THANK YOU GOD!

15th December 2010

317th Day in Melbourne

Cloudy & Rainy

This week has been a really special and unbelievable week for me..First, on Monday i received an e-mail about the success of my scholarship application, the application that i've prayed for months to GOD above, pleading with GOD to grant me the scholarship as without it, life would be really difficult for me starting next year. And GOD answered my prayer. GOD knows what i needed and to HIM, HE must have felt that i really needed it, hence he granted me the scholarship! This was the 2nd time i'm applying for the scholarship upgrade and i thought back on the time when my 1st application was unsuccessful. I didn't blame GOD for not granting it to me back then, as i knew that i have not worked hard for it and does not deserve the scholarship even if GOD granted it to me..

This time round, i worked hard and i prayed night after night months before the submission of the application and every night i told GOD that if he thinks i deserve the scholarship, please grant it to me..I ask GOD to grant it to me only if HE thinks i deserve it, so even if HE didn't, i know that it's not because HE doesn't love me, but i haven't worked hard enough..But GOD, you granted it to me this time, and i know YOU love me so much to grant it to me...THANK YOU LORD! Of course, i have to thank GOD for giving me such a supportive Head of School for i know Jennie has fought so hard for me to get the scholarship. THANK YOU JENNIE!

Not just that, this morning, i received another e-mail saying that i was awarded the faculty excellence award due to my good grades and that i will receive an extra $5k/annum for living expenses!! Yoohoo!!!!!! This is really great news come unexpected!! Oh my GOD! THANK YOU GOD!! I really didn't expect i'll receive this...though it's stated that it's given to the top 8 students in the faculty, i have a feeling that everyone in my class got the award.. it's not surprising given how hard my classmates worked too! The extra sum of money will definitely be a great support for me, and now that i do not have to pay for school fees with the scholarship, the extra money from this award will go towards my savings so that i can pay Daddy back the money he gave me for start-up here in Melbourne...I felt really bad when i took the money from Daddy and i know GOD knows that..that's why HE's giving me this extra support...THANK YOU GOD!

I'm still dizzy from all these good news and can't wait to share this with all my friends and family. If you all are reading this, THANK YOU for being there for me in big and small ways. I'll continue to work hard!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

11th Dec 2010

313th Day in Melbourne

Cloudy and Cold

Saw my 1st rainbow in Melbourne 2 days back....I'm sooo HAPPY...Was just sitting in front of my desk and suddenly looked up into the sky and there's the big rainbow looking at me...hehe..so pretty! Something good will happen to me, i thought to myself :)

Melbourne's weather's really bad these few weeks...lots of rain and thunderstorms...doesn't feel like summer at all..News said that it's the coldest summer in the past 60 years...Sun oh sun, can you please come out??? And it was predicted that this weather will continue all the way to Christmas! Hate to spend a gloomy Xmas in Melbourne :(

Had a good day with JY & TC at St Kilda..though the deserts were not fantastic, the lunch was! And we did spend some bonding time together today so it's good! Oh, and THANK GOD! I found my lost phone. Suddenly realized that my phone's missing at 5pm, 5 hours after i met them and when TC tried to call my phone, the phone went into the voice-mail after 4 rings..i went back to the car to check if i've left it there but it's not! Then i thought that i must have left it at my friend's place so planning to go back to check later. For some strange reasons, i was not panicky at all, it's as if i'm so rich that i can afford to buy another iphone..Maybe GOD did something to my heart and i had so much faith in GOD that i thought nothing will happen to my phone and i will find it.

Finally we left St Kilda and for some reason, i told them to call my phone again. Then as i drove out of the parking when TC called my phone, i heard the msg tone from my phone. The phone must be somewhere in the car. So i told them to check my bag while i'm driving and on the floor of the car...strange, it's not there but i clearly heard the ringtone...Then something caught my eye at the bottom right of windscreen outside the car...IT'S MY PHONE!!! Oh my god! Everybody laughed when i told them that my phone's outside the car...JY & TC were so scared for the precarious phone and told me to drive carefully and not brake suddenly so that the phone will not fly out of the car...finally stopped by the roadside to retrieve the phone...THANK GOD!!! Nobody could understand how did the phone ended up there...Then i realized when we got out of the car when we reached St Kilda, i took my phone out then TC asked me for coins and i conveniently left the phone there and forgot about it..And to think that nobody took my phone after 5 hours...It's really a blessing...THANK YOU GOD!

Waiting for Hols (though i'm sort of having one now)

5th December 2010

307th Day in Melbourne

Sunny

Today's Shifu's wedding day, and sadly, his disciple me is here in Melbourne and unable to attend his wedding..Sorry Shifu! Though i've given you your wedding present before i left, but your house-warming pressie's still with me...will give it to you when i go back k? Have a blessed marriage with the girl of your dreams (from 10 years ago)..I'm envious!

Summer's officially here...and the flowers in my garden are blooming well...Those are funny-looking flowers aren't they?? Haven't seen them before but i think they look nice! Now my garden's looking like a jungle again, like when we 1st moved it...Heck! I'm not going to go anymore gardening since i'm moving out in another 2 months.

Finally, my confirmation's OVER!!! Not many people knew about me going through this 1st hurdle of my Dpsych, and it's difficult to explain to people what it is and how important it is to me...Even my best friend is unaware of this (she's having too much fun in Korea!)..anyway, i just realized that there are many things that i have to go through it myself..in the past, my life revolves around my colleagues so anytime i can grumble and complain to them...i really miss them! Now, with my class of 7, i can still complain about it, but i'm a little more reserved in my complaints now..

Having done any work after my confirmation presentation..Yesterday was the worst! I woke up at 12pm, had lunch, then went to bed again at 2pm and woke up at only 7pm...I was so tired and i don't know why...haven't been doing much work also, so why am i so tired?? Guess i'm just being lazy!

2 more weeks and lily and ed will be down here with me, celebrating X'mas with me...though it's nice to have them here, but it's quite a wrong time they're here...reason being that most of the places and restaurants are closed on X'mas..Haven't said that, i'm already planning our X'mas menu..It'll be interesting! I can't wait to let them try my cooking! Will be going for a road-tip too! Have already planned it..hopefully it'll turn out well!

So proud of my 2 darlings

29th November 2010

301th Day in Melbourne

Clear Skies

My sis sent me some photos of my 2 darling nieces receiving awards and when i saw the photos, i was sooooo PROUD of them!!! Can you imagine my sis and bro-in-law when they sat below the stage and saw their daughters receiving the numerous awards...Xuan was awarded the 1st prize for jazz dance and is the top 10% of the school, while Shan scored 100marks for all 3 Maths tests...

Oh my darlings!! I'm sooo PROUD of the 2 of you!!! When Yee Yee goes back home, will bring you out to celebrate!

2 more days before my confirmation and i am so stressed about it...Didn't sleep well last night and my whole head is just filled with the presentation slides and how to improve them...i know sleeping helps in consolidating materials but i seriously do not feel like i've slept at all last night...It'll all be over by Wednesday, so i just need to work hard for another 2 days!

Asked my placement supervisor if i could start my placement 1 week later as i can't get tickets to fly back Melbourne by 31st Jan (actually it's because i want to stay for CNY), and she said there're changes to the schedule so my placement actually starts on the 7th Feb..YEAH!!! I can stay for CNY lor!! This again shows that we should not be afraid to ask because you might not know what the outcome might be! No point guessing if what the other person might reply, just ASK!

I saw the 1st mansion in my life..

26th November 2010

298th Day in Melbourne

Rainy

Went to the school's head, JP's house tonight as she's invited all the neuropsych students and staff to her place for a year-end gathering...My! Her house is a MANSION!!!! Oh my god!!! She's a pretty huge lawn in front of her house, like those in England, and the decor is English...her lounge room is probably the size of my entire house..2 maids and 1 house-keeper...her living room is enough to fit 5 tables, each fitting 8 people, and the back is an outdoor area with BBQ facilities and down the stairs there is a swimming pool! Oh my god! I don't know how she did it but she basically made her living room to be a classic restaurant, with candles at each table...

It's really an amazing experience! JP said that this is the last year that she's holding the party at her house as she's moving to another place...Aren't we fortunate or what?? We got to see such as a wonderful place for the last time!

Thanks JP for hosting us tonight! It's a wonderful dinner (except that it's BYO!)

GOT MY CAR TODAY!!

25th November 2010

297th Day in Melbourne

Rainy

Got my car today!! That also means my friends are going back today :(

Though Greg had practiced with me the route to get back home from their place, within 10mins of driving today, i got lost! And the stupid GPS is not getting signal hence can't guide me...A 40mins ride became doubled...i took close to 2 hours to get out of the city maze and reach home...However, THANK GOD that i reached home safely (though a couple of drivers have honked at me :p)

Bye my friends! Hi my car!

Placements Confirmed!

23rd November 2010

295th Day in Melbourne

HOT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

Melbourne has officially gone into Summer and the weather since yesterday was scorching hot!!! I shouldn't complain as i prefer heat to cold...compared to the cold winter, i'm liking the heat..but seriously, it's too hot!!! And it's only going to get hotter...good luck to my friends who are coming over for holiday in December!!

Finally got notified of my placements yesterday..I'll be at a neuropsychology clinic for the 1st half of the year, then i move on to the multiple sclerosis centre...my classmates are all really excited on knowing where they'll be going and when we consolidated our placements, it seems that everyone is going everywhere in Melbourne...some in rehabilitation, some in geriatric, others in children's clinic...gosh..if not for the 2 days of coursework, i guess it's really hard for all of us to meet under 1 roof..

The 1st thing i checked when i got the placement letter is where is that place?? I need to know if it's 3 hours or 30 mins drive away away from my place...Thank God! Guess the 2 placements are quite near to my new place...the 1st placement is next to the uni, the 2nd placement is near to the HK town of Melbourne, Boxhill, this suburb is about 11 stops from the city...so not too bad i guess...Really excited for the placements, but also worried as i'm officially going into the real world and meeting real patients...so exciting!

My church friends are going back in 2 days time...so we decided to have lunch together, the very last lunch gathering we'll have before they go back...And G's really kind..Both he and YM are worried about me driving the car back to my place for the 1st time on Thu and knowing that i will not be able to find someone to sit in the car with me while i drive back, G is going to practice driving back with me later, so we'll be simulating the drive later, at the same time as i'll drive back on Thu, so that i will be familiar with the traffic at that time..Really THANK GOD for their presence in my life for the past 9 months, and their generosity and kindness towards me..THANK YOU GOD!

Full Moon...

21st November 2010

293th Day in Melbourne

Sunny!

Daddy's 60th birthday is on the 23rd November and i'm feeling sad that i'm in Singapore to celebrate such as a big day of his..Sorry Daddy! Luckily my brothers and sisters will be taking him out for a nice lunch at a place of his choice and they've also bought a birthday cake for him...Thanks Gor & Jies....

I saw the moon last night at 8pm...the pic was taken at 8pm, and the sky's still bright and shinning...Believe it or not, this is the 1st time i saw the moon in Melbourne...I didn't even see the moon on the moon-cake festival as it's too cloudy (as it always is in Melbourne)...however, last night i saw the bright round moon as i sat at my desk working on my proposal...it sounds cliché but i was wondering if there is someone out there who is looking at the same moon as i was at that time...could my friends be looking at that moon from another place and thinking how i was doing at a faraway land???

Tentatively scheduled my confirmation on the 1st Dec, but to-date, i'm still not sure if the head of the school is available on that day...Keeping my fingers crossed that she is...Really excited that JP, the head of school has invited all the neuropsych students and staff to her mansion this Friday as part of the tradition..can't wait to see her mansion...heard that her husband is a really rich man...not that she's not rich and i think her husband is super rich...hehe...Can't wait!

Many many things to think about..

16th November 2010

289th Day in Melbourne

Sunny

Some of my classmates are having their confirmation of candidature tomorrow, while the rest of us, including myself, is still planning for our confirmation...Having my mega meeting on Friday (with all the external and internal supervisors), the largest so far, and i really hope to run my research ideas past them and hopefully i can schedule my confirmation on the 1st week of Dec. Really excited for my classmates tomorrow and will be down at Uni to support them (hopefully they'll not get too nervous seeing so many people present for their confirmation)

My church friends are going back to Singapore the next week, and they jokingly told me that i'll have no more mass kakis after that..hehe..that's true, sounds sad, but actually you don't need someone to attend mass with. It's the fellowship following mass that i will miss...When they are here, i always look forward to meeting them on Sunday and going everywhere to try out some new restaurants and food...now that they're going back to Singapore, i'll sure miss them, especially baby Nathan..1 last week before they leave, will treasure the times with them..

Will finally get the car next week...feeling nervous already..will i be able to drive safely? Will i have to spend a lot of money on the car servicing?? Been planning for my road-trip last few days and have finally booked the accommodations..looking forward to the trip, so i really hope i can have my confirmation in early Dec, so i'll have another 2 weeks to work on my 10,000 lit review so that i can have fun during my Dec road trip..

E-mailed my travel agent yesterday and she said the return flight from Mel to Sin from 20th Dec-10th Jan is fully booked!! Gosh, looks like i can only go back on the 11th. And maybe my placement is starting last week of Jan, so that means i might only be able to stay for 2 weeks during my trip back...Sobz...

I know, i know i'm rambling along..but that's really how i'm feeling, a little lost and just wandering along...so many uncertainties in my life rite now...just praying that GOD will point me to the right direction soon.

Being at the Dpsych interview..

9th November 2010
282th Day in Melbourne
SUNNY!!

Today marks the 1st day of the Dpsych interview and it just reminded me of last year when i was preparing for my own interview. Current students are to volunteer to be there at the interview place to talk to the interviewees and to share their experiences with them. It's really exciting for me as i wansn't physically here last year for the interview and i have no idea how it was all conducted..So i was rostered for this afternoon's session from 1230-230 and i was really excited about it!

So 1stly, interviewees are given 30mins to complete a written task in a room, and upon finishing it, they will move to the meeting room where the seniors (yes, i'm a senior now!) will chat with them and answer any questions they have about the course. Then they will go in for the interview. Gosh, for the 2 hours i was there, the 4-5 interviewees i saw were of high quality and not many of them showed any signs of nervousness...i was impressed..And i felt like i was being interviewed instead, when they asked questions like "what do you like about the course", "how do you feel this course is compared to others", etc..Then they told us that for the written task, they are supposed to write a brief proposal for a scenerio set-up, which i thought was pretty difficult..The school have decided to change the format of the written task this year (during my year, the task was to answer 2 qns: Personal statement and also what i hope to achieve with the skills from the course)...

Gosh! I think it's really difficult. I was glad that i was not being interviewed today...i know i wouldn't do well...they told us that every year, only 18 people got selected for the interview and i was really thankful that i got selected last year for the interview and the course! It's really competitive! And the interviewees i saw today are all very confident and they all seem to have a bag of qualifications...Thank GOD for giving me a chance!

Saint O'Clock

1st November 2010

274th Day in Melbourne

Cloudy

It's All Saint's Day today, right after Halloween...A day of obligation for Catholics...And one of my favorite group, 2am, published their latest and 1st mini album, Saint O'Clock...so appropriate for today...It's a nice album, listen to it if you can!

Year 1 Semester 2, GOODBYE!!

29th October 2010

271th Day in Melbourne

SUNNY!

Today marks the end of semester 2 of year 1...END OF HONEYMOON!!! It's a little sad that time has passed so fast and i'm now preparing to go on to 2nd year...Sobz.. Had an oral presentation exam today for Case Analysis, so everyone has 30mins to look through a different case and to come out with some differential diagnosis and assessments...RS, the lecturer, had our names written down and drew lots on who's to go 1st..Nobody likes to be the 1st presenter as you won't have enough time to plan and that you can't get some ideas from the previous presentation...Lucky me, i was the 6th to go..i was really nervous..When all of us were planning for our cases, you can hear "Huh", "Shit", "What?" in the room...those were really difficult cases and 30mins is not enough, though it's open-book...Gosh! I thought my case was difficult, but when my classmates presented theirs, i realized mine was pretty straight-forward. THANK GOD!! RS did pose several questions to the rest when they presented their case, but only asked me a question when i presented mine, so i take it that my presentation's okay...The exam went on for 3 hours and you can be sure why my program never take in more than 8 students every year...can you imagine if there are so many people waiting to present and it can possibly go on for days...Now 1 thing's off my mind...time to concentrate for my research (i really didn't sleep well last night)

Had a meeting with my supervisor and it turns out that there are so many things that she weren't aware that she has to set up for me, such as arranging a panel of judges for my confirmation, arranging when will be the best for me to do my confirmation..I sort of knew she's not aware cause most of my classmates have gotten their confirmation scheduled except me..and true indeed, when i asked her today, she said:"Oh, i didn't know that!" She's a senior lecturer and it's not the 1st time she took a Dpsych student, how could she not foresee that? Anyway, i must say i'm incredibly impressed by the energetic vibe she's been displaying throughout the meeting..She just looked up some names from the faculty, called them and asked them to be on the panel for my confirmation, and she said i'm more than ready for the confirmation and it'll only take me 2 hrs to write my 1000-word proposal and 2 days to get my presentation slides ready...I'm really freaking out when she said that...I'm not sure she's too much confidence in me, or she's overestimating my ability, so that she didn't think i need to put in that much effort for the oral presentation...Oh no! And she's treating me like a pri-school kid and ended the meeting saying :"Okay, this is your homework for this week,....." Well, i'm glad that she's giving me structure but she could have made it sound more professional...Guess i'm in serious trouble for the next few weeks preparing for the confirmation.

Was rainy last week and then these 2 days are hot like crazy..it's 25 Degrees Celsius today, not that i'm complaining..i like the sun! Finally some warmth coming into the house..having said that, Melbourne is really a windy place..though it's sunny, the winds can seriously make you feel cold...that's well no matter what, i never go out sleeveless cause you never know when the wind will blow...

It's Halloween again in 2 days time...Gosh! Halloween reminds me of the dateline for postgrad applications. The whole school is bustling with all the applications and for us, we'll have a chance to be at the interview on 2 week of Nov to talk to the interviewees...i didn't make it to Melbourne last year for the application so i won't know what's it like but i guess it should really be helpful to the applicants to talk to their seniors (oh! i'm a senior now) and learn more about the course!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!

Was I Hallucinating??

20th Oct 2010

262th Day in Melbourne

Sunny!

Presented my case for case analysis module today...I was so tired today cause' the noise pollution at home was horrible! Thought my house-mate brought her friend back and knowing how flimsy the wall structure is, i can hear them chatting all night long..at 2am, i can't stand it anymore and decided to put on my headphones and blast music...then i started feeling itchy all over and apparently my rashes came back..wonder if it's psychologically induced...I really had a bad night..can't managed to sleep till maybe 4+ and i have to get up at 730am today to get to school early to prepare for my long school day and presentation..

In the morning, while i was wearing my shoes and getting ready to go out, i noticed that there are no additional/new shoes at the shoe rack or outside the house..that means that either my house-mate did not bring a friend back to sleep, or that "friend" is shoe-less or have hid the shoes so well that i can't find them or i'm having auditory hallucinations...or, my Indian neighbors are the ones talking and my flimsy wall picked it up! So what exactly is it???? I still do not understand why?

The presentation did not go on as well as i imagined (i wanted it to be better) but haiz! Perhaps i have too high expectations of myself, perhaps of the fun atmosphere during the class (Shit! My house-mate just slammed the front door, which startled me cause i'm right above the door)...anyway, i was saying that today's case analysis module was sort of fun as it's the last class for the semester, and also the last coursework module for the year 2s, so all of us brought food to share around (which is a really common thing here in Melb)...Gosh! I cannot imagine myself in their position..That means they will not have any more coursework (sort of graduated from classes) and all that are left are placements and research...Oh! I don't want my honeymoon period to end!! Though i would love to go home earlier, but still, i don't want to face the stress of graduating cause that means you'll no longer be a student where mistakes will be tolerated and you will have to make those major decisions that could affect the patients...i'm really freaking out on that, knowing that the diagnosis you make can potentially change a person's life..

Had a meeting with my supervisor and i'm glad that the discussion's going on well..at least that's what i thought..unlike my previous supervisor, GL gives me a structure for me to work with and i'm glad for that...know that i'm not yet qualified to lead a research but at least, i will learn from her..

Without HIM, will i still be here??

15th Oct 2010

257th day in Melbourne

RAINY.....

Strong winds and thunderstorms have hit Melbourne once again...For the past 3 days, it's been raining cats and dogs, and this will go on throughout the weekend..SAD! Well, i was fortunate that for the most part, i'll be at home, at least warmer and drier..Temperature has dropped further down to low tens, irritating..been feeling like i'm in winter again..

Didn't have a good sleep last night...been tossing and turning while the rain was splattering and wind was howling outside my house...don't know why, maybe i was nervous about meeting my sup to discuss my project..could be psychological..having gastric prob the whole night and suddenly in the middle of the night, i started feeling itchy and scratching.. for a while i thought my rash/allergy was back...ever since i got it back home for quite a period of time not long before i came here, but it didn't relapse since i came here..then suddenly i was scratching myself like crazy last night..

Heavy rain in the wee mornings and i know i can't walk 15mins in the open field to take my shuttle bus so decided to pay for public transport (1 train + 1 bus)..on my way to the bus-stop after alighting from the train station, the strong wind just blew my umbrella upside down..faint! I was braving the rain and running across the road without even noticing the traffic as i was only focused on getting to the shelter across the road..then a car honk at me and 2s later speeded past me..Thank God! That car almost hit me and it's my fault as i didn't look before crossing..i was reciting the Lord's prayer after that.. I was really in shock! Am still thinking about it now..if it's been 2s later, i might have been dead! Thank you Lord! I know you're watching down on me..Thank you for protecting me!

Didn't meet my sup in the end, she was sick..that alleviated my stress a little i must admit..but then, i was thinking she's always sick when she's suppose to meet me..last Friday, she had hay fever and was feeling unwell during our discussion and today, she didn't even show up in school...hope i'm not her stressor that made her sick..Lord, be with her too! Hopefully she can get well soon and we'll have a fruitful discussion!

10,000 Steps Challenge

13th October 2010

255th Day in Melbourne

Rainy

My class took part in this 10,000 steps challenge where all of us have to clock in 10,000 steps every day for 5 weeks...Gosh! I didn't know that it's that difficult to walk that many steps a day cause i thought i've been walking all the time...With the pedometer, i realised that i've actually been sitting all the time (surfing, writing assignments, reading etc) and the only time i walk is to the toilet, to kitchen etc..and those are signs that i've not been keeping an active lifestyle..

I've walked 30 mins (15mins back and forth) to take the shuttle bus + all that walking for the whole day in the school department for the whole day's class and i only managed to clock 7000+ steps..it's horrible! However, 1 thing i've learnt is that i'm more conscious of wearing the pedometer and in order to clock more steps, i even forgo the lift and have been taking the stairs all day long...guess i'm getting more health conscious, which is what this event is hoping to achieve...everywhere at the psych department, everyone's putting on their walking/running shoes and i'm just amazed at how many people are taking part in this event..hehe

It doesn't matter if my class wins (nobody cares!) but i suppose the feeling of unity, where all of us get together and complete a team event is really heart-warming to me..

Need to walk more tomorrow!

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock

6th October 2010

248 days in Melbourne

Rainy

The time-bomb has officially starting to tick...Assignments, exams, confirmation...all and all are starting to float in front of my eyes and i'm starting to feel nervous already..I don't even know where to start...let's see:

1. Agnosia and Executive ppts (x2) - 13th Oct
2. Conceptual Map (x1) - 20th Oct
3. Dementia Assignment (x1) - 13th Oct
4. Case presentation (x1) - 20th Oct
5. Neuropsych Exam (x1) - 20th Oct
6. Confirmation (x1) - 17th Nov
7. 1000 word proposal (x1) - 10th Nov
8. 10,000 word lit review (x1) - Mid Dec
9. .....
10. .....
11. .....
12. .....

I'm still counting down....just waiting for the lecturers to announce more assignments...OMG!! What to do???

Just received news that my external supervisor, CS, gave birth to another baby last week...That's it! I won't be able to get her attention to my research for the next 12 months...this is really freaking me out..

Georg, my new internal supervisor is also freaking me out with her strong and intimidating look...i believe that she's a nice person but i've not really worked with her before hence i'm getting a little nervous around her...People say women are the most difficult to work with, and i'm working with 3 women...is my life hell from now or what?

Déjà Vu

27th September 2010

239th Day in Melbourne

Super Cloudy & Rainy

Having a sense of Déjà Vu recently..Why? Oh, the reason is simple! I've just had a change in supervisor so i'm starting to build a new research relationship with her; my 2 external supervisors are pregnant, so there will be a period where i'm left-alone with no help; i'm house-hunting so that i can move out end of the year; buying a car from a church friend....

All these feel like i'm reliving my 1st 2 months here in Melbourne in February...why am i going through all these over and over again??? Seems like it is taking way longer to get settled down in a place...i really hope that this is the last time i'm going through all these major changes here...if possible, i really hope to settle down at this new place i found..

Oh, did i mention that i'm going to stay with an old lady at this house on this Vietnamese Street??? Gosh, that area is a bit messy and rough compared to the suburb that i'm staying now, but the rental is much cheaper than what i'm paying now...so guess to save money, i can give it a try...she's a nice lady but hopefully she's easy to stay together too!

Dpsych Clin Neuropsych 2010

20th September 2010

232nd day in Melbourne

Cloudy

Took the 1st class photo on Friday...can you believe it?? We've had so many outings but we never took a DPsych Clin Neuropsych 2010 class photo...hehe...glad we finally have a chance to do that at the doctoral dinner on Friday!

Seriously, i felt so cheated about the dinner...we paid $40 for chicken parma (main dish) and some entrée....this is seriously cheating our money and the food is not exactly fantastic...god! Think we can pay for better quality food for a cheaper price elsewhere...But well, it's really not easy to get this event organised, especially by my Clin Psych friends so i shall not complain too much!!

Have decided to get the car from Greg and Min...not sure if i'm being impulsive cause i'm banging on that i'll get the scholarship this time round..and what if i don't...oh my! I don't even want to think about it...I'll just pray really HARD to GOD that HE hears me and answers my prayers...

My favorite Korean variety shows

1st September 2010

213th Day in Melbourne

Rainy

Have been slagging for the past weeks...and why is that? Cause i'm obsessed with the 2 variety shows from Korea that have been my laughing medicine in this last few weeks of winter..Oh my, they are so funny...Highly recommended my favorites of all times: 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT and STRONG HEART...Believe it or not...no matter how many times i've watched the episodes, some parts still manage to tickle my laughters...Watch it guys, if you haven't.

Bye Nikki

17th Aug 2010

198th Day in Melbourne

Clear Skies

Called Lily today cause her favorite nikki passed away yesterday while she's in Shanghai for work...I've seen nikki only once, and that's 2 weeks before i left Singapore and i can still remember the adorable look on his face when he circles around my feet...Poor nikki, been suffering for so long as he's pretty old and finally, he's with God now...Lily is soo sad, and i can't do be there to give her a hug...Sorry gal! I wish i am there for you! Lily rushed back to Singapore for nikkie's cremation and when i knew that she went to see him at the mortuary today, i feel so sad for her...Sobz..

Surprisingly, the day nikki passed away, i saw a puppy outside the supermarket. It was a rainy Sunday and this poor puppy was tied to the pole outside the mart by the owner. It was still drizzing and the poor puppy's all wet...when i walked out of the mart, the puppy wailed and cried at me...it seems to tell me that it's really cold and not feeling well...my heart just go straight to it...The minute i went to it, it jumped on me...still wailing and crying...SO POOR THING!!! If it's an abandoned dog, i'll take it home straight..but it has an owner...i can't help it in any way...

So lily, i know how sad you are over nikki because i felt the sadness when i saw that puppy...Nikki will forever be with you in your heart..

I can smell Spring..

31st July 2010

181st Day in Melbourne

Sunny

Saw 2 lovey-dovey birds sitting next to each other on a tree branch in front of my room today..they were there for a long long time...Feels like Spring is coming!!! I've finally survived my 1st arduous winter here in Melbourne...I like Spring, a season full of blooming hope...I can't wait to get out of my 5-layer sleepwear and put on my spring clothes! Welcome! My 1st Spring in Melbourne!

School Homework

29th July 2010

179th Day in Melbourne

Cloudy

Classes have started full-steam and assignments are slowly coming in...Guess most of my classmates have settled on their observation sessions and i'm really hoping that i get to do it with JP...if you have to choose, of course you'll choose the best to observe. Besides, i know i'll definitely learn a lot from her..

Feeling Emo

24th July 2010

174th Day in Melbourne

Rainy

Feeling really emotional these days...and that surprises me! Recently when i watch shows, any slight touching scenes just invoked my tear glands and i'll just cry...like yesterday, when i was watching MasterChef Master Class, the minute when Adam and Callum walked into the room with the other top 22 clapping for them, i felt like i was about to cry...little things like that gives me great touch to the heart and very frequently, i feel it...am i getting more and more emotionally vulnerable??? I really don't know, but at the point when i cry, i feel like i'm a girl again, not someone strong and independent, but a little girl who needs someone to comfort...

Finally the 1st week of class has ended. There's plenty to be done but luckily, there's no exams this semester so it's still not so bad! Went for my medical appointment yesterday for my swollen toe, it's been 1 month and there's still some bruising on the toe...Well, apparently the doc i was given seemed to be a hot favorite at the health service centre and she takes a long time to see her patients, hence she was 30mins late for my appointment..well, she said that the toe's not completely fully recovered and if it doesn't, then we might have to do a really painful operation on it. OMG!! That really freaks me out! I'm put on another 2 weeks of anti-biotics so i'm really praying that it'll recover in another 2 weeks time! Also, i developed a fever and sore-throat over the past 2 days and surprisingly, she said the medications she's prescribed me can cure the fever and sore throat too! It's amazing isn't it??? 1 miracle pill to cure everything!! Well, guess i just have to take the meds and wait for 2 weeks to see if my condition improves.

Class Starts!

21st July 2010

171th Day in Melbourne

Cold

School starts today and i didn't have a good start...Firstly, forgot to bring my wallet, hence i do not have to student to show the shuttle-bus driver. We all need to show proof that we're students to take the shuttle bus and i've seen cases where the bus drivers refused to let a student board the bus when she failed to produce her card...so i was realllly worried! My class starts at 930 and i'm taking the shuttle bus at 910, hence if he really don't allow me to board the bus, i'll be late for my class, which i really don't want to happen...my heart was really pumping when i started to board the bus...Min was in front of me and it so happened that he turned away when i board the bus so i just sneaked into the bus without showing him any pass..Phew! My heart nearly jumped out! I really cannot do bad things, cause it made me feel so guilty and bad..

With the start of the new sem, the clin psych people will not be in our class anymore (we've officially split into the clin and clin neuro groups), hence it feels really quiet and cosy in my class (official stats: 6 people, 1 boy and 5 girls)...for the start, lecturer JS asked us to arrange the tables to form a huge square, with us sitting surrounding the tables...god! I really feel like i was back in my kindergarden where little children sit together for art-work...hehe..

I've 3 classes on Wednesday, each separated by an 1 hr break so it's really hectic...my class gathered together for morning tea after the 1st class and Mel actually baked a choco cake for Ness's belated birthday!! So sweet...The next class that follows is Case Analysis and i must say this is the most mentally stimulating class i've ever had. Each of us have to present a case that we've seen and JP, the head of dept, just came in and said that she wants everybody to contribute in the class (class participation is 25%) and we the year 1s got lucky cause JP said we're still clueless in the field so the yr 2s are expected to answer the questions instead..I don't really like it when she said that, cause though i'm yr 1, i think i do know a bit of the stuff..so i tried voicing out my opinions during the sessions...think my classmates think i'm a show-off but heck-care, my aim is to let the head knows that i do know my stuff and she shouldn't treat me like some ignorant yr 1.

Was watching the MasterChef last night and was soooo glad that Jimmy got eliminated!!! I just hate his face and the smirk on it. I think Adam will win the final title cause he fully deserve it!

End of Holidays...

19th July 2o10

169 days in Melbourne

Cold but Sunny

Today marks the start of semester 2!!!! Classes will only start on Wednesday for me..which i'm thankful for, cause i'm not sure if i'm physically and mentally prepared to start another crazy semester..Was looking through my class time-table and it's crazy! 3 classes on Wednesday, starting at 930am, and 1 class on Friday....Why can't they have 2 classes on each day...it makes me feel like my Friday's wasted because of that 1 class, and i'll be super tired on Wednesday as i battle with sleepiness throughout 3 long classes...another bad thing is that with 3 classes on the same day, that means i've to submit 3 assignments on the same day...oh my! I really cannot imagine how that is possible...

Went to my lab today, and i really think it's a Black Monday to start the week...When i first went into the office, one of the desk's all wet, and i think it's due to the heavy rain on Sat and Sunday...so the ceiling leaks..Gosh! Water's everywhere, the chair's soaked, so are the desktop...i called the admin staff and what follows is the line of plumbers and IT personnels...then suddenly the internet was down! Oh my, i can't be that suay...then the IT guy came to install some program on my laptop so that i can access the server and my laptop hanged..the guy said to me:" your laptop is incredibly SLOW!" I was embarrassed! Then the admin staff told me to leave the office and turn off all electricity in that room as they're worried that the carpet might be wet and might affect the cables...so i shifted to the room opposite..then this lady came and told me that i should not turn the heater on till 31 degrees as it might clog up the pipes...ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything is just wrong!!!! What a way to start my week!! I came really early this morning and i never gotten down to doing anything till noon...and with all the flustering going on around me, i felt so mentally exhausted already...

Just learned that my supervisor has taken on another student, Charlene Chan...I haven't met her yet and i wonder what's she working on...definitely an asian but where did she come from?? I'm quite curious with this new student, and i wonder if we will get along...i mean, we may not be in the same room in the lab but we're bound to see each other sometimes. Could my sup be finding me too slow in the research progress, that's why she got another student?? Hope i get to meet her soon!

Working hard on my lit review

7th July 2010

157th Day in Melbourne

Cold and Peaceful

Been at home for the past few days...besides sleeping and eating, i'm writing my literature review..day and night..i'm soooo behind schedule..this 6000-word review is to be handed in on this Friday, 9th July, but i've only just started writing it...For the past 3 weeks, been busy checking the quality of data at NARI and i really didn't have time to write up the review...now that i've started, i just realized that my research question is just too broad and i really need to narrow the scope else i won't have time to finish it...Every time when i'm writing up papers, i always feel that i do not have the talent and writing skills to survive being a researcher...i sat in front of the laptop for the whole day and yet nothing came out...OMG!!!!!!!! How?????? I just e-mailed my supervisor for extension and although he said it's okay, i still don't think that i will finish by the extended date..How how??? As the day gets nearer, i'm starting to feel scared and frenzy....In my mind, all i can think of is finishing this lit review..but one thing always come after another...once this review is submitted, school is starting and once that happens, i won't have a break till end of the year...I'm really scared!!! What's waiting for me at the end of the tunnel??

Recently was watching this reality show "We Got Married" and the ADAM Couple really brought a smile to my face...They're so cute...looks like i'm really old already...starting to be envious of the early 20s...The hubby, Jo Kwon, really reminds me of ZW and i really wonder how's he doing right now??

Welcome July!!!

5th July 2010

165th Day in Melbourne

Fine

My house-mate has gone back to Malaysia so slept alone in the house last night...it's not the 1st time that I'm sleeping alone in the house cause Minn sometimes do stay over at her friend's place..but yesterday marks the 1st time that i'll be alone in that house for the coming 2 weeks...I've been looking forward to having the whole house to myself but when the day finally came, i realized that the house is so quiet...But don't get me wrong. I'm not missing my house-mate...just missing a person's presence in that house.... In future if i ever stay alone, i make sure i find a small apartment...

Last weekend was really fruitful...On Friday, met TC & JY for coffee at this cafe they recommended and sure, the artwork's really cute...i got a girl with boobs on my cappuccino..cool...was nice spending time with the 2 of them and we talked about a lot of things...though they're Minn's friend to start with, i hope i can build up a separate friendship with them..They're nice people and i thank God that i got to know them.. On Saturday, SB & Ray invited me to Footscray with their friends for grocery shopping...Footscray was known to be a dodgy Vietnamese area and it's my first time there...It really feels different, felt like i was indeed in Vietnam...they introduced me to this Vietnamese "Subway" and it's really tasty..and i also got to taste the Pho..which is really good!! Thanks to JX & Adrian for showing me around...Then SB & Ray brought me to the Memorial Shrine & Botanic Gardens...This is the 1st time i've visited the city places...though it's winter and not much flowers are blooming, still, it's nice to take a walk at the garden with the 2 of them...Though i know i'm pretty independent and can go explore Melbourne alone, it just feels different when you explore it with friends..not so lonely...Thanks guys!

Been having the baking mood last week, so tried to bake some pastries...Well, i'm amazed by my talent in baking man...the 1st tray of tuna puff pastries turned out really pretty..hehe...that gives me confidence to bake more, hence in the end i ended up baking 3 trays of pastries...Gosh! I've packed them all in boxes and got ready to distribute them away...you know how they say that people who butchers meat seldom eat meat?? Well, for me, i don't like to eat the cakes and pastries that i baked (perhaps 1 or 2 just to taste it), hence i normally give all of them away..so be careful my friends, you'll be expecting a lot of pastries from me this 2 weeks while i bake..

Today's weather's really fine...what a nice way to start the week...will be busy completing my lit review as i've to submit it this week...i know that most of my classmates have already submitted it, hence i'm already feeling the pressure...Hope God gives me the mind and strength to complete it in time..

2/5 of Holiday

25th June 2010

155th Day in Melbourne

Heavy Wind and Rain

Stayed at home today, as strong wind and heavy rain swept across Melbourne today...have been going to research lab for the past few days (3-4 days in a week) and it's been really tiring to travel 1 hour in train there and back, what's more, have been lugging all the heavy files back home to check as well...my back really hurts..

Recently, my left big toe has experienced mysterious swelling and i really don't know why...few days back, the swell's so bad that i can't even wear shoes..when i finally squeezed my foot in, i struggled to walk...when i came home, i realized that the compression on the swelling due to the shoes had caused the swelling to bleed...omg, it's disgusting lah...I've been trying to use the anti-septic lotion to disinfect it and have made a medical appointment at the health centre in school...hopefully i don't have to see the doctor and spend money...but from what i observed, there's no sign of recovery on my toe, though the swelling has subsided a little...

Last week was the dumpling festival and i got persuaded by the asian grocery boss to buy this dumpling (air-tight packing) to eat at home...time really flies...it's the dumpling festival already...tried cooking the dumplings yesterday and although it's not fragrant from the pandan leaves, i must say it taste okay...at least the taste is not completely off...hehe..but food products from China, will i get a tummy-ache??

Finally my research has a home..

10th June 2010

130th day in Melbourne

Windy

Finally got my student ID badge for my research....when i got it, i rally felt like i finally belong to a research institute and that i finally have a place for my research...though this badge may not mean anything to most people, but it is significant to me, especially when i'm all alone here in Melbourne...I belonged to a research lab for the past 5 years, and suddenly i find myself like a wandering ghost looking for a lab here in Melbourne and with this badge, i can proudly say that i finally have a lab!! Yeah!!

Think i put on some weight...look at my round face...oh my god!! This is all the fault of winter...guess i need to cut down on the food and pile up on exercise..hehe..Been entertaining thoughts of joining a 1-day tour in Melbourne, since i'm alone and these tours can show me the other side of Melbourne...Sound fun rite?? I'll find a time to go down to the tourist centre to book the tours...if it's not too expensive, i guess i should be able to go for 1 tour/week...Hee, seems like i've found something else besides research to fill up my 5-weeks holiday..hehe

END OF EXAMS!!

8th June 2010

128th day in Melbourne

Rainy & Cold

Had my last exam today, it's on Ethics...gosh! Can't believe that my 1st semester at Melbourne has ended...time really flies..The ethics exam was 3 hours long, didn't believe that it could be that long until i was writing out my answers, then i realize that 3 hours are not enough...my hands are really tired after the paper...The neuros gathered together after the exam, and i looked at all my classmates and cannot believe that all 7 of us have survived the 1st semester together..Thanks guys! Without you all as my classmates, life would certainly have been less interesting and fun for me..

Suddenly felt lost after the exam...the clins and neuros are planning to have a drinking session after the paper, but i didn't go..i just wanted to go home and have a good bathe, and relax in bed watching movie...this is so unlike me rite? Back home, i'll always make plans to go out and celebrate after the last paper but here, i do not know who to ask to go out and celebrate with me...it really doesn't matter lah, going out here means i've to spend more money, so it doesn't matter if i don't go out..

Came back home after the exam and spent 1 hour cleaning up my room...it's sooooooooooo dusty!!! I've last cleaned it say 3 weeks ago but there's so much dust when i wiped the table and bed...gosh! I wonder how long have my housemate cleaned her room...and it doesn't seem to bother her at all...gosh! For my health and skin, i have to clean my room at least once every 2 weeks...

Melbourne has officially gone into winter...weather's really cold nowadays and rainy...yesterday there were warnings of possible hailing...god! I've to go NARI for research every day so hopefully it doesn't hail on my way to NARI..

Feeling a bit lost after the last paper, although i know that i need to do up my research...but glad i've some time on my hand...have decided to try out some recipes during this winter break..hehe...can't wait!

Assignments and Exams in Autumn

31st May 2010

120th day in Melbourne

Sunny (after many days of rain)

Time really flies...in 2 more weeks, my 1st semester in Melbourne would have concluded...i've been staying at home everyday preparing for the many last-min assignments, exams and scholarship applications...This is the time i wish the Australian education system is like Singapore's. I remember when i was in NUS, we were given 1 week exam break prior to the start of exams so that we can have time to finish all the readings and revise for the exams. Here in Melbourne, classes are as usual during the week of exams. So here i am, preparing for 1 presentation and 1 assignment for this coming Wednesday, and 2 assignments and 1 exam for Friday...Gosh! I wish i have more time on my hands now..

I know i should be studying now, but i thought i'll spend some quiet time to myself writing my feelings....it has been a hectic week for me and this and next week will also be hectic...I haven't cleaned my room and the house for 2 weeks..gosh! But it's not that dirty lah...i just don't want to get distracted from the many things i've in mind..and my house-mate doesn't care either...so let's put this on 1 side...I'll do the cleaning after the 8th, after my last exam..

As i sit in front of my desk everyday, i see the coming of autumn, where leaves are slowing turning yellow then red...Autumn's really quite nice here, but i'm anticipating the coming of winter. I want to know how cold will the weather be and will i survive the cold winter alone here in Melbourne? I've bought some winter coats and boots (i love wearing the stylish boots here..it's really keeping my feet warm), but the recent electricity bill is overwhelming expensive, so i'll try to get those oil-heaters to replace the fan-heaters..Wonder how am i going to carry the heater back home from the shopping centre?

During the winter, my house-mate will be back in Malaysia for 2 weeks, and knowing that she's going back home, i suddenly have the impulse to buy an air-tix and fly back Singapore..Having cooled down and trying to rationalize my impulse, i decided to stay here..The main reason i'm here is to achieve my dreams and for the past 4 months, i've done nothing of that...i told myself that i must settle on 1 publication with my research this year before i go back and once the 1st paper is out, the rest will follow...I really believe that!

EXAMS!!!!!!!!!!!

21st May 2010

Friday
Chilly

Today marks the 110th day of my stay in Melbourne....seriously, i've been telling myself to stop counting down on the number of days i'm here and just enjoy myself while i'm here...but i really miss home and can't wait to go back...Especially some friends cooked Laksa and Tau Huay last Saturday...all the more i miss Singapore food...hehe

My class had a meeting with the level coordinator and it really seems like our time for the remaining of this year till 3rd year has been fully packed for us...Annual progress reports, 2-3 progress updates, ethics approval, candidature confirmation, placements etc....although it sounds like i've alot on my plate. but i don't feel the urgency yet...i wonder why? Maybe it's because i've not been working hard?? Maybe i'm unaware of all these??? Why don't i feel panicky??? I really wonder why..

Exams are in 2 weeks time and i feel so unprepared for it...and there are plenty of assignments due as well...Oh Lord, you really got to help me out this time :P The only subject i'm worried about is neuroanatomy...there're just too many things to remember for this module and i really feel that i'm not absorbing as much as i should...maybe i should start to take ginko as a supplement...

I just found out that i'm entitled to 4 weeks of annual leave due to the scholarship and anything more than that has to be applied through formal writing...gosh! Although i've entertained thoughts to go back home this sememster break, think i'll save my leave so that i can go back home for longer during CNY next year! Sighz....so many restrictions due to the scholarship but without the scholarship, i won't even survive here....I'm really loving and hating this scholarship...

HAPPY 100TH DAY IN MELBOURNE!!!!

11th May 2010

100th Day in Melbourne

COOOOOLD

Happy 100th day to myself!!!! Time flies i admit..today's already the 100th day i'm here alone in Melbourne...I'm counting down how many more 100 days do i have in Melbourne before i can go back home and be with my family and friends...It's not that i'm being forced to come here, in fact, i wanted to come here. But, having to be away from family, friends and job to be here, is it all worth it?? Though it's been 3 months, but i have not in the slightest miss home less than 3 months back..but at least, 100 days have passed and i'm really hoping that the many more 100 days will pass soon..

It's getting really cold here in Melbourne...today's 8 degrees and raining...Autumn's here, soon gone and winter's coming!! The day starts to get dark at 530pm and i'm having my dinner the same time cause my brain tells my stomach that at 530pm, the sky is dark so it must be dinner-time...hehe...Autumn's nice, you see all the leaves turning red and falling down...so romantic rite?

Finally my research topic has been finalised and although the data still looks crap, all my supervisors seem to think otherwise..And i got to thank my supervisor CS for being so on the ball on the time, cause she actually thinks that i should go apply for a grant of about 25k...oh my! Is she being too ambitious and she really thinks i'm up to it? Went to NARI (my research place) yesterday and finally i get to have an office to work in and a student badge...It's so silly of me to sound all so excited about something as simple as that rite? But, it's been 100 days of me hanging around and not having my research confirmed till yesterday..To be honest, it's the best i can secure right now at this point in time...i really need to move forward if i really want to graduate in 3 years time..Seriously!

You know what? My research place is near the Zoo, and besides it, it's a public golf course (There's plenty of land in Melbourne)! So maybe i should pick up golfing during my time here!

Back From Disappearance

22nd April 2010
81st Day in Melbourne

Sunny

I haven't been updating my blog for awhile, reason being that i've max out my broadband usage so have to wait till the next cycle starts...But of course, i'm also busy with many of the assignments and tests :)

Had been analysing the research data for 2 weeks, and i must say the data looks like CRAP!!!!!!! REALLY!! When i look at the data, i can't help but think how good of a job we've done with S-LABS data...this data that i'm analysing is less in structure and plenty of missing data everywhere!! Although the results of the data looks crap, just like S-LABS data, but still, the basic foundation of the data management is messy to the point that i got lost through just 1/3 of the data..

Had my neuropsych practical test yesterday...i was dead nervous, though i had experience in administering the tests..but still! Anyway, i went for the test and before i left the room, the examiner said: "btw, my birth-date is XXX"....Can you believe it??? I actually forgot to ask him for his date of birth, the most important piece of info for me to calculate his scores!!! Gosh, i was really nervous! Besides that, i thought i did pretty okay, but as i was walking home, i realized another huge mistake i've made during the test! Damned!! Why did i think about the mistake? It'd have been ignorance is bliss if i didn't know about it...now that i know, i can't help thinking about the mistakes! URGH!!!

However, last night's SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE finale made my day! Robbie Kmetoni was crowned Australia's favorite dancer!! YEAH!!!!!!!! I really like this guy, how he danced and his moves and fluidity on the stage...He kinda cute, with his short height and braces...hehe...seriously, watch him dance if you can, you'll be awed by him!

Then at night, i was checking my Singapore number and guess what?? CINDY HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO BABY JULLIAN 2 DAYS BACK!!!!!!!! And i didn't even check my phone!! I thought he's out like 2 weeks back and Cindy didn't tell me!! Hahah...guess that little fellow wants to stay inside mummy for a while longer...Really can't wait to see how he looks like? Hope not another mini Kee Han....i would love for him to look like pretty mummy this time..hehe

News from home always warm my heart :) Even though i'm miles away, this connection with home will always be right in my heart...I miss you all from Home!!

Easter with good tidings

2nd April 2010

61st Day in Melbourne

Cooling

Today's the Good Friday, national holiday here in Melbourne as well. Went to church in the city and no places are open on this day..you know how the Australians value their quality of life, so unlike Singaporeans who will make full use of holidays to make money, the Australians take time off...Besides, Easter is a family celebration, so all the more people wants to be with their family during this weekend.

2 days back, i had a chat with a very good friend (I know you're reading this), and she shared a piece of wonderful news with me....She got into the educational psych graduate program in Birmingham, UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my, I'm really happy and excited for her...Being friends since our Honours year, we're worked so hard and have graduated together....now, after so many years, we're always reaching our dreams!!! We never gave up, constantly searching our inner self and asking ourselves what we want and fought hard to achieve it...now, we're finally touching a bit of our dreams and in time to come, we'll get it!! Really PW, i'm soooooo happy for you! You've no idea how happy i was when you broke the news to me...it's just how you screamed in my ears when you heard that i've gotten into the DPsych program...hehe...But UK is so far away, and even if i want to visit you, it's soooooooooooooooo far!!!!! Promise me that we'll keep in touch when you're there k???

So Easter Sunday is all about resurrection and re-birth, so i guess both of us are living a new life now....I hope that my rebirth this Easter will make me a better person and never give up in believing what i've always believed. Greg and Yee Min have invited me to their friends' place for Easter dinner on Sunday, and i'm really looking forward to it...I know i've not made any friends since i came here, but i really thank God for bring them here....

Happy Easter my friends!!!!!!

1st Dinner Hosted

20th March 2010

48th day in Melbourne

Hot

My friends came up with this rotational dinner-hosting idea, so 1 month back we had steamboat at JY & TC's place, 2 weeks back on the hailstorm day, we had dinner at SB & Ray's place..so this week, it's Minn's and my turn to host the group...

The theme is Korean..i prepared the Bibim Naeygmyon, which is the korean summer cold noodles...made a couple of korean side dishes to go along with it as well. As for Minn, she cooked some braised chicken...Well, i must say the reasons why i decided to cook the summer noodles are the following: (1) cold noodles are appetizing on a hot day, (2) it's Korean theme, and most importantly, (3) IT'S EASY TO COOK!!! Seriously, it's even easier to cook than Maggi Mee...hehe...and it's healthy, not preservatives and coloring...a seriously organic choice to have to dinner...Did you guys enjoy the dinner???? hehe..

Dinner started at 630pm (but the gang is late), and JY & TC brought their latest pet, Toffee, the guinea pig and some flowers to be planted in our pathetic garden...haha..Thanks JY!..Toffee is really cute, especially so with her black eye..hehe...They've been trying to convince Minn and I to buy Toffee's sister from the pet shop but Minn's not a big fan of guinea pigs, so we didn't really take up the offer...

As usual, a few rounds of board games followed after dinner...however, this time round we had a couple card games as well..i was trying to get the guys to finish up my 1.5kg of golden apples and pears, so i used the fruits to be penalty for the card games....Haha, thanks to my drinking kakis, i managed to get all of them to eat the 3 apples and 2 pears which i've cut, just after 1 round of "in-between"...thank god...hehe..they're all so full after the fruits that they don't even feel like having dessert...hehe

I hope the gang enjoyed themselves, cause i certainly enjoyed cooking for so many people (I've finally understood what my aunt means when she said it's not easy cooking for 1 person...besides, food tastes better when eaten with many)...How true!

My Day With The Tradies...

15th March 2010

43rd Day in Melbourne

Hot

Okie, for those who are new to Melbourne (like myself), gals here are crazy over tradies...who are tradies? They are the labouring he-man, such as Carpenters, Tilers, Painters, Builders, Plumbers etc...In Singapore, they are usually the Bangladeshis, usually...Tradies are hot in the dating industry and trust me, their pay is way higher than the bankers and professionals...Seriously, this is something that i really don't understand...But as i speak to more and more Aussie gals, i realized that they like the feeling of being protected by the huge muscle-men, and their ability to fix anything and everything is simply fascinating and full of security..

Well today, i finally had my first-hand experience with a Aussie tradie...Handy H, the tradie, called this morning saying that he'll come over to our place to do the fixing and i said ok. Apparently, it's a Father-Son team, so we have senior and junior tradies knocking on our door..Sweet! They do not look exactly like those muscle men that i've imagined and their toughness got diminished even before they came into our house cause' Minn asked them to remove their boots...I mean, how manly can they be without their manly boots?? They just gave her the "look" but removed their shoes nevertheless..

Well, i must say they're really good at fixing the door (3 doors to be exact), 1 fly screen and 1 mirror...I'm surprised...seems really easy when they did it and i was thinking to myself "I can do it myself too!"...but then, which gal is in the right mind to dirty her hands when you have the guys to do it for you? It turns out that they are fixing more things than are stated in the letter, so i'm seriously crossing my fingers that the agents do not charge it to our account..I can't afford to pay Handy H $80 just to fix a door!

Hmm...am i attracted to tradies after today? Well, i suppose not, but who knows in the future..hehe

1st Drinking session with the Dpsychs

12th March 2010

40th day in Melbourne

Sunny and chilly

Dan from the Dpsych (clin psych) organized a drinking session for the clinical and clinical neuro people, hoping that all of us could use some drinks to loosen up and get to know each other better...I wasn't planning of going, but the gals were asking me to go so Minn and I decided to go after all, but that's not before going through the weekly neuroanatomy test by Russell.

You know, i spent the whole of yesterday studying from it, and damn it, i only got 17/20 and almost everyone got a 100% for the test!! I was really mad at myself....told myself to do better for next week's test...you know, though i know that in years to come, nobody will remember what they got for the 1st test, and i know it will not matter in future, but still, i cannot help but feel sore that i'm not scoring 100%.

Back to the drinking session...yes, all of us went for it..and i must say that it's a good decision that i went...everybody's more relaxed after a couple of drinks and i really had the chance to know my neuro group (mainly the gals) better...but it's a pity, cause i didn't really have a chance to talk to the clin people cause we're sitting upstairs and i only saw them on my way out...Seriously, we need to organize more of these...

As Minn and I went back home at 12am, we're really scared....cause the street lamps are useless and the whole walk back to our apartment is sooooo dark...gosh, we're walking so fast that it only took us 5 mins to reach our apartment, instead of our usual 15mins...hey, we're really freaked out k? I mean, this is the 1st time we're out till so late, with no one to fetch us back and we're a little tipsy...god, luckily nothing happened!

Hailing in Melbourne

7th March 2010

36th day in Melbourne

Raining ice and water

Weather in Melbourne has been really bad for the past 3 days...Yesterday, it even hailed! Ice has been dropping from the sky, hitting the roof and windows...It's so loud and i'm really afraid that there might be leakage from the roof or the hails will break the windows..This is the 1st time i've experienced bad weather in the new house so i really don't know how sturdy is this house...luckily, none of that happened...People said that it was not the worst hailstorm so i really don't know what to expect for the next few days..As i'm writing this, it's raining heavily outside :(

Went to Shao Bing & Ray's house for dinner (She's the primary school friend of Jia Ying and Jia Ying's Minn's friend, the kind soul who let us house-sit for her for 3 weeks)..It's complicated huh? Well, actually, no! Basically they're all Minn's friends lah...simple? K, so they invited us for dinner and she made this really delicious glutinous rice stuff in chicken...it's really not bad..We later had a few rounds of Pictionary and guess what? Shao Bing bought a cake to celebrate Jia Ying's birthday in advance..Awww...so sweet!! Even though they've not met each other again after Primary school, she still remembers her birthday...You know, this further reinforced my belief that the best friends are made in Primary school, when children have no motivations in making friends, just pure liking and sticking by each other...

So it's Minn and my turn to host for the next time..so you see, it's like this hosting rotation going on and the main idea is to bond and to improve on the culinary skills...It's not a bad idea I think, especially when i've taken an interest in cooking...Really! I've been cooking for myself for the past 2 weeks and though i only know how to cook a few specific dishes, i've this learning desire for more dishes...So i guess it'll be okay during our turn...

For those who've not seen the photos of my new apartment, please go to FB..i'm too lazy to post up the pics in so many different places...hehe...Go and take a look and let me know what you think..

1st Neuoranatomy Class

5th March 2010

33rd day in Melbourne

Rainy

Had my 1st neuroanatomy class today!!!!!!! Never had a chance to do it in NUS so i was pretty excited..The practicum involved looking at and touching the preserved brains, donated by their previous owners. It's really hands-on!! Each of us wore the disposable apron (didn't have the lab coats) and a pair of latex gloves..at that moment, i do feel like i'm a neurosurgeon...hehe :)

Each of us had a tray and 1 full brain and 1 half brain and we get to play with it (not literally) by looking at the gyri and sulci and the subcortical structures...The brains were immersed in alcohol and the smell is really overwhelming... Russell, my lecturer took 2 hours to go through each and every brain structure and Oh my! I need to remember around 40 different structures and their locations, and many of the names were unheard of...At that moment, i realized that i do not acquire adequate brain anatomy knowledge during my time in CNL....I know the brain structures, but only in 2D view..looking at the 3D gross brain anatomy, I'm stumped! On the other hand, my classmate Melissa, knew every structure and could correctly identify them...I'm really amazed! I'm just thinking how many hours do i need to learn and remember all the structures and their locations?

Conclusion? I need to work REALLY hard on this module!