I am sorry

I have gotten lazy to blog. Blame it all on blogspot's totally un-userfriendly way to load photos on the blog. grrr

sooo, if you guys are still even interested, I have momentarily shifted my attention on facebook (truly appreciate it as a marvellous networking site now) and twitter. less time consuming and well, no need so much effort. haha

no twitter? sign up for one la. It is already waay past is early adopter stage right now. Twitter is the advent of the new age of communication! if you do get one, pls post up your username on the chatbox on the right.
Dont wanna get twitter, just have to see the box on the top right. It shows all updates on my microblog on twitter.

It is midsem break, and alot has happened. I have been having tons of fun at the expense of me not catching up with my studies. Haiz, sigh. I have no time to update on recent activities:

chefs at work on desert for home bible study: orange sorbet
how I got home when I missed the bus at 12.00am, haha. UNSW unibeat security rocks!
KM's birthday outing (Pics on FB)
My wonderful birthday surprise by IBF (a portion of pics on FB too)
laser tag is rocking fun, although I suck at it (FB pics PENDING, pey pey upload laaaaaa)
my birthday date with KM (pics on FB)
inglorious basterds (very gory, but interesting) movie night
I curled my HAIR!
and drum rolls, I watch WICKED, the AMAZING broadway musical. LOVES!


fun fun fun~
gah, need to study. My eye is swelling. Need to sleep as well.

I GOT A JOB

Ok, this is really really OOOOOLD news, but I just could not find the time and mood to blog about it.

After 4 weeks of looking for a job, searching up and down, asking anyone who has a job how they got it, being stupidly envious of them, feeling rather down myself, I finally got a response.

One day, I was checking my email on my phone just before lecture, and found this:

(grrr, I cant cut and paste in blogger, I think its because I am noob, so I have to type it)

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Dear Sara,

Thank you for submitting your resume to UNSW Sports and Recreation,

We are currently interviewing for Customer Relations Officer positions (waiseh, sounds so yeng right). The position entails working early mornings, evenings and weekends, there are about 15 hours a week available. If you are still interested, we would like to offer you an interview this week.

Deborrah XXX (Customer Relations Supervisor) and myself are fairly flexible so if you can respond with a couple of suitable days and times, I will confirm asap. Alternatively, if you have already found work, I wish you all the best.

Have a wonderful day.

Kind regards,Betina xxx

Marketing and Customer Relations Manager

UNSW SPorts and Recreation.

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NO I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY OTHER JOB YET, AND YES I WOULD LOVE TO DO AN INTERVIEW AT LAST!

It was so stupid, because I applied for fast food restaurants (Mc Donald, Dominoes, and Subway), retail shops (clothes and shoes shop), and supermarkets (Coles and Aldi that is popular here) and still there was NO RESPONSE. Hardly any of them had the decency to say I was rejected. I hear from other friends that these places give no response as well. I was at my wits end here.

There was one point, I thought I finally landed a job at Gourmet Deli, cuz the guy was looking for someone to hire, and my friend (his manager knows him) recommended me to him. He liked me, told me that he would put me on consideration and even admitted it to my friend. I thought I would be getting a call to tell me the good news soon. But I waited, waited, and waited .... nothing. I got nervous, maybe I overestimated how good the informal interview was. 2 weeks later, I went there again and asked him how was everything and has he come to a decision yet. He said, "oooh no, I will give you a response in 2 weeks, yada yada." =.= People cant wait that long laaaa.

Holiday ended, Uni started. STILL NO JOB. As a last desperate attempt, I gave up on waiting for Gourmet Deli and started sending out resumes again. This time, Uni on campus jobs (I thought I have a very low chance there, because it is very high on demand). One of them was obviously UNSW Sports and Rec. I handed in my resume, the guy at the counter was saying there were a few girls before me asking for a job as well. Also mentioned it is most likely there will be no vacancy. Heart sank here.

At the end of the day, I resigned to my apparent fate, and just thought, I did my best.

The email from my (current) marketing director was an unexpected blessing, like suddenly finding out it is christmas day and you have stack loads of pressies (I love them, hehe) when you thought Santa labelled you a naughty child BY MISTAKE. Thank you GOD! Anyway, I had another thing to worry about now. DONT SCREW UP THE INTERVIEW!

If you followed me on twitter (I dont think you do, but i know Karen definitely did, MUAKS), I was nervous like hell. It was like a win lose situation, and I CANNOT LOSE (dun wanna job search again). So afraid. When I asked Khar Mun to test me on a few questions like 'tell me about yourself' (which should be easy), I stumbled on every word. I was that afraid, and being nervous took my confidence away. Also, I had no real office attire. I managed to scrape through with this. I wore stockings and the high heels Khar Mun gave me. I look fat :(

Amazingly, another stroke of luck, I was game on in the interview despite being a nervous wreck before. I did not stumble ONE BIT. Betina even liked my answer to some interview questions, which I swear I have no preparation whatsoever. HALLELUJAH! I knew I got it when I left the interview room. I just knew it.

After the interview, the stakes got even higher. Because I SINCERELY wanted to work there now. Not just for job and money, but because they were an AMAZING TEAM and reallty PROFESSIONAL. really, everyone there I asked says 'it is a great place to work, you will love it!". Oh God, salivate right? You dont hear that kind of thing often.

I did the interview on friday, they told me I will get a response (either hire or reject) by Monday. Which was great, cuz the stupid Gourmet Deli place made me wait when he gave me the impression I will get a response by next week. 2 days of waiting was torturous, but worth it.

I got the job. Great team, EVEN GREATER PAY, FREE sports membership, secure job for next 3 years, and looks freaking good in my resume (not coles, not something else, especially when I am doing marketing). I really and trully felt like I am the luckiest girl in the world.

on a side note, I did get an offer from Gourmet Deli in the end. AFTER 5 weeks and more. WTH. I am grateful for their inefficiency now.

p/s IBF (intenational bible fellowship) is great. The was a seminar on 'is there an absolute truth', the talk was one of the best. Wish you were there brenda.

Life gets better, just never give up.

XOXO, I wish all of you guys (friends and family) well. LEARN LOVE AND LIVE!

End of my procrastination.

My blog is like Nearly Headless Nick in Harry Potter now. Blog hanging on death, as is Nick's head.

Anywaaaaaay, I moved in to my new place at Boyce Road, Maroubra on the 16th of July. At 23rd July, I still could not bring myself to unpack. Assorted pots, books, clothes etc strewned was everywhere on the floor. It is a mess. Obsessive Compulsive LESTER (ironically), would scream in horror at the should be censored sight. Still, I was too lazy to get to work. So for the 7 days in my new place, I cooped up in my bed, because that was the only place where I pushed away the mess.

Behold, the mess I can make when a room consist of such basic furniture. A cupboard, table and bed.

Finally, even me, SARA could not stand it. And finally I gritted my teeth, rolled up my sleeves, and got down to work. Sorry, it is no exaggeration. I really hate tidying. REALLY. It is a ritual. A bloody battle within my inner tidy threshold (or mess threshold) and my loath for tedious housework.


tadaaaa~



The floor is clean now. lalala. It is a feat for Sara ok. Everyone, clap for me! muaks.

ooh oh, wait. TOTALLY OVERDUE pictures of my pweety new shoes Khar Mun bought me! Loves ~. I know I took the bad picture of it, since the background is my room when it was still messy. I did not even bother tying the shoelaces in the second picture. BECAUSE THE SHOES IS SO AWESOME, I dont have to make an EFFORT TO SHOW IT IS AWESOME!

I rarely ever camwhore. Give me one girly moment, although it aint my nicest picture.

XOXO (haha, got hooked on gossip girl too. I know its late, but hey, better than never!)

p/s, on the Gossip Girl note, Blair Waldorf is a hot and interesting bitch. lol

pp/s, I forgot to announce I got my results! although the enthusiam (read worry) for it is old news. I got 3 HD and ..... wait for it ... 1 credit. The annoying outlier is none other than MARKETING. My intended MAJOR! Starting to think if I am meant for marketing after all. What is wrong with me. Lol. So, I am taking finance in semester 2. Testing the waters. HAiz, I was so sure about marketing. I admit, I was biased in studying marketing. Spent very little time on it, so it is well deserved. Pah. I am ranting. gtg out for dinner now, bye!

ppp/s, I realise I talked about 4 subjects in one post. Its been awhile since I updated. hehehe.

will continue to be dead for a while

I am sorry. Exams was a cruel cruel rush - crash course of what used to be one year 4 subjects to one semester (ONLY 12 WEEKS) the same amount of subjects. UNSW is eeeeevil. I had no time/could not be bothered (interpret it however way you want it) to come online to announce what is obvious already to everyone- MY BLOG IS DEAD.

When the exams ended on glorious 18th June 2009, I was too lazy to blog. The last thing one would want to do after writing pages and pages of economics and marketing is to write some more on my blog. No way, so I announce that I was too sick of writing, and currently still am that I wont be blogging for some time.

Since holidays gets more and more appreciated as I grow older (they grow shorter as well, HMPH!), I have an AGENDA for my holidays ---> I know what you are thinking, but holidays slips away too fast nowaways, I wanna make full use of it.

Sooo ..

I wanna ...

Travel (hopefully Perisha Blue Mountains, skiing fun! Woopee!)

Watch lot and lots and lots (and lots)^infinity of movies (Transformers 2 DONE! Harry Potter UPCOMING! Life season 1 and 2 DONE. Smallville season 1-8 IN PROGRESS, and other movies I can't bother to mention)

Read loads of books. This can be achieved because Khar Mun got like $200+ worth of book vouchers from Randwick Boys High, Sydney for his *ahem* outstanding results - AND I BENEFIT. lalala. Currently, spent $100+ and bought Artemis Fowl (first book), Harry Potter, Philosophers Stone, Nomes Trilogy by Terry Pratchett (Truckers, Diggers, and Wings). Heads spinning, THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! lol. Notice there is no romance. Since it is HIS vouchers, I figured I should recommend books that he would at least read as well. Tomorrow, we just might buy the whole set of Artemis Fowl (5 books) and Harry Potter (7 books). OMG right? We definately will go over budget here, cuz we planned to only collect Harry Potter series. Haiz. ah well, books bring positive externalities (economics nerd, I know). Anyway, books gala heaven ahead. Nuff said.

Get a job. What more can I say. Finished my resume. Finding ways to send it out now and get employed.


thats it, I have alot on my list. hols heaven.

love you guys, muaks

Hi Ho Hi Ho (is that how those dwarfs from Snow White used to chant working together?)

A semester is flying by... 12 weeks feels like only days....and all that Jazz.
It is so cliche, I am embaressed to even write it. But I guess it is so for a reason.

I would like to say 'great working with you guys!' to my marketing team (although only one knows about my blog). Below, I present my team, well only 2 of the 4 because I forgot I brought a camera to camwhore on the last day of class together. EPIC FAIL. Nonetheless, better than nothing. I introduce to you George Cleanthous (Greek, cool right?) and Janice. I hope I dont have to describe how in the picture owns to names mentioned (lol).

p/s: If you guys have been following me on twitter, I showcased George in an adorable beanie (he is real fond of it) before.

I won't say that the we bonded so tight while working our asses off for marketing assignments that we are as inseparable as early lovebirds. BUT, it was a fun and frictionless teamwork nonetheless. I appreciate it all the more when Uni system makes it hard to make friends beyond 'hello, how are you doing?'. Anyhow, I enjoyed knowing you guys. (Especially George and his *ahem* very generous contribution of 50G worth of movies and series, and the recent addition of Smallville season 1 and 2. My head spins when I think how I will be diving into the world of almost endless TV minus annoying advertisements after exams. I cant wait! *insert action of rubbing hands gleefully*)

To my Quantitative Methods A team, you know you guys rock as well. Zoe and Wai Yee on the left and right (Hong Kong and Taiwanese). There is another Aussie born Korean on the team, John... Hmm, I dont think I have his pic. oh wait... I might just have one, where is it? ...

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Oh yes, THERE YOU GO! It is my MOST flattering picture of you!(*chuckles*)

Smartphones - the future

I know I should be studying for upcoming events ... but I just had such an interesting conversation with my brother, Kenneth (check out his Fresh Gear site, his topic on why PDA?) I could not resist to blog about it.

I will be very brief, I have no time to share all I know.

My bro was showing me a few articles stating that Sony Erricson, a second-after our ever popular Nokia in slumping in sales, and making consecutive huge losses. "Why?" I asked. In my mind, almost everyone had either nokia or Sony Erricson in Malaysia. He said data phones is the future.

A few more articles backs this statement up, " handsets sales fall, while smartphones increase"

The best person to tell this lesson is Sony Erricson. They are considering to even drop their 'cybershot' and 'walkman' brand! OMG right? Thats what made their previous 100 million handsets sell before. But, they will be dropping it soon, because it is slowly losing relevance in the market. Consumers now demand an ultraportable laptop- the smartphone (mobile, music, internet, camera, other devices ALL IN ONE). High end users are leading the trend, its now Nokia E-series, RIM Blackberry, Apple Iphone, HTC .... in that order. And may I add that Palm seems to be back in the game with their gorgeous Pre, and might possibly break that tight competition in the smartphone era. Nokia unleashed its first step into touch screen already, with its 5800 XpressMusic.. smart (although still late in the game, and a PATHETIC touchscreen first attempt).
Deviating slightly, a funny comment on XpressMusic 5800:
It feels like Nokia is being dragged kicking and screaming into the world of touch. Maybe it is.

ANYWAY,

Why is data phones-smartphones/PDA getting ahead? Because of the advent of data plans. 3G, EDGE, bla bla, is going to be ever popular. And why not? Internet was a boom, it created possibilities, market, new opportunities, IT literally. The young generation are so keen on keeping in touch with friends, they msn, skype, facebook, googletalk, yahoo, bla bla the list never ends. They are so tech-savvy, they CANT LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET. AND SOON THEY WONT BE ABLE TO LIVE WITHOUT 3G and whatnots like that. Imagine, now www in your palm. Here in Australia, 3G is a almost must have in networks, Malaysia is getting there as well.

With web browsing made easier on mobile phones, smartphones will be the ultimate gadget. For the young and enterprise alike. Everyone wants to do everything in one ultimate amazing gadget. Look at the future, we will see ...

'Oh you're smarter than that' - SHUT UP AND KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!

Random guy who does not think before speaking
" Hey, what subject are you taking next semester?"

Me, trying to socialise.
"oh, apart from the 3 core commerce subjects, I am debating between continuing marketing, or trying out finance to see if it fits."

"oh, don't take marketing. You're smarter than that, I can tell."

....

Why thanks for the compliment, sadly I can't return the favour because you are a ignorant-stereotypical ******* (fill in the gaps with your imagination, be my guest to do your worst), because you do not know what you are talking about.

If you do not do the subject, dont think it is easy. Unless you have tried it for yourself, you have no right to judge. Dont think you are better because you PRESUMABLY take something harder. I hate it when people do that, because they are giving people a hard time, and somehow you limit their choices in life thanks to your stupid notions that leads to peer pressure.


I am sick of living in a world that tells me what I have to do. I respect those who listens and encourage people to succeed in whatever they set their minds to. Don't laugh at people because you think what they are doing is of no importance/easy, or worst, for people WHO ARE NOT SMART ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. If you think like that, go bury yourself and your stupid ignorance and arrogance our world can do without.

High school:
"Science stream students are smart, and arts stream are for losers/dumbass who could not get into science stream"
Just so you know, arts stream students were mostly comprising of gangsters, hooligans and whatnot THANKS to people to purport the idea that arts stream students are lesser than science stream students. I admit, I myself fell into that trap. I studied in PMR because I wanted to go to science stream as thats where people respect you. I am sure that is a factor for most people as well, consciously or not. Arts is looked down upon because it is considered easy, and science is more "important". For your information, Arts subject is a knowledge as well a culture. In my case, Commerce is important because without business, you wont have growth in your economy. Believe me, you wont like that.

If you do not know anything, just know this. Everyone has many talents for a reason - everyone has something they are good at. Talent/skills have no inequality. If everyone specialises in what they are good at, the economy, world, the system will function at its optimum allocation.

Think with this simple analogy that everyone should know by now. The body has many parts. Head, eyes, ears, brain, ass etc. Naturally, most would think the brain is superior, and the ass the least important. Well, news to you, if the ass goes on strike and the body can no longer poop, and the brain will suffer from toxic damage.

A plumber may not gain your respect, but if the world plumber numbers takes a huge plunge, economics will show you their pay can be higher than most of you. Without a plumber, you will have to either figure how to do it yourself from the "dummies guide to plumbing" or live without water. Thats the system, and it shows you how EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT.

Stereotyping prevents people from stepping forward to take on their interest. There are many science stream students who would have liked to do arts, who could be VERY DAMN GOOD AT IT, but chose to do science because the society in general tells them to, because there is a label that they cant bear to be burdened with.

If you are still stereotyping, stop it. The world will be a better place without it.

Why Casino Royale rocks

I noticed that my posts usually has a dash of emo-ness which I find so uncharacteristic of the old Sara. So, to all friends who are nice enough to poke and remind me that my blog is dead, I announce a new NON-EMO post. Nothing personal, no rant, no short bursts of anger (on topics of landlords), just a short review of Casino Royale.

First off, I know I must answer a question that will inevitably pop into your mind:

Why a review such an outdated movie?
Because I only just watched the movie, du-uh! So what if Casino Royale is a 2006 movie? When you are in a foreign country, and your only source of media entertainment is limited movies you get through favours of friends (excluding cinemas, where tickets cost 3x the price of Malaysia's), you dont really get the right to be picky. So yes, recently I just watched it, and now I wanna do a review on it. So dare!

To really be precise, I actually watched Quantum of Solace in Sunway Pyramid before, and was sorely disappointed cuz the movie did not live up to the hype and usual publicity of James Bond movies. I never watched Casino Royale then. After the disappointing Quantum of Solace, I thought the new James Bond, Daniel Craig is horrible. He is not hot, charming or cool in whatsoever sense.

Hello, it is Pierce Brosnan the oh-so-sexy-charming

VS

Daniel Craig,
the ... nothing spectacular (to me)

Clarification: I do not intend to write out the whole story plot, and give rating scores and blah, because I am no movie expert. I will just tell you what I like about Casino Royale. full stop.


I like Casino Royale because it is the first time I saw James Bond fall in love (I admit, I only watched the latest 3 James Bond movies out of the 22 i think). James Bond movies run in such a typical plot, it gets boring, and it usually appeals to the narrow crowd of men. C'mon, don't tell me to secret ingredient to James Bond movie appeal is the plot. I only watched 3 movies, and I can pretty much tell you what the other 19 James Bond movie is about. It is about a secret agent 007, James Bond who goes around saving the day, killing all the bad guys in the process. Amongst all this, James Bond gets to do it in style. Dressing in a tight shirt that shows off all the abs and accessorised with a sexy new car of which it's brand probably paid to have it featured in the movie. Not to forget the all famous feisty ultra-uber hot bond girl that he easily charms and has his way with her on bed. TYPICAL.

The most successful movie franchise to date is James Bond. Guys love it because it is a fantasy come true.

Lets see, salivate-worthy car packed with high tech? Check.
Lots of thrilling non-stop action? Check. Hot body? Check
Gorgeous turn head women, with bodies that should be considered sinful? Women who look like this:

Halle Bary, you can't beat that figure.

Except maybe Megan Fox, Transformers, and her 22 inch waist.

Eva Green, elegant and sexy all mixed into one. She is perfect.
(stop drooling boys)

CHECK!

Oh, dont be mistaken. I am not condone the masculine species and their taste. I only stress that there are certain elements that are a sure hit when executed well in movies. For guys, all mentioned above. For women, one word - ROMANCE. Thats where it got me. When James Bond fell in love with Vesper (Eva Green), my heart melted. No more random sex with sexy strangers. When James Bond finally (to me) fell in love, it was the sweetest thing. When he was going to resign his job for her, I was like awwww. Heck, I even liked Daniel Craig after that. I saw that his piercing blue eyes can be a heartstopper, his smile charming. When James Bond really fell in love, all girls must go *melt*. Thats how we are. This will not change. My heart tugged for James Bond, because it was obvious that Vesper is going to betray him, but I just wanted to believe there could be a happily ever after. I know I am a sucker for romance. I know it makes me a hypocrite, since I am against the whole princess happily-ever-after, prince charming concept. But, I am still a girl.

Oh yes, and the plot was interesting as well. Woo, crime solved yada yada. lol

Belonging

The weather is beginning to get cold. The sky darkens earlier as drizzles occurs a few times a day.

As I promised, UNSW main walkway at night. As I have stated repeatedly, it is beautiful and my photos do not justify it. I could not take a photo absent of the flash function without shaking my hands. These photos are the humiliating result. lol

somehow, it looks alien like green in the picture.

In which I personally assure you is not the case in real life.

for some reason, it turned yellow. It does that unexpectedly sometimes. Once, (according the Khar Mun), the lights were baby pink in tribute and support for the breast cancer society. He said it was beautiful. In my mind's eye I think it is.

Family and friends back in Malaysia may want to know that I am doing well in Australia. I have adjusted to the environment. I know my way around ginormous UNSW, which is a feat in itself (especially for me). I know how to take buses, although only a limited few. I have seen some places that trademarks Australia. I know the right place to shop for food and groceries. Where is the freshest and cheapest meat. I know how to cook...

If those are the aspects where you feel concern for me, you can rest on your back now. No worries in that department. I never really was the person to pay attention nor place importance on these things. From Marketing , I learned a concept (which is really psychology) introduced by Abraham Maslow that humans have different needs, and we unconsciously arrange these needs into a hierarchy. Going into more detail, humans would seek for things to fulfill their physiological needs first, such as food, water, a home etc. When we do satisfy that need, we move on to the higher level of the hierarchy- safety. Next would be belonging, then self esteem and then self actualization. If I follow this theory and relate it to my life, I have satisfied both physiological and safety needs, as I have no concern for them (at least most of the time, to the despair of caring family members, friends and boyfriend). I do have a very strong need for belonging somewhere. I doubt that buying products can satisfy this need, except maybe staying connected through skype, facebook, msn and other medium (a far cry from what I want right now).

For me, the a sense of belonging equates with knowing that someone has your back, and most importantly, that you hold a place in their hearts. I realised now I have said goodbye to a healthy portion of that since I left Malaysia, and the need to belong somewhere has intensified because of this.

Now I wonder how I have done it all these years- Making friends. Not just passing friends whom you forget their names after a while, because those aren't satisfying enough. I mean friends forever type. Our second family. People you feel wholly comfortable with, where there is no need to impress nor feel self conscious with. Where you know they care for you as you do them. Where you know (or at least believe) they are loyal enough to not gossip maliciously about you behind your back, and in fact speak to defend you. Once you lose these people, suddenly you realise you have taken them for granted. Family and friends are actually hard to come by. I wont talk about 'making' family because you are born with it, although the real tie comes with spending time together. But, good friends are so hard to come by. Two literal strangers, meeting up. To be friends in the future, there must be chemistry, a 'click.' That immediate feeling this person is right. This is further tested by the odds and obstacles of the world. You must be able to meet frequently enough at this stage for the connection to stick. There must be the right environment, topics and events. This must happen for both parties. WHAT ARE THE ODDS?! If I look back, it sounds like the factors of finding the soul mate. GEEEZ. So many stages to overcome, and I look back and wonder how I managed to do this in my primary, secondary and amazingly my short time in college.

Making friends is a tedious thing, and now I also wonder why I was (or ever) excited about it before. Why was I excited to start all over again, when I already had it? The idea of impressing people, constantly searching for people to click with, ransacking your head for topics to blot out uncomfortable silences, smiling when you don't sincerely feel like it sounds like a lie right now.

the sense of belonging is a growing desire within me. Sure, I make friends (passing friends like mentioned). I find myself unconsciously observing people, any group that seems so happy together and feel deep down, I am envious. Oh sure, the people I meet now are nice. But, I want more. I want a bondage. Not just one, but a pool of people (i know I sound greedy but I am sure most people do too. Maybe its just because I had it all my life). Without it, I am just plain lonely.

sitting on the green green grass

UNSW students getting cozy on the soft lush grass

UNSW has such large portions nice fluffy green grass. It is very well maintained. I testify to having seen sprinkler systems that specially water the grass.

You know in pamplets of many universities, they have pictures of students sitting and lazing around in the green green grass?

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Here in UNSW, most students take advantage of the soft grass (especially the ang mohs). The sun warming the backs of students reading, sleeping, chatting, eating, snuggling/snogging (for couples) in the green green grass. It looks really comfortable, and somewhat an attractive thing to do - lying on the green grass, close to nature.

I always wanted to try it. I always stared at people on the grass, observing what they are doing. But, I just never got around to it.

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So, one day...

I was determined to try it. I walked to a quiet comfortable spot, and sat down. It was funny because I was sitting on the grass, reading and playing with my iphone just for the sake of doing something on the grass. After half an hour, I had to get to a lecture. So I got up. My butt was a little damp, it was not a very hot day that day. I looked down at where I sat, and my heart dropped when I saw this:

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The largest earthworm I ever saw in my whole entire life. When it slithered and moved, I almost threw up.

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I think I will stick to looking at people enjoy the grass from afar....

p/s, I hate blogspot. So not user friendly. And they tend to change my layout alot after posting. Grrrrr

fine white sands of Bondi Beach

Magnificent view ain't it?

The price of such scenic views of the Bondi Beach for your house is at least $1 million. *faints*

oooo lala~

My ugly photos [not the fault of camera but my pathetic skills] really understates the breathtaking view.

On my defense, I was walking while taking the photos. Guys (excluding big bro and other male expert photographers) don't have the patience even to wait for me to take photos... haiz

(under my stubborn insistence, we managed to take a few photos)

me and khar mun

Tin (Hongkie, currently studying at University of Sydney, and majoring in Aerospace engineering and commerce) and Khar Mun

We took separate photos, as we could not catch some stranger to take a group one for us.

I know it is a long overdue post. In fact, the Bondi trip was slightly more than a week ago. I just never got around to blog about it.

Bondi has lived up to its famous Australian Beach reputation. I was a little put out in the beginning of this year, when my big bro who visited Bondi before said that it was no different and not more impressive than Malaysian beaches.

I don't know what was he thinking. The fine sand was so fine, it will fall through a sieve easily. It was so nice and comforting to just walk in it. Its like, instead of CRUNCH CRUNCH, it was like swish swish... If you get what I mean. lol

I have been to Coogee beach (first beach I visited in Aussie), and was not so impressed, so I was not expecting much from Bondi. The only interesting thing I noted in Cogoee beach was that people really do sunbath topless there. And excuse me, but I could not help noticing that the girls who sunbath topless happen to have pretty hot, if not good figures. It is a wonder to me why the beach is not a tourist attraction for the perverted. People here are so respectable, it is astounding.

What Coogee was lacking was the surfer dudes I was expecting. It was all in in Bondi, thanks to the humongous powerful waves present there. I know it looks tiny here, but up close, that wave is much taller than tiny ol' me. The waves were so powerful, it sent me rolling 2 metres back. Khar Mun could not save me in time, and ended up laughing at the sight of me churning in the sea.

-.- heartless.

So, instead of spraying water at each other and building childish white sand castles as we usually do at the Malaysian beaches. Bondi beach offered a new activity to do - jumping waves. Don't underestimate this activity, it is not for the weak, and the extremely light (Brenda would not have stand a chance at this, if I was pushed back 2 metres by the waves, I reckon Brenda will be flying 6 metres back). It may be fun at first, but it is very tiring. The guys were up to the challenge, and they went deeper and deeper into the sea for stronger waves. Khar Mun stood his ground most of the time, him being presumably the strongest and also heaviest. Tin could jump very high and avoid most of the impact. Me, I was short, light and don't jump comparatively higher. So obviously I was POORLY built for wave jumping. Being washed away by the waves 4 out of 5 waves got tiring, and the water was sooooooo COLD.

Before long, I had to surrender to the shores. And even that was bad, because being out of the water was too cold to withstand, with strong winds billowing at my sea water drenched body. So I was in a dilemma, it was either face the waves or the cold. I found myself sitting in the shore for 2 minutes and then running into the water for another 2, then coming out again. Pah...i was in a pitiful state really. I think we all only stayed in the water for only an hour, as we came to the beach late (after the sun has set, so the beach was cold). I was thankful to leave the water by then, as I was already shivering and numb with cold. My feet were so cold, I could not even feel the sands rubbing at my feet anymore. I literally felt NOTHING.

On the way to the toilet, all I was thinking was a nice hot shower to warm myself. To my utter dismay and disbelief, I discovered there was no hot water option in the showers!!!! I almost cried. I realised another thing, there was no doors covering the shower stands as well. I walked around the toilet twice to make sure, but there wasn't any showers with a door. There were no other people showering then for some reason. So I did not know whether I was supposed to shower naked or with my swimsuit on. I imagined that if I showered naked, and actually Australians don't do that, I will look very stupid and it will be infinitely embarrassing. So, I opted showering in a swimsuit.

I wouldn't count it as showering actually, as my tolerance for cold was very very low then, I was running in and out of the shower stall every 2 seconds. I am telling the truth. In the end, I gave up, I would rather be sticky with salt water than die of cold.

our only group photo. I was wearing Khar Mun's extra shirt, with mine, because it was still too cold.

I know it seemed that the trip was disastrous, but it was still really really fun nonetheless. I would recommend being blasted by waves to anyone daring. I will make sure I will be going in a hot afternoon in the future though.

Rant

totally screwed my QMA test.

all because I made a silly mistake.

I feel so STOOOPID.

k, rant over. Anyone wants to hear me rant more, or offer words of comfort, pls do.

I doubt it though. :(

.

UPDATE: I got FULL MARKS!!!! ngiahahahaha. happy sia~

-----------------

I am no photographer. But, today I was passing by the main walkway of my Uni and suddenly remembered I have my camera. So I randomly snapped a few photos as an initiative to update my blog. I will take snapshots of Uni once in a while, as it is big and I cant be bothered to walk for hours just to take pictures of the whole place.

probably my favourite part of Uni, it is much more beautiful in a drizzling night. That is when the whole row of lights come up, and gets reflected on the wet shiny pathway.

the very cool law building (thought you cant see much of it thanks to the trees)

It looks the achitectect was on crack when he designed this. Alot of angles and clashing colours that oddly enough goes really well together. Dont know why LAW gets the cool bulding. The theatre is the coolest. I have 2 lectures there, which I am very happy with. lol.

Australian School of Business (ASB) has a really big, nice new one as well, but it is more CHIC, as it is pretty much sheer white and silver. Will take pictures of ASB in the future.

note: my lousy phototaking skills has understated the spectacular sights UNSW achitectural buildings provide. I am sorry for that. lol

It is easily forgettable that my Uni is beautiful now. As I pass it everyday.

I remember there was a story, where a boyfriend (an artist), painted a large christman tree on the wall of his house to celebrate the season with his girlfriend who had recently moved in with him. She was exclaiming how pretty it was. They were very happily in love, everything was blissfully new and fresh. After many years, their relationship dulled, and along with it, the christman tree that faded into the background. In reality, the painting has still nothing less of a beautiful sight. But, only when a friend dropped by thier house, and praised how lovely it was, did they remember that their christmas tree is beautiful. Beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder. They do not see it in the new light anymore. They forgot it was beautiful.

Sometimes, we must teach ourselves to appreciate the beauty in life, so that we can remind ourselves the reasons why we should be happy. We should walk by the things we pass by everyday, the daily activities we do, and the people we meet everyday, and remind ourselves that was what made us happy before. I think, that cures our innate human nature of constantly craving for more.

Look to the RIGHT!!!

because I want you guys to check out NimBUZZ, the coolest thing a mobile can have!

For those who dont know, I got an iPhone recently. It was purely for practical reasons (yeah, it had nothing to do with my lust for the coolest, yengest, most freaking convenient gadget one can ever own)

One of the perks of staying in australia: I can sign up for plans, get a phone free while I pay for credits which I have to anyway. Golden opportunity. Back in Malaysia, all I did was think, oh, apple ipod touch/iphones are yeng, ah well, I wont ever get it. No FAT CHANCE. Who would have thought.

Anyway, with iphone, I can do virtually anything. check mails, skype, read all types of files (excel, word, pdf... you name it), listen to music, watch videos, yada yada. Anything, as long as there is Wifi. And since my place has wifi, and so does the whole of my Uni, this little baby is on full throttle.

I never really considered myself a gadget person, but Apple is genius in products, marketing, brand and concept. I do admire them for their originality. Always first to break in markets and create waves of fanatic followers and adorers. People who hate Apple, generally are just sick of hearing others praise it, and are secretly jealous. This is my own personal observation, give than an Apple product, and they will swallow whatever negative comments they throw at Apple.

nuff praises on Apple, (they did not pay me, I wish), I know I have not updates for a while now. I am so sorry to everyone. I guess who guys have not even bothered visiting my blog already. Anyway, my concern is not my blog, but my friends. That is YOU. I have to keep in contact with you guys. I want to be able to still chat with you guys, but my impossible schedule and my tendency to not be bothered to online has lead me forgotten in many minds of friends (it is true, I have to admit it). I even admit that it is my fault. I am just not good at networking. Making friends maybe, but maintaining long distance once, hard. I know alot of people face the same problem too.

So, (i dont know about others), but my solution to this problem is, NimBUZZ!!!!
This is the application in my iphone that allows me to skype, msn, message blaaah FREE. so, anyone who has anything urgent to say to me, or maybe just wanna chat, or send a message (if I am not online), use this method! Just click on the darn button, it is not hard at all.

Please, I miss all family and friends in Malaysia. It is the only thing I miss actually. I dont want to lose whatever I have created (friendships and relationships) over the years to Australia. I dont want Malaysia to be a strange land. I am reaching out, arms wide to connect with you guys. So if you are bored, reading my blog, drop a message.


loves
Sara
(cherish what you have)

Bollywood dance

tee hee hee. The fun old days

the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

I never gave much thought to GLTBs (Gay, Lesbian, Transexuals and Bisexuals)

I always had an open mind though. I don't judge, it is not my right nor life to...

These days, I am eager to see something different in Sydney. Something to really differentiate it from good old Malaysia. Boy, did I find just the right thing ------Mardi Gras, Sydney. Something one from Malaysia will have MORE chance seeing pink piglets fly than the sights Mardi Gras has to offer. Stauch religious Malaysia will be baffled, old uptight politicians will have jaws dropping to floors if they ever see a Gay Pride Event march down their roads, like Oxford Street Sydney, March 7, 2009. Frankly, I have to say I have NEVER seen the likes of it.

Mardi Gras:

Some cities connect with their gay pride events and others don’t. It’s hard to think of another major city that has embraced its gay pride event quite as Sydney has done. As the gay travel bible Spartacus put it, “a visit to Mardi Gras is an absolute once-in-a-lifetime (i agree) must for every gay travelling man.” Indeed many fly across the world again and again to enjoy it. (They say, the government does not stop it for its revenue earning potentials in the tourism market)

The first march took place on Saturday 24th June 1978 at 10pm and it met with police violence. The Mardi Gras was Sydney’s contribution to the international Gay Solidarity Celebrations, an event that had grown up as a result of the Stonewall riots in New York. Two thousand people followed a truck with a small PA system down Oxford Street to Hyde Park and then dispersed up to Kings Cross. After harassing the marchers for much of the route the police swooped and violently arrested 53 people. Over the months that followed more protests and arrests took place and the actions of the police came to be seen as heavy handed. By April in 1979 the parliament of New South Wales repealed the legislation that had allowed the arrests to be made and created a new Public Assemblies Act which meant that Sydneysiders do longer had to apply for a permit to have a demonstration. They simply needed to inform the police. As such that first Mardi Gras march was a major civil rights milestone beyond the gay community. (dadum, still not possible in Malaysia)

In my very humble opinion (teehee), Mardi gras is an event that gives everyone the permission/guts to wear atrocious clothing.

Exhibit As:

Excluding me of course. I looked...colourfully decent. ;)


insane

crazy

I only thought this funny, because I heard someone shout "Rainbow Party!" after seeing these bunch of willing posing girls. I found out later, the colours symbolises New Mardi Gras, the team that hosted this huge crazed party.

Willing poser. lol

haha, man boobs.

I have no idea why dressing for Halloween is supposed to express pride in Gay, but it was fun spotting absurd costumes.

guy in bikini, priceless.

whats with the wings fetish?

When the party started to look as if it is just a party for the "straight heterosexuals" to dress insane, I finally started having gays screeching to be spotted under my VERY NOOB gay radar.

Guy in TONGS! I am not sure if this guy is gay... but outfit is too alarming. Pah, my seared eyes!

hot hunks, with hot GAY bod. Silver ties, cute.

OMG, I was embaressed just taking the photo ok. I have to applaud my guts.

Transvestite. I suppose it is really a time to come out with who they are. It is odd, seeing young teenagers, normal looking people saying "HEY, *hugs* how are you doing!!!" to them. They were treated like any other. It must be invigorating for them, when they dont have to deny who they are, nor are they ostracised for it.

The parade had approximately 135+ floats passing by. They were by no means (in my opinion), artistically beautiful, but various messages were sent across.

I can understand why Teresa, my landlady said Madri Gras is disgusting. People half naked and all. For exp, why have this on a float? what does this say. I never thought I would ever see something like this in life. Teresa also said, gays tend to be more promiscuous. Really?

Girls: I know. Guys: STOP DROOLING.

Overall, the "trashy lingerie" costumes of the energetic crowd provided more entertainment that the floats itself, except a few gobsmacking ones... The 50000+ crowd that pushed and sweat, high on most probably alchohol was a sight to behold in itself. Definately an experience. The Gay pride parade was in a way for GLTBs to come out in the open, and for us normal majorities to get used to the sights of them. I have no clue as to why the trashily promiscuous outfits, but I guess it is just an idea of FUN to them. The parade was trully international, as countries from all over the world, even some where gays are illegal are here to strut their stuff. Amidst all the crazed sights, I guess they did achieve their goal of having people accept them who they are. After all, I did check up gays and lesbians after the event.

I will safely say, I will not judge GLTBs. They are who they are. According to most sites, they dont choose to be one. They are mostly confused with their sexuality growing up. Imagine being ostracised, embaressed and hateful for being who you are. That will be painful. So, I would rather not be the one to inflict pain.

"OMG, that shirt is soooo~ gay!" hahaha, I have to stop branding anything weird gay now. lol

confinement

my adventurous spirits squelched. We will never see eye to eye on this.
let me be free. let my fly. let me breath. let me live my life by my own right.


depressed mode.

ColorGenics

Who knew, by clicking a few coloured cubes my personality can be analysed in such detail. I am so predictable, it is baffling. lol



Name: sara
Date: 3/6/2009
Colorgenics Number: 34152607
_________________________

Utmost in your mind is success. You are constantly seeking stimulation and a life full of experience. You are trying to 'grow' and above all you need to develop freely and to shake off the shackles of self-doubt. You are an enthusiastic individual, full of life with the desire to live intensely. You like contact with others and are enthusiastic by nature. You are receptive to anything new, modern or intriguing. Your interests are many and you are likely to expand your fields of activities. You are optimistic about the future and you deserve every success because deep down you are a 'winner'.
You are a very warm and emotional individual but unfortunately in the past too many people have taken advantage of this sensitive trait. You need aesthetic surroundings, or an equally sensitive and understanding partner with whom to share a warm understanding.
All the problems that you have been experiencing of late seem to have become a part of your life and there is little that can be done to change the situation. Your emotions run high - but even though you feel as if at times you are about to burst this situation will pass. Try to release your pent-up emotions by participating in some extra physical activities like running, swimming, whatever. There must be some favourite pastime, not necessarily strenuous, that can help you to relax.
You are being unduly influenced by the situation that is all around you. You do not like the feeling of loneliness and whatever it is that seems to separate you from others. You know that life can be wonderful and you are anxious to experience life in all its aspects, to live it to the full. You therefore resent any restriction or limitations that are being imposed on you and you insist on going it alone.
You don't like authority and you rebel against all forms of limitation. You are your own person and you intend to stay that way and to get on in the world simply by your hard work and determination.



interested, try it out here
p/s, got this from Caitlin's site

the novels in the internet world

http://www.notsosecretlives.com/

pls, if you are bored and craving for stories to grip you, pls click the above link.

I am no blogger nor writer, only a reader. What use is that to me in this world of productivity-emphasis I dont know. Except, please trust me when I say something is worth reading (unless me and you have seriously different standards in quality and appreciation). I can't be bothered to give a detailed explanation of what the hell it is, except my word that it is addictively good. It is better than most novels, or stories sold in bookstores.

something to think about: Why blogs are worth reading.
Blogs give you the impression, IT IS A TRUE STORY. Ever recalled when you watched a movie that has a touching storyline, and your heart emphatises with the story even more just because it has the words BASED ON A TRUE STORY? Wonder fills you when the story just witnessed from movie/books/novels really happened somewhere out there in this world. When you hear happy endings, or sad ones, or inspiring ones especially, it gives a greater punch, impact because it is NOT fiction. It is no fairy tale for littles girls to sleep with pretty dreams, nor is it empty consolation/inspiration to a person going through difficulties. Here, you can tell yourself IT REALLY HAPPENED. no joke. lol

I miss feeling at HOME

Everyday, I feel as in I am tiptoeing on eggshells.
I rejoice when I find out that Teresa (my pain in the ass landlady) is not at home. Relief feels just like a breath of fresh air after being enclosed in a musty cupboard.

Every single day, I try as much as possible to stay out of her eye contact, so that I dont get caught doing anything. The less she sees, the less she forms opinions. So, I stay within my room when I hear her speaking to someone outside. I emerge from my safe haven (which is not truly it by the way, as I have a roommate I feel close to strangers with), creeping out to cook. Instinct tells me I should always cook when she is not around. But, lately I have not been as lucky. She comes home when I am cooking halfway...

Today was the climax of all stories, and things are going downhill from now on. I can feel it in my bones. I have an appointment to make at UNSW at 9a.m in the morning. Khar Mun will pick me up along the way to Uni. I make lunch for the both of us as of course it is economical. (He pays for a bigger portion of the food). So, I got up early at 8a.m. to start cooking some beef for pita bread. A little experiment of mine. Everything could have run smoothly but I was in luck for Teresa was in then. She does not close her door sleeping. I was cutting vegetables. I thought it would be fine as her room is furthest from the kitchen. She woke up, saying I was cooking too early and noisily in the morning.

Let me explain why this freaked me out:
Teresa told me a story of when she had this Korean girl who rented her place. She made a joke that this girl would get up crazy early in the morning to cook, 4am, 6am... I remember laughing at that and commented that not to worry, for I was nothing of that sort. Teresa asked that girl to leave.

At 8am, she told me I was early. My cutting vegetables was too loud. Flustered, I apologised. She was saying, "oh, I thought after the Korean girl I will be able to have a normal life and sleep well." Of course that triggered my fear intensely that she might dislike me. She might just KICK ME OUT AS WELL. She was telling me how I might disturb other girls sleeping near the kitchen. ( i asked around, nobody heard me cooking in the kitchen. Noboby, not even the girl with the room right next to the kitchen. She said that she only heard me and Teresa talking in the kitchen. IRONIC). I apologised and may have been flustered. I dont know, I was panicking and everything. I was also late as well. Haiz. I think I might have given her the impression that I was a little offended after her comment, as the girls told me so after I left the place. Other things happened at the same time, but I would rather not go to minor details right now.

At the same day, I came back in the evening for UNSW. 2 girls were cooking. I had nothing to do, so I sat watching and chatting with them. They were saying how they are taking advantage of Teresa currently being out of the house. EXACTLY THE WAY I FELT. But, I am more agitated by her because I was one of the earliest new girls, and made more blunders in her tiny unsaid rules. Anyway, I thought after they were done, I will just cook some simple vege to go with my unfinished lunch (so that I wont be so bored with repetitive menus). I swear I am the luckiest girl in the world. TERESA CAME HOME AND F******* SAW ME COOK. She took in all the other girls cooking, and me as well. She asked me, how often do I cook a day. I replied, "twice a day maybe?" She said, "oh, we dont cook so many times around here. We only do that once a day." F***! (I usually detest using F word, but somehow I seem to understand now why many choose to channel anger through mindless inappropriate words. It just makes you feel liberated somehow) SHE DID NOT TELL US WE CAN ONLY COOK ONCE A DAY. who the hell does that. WHAT THE HELL IS SIMPLE FOOD? I can only translate that to maggie mee. You bloody want me to die of cancer aaaah? haiz, I am very lost, pissed, trapped and everything negative right now. I find eloquence in words now meaningless. So forgive me for now. After she left, the girls and I were gossiping solemnly in Manderin (thank God for Manderin). She came back minutes later, to give us 3 pieces of A4 paper stapled together. According to her, she has an Aussie friend who is an experienced landlord as well. This friend of hers is strict with the students as well. I think she wanted us to think she was not unreasonable, and be grateful that she was not like her friend. Or maybe, she wanted us to see that she is being fair. Whatever, I am pissed and depressed right now. At these times, we should be allowed to feel biased and see no reason. At least for the time being.

The list of guidelines filled paragraphs of fine times new roman, font size 10 text all the way up to 2 and a half pages! WTH?!!! After skimming through, a Singaporean roommate commented what I felt exactly: "wah, sounds exactly like how we have to live"

I might be overreacting. I might be taking this harder. I might be very unused to feeling so confined. I MISS FEELING AT HOME, and this is currently rendering me to tears. I have no one to confide in, Khar Mun is busy (although to give him credit, he tried his best and called me twice). I need a chat for an hour at least for consoling words to finally be therapeutic anyway. I miss friends I can turn to. I miss not having to feel paronoid about (hopefully silly) suspicions that people are bitching behind my back when I hear quiet chatters. I miss feeling wholly comfortable.


I dont think this is culture shock at all. I dont think this adjustment to Independence either. If it was, I would have welcome its harsh lessons as I mentally prepared and anticipated this.
I found suddenly living in tight watchful eyes, restriction a shock. I definitely did not see this coming. I miss home.

I will stay strong. But, for now let me emo....




p/s, if this post offends anyone, especially to anyone relatively close to Teresa ( hope and doubt so), pls understand I am just going through a momentary emotional episode. And I need a place to rant. I know she tries hard to be nice as well, i am not blind to her qualities. I also see that she is just carrying out her responsibilities. But, sometimes reason fails to be clear during tumultuous times. I will calm down soon, and I will learn to adjust. I must learn from experiences, good or otherwise.

coming out of the same mould

Lately, there hasn't been much pressing things to do in Aussieland. So I started to take deep interest in reading people's blogs. Any one's, as long as there is some reading quality. Kennysia.com is of course a no miss, even Xia xue (she is actually not bad), good friends, that link to friends to literal (interesting) strangers.

Just minutes ago, I was reading "WHAT IS THE RIGHT MINDSET" by Daniel Hazmy (stranger friend's friend). Which was well rebutted regarding a few points by Young (a friend from AUSMAT I wish I got to know better). Usually, I keep a low key in my reading/nosing into people's thoughts and lives, but this was an interesting topic I could not resist expressing a few of my opinions, although not consicely what they are talking about.

"what is the right mindset?
what are we trained for since young?study hard, get into a good university and eventually get a good job?

have you heard your parents said:"go to school and be an entrepreneur?"

Daniel's opening paragraph. Basically he was expressing opinions on how our education does not teach us to take risky jobs, ie entrepreneur.

"Our society, namely Asians, have this mindset that life is just about studying, get into a good uni and get a good job, not forgetting also to get a good family."

This is so true, the narrow route that most typical kiasu Asians follow summarised in one sentence.

p/s. Lets narrow the view dowm to the typical Chinese family.

In the big picture, parents expectations towards us is simple: get a well respected job, that provides enough income to support a future happy close knit family. Minor details vary a little according to individual parent's level of expectations. Mainly, they hope their little precious babies will have more than they have, better than what they have. They do this by giving us the best education. Sending us to the best schools, and systems. Giving us the gift of opportunity. It is the natural sacrifice that every parents work to make. Why do you think parents will be willing to shelve out hard earned money for our education? We must love them for it.

But I digress.


Daniel says that our education does not teach us to take risk (hence not be an entrepreneur), while Young says that this is because entrepreneur success fluctuates too much, whereas a well known profession such as a doctor, lawyer and such is a more likely guarantee to success.

I say that our debate here is really should be whether or not our parents give time to ask: "What do you really want out of your life, my child?" Not everyone is cut out to be a doctor/lawyer, nor is everyone cut out to be an entrepreneur. But, everyone has something they are marvellous at. What happened to being able to tell your parents your own aspirations (however stupid they may seem at first), and them advising you as long as you are good in what you do, opportunity will come its way? Are you living out your parent's hopes and dreams, or your own? (if this does not apply to you, then lucky you, but I know alot who have this problem)
p/s: mom, if you are reading this, please know you were NOT one of them. lol


Ever wondered why this "mindset" debated about is so prevalent in the Asian, mostly Chinese society worldwide? In Australia, the Chinese here are no different. Almost 70% of students that make it in University are Asians. Why is this pattern so uniform amongst Chinese across the globe? Does it mean that Chinese are a smarter race, or we just tend to place more pressure on ourselves to perform academically? Academic results takes on a life on its own, it becomes student's sole purpose in life, and even becomes a means for student to value themselves. If a student performs badly (even after putting in true effort), he/she might place that label of "loser" on him/herself. Which is terribly sad.

The path road to success through education has started long ago in China's history (probably the Ching or Tang Dynasty). Where there is this public examination, so that they can ace it and be a "guan" (a highly respected position). Bleh, something around that la. This was in our own SEJARAH even. Those who did well in the public examinations, will be celebrated for like a HERO. Until now, there is not much change in that mentality. Despite how times have changed, and systems have evolved. Those who do well in examinations are cheered and admired upon, while the others who don't do well suffer the humiliation, no future no respect. Interestingly enough, at that same dynasty, businessmen were considered lower classes compared to the academics. Whether they are richer or not, it does not matter. That is how much education was important to the Chinese. That is the mentality of the society we live in.


When I ask students studying Bachelor of Commerce, UNSW their major, I swear 90% of them say Accounting, Finance or Actuarial. What happen to 20 other available majors out there? When I ask an Australian what are they studying at UNSW, mostly likely it is something I cannot fanthom anyone doing. Bachelor of Arts, Indonesian studies, Art and Theatre, Bachelor of Science, Physics. They don't follow trends. They do what they want, and what they are interested in. Some say they are stupid, but sometimes you have to respect them for their daring. If I said I was doing Bachelor of Arts, Indonesian Studies to any of my relatives, I bet they would look at me with a "SIAO ARRR", and turn up their noses.

Why are English people so daring? Why are Chinese always so keen on making money? Australians would shake hands with a rubbish collector, while a Chinese will pull her child away from one. Is a rubbish collector a bad guy? A loser label so scary you are afriad it is infectious? Do people know that one of the rich man in Singapore manages the rubbish collection system in the country?

The society, education wants to make duplicates of us. Everyone is expected to be a straight A student. I picture this like "squashing a cream puff through a keyhole" (inspired by Sex and The City movie). Only, I wonder what happens to the leftover creampuff that did not make it through the keyhole. What route do they follow? What is left for them?

We should all learn to break from the mould. DARE TO BE DIFFERENT. Be who we want to be, and not be a sheep of the society.


I think I have said enough

disgrace publicised

OMG OMG OMG!
my bro rocks!!!!!

Everyone who was there in my departure to Aussie, and also everyone else who is slightly interested to see how pathetically dumb I am, PLEASE HURRY AND WATCH THIS!


click on the darn link!
http://gallery.me.com/kennethlim#100027/Soon%20Yee%20Going%20Australia

UPDATE
the link above does not work because my bro took it down for editing.
the new link should be http://gallery.me.com/kennethlim/100045/Soon%20Yee%20Going%20Australia%20ver%202%20-%20Mid

enjoy ;)

Trip to Darling Harbour and City Centre

kay, as I so efficiently completed all important task in Australia. I figured I could start touring in a small scale.

So Darling Harbour here I come!

I know nothing about it actually. What to expect (except a harbour), and what to do there.
I only know I wanted to go there, because I saw this (refer below) when passing the city,

and thought the name was aDorAbLe~ lol

Sadly, my right knee was failing me because of constant abuse for the past week. It's as if I stretched a tendon or something, worries me because I never felt this way before.
Anyway, my tour guide for the day were Khar Mun and Anthony, both enthusiastic to show me around and gave me full liberty on where I wanted to go. Which was weird, because I wouldn't have any clue where to start.


They would bring me to a mall, which looks like any other mall in Malaysia, but smaller. And they would ask,

"what would you like to do?"

and I would stare blankly, and say:

"I don't know what to do here, why dont you suggest something instead?"

and then, they will travel around for a bit while I follow mindlessly on. There is some sort of small pressure for me to have fun? I think they need a little warm up on being tour guides. I know I will have a hard time figuring out what would be fun to do if I have to bring someone to tour Malaysia. Everything would seem so normal, you just don't think it is tour quality. Get what I mean?

So in the end, we left the mall (can't even remember the name) for DARLING HARBOUR. It wasnt much, because I did not go for all the tourist attraction events where I had to pay alot of money for. We more like just did sightseeing. It was so interesting anyway, I did not mind. Anyway, I shall not rant on anymore, leave it to the piiiiics...

ANCHOR AHOOOI!

someone very Tak Han

whatever party they are going to, it looks FUN

check out the submarine

that is sooo sweet

As you can see, I am the only one camwhoring in the pictures. Guys have some phobia about having their pictures taken.

For dinner, Khar Mun wanted to "belanja" Anthony to show gratitude for him being such a splendid tour guide for the past few days. At first, we decided Pancakes on the Rocks, because apparently Anthony liked it. Then, we felt like eating something heavier. Looking at the price of grilled steaks and stuff there ($22 above), he suggested St James Hotel, at Castlereagh St. According to him, the steaks there are marvellous and only cost $10.00. So, off we headed. (Knees dying in the process)

p/s: Anthony wasn't helping when he kept estimating shorter times to reach destination. He would say 3-5 minutes to reach XXX, and that sounded comforting. Then 20 minutes later, we still have not arrived because he was estimating with his typical SUPER FAST Hong Kong walking speed as a factor. Pah

Pretty nice elaborate setting, with good ambiance. Not alot of people, so not uncomfortable crowded either. Anyway, the reason for cheap steak was this: See that big blue towering tag thing above? It sounds and lights up when our food is ready. Then we have to go collect it ourselves. This way, we get to skimp on service charge, which is HELL alot here in Australia (minumum wage being so high and all). At the same time, we have STUPENDOUS, AMAZING, ABSURDLY ROCKING yummy steak. I ate faster than both guys, thats a statement. Sorry I did not take pics, the guys were already shaking their heads at me for taking the few that I did. lol

After that, it was deserts. Can't remember what I had, it was ok. It was really an eating day really. But, we were walking so much to get there, I din feel like I was pigging out at all. In fact, I got HUNGRY late at night. Haha

p/s: It is obvious I got lazy at the end. Blogging is tiring. lol
pp/s: Books here are ABSURDLY expensive! Bought a book secondhand, still cost me $102 for the textbook and its solutions. Only $40 discount. Gaaaaah. I think investing in a photocopier is more worth it. Where is piracy when you need it. lol