Moving...again!

After four months settling down here in Kelana Jaya, it's time to pack and move again! After making a very drastic decision last week (before the New Year holiday in Melaka and Penang), I'm now folding back my clothes, unscrewing my table and zipping up all the bags to leave the keys behind.

Moving where?

Will be back with that soon...

9 Wonderful Memories in 2009

2009 is last year. 2010 is this year.

How fast time flies~

Every year gets tougher and tougher, but that's how we get wiser and wiser. So far, 2009 has been one of the toughest year I've been through. Many things changed - from being a student to being a career person, from living in Miri to living in Petaling Jaya, from living with a housemate to living alone, from smooth internet connection to unstable internet connection, etc...

At the end of every year, I will look back and reflect what I have done for the past year, the achievements I made, the people I met. It's the time to do down memory lane........

No.1 - Karate Competition

Curtin Karate Club organized a small competition in Curtin and I was encouraged by Catherine to join although I am of no belt (but I went for classes every Monday and Friday). So I signed up for two categories...and walah~ I came back with 2 medals!

...everyone in the competition...

I enjoyed every bit of the training every week and all the other training I had at home as well. Learn a little bit of self defense to toughen myself up. It was indeed a wonderful experience as I had been always wanting to learn since high school.

...me on the 'tatami'...

Would love to continue Karate if I have the time to spare. This time, would want to start with the belt!

No.2 - Miri International Jazz Festival 09

I managed to sign up for volunteering this time around for MIJF, furthermore it's BACKSTAGE! Yes, I was schlepper'ing. It was not as tiring as if I were to be schlepper'ing for Rainforest World Music Festival.

...the stage...

We had to be there in the early morning and finish late at night. We were there for the rehearsals and arrangements of instruments. It was great meeting the performers, on-stage and off-stage.

...the Schleppers...

Next is to attend this festival with tickets, so I can enjoy every bit of the music. When will be the year? Hmm... I wonder~

No.3 - Program Karyawan Muda

It was a surprise for 'Hezekiah's Rhythm', a documentary I made for class to be nominated for Best Documentary in Program Karyawan Muda 08. The ceremony was held in KL. I was being notified last minute but managed to get tickets to KL to attend the ceremony on behalf of the documentary team.

...in Angkasapuri, RTM...

Though we didn't get the Best Documentary title that night, but it was already a great success to be nominated and aired in National TV. Congratulations to the team! Hope to participate in future film festival in the near future.

No. 4 - Graduate from John Curtin Leadership Academy

After a year in the academy with 2 projects at hand; Project Care and VISION, finally it was the last poster presentation and officially, we graduate! It was a great journey through JCLA - meeting new people and opportunity to meet with people in the working world, conduct projects, helping the community and of course, to learn with everyone.

...the 1st badge of JCLA...

Looking forward for our graduation ceremony during the Awards Ceremony this year. Hope to meet everyone again soon!

No.5 - Graduate from Curtin University

Two years four semesters passed! And I am now officially a Degree Undergraduate!

How much I have learnt all these years and how many people I've met along the way. There are just so much memories we've shared for the past two years and words can't even describe it. Ups and downs throughout the years but friendship will never end.

...Catherine, my housemate...

...the drinking friends...

...the camera girls...

...Project Care...

Looking forward to my Convocation Ceremony in April for my regalia and certificate, and of course to catch up with everyone again!

No. 6 - Traveling to many places

Got my passport after 10 years and the first stamp was for Brunei. It was my first trip down to Brunei and it was a great one-day-road-trip with Catherine. Been to so many places in Brunei without getting lost that much. Not to mention the sumptuous dinner meal we had at Empire Hotel!

...the first stamp in my passport...

...sunset at Empire Hotel, Brunei...

It was then to our long awaited backpacking trip in West Malaysia after our semester. We had had the plan for months and finally we executed the plan. Though we had to cancel our trip to Philippines, we had a great time traveling in West Malaysia to many places, taking many photographs and leaving many footprints and memories.

...Cameron Highland...

...Langkawi...

...Perhentian Island...

...Ipoh...

It was a wonderful trip everywhere and no doubt, there will be more trips to come!

to Cath: the bet on my 25th birthday is still on!

*smiles*

No. 7 - I'm a Diver

After much contemplation, I finally picked up the courage to overcome my fear of water and took up my open water diving license training with Kuching Scuba Centre. It was a long 5 days course with theory, practical and exam and I passed!

...my dive card...

More dive trips to come! First to conquer all the 'divable' islands in Malaysia and it's off to other islands and dive sites around the world. Will definitely work hard to be an Underwater Photographer and Videographer on day!

No.8 - Conquer Mountains

Never I expected myself to actually climbed mountains but yes I did! The first climb was Mount Lambak in Kluang, Johor. And soon, it was off for more climbs. Though it was very challenging (especially without proper mountain hiking gears), but the satisfaction of reaching the peak of the mountain is just wonderful!

...view from Gunung Lambak, Johor...

...view from Gunung Keriang, Kedah...

...view from Gunung Jerai, Kedah...

(click to enlarge)

More mountains to climb.

And of course, the main target (for now) is Mount Kinabalu.

No.9 - First job after Graduation

Signed up for my first job after graduation in August for a TV Drama Series for Astro Citra. It was an outstation project in Ipoh where we were required to stay in Ipoh for 2 months for the shoots. It was a tough project but I learnt a lot through it. No doubt that there are so much stress and it was tiring (until I ended up in the hospital), but I am glad that I was involved with this project from the start.

...the production team...

What's next in my career? I am eager to find out myself.

2009 was a blast.

I hope that 2010 will be another blast with adventures, experiences and memories that I will never forget.

Looking forward to the New Year!

New Resolutions!

Happy New Year 2010!

A Dive in Pulau Payar

-Pulau Payar-

...completed my first dive of year 2010 here in Pulau Payar with Ming Yi...
will blog more once I get the photos developed, hopefully it's ok coz I exposed the film accidentally~

Leaving home to KL

Technically, it's not my first time to leave home for KL. I lost counts on how many times I used to fly from KL to Kuching and return since I left home for college in 2004. Flying in something I'm so used to but it's just something that I do now look forward to especially when I'm flying FROM Kuching.

I was in Kuching for the Christmas holidays - for 2 weeks plus - and now, it's time to come back to KL for my career. What am I doing next, I don't know for sure myself, yet!

Woke up early yesterday to pack the leftovers and left home with Mum for breakfast. Initial plan was the Old Rex Laksa, but when we reached there, the stall was closed! They went off for a holiday. *sob sob* So Mum brought me to have Pork Leg Rice, but it was closed too! So I had Curry Chicken Rice instead.

After breakfast, I went over to Grandmama's house for a visit and later to Dad's shop to visit my Grandma. At about 11am, I bid farewell to them and Dad too and left for the airport. Checked in, this time was easy...not so much of a queue. Mum and I had a cup of steaming hot vanilla at Starbucks and that's where Tiffany and Adeline came. It was the first time to have friends coming to airport to send me off... how sweet of them~

Had some chit-chat and it was time to say my goodbyes. As soon as I entered the boarding hall, everyone was boarding the plane. Took my seats in 3A and the plane took off. Had a peaceful hour and a half sleep on board until I reach LCCT where my bag got lost in the belt. Everyone was busy running here and there, checking their own bags and thanks to the miscommunication, we were at the wrong belt!

Took the bus down to KL Sentral and knowing that it is almost off office hours, it'll be jam pack in the train. And it was! I was literally carrying 20kg of weight on myself (front and back) and was standing from KL Sentral to Taman Bahagia station! Went into a cab and reached home. I was already dead tired.

I cleaned my room, unpack my bags and finally took a shower and had my Ngo Hiam which Mum fried this morning while watching DVDs. There goes...feeling home sick again~ *sigh*

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-God Bless You-

Xmas Eve Outing

I love to be home~ Why? Because I can sleep all I want, that's why! *smiles*

I know my mum will be reading this but...she'll be the one waking me up every morning and tell me that the sun is already on top of my head.

I woke up at 9am, showered and deng~ it was so cold. It's been raining since the night before. Mum and I had brunch at a place her friend, Aunty Alice recommended, and we had - Hakka Lui Cha! Tell you honestly, I do not like to eat this dish coz the tea smell is very strong... but, this particular Lui Cha is nice!!! *except when it comes to too much tea in it lah~*

...the Lui Cha...

Mum then accompanied me to the Sarawak Museum Office at Dewan Tun Abdul Razak to submit a letter to the Director for permission to access the Museum Archives and Library for a research I'm working on. I met with the Deputy Director who is kind enough to provide me with not only the permission, but loads of information on the topics we are currently working not and also some suggestions to other topics that we can cover.

I then drove to Gambier Street to see how things have changed since I last visited the place. There was a massive change in that old street! *eyes were wide open when I saw* The old market had been torn down, the taxi area is gone, and not to mention two rows of 4 shops were burnt down just two days ago....................

...the burnt down shops...

Was sadden with the 'destruction' of these old buildings in Kuching city - well, I am appreciating old buildings, cars, and anything that is antique.

The rain poured.

Mum and I went to Upwell to send something for carving and got a light meal at Junction Cafe and look at what I had........

...a very tall burger that I had to use fork and knife to eat...

After the meal, I sent mum home and packed my laptop and headed to the library across river for a one hour research. There were a few people in the section and I was rushing against time to finish up what I can and also to finish up my photocopy credit in the card...hahahaha... not wasting a single cent~

I drove down to dad's shop to pick him up from work.

...a shot of Padungan...

It's Christmas Eve!

Midnight mass...here I come!

My Christmas Album of the Year

The tracks are...

1. Joy To The World

2. Angels We Have Heard On High

3. O Come All Ye Faithful

4. Silent Night

5. The First Noel

6. O Holy Night

7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

8. I'll Be Home For Christmas

9. Pat-A-Pan

10. What Child Is This

11. Riu Riu Chiu

12. Ave Maria

13. Melodies Of Christmas

-found this album while Facebook'ing and quickly downloaded and have been listening over and over again for the past few days-

How I spent my birthday...

It had been days of having family dinners ever since Alex's wedding last Saturday. Damn, I was just about to go on a strict diet - to reduce all the unnecessary fats I've accumulated the past 2 months on shoot - but, was tempted by the delicious food on the table every single day *sweats*

It was another family dinner - this time with Mum's side of the family; grandmama, uncle michael and uncle peter & family together with 4th granduncle from England. We had the dinner at Happy Garden, just opposite The Spring.

...my empty plate before the dinner started...

It was when the dishes started coming out that we (15 of us on one table) started eating!

...yes, this was how we all turned out to be...

It was long before dinner that Aaron and I went over to The Spring's MBO Cinema to get ourselves tickets to Avatar 3D. It was RM20 per ticket (cheap though~). Movie was at 9.15pm. We headed over (with the car) to find parking space in the shopping centre but deng~ there were so many cars! We were a minute or two late for the movie. Taking our seates at R12 & R13, we put on our 3D glasses and there we were drawn into the movie for 2 1/2 hours.........

the greatest movie I've seen in 3D. reminded me a lot when Dinotopia and 10th Kingdom was on screen. it was beautiful. everything seemed to be floating in front of my eyes. the colours were so bright and beautiful. would love to watch it again.

Reached home at about 12.30am and slept through the morning. Mum was busy making ngo-hiam. Mum and I went out for lunch...wondering where to get good food in an air-conditioning restaurant...and there we found ourselves in Kenny Rogers!

...my Quarter Chicken in Mushroom Sauce and Spaghetti Bolognese...

Mum and I went for a stroll in The Spring but I ended up spending RM140 on my sports bra~! *sweats* Anyway, it had been quite sometime since I first mentioned to mum that I need one especially when I'm out for my work out. Just that spending my hard earned money is something not easy............. but thanks to the wander of having Debit Card, I did not hesitate but to swipe and sign it~

The whole family went to church for sunset mass at St. Peter's and later for dinner at After 4 (After 3's sister restaurant). Nothing fancy though but nice food...

Only...

the best part of my birthday...

was to have a beer with mum and dad...at HOME! *smiles*

That was how I spent my birthday this year.

A big thanks to everyone; my family and my friends, far or near, for your warm birthday wishes! Hugs!

*a year older...hopefully a year wiser*

My 23rd Birthday Present

something I bought for myself after 3 years of pondering on when I will get this

the most expensive birthday present I even gotten for myself.

a BlackBerry Curve 8520

-another item crossed out from my list-

Pre-Early Birthday Party

Tiffany had been planning for a surprise birthday party for me since the last time I saw her in July. It was time to put the plan into action...

But...

Surprise one: Tiffany the driver of the night [Failed]

Karen drove Adeline and Tiffany from their house Richmond for Westerns and later to The Spring for jalan-jalan. And look what I found~!

...Kokoberry in Kuching!...

had my favourite Blue Sky

and later it was all the camwhoring sessions with the Christmas tree

Surprise two: Birthday cake [partially passed]

It was sweet of the girls to surprise me with Secret Recipe Chocolate Indulgence cake in the car just outside Havana. One little birthday candle and a fork to cut the cake. Although I knew something fishy was coming up after listening to many weird excuses from both of them, it was one lovely surprise.

And yes, we had a round of drinks at Havana with nice music and WipeOut Australia on TV. By the time it was 12pm, calls started coming in and it was off for home.

...the youngest one...

...the eldest one...

...the about to turn 23 one...

Big thanks to Adeline and Tiffany for making the night happen.

It was a great night, with fun and laughter, chit chats and beers.

-love you guys-