Internship & Kylie

Hey everyone!!!

Wow it has been more than 3 months since I updated! Lost the blogging mojo I guess.

Hmmmm since my birthday in August I've just been finishing my semester of never ending assignments, then came the exams which ended on 17 Nov. Routine lah.

Barely a week later my internship started! To be honest I wasn't too enthusiastic because I didn't had any time to rest and unwind after the exams. And the internship period spans 14 weeks going all the way till my final sem at Monash starts. In other words I'm working the entire summer break. Bummer rite :/

Holiday deprivation aside, the work is actually a good learning experience. Just 1 week in, and I've already picked up a lot of practical knowledge, including understanding the manufacturing process hands on, and how things flow from raw materials to finished goods to distribution. It involves a lot of people and work.

Still not entirely used to the working life. The long hours and socializing bit isn't really my forte. But a plus point is that once you get home from work, you can chill the rest of the night and also during weekends becoz there's no homework hahaha :)

Another thing which made me want to blog is that this week Kylie has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, which is a really really big deal for any musician in Australia. I'm as proud of Kylie as she is proud to be Australian!

If you have time, listen to her acceptance speech after being presented the award by Aussie PM Julia Gillard.

21

Wow updates have really been infrequent.

Final year of studies has commenced, currently in week 3.
Work piling up BIG TIME, I'm trying to get myself up and running but the productivity is still low at the moment. Things will change as the due dates draw closer. Fighting!!!

The biggest thing that has happened is me turning 21! :)
Birthdays come every year, but you only turn 21 once. It's supposed to be the year of recognition of adulthood and maturity and stuff. Stuff, haha!

For the first time in my life, I actually feel old... as in I feel like there's some clock ticking away rapidly, and that I need to start making things happen before my life slips away.

It's quite terrifying knowing that my youth is fading, starting from now. No more taking things for granted, esp health. Propelled into adulthood. It's the beginning of some life changing decisions.

In retrospect the first 20 years of my life has been great. So much to be thankful for and many fond memories from primary and high school. Recently reconnected with some Standard 5&6 classmates thanks to Facebook. Again, seeing how everyone has grew and evolved after having no contact for 9 years, makes me feel aged (not in a good way haha).

But growing up and getting older is inevitable. One year, or 365 days doesn't feel long at all... but when you multiply that by twenty..... you can really see how much you have changed!

Which makes me wonder.... how will my life be like when I'm 40? That is if the world doesn't end by then due to climate changes and natural disasters......

Something to ponder about...
cheers!

Going North & South

Hello (if anyone still reads this)! Time sure flies. Lots has happened since my previous update.

Exam results came out a week ago, and I'm happy, thankful and satisfied. Now I just need to gear up for Year 3 which starts next week *gulp* Amazing that I will graduate in just 1 more year! :)

Currently in the 4th and final week of my mid year break, trying to savor every moment of it.

Went to Singapore in the 1st week for a short vacation, but the main objective was to see Kylie's Aphrodite Live 2011 tour!! It was even better than the last time I saw her. She doesn't seem to age. Also checked out the stunning architecture of Marina Bay Sands. Overall saw lots of beautiful things at Singapore!

And I just came home from Bangkok yesterday! :)
A 4D3N trip with my sis and bro-in-law. Bangkok is almost like the opposite of Singapore which I'm more familiar with. Language is quite a problem there with some head scratching moments. Where Singapore is orderly, Bangkok is hectic and messy, but not in a awful way. Bangkok has its perks, namely the food is yummy, and I like how the ppl I have encountered there were mostly friendly and it's endearing when they put their hands together and say Sawadeeka!

Highlights of the trip include visiting the Grand Palace, riding on a Tuk-Tuk, roaming through the endless streets of the massive Chatuchak market. The 'Siam Niramit' show is also a must see when at Bangkok. You will be impressed.

I didn't just go North and South of Malaysia, also had a nice mini road trip to Tanjong Sepat and Sepang Gold Coast with high school mates. It's increasingly harder to plan trips together as our schedules diverge more over the years, so this was some quality time I really relished.

Pics of all trips on fb.

Now that I have done sufficient holidaying, it's time to spend the remainder of my break more quietly before school starts. Not gonna lie, I wish this break would last forever! It will be my only period to chill this year because of the internship during November.

So yeah, gonna enjoy my days while it lasts!! cheers :)

Nearing the end, but...

... but I'm just so sick of everything. It's becoming an even more uphill struggle as the last 2 papers approach. The holidays are just too near, I can smell the freedom but can't quite reach out to it, no matter how long and hard I try to stretch my hands. I close my eyes and picture the things I would do once the break is here, only to open them and see the present. Reality is the biggest slap in the face one can receive.

So near yet so far.

It's been more than 3 weeks.
I used to appreciate it when the papers were spread out, so I can put in more time for last minute revision. But this time it just feels like mental torture. Like my body is dragged around on the ground, driven by a chariot of raging horses with my hands bound by rope.

Alright, I think I've reached Crazy Town.

Sidetracked.

Reality check.

Notes. 2 more days. Then it's over.

Come on now.

Bluebird.

maxE

Read the title backwards XD

Hahaha that is kind of lame I know, just trying to relax a little before my first paper tomorrow. The hardest paper comes first: Biochemistry. My least favourite subject of this semester. Didn't perform as well for Biochem internal than the other units, so I have to work double hard to score well, but that also means double pressure.

Oh before that, sorry for the lack of updates, as prior to my study break it was just busy busy busy with assignments and lab reports! You all know how hectic the student life is. I think I said this before, that I actually enjoy the exam period more than the regular teaching period... because I get more stressed out about meeting deadlines for assignments and reports than doing revision.

In fact, I have been unusually relaxed over the past week. Maybe it's becoz I'm only doing 3 units this semester, so I feel like there's more than enough time to study for all my papers haha! I have been watching a lot of the French Open on TV, Nadal wins AGAIN hahahaha!!!

But this laid back attitude is also dangerous, becoz I'm not used to it and I think part of me is relaxing a little too much and I can feel the intensity to fight getting dampened a little. The revision hasn't been too successful in the sense that a lot of the facts weren't sticking in my head, so today I did a final push all round revision, it seemed to work becoz I can feel the fire burning inside, the desire to nail that paper haha. Probably arised from last minute panic after I saw how insanely tough the past year papers were.

OK I'm done talking about my boring student life. Thanks for dropping by :)

Let's hope things get off to an awesome start tomorrow!!! *fingers crossed*
I wanna kick exam butt!!!!!!!!

Change Change Change

Yeah, if you have been visiting regularly you would notice that my blog header changes more frequently than erm.... Baskin Robins has 31% discount on their ice cream? Hahaha :P

But this is life. Change happens all the time. You could sulk over what's gone and get left behind. But I would like to think that I can stay ahead and embrace what's new. So much for loyalty haha. Well it depends on the thing or type of situation. In the case of a blog header, if you get bored with what you see, then it's bye bye and good riddance! It's always exciting to see what's new and WHAT'S NEXT! Didn't I give my blog a good name hehe ;)

OK this post is a little random. I guess when you're on a week long break with too much time on your hands, you get a little fidgety and start doing random nonsense. At risk of sounding like a babbling nut job, I think it's time for me to sign off.

Good night everyone! :)

Mid Sem Break Woohoo

Finally the much anticipated mid sem break is here! Muahahahahahahahaha

Just the thought of sleeping long hours everyday for the next 9 days puts a smile to my face. My initial plan was to curl into a ball, hide under the sheets and hibernate for the entire week in cold, dark conditions. Just kidding... as much as I want that to happen, I know I'm no furry animal bracing harsh weather. Plus, I forgot to gather a pile of fruits and nuts prior. Heck, maybe I will go into hibernation if it starts snowing tomorrow. You know what are the odds. ;)

OK I'm done trying to be funny. Sue me, it's the holidays, my humour bone is ticking.

Realistically this short break ain't all fun and laughter. Due dates are always lurking, and this week would be the ideal time to catch up or should I say, pull ahead of schedule. Hard work never goes to waste, so I should be doing something productive with the time on my hands. I just went from light and fun to serious and boring in as many sentences. Such is life.

Maybe I'll go somewhere this week... like a day trip or something. And definitely will spend more time exercising! Am itching to play tennis... problem is, there's no 'kaki' to play with. :(

Do you like my new blog header? It's back to basics really, I'm over with the outrageous in-your-face colours and bold styling. That was like an experimental phase to go more organic. But not really feeling it now. Let's go dark again haha.

:)

I survived

This past week has been really tiring... the amount of sleep I got was minimal (broke my personal record), combined with the stress equals pimples and dark eye circles. But I wasn't alone. All my course mates were having long nights too, so I tried my best to suck it up and focus on the work and not waste time because TIME was indeed the limiting factor.

I have never been more glad to be on the other side of adversity. It feels like I have been released from physical and mental torture... Picture an abused bird finally flying out from a cage and zooming around the sky freely like crazy. The most important thing was to clock in on some sleep. Felt awesome not being rudely awoken in the morning by the familiar sound of the alarm. It's like you're suddenly jolted and your eyes pop open and you rush to put an end to that loud, in-your-face noise. Never realized how getting sufficient sleep really puts one in a much better mood.

Spent much of the weekend dining out with family. It's therapy for me. Good food with good company. :)

And for those of you who don't already know, my internship application has been approved!!! Was really surprised how quickly the company responded. The HR department was efficient and friendly. That strengthened my liking and faith towards the company. I think I'm really going to learn a lot working for 3 months in the food industry. And since it's quite a big and established company, I would expect a professional work setting and up to standard laboratories.

I have been assigned to the Quality Assurance department, which is one of the major career paths for a Food Science graduate. The other options include R&D, product development, technical sales, government regulatory, etc.

But the industrial training doesn't start until I finish my exam in November... so it's a long time to go. I'm definitely looking forward to it, but the long work hours are slightly intimidating... Hope I don't get burned out by the hours!!

Writing way too much already, I have a feeling you're about to close this window. So BYE for now, and BE HAPPY!! If you're going through a tough time now with assignments, work or just life, stay strong alright, because every time you pull through a rough patch, you become that much stronger and wiser. Very true.
:)

Working it out

The best way to eliminate fear and stress related to studies is just to force yourself to sit in front of your desk and WORK. There's no shortcut. I know I have the habit of worrying and whining prior to the actual working, but once I got started I realized it's not all dark clouds after all.

Been working extra hours yesterday and today.. now I feel so much better (though at the expense of my weekend)!!

Finally caught up to where I'm supposed to be. Already went through two thirds of what I need to study for my Microbiology mid sem test. Finished one assignment. Now I just need to start working on a much dreaded lab report that's gonna be due on Thursday. If I start now, I just need to work on it part by part each day, so I won't have to torture myself on Wednesday night like the previous weeks.

The key is to be consistent. Cannot afford to slack off anymore. Need to keep the momentum going!!

Gosh, I feel like such a nerd for writing an entire post about assignments and time management. You guys probably don't wanna read about this anyway rite :P

Going to have some FUN later, but right now it's report time!
Just want tomorrow to be better than today :)

AHHHHH

Screaming. That's what I feel like doing now.

This week and the next is going to be the busiest and toughest fortnight of this semester. It's that week where you have a major assignment and a double lab report due, and top that off with a mid semester test. It's scary when you don't completely understand some of the content being taught.

Honestly I'm completely overwhelmed.
There's just too much going on, to the point that I don't know what I should do first. It's like fire coming at me in all directions. Which do I put out first???

Yes, isn't life dramatic? Or at least I am.

Pardon me.
Life is stressful now.

Then again it's Monash. This happens every semester. It's THAT week.

I hope I don't end up submitting a half ass job. Becoz that isn't what I want to represent.
I have standards. Anything that has my name on it needs to pull through.

Bahhhhhh....
I should stop blogging and get on with work.

Balance

I think I've finally found some balance in life.

Went to consult another Gastroenterologist in February who was recommended by another physician. I think this time the diagnosis + treatment plan was finally right. Well at least it feels much better now after one month of medication.

Turned out to be 3 words: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irregular bowel contractions result in food not being properly moved as it should be, trapping air in the bowel resulting in bloating. Subsequently the bloating makes me feel full all the time, resulting in poor appetite and weight loss. Bloating also forces the stomach acid up the esophagus, causing acid reflux and the discomfort that I'm so terrified of.

The downside is that there is NO CURE for IBS. Just prescriptions for symptomatic relief. Well, it's better than nothing. If it means feeling better and being able to eat, then I don't mind taking meds long term. Some people get better on their own after taking the course of medication, but for most the chance of relapse is high. It's been a week since I finished my meds, and so far I'm still feeling OK, so fingers crossed that it stays that way!!

Apparently some ppl are just born with this condition. For others, it is triggered by lifestyle, namely stress. That explains a lot. But anyway, physically I feel good now, even gained a little bit of weight which is a seriously welcoming sign! I was afraid that eventually I would be nothing but skin and bones.

Being physically fuller means being able to play sports better! I feel fitter than usual. Can go for jogging and do sit ups without feeling tired as quickly as before. More energy. Stamina is getting better, just need to maintain it now by exercising regularly.

And that gives me the opportunity to really rebuild my tennis game. I know what needs to be done tactically, with the technical and mental skills to back it up, and now I will be able to execute my game physically which was always the aspect that was hindering my progress.

Feeling healthier also means being able to deal with assignments and late nights better! Or maybe it's the fact that I'm in week 5 now, so the body naturally adjusted to the student lifestyle again.

Whatever it is, I'm glad the good times are here.
Pray that they stay.

Happy B'day Sis

Well hasn't it been a while since I updated this blog.
Just like previous semesters, things really get hectic from Week 3 onwards. Now Week 4 has ended, and the feeling of being overwhelmed has set in as expected.

Sometimes I wonder why we need to do all these lab reports and assignments because I don't really see the point in how torturing myself will actually help me in my career in Food Science in the future. The amount of research that I have to bust my ass to do now, most of it just doesn't seem really relevant in the long run.

And it's my sister's birthday today... well at least it's already the 27th over in Australia where she is now. I think this is her first birthday away at home. When she left for Brisbane last month it really didn't seem that much of a change. All of us took it quite well, even my sis didn't appear to be home sick or teary. That's just the way my family is, we don't weep over something that is supposed to be positive haha.

But I think the reality has finally set in now. The home just feels so quiet during regular weeks where my other sisters are also away from home. On days that are rough, I come home from class feeling defeated only to feel more alone. Not that I don't talk to my parents, but you know it's just different from having a sibling to confide to.

I miss the times where we would go for supper.. such as McD or Kayu whenever we felt like it. Probably the only person who would go satisfy my random cravings with me at all the oddest times. Miss the times we watched horror movies together since no one else in the family likes this genre, miss the times where we watched dvds in the TV room with potato chips and alcohol. And the times we went for tennis together, which hardly happens now becoz it's just not fun playing with Mr. Ong on my own. Since mum and dad usually have different activities going on, so most days it's just me. Just feels so dull now, you were always the exciting one that was brave and creative enough to try new activities and stuff. Come to think of it, if it were not for you I probably wouldn't have discovered my passion for tennis.

Just wanted you to know how much of an influence you were and still are to me.
Though I have never said this out loud, but yeah I definitely miss you!!

Hope all is well in Brisbane and have a great 25th birthday!!! :)

Coping

Firstly I feel terribly sorry that I didn't fulfill my promise of writing about my trip last month to Brisbane. Not that I expect anyone to eagerly want to read it, but it's just something I already set out to do but failed to accomplish... so it's more like a personal letdown. Since returning from Aussie I was just consistently occupied with one thing or another, and before you know it the new semester had started.

Just reached the end of week 2.. and I already feel defeated. Having difficulty adjusting to the insane timetable, having classes as early as 8am and only finishing at either 5 or 6pm where the traffic along the Sunway road and LDP is torturous. Even though I'm only doing 3 units this sem (thanks to my summer effort :P), the overall time I spend in Uni is actually longer than previous sems. Really sapping. My energy levels are at a all time low, body feels like it's been ran over by a bus (several times) even though I haven't done anything really physical.

Despite the fatigue and grumbling, I find the units this sem to be quite interesting. BioprocessTechnology is like an introduction to the processing done at the industrial level, while Microbiology is fun... fun as in the labs are fun, playing with bacteria and all. But the lecture content is killeriffic. Lots to remember. And then there's Biochem, I haven't been attending many lectures because they all happen to fall at 8am, so sometimes I don't get out of bed in time... :(
I realized i'm not a morning person after all.

The only thing that has been getting me through rough mornings and traffic jams is great music, particularly tracks from Aphrodite (once again promoting Kylie!), which are so uplifting and it really helps brighten my day. :)

I'm sure my system will get used to this new schedule eventually, I hope it does so before the assignments and reports come in full force some time next month!! *gulp*

Till then, stay positive everyone! I know I need to :)

Aphrodite Les Folies 2011

Illusion - one my favourite tracks from the album.


Kylie's 2011 tour has begun! Opening night was in Denmark and since then videos taken by fans hav been appearing on YouTube! Thank god :D

This uploader has one of the best quality videos I've seen of the Les Folies show. The show is amazing with a Grecian theme, obviously in line with the whole Aphrodite - Greek goddess concept. The opening of the show sees Kylie ascending from the "ocean" in front of a giant golden shell. The show features plenty of outfit changes, a flying angel, acrobats spinning around in air, a rotating circular piece on the centre stage, multiple fountains that shoot jets of water high up into the air while being illuminated in an array of coloured lights, leaving fans in the special 'Splash zone' WET!

This production has been reported to be the most expensive concert show ever created.. so savour the greatness of Aphrodite Kylie, a true dignified goddess of pop. :)

Back from the sunshine state of Aus

Greetings! I had an awesome weeek in Brisbane (+ a Gold Coast day trip).

Seen so much, experienced so much, so much to talk about now. Currently in the process of editing pics, which will be uploaded on fb when it's ready! Also I will be posting some journal entries here so stay tuned folks! :)

The weather in Brisbane was HOT, HOT, HOT! Parts of my body are darker now LOL. There's a reason why they call Queensland the Sunshine state ;)
NO sign of the recent flood though, they did a fantastic job cleaning the city!

Ppl there were generally friendly, drivers ALWAYS let pedestrians walk first, the public toilets were much cleaner than the ones here, really LOVED the hypermarkets there becoz of the wide range of products they carry, public transport was expensive, in fact almost everything was expensive! @_@

Overall it was really fun experiencing Australian culture.. I tried to absorb as much as I could like a sponge, while trying to adapt at the same time! The thing I missed most about Malaysia was the food hahaha. More details in posts to come.

Need some rest now! :)

1 down, 1 to go, and then it's G'day mate!

Hahaha the title summarizes what I want to say. Marketing paper today was decent, questions weren't tough, but just too much to write... practically raced against time till the very last minute. Never wrote so fast before. Ugly handwriting. REAL ugly.

Tomorrow's the accounting/finance paper. Kinda read everything twice already... so feeling lazy-ish now. This happens every exam. I get all pumped up for the first paper, then the momentum and intensity just declines. Will force myself to go through some key points and formulas tonite.

After that, I will be heading to Aussie for a week long holiday before the next sem starts!! :D
Excited coz it's been more than 10 years since I been there... in fact it's been a long time since I stepped into a plane. Hope I don't get air sick >.<
Slightly nervous about travelling so far, partly becoz my gastric / acid reflux problems are still troubling me recently, and I haven't had time to really go through my list of things to pack. Would suck if I forget anything important... Having OCD means I like doing things at my own pace, but I guess it's good to step out of your comfort zone sometimes.

By this time tomorrow, I will be at KLIA.. Gosh, that's less than 24 hours peeps! Till my return in mid Feb, take care everyone! OHHhh and Happy Valentines in advance to all u love birds out there, otherwise it's Singles Awareness Day again for us independies! ;)

cheers

Delayed '11 Resolutions

Well at least it's still January, still not too late to set some resolutions for the 11 months ahead...

1. Get healthy
Main goal this year. Will try to overcome the pain & discomfort, hopefully I will be able to seek treatment that helps rid the suffering. I have had enough of it.

2. Enjoy my studies
Will try to make the most of my time remaining at Monash. 3 sems to go. Will try to soak in as much as I can, and not to be stressed at late nights rushing for reports and assignments, which I'm sure will happen >.<

3. Travel more, see more!
Despite the decline in health, will try to get well a.s.a.p.
Have not been out of the country (besides S'pore) since 2005, so I'm lucky to have trips scheduled for Brisbane and Bangkok this year. Hopefully even more destinations to come! I love goin on holiday :)

4. Exercise regularly
Now that my sis has gone overseas to study, I no longer have a 'sports kaki' to play tennis with. But in an effort to maintain what's left of my fitness, I will try to have a workout at least.... erm say once a week? I will try to keep the fading passion for tennis alive. Somehow.


Also my resolutions are subject to change, becoz ppl change! Also if I come out with new goals in the near future, I can add them in! :)

Won't be blogging as much this year, so here's to a great Chinese New Year guys!! The year of the rabbit has caused those furry little creatures to feature in ads everywhere! I particularly like the bright coloured hyper looking rabbits from Carrefour! :)

till my next post,
cheers.

Declining Health

The title says it all. Something is wrong with me, but I'm not sure what's the root of it.
The problems seem to be stomach/digestive system related, but it's been so many years and I still don't know if these problems are an effect of an underlying problem or if it is the source of it....

I have had to deal with health issues for as long as I can remember. But lately it seems to be getting worse. Last year I thought it was bad enough with all the bloating, but now in 2011 I think my stomach is killing me, little by little.

I have had trouble just sitting in class due to nausea. It doesn't happen all the time, and when it comes, it comes without warning. I used to have better prediction of it, but nowadays it seems like the sick feeling comes more frequently beyond my control. And then there's the hyper-acidity, where my stomach is constantly releasing acid at all the wrong times.... so when you don't find food quickly, the prolong effect is again... nausea and just an uneasiness that prevents me from living a normal life.

What scares me the most is that my weight has dropped a little again... a downward trend for the past few years... as if I weren't thin enough. It's becoz I can't eat much. I feel sick if I don't eat, but I also feel sick after I eat. So what am I supposed to do? In general I feel weaker you know, like these days I tend to get motion sickness so I worry whenever we go for long distance traveling. I never had this problem before. Last year, I just felt tired all the time, the dark eye circles on my face says it all.... no matter how much I sleep I will still feel drained.

I don't know what to do anymore, aside from praying. I have seen doctors, specialists, and even Chinese medicine practitioners. Nothing seems to offer a solution. No one really knows what's my problem.

I seriously hope I make it through 2011.

it's 2011

Holy cow the last week of 2010 flew by just like that. And my blog header is sooo 2010, I need to change it haha!

Christmas wasn't really celebrated, and the annual gift exchange was postponed to last night, on New Year's Day instead. The year before I welcomed 2010 with pbsm friends on a beach in P.D., this year I welcomed 2011 with the same ppl but at my home instead! Glad I managed to get them excited about 'Cluedo', which was what we were busy doing when the clock struck twelve. I wonder where or what we will be doing on 31-12-2011? ;)

Oh I forgot to mention that we also went to Broga hill on new year's eve. Pics in fb. Woke up super early at 3.15am, which explains why I was exhausted by the time 2011 came. Spent most of yesterday charging my batteries, am good to go now :)
Unfortunately assignments and a presentation are scheduled in January, and the exam happens to be during CNY. Ridiculous right!

I'm looking at my 2010 resolutions, you can see them here. Interesting becoz I wasn't able to fulfill most of them. Health seemed to decline, my weight decreased a little instead of going up >.<. The first quarter of 2010 I was able to steer away from tennis, but now I'm actually quite enjoying it. I think I'm playing the best I have ever played.. period. It happened becoz I put less pressure on myself. So I don't see a need to stop now.
I didn't do anything creative LOL, my Yhart project came to a halt, I would say it's history now. At least I did kind of fulfill item 5 and 6 hahaha.

Resolutions don't really get achieved, but I will still make a 2011 list for tradition sake. Also it's nice to have some goals, or at least a direction to look at. Will start thinking about it now. :)
Ohhh last but not least, have an awesome 2011 everyone! Hope whatever dreams you have come true this year ;)