I spy... An eye stye... >.<

Huhuhu... I woke up this morning feeling a bit weird on my left eye...

Well, there's not a really big difference, like people would probably have to look at me twice to realize the swelling but it's still really annoying.

What to do??!!!

"Medically referred to as a hordeolum, a stye is simply an infection occurring on the eyelid. Sties are caused by the staphylococcal bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin of our eyelids, but when those germs become trapped inside an eyelash follicle or a tear duct, a painful, pimple-like infection results."

Hopefully it'll go away fast!

>.<

Happy New Year!

=)

Cheers!

Towards the end...

Flight D72703 will be landing at KL LCC Terminal on the 7th January 2010 at 1525 hrs.

I'm going to be in that flight. =) InsyaAllah (with God's willing)...

I'm excited to go home, yet starting to feel sad to the thought of leaving my room, my study table, my office-like study chair, my ensuite, my pillows and definitely, the most important thing, my double bed.. Hehehe.. Drama, drama! Heh...

I need to put everything here on hold for a while now and concentrate on a more important part of my life. I honestly don't know if I can stop thinking about my research when I'm home later on. I can be a bit obsessed about my work. I even used to dream of my lab experiments. Huhuhu... Oh well, we'll see how it'll go.

The year is coming to an end and I guess I could say this would be my last year of being a single lady. Huhuhu... How weird does that sound??!!!

The idea of bachelorette parties suddenly occured to me.

I never really attended bachelorette parties or hen nights. I know it's to celebrate the bride-to-be. I don't think it's a widely practice tradition for Malays. But I do know some of my friends back home have them and of course it's a common thing for people of most parts of the world.

This is what the Wikipedia said;

"A bachelorette party, hen party, hen do, or hen night, is a party held for a woman who is about to be married The term hen party or hen night is more common in the UK, Ireland and Australia, while the term bachelorette party is more common in the United States. The term stagette is used in Canada. It may also be referred to as a girls' night out or kitchen tea (South Africa in particular) or other terms in other English-speaking countries.
The bachelorette party is modeled after the centuries-old Bachelor party which is itself historically a dinner given by the Bridegroom to his friends shortly before his wedding. Despite its reputation as "a sodden farewell to bachelor days" or "an evening of debauchery," a bachelorette's party is a normal party, given in honor of the bride-to-be, in the style that is common to that social circle."

I suppose I could say that I was celebrated as a bride-to-be recently. It was a very very small get-together and probably not fully intentionally done for me (Perasan lebih!!!Hehe...), for me at least, it was fun! Great company, good food and an 15+ French movie (Haha!!); I couldn't have asked for more! =)

The great food!!! (It's always great food at their place..Heh..)

 

 

The entourage... Hehehe... (Going to miss all of you!!! Huhuhu...)

Anyways, any chance I'll be getting one back home?! *Hint Hint*

Hahaha! Dream on, Wa!

Cheers!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

It’s Christmas! Such a joyous and happy day! Actually, I am kinda stranded in a train station. Huhuhu.. It’s 7:45 am and the train was delayed for an hour. It should’ve arrived here in Landsborough at 7:13 am but there has been an inconvenience. There are about 12 of us waiting for the train. Are they not celebrating Christmas? Hhmmm... Geeshh.. It’s raining!!! Cooling but I’ll have to make a run for it to get back to the station later. I’m not that far away. Just across the street.

See, there’s Landsborough train station. =)

Oh yeah... I got a xmas present!!! It’s rather the one and only present this year. Heh... I didn’t really expect it but THANKS SO MUCH, Denni!!! Loooove it! =)

I was itching all day yesterday to open it. Feels like a little kid!!! Hahaha!!!

It was sitting on my bedside table all night and I opened it right after my prayers this morning. Heeee...

They were chocolates!!!! Lindt lindor chocs!!! YUMMY!!! I wonder why I didn’t take a picture of it. Hhmmm.. Anyways, now I need to control myself from finishing them in one sit! Hehehe... Oooppss... There’s an announcement from the trains station. Better get back there. Hope the train’s coming soon! ;-)

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays!!! Enjoy!

Cheers!

~Christmas Lights~

L.O.V.E. I.T!!!

Thanks Denni and Bec!!! =)

It was lots of fun!

Merry Christmas!!!

Cheers!

☺..behind the wheel..☺

Just got back from sending Denni & Bec to their staffs' Christmas party.

Yeah, I drove the car!!! Heee...

It was not the first time that I've driven in Oz but I don't drive very often here.

I forgot how therapeutic driving can sometimes be.

It was a really nice drive from Mooloolaba back to Unicentral.

Well, I drove to and back.

Denni wanted me to drive to Mooloolaba so that I would know the way better.

Eventhough it's been almost a year here, I'm still not that confident of the roads.

I remember some of the buses route though.

Hehehe...

I do get scared to the thought of driving in Oz.

It's like when I first started to drive kinda feeling.

Sweating, butterflies in the stomach...

Haha!!!

Hhmmm...

I wonder why...

Maybe I just need to get used to it, huh??

Have to get a car first!

Huhuhu...

Oh well, I am feeling more and more confident.

Maybe when the time is right (and the money is there! Huhuhu...), I'll get a car.

Until then, buses and trains for me!

And yeah, the wonderful walks!

Ahaksss!

☺

Cheers!

My set of wheels back home.... Miss you JFK!!! (Huhuhu.. the only picture I have...)

SnEak PEeK!

Happy! Excited! Nervous! Thrilled! Panicccc!!!!

Heh.... =)

Cheers!

11.30pm in Sunny Coast, 9.30pm in Parit Raja...

Text messages...

I syg : "Sayaaaanngggg"

Wa : "Ye yg..u ok?"

I syg : "Ok jer..sajer je huhuhuhu"

Wa : "Hehe..u dah mkn?watpe 2 syg?"

I syg : "Lom... Tgk tv jerrr...u watpee jer?"

Wa : "I dah tdo ni..ingt nk tlg examine our things.yg still ok nk keep on gune.. Misz u so much!"

I syg : "Our things?"

Wa : "Haha!i ngarut..i mixed up dgn mimpi td..hehe...sori!mesti u penat lyn i yg half asleep?huhuhu.."

Translation!

I syg : "Waaaaaaaaaaaaa"

Wa : "Yes..are you ok?"

I syg : "I'm ok..just messing around...huhuhuhu"

Wa : "Hehe..have you eaten?what are you doing?"

I syg : "Not yet... I'm just watching TV... What are you doing?"

Wa : "I'm already asleep. I was thinking I'm going to examine our things. To keep using those that are still OK. Miss you so much!"

I syg : "Our things?"

Wa : "Haha! What did I say? I must still be dreaming!"

PS: some words were changed to make it easier to understand. heee... =)

Huhuhu... Yes, i pick up the phone and talk, and reply text messages when I'm half asleep or even when I'm asleep. I think...coz sometimes, I don't even remember that I answered the phone or what I actually said! I usually wake up the next morning wondering was I dreaming or was it real. Call logs helped a lot and yeah, inbox and sent items usually puts the puzzle together. Huhuhu...

Anyways, the above is an example of how I actually woke up in the middle of the text messaging. Hahaha! The silliest so far!

Cheers!

It's Not Goodbye... It's See You Later...

It's Saturday morning, Denni's at work and I'm all alone in this already empty place. *Sigh* I will be going to the lab to carry out some work in a bit. After a long weekend in Brissy last week, I know I have to focus and get my act together. I have less than 34 days till I go home for the wedding preparation. I know I wouldn't be able to forget my work and research altogether when I'm back home then but it'll definitely not going to be easy to study as it is at the moment. The only thing here and now in this oh so laid back environment is the pressure to chill, watch a movie or go to the beach! Haha! Anything to procrastinate!

Weird how I feel like it's ages ago but really it's not even a week since we sent off Ellie and Nicole in front of the Unicentral main gate; keeping them company while waiting for the airport shuttle ad help them carry their 'few, tiny' luggages on the shuttle. Heh... The surprising part was, Ellie didn't even shed a tear! She kept telling me that she'll be bawling her hearts out when we send her off. A good thing she didn't though coz knowing how a cry baby I could be, she'd probably won't be the only one drenched in tears. Haha! I was however a bit teary and I did cried for a bit reading her note while I hold on to my Crunchie Bar... Huhuhu...

Unicentral is so so quiet now. Too quiet for my liking sometimes. Even the campus is sort off deserted. Luckily, I'm always totally absorbed in my work and don't really mind being alone in the lab. Huhuhu... And I guess now I am better in shrugging of the sadness and missing everyone who has been making me smile, laugh and teaching me so many things (probaly too much!!!) for the past 5-6 months particularly here in Unicentral. They will always be in my heart and hope to be in touch. I know everyone is just really gald to be back in their own hometown and back to their family and friends; I'm really happy for them. I do hope the acquaintances and friendships I've made and built over the short period of time would be remembered in a good way, at least...

I remember Denni said how being in Unicentral sucks coz you get to meet and spent time with all these great people, and then after a semester, we won't be seeing most or even all of them ever again! How sad is that??!!! But then again, you'll never know, eh?! As someone's photo album entitled, "it's not goodbye, it's see you later", life is full of surprises. In a way, I feel lucky to have some things that make saying Goodbye so hard and glad that I have all the memories to cherish.

"Memories build a pathway that goes winding through the heart and keeps friends close, even when they are far apart"

Cheers!

PS: Have a safe trip home, Christina! See you when you get back! =)

~a journey to the big city~

My idea of starting my celebration of Eid usually involves an express bus from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, driving for 3 to 4 hours, or catching a ride with my sister or brother to go back to my hometown. Ever since I was 18, I've  traveled a fair bit interstate; mainly KL to JB and back. This year the traveling is a bit different though; particularly for Eid ul-Adha that was celebrated on the 27th November. I'm not exactly going back to a small, quiet hometown-like-place, rather going to the big city; Brisbane. Well, not that big, big, but bigger than Maroochydore; the nearest big town/city from USC. =) A bus ride and an express train ride which took 2 hours altogether takes me from USC to Brisbane city. I stopped by Fortitude Valley to buy some food from the Asian foodstore and wanted to have a retail therapy at the city but was too tired and went straight to St Lucia to the comfort of 243 Carmody Road... =) I've not been spending time with the St Lucia clan and a 'Taringan" (she's renting at Taringa..Hehe..), kinda miss them, so, Eid ul-Adha is a perfect reason for me to bug their lives...hehehe... Once there, I immediately learned how to make an Apple crumble, courtesy of Aina who despite fasting, had a craving for it. Well, I didn't exactly learned how to make it, I basically watched and amused her while she got down to work. Haha! ;-) 

For dinner, we had fried rice, garlic bread and Domino's pizza (specially from Taringa!Heh...) and complete with dessert; apple crumble! Yum! After dinner, our chef, Intan, along with Su and chief chef, Aina (:p), cooked 'lontong' for the next day's feast.  Everyone then just enjoy each others company while watching a string of reality shows on TV. Heh...

Yummy Lontong!!! 

Alhamdulillah, we carried out our Eid ul-Adha prayers at Mt. Gravatt showgrounds Friday morning and there was a mini carnival going on. Courtesy buses took us to the showgrounds and back to UQ.

Eid ul-Adha prayers...

As always, a visit to their homely place always makes me too lazy to go back to the Sunny Coast. The hot weather doesn't help as well. Oh so lazy to go out of the house! Huhuhu...  Initially, I only planned to stay a night in Brissy but instead it turned out to be a 3-nights stay. Heh...

We went for a night out in the city Friday night. Dinner at Satay Club Noodle House followed by endless picture snaps of ourselves and the solar-powered Christmas tree at King's Cross.

My dinner... (Kalau kat Mesia tak pandang nih! Haha! Eksyen!)

 Solar-powered Christmas tree at King's Cross

I went shopping on Saturday. I just bought a shirt and bananas. (Bananas? Haha!) We watched movies on DVD that night and we just talk and laugh and talk and laugh and talk... You get the idea. Six girls under one roof wouldn't be so quiet. Hehehe... And yes, I made a new friend as well. Emi, who came to Brissy from Melbourne for a conference. I've only realized that I don't have a decent picture of her and with her. I guess that won't be a problem thanks to Facebook and we'd probably meet again someday soon. Ahaks... ;)

I always forget how much fun I could have and how happy I am when I'm with my friends in Brissy. I just wish we weren't that far apart, or at least it'll be more convenient if I have a car. I guess for now, it makes me appreciate the time spent with them more.

Thanks so much for everything. You girls are the best!

 After the Eid ul-Adha prayers. Going home to 'Lontong'! hehe.. :p


Cheers!

MiM 2009

Microbiology in Maleny

Queensland Branch of the Australian Society for Microbiology

Saturday 21st November 2009

 There were very interesting research topics covered by the speakers and I'm really grateful to my supervisors for encouraging me to attend. 

The meeting was a first conference thingy for some of my labmates and I think they had fun. ;)

Ysanne did a good job on her talk. I didn't however have a picture of her.

I kinda forgotten that I've my camera with me and I guess I was just not in the mood to take or be in pictures. Darn!!! I should have and now feeling a l'il bit regretful. Huhuhu...

The scenery was extremely gorgeous and would definitely be here again. I wish I have a car. A really great spot to just relax. =)

I did have a wonderful time today and the memories would be with me forever. ;)

Loads of thanks to Nikki for driving us! You've been great.

Thanks so much for the great company ladies!!!

All the best to Tara and Chrissy for their writing up! Will miss you girls now that you don't really have to be in the lab. :(

 

But anyways, have fun writing and you guys know where to find me. Heh... ;)

Lots of love!!!

 (Haha! Just feel like posting my own name!)

 Cheers! =)

 

♫ ♪ Music and Dance ♪ ♫

Music has always been a part of my growing up days. I couldn’t really remember when it all started but I do remember taking electric organ classes when I was around 7 – 12 years old. I think. I remembered going to Yamaha Centre in Taman Pelangi and then I had private classes with an organ teacher in Stulang. What’s her name eh, Yan? My sister, Yan was also taking classes and she’s way better than me.

I stopped taking the classes when I started highschool. I was in a boarding school, which eventhough was 15 minutes drive to my home; I wasn’t allowed to go home except on certain weekends – 10 weekend-outings each year. Or maybe 12. Hhmmm... I couldn’t really remember. Anyways, apart from the school’s education excellence, the school’s marching band had a great reputation. It was the most talked about and respected school band in the state of Johor; and probably Malaysia! Hehe... Ahhh.. Those were the days... Yeah, I was a member of the school band. My whole highschool years were literally so much fun and memorable because of the school band. I was at first a bit scared and not really sure if I should join. I even asked Yan if she thinks it’s a good idea for me to try out. She was a band member herself after all. She didn’t really say anything. I ended up deciding for myself. I guess back then, she was like a super senior (she was in her final year of highschool) while I’ve just started highschool; I don’t know if she really wants to be seen talking to me?! You know, probably it’s not cool or something. Haha! Seniority was like a very big thing then. At least in my school it was. I used to be terrified of the seniors; even those a year older than me. Huhuhu... Nowadays, the school band is not as what it was then. Sad, but I guess there’s not much I can do about it. I wish I could. *Sigh*

Great moments!!!

After highschool, I wanted to join the Uni’s orchestra but it was not open to students who are not doing a music course. I was a bit sad; disappointed mostly. It was not until I was finishing my MSc that an orchestra club was formed and opened to all students. But by then, I was too lazy to care. Even so, I was always a sucker for band competitions, battle of the drums, cheer!, orchestras, dance shows, musicals and anything that can make me move... Hehehe... I was also into theatres and plays. However, being a student, it was always a free one or at a minimum cost. Heh... It was always fun nonetheless. =)

Along the years and until now, music was one of my best buddies. An escape to a world of no worries, a shoulder to cry on, my dance partner ;), a splash of hope, romantic dreams, a bright smile, a wish come true, a lullaby of restless nights, a lab-work friend, an inspiration, and my loyal study mate in the early mornings, late nights or any time of day. It was also what breaks the ice between me and my dearest on our first meeting... Ahaksss!! ;)

Ah yes... I was also very lucky to have been invited by my friends in Brisbane to join them for the Multicultural Festival. It was a while ago – 18^th October. Thanks Aina for remembering me! It was last minute but I’m glad I’ve decided to go. Su was torn between her cosy room and the fest. She opts for the former but K. Maz was happy to come with us. Well, it was going to be the two of them if I decided not to go. As usual, it was a great day out! Of course there were great musical performances and guess what?! Yummy food!!! Hehehe... 

Irish music....

Great company!!!

Yummy!!!

Cheers! =)

~the best of both worlds~

Why I chose to do my PhD in USC? Most people back home never heard of it. Most people in Oz don't really know about the Uni. And I can only say I'm here by the act of God. ;-) I guess I have my own reasons and one was that I was looking for research projects that I'm interested in and can be of benefit to the industry; locally and when I go home one day. I didn't want to be doing a research that is too focused and too fundamental. And I just have a feeling that I'll do great here with the help of my wonderful supervisor. Insha'Allah. :-)

It's not all a bed of roses, though. I suppose that's what you get when you're doing a research and to have people calling you 'Doctor' after you're done; there's gotta be more than just experiments and reports. You've gotta be creative, innovative, sweat a lot and cry bloody tears! Haha! Now that's over-exaggerating! I guess most people know its hard work. Nonetheless, it's very possible. I'll take it as a challenge. ;-)

Anyways, I'm starting to feel that USC is my now home. Well, nothing beats my home sweet home but.. you know what I mean..heh.. Em... I'm not yet as comfortable as I can be in UPM, but I'm getting there. It's a really small Uni but I learn new things about USC almost everyday. I attended USC Research Conference yesterday and it was really an eye-opener. This Uni has big potentials. It's starting to make its mark and is growing really fast. There's a lot to say about the Uni. But what better ways to get to know the Uni than browsing the website; University of the Sunshine Coast ;-)

On a lighter note, I spent a Sunday out with my lab friends. It was awesome! The weather was really nice, the food was good, the beach was beautiful, the dessert was heaven (ice-cream!!!hehe..) and most importantly the company was great. I really had fun. I was a little bit tired when I got home. Probably it was due to being under the sun for quite a long period of time. Well, I'm always indoors and rarely out in the sun. Huhuhu... We did also stopped by at an Asian grocery store at 157 Brisbane Road. I didn't buy anything coz I couldn't really make up my mind. I wanted almost everything they have in the store! Heh...

At the end of the day, I think, it's all about being happy and counting our blessings. And for me, it's also about satisfaction. I thanked God for everything, always and to everyone who's kind enough to be a part of my life.

Kudos to us! Heh... ;-)

Cheers!

BRinG iT On!

How do you get a perfect waistline and a slim body?

Is there an easy way???

Oh how I envy girls who is skinny and can eat whatever they want without ever having to get worried which part of the body the food would end up!

However, I don't intend to be all skin and bones.

I'm just trying to keep in shape and hopefully lead a healthy lifestyle.

 What I'm doing is not something fancy or properly designed or anything.

Just eating lots of fruits and vegies, slowing down on the carbs and drinking lots of water. There's of course the exercise regime. Haha! Not!

It's just basically brisk-walking/jog/running early in the morning, hopefully everyday.

I feel so motivated right now not just because of the wedding, but knowing that I have a friend that is doing the walks with me.

I'm so lucky! =)

She's really motivated and a lot of fun too.

I just hope I could keep up with her. Seriously! Huhuhu...

There's not much I wanted to say.

Just..

Bring it on, Nikki! Heh.. ;)

Cheers!

~...you are not alone...~

The time is 4:51 pm. It turned out to be a very nice Saturday. Sunny yet cooling. I've been in my room most of the day. Had a really nice walk and a quick stop at the lab early this morning. I've been analysing the outcomes of my experiments in between Saturday morning cartoons, making snacks and eating them (regardless of my efforts of getting my ideal slim body for my wedding), a movie (I Love You, Man), random internet surfing, The Girls (a book which I borrowed from Ellie) and a bunch of other stuff that surprisingly in need of my attention pronto. Huhuhu... I could and should have finish my analysis by now. I'll get it done right after this entry. Heh...

There's so much in my mind that I wanted to blog about but it's all tangled-up and I just don't seem to have the right words to note down. I guess I'm just experiencing 'imbalance of emotions' going through me. Is there such a term?! Haha! Direct translation! I always regard it as "emosi tak stabil" to my sisters and friends back home. In other words right now, I'm feeling a bit lonely. It's just weird how you could literally be in the same place and living in a self-contained environment and in the same time zone with other people but you just couldn't be a part of whatever's going on. You know everyone, have no problem whatsoever to strike a conversation and join in for laughs, but somehow, it's all  too awkward. For me at least. Well, here's the thing; almost everyone surrounding me here has started making plans for tonight weeks ago, gone shopping for costumes, probably start drinking by now, and just getting prepared for tonight. Yup, it's Halloween. There's gonna be parties, celebrations and other activities going on all over. Everyone's kinda excited to dress up and have a blast, especially for the Americans that I know. I've learned that it's a really big thing in the States.

Who am I kidding?! It's not just tonight. Eversince I came here, I know I'll be missing out on all the nights' out mostly on Uni Nights (nights where there will be free buses/shuttles to hostings pubs/clubs only for Uni students) and all kinds of parties. Eventhough I don't really know what all the 'fun' is (well, I kinda do know what it's all about but I don't think I'm up for it anyways..heh...), I just hate the feeling of not being there and not knowing what's going on the night before as they are laughing they hearts' out when they talk about it in the next few days. It really sucks!! Huhuhu..I so don't sound like a 28 year old!!!

Wow! I feel so much better now! Haha! I'm so twisted! Letting out your feelings do help, huh? Still feels a bit lonely though. I should have gotten used to all this being alone situation. I've realized being alone helps me appreciate more. I chose not to join in the fun and put myself out there coz I sure can if I want to. So? Make up your mind, Wa!!! Hehehe.. Yes. I know what I should do. I will think only the positive side of everything that has and will happen to me. Huh??? Hehe... I'm being oh so dramatic now. I do have friends that make me feel good and enjoy doing stuff together. I just wish I can have the pleasure of their company more often. Oh well, that's life! =)

All and all, I do hope everyone will have a great nite and enjoy themselves; whatever everyone's doing.

It is far better to be alone, than to wish you were. 

~Anne Landers~

Cheers!

S.O.M.E.D.A.Y

"Someday" is Rob telling his wife Marisol that they will always have their good days and bad days, but no matter what they will always pull through. He says that maybe someday they'll be able to figure their lives out....get rid of all the doubt in their relationship, and make things better.
Source(s): Friend of Robs :)


I was having breakfast in front of the TV and came across this music video by Rob Thomas. Most people who knows him would probably know that he's the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. They were all about alternative and modern-rock. Nowadays, Rob Thomas is putting out the songs he wrote and the ones that I've heard so far are more contemporary. Anyways, I just wanna share this song with everyone. The interpretation of the song is endless. I personally feel that it's true; life has it's ups and downs and it's not always happy & easy times in a relationship. However, when the going gets rough, it would get better; Someday... Enjoy!

You can go

You can start all over again

You can try to find a way to make another day go by

You can hide

Hold all your feelings inside

You can try to carry on when all you wanna do is cry

And maybe someday we'll figure all this out

Try to put an end to all our doubt

Try to find a way to make things better now

And maybe someday

We'll live our lives out loud

We'll be better off somehow

Someday

Now wait

Try to find another mistake

If you throw it all away

Then maybe you can change you mind

You can run

And when everything is over and done

You can shine a little light on everything around you

Man it's good to be someone

And maybe someday we'll figure all this out

Try to put an end to all our doubt

Try to find a way to make things better now

And maybe someday

We'll live our lives out loud

We'll be better off somehow

Someday

I don't wanna wait

I just wanna know

I just wanna hear you tell me so

Give it to me straight

But tell it to me slow

Coz maybe someday

We'll figure all this out

We'll put an end to all our doubt

Try to find a way to just feel better now

And maybe someday

We'll live our lives out loud

We'll be better off somehow

Someday

Sometimes we don't really notice

Just how good it can get

So maybe we should start all over

Start all over again

Someday by Rob Thomas

"At the end of the day, the songs are all about me," he says. "They are always a mirror reflection of what I am going through at the time. At 37, you shouldn't be worried about being cool. It's a cop-out if at 37 you are worried about being cool. Being 37 is what's cool." -Rob Thomas on a radio interview-

Cheers!

>>> I'm Engaged!!! <<<

Hehe... It's been...geeesshhh! I actually couldn't remember when I got engaged. Hold on. Let me see the calendar...em...it was the 4th day of Eid which is the 23rd of September 2009. So, it's actually, has been 3 weeks since I officially became someone's fiance. Heh... It wasn't really planned at all. The engagement thingy that is. We did discussed on having he's family over to meet my family and officially saying that their son is interested in me and we want to get married. Hehe... Whilst planning this get together, his mom then said that she thinks it's better for us to get engaged.

For Malays, it's not as simple as a guy proposing to a girl, and when the girl says Yes, they're officially engaged. For us, it's all about family. The guy will have to tell his family that he wants to have a girl's hand in marriage. The guy's family then will have to come and meet with the girl's family and ask if they would accept the proposal. The girl would and should probably inform and discuss with her family about this in advance. I guess if a girl's parents and family doesn't approve, they can say no to the guy's family on the day when they actually came to propose; which I don't think ever happens. Not if the girl does want to get married with the guy that is. For the more traditional Malay families, during engagement ceremony, they will be discussing on the details beyond how long the engagement will take and deciding on the wedding date; they would discuss on what will happen if the engagement is off i.e. if the girl broke off the engagement, what will she have to give back to the guy; and I even heard there's like a specific book of reference for all the matter concerning engagement. That's how serious it gets. Erm... I hope I didn't make anyone confused. Huhuhu...

For me, however, the discussion that took place was brief. It only took about half an hour of discussion; whereby they decided how long we're going to be engaged and when's the big day going to be; and then everyone enjoyed nasi beriani and satay. Yummy!!! Ah yes, there was a placing-the-engagement-ring-on-my-finger ceremony. His mom did the honours. It was kinda funny and silly me! Anyways, I was really glad as I had all my family members with me that night. The ceremony which is a result of a 2-3 days of planning, wouldn't have gone as smooth as it did if not for the help of everyone. I'm grateful to God and I have only Him to return the deed to everyone. I've got heaps of pictures for everyone to enjoy on my Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=109653&id=697177908

Again, many many thanks to everyone especially my family for having this memorable event of my life a great one and to everyone who have wished me well.

As of now, it's only fair if once in a while (or whenever I feel like it..), I'm going to share and have everyone help me while I plan my wedding on my blog, aight? ;) Hehe...

Cheers!

~@~ I'm Going to Miss You!!! ~@~

It is never easy being in a new place. I remembered early this year when I first started my work in USC's Microbiology research lab, it was quite terrifying. My supervisor had brought me around the whole research complex to get me familiarize and I also had my lab orientation session where I was briefed with all the safety procedures, all the facilities, and met with all the lab technicians. Even so, I didn't really know anyone there. I do remember that with time (as well as a bag full of courage and me giving the sweetest smile to everyone I see), things got better in the lab. It got even better when I was introduced and got to know a sweet young lady by the name of Nubia. I believed that I actually had a decent chat with her when we met at the Grad centre. We were asked to share our working desk, which is fine by me. I'm now really glad it was her that I had as a desk-mate than some mean, inconsiderate postgrad student. I don't think anyone here is mean or anything and I've never really met one that is, but I just wanted to say that it was and still is very easy to approach and discuss things with Nubia. She always tries to be positive and ever willing to help anyone in need. I personally have always bugged her for even the tiniest problem I had. Huhuhu...

For the next 6 months (if she decides she wants to come back, which I hope she will) though, Nubia won't be around in the lab. She is now, as we speak, doing her last minute packing and will be departing for Sweden tonight. She'll be doing some of her PhD research work at Karolinska Institute. She's even on our Uni's website.

http://www.usc.edu.au/University/NewsEvents/News/2009News/NubiaSweden.htm

I'm so excited and happy for her. I know how hardworking and dedicated she is towards her work. She truly deserve the opportunity. I do hope she'll explore and enjoy Sweden as much as she can as well. Having said that, I can't wait for her exciting stories and wonderful pictures she'll be posting and updating on the internet. Kudos to technology!

A send-off gathering for Nubia by our research group. :-)

'Nubia-approved picture' Heh... ;-)

A bit blurry, but I just think that's a cute pose! :-p

See you when you get back!

Cheers!

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of good weather. - John Ruskin

Despite having negative results on almost all my gradient PCR samples, I'm rather calm and relaxed. I would at times (make it most of the time) freaked out or go berserk for not being successful in my experiments. Yes, I am a bit frustrated coz this means I need to repeat it when I really was hoping I didn't have to. Not because I'm lazy or I don't want to do it. It's just that resources are kinda scarce in the lab at the moment. And my yearly fund given by the Uni has zero money. Zilch. :( Having to repeat the experiment means that I need to use more of the chemicals, etc. I guess I don't have a choice, eh?! Nonetheless, I could and would be more careful in analyzing what went wrong and what I need to do to get better positive results next time. InsyaAllah all would be good.

It's raining now. It rained this morning and I guess sometime in the middle of the night, last night. I woke up dreading that I have to go to the lab. I could have stayed in and do nothing today if I haven't been all excuses yesterday to not go and do my labwork! Huhuhu.. Oh well, too late for that. Anyways, it has been cloudy and rather cold all morning. It seems like the perfect day to stay in, cuddle up in bed and read a book. I know one or maybe more of my friends are doing this simple yet very fulfilling activity as we speak. I would probably join them after positng my entry, if the rain has yet to stop. I am currently reading 'Are You There ,Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea'. I'm almost half way through the book. I started to read the book last night before going to sleep. I think I'm going to do this reading routine just before bed coz I realized this morning that I didn't have a hard time dozing off eventhough some inconsiderate neighbours were still having a loud party 12am last night. Do you think it's because I read before bed? Or maybe I'm just too tired? Hrmm....

OOOPPPSSS! OK! I better stop blogging now. I'm eating homebrand Choc Scotch Finger more than I'm blogging. Till next time peeps! Cheers!

...Bell's palsy...

Men in my family has always been the pillar of my strength. They show only macho-ness, obey strict rules, have strong faith and believes and are always responsible. I've always been very close to my Papa and have always wanted a boyfriend/husband that bears the qualities that my brothers have. They might not be the most affectionate, romantic guys, but they definitely have their own way in showing how much they care. I love all of you to bits!!! Just recently, my men in my life includes a guy that might not be the perfect guy in the world, but I believe the perfect guy for me. InsyaAllah.

I felt the urge to blog today due to my restlessness and that uncomfortable feeling in my gut. I couldn't seem to keep to myself anymore. Two of my dearest guys are face with God's test. They have fallen sick.

My dearest has been sick eversince I came back to Oz. Having sore throat at first, followed by mild coughs, and now, he's lost he's voice. It's been hard for him to talk, eat and drink. And he's not having good nights' sleep. He's supposed to be working today, but he'd probably, finally, be going to the clinic and hopefully gets the day off. He's been working so hard and personally, I think that lack of rest plays it share in making it hard to overcome his coughing easily as he usually does just by having a few drops of lozenges. I think it's minor. I just hope he'll get better as soon as possible.

My Papa was admitted to hospital last night. Limah texted me and I immediately called her asking for more details. I kinda cried myself to bed last night coz there's not much known on what exactly is going on. Limah was also a bit freaked out as she couldn't answer half of my questions. Sorry Limah. I didn't mean to put you on the spot. Earlier during the day yesterday, Papa felt his cheek went numb. The doctor at a clinic asked him to refer to the General Hospital. He was initially diagnosed with a mild stroke. By the time he was done with MRI and ready for ECG, it was already 10 pm at night and no visitors whatsoever is allowed in the wards. That is when Limah had to go home. She texted me then to inform me. Everyone back home seemed calm and relaxed which I should be too. But I guess I was just frustrated last night coz I'm not physically there. I'd probably be a nuisance to the hospital's staffs so that I could get more information and until I'm satisfied, they won't be able to chase me out. My dearest being all sick himself did made me feel better last night and reassured me that everything will be fine with Papa. Keep calm, pray and hope for the best.

This morning, Limah updated me with news that blood clotting couldn't really be seen. They still have to wait till tomorrow to be sure. In the mean time, they'll be treating Papa with Bell's palsy treatment. I googled it and here's some info about it...


Bell's palsy is a paralysis of cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) resulting in inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Several conditions can cause a facial paralysis, e.g., brain tumor, stroke, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be identified, the condition is known as Bell's palsy. Named after Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who first described it, Bell's palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy (disease involving only one nerve) and is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis.


Bell's palsy is defined as an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis, usually self-limiting. The trademark is rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usually in a single day.


It is thought that an inflammatory condition leads to swelling of the facial nerve. The nerve travels through the skull in a narrow bone canal beneath the ear. Nerve swelling and compression in the narrow bone canal are thought to lead to nerve inhibition, damage or death. No readily identifiable cause for Bell's palsy has been found.


Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory and anti-viral drugs. Early treatment is necessary for the drug therapy to have effect. The effect of treatment is still controversial. Most people recover spontaneously and achieve near-normal to normal functions. Many show signs of improvement as early as 10 days after the onset, even without treatment.


Often the eye in the affected side cannot be closed. The eye must be protected from drying up, or the cornes may be permanently damaged resulting in impaired vision. In some cases denture wearers experience some discomfort.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_palsy

I really hope both of my dearest will win their battles and be all healthy and alright soon. It could just be a test from God to keep them grounded and definitely keeping me insight of everything that is important. Last but not least, all these happenings just shows how great God is and how weak we humans are.

To the men I've come to appreciate more and more each day of my life.

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother.  ~Astrid Alauda

~..Eid Mubarak..~ "Riang Ria Raya!"

There's too many stories, feelings and thoughts I want to share, but I'll just sum it up by saying Alhamdulillah. There are also some pictures that I'd like to share.

I almost missed out on all these...

...the day before Eid...

..Pagi raya... Like father, like son?...

...the men...

 

...Hhhmmm... Perebutan harta?! Heh...

...my Kak Long & kids...

...all the ladies in the house!!!..

 

...kakak-kakak ku... :)

 

....adikku... ;)

 

...nephews... Oh, how they've grown...

 

...outdoor session...picture taken using very the expensive camera... Huhuhu...

 

...really glad I didn't! ^_^

PS: More pictures in Facebook... Enjoy!

Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Places

Air Asia sale!!! Goldie-Malaysia return flight tickets AUD280! It didn’t take me long to decide to buy the tickets for Eid. I didn’t realize at that time however, that it would take me about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Sunny Coast to Goldie by buses and trains. And because my flight is in the morning, I had to stay overnight in Brisbane or Goldie. I chose the latter. A friend reminded me to check whether Gold Coast airport is opened 24 hours because I wanted to just spend the night at the airport. No, it’s not. Huhuhu...  Lucky for me, Oz has many reliable hostels. I decided to stay in one for that night. It is 10 minutes walk to the airport and cheap. It’s the Youth Hostel Accommodation (YHA). Heh... The stay was pretty good. The journey from Sunny Coast to Goldie was, however, a bit of a challenge. I guess the big haversack on my back and 3 of hand carries made it more challenging?! Huhuhu... I did though meet many kind strangers that offered help throughout my bus and train-changing-ordeal. Ordeal? Haha! Drama! I took the bus to Landsborough at 2 pm and the train to Brissie was at about 2.35 pm. I arrived at Roma St Train station by 4 and changed trains to Goldie there. I’ve never been to Goldie; Robina to be exact. I’ve had shopping trips only up to Helensvale; the stop for Harbourtown. So, I was kinda nervous and had no idea at all what to expect. I nearly missed the bus that I would take me to the airport stop but luckily the bus drivers here are very friendly and can definitely recognize a clueless tourist. Well, I was like a tourist that day. Huhuhu... I’ve asked the bus driver to stop me at the airport stop because again, I have no idea where to do so. It was dark by then and yes, I break my fast with water on the bus. I’ve thought of eating some food I’ve brought but I decided to eat when I’ve finally arrived at the hostel. The bus ride was half an hour and I guess most bus driver would forget to stop if no one rings the bell. But he did stop me not so far from the airport stop. It was a bit of a walk but Alhamdulillah I safely arrived at YHA by 7 pm.  The walk did include me asking more than 1 person for directions. Haha! Me and directions in Oz; I get so nervy and kinda lost my brain functionality. Hahaha!!! 

I was waiting for the receptionist when I saw a girl wearing tudung (headscarf) walked into the room. She turned and saw me and immediately said “Macam kenal jek..” (I think I know you..) I smiled and didn’t really know what to say. She then asked me which high school I went to and I am actually her senior. We chatted for a bit and she helped me check-in to my room. Before she excused herself for the night, we decided to walk to the airport together the next morning. Yes, we are on the same flight to Malaysia. J After settling in, I then only have my dinner at the kitchen, and surprisingly it was not as weird as I thought it would be. I met a nice Brit guy, Luke who is travelling whilst doing casual jobs and have lived in a number of different countries. He also knows quite a bit about Malaysia. He also shared some fruits with me. Hehe... I finally went to bed at around 11 pm. Woke up for sahur at 4 am and got ready by 6 am. We walked to the airport together; Fafa, Hajar and me. Oh yes, there’s another Malaysian guy joining us to the airport. Erkk.. I forgot his name. Anyways, after we’ve checked-in, we just hang around the airport talking and basically getting to know each other more and more until it was time for boarding. Half way through the flight, we were sitting together in a row due to the boredom we experienced because the 3 of us decided not to buy the Air Asia in-flight entertainment. Huhuhu... Thanks to a row of empty seats though, Hajar, Fafa and I got to chit chat some more until we arrived. By the time we landed, I feel we’ve known each other almost all our lives. We looked like we’re long life friends having fun on our way home. But the truth is; we’ve just met. It’s weird, but in a good way how acquaintances in a foreign place could be so close in such a short time just because we come from the same country. We are Malaysians. Malaysians studying in Oz. We agreed to keep in touch and parted our ways at KLIA LCCT. This particular experience made me think and vowed to always appreciate my roots, remember where I come from and be proud. It also made me wanna be more literate on everything there is to know about Malaysia, apart from keeping my culture & faith alive. InsyaAllah.
 

“Hujan emas di negara orang, Hujan batu di negeri sendiri; Lebih baik di negeri sendiri...”

Hope to see you guys soon. Enjoy your holidays!!!

<< SpRiNg BrEaK >>

Can't wait to come home to this very soon...

Going to miss Oz though... Err.. I think?! Hehehe...

Cheers!!!