming is really good exercise! My back was aching after that. Actually cleaning is really satisfying, especially seeing the transformation. I really feel so much happier!

That is why I agree now that staying in a clean and clutter-free environment is good for health, physically and mentally! But while clearing the living room, I shifted all my stuff into my room, so my room is sorta crowded. At least I unpacked all my clothes and hung them up. And I realised that I have very little clothes! I need to do some shopping!

back in australia

2008-02-19T23:34:00.002+11:00

I can't believe I'm actually back in Melbourne. It seems like I haven't left at all, like the holidays were just a dream. School has started and it is real busy. It is as if we just finished 2nd sem a week ago.

Kinda adjusting to my new place and cleaning and arranging stuff. It was really hot these 2 days but for the next week it will be rainy. hopefully it is better weather. my place has no tv! so i'm watching so you think you can dance australia online!! maybe going to watch some hk tv serials that are in my com. i'm also looking for a job so i'm writing up my resume. hopefully i can get it done soon!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T18:31:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year everyone! God Bless!

pain

2007-12-02T17:53:00.000+11:00

I'm in pain now!! Should have listened to my dad and trained more! The lateral side of my tibia is painful where the ITB inserts. Going to try to relieve the pain now using salonpas and heat. hehe

half marathon!

2007-12-02T14:04:00.000+11:00

I survived the half marathon! It was fun but painful towards the end. It really is a mental challenge, to keep pushing myself thru the pain and the many "how long more to the finish line?" My legs were cramping at the last 5km and at times I couldn't feel them and at other times they were like rocks. It was a long 5km! But thank God that I didn't actually get cramps although I was close to having one or two! It was nice to run with my brother too!

And I actually survived when my dad thought that I will not be able to make it. haa. I was running behind this girl and she wrote one the paper that you can pin on the back of your shirt to inspire people: "my dad thinks I can't do it. But I can!" something along those lines and I thought it was really funny! good on her! Actually I think my dad thinks that I have not been exercising in Australia and he kept nagging at me to train since I got back!

My first time running a half marathon has been really good and hopefully there will be some more in the future!

driving is fun!

2007-11-22T02:08:00.000+11:00

I finally got to drive my dad's car! I told him I wanted drive. We went to fetch Grace. It was good! I need more practice.

singapore

2007-11-20T13:29:00.000+11:00

I'm back in Singapore! What a crazy few days! Checking in at the airport was totally stressful, but God was at work!

Firstly, my luggage was overweight and I had to pay a few hundreds, but when I went to the other counter to pay, the guy there let me go straight thru without paying! I really felt so relieved!

Next there was the point where my friend and I had to go thru to the immigration, and he refused to let us through because our hand carry was too heavy. So he sent us back out and asked us to check-in the other stuff. We went out to repack stuff and tried to get in again, but he said we were carrying too many bags. At that point, we were like desperate and like panicking, and we prayed. And right at that moment this girl with lots of bags was making a scene because that guy was not letting her in as she had a lot of bags. My friend and I had put everything into the gigantic krispy kreme plastic bag, so he waved us thru. We were so thankful!!

Oh, I also misplaced my phone i think in the cab to the airport. haiz, but that was nothing compared to God's provision and care!

house moving

2007-11-15T18:25:00.000+11:00

i don't believe i actually have so much stuff after a year in Melbourne! luckily i had help moving! thank you bryant and alicia!

it's time to pack again! it's really not fun! but at least there is motivation: going home!

shoju!!

2007-11-14T13:49:00.000+11:00

I am finally done with all my papers!! I can watch "Popular" without guilt! haa. and yesterday I went out with a few of my coursemates and we went to this korean restaurant to eat and drink, 'cause 2 of them are koreans. well it was quite fun. we had bbq pork belly which was fat and we drank shoju, this korean liquer. my friend was teaching me about their culture, like since I'm younger, I have to pour the drink for them with both hands and when they pour it for me I have to hold my cup with both hands too! they can really drink and we played some games to sabo people to drink! it was fun and I guess the pork belly helped neutralise the drinking?

I didn't get drunk but this morning I had this really headache! shoju is really potent! and I had my prac exam this morning?! LOL. well it's over now and I have to start packing. moving my stuff to my new place tmr!

K see you guys back in singapore soon!

help! I'm attacked by flies!

2007-10-28T18:08:00.000+11:00

The weather in Melbourne is crazy! It was still quite cold a few days ago and what a drastic change during the weekend!! It is so hot now with flies everywhere. I think I must have did something wrong because they were all landing on me and swarming around me today!! I can't take it!!

I have finally met the flies of Melbourne...

At the beginning of the year when I just arrived, there wasn't any flies around I think. or at least there wasn't as many! my gosh! well hope they find another unsuspecting target tomorrow.

Section 377A

2007-10-23T12:51:00.000+10:00

I only just came across the news today about the petition to repeal section 377a of the penal code, when I was looking thru my emails.

This section 377a criminalises sex between men and there have been violent objections and another petition was started to keep this section of the code. Go to www.keep377a.com. I was late in putting my name up on the petition but updates are still posted on that site.

I think that Singapore should keep this code because of the strong family values that we hold dear to our hearts. If this section is repealed, the society would be moving towards a whole new direction which is more individualistic and less community-based. Children would also be exposed at a younger age to information that they can't handle and that is not something that I want to see around Singapore. Gays are not born, they are made and this has direct link to the media and telling young impressionable people that it is an acceptable alternative lifestyle.

Hopefully the government will be wise and seriously evaluate this and keep our future in mind. How has Singapore been able to prosper? Because of our values, relationships and hard work! Repealing this section would just seek to fuel and drive the sex-crazed society of our time and create this sense of self-gratification (ie one night stands) and decrease the meaning of relationships.

May we keep this in our prayers!!

hugged!

2007-10-17T23:08:00.000+10:00

I was walking home from dinner today, when I saw my coursemate walking home too. So I said hi and smiled to her, and she came over to hug me! I hugged her back of course. I was really shocked! But I guess its in their culture. Its the first time I met a caucasian friend on the street. I guess she does it to everyone but I'm not really used to it!! Haa...

the BIBLE

2007-10-14T19:22:00.000+10:00

The bible stands for: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Haa, quite true.

Q: Are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes?

2007-10-12T17:03:00.001+10:00

A: Zebras are neither black with white stripes nor white with black stripes.
They are black with black and white stripes!

If you shave a zebra, you will discover that it has black skin. But the patterns on it are made up of both black and white fur!!

hee, interesting fact i discovered while watching tv!

hooked...

2007-10-10T10:36:00.000+10:00

I will never get sick of the phantom of the opera! It is just too good! The music is really powerful and touches me. It is the kind of music that I relate to - romantic/melancholic ballads. Plus it really goes well with the story and the pieces relate to one another with the same themes. It is a really good show that I can keep watching! I'm really into "think of me" right now. But one thing is the music does affect me emotionally, it brings me into another world and can make me melancholic too. That's why it's a good musical!

my afternoon snack

2007-10-07T17:21:00.001+10:00

For my afternoon snack, I'm having juicy oysters from vic mart and a salad i whipped up containing rocket, celery, avocado, dried fruit and nut with honey and olive oil. The salad was just randomly thought of and it is actually quite alright! haa. I think the key to a good salad is its dressing, but I am no expert in it and I have no idea how to make them! Even if I knew how I think I would think its quite troublesome, maybe because its only for myself. Btw, I don't always have afternoon snack. I just had a bite for lunch. For dinner, I will be making my pumpkin and rocket risotto! It is really nice! Was just telling si'er about it and she wanted to try it 'cause she missed out the other time, so now we are having a potluck with me making my risotto. But I don't mind, I love cooking for people!!

Anyway I was chatting with my junior and we were asking each other how school is. He said that school was ok, nothing exciting. So I decided to say mine consists of lots of touching which I thought is better den "nothing exciting". And i think he was stunned for a moment and asked me what i meant. I had to clarify that we had to feel muscles and bones. hehe. but I dun really like to touch people 'cause I have really cold hands and its embarassing!!

Think I'm finishing my oysters! That would be like 8!! Ok gtg and cook!

father of all musicals!

2007-10-07T00:32:00.000+10:00

I'm crazy about the phantom of the opera! I'm currently watching the movie. Can't get enough of it after watching the musical, so now watching the movie! I really love love love the music! Ha I didn't think I would be so crazy about it. Used to think it was just another musical and all hype. But I'm really a big fan now! I'm really glad I got to see it!

There is another musical that I now really want to watch too; Les Miserables here I come!

it has been a long time

2007-10-05T00:38:00.000+10:00

It has been a long time since i last updated my blog!! Hehe, i guess i'm really not a web fanatic with all the blogging, fb, friendster and stuff. But thank you all the loyal supporters of my blog for monitoring it for updates! hehe. i think i'm just plain lazy!

Actually i had created a post last thursday before my driving test, but when i wanted to publish it, it couldn't get into the system. So, i just couldn't be bothered typing it all over again! tsk tsk, technology... Either that, or i'm giving myself excuses...

So much has happened! I passed my driving test, my break is over (which included celebrating mid-autumn festival and going to the grampians with my cell), i graduated from alpha and my exams are in a months time! It's getting closer to going back to singapore!

Tried a new dish the other day, frittata!! From the recipe book eunice gave me.
I can't believe it, my attempts at uploading the pictures of my frittata failed!! the connection here sucks. I'm so sorry, I didn't manage to make you guys salivate!!

The phantom of the opera

2007-09-19T23:21:00.000+10:00

I watched the phantom of the opera musical today! It was so good! This is my first experience with the show. I haven't watched the musical previously, neither have I watched the movie nor read the book. I really enjoyed it! It is more of a music kind of musical, not that much dancing and stuff. But the music is really really good! The actors are really good! I also like the chandlier crashing onto the stage! O!

my mouldy bread

2007-09-18T00:52:00.000+10:00

I don't understand why the loaf of bread in Melbourne is so big! Before I can even finish it, it has mould all over it!! I wanted to make myself a peanut butter sandwich and saw my 6 pieces of bread with specks of mould growing on them! This is not the first time. I sort of expected it to be mouldy. Why don't they come up with 2 different sizes for people like me?

i have succumbed...

2007-09-17T21:31:00.000+10:00

I have actually started my facebook! I don't belive it! Guess my friends' hard work paid off! Hope to see you guys on facebook!

updates!

2007-09-04T13:38:00.000+10:00

So many things to do but so little time! Quiet time, assignment, exercise, revision, chores and meeting friends! No time! Either that or I'm slow or I spend too much time relaxing (which is actually vital too!).

Went for this church retreat thing last weekend and was really refreshed and encouraged to not conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Also got to know the Holy Spirit a bit better. It was quite a nice weekend away and we managed to see some penguins at the nobbies! The view was great and I really liked the blowhole. It is this hole in the side of the rockface, sorta like a cave. When the waves enter the hole fast enough, water will be propelled out of the hole! It is a really great sight!

My assignment is quite major, but I'm really having fun looking for journal articles! It is really satisfying completing various parts of the assignment! I'm writing up drafts for it. Don't think I would be doing it if not for this International Student Support Program. The tutor there is making us hand in drafts for the various parts every week, which forces me to do some work which is good. It is not compulsory though but I want to get some feedback. It also ensures that I don't try to do everything last minute!

I also have a test/quiz next week! It is 4 weeks worth of material! I have been listening during lectures so have to consolidate the information and keep them in! Its really interesting and relevant!

Prayer requests: Time management, assignment, revision, test, spiritual walk and health.

Some other random stuff.
Apec is going on in sydney, but doesn't really affect me here in Melbourne.
There is a horse flu thingy going around the horses in Australia and it is quite bad in some of the states. The horses can't train and race and I think a lot of people might lose their money.
Hypertrophy in muscles actually occur only 2-3months after commencing strength training so visible gains in size will only appear after 2-3 months! Keep at it!
Trigger point therapy is another way of releasing tension! If you have knots, besides massaging them, you can actually apply pressure on it. This actually causes local ischaemic, which is stopping blood supply to that area, and the muscle reflex would be to relax thus releasing tension. But it is not comfortable!

ok, going to lecture now!

a happy birthday

2007-08-26T16:05:00.000+10:00

Thanks to everyone (especially those from Singapore: Dad, Mom, Andrew, Grace, Eunice, Doreen, Ian) for all the birthday wishes!

Thank you Eunice for the nice precious moments figurine! And to Emmaus for the surprise at brunetti's (you guys know how to make me embarassed!) and the celebration at sier's place (where I ended up giving you guys neck massages!).

Also must thank Melanie and Hebin for spending Saturday afternoon with me! It was nice singing with you two! Will be having dinner with some classmates later! Its organised by Melanie so thank you Melanie!

snowboarding ROCKS!

2007-08-11T22:41:00.000+10:00

The title speaks for itself! I went Mt Buller again with my cell group over here and this time I went snowboarding with Bryant, Sarah, Dan and Esther. We took the chairlift right away to get to our lesson midway up the mountain, but discovered that we had missed it and the next one was in an hour. We were quite adventurous and decided to have a go at it ourselves and managed to get the feel of it during the first run. We were so excited and had another go where we improved a lot and didn't fall as much. And so we decided to skip the lesson and just board ourselves!

We were really enjoying ourselves and even skipped lunch to spend more time on the snow! We also went up right to the top where I had the not so plesant experience the other time. But this time with the snowboard, it was actually much better and I got to enjoy the journey down. We went up to the top a couple of times too.

It was a really good trip and I'm tired! Going to bed now!

Photos!

2007-08-04T18:16:00.000+10:00

Hi Benedict and all,
Here are some photos of us in Gold Coast and Melbourne. Because Benedict put up a plea for someone to help him upload photos, I answered. I am sorry, Benedict, that I may have invaded your privacy. I being a very intelligent girl, hacked into your blog wahahahaha. Anyway, I totally enjoyed my time with you and I miss you alot. Seeing these photos again, gave me much joy. See you soon, dearie.

Eunice, me and some superheros! MovieWorld

Me with Porky Pig. It was raining so we (Eunice and I) were both wet and cold.

Batwing!

The Batwing ride! Scary! Beside that is the Superman ride, but it was closed as it was raining.

Eunice with a colourful taxi in MovieWorld.

Eunice touching a sea cucumber at Sea World. Gross! I declined to touch it even though she said it was velvety and nice.

It's the Queensland Grouper. It can grow up to 3m and 500kg!!!

A stingray.

A dolphin.
At Sea World, Gold Coast.

At Wet 'N Wild. See me sliding down the slide head first! Awesome!

I cooked dinner while Eunice built a drawer. She says I'm a good cook! Role reversal alert!

Eunice building a drawer. She's good with her hands!

Krispy Kremes! They are delicious and wicked coz they are so sweet!

A pretty peacock. On the way to Phillip Island.

Rose came by to visit Melbourne and us!

Skiing!

At Mount Buller, skiing.

On the Melbourne Eye ferris wheel.

Eunice makes me stand at ugly trees and cati coz she tells me the contrast makes my natural beauty stand out. So how come she gets to stand with flowers?

Eunice: I love this photo of Ben. It's a candid shot. He looks pleasantly surprised and gentle. Thus I conclude that that's the look of love, pleasure at seeing the one you love.

Isn't Eunice pretty? I totally think so.

Me and Eunice at the Botanical Garden's Southern China Garden.

the importance of prayer

2007-08-01T00:18:00.000+10:00

As the song goes:

Read your bible, pray everyday,
Pray everyday, pray everyday.
Read your bible, pray everyday,
And you'll grow grow grow!

Prayer is important! It is being in the presence of God. Spending time sharing and fellowshipping. It is so important to pray and I need to do more of it!

chilli padi!

2007-07-31T18:49:00.000+10:00

Check out the performances on One Minute of Fame organised by Kid's Central Singapore! I only watched F8 Chilli Padi. The boy, Kennedy, is my dad's friend's son. They are so cute and they dance so well! I'm impressed! Vote for them! Eunice says that the rest of the contestants also very talented!

Sorry forgot to include the url. Here it is! http://www.kidscentral.sg/microsites/omf2007/index.html

photos...

2007-07-30T01:12:00.000+10:00

I have no idea why I can't seem to upload photos using the add photos feature on blogspot! Its frustrating! I want to share photos but I can't! Someone help!

we went skiing!

2007-07-16T00:22:00.000+10:00

Eunice and I went skiing with some friends saturday! It was really awesome! We got to see snow for the first time!

Skiing is actually very tough! The equipment by itself is already so heavy and we were like tired just lugging everything around! We also had to get around in ski boots on Mt. Buller which was really not easy because they were heavy and we couldn't walk normally. Getting the boots on was a challenge too! There was a point where I was thinking why did I sign up for this? When were we going to actually start skiing? Because it was really troublesome. We had to wear all these weird clothes and carry all those equipment around and take 2 different buses to get to where we were going to ski(which meant we had to go up and down the buses in weird footwear too, which was tough). But once we were there, we were having a little bit of fun and forgot about the hard work we did getting there.

Most of us had a little bit of trouble with the equipment and some had trouble with the skiing motion. The ice was quite hard where we were having lesson which caused it to be difficult getting into the skis because there was ice on the bottom of the boots! But it got better and more satisfying once we got the hang of it and managed to ski down from the very slight slope a couple of times. It was really actually quite flat and a short distance only, but I think that is very challenging for us already!

After lunch, I went up on the chairlift with some other friends to conquer some steeper slopes, but we didn't expect it to be sooo steep and there were so many of them too!! I got off to a flying start, both literally and pun intended, when I got off the chairlift. I was going so fast and I was trying my hardest to slow down using the technique I learnt for only a short while (guess I needed more practice) with no avail and I had to stop by falling! I'm really pathetic! The slopes were really too steep for me. I couldn't control my speed and I was sorta freaking out and could only stop by making myself fall! But it was really thrilling in a sense. I can't believe I actually had the guts to put myself in that situation! I think I'm not really the kind to do extreme sports. I don't think I can handle that kind of speed. The almost flat slope was really fun and enough excitement in my opinion. Haa.

One of the highlights was the chairlift. It was really cool sitting there with our legs hanging in the air with our skis on. Really weird. But the view was fantastic. We could see the mountain range with their snow-capped peaks. Beautiful! The view while coming down was also very nice! The whole trip was a whole new experience!

My friend, Natalia, almost got hit by the chairlift! She couldn't control her snowboard and she slid off into the way of an incoming chair. Luckily she was pulled aside by the attendant there! We got a shock!

Now we are all still recovering from the trip. We have blisters on our legs, Eunice has really bad ones, and our whole body is aching! We really got a good workout!

Gold Coast

2007-07-02T18:54:00.000+10:00

We are back in Melbourne! Gold Coast was fun although it was expensive. We went exploring on public transport and we are quite proud of ourselves! Like we could find our way around. Queensland is supposed to be the "Sunshine State", but it was raining the first two days we were there! It was really dreary. We thought we were never going to see the sun! We were hoping for weather that was different from Melbourne. On the third day, the sun was finally up and we felt so much happier! Winter is really depressing! We need the sun!

We stayed at this place called Trekkers. It is a hostel and we had to share toilet with the other occupants! It is really an experience! One night, we even went to buy roasted chicken and salad from coles for dinner! But it was the best dinner of the trip cuz we were really hungry, wet and cold! So pitiful right?

The theme parks were fun! We visited Movie World on the second day while it was still raining, but we managed to get on most of the rides! Eunice enjoyed Scooby-doo the best. The ride is in a dark studio because its supposed to be scooby-doo scary. The highlight of the ride is the part where we moved backwards down a slope! Its really something I haven't experienced on any rides.

I really liked the batwing spaceshot which lauched us up and drops us down. It was cool because there is a point of zero gravity. We were floating in the air! I also really liked Lethal Weapon, because the seats are the suspended ones which are really cool!

We also went to Wet and Wild! It was a nice sunny day, but it was sooo windy! Which meant that it was COLD. Eunice couldn't take it after three rides because it was cold and so she went to shower and change. After she came back, I went on another two rides before I surrendered to the cold too! But it was really fun because I haven't been to a water park with water rides before! I really enjoyed the rides on the floats and I liked the one where I slide down the water slide headfirst, on this mat. Haa, I'm really a mountain tortoise!

All in all, the trip was fun because Eunice and I got to hang out and have fun!

what a day!

2007-06-23T23:52:00.000+10:00

We were on the tram today heading towards the city, when the tram suddenly lurched to a stop and it actually hit a car! The car was travelling in the opposite direction and I guess it drove to near the oncoming tram! It was terrible! I mean we could hear and feel the collision, and the glass at the back of the car popped out! But luckily no one was injured. I am personally wondering how that car can actually drive so close to the oncoming tram! So scary.

Anyway, we were heading towards the city so that we could transfer tram to go to the zoo. It was fun! I really like the giraffes! And the penguins are so cute! I really prefer them to the king/emperor penguins. The ones here are the local burrowing-type penguins! Very very cute! We got to watch them being fed.

For dinner, I managed to whip up sweet and sour pork! It was a success this time! I think its because the pork was in much smaller pieces. And I sorta fried it properly with more oil. I also made the chinese dessert, beancurd skin with gingko nut, very nice! Haa, I bought the wrong kind of beancurd skin at first and it was really weird, even had to throw it away. But I managed to get the right kind in the end. Eunice and I really enjoyed our dinner! I'm thinking of making tofu beef patties and bread&butter pudding next!

doodles!

2007-06-23T00:48:00.001+10:00

Eunice and I bought an M&Ms edition monopoly set the other day! It is so cute! And I won the first game we played using that monopoly set! Hee, sorry Eunice. But its also sorta my first time winning her in monopoly.

Anyway, I went to donate blood on thursday, and it was quite good. The donation centre is like so much nicer then HSA in Singapore! Another thing, they don't use anaesthesia here, which is quite ok actually. Singaporeans are so pampered! I think if they didn't give LA in Singapore, no one would donate blood!

On that same day, Eunice and I went to watch Fantastic Four. It was FANTASTIC! Haa (",) I really enjoyed myself!

prayer for the day

2007-06-20T19:15:00.000+10:00

Father, I ask for Your wisdom to recognize sin for what it is. I know that You have given me boundaries for my protection. I thank You for that and ask for strength to follow Your paths.

shooting in melbourne CBD!

2007-06-18T20:08:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone! There was a shooting in melbourne this morning! 1 died and 2 are injured.

Its really unreal! I mean cuz its like it doesn't affect me but its also does cuz its here in melbourne, and its the general safety here. I also dunno how come there are guns around. The shooter grabbed this woman (injured) out of the taxi by her hair and dragged her across the street. 2 man, passers-by, went over to stop him/help the girl. Then the shooter took out a gun and shot them! He ran away after that and dumped the gun which was found by the police. One of the passers-by died.

And this does make people think twice before helping others, which is not good. People are saying that you shouldn't have to think twice before going to the aid of a young woman being dragged across the road by her hair. Ya especially since the gun was not exposed at that time. Of course if the man is armed, don't try to be a hero. In this case should leave it to the professionals.

But its really sad, the guy tried to help but got killed. He was a good man. Hope the other 2 will get well soon.

exams are over!

2007-06-15T17:01:00.000+10:00

exams are over! its time to clean and tidy up my room, and catch up on exercise. ya have been really lazy and sluggish this few weeks. its like the exams were looming and i kept telling myself i have to study and i just didn't have the mood to exercise. but of course some of those times were spent slacking. but now there is nothing much to do can go exercise.

i have been trying to keep up to date with my devotional. eunice and i are doing this book called "How now shall we live". its about worldviews which are the beliefs that shape how we see the world which influences how we function. its quite interesting and we are learning more about evolution.

the theory of evolution is actually not a scientific fact. its more of a religion masquarading as science. evolution actually can't stand and its proven by advancements in science. like how scientists still can't make living cells from chemicals in the lab. and the complexity of DNA proves that it cannot be a random event. also evolution cannot stand because mutations are often detrimental to the species and a species always stays as that species and does not change into another. imagine a fish, if according to evolution, evolves to have lungs, it would die because its going to be in the water and lungs can't take water. it can't survive on land either, it can't get around to get food. it would have to evolve all its systems at once, which is not possible! and the complex way which our bodies work, the different systems that are intricately linked makes it so much easier to see that evolution cannot stand!

but why is evolution being accepted? because its using the word "science" to actually push forward its way of thinking that tries to dethrone God. we are made to be religious, to worship. But those people didn't want to accept the biblical way so they sought to believe in something else which came in the form of evolution and they just hung on to it even though it cannot be proven to be right. its actually not science! its religion vs religion! you need as much faith to believe in something that can't be proven to be true!

2 more to go!

2007-06-12T17:12:00.000+10:00

Exams are almost over! Life as a uni student is really different, like the studying for the exams are really self directed. Revision can be really intense or really slack. It has been quite moderate for me, and my cell members have been revising together which is good! Or I will be slacking the whole day long!

I'm really blessed by my cell group! They have been really good support and auntie Molly (Si-er's and Si-jing's mom) is really warm and hospitable! She has been feeding our cell well! Hee.

Eunice will be here in a week's time!

winter is here...

2007-06-02T02:48:00.000+10:00

Winter has arrived in Melbourne! It has been pretty cold the past few days although winter only officially started on 1st June. Its quite fun actually, can get a chance to layer clothes! Need to get more items for my wardrobe after the exams! Can go shopping when Eunice is here too (",)

exams!

2007-05-31T09:28:00.000+10:00

Exams are starting next week! A semester has gone past so quickly! I'm sorta busy studying these days so I have not been updating.

How's everyone? I have finally managed to get the tagboard out and included some links. Those who want to be included can just let me know, I will be glad to put you in.

It is getting colder here, like it was 15 degrees top yesterday. I'm going to study now! hopefully...

Food!

2007-05-17T00:49:00.000+10:00

I really like cooking! here are some pictures of what I have managed to make so far!
Fried rice. I had a nasty incident after making it! I was removing my contacts before bed and because I was dealing with red chilli for the fried rice, when I wore my contacts again the next day, my eye were stinging and I had to wear spectacles! But the fried rice is nice.
Stir-fried chicken with vegetables.
Trying my hand at stir-fry hor fun! Not bad ok!

Tofu with minced pork and rice.

Are you salivating yet?? More to come...

Cantopop!

2007-05-16T23:43:00.000+10:00

I am currently learning how to sing a cantonese song by alex fong lik-sun, <> or good heart good reward. Its a nice song and I can refine my cantonese! I suddenly feel so in touch with my roots! I'm listening to this song on loop now! after I'm finished with this will go and listen to the other canto songs my friend passed to me.

Yesterday, I was participating in a research project, and after the "experiment", the researcher chatted with me and asked me where I'm from. He then added, "Hong Kong?" I was stunned. I wanted to ask him why did he guess I was from Hong Kong. Because that is sort of true. But I didn't. Maybe I have the Hong Kong face still even after my whole life in Singapore. I'm not complaining!

crutches!

2007-05-05T00:41:00.000+10:00

I'm currently supposed to be on crutches for an assignment and it is not a nice experience! It is very tiring and my hands were shaking after I walked with crutches for about 15mins. Normally it takes only 10mins to walk back home from school, but with the crutches, it takes half an hour! And I'm sweating profusely by the time I arrive back home. I will have chances to use it again during the weekend. Its really an experience and I will be able to emphatise with patients next time!

Yesterday, I finished one large pizza for dinner all by myself! That's very bad!!

mango oil, yummy...

2007-04-23T15:57:00.000+10:00

My hands still smell of mango oil! It was nice during my practical class where we learnt stroking, a massage technique and had to practice on one another. But its getting to me a little now. Our tutor brought it to class, if not we had to use johnson's baby oil! I think the oil is more for the therapist den the patient. Its like I smell the oil and I feel more in the mood to massage people. We learnt how to massage the back, calves and thighs. So its still very general and the technique is basic. It is supposed to increase circulation, improve lymph drainage and get the patient used to our touch/handling before other techniques are used. Please don't think I'm an expert on massage now and ask me for too much! We are not supposed to treat anyone thru massage until we have graduated but our tutor says we can give our friends relaxing massages.

Sorry I haven't been updating my blog, there was a test today that I had to study for and I have also been trying to conserve the amount of data that I am allowed to download thru internet for this month. I'm not left with alot so I haven't been online often!

Today had been eventful, from the test to the massage class, to a gas leak which cancelled one of our lectures (my classmate was kidding and saying why wasn't it a gunman? not funny), and finally to my last lecture on paediatrics which was so cool! The baby in the video was so adorable! And we get to interact with babies too. My class gets to do it next monday! Can't wait.

my wallet went for a walk

2007-04-13T22:50:00.000+10:00

The police called me the other day (Wednesday), and told me that my wallet had been handed in and asked me collect it from them. From some of the other things he said, I could imply that he was saying that I was lying about my wallet being stolen and that I must have dropped it or something! I was furious! I'm sure I didn't drop it. it was the photocopy shop that returned my wallet; which is weird because why did they wait a week before returning it?

I reckon someone took it for the thrill of it and left it back at the shop another day for the people there to find it or maybe one of the workers there actually took it and felt guilty afterwards and turned it in. But whatever the reason, it is God answering our prayers. I really didn't expect my wallet to come back, with everything still in it! I also felt furious when I got my wallet back, because I went through so much anxiety and inconvenience to get all my cards back! But I really felt God's grace and love and its really a miracle. I feel that I really don't deserve such things from God (so I also feel guilty), but he cares for me individually down to even the insignificant (to me that is) details! I'm touched!

back from camp!

2007-04-11T14:30:00.000+10:00

If I had to describe Easter camp in one word, it would definitely be: power! [double meaning for those that went for the camp ('',)] The camp was really fun because of the people that were there! I made alot of new friends and we all benefited from the discussions where we shared our experiences and encouraged one another in our walk with God.
Of course there were the games by the beach, which were really exciting! It got cold when we got wet, but it was fun nonetheless. The campsite is at a very nice location and its got a calming effect. We could see farms and cows next to the site and the beach is gorgeous with really really fine sand and cool cool water. At night, the stars lit up the entire sky and it was breath-taking! You can even see the milky way! I love nature!
Overall the camp was really relaxed and the fellowship was great (I stayed up till 4am the last night)! It was really sad to break camp and get back to daily life. So in that aspect the camp was successful, because it was themed "a taste of heaven" and I think we all got a taste of it, where we just focused on God and fellowshipped with one another too.

easter!

2007-04-05T22:21:00.000+10:00

Hot cross buns and chocolate easter eggs are the staple of easter in melbourne! You all will have no idea how many chocolate easter eggs I have eaten! I even have the big one! Well, that marks the start of my mid-semester break, which is packed!

Anyway, since the holidays are here, I went to watch Meet the Robinsons today! Its quite a cool show with a simple plot. The story only starts to make sense near the end but it was ok. There is this theme, "Keep moving forward" which is part of a Walt Disney quote. It is an enjoyable movie.

I also managed to get a new wallet today! Its a nice fossil wallet! Its really different from the wallets I had before as it is more vertical than horizontal if you get what I mean. Finally, I won't look so stupid digging money out of my pockets.

Yesterday I had anatomy class where we got to learn about the human body using cadavers. I got to touch specimens. No contact with actual cadavers till after Easter. I got to see one though. It isn't too bad cause the room is quite spacious and bright and everything is very scientific.

I also got to take off my clothes again in my physio practical. We had to observe each others gait this time. One difference between my partner's and my gait is that I have lateral pelvic tilt when I walk whereas he doesn't. I think its due to different structure of our bodies, like maybe his feet have a higher arch cause I have functional flat foot. But all are normal variations of walking as different people have different structures. So we get exposed to all different variations and when we see something out of the normal, we will be able to tell the difference.

I finally did 'the bridge'! We were just hanging around after class and we started doing all this stretching and some even did some gymnastics! I couldn't do it before but I tried that day and I could suddenly get into that position! It was really satisfying though my shoulders felt a little weird. You can do it by lying on the ground with your back on the floor and placing your hands palms down on the floor beside your ears and push your whole body off the ground. I might be able to do it now cause my pelvis is not as anteriorly tilted, which affects the movement.

Back to Tuesday, my doubles partner (Hin) and I won our first match for our team in the tournament! We were really happy cause it took such a long time before our first win! I think we will get better!

Ok, I'm going to be off to Easter camp from tomorrow till Monday! I will be back...

theft!

2007-04-03T17:10:00.000+10:00

I was copying a book in the printing shop yesterday when my wallet was stolen! I was assigned the copier next to the counter and my wallet was in my bag on the floor next to the copier. I guess that because I was next to where people come and go, it would be easy for whoever it was that took it. Plus the fact that my bag was opened. I was really angry, at myself. Like I sorta knew it could happen and that I should have been more careful! It wasn't really what was inside the wallet that was valuable- because I only had 5 bucks and the cards could be cancelled and replaced- it was the wallet. The wallet was more valuable than the things inside and it was a gift from Eunice (sorry Eunice!) and it was a really nice wallet! I will be more careful about my stuff next time.

Please pray for me that my student card and Learner's won't be misused by the thief!

Anyway, wanna thank God for granting me a pass for my test. Although I could have done much better, I'm contented with my grade still. Tomorrow we will be dissecting cadavers in our practical lesson! I'm not feeling anything right now, maybe that will change tomorrow! Will keep y'all updated!

evolution?

2007-03-30T07:57:00.000+10:00

Why do all my lecturers seem to embrace evolution? My anatomy lecturer was going on about how we evolved from single cell organisms to developing some notochord thing for support and it became segmented to form our backbone? It was really absurd!

He went on to say that he doesn't think there is any conflict between science and religion. He says there is no conflict because what he is talking about is the progress from a cell to a human, and the question of where the cell came from should then be answered by religion. I almost wanted to laugh at him! And he said there is no conflict and he doesn't want to be involved in any conflict. He sounded so ignorant! Well I packed up there and then cuz he was going on about evolution which seriously isn't what human anatomy is about. I wonder why he bothers showing us like those anatomy (even if they were our ancestors, which they are not), cuz its like human anatomy is so much different. Maybe he is just trying to brainwash people. There are 400 over students in my lecture group and this is really bad. Talk about not pushing religion or beliefs in school! This is obviously some belief!

Well hopefully I can learn something useful today! about human anatomy and not evolution.

updates!

2007-03-29T13:50:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone! Hi Eunice, Dad, Mom, Andrew, Grace, my CG (Faith) and all my friends in Singapore; I miss you guys!

My unreliable internet is finally up and there have been lots happening here! Firstly, the practical that we were all looking forward to came yesterday. We got to observe our partner's posture which required the person being observed to take off their clothes. Everyone was in the same room so you can pretty much look at others if you look around. There's this group of australians who were pretty open and they seemed to be having a lot of fun during the prac. I think they were still in their undies even after they have finished observing and were kinda fooling around (not in that kinda way). The rest of us pretty much just took off our clothes when we needed to and put them back on straight after. I realised that I'm ok with people touching me but I get kinda squirmish about touching other people. Haha. I guess I have to get used to that!

Hmm, there is still something wrong with uploading pictures on blogspot. The photos that I upload end up with the red "x" in them.

Ok, I gotta go collect my blood test result for TB from school now! They actually subjected me to 2 skin tests and still drew my blood! My skin tests failed because I took the BCG before and I think the vaccine actually reacted with the skin test.

my unreliable internet

2007-03-25T23:58:00.000+10:00

The internet I have over here is really bad! Its unreliable and I can't upload photos now. Really really frustrating. And I can't talk to my family and Eunice on skype.

Daylight saving has ended and now Melbourne is only 2 hours ahead of Singapore, instead of 3! I din know that my laptop will automatically change my time for me! It actually knows when daylight saving ends! That is so advanced!

Actually wanted to upload some pics of my nephew, which I saw again on Saturday. And some photos of church lunch which my cell prepared. We made American burgers with potato salad! It looked nice, but I din get to eat it. I assume it tastes as nice as it looks!

The weather has gotten cooler this few days but that's a good thing! Heard from my classmate Hebin that Saturday was the coldest day since we have been here. And I actually wore the least clothes compared to days which were warmer! I almost froze!

I was at the beach with Hebin and he got to play volleyball, good for him! Although it was very very sunny, I was shivering as I sat there watching the game proceed. The wind was strong! It was very nice and relaxing there cause the beach is big and the sea and sky is so vast! Its like being free! And like there are no worries or cares in this world! I guessed I was sorta caught in the moment.

I went for my first real clinical placement on thursday and it was really cool! I really think that there is so much to offer as a physio! And I'm glad I'm going to be one! I was attached to the physio in charge of the surgical ward that thursday and I really like it. I thought it was more interesting compared to outpatients. I guess I will get a chance to go outpatients soon too!

Ok, I better go to bed! Goodnight!

underwear shopping

2007-03-24T01:38:00.000+11:00

I was out underwear shopping with some of my friends today. It is for our practical lessons next week where we will be looking at posture and we would need to strip. So we were looking for underwear that conceals more.

It was a bit weird because the 5 of us were walking into departmental stores looking at underwear! haha. It was quite an experience.

I was planning to upload some photos, but there is something wrong with blogger uploading. Too bad!

Pacific Life Open Champ

2007-03-18T19:55:00.000+11:00

Daniela won her second Pacific Life Open title, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets! That is wonderful! Daniela is back from being title-less for 5 years, since winning her first career title at this same tournament in 2002.

Go Daniela!

balloons!

2007-03-18T19:39:00.000+11:00

hot air balloons flying past lygon street in the morning! its really pretty!

Last friday, my lecturer was late and the lecture group started playing with beach balls! It was really fun! I got the chance to hit the balls a couple of times! I guess everyone is too stressed! So photos below.

Can you see the red, blue and yellow beach balls?

Look at it go!

How high can the red ball go?

Look! The orange ball has finally joined in the fun!

Daniela into the semis!

2007-03-16T07:29:00.000+11:00

Her QF win over Peer:

Hantuchova / Peer Highlights IW 2007
Uploaded by tennisvideos

accomodation

2007-03-15T23:16:00.000+11:00

I was out to the suburbs today. Werribee. For a friend's housewarming. Its so unlike the city and where I stay! But its far; its in zone 2! I had to buy a train ticket when I was on my way back. Lucky I did cuz there were inspectors! Everyone that stays in the suburbs drives! I guess that is how they get around.

my tram ticket for zone 1 &2

the suburbian life

what nice houses! which are quite affordable!

very different from my room,

this is my living room, which includes the dining area and you can see my kitchen and my room door. my wardrobe is opposite the kitchen in the wall.

my study, you can catch a glimpse of my toilet

my bed, not bedroom; you can see my living room. sorry its messy.

my toilet! only can see the shower. but you have seen my toilet bowl earlier.

that's me cooking in the kitchen!

I really like cooking! LOL! Maybe I should quit physio and study cooking! Yum! Pictures of my creations will be available soon!

There is a great difference between staying in/near the city/uni and in the suburbs. Its definitely cheaper in the suburbs and there is more room but you need to have a car!

Well my place is not bad as you can see in the pics.

Rose, hope you are satisfied with the pictures of my room!

Fireworks at the Moomba Festival

2007-03-13T18:24:00.000+11:00

Moomba Festival was on throughout the weekend till yesterday. I went down on Saturday to catch the fireworks and it was great! There was never a boring moment! The fireworks were fresh, full of variety and colorful and the atmosphere was great! Really enjoyed it!

The Moomba Festival marks the end of summer. I guess that can be pretty depressing cuz that means that the sun will show its face less and less. But the weather today is pretty fine! the sun is out and the air is cool! Better enjoy it while I can!

a glimpse of my life

2007-03-10T15:17:00.000+11:00

This is where i'm staying. That's the street sign.

and this is a view of college square from across the road. can you see the words "college square" on the taller building? anyway the exact building where i'm staying is a little more to the left, not in the pic.

more to come...

Ls

2007-03-10T15:05:00.000+11:00

I got my Ls!

What am I doing?!

2007-03-08T22:35:00.000+11:00

I have actually started a new blog! This is unbelievable! Due to my sister's constant questioning on when I'm going to get one going, I have actually given myself another go at blogging!

Actually, I think this is also a good way to share about what's going on around me in Melbourne! There would be some pics soon, i promise, and updates, unlike my previous blog which was abandoned!

Anyway, there is something embarassing to share. I was on this tram to school from the train station, cuz my frens wanted to collect newspaper from school. We were coming back from Heidelburg, a suburb which we are doing our clinical placements. And just when the tram was coming to a stop, it jerked rather violently several times and I sorta lost my balance and I tried to grab my friend's bag. I ended up grabbing his water bottle and it slipped out of his bag and dropped to the floor! I think I either sorta righted myself or my other friend actually supported me. I picked up the bottle and we hurried towards the door. I have always thought I have a low CG which would mean I am stable, but how wrong I am.

That is not the end. After getting the papers, we took another tram to this restaurant, Intersection Cafe, for lunch+dinner. I think the tram was making a turn at quite a fast speed, and I was flung across the tram! I was standing in the centre between this 2 rows of seats that were facing one another. All the seats were occupied and I was like almost lying on their laps! No la, I managed to push off the windows. What's wrong with me today?! I was so embarassed! Haha. I think I should hold on to the handles in the trams now.