1fan

Food & Wine

2010-10-29T18:59:00.000+13:00

Remember the 2008 summer when we were too poor to eat out but still desired to have good meal every night. Do it ourselves was the prefect solution. We enjoyed the moment to prepare the 3-main-course at her kitchen, which has beautiful sea view. At that time, we considered preparing a great meal is a way to de-stress.

The habit stopped when I don't think it will be appreciated. Yesterday, friend was excited and putting effort to prepare for a great (and expensive) meal. Even though you have to spend hours to prepare one meal, which only require 20 minutes to finish it. The satisfaction could not be replaced.

The poached pear was the perfect ending for the night. Definitely want to do it again. Hmm... X'mas eve dinner?

From June to Sept, 2010

2010-10-08T16:19:00.004+13:00

Nearly five months I didn't update my blog...

Travel

No surprise, I have been traveling every month I went to Jakarta, Bali, London, Amsterdam and Barcelona. Jon (Spain), Zoe and Will (NZ) visited Malaysia and spent good amount of time travel around Malaysia with them. Europe trip was the highlight of my year. I fall in love with London city (I want to live there), met up with Nick in Amsterdam (have an EPIC time) and finally I went to Barcelona (it is like a dream come true).

On the last day of two-week-Europe trip, I decided not to complete my plan for 2010 - one trip every month. May be I want a perfect ending of this plan, may be I was tired, may be I have enough, may be it is time to live in reality. I am not giving up on passion of traveling (it is impossible) but is trying another way.

"I am loyal and constant in my love for travel, as I have not always been loyal and constant in my other loves." ~ E.G.

Life
I moved out from home in September after months of planning. I feel alive again when I start taking care of myself. There are some minor changes in the relationship between me and family & friends but it is a good change. I enjoy very much being the Independent-Yi again!

Three more days, I will turn 25. I have been living in this world for half of the century, it is time for another change.

2010 5th Trip - Bang Bangkok

2010-05-21T01:45:00.003+12:00

Because of the protest in Bangkok, we have postponed the Bangkok trip from April to last weekend. It ended up to be the worse time. We were there when the "red-shirt" leader pass ed away and the government finally has decided to "clean up" the mess (it caused some violence). For me, it was quite perfect. It was an experience that I appreciate a lot during travel.

The atmosphere in Bangkok is very low key (not many tourist and people are reluctant to go out). On the other hand, it actually made the trip quite relaxing. No pack and traffic. We have done the typical activities such as shopping and massage. During the trip, my impression with Thai is very polite, nice and friendly. You could just tell based on their driving. Even though they are not following the rules, they are not rude but give way. In the market, you don't have to bargain too much. They do tell you the price they want to offer (of course, they are small amount try to rip you off). The honesty is pretty impressive.

I felt quite bad for the protest. The people here are so calm, nice and peaceful. It is just because of one man, who desire more power, it turns the country into a mess. It actually reflect lots of war in the world. Most of the time, it just because THE ONE. The one who uses foolish of low-education people, the trust and believe of people toward him, gets what they want. It is sad but it is also what we have to deal with.

It sounds cheesy but wish we had a chance to enjoy at least a day of peacefulness. V

please..

Next stop: Jakarta, Indonesia.

Post title credited to a friend.

2010 4th trip- When wine meets music

2010-04-23T03:08:00.005+12:00

Beach. Crazy. Culture. Doing-nothing. Food. Friendly. Peace. People. Relax. Respect. Sun.

There are the general ingredients for my good trip. Singapore never be an exciting destination for me and somehow always involved some sort of pains.

When good wines meet good music, it magically turned my Singapore trip into an enjoyable experience. I have to admit that I am looking forward to the next Singapore trip.

Magic 1: Wine connection is a "wine pub", which located around Clark Quay, with huge collection of wines and reasonable price . It is owned by French. The place has a very warm and friendly environment for customer to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine. The uniqueness are you won't be able to find the same bottle in any place in Singapore and they remove the duty tax from selling price - it means you are enjoying the duty free wine.

Achievement: Four bottles of wine and the last customers.

Magic 2: The-CD-shop, obviously is a CD shop, with a huge range of CD and Music collection. The staffs are friendly and helpful. You are free to try any CD and spending your time in the shop. The home brand/collection - high society, with good collection of song and nice packaging, are recommended.

Achievement: Four CDs and two hours.

I guess it's always the matter how you create your own experience. Just be a little bit more open-minded, my world could be quite amazing.

p.s. thanks Chloe for Wine connection and Annie for The CD Shop

Do what I love

2010-04-08T20:20:00.001+12:00

I get slightly annoyed when people think I take too much holiday or spending too much money on traveling. People might think I take advantage from working at family business - flexible in holiday and better pay.

Ok, I might be travelled more than some people. However, I disagree with the time and money. I guess most people's travel involve some sort of money (flight, luxury hotel, tour,etc) and taking long leave from work but it is not how I travel. All my travels are cheap and well time management.

Book flight during promotion - it means you book your flight six months in advance. All my flights are 50% cheaper than normal prices.
Utilize the network - I only choose those countries which I could potential get a free bed or cheap accommodation. I do not mind sleeping on some couches. If I have to pay, will make sure it is good value (cheap and good)
Be a local - I will try my best to be local rather than tourist. I am reluctant to pay ridiculous price for those must do/see activities or places. It does not really matter for me. I enjoy meeting people and the local culture. It also makes my trip cheap.
Plan it smart - I do lots of calculation on cost and time to maximize the money value before any decision.
Be efficient and responsible - taking leave may be hard for most Asian company. I do agree that it is one of the advantages when working for family. For me, as long as I finish my work, I do not have to stay in the office 24/7 to prove that I am hardworking or anything.

This is my travel philosophy. I enjoy travel more than anything at the moment. I want to maximize my travel experiences when I still have the freedom. I know it will be harder when I have more responsible in the future. This is what I love so stop judging me!!

TEDxKL

2010-03-28T03:44:00.000+13:00

I was quite excited about TEDxKL. It was an opportunity for me to reconnect with the ideas, positive energy and passionate people in Malaysia. There are 11 speakers from different part of the society.

Amongst all the speaker, there are two speakers, Peter Nicoll and Aloha Lavina, really got me thinking. Peter from Scotland is running a Community Action Group based in KL to "get people off the street" (address the symptoms of both urban and rural poverty through street food programmes, etc). I was shock that we have 770,000 population in KL are hard poor, living on the street and with hunger. It is HUGE but how many of us in KL actually aware of it and trying to do something to help them. I really appreciate a foreigner, has no responsible to this city/country, but doing such an amazing things for us.

Aloha Lavina, who is a photographer based in Bangkok. First, I love her accent and the words she were using during her presentation. It just sounds so beautiful. It is very interesting to see the world through a photographer philosophy. Three messages she was trying to delivery in the 18minutes - trust process instead of the end result, have fun and pure awareness (Attention shapes reality). She mentioned that you will stop having fun when you are losing your attention. I totally agree with it. At the end, she wrapped up with a phase "The World Is Your Idea". Believing in and focusing on our idea we can shape the world we want.

Pramesh Chandran, who is a technopreneur and was appointed as CEO of TIME dotCom in 2008, is another good speaker. He has given lots of very useful information to the audience why the broadband speed in Malaysia is way behind developed countries and countries in Asia which has high speed broadband with affordable price. It was way out of my imagine how many other parties, government are responsible to this. Except his overtime speech, it was a very informative and interesting presentation.

This event has inspired me to be more proactive and actually make a change in Malaysia society. There are so much I can do and need to be done but what I have I done to make a change in the past eight months? I always want to be an entrepreneur and owning a business. However, I do not want to be someone who only care about how much profit in their business. Impact that I could create always my motivation. I am very excited when I know there are people actually have the same dream as me out there and I am not alone.

p.s. Congratz to a very successful event with great speakers and audiences. One part I was very impressive was the organiser tried very hard to make sure everything on time. It is very rare amongst Malaysia's events. Although it is not perfect, I do see the effort and it is what Malaysian should learn to be.

More than a cup of coffee

2010-03-23T02:44:00.006+13:00

From searching the best Hot Choc in Auckland, the best Mocha in Wellington, now I found the best Cappuccino in Malaysia at Cafe Departure Lounge.

I am very used the life which could easily access a cup of good Mocha in NZ (Ahhh.. I miss Cubita). It become slightly hard in Malaysia. Yes, Malaysia has lots of coffee franchises/cafe. Sadly, 99% I will receive a cup of coffee with over frothed milk (burn your tongue), coffee is watering (bad coffee bean and milk), which are the perfect combination to ruin my day.

Luckily I can at least have a good cup of coffee once a week at Cafe Departure Lounge. Thanks for the owners who have the passion in making a good cup of coffee and serving good food. Now my perfect weekend (if I am in KL) is spending my afternoon there, having a cup of GOOD coffee/mocha, reading my book, eating a slide of cheese cake and teasing their staffs. What a luxury!

When will they open another branch just next to my office?

p.s Congratz their barista, Yee, for winning the "best cappucino" and 2nd Runner-up awards at Malaysia Barista Championship 2010. It was a very good weekend to experience the passion of coffee.

It is more than a cup of coffee.

No more house hunting!

2010-03-09T04:03:00.001+13:00

One of my main tasks after back to Malaysia is looking for a house for my family. Mum has been wanting a landed house for years. However, my sister and I were not within the country so it has been delayed.

I was hunting the house through few property agents. It was a nightmare when dealing with them. They are on and off depending on their mood! I know that I don't have a million dollar budget but at least still above average! What kind of shit service I have been receiving. Personally I can't deal with bad service so I decide to buy a house without going through property agents and start searching the developer website.

At the end, I found this place - Sutera Damansara Ria II. It is pretty much a perfect house for us (except we have to wait for 2 years but it is not like we don't have a place to stay now). It is within our budget, a very nice neighbourhood (with mountains, reserve forest around, human make lake), convenience location (easily to access all the main highways), perfect size and modern design (with high ceiling and well used of space). Everyone is happy with the house and everything so we make our final decision within 24 hours.

Just need to settle down all the financial part then I am done! I'm actually very proud of myself that able to get this done perfectly.

2010 2nd Trip - Revisiting India

2010-02-26T05:13:00.001+13:00

After three years, I finally have the chance to visit India, which I consider the third home, again. It was very relaxing and good. I didn't do much during the trip, just spending time on the beach and resort. Eat, Sleep and Drink! It gives me lots of positive energy after this trip.

Goa is still Goa and Bangalore is still Bangalore. Nothing much has changed but it reminds me lots of good times there and the reason I love my stay so much. This place has taught me how to be patient, flexible, open-minded and positive. Now with the cheap flight, I think I will visit more often.

Some achievements during this trip:

I finish a book "retired young and retired rich" by Robert Kiyosaki
Good reflection in term of my changes these years and future plan
Relax and love my life again

Even though most people in Malaysia does not have positive perception toward India. Secretly, I think life in India is more interesting than Malaysia. If there any chance, I wish to stay there more than home.

KL Night Life

2010-02-13T04:13:00.000+13:00

You can have so much fun with the right company. I finally experience the complete the KL night life in a week. It is a bit crazy but I'm really happy.

Luna Bar

It is a must-go bar when friend comes from overseas. Price of drink is a bit ridiculous but I guess it is still better than go up to KL Tower.

Pavilion

At the center of KL. You can easily find all kind of food (good to bad, east to west) at one place. Also a good idea to get a drink before and after dinner. We got a free shot because the bar tender didn't know how to count. :P The parking is surprisingly cheap during weekday.

Changkat Bukit Bintang

It is so far my favourite place in KL. I like the bar on the street instead of inside the mall. You can do a bar tour here easily. Get all kind of music and variety price of drink. Lady definitely should go on Wed (Ladies night), you can have all night free drink.

Pinchos @ Changkat

I love everything about Spain so Tapas is one of my favourite. This dish is amazing with some wine.

Good Food + Wine = Good Time

Social @ Changkat

I love the music and they have quite bit of wine choice. Pool table available if you could play well. We stay until they "locked" us inside. Definitely go back again.

Bangkok Jazz

We were the only customer on Tue. They are not really playing Jazz (but I do show my friend the Malaysia truly Asia coz they were playing some random Asian songs) and the drink is not good. I won't recommend but may be the weekend is better. Thai restaurant upstair is pretty good but a bit too quit.

Asian Heritage

Went twice so far but have not had a good experience. So may be not my place.

Challenge your fear

2010-02-01T20:26:00.000+13:00

I love to spend my holiday at the beach. Because of my fear of animal (including fish) and deep water, It is a bit boring sometimes. It is my dream to swim in the sea and master all the water activities, i.e. scuba diving, surfing, etc.

To make my Malaysian life more excited, I decide to challenge my fear. I have checked out the course at 1U, the price is reasonable and it does not seem to be that hard. I have no fear when come to sky diving or bungy jump, I'm sure I have the confidence to do it.

Before Aug, I have to get my PADI certificate.

iPad

2010-01-29T15:53:00.000+13:00

A new creation from Apple was launched two days ago - iPad. There are a lot of review, good and bad, has published in the last 48 hours. Even though a lot of people quite disappointed of the iPad, such as the name is lame, it is just an oversized iPhone, what is the point to have it; I still very excited about this new creation. Yes, I'm an Apple fan.

I think iPad could really change our way of reading, the way the publisher function in the next five years. It just like how iPod has change our way of listening and buy music, pretty much the entire music industry. We are reluctant to buy CDs or even burn CD. Since I have the iPhone, my car does not have to mess up with lots of CD or I could not find the CD I want when I am driving.

I believe iPad will have the same impact to our life in the future. I have to admit that I love to act of going to book shop and buy book, put at my bookshelf and start reading it. This is how I feel now. I used to love to go to CD shop, look for CD and buy CD but now I can't be bother. I always find myself could not find the CD I want in the CD shop.

I can just imagine my life with the iPad, reading the newspaper and TIME magazine while I am having breakfast. My house doesn't have to mess up with lots of newspaper and magazine, and mum won't get annoyed and start yelling at everyone. I can read the book on my bed or everywhere I go. I won't feel guilty when spending money on buying lots of book but no time to read it, it is going to be cheap at ibook shop. I carry my newspaper/book/mp3/photo album everywhere in my home. Another good feeling is I save more trees.

I love the iPad idea and I want to have it.

Obedience to the parent

2010-01-25T03:34:00.001+13:00

As Asian/Chinese children, we seem to be obedience to our parent's order or wish. Even though we're not happy or disagree with their opinion, order or decision, we most likely will obey. Remember during high school (even now), I get very frustrated when friend make their decision based on their parent wish. The most common is their degree and at the end they don't even know why they are getting that degree.

I was trying very hard to live and do thing in my own way, however, I could not completely escape from this tradition or "responsibility". May be this is what they society has brain-wash us since young.

I am glad that my parent always give me lots of freedom in making decision. ~~may be i'm not listening~~ However, when they are getting older, they intend to persuade you to stay and live with them. You will feel bad/shit if you're not doing what they wish although deep down you prefer to go for your own path and way. I completely understand how they feel but I think parent should also take initiative when managing their elderly, like making new friends, join activities, etc. It can't just be their child's responsible of making sure they are happy. Pls putting so much hope on your children, it could reduced the indirect pressure to their child and both parties will be happier.

It is such a conflict feeling for me when deciding between parent's life and my life. Hopefully I'll remember how I feel now; so when I am getting old, I'll be a cool and happy old lady/mum without worrying my family.

Last Day of 2009

2009-12-31T16:26:00.004+13:00

It was not an impressive situation to start my last day of 2009 when you saw a body was lying on the floor (cause of car accidence obviously) on the way to work. I'm wondering what if I die on the last day of 20XX? Please drive carefully.

2009 is a transition year from one chapter to another chapter in my life journey. Changing environment, country, friends, culture, work, I could not say it was tough but it's definitely emotional. I'm thankful that I just have right amount of time in 2009, not too long or too short. And now, it is time to move on.

The very first time I'm not too sure what I really want for a new year. Traveling will definitely be the big part of 2010. I guess it will be the right time when I have not put myself to a situation with too much responsible yet. South East Asia and Europe will be the destination.

Other than travel, my career and retirement plan are always be my focus. I have been procrastinate in the second half of 2009. After receiving sugar cube from Chin, it does inspired me again. Sometimes a small action could make a huge impact, thanks Chin!

No matter what, I will ROCK 2010 in 1fan style!

My iphone

2009-11-05T04:41:00.007+13:00

Since the first i-phone launch in 2005, when I was in India, it became my dream phone. Every year I told myself to save up and buy it. Finally, I got it last month. It is worth for waiting. I feel like caring my MacBook everywhere, I can do whatever, wherever and whenever with my phone. It is only RM1500 to get a powerful and 'handsome' phone.

I guess there is nothing can stop me be a loyalty customer of Apple. Next goal: MacBook Pro

A video for myself - don't give up

2009-10-20T00:55:00.001+13:00

Happy Birthday to ME x 3

2009-10-14T05:20:00.013+13:00

I've celebrate my b'day in Malaysia for 5 years. I was not planning to celebrate my bday this year but thanks for friends who gave me 3 celebration. Of course, it was not as creazy as the party in NZ. However, it was warm and sweet.

1. Kiwi style with Annie Loo
Thanks for bring me to such an awesome place for dinner. Following by NZ Pinor Noir at best Jazz Bar in Malaysia. Especially for Annie and Yohei, I love the present - photo book - it brought back a lot of good memories and can't wait for Taiwan with a crazy night.

2. A group of friends without name
Thanks for spending a good night with two Tiger towers and the present.

3. An unexpected surprise from KK
Thank you so much for the two little cakes.

Thank you for all the wishes from friends all around the world!

Challenge myself

2009-09-25T04:42:00.004+12:00

We all know that you need to challenge yourself and put a lot of efforts to be successful. I'm very enjoyed my time in September because I am putting myself into a very challenging situation. These challenge is very different compare to what had occurred in the pass. Everyday, I am expecting some difficulty that out of my control. It is not easy, it is frustrated and reduce my confidence. However, I know that this is the path to the success. I'm lucky enough to face these with a group of good people with a lot of supports and encouragements.

I am walking toward my goal and dream.

Are you ready for the change?

2009-09-19T03:29:00.004+12:00

Move from the left to the right side

Loving my life

2009-09-13T19:54:00.002+12:00

Loving your life. It sounds very simple but not many people find the way.

I've been struggling for years in how to have a successful life by doing what I love to do. I'm very excited and happy now because I find my way. I have such a strong feeling that I am going to enjoy every single moment in the next five years, I can foresee myself being happy and successful before 2015. I know it won't be easy but I am not afraid of any challenge that I am going to face. I just remember what it will lead me to and I want it with 100%.

Congratz if you have this feeling; if not, I hope you FIND THE WAY.

Let's complain less and smile more :)

2009-09-11T04:54:00.001+12:00

Attitude . Action

成就李嘉诚一生的八种能力

2009-09-05T01:39:00.007+12:00

I'm very glad that I read this book at the right time. It helped me to make the most important decision in 2009. I also have a better understanding about the stock and property market. How does it work at a large scale. It also give me a very clear picture what ability does a successful businessman needs. Sometimes, it is so hard to believe what he, Li Jia Cheng, has done in his life.

Of course, there are so much to learn, I'm just a beginner. I hope one day I'll be good at these eight abilities. I believe it won't be too far :)

Current reading:
Outliers - the story of success by Malcom Gladwell
Waiting list:
The snowball by Warren Buffett

Getting toward the right direction

2009-08-28T01:41:00.002+12:00

Lucky (LOA)

I made a goal before I start working. I've to start working on my main responsible - business development in Aug. Because of the delay of setting up (catalog and website), I didn't have much hope to achieve my goal.

However, everything seems to be arranged. After attending the primary school gathering last weekend, I got a new contact and information about a opening-soon hotel. I got a meeting set up after calling. At the same time, I met a supplier who has new products in hotel amenities industry, which fulfill the Eco-and-green trend. It also align with the concept of the hotel. It is a bit stress and frustrated after the meeting. There are a lot I need to do, change and worry; whereas, it gives me more responsibles and satisfaction in the company.

______

Being Green!

When I was in New Zealand, I read a lot of books about green, eco or bio-degradable issues and products. I've a huge interest and passion at this area and aware of these products in New Zealand. I didn't expect it will related with my business in the futur but it is happening. I'm getting excited and happy as I'm working with my passion now.

Hotel industry is one of the most polutted industry. Everyday, a lot of plastic products , paper, water & power are wasted. If all the amenities products can be replaced, the world can be a little bit better. However, it is something very challenging since it is a industry which has a high-sensitive in price. At least, it gives me excitement and a very clear vision and goal :)

Finally arrived..

2009-08-20T03:28:00.003+12:00

After 5 weeks, my shipment from NZ finally arrive today. Everything is under good condition. Unfortunately, I don't have any space in my room for the 22kg of stuff yet. The only thing can get out from the box now is "Patrick" - b'day gift from Jordan.

My ideal working place

2009-08-16T16:44:00.003+12:00

CENTRIO at Pantai Hill Park in Bukit Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur

What an idea working environment - SoHo (small office/home office)

Enjoyment of working

2009-08-15T04:06:00.007+12:00

Recently, I found that friends around me are very frustrated about their work life, it includes myself. Everyone seems very unhappy and aren't enjoyed what they are doing. I'm not sure is it because of the Malaysian culture - negative thinking - or this is the real life.

Everyone get excited when they are discussing about the weekend plan, the holiday, the new year; on the other hand, everyone get angry and frustrated when they are talking about their work and boss. It is not just happen at one person or once in a while, I have experienced this kind of conversation again and again.

Personally, I do feel frustrated at my current working situation. However, I only expect this as a short-term situation. I want to be the one who is excited and enjoy about his life, work, dream, career. I know it won't just happen but require effort. Therefore, I constantly remind myself about my dream and goal, and slowly working toward it. I'm scared that I will influence by negative energy and forget I can change what I am not happy about.

I hope friends around me can find their path and get back their excitement and joys at their work, career and dream. I know it is not easy but I believe we can change it instead of complaining.

Life can be beautiful!

My collection

2009-08-13T02:16:00.008+12:00

(top left) Japan, Egypt, Turkey,

(bottom left) New Zealand, Hong Kong, Paris, India

Travel gives me a lot of motivation and time to reflect. Every trip gives me a connection to the world. Many people have their own travel style and something they would like to collect. Other than postcard (the easiest and cheapest souvenir), snowdorm is my another collection.

This collection started from my first snowdorm which was given by my dad when he went to Paris. From then, I have a special feeling to snowdorm. It is also because I really like winter/snowing. The world inside the snowdorm is so beautiful for me.

I have not had a chance to go to many countries, and not all the countries I've been had snowdorm for their country. I wish one day I'll have a cupboard full of my collection that symbolized my passion of traveling.

p.s. I should get a Malaysia one.

Did you know?

2009-08-04T17:11:00.000+12:00

Fifth Years Anniversary

2009-07-24T03:14:00.002+12:00

It has been five years since I start blogging. I review some of the posts tonight, it remind me a lot of good time and thoughts in the last five years. I actually quite proud of myself. I have created a life with some very interesting stories. I also glad that I wrote it down. I'll continue create a fabulous life for the next 5, 10 ... years.
__

Today I received a FB invitation from a primary school's friend - "6s gathering tomorrow". I quickly go through the list of ppl in the invitation. I was trying so hard to remember them. I even try to find some "memories" in my home. Unfortunately, I could not find many of them. It has been 13 years I have not meet my primary school's friends. It makes me very nervous about the gathering tomorrow.

Malaysia Apple

2009-07-23T02:36:00.006+12:00

Do you know Malaysia grow apple?

Dad told me about a place he plans to visit for a long time in Sarawak - Ba'kelalan. Most people in West M'sia won't know about this place. Ba'kelalan is a group of nine villages in the Bario Highlands of Sarawak about 3000 feet above sea level and 4 km from the border with Indonesian Kalimantan. It is a highland you can only reach by flight.

When dad told me about it, the first thing come to my mind is "the apply grow in Malaysia must be soft and sour". But I AM WRONG! Based on the research, it is very crunchy and sweet, and it is impossible to get outside Sarawak. Besides, it also the place has the most expensive rice in Malaysia. The padi is at the highland. Every time we go back Sabah or Sarawak, mum will carry few kgs of rice back home.

I want to organise and pay for a trip to Ba'kelalan for dad and mum next CNY. Sarawak is a very beautiful state. One day, I would like to backpack there.

Morning jogging

2009-07-21T01:43:00.002+12:00

One of my goals of 2009 is being healthy and maintain an exercise rotation. Therefore, I went jogging at Desa Parkcity this morning. After 1.5 circle around the lake, my body starts hurting and the rest of the day. I could not concentrate on working and nearly fall asleep in the office. That is why I hate RUNNING!

Anyway, it is a good start. I just need to be persistence.

p.s. I want to play squash.

渡星如月

2009-07-19T02:58:00.002+12:00

Yesterday, I suddenly realised that it is only 10 days since I came back from NZ but I feel like it has been a month. It has been a long time I have not feel that time past so slow. I don't enjoy the current speed of my life. I want to be busy and efficient, I want the feeling of achievement, completed and important again!

I don't have time and I don't want to waste any more time. I have to stop waiting and DO IT NOW!

Transformers Website

2009-07-15T03:02:00.006+12:00

The transformers website is amazing!
It takes sometimes to load but it is worth it.

The price of being indecisive

2009-07-14T03:19:00.005+12:00

My biggest weakness is being indecisive when come to my future. In the last few years, I changed my plan or decision at the very last minute. Even though I never regret, I have paid for my indecisive characteristic. Today, I made the same mistake again.

I have decided to come back to Malaysia and working on my business at 30th of Dec 08. However, I also considered other opportunity. Hence, I applied for global co-ordinator for Alcatel-Lucent. Co-operating with a good reputation I have developed, I went to the final stage of the interview process. Then, I could not make up my mind what I really want.

Yesterday, I bought a book about the successful story of Li Jia Chen, who is the richest Chinese in this century. One of his successful reasons is he is able to make a quick and effective decision. Once he decide, he remain committed to his decision. It remind me how much time I'm wasiting everytime I being indecisive.

This morning, I sent an email to withdraw my application from the last stage of interview. Of course, it pissed off few people because they have spent sometime for the selection process. My reputation has screwed in some part of the network. I think this is the price I have to pay because of my stupid behaviour.

On the other hand, I learn a lot about myself in the process.

Today, I have a plan and will persist with it. I can't allow myself to make the same mistake again.

Shanghai 2010 World Expo

2009-07-12T20:45:00.004+12:00

I was very excited when watching this preview and planning for the trip to Shanghai in 2010. After many people told me about the very-exciting-Shanghai-city, I always want to go there. This is a perfect excuse for me to plan this trip.

August 2010 - Shanghai! After 11 years, we will have an opportunity to travel overseas together.

What I have miss out!!

2009-07-10T22:10:00.004+12:00

Randomly look at friend's facebook photo and found this! I can't believe after living in NZ for 5 years, I didn't spend any winter time in South Island. I swear I gonna make a trip go back NZ during winter one day!

Resting

2009-07-09T02:14:00.002+12:00

Giving myself a week to rest at home before I start doing anything I want to do. I just realised how much energy was burned in the last twelve months. Need a lot of sleep and healthy food to recovery.

But what's next? I'm not very sure.

Australia ... Melbourne + Swine Flu

2009-06-24T19:09:00.002+12:00

Visiting Australia was my plan since I arrived NZ. Finally... finally... I planned for it so even though there is swine flu in Melbourne... I don't care :P

4 days in Melbourne apparently is not enough. What I want to do? I have no idea, I just want to go with the flow :)

Packing ...

2009-06-22T22:02:00.004+12:00

Just booked the courier service to post 30kg stuffs (with 5 years memory) back home. I have no idea how to pack and wish Annie loo is here LOL!

I wish time can slow down just a little bit and let me enjoy every moment I have left.

Listen to your heart

2009-06-21T22:52:00.002+12:00

After these years of avoiding feeling or trying to be strong and independent, I slowly lose the ability to listen to my own real voice. I find it very hard to actually know how I feel and my inside though.

I have been trying to build up a very-strong- and-less-emotional YiFan in front of everyone. Because of self protection, my relationship with people is very surface. I'm not willing to invest too much time and effort to any relationship. Purely I don't want to get hurt.

By time pass, I feel alone but it is exactly I want to be. I believe I can be more rational and able to handle different changes and situations. It is kind of right, I do feel easy to let go but I also miss a lot of opportunities to build up long term relationship. That is why I always think I am my own best friend.

I want to change this! I want to be more opened to my emotional, I want to be more attached with people around me, I want to be more depended, I want to have a true relationship. I want to be able to love myself and also people around me.

I want to be able to hear my own voice again!

The ending of the MC chapter

2009-06-21T06:04:00.006+12:00

It is 6am in the morning. I just sent Viv to catch her shuttle to go to the airport. I think the sadness of ending finally hit me. It is the first time I could not sleep in Wellington.

I am trying to feel emotional with the ending of the MC term since April because I don't want to regret that I don't appreciate the remaining time. But I don't really feel it until now. I am not sure if I were pushing down my emotion or trying to avoid the feeling. It is just not easy to handle it now. I never feel so hard to leave a group of people. I know that we can and will continue the friendship but the team is ending.

I know that we all have to move on but I really don't know what I can do to have a perfect ending. May be there is nothing you can do more. I just hope I can always remember what happening in the last 12 months. I know we can't live in the past but hopefully this is a new chapter of our friendship.

My top 5 favourite moments in MC term:

Cleaning the flat at the beginning of our term
Watching movie and felt asleep on the "very-comfortable" couch
Every time when we visited Christchurch - LC visit, pre-conference, weekend dealer, random visit
Flat rotation - shower and cooking dinner (although it does last long)
Last party in Wellington with David

Thank you Lydia, David, Anna, Vivian and Nick. You guys have given me such an amazing experience. I'm really lucky! Nothing much I can ask from you guys anymore! I promise I'll keep in touch with everyone no matter what is going to happen the rest of my life.

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T18:33:00.003+13:00

Remember two years ago, we have this big party at 13D+E. Although I can't really remember the detail, it was a good time.

This might be the last chance for me to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NZ. Three more months, I am going to leave the country that I have been staying for nearly 5 years. 5 years! Every year it means a lot for me! I wish I have a better memory to remember everything!

I am starting to miss my time here. I am feeling a bit scare and sad of my leaving. I try my best to enjoy as much as the fresh air and water, people around me and the beauty of this country. BUT I know I have to move on and start looking another path of my life.

Looking forward to join the creazy Wellington town tonight!

My life

2009-03-04T09:28:00.000+13:00

Your life is in your hands. No matter where you are now, no matter what has happened in your life, you can begin to consiously choose your thoughts and you can change your life. there is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Every single circumstnace of your life can change!

My No. 200 post: Earth Hour

2009-02-18T17:59:00.003+13:00

1fan's blog Post No.200:

38 days 2hours 28minute - the count down for Earth Hour which is hold on 28 March 2009, 8.30pm to 9.30pm (local time). I am looking forward to participate this in Wellington City! Hopefully it will be successful in Kuala Lumpur too.

Last night in KL

2009-02-12T05:42:00.002+13:00

21 hours later, I am going back to New Zealand. Even though I am coming home in 5 months time, I have a strong feeling of leaving. This is the fifth leaving after celebrating Chinese New Year. This visit has been quite special for me.

In the last few years, I went back home town - Sabah - during CNY. Therefore, I wouldn't have enough time to spend with friends in KL. I could only meet them for once or twice. This year I have a chance to have a trip with them to Ipoh and also have some nights spending together. I have a very strong connection with everyone again. I realised we never run out of topic, there always full of laugh and don't have any argument that I can remember. It really makes me feel very happy everytime I spend time with them.

Something interesting happen tonight, I was very busy from morning until evening. It was very stressful when doing some works for my own business. However, I have a very fun night. We randomly decide to go to my place. It has been a long time they have not came to my place. Somehow we went through our photos when we were young (secondary school). It bring back a lot of memory and how "pretty" we were!

The time to say goodbye to everyone, it is very sad! It also makes me worry that how will I feel when I am going to leave New Zealand in July. Especially I might not have many chance to meet everyone again! I feel very lucky that I can meet awesome people no matter where am I or when is it. Thank you!

Where will be our new home?

2009-02-07T04:37:00.003+13:00

This afternoon, my parent and I went to the show room of Semi-D in Taman Sri Sinar. It is allocated behind of my old house.

It is a HUGE AND TALL 3 sty semi-d! We feel tiring just to walk up to the third floor! There are 6 rooms and not sure how many toilets! It costs 1.6 million so you can imagine how pretty it is! There was one question come to my mind, "When am I able to buy this house for my parent?" I told myself - It won't be too far, 10 more years and before I turn 35 years old!

My parent spent about half of this semi-d for our (sis & I) education. I know how much they would like to have their own house (a nice and good home) but they choose to give us the best education. Now is the time for my returning!

I know the next 5-10 years won't be something easy. I aware that the time can pass extremely fast if I don't focus on my goal. I will feel "it is too late" if I am not achieve my dream in the next 10 years. I have to make sure it won't let it happen!

I remember few years ago, I made a goal that I need to retired at 35! (retired does not mean you don't do anything but you have the freedom not to work too hard) 10 years of fully concentration and efforts I believe I can achieve it!

p.s. remember one of my friends told me that visiting show room can remind your own goal! It works! :)

My 2009 Decision Part II

2009-02-03T05:36:00.003+13:00

Today is the first time my dad told me about his business plan for the next few years. My dad is 64 years old. I admire and respect his passion and energy even during recession. From the talked, I realised that how much he would like to see my success.

And me, I am giving myself another 5 months to get ready for everything. I am looking forward to a new start and new life. I know it is the right time!

CNY 2009

2009-02-02T03:20:00.004+13:00

Family

Chinese New Year, my favourite festival and holiday, is a good time to gather with family and friends. However, this year is a bit different because of my sister could not make it. It is the first time I came home without her. It makes me understand how she feel when she is at home without me for the last 4 years. It is different.

Friends - The 10th Years
I can't remember the last trip with you guys. After missing the trip to Lang Tengah last year, I was looking forward to this Ipoh trip. Within this two days, I have a lot of fun and enjoy every moment with every one.I felt like I am a different person with happiness, fun, claim, peace, relax and without any pressure.

I am lucky! It is not easy to have even one best friend but I have nearly 10 of them! It is a group of friends I don't want to ask for anything. For me, to have you guys all the time is more than enough.

"God bless us - BFF!"

10 years friendship celebration - The first time we all clubbing together

Vjan, hope you can find your way soon.
Bin, "thoughtful" is the best word to describe you!
Kyle, see you again at the end of the year!
Ham, wish your dream come true very soon.
Ham Yu, hopefully the next time we meet again won't be another 5 years of waiting.
JiaQian, be diamond!
Laimiin, get married before 30!
ShenNan, let me know when you find dream and passion!
Kiwi, don't poison your patient.
Panda & Pei Fen, don't forget us even bf is important.

another 10 years? Hell YA!

Reverse Culture Shock

2009-01-24T01:49:00.002+13:00

This is the fifth year I am not living at home but every year when I back to Malaysia, I am worry if I able to adapt Malaysia life again. Will I have reverse culture shock? Am I still familiar with everything in my own country.

There is no doubt how much I love Malaysia and proud to be Malaysian. However, the thing here change too fast. I don't know exactly what has changed or different but there are some difference and I know I need to deal with it.

I have made a decision early of this year, I am coming back here for good in July. I always worry will I love the life here? Today just the first day I came back home, I found a lot of things is uneasy for me. There are many things I don't like but I have to accept. I am not sure should let the environment change me or should I change the environment?

The first feeling every time I arrive airport is hot and smelly. It is not a good feeling. Then, I will find that the driver on the road is very rude. I always ask myself, can people just be a bit more patient and be nice. May be is the recession or I am too comfortable with NZ life but this time I feel that the behavior on the road is worse than last year. Should I act like them or should I just try to cool myself down?

There are a lot of details really annoyed me such as smokers everywhere, people smoke at public place (there even people smoke on plane yesterday! What a retard!), traffic everywhere (I don't mind traffic, I just can't stand the country you love has such a bad behaviour), I am not familiar with my environment, people look different than what I can remember...

Anyway, it is just how I feel at the moment, I think I will fine in very short time!!!

Yeah.. Chinese New Year is around the corner! Can't wait for lunar eve dinner! I just discuss the menu with mum. Even now I feel hungry when I though about it.

Cards

2009-01-13T22:26:00.003+13:00

Email and facebook has replaced the "era of cards". Therefore, every time I receive cards from friends and family, it makes me feel very warm. I actually bought a lot of cards this year but all keep in the drawer and have not send it :( May be send it during CNY lol.

Thank you...
Yohei, the card is so cute!! We definitely is going to party very sooN!!!! Hope the new year is going to bring you a good luck!

M3! When I look at your card, I was thinking this handwriting is so familiar! Only link with your name after 3 seconds! lol.. your handwriting is still exactly the same :) Hope you will get an awesome job soon!

Yisin, that is weird to receive your postcard at very first time! I want to celebrate Xmas in London next year too!

Viv, the card i like because i choose it :P

Anna, Nick and David, thanks for all the postcard from different countries!

p.s. if you are reading this post and have not send me a postcard, do it now! I will love to hear from you again :P

Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman

2009-01-01T14:51:00.002+13:00

It gave me a complete view of the sustainability issue. In the past 5 years, sustainability is a very popular topic in different areas, such as NGO, university, corporate, society, school, etc. Everyone is talking about sustainability, green, environment, global warming, etc. I always passionate about these topics but I realise I actually know nothing until I read this book. That is the reason why I love Thomas Friedman’s book. There are a lot of useful and important knowledge that I need to know.

The two important parts of the book are: the five key problems the earth is facing and the green revolution (why and how)

Remember from the last book he explained about “the world is flat”. It is one of the terms I really like. In this book, he explained how we’re entering the “Energy Climate Era”. It focuses on the five key problems that a hot, flat, and crowded world is dramatically intensifying. There are: the growing demand for ever scarcer energy supplies and natural resources (energy and resource supply and demand); a massive transfer of wealth to oil-rich countries and their petrodictators (petrolpolitics); disruptive climate change (climate change); energy poverty, which is sharply diving the world into electricity haves and electricity have-nots; and rapidly accelerating biodiversity loss, as plants and animals go extinct at record rates (biodiversity).

It explained in detail about each problem with many examples. Now I have a better understand what are the major problems we are facing and how we got here. Not simply only know the term or the surface of the global issue. Among all these problems, the energy poverty has given me the biggest shock. It is pretty hard to believe in this day, the World Bank estimates that roughly 1.6 million people – one out of every four people on the planet – don’t have regular access to an electricity grid. Especially in Africa 75% of household (550 million people) have no access to network electricity and 700 million people in South Asia.

We all know that Africa has very high HIV/AIDS, drinking water, and malaria issues. A lot of us have contributed to these issues and hopefully one day these problems can be solved. We donate money to HIV/AIDS, building water system or medical subsidies. There are lot of NGOs are trying very hard. However, many people have not realised the energy poverty problem as a fundamental problem in Africa. Without regularly access to electricity, it means that Africa would never able to solve other problem. It is because energy poverty means you can’t pump clean water regularly, there’s no communication, no way to have adult literacy classes, and certainly no way to run computers at school, no hospital can be functioned.

When the world is become hotter, the poor population will be the people suffer the most but they are the people who caused it the least because they heavily depend directly on soil, forests, and plants in their immediate vicinity for subsistence. Many people are trying to improve the quality of their life, on the other hand, our behaviour and attitude have made the world hotter (climate change). Hence, we actually take over their basic survival kits. If temperatures continue to rise, we can just close the windows and turning on an air conditioner, but what about them?

The other part of the book is discussing about why we need a green revolution. Now I can imagine how big is the impact of energy efficiency. Thomas F has emphasized what we need is a Clean Energy System - REEFIGDCPEERPC < TTCOBCOG – the renewable energy eco-system for innovating, generating, and deploying clean power, energy efficiency, resource productivity, and conservation < the true cost of burning coal, oil and gas. That is, we need clean energy that is cheaper than the true cost to society of fossil fuels, when you measure the climate change those fuels cause, the pollution they trigger, and the energy wars they engender. We are not going to regulate our way out of the problems of the Energy-Climate Era. We can only innovate our way out, and the only way to do that is to mobilize the most effective and prolific system for transformational innovation and commercialization of new products ever created on the face of the earth.

After reading this book, I just imagine how good if I can stay in a green building, driving a green car and using the green products. How long are we going to wait?

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T11:47:00.002+13:00

When I just came to NZ, I celebrated my NYE here. Four years later, it was my last kiwi style NYE. The fireworks compared to four years ago. It is pretty much the same. Not very interesting lol. This morning, I saw the news of Australia multi-million fireworks. OMG! Definitely not a good decision to not go to Australia this year during xmas and new year. Anyway, I do appreciate I can have this kiwi NYE experience to end my New Zealand time. (haha I already look forward to the next year NYE!)

Last day of 2008 (the deadline of my decision)

2008-12-31T15:00:00.005+13:00

31st of Dec 2008... The last day of 2008.
.2008, it means a lot to me.

This year seems to be one of the longest year for me but it doesn't mean it is a bad year. Whereas, it is a very good year, a very busy year and a very memorable year. A year I wish it would never end!

From nearly resigning from my EB term, graduating from University, finish my best EB term and continue my AIESEC career with MC term... It was a tiring process but I have learn and growth a lot in this process. I have improved my capability for making a decision, finding my passion, enhanced my strengths and getting closer to what I want to be... It is a rewarding year and pretty much a priceless experience.

Every time when come to this time of the year, I am stress to make a decision. Therefore, I have given myself a deadline to avoid demotivation of taking too long or too stress during the process. It is TODAY!! May be I finally learn from experience, the decision come very fast. Or may be this time I really know what I really want.

It has been 4 years since I left Malaysia and come to NZ (between stayed in India and have traveled few countries) for my study and working. Every year I have to do a lot of thinking and analysing to decide what is the best choice for me. Every year I decide to take up more opportunities outside Malaysia because it gave me the highest satisfaction by living in different environment and culture. Every year I am looking for a bigger challenge which can shape me into a better and stronger individual. This year (or next year) I decide to go back and start focusing on my career/business.

It might looks a bit stupid because I actually was planning to do excatly the same thing last year, but I changed it. For many people, it seems like I have wasting one year but I know I didn't Without this 12 months, I won't be so determined in such a short time. Without this 12 months, I won't have another very important team experiences and gain this group of friends. Without this 12 months, I might regret because of not taking on this opportunities. So I am happy, I am so sure I have made the best choice every year.

Now, I am ready...
I am ready for another very challenging year...
I am ready for a completely different environment (Malaysia actually is pretty much a new country for me now)...
I am ready to the new pages of my life...
I am ready to answer the "5-10 years plan" in my life...
I am ready to continue creating the fabulous life...

Thank you for those who have helped and assisted me in the last two months during this process.

and this time... no more last minute changing decision :)

G1 vs. iphone

2008-12-29T22:25:00.002+13:00

Hmm... it is so hard to choose since I am a big fan of both Google and Apple... lol Can't wait to get my smart phone...

The New Leaders

2008-12-29T14:24:00.007+13:00

After three weeks, I have finish reading "The New Leaders - Transforming the art of leadership into the science of results" by Daniel Coleman. I learned a lot by reading this book. It gave me a lot of guidance especially during my decision making process.

The first part of the book is talking about "The Power of Emotional Intelligence". The most part I learn is the four dimension of EI. In AIESEC we talk a lot about competencies, it is very similar but more focus on two parts: personal competency (self awareness and self management) and social competency (social awareness and relationship management). Although these words are very familiar and comment sense, it actually has different perspective and definition.

For example, self awareness has three components - emotional self-awareness (reading one's own emotions and recognizing their impact; using "gut sense" to guide decision), accurate self-awareness (knowing one's strengths and limits) and self confidence (a sound sense of one's self-worth and capabilities). I used to though I have pretty high self awareness but I actually only strong at the self confidence but not too good at the emotional self-awareness. These four dimensions of EI/competencies gave me a better guideline to identify my strengths and weaknesses.

It also mentioned about "resonance leadership". To create a high effective leadership, we need to work on high resonance in the team. The leader's mood will influence the climate of the team and also the result. Therefore, great leadership works through the emotions. This is definitely something I have to put effort on.

Once I have a better understanding about the competencies and different types of internship, the author discuss about "making leaders" at the part II. This is also my favourite part of the book.

It taught me about the "Boyatzis's theory of self-directed learning". I really like this framework and is going to use this framework to be my learning framework. Basically it covers 5 questions:
1. My ideal self: what do I want to be?
2. My real self: Who am I?
3. My learning agenda: Building on my strengths while reducing gaps
4. Experimenting with new behavior: thoughts, and feelings
5. Developing trusting, relationships that help, support, and encourage each step in the process.
I really like the idea of building on my strengths while reducing the gaps (what do I want to be?)

Could not find the exactly same diagram, but this is something similar

Besides, I get very frustrated when people ask me about what is my 5 years plan. It also a comment questions in the applications (no matter what you are applying). I found my answer until I read the part discussed about "how do you think about the future".

There are four types of "planner":

Directional or visionary planners: they are good at crafting a picture of a meaningful, distant future state; one that's grounded in values, beliefs, and a deep sense of what's important in life
Goal-orientated planners: they get what they go after
Action orientation- results in a high level of accomplishment in the short term. Moreover the freedom inherent in such planning adds an element of serendipity that enhance creativity.

So when you ask people what is your plan for the next 5 years or 10 years plan, even if they can't just answer you in ABCDEFG, it does not mean people don't know what to do or don't have a plan in their life. Everyone has different way of managing their life and there is different methods of planning.

Last but not least, the book has given me a very interesting description of my personality - "ego-defensive". If you know me well enough, I think you can understand the following paragraphs.

"Many things conspire to keep people from seeing their real slevees. The human psyche itself shields us from information that might undermine our self-perception. These ego-defences mechanisms, as they're called, protect us emotianally so that we can cope more easily with life. But in the process, they hide or discard essential information - such as how others are responding to our behavior. Over tie, these self-delusions that the unconscious creates become self-perpetuating myths, persisting despite the difficulties they cause.

Of course, ego-defense mechanisms have their advantages. Most high-functioning people, for instance, are more optimistic about their prospects and possibilities than the average person. Their rose-colored lenses fuel enthusiasm and energy for their undertakings. The problem comes when the defenses go too far, distorting a person's view of his real self - the person he has become - out of all proportion. The playwright Henrik Ibsen called such self-delusion "vital lies": soothing mistruths people let themselves believe rather than face the more disturbing realities beneath."

The book I am reading now and aim to finish it by 31st Dec 08.

Hot, Flat and Crowded, written by my favourite author - Thomas Friedman

The next book I want to buy:

Relaxing weekend before X'mas

2008-12-23T15:02:00.004+13:00

Brookview Tea House

To maximize the weekend experience in 2008, Viv and I went to Makatana again because we didn't have time to visit the tea house we found last time. This trip is very relaxing, we find some peaceful park and town, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and read our book.

Orewa Beach

Beautiful view will be the thing I miss the most once I leave NZ.

X'mas is coming soon. Wish you have a Merry Xmas!!! I am looking forward to my Japanese X'mas dinner and standbar afterward.

MC Year End Dinner 08

2008-12-18T12:27:00.004+13:00

7 people with different background and different personally...

Working together as a team...

"Y(ifan)esterday M(Man:Viv)ust N(ick)ot L(dyia)imit O(yedele)ur D(avid)riving A(nna)mbitious"

To celebrate the hard work we have put to this organisation (AIESEC) in the last 5+ months, Viv and I have invited everyone to our MC YEAR END DINNER. From making invitation, come out with the awesome 4 course meal menu, getting the odd number of wine glasses (7) with limited budget, visit vineyard to get the perfect wine for this special dinner, etc. So much effort just for the 5 hours dinner.

Our EPIC menu:
Entrée
Fresh baked ciabatta complimented with Dukka and Olive oil

Savoury onion tuna and ham served on thinly sliced cucumber

Broccoli drizzled with special sesame dressing

Pan fried prawns with Japanese style mayonnaise

Yorkshire pudding filled with avocado, egg and topped with smoked salmon

Soup
Creamy carrot soup with crispy bacon

Main
Oven roasted chicken served with mushroom and rosemary gravy and / or blueberry jus

Side: Roasted shallots and potatoes with a balsamic saucing

Dessert
Fresh field strawberries served with French vanilla ice cream topped with home made gingerbread

Wine List
Home made Special
Champagne, lychee & peach

Villa Maria Pinot Gris East Coast 2008

Villa Maria Noble Riesling Botrytis Selection 2005 Marlborough

Soljans Rakelina Sparkling Muscat

West Brooke Riesling 2008

West Brooke Sav 2008

I really enjoyed the process of preparing it with Vivian. Besides, I am glad that everyone is enjoyed it. Good team experience won't come natually, it required everyone put some effort to bring everyone together. I seldom take this role but I think this is a very good try. I start to enjoy to create the team experience in an obvious way!

Look forward to another 6 months working together and complete our vision:

EPIC 200
Everday People Impleting Changes (with 200 Exchanges)

Squash and Spanish

2008-12-10T19:35:00.004+13:00

Another "first time" experiences for this summer...

Finally I start my Spanish class today after getting the Spanish learning toolkit from Levent. It is a very interesting way of learning. It does not encourage you to memorize, take note, practise and no home work. He encourage us to learn naturally. Only listen to 10 minute lesson. I can easily know 10 spanish words. It allowed me to just learn it in a very relaxing and motivative way.

Besides, I played squash today. My body is extremely tired now but I plan to play it everyday or even twice a week. It is a very good exercise and hopefully to able to manage to play it well very soon.

Learning new thing always make my life more energetic!

and following by ...

2008-12-08T22:44:00.003+13:00

... a luxury week at Viv's place.

For me it is very luxury for me, when I can
* have an awesome view for every good dinner
* gardening
* walk 3 min to the beach anytime I feel like

One of the awesome dinner

First time gardening

The pipe stuck... we spent 4 hours try to put everything back =.="" at the end, we still have to called the plumber

good wine + good food + good friends = good time

When summer start with...

2008-12-08T22:18:00.003+13:00

When summer start with ...

* A national conference
* South Island Road Trip

April this year, I went to South Island with my family after graduation. This month I visit these places again, I experienced a different part of South Island with different people. The same place but different experience.

My favourite photo @ South Island Road Trip

Gingertomb beer

Chasing the sunset

Relaxing on the beautiful beach... Sun burning

Decision making path

2008-12-08T12:35:00.000+13:00

Keep looking, don't settle...

Back to Malaysia during CNY

2008-11-12T21:22:00.002+13:00

I booked the ticket back home today for CNY!

I still can't believe that I am going back to Malaysia during CNY. Thanks for the decreasing oil price so Malaysia airline has cheaper flight back home during CNY. It is such a big release since my parent won't celebrate CNY without any of us. It is pretty sad.

On the other hand, I made a stupid mistake, I booked the flight on 22nd Jan - 12th Feb. Originally was thinking it will be good to go back earlier and spend some time with mum and prepare CNY. But I forgot my dad b'day is on 14th Feb!!! I flight back NZ before his b'day. Feel sorry but will try to do something cool for his birthday before, like making him a dinner.

Yay! It is pretty excited can celebrate CNY at home. Hmm... is thinking to go travelling with them. Mum is thinking to go to Bali but I prefer to HK and China.

Year End Dinner Invitation

2008-11-11T19:58:00.003+13:00

After two hours effort of designing and running the town to get stuffs, finally finish making the "Year End Dinner" invitation!!! LOL

It was a random exciting moment with Vivian (online)...

Especially for ~Vivian Kao~

Holiday Plan I- High Tea @ Stamfort Hotel

2008-11-10T21:15:00.002+13:00

My YEAR END holiday is coming in 2 weeks. After 5 months of hard work, dealing with 100 interns everyday, I feel really exhausted. I need to recharge my energy and deal with another 100 interns next year.

I really look forward to a relaxing and meaningful holiday. I am sure it will be very good (and expensive). I have so many things I want to do - wineyard tour, tennis, yoga, kickboxing (depends on my back condition), read many books, reflection, meditation, orchestra, movie, music, eat, have an awesome x'mas and New Year 2009, etc.

One of the suggestions Vivian told me today is "HIGH TEA". Remember years ago, I was planning to go High tea with Yohei and Annie. But because of some reason (can't really remember), I could not manage to go! Finally, I can high tea again after such a long time. And it only NZ$20 pp. It looks so good! (annie loo, don't be jealous, I will take more photos and send it to you :P)

Review my blog

2008-11-09T12:24:00.005+13:00

Reading my old post just like reading my diary. It is very interesting and enjoyable. Before I start using blogger, I was using friendster blog. I realised that I have been "blogging" since July 2005, by the end of my term, my blog will be 4 years old. Wow! That is cool. :) I would like to continue.

Interesting finding from old post:
1. What am I like
I CHANGED.
I was Planner, Ideas, heads, introvert (2 years ago)
Redo the test again, I am Planner, Facts, Hearts, Introvert.

2. A lot of memories I nearly forgot that happened.

3. Post about my dad's illness. It started from 2006. *pray* Be good!

4. My goal in 2005 but it completely changes after I joined AIESEC. Some interesting posts I wrote about AIESEC. It makes me laugh lol

5. I miss my long hair! Miss my old housemate (13E+D)! Miss India! Miss my friends! --> but still keep moving forward
________

Another good friend - Vjan is no longer be a single :)

K, I should not stay at home for the whole Sunday. Going to Kelburn Village now and have hot chocolate.

MAYDAY new album

2008-11-08T18:40:00.005+13:00

new album from my favourite band MAYDAY - 《后青春期的诗》

你不是真正的快了？
我真的快乐吗？
这也是我最近正在寻找的答案
有人说快乐可以很简单
但也有人说要快乐很难
一个笑话也许能够让人开怀大笑
但我很久都没等到这种笑话了
是我失去了幽默感
还是文化的不同
还是我想太多了

也许我便得太复杂了
渐渐失去简单地美
也许我便得太贪心了
不懂得现在拥有得
但我不想失去享受快乐的能力

主打歌：《你不是真正的快乐》

I love the intro part..

人群中哭著你只想變成透明的顏色
你再也不會夢或痛或心動了
你已經決定了你已經決定了
你靜靜忍著緊緊把昨天在拳心握著
而回憶越是甜就是越傷人了
越是在手心留下密密麻麻深深淺淺的刀割
你不是真正的快樂你的笑只是你穿的保護色
你決定不恨了也決定不愛了
把你的靈魂關在永遠鎖上的軀殼
這世界笑了於是你合群的一起笑了
當生存是規則不是你的選擇
於是你含著眼淚飄飄蕩蕩跌跌撞撞的走著
你不是真正的快樂你的笑只是你穿的保護色
你決定不恨了也決定不愛了
把你的靈魂關在永遠鎖上的軀殼
你不是真正的快樂你的傷從不肯完全的愈合
我站在你左側卻像隔著銀河
難道就真的抱著遺憾一直到老了然後才後悔著
你值得真正的快樂你應該脫下你穿的保護色
為什失去了還要被懲罰呢
能不能就讓悲傷全部結束在此刻重新開始活著

全新谢婉婷

2008-11-08T18:09:00.003+13:00

she becomes so pretty !

She comes out with a new album again. I can't believe it was seven years ago since her last album. Feel so old. Fall in love with one of her new song - "right side" 右边 - but may be is too new I could not find the lyrics *sad*

Another good song - 《忘了》

《只怪我们》

My Saturday + Photos Gallery

2008-11-08T17:18:00.009+13:00

The view from my flat

After a week long raining day, finally I am enjoying the sunshine in Wellington. I decided to go to town instead of staying at home and get some vitamin D, which makes me happy :)

I had a feeling I will spend a lot of money today so I decide to call mum to get permission to spend her money lol. I was planning to find a dairy for Vivian as a X'mas present. However, nothing is good enough. I was planning to buy a bag, but nothing is nice. At the end I bought nothing, except I accidently find a "lonely planet - travel journey". I was so excited!!!! It is not an easy decision to make though.

Besides, I spent few hours at Gloria Jeans - was sitting on the comfortable couch with ham & cheese crossaint and a cup of Mocha Truffle - reading my book. Best way to spend my weekend.
And now I am listen to 988 and uploading my blog. Having some good time with Malaysian joke & nice songs :) Miss HOME lah

Randomly appear in Wellington city - "double decker... double decker..." - remind me of

On the way back home - Wellington City

_______

1Fan's phone photos gallery
Finally I figure out the problem of bluetooth of my phone and laptop.... :)

Lemon cupcakes

Vivian's little man (was planning to send it to her when she just selected as VPTM)

The best strawberry pancake!!! @ "parrot cafe" (paris cafe) - my birthday breakfast from Viv

Director visit to Canterbury - Thanks sanjaya that brought us to this awesome place!

Anna & I just randomly went into this bar in christchurch just to have a 3G called and make David and Nick jealous.. although we don't really like beer.

CNY this year, my sister & I queued up for hours to get the "long gei yok kon" back to Sabah!

The bed I was planning to buy when I decided to back to M'sia but ... long story.. I wish I have a good bed now!

CNY decoration from Japan - The competition we had every year with our neighbour! I am sure we had the best this year haha..

hmmm.. i am wonder how are the turtle now without Ngui Yi Sin abused them .. Must have a very good life now

Good friend falls in love ...

2008-11-07T20:58:00.003+13:00

Friday night, sitting at home and decide not to party this weekend (be responsible for my back!). As usual, I would like to "update" my knowledge about my friends' life around the world, especially those in Malaysia. The best way is went through everyone blog, facebook and chatting whoever is online.

I find one of the most excited news for a long time - Hoon is going out with someone.. I am just guessing now.. Can't wait to find it out... hahaha It is so nice to know some good friends find their "love" and always want to hear the story. Really miss the gossip time with you guys :)
____

Not sure why, I don't feel happy for a very long time. I found everything not interesting. I am not sure what I want to do next, which bother me the most. I don't find job interesting anymore. I don't find party is fun. I don't want to do anything and don't feel excited. I don't want to talk, I don't want to laugh. I am weird and I think I am sick!

Until I read this book, it makes me understand a lot of thing. However, I still not sure what's wrong with me. I always feel happy when friends around me, doing a lot of stuffs, etc. But I am not, and I am afraid. I hope I will be fine after conference, road trip and holiday in Auckland.

I want to be happy again. Happily inside!

Hospital "road trip"

2008-11-06T18:45:00.002+13:00

"Unfortunately, back pain is a very common problem. Over 85 per cent of the population will suffer back pain over the course of their life."

Since Dec 2007 (after the Singapore trip), I have my back problem until now. It has been a year. It was getting better last two m"onths by reducing travel and carrying heavy stuffs. However, three days ago (after party hard on Friday night, lying on the bed and watching LOST for the whole Saturday), when I pick up my clothe on the floor, I "FLICK" my back!!! It was a massive pain!

I though it will be better after few days but today after I went to the toilet, I could not sit down on my chair. It was another big pain!!!! And my leg starts hurting. I was quite worry so I decided to go to Hospital. And this is how my hospital "road trip" start....

1. The taxi driver suggested "Back to Living Chiropractic" instead of hospital. Since it is nearer, then why not. Once we arrive, the tax left, we realised that place close.

2. Back to original plan, we went to nearest hospital, which is in Newtown. When I arrive the ENA, they suggest I should go to the other place since they can't really do anything other than giving me PANADOLS! Kill me

3. With all this pain, we went to the other hospital with TBI (The Back Institute). Finally something related to back pain. So after this hassle and pain, I finally get some treatment. The best thing is something called ACC pay for all the expenses LOL.. I don't even know what is ACC stand for. Who care ...

So what now:
1. I have to do exercise for my back every single hour
2. Tomorrow I have to go back and learn another exercise for the weekend
3. Tuesday, another appointment.

Actually is quite lucky that I aware the important of my back problem. Hopefully I will get better before the conference next week and also the two week road trip... And I can really enjoy my summer and xmas without back pain and feel young again!

But now i feel like shit and painful :(

Watching US election

2008-11-05T19:03:00.004+13:00

Barack Obama to be America's first black president

Election never be the big thing for me in the past 23 years. I always want to keep track on the happening around the world, however, it never be that excited.

US election has caught my attention from the last few months, I looked forward to our society has less racial problem, more diverse, and something differences. May be because of this, I start supporting Obama. I start watching his speech, buying his book, reading articles related to US election.

This afternoon in AIESEC office, we spent 3 hours watching the live of US election. When the moment Obama become US President, it is very exciting.

It will be very interesting to see what changes will he make in the next 4 years.

20th January 2009

Crazily buying book

2008-11-04T18:42:00.008+13:00

Because of the 50% off borders voucher was given by Vivian, I bought another two books. In last two weeks, I have bought 5 books.

1. Barack Obama - The Audacity of Hope
This is the first time I keep track on US election and quite like his idea and speech so would like to know more about his politic view.
2. Thomas L. Friedman - Hot, Flat and Crowded
A years ago, I read his book "The world is flat" and it becomes one of my favourite books. When this new book come out, I can't not buying it. It is quite expensive but if you love sustainability you have to read this book! Love this book.
3. Elizabeth Gilbert - Eat Pray Love
This is the book I am reading it now. I saw this book at amazon.com was considering to buy for some time. It is about a New York women try to find out herself by traveling 3 "I" - Italy, India and Indonesia. It makes me think a lot.

4. Thomas F. Pawlick - The end of FOOD
Could not decide should I get the end of food or the end of oil. Since I have read quite a lot about oil, would like to know something about food. Have not started yet.

5. Bush's Brain
I really don't like Bush so would like to compare his "brain" and Obama "brain". It will be quite interesting. But the main reason just because it is on sales, only NZ$10 at Victoria book shop.
The next book I want to buy:

23rd Birthday

2008-10-28T23:06:00.004+13:00

Another birthday just past. The 23rd Birthday celebration. After 21st birthday, the crazy Halloween and drunken party, it is another memorable birthday.

Thanks for Anna, Vivian, David and Nick for the whole days "surprise" and "preparation". I really appreciated it and hope you guys get it.

1. Deportation from the beach (a joke that my passport was expired),

2. then having good wine at Villa Maria Estate,

3. beach time at Takapuna,

4. awesome Japanes dinner at Gion Japanese Restraunt (when Annie loo was having good food in Japan!!! ) and the Tiramisu cake (OMG want it now!)

5. breast cancel star walk (pink walk) at Auckland Domain ( I love this!)

6. Chocolate boutique (I still don't have chance to have the choc there!! Roar) and meeting with BE!

Thanks for all the organising everything!
And
Surprisingly I didn't get drunk :)

My MC life

2008-09-19T21:42:00.003+12:00

It nearly the end of the first quarter of my term in AIESEC NZ. Working in this group is very enjoyable and exciting. I really enjoy most of the time. It is creative, exciting, challenging, stress, ambitious, satisfaction, crazy and fun!!!

Finally I can upload some photos in my blog with fast internet in our flat.

Celebration of our first partnership!

Some random time in some bar...

This is my little man!

Look forward to have more good time in the rest nine months!!!

Decision Making Part 3

2008-09-14T17:46:00.002+12:00

Few months ago, I was trying very hard to make sure I made the best and right decision. After three months, I enjoy every second in the MC life and IC in Brazil. However, it comes to the point I keep asking myself what am I going to do next year?

I always have that few options but always facing the same concerns. Am I too old to not settle down? Am I able to have a settle-down life? Should I get a full time job? Can I keep traveling? Will I get a job challenging enough?

What Gen Y Really Wants?
With 85 million baby boomers and 50 million Gen Xers, there is already a yawning generation gap among American workers--particularly in their ideas of work-life balance. For baby boomers, it's the juggling act between job and family. For Gen X, it means moving in and out of the workforce to accommodate kids and outside interests. Now along come the 76 million members of Generation Y. For these new 20-something workers, the line between work and home doesn't really exist. They just want to spend their time in meaningful and useful ways, no matter where they are.....

Brazil IC Aug 2008

2008-09-06T12:38:00.003+12:00

International Congress 2008, Sao Paulo, Brazil

On the plane from Santiago to Sao Paulo

It was a very unique experience, it was not always the best, it was not meeting expectation in every single moment. In overall, it was an amazing experience and was an once-in-the-life-time experience. If there any chance I can attend IC again, I definitely will say YES!

700 people from 100 different countries, six different region. Of course I was not able to meet everyone in the conference. I have enjoyed the conference!

In 14 days, I broke my own record. I only slept average 4-5 hours per day!

The highlight of the conference personally are:

Cup noodles party after Brazilian night - it was fun and it was the time I start enjoying the conference
Expansion country - it was something really inspiring me
AIESEC in Greece and AIESEC in MoC won the UBS award
IC 2009 in Malaysia - Feel very proud to be Malaysian
AP GN pre-meeting - stress to be a Faci but have learned a lot
Having a good conversation!

After staying 10 days in Holiday Inn, finally I could see Brazil. I went to Rio for two days trip. It is a very beautiful city - it combines beautiful and clean beaches, green mountain, and big city. It is such a nice city to live. I wish I can stay for a bit longer. (and randomly I got sun burn!)

Where will be my next destination?

July Update

2008-08-03T22:21:00.002+12:00

It has been a long time I have not updated my blog. Here are some highlights of my life in July 2008:

Moving down to Wellington
Finally I am settle down in MC (member committee of AIESEC NZ) Flat in Wellington. After moving around for the past three months. It is a really good feeling to have your own bed, room and home!!! It was a very dirty house before, however, we have spent a week to make our house clean. Now is a bit messy but we are trying to maintain it. The bonus is I really enjoy living with my housemate! We have a lot of fun!

Passport expired soon
I totally forget that my passport is expired soon and I was planning to go to Brazil in Aug. Without a passport more than 6 month validity I can't enter another country. After some consideration, I decided to renew my passport in Malaysia and go to Brazil in the coming week.

Poor but happy life
All my saving has gone to the Malaysia and Brazil return ticket. I am having a very poor life but I enjoy the people around me with a lot of fun!

Too much party and alcohol
we should definitely reduce our drinking culture and have a healthy life.

Laugh
I have a lot of good and random laughing moment! It has been a long time I didn't have a such a good laugh.

I conclude my July with "Work hard and play hard!!!!"

Olympik di Beijing

2008-06-30T16:57:00.000+12:00

Wow.. Malaysia also have Olympic song.. Miss home very much!

Friendship Management

2008-06-30T15:40:00.004+12:00

I always though I can manage stress pretty well especially I like to work under stressful and competitive environment. Besides, I am not a sensitive person, therefore, I don't really aware my personal feeling and even people around me.

This week is quite tiring for me since it is a week before National Conference and change over for my current team. I really appreciate the relation we have built up a very special relationship. After high school, I have been moving a lot of place and meeting a lot of people. It ends up I don't really have much "best friend" or "close friend". Most of the time, the relationship won't last for more than a year. The only friendships that I really appreciate are the group of buddies from Chinese Orchestra. No matter where am I, no matter how long it has been away, every time I met them, it just make me feel so warm.

After a year working together with a group of five people, we have achieved a lot in these twelve months. Today I came to the end of our term. I have the expectation they are the only few people who know me and I can be comfortable with in NZ. Today, I am very tired since I could get much sleep for a week. My temperature become very bad and very impatient. I think I create stress to the people around me without realizing it. I suddenly realise that no matter how close the people around you think they are, you still need to be very careful.

Finding a person you can 100% comfortable and be honest is not that easy. Even you think it is, sometime you just can't go too far...

(I just watched the Lang Tengah video. It brought up a lot of memories when you hang out with a group of people you don't have to worry about how you act, what you should say, you can be totally comfortable and happy with. You just need to be yourself. I know I missed out a lot. I hope I can go on a trip with you guys once again! No matter how many years later, I believe it will be good and crazy!)

June Update

2008-06-23T14:40:00.002+12:00

It has been a long time I didn’t update my blog. These two months are another interesting period in my life. Here are some updates about my life for last two months:

Moving houses and being poor I have been moving nearly every single month. Since April, I have moved three different friends’ place. Today, I am going to do my second last moved to David’s place for our pre-meeting of July conference. To be honest, it is very exhausted.

Besides, although I am earning a reasonable amount of money, I need to save up for Brazil trip in August. It is an abuse for me. However, it is my choice.

Dad’s surgery It was a hard time for me. Especially, mum didn’t tell me until I found it from Jia Qian. It was not a good feeling. Until today I still feel guilty about this. I know I could not do anything now, except be the best of what I have chosen. Dad and Mum, thanks for all the freedom you both have given it to me. I won’t disappoint you. And hopefully after this surgery, your health is getting better.

Sister’s education Finally, my sister has finished her first year study and she is going to UK in September. I don’t know why I am so excited about this even more than the time I came to NZ. I hope after two years I am able to pay my parent’s UK trip to her graduation.

An ending and a beginning One more week, I need to say goodbye to my current team. It is an amazing team experience. I could not expect any better. I am so glad I didn’t quit at that difficult time. I didn’t experience the no-one-can-be-replaced relationship for a very long time. Thanks guys! On the other hand, I am going to experience another team experience, a seven people team. I am looking forward to it, I believe it will be another amazing year.

Another cycle My life in these two three years is like a cycle. From making decision – changing decision – stress – new life – very excited. I have gone through half of the cycle in last 6 months, now I am going to experience the happy side of the cycle. Yesterday, I was so excited because I suddenly have the idea about my goal for the next twelve months.

I am looking forward to move down to Wellington in 7th of July. A new life, city, house, job and a group of new people ….. and a new goal of the year... start another fabulous year

ps: thanks for everyone who went through all the tought time me. Although I am not good at showing my appreciation, I hope you will know!
pss: w.mei, I will email you once I have my home address. I am wonder what am I going to receive :)

Beijing 2008

2008-05-10T23:50:00.002+12:00

less than three months, China is going to host the Olympic. As a chinese (malaysian), I really proud of this. I wish I can be a Chinese society to have the Olympic atmosphere. It is very hard to feel it in NZ so I tried to update myself via youtube.

Here is some of my favourite song and adv for Olympic!
Yeah Beijing!! Jia You!

We are ready! (this promotion song was a year ago though)

My favourite advertisement

Beijing Welcome YOU

Achievement and Successor

2008-05-04T20:22:00.006+12:00

We won the FITZ!

I love conference, I love AIESEC Conference and I love Autumn Conference.

During the conference, I enlarge my NZ network; working together, planning, thinking about strategy and have fun. It motivated me a lot every time after conference. It remind me why I want to stay in AIESEC after few years, after graduated. There must be a reason - there is something I passion about!

...BEST TEAM EVER...

Five of us have created the best term for ourselves "Term 07-08" We work hard, play hard as a result we achieved the most. It is really rewarding memory in my life. I am glad that I decide to stay and I decide not to resign.

The AIESEC NZ Outgoing Exchange Team

Power of attraction

2008-04-30T20:24:00.003+12:00

Live life well

There are a lot of dramas in March.

I went through a lot and now truly believe in

Power of Attraction!

The entire month I was busy looking for a job and being stressful. Last week I though I finally got a cafe job. However, there was some miscommunication and apparently I could not get the barista job. I was very desperate. However, I keep telling myself I will get my dream temp job soon.

The first day of AIESEC conference, I got a call from recruitment agency. The job, which they offer me but on hold, now re-open again. I got the interview, and it straight after the interview. I am the research assistance of student administration department. The job is far more interesting and way better paid.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR POWER OF ATTRACTION!

Now I don't have to worry about my financial status. I know this year will be another crazy year for me! I remember the similar situation happened last year this time! I believe everything will be so awesome in the next twelve months.

I didn't feel happy for a long time. Finally I can breath some fresh air! But I really appreciate everything happened recently! I know myself better.

I know I am on the right track to create my fabulous life

Think positively

2008-04-20T20:07:00.003+12:00

Before this post, I have posted a very stressful and negative FEELING post. I was doing the research for my presentation just now. And I saw the secret again. I watched this movie beginning of this year when Jia Ehian introduce it to me. I was very inspiring at that time and start to follow the secret.

Remember normally it is very hard to get a car park in shopping mall in Malaysia, after I implement the rule, I always get car park when I just drive in :)

However, after I return to NZ, because all the negative thing has drag me out of the way! I am glad that I watched it again. I really should think positive now then only I can have a better life.

I truly believe that,

"What I feel make my life, what I thought make my future."

I feel good now

finally got the job

2008-04-17T11:53:00.003+12:00

After two weeks job hunting, I finally get a job. The last two-three weeks were very stressful because of the financial and life. Meanwhile, I got a lot of rejection. It made me very depressed, especially yesterday.

"Secret" has inspired a lot when it first came to my mind. Every morning, I told myself "I will get a good job!" It was not going well for the last two weeks. This morning, I told myself the same thing again and in a very positive minded.

After come back to office, I took out the list of "Barista Wanted" I made yesterday and start calling. Somehow, I miss the first one, and start from the second one. A lady picked up the phone and we have two sentences conversation, she gave me an interview. I was so happy but quite worry since I didn't make coffee for two years.

I went there half an hour earlier. It is a Italian Bakery, the front desk is not very big, and a factory at the back. The atmosphere is quite warm and happy. Then, I went in and met my potential future boss. I was quite nervous. But she just said "tell me about yourself?" I really don't know what to talk about, so just talk about my experience in Robert Harris.

After a 10 minute conversation, she offer me a job!! A full time job!! 40 hours per week. I was not expect can be so easy. And she is very very nice :)

OMG.. finally!!! Somehow, I quite passion about being a barista ... I think I will love my work! Yay! *released*

AIESEC International congress 2008 - brazil

2008-04-13T22:31:00.003+12:00

I can't wait to go to IC

I want to be a backpacker

2008-04-13T20:03:00.001+12:00

.............SEE THE WORLD............

Albania Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas, The Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Chile China Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England Estonia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Germany Ghana Great Britain Greece Greenland Guatemala Haiti Hollands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kenya Laos Latvia Lebanon Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar / Burma Namibia Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Zealand Nicaragua Norfolk Island Norway Nothern Ireland Oman Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia Saint Lucia Samoa San Marino Scotland Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Wales Zambia Zimbabwe

Wooow.. The world

2008-04-10T12:09:00.001+12:00

Sky is Falling

2008-04-09T12:15:00.001+12:00

俏婆守不到寡

2008-04-07T16:09:00.002+12:00

"俏婆守不到寡"

Thanks for Jia ehian gave me this statement when I told him I am not going back to Malaysia in short term, I will take it as a compliment. :)

I know my decision has affected some of my friends, especially I promised that I am going to the Perhentian trip with you guys. I really sorry I could not keep my promised. I know some of you guys might angry with me, sorry!

I am very lucky I have you guys as my friend. I feel really warm in term of your understanding and supporting although we are so far away from each other. Love you guys! I will try my best to keep in touch with you guys!

Pei Fen: It is good to talk to you and feel love. Hope you enjoy your next journey! I will try my best to visit you when you will be oversea.

Shen Nan: Yay.. we are still young. We definitely will go for a trip in the future! And hope you make up your mind soon.

Jia Ehian: Sorry that could not inform you. I will update you via facebook. So just be actively using it :) And hope you achieve what you want to achieve!

Ham: Sorry to piss you off because of my decision. Hope you guys still enjoy the trip. And have a bright future! Design something for me one day :P

Panda: Could not keep in touch with you since you never online. Hope you are doing good and get married soon so I will have an excuse to go back Malaysia hehe

w.mei: Thanks for your support! I will do my best and create the life I enjoy. Really miss you since I didn't meet you for so long!

Laimiin: Thanks for understanding!

Monthly Update - March

2008-04-02T21:09:00.006+13:00

One more month has passed, now it comes to April. March was a very long month for me, from making decision, thinking deeply, changing decision, solve all the problem, etc. I am really exhausted.

29th March
I flight back to NZ for my graduation. I spent sometime talking to the people around here. It starts to change my mind and thinking 'am I ready to settle down in Malaysia?'

10th March
My family flight over to NZ to attend my graduation. We went to few places in NZ:
White Island, Whatakane (the only marine volcano in NZ)

It was the first time I got sea sick because of one hour bumping boat.

13th March
It was my graduation! I'm so glad that my dad could come to my graduation

14th March - 21st March
We went to South Island for quite a few places. It was not very well organised. I felt very sorry for my family. I wish we have a chance very soon to travel together again!

During this time, I have decided to stay in NZ. However, I am very not sure did I do the right thing. Until today, I get my NZ working visa and permit. It means that I am going to stay in NZ for another 15 months. Now, I am looking for part-time job so I can finance myself. After three months, I will move down to Wellington and start another different life. I am really looking forward to have another excited life and moving forward to other place after a year.

p/s: Mum, I am really sorry I could not go back atm. I know it must be stressful for you. I promise I will make my life more meaningful and you will be proud of me..

The Lonely Planet story

2008-03-21T20:31:00.003+13:00

Synopsis Tony and Maureen Wheeler established Lonely Planet Publications in the basement of a terrace house in Sydney in 1973, to self-publish a modest travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Going boldly where no other travel publisher had ventured, their aim was to cater for a new generation of independent, budget-conscious travellers long before the advent of mass tourism. From these humble beginnings the company has grown into an international publisher with more than 400 employees, 250 writers, offices on three continents, more than 600 titles in print and annual sales of over six million books. A unique mix of autobiography, corporate history and travel book, The Lonely Planet Story traces the Wheelers' personal story as well as the development of their extraordinary successful business. It offers fascinating insights into some of the beautiful and bizarre places they have visited - with a spirit of adventure that has made them, according to New York Daily News, 'the specialists in guiding weird folks to weird places'.

I bought this book in KLIA when I flighted to NZ last month: the lonely planet story.

It has inspired me to stay in NZ and keep traveling after a year instead of staying for Malaysia. It reminds me to keep traveling, having a fun life and doing what you like. May be I should not put earning money as my priority in my life. It is not what I really looking forward. I wish my life can keep moving around the world and I can find someone who can do this with me.

Graduation and South Island Trip

2008-03-21T18:57:00.005+13:00

13th March 2008 was a big day for me, after 3 years study I finally finish my bachelor degree and attended the graduation ceremony. The bonus was my mum, dad and sis could attend my graduation. It was a bit rush and a bit tired, but I GRADUATED!

Now I understand why people say that it is so good to be a student. Before, I felt stressed on my study and grade. But now the stress from life is like 100 times more than that. Be a student, you just need to study hard then you will get the result. However, now I am not sure what I will get out of my decision. I am not sure am I do the right thing? Will I regret in the future? I really not sure.

I have do a lot of thinking. I keep changing my mind. No matter how I think I still could not make decision. The decision I made at the end just because I have to make. After a big circle, I go back to the same point, I was not move forward and I wasted a lot of time and money during the turning. I can't afford to make any changes again, either emotion or financial. I am exhausted. I even can't feel if I happy with my decision now.

So what at the end?
I decided to stay in NZ if I can get the visa by next week. I will work very very hard to earn back all my lost in the last few months.
After two months, I will move down to Wellington for MC (National position in AIESEC).
After a year, I will go for another internship. Somewhere around the world.
Then? I have no idea now.

Am I do the right thing?

I am going to Bungy again........

2008-03-05T15:26:00.007+13:00

I just booked the world highest Bungy - Nevis Bungy!!!! It is really high - 134m. I have done bungy two years ago in Taupo, it is only 50m+ I was so excited at that time!!!!

Then the next crazy stuff I did was in Japan. I rode the world highest, longest and largest rolar-coaster!!! In that 3.5 minutes, it was so much fun but of course I was a bit scared during the time. But I am proud I did it. After that, we were going to challenge the 90 degree rolar-coaster. I have a second though after the first crazy experience, I was quite worry. But I told my it might be the only chance I can do it, or I may be not brave enough to do it in the future. So JUST DO IT! And it was not that bad and it was fun! A highlight of my Japan trip!

The longest (3.5min), the tallest (75m), the scariest (only know when u up there!)

I did it! I did it!

90degree roller coaster!

My mum and my sis are coming to NZ next week. We are going to South Island for a trip. I has been a long time I didn't travel with my family. Especially this trip was organised by me and it is going to be a lot of fun! My sister is planning to do Bungy! (of course if you come to NZ, you have to do it!) I was searching this activity in Queenstown (the adventure city of NZ). They have the highest Bungy Jump in the world!!!! So since you are going to jump why don't do the coolest one!

I just booked it. But when I look at the video and photos, actually I am quite scared... OMG!! am I going to do this again.. I know I will do it! It may be the last time I stay in NZ so why NOT!! ahhhhhhhh.............................. I will tell you how I feel!

My choice

2008-02-27T05:24:00.002+13:00

What kind of life actually I want?

I have decided to stay in Malaysia after graduation and work in my parent company. The main reasons are my sister is leaving Malaysia soon. I have the responsible to take care of my parent, especially my dad health is not very stable. Besides, the business is not going very well. I feel like it is time for me to do something. These days I go to office everyday. I feel very tired after work but my mum still have to cook dinner and do house work. I feel sorry if I decide not to stay and help her.

However, I always have second thought. Every time I see my friend's photos who travel around the world. I feel like it is what I really want to have. If I have a choice, I would prefer to go to other country work and travel at the same time and keep moving. I will have my own life. But I know I can't do it now. I should take the responsibility.

May be one day, after my sister finish study and my parent can retired. I would like to put down everything and start my life trip again.

Will my dream come true? Hope it won't be too late.

I found them!

2008-02-23T05:59:00.004+13:00

Last year August I went to Istanbul for AIESEC conference. On the way back to NZ, I stopped by Kuala Lumpur for six hours. I transfer some of the photos to my pen drive. However, when I back home (NZ), I could not find them anymore. It was so sad. Photos are the most important thing for me in a trip.

Two days ago, when I transfered the Chinese New Year photos, I suddenly found them again!!! I cant imagine it happened. I have gone through the photos many times. It makes me feel so good and remind me the Istanbul, Turkey trip!

NZ Delegates!

Accommodation of the conference @ Bursa - Nice Hotel

Closing Ceremony with Turkish "bands"

NZ stall @ Global Village

Turkish Delight!

Another nice photo

the landmark of Istanbul - Blue Mosque

I tried to find him since the first day. Luckily I met him the last night of my trip
he was writing my name .. so nice

I watched this from travel channel before :)

the last night at Istanbul

After India, I could not stop traveling. I know how much I love it. After back from NZ, I am going to Perhentian Island with some good friends.

Then, where will be my next stop?

Happy Chap Goh Meh

2008-02-21T04:45:00.004+13:00

Chinese New Year to be end soon. Tomorrow is Chap Goh Meh (the last day of CNY). What I have done in this 15 days:

1. WENT BACK TO HOMETOWN - SABAH

Airplane food - low quality

New Sahah International Airport (KKIA) - nice

Lawas (@ Sarawak)

Tuan Yuan Fan (new year eve dinner)

Lovely Durian swiss roll!!!

2. RED-BOX
During valentine day, we went to Karaoke for 9++ hours!!!!! Crazy!

They said rat years (2008) is the best year for OX. Hopefully it will be another awesome year for me.. *make a wish*

Chong Hwa Chinese Orchestra Concert @ KL PAC

2008-02-04T06:11:00.000+13:00

I had my last Chong Hwa concert in 2002 before I graduate from high school. Since I went to New Zealand, I don't have the chance to be one of the audience of Chong Hwa Concert for three years. I am glad that I made it this time and it held in KL PAC. As an alumni, I am proud.

Before the concert, we went to "laosheng" (a dish mix with vegetables, salmon sashimi and sweet source) to celebrate Chinese New Year.

I am very lucky that I met you guys in my life. It has been nearly ten years. We share a lot of memories since we were in high school. I can't imagine if without all of you. We surely will maintain our relationship. Just like vjan said, 'we gonna yamcha (gather together) until we all getting old!!!!! Thanks to be my best friends

(me, bin, shen nan, ham, panda, vjan, jagung, jia ehian, pei fen + for hai "late for the dinner")

This concert has bought me a lot of memories when we still having fun in Chinese Orchestra few years ago. The time we practiced very hard and play hard. What a crazy and memorable life. I wish we can perform together at the same stage in the future.

Our lovely coach.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
to everybody

Year End Trip 2008

2008-01-30T03:39:00.000+13:00

I am planning where to go the end of this year.

When I chatting with Linda last week, she and Vivian are planning to have Asia trip the end of the year. NZ - Singapore - Malaysia - HK - Taiwan - South Korea - Japan. Because of the powerful of networking (AIESEC), we able to have free accommodation around these countries.

Since I have been Japan last year, I am thinking to join their trip Malaysia - HK - Taiwan - South Korea. The living cost is not that high of these countries. I hope I can start earning very soon and have a cool trip the end of the year.

Taiwan

South Korea

Hong Kong

Besides, I hope can go to Mt. Kinabalu next year. Although I go to Sabah quite a lot of times, I don't have chance to challenge the highest mountain in South East Asia. I am looking for hiking partners. Anyone is interested??

无奈

2008-01-29T07:44:00.000+13:00

There are a lot of thing we have no choice. Even other people has misunderstood BUT you can't, you are not able or you don't have the chance to explain it.

Or even you have explained, he could not understand. Or the more you try, it just become more complicated. Or I have a bad communication skill... May be ... may be ... May be time really can explain everything....

One day when we look back, you may be know that I didn't mean what you think.