Party: 2006

Fuzzy has called her friends for the end of the year party at our place. She has baked chocolate cookies and cooked tomato dip. We played Monopoly and Harry Potter games. Harry Potter game was quite fun, and after reading and figuring out the rules, we were all good at it. These games reveal who you really are. I am glad that we played and listened to the music.
Mum cooked us a delicious lunch: spaghetti. Desert was Sara Lee ice cream cake, jelly, pineapple and peach. More games after lunch and two more ladies turned up. Hope Tofushark is feeling better today.
The highlight of the party was going to the Indian restruant, Little India. I had lamb Jahlfreze. It was devine! I will definitely go back and have more food there. However, it is very spicy. Fuzzy had a hot lamb vindaloo. It was very strong. We also had samosa and Naan bread.
Count down to 2007. I only have one wish and many resolutions. Knowing me, I believe that they will be carried out in 2007.

Green eyed monster or handsome stranger

I feel so tired before Christmas. Trying to tie up all the loose ends before 22 December and still learning many new things. I am enjoying work a lot, although I have been given some secretarial job just before five today for the first time. I am glad that I have been doing experiments that are related to science and muscle for the rest of today.
There is this green eyed monster at work who keeps distracting me! I don't know whether to cry or laugh. Cute guys have that effect on me. I will try to focus on the job from now on, but it is proving very difficult at the moment. He has very nice brown hair and physique. He is also very smart. He will be at work everyday until June/July, so I better keep my act together.
Apart from that, work is going well. My first Western blot worked out fine. Wish many more successes will come after that.

Egyptian cotton

Saturday and Sunday have become so precious to me. Starting a new job is stressful, and I believe that the first week is the worst. I have gotten used to the rhythme this week. I have made a rough calculation last night and come up with the number of experiments that I will have to go through before Christmas to obtain enough sample. I am sure it will all be fun and games!
Shop in the afternoon. We have already checked out the advertisement so we know what to expect. I love stationary shops and hung out in front of fancy paper and tubes of paint. Then I have to extricate myself from the lure of exciting art world and go into another shop. Briscoes is always interesting to check out as well. I wanted to see why some of the manchesters are so expensive. Is it because the fabric is exotic? Is it because it is woven in a special way? Is it comfortable? Does it stay the same after many washes? We end up buying plastic boxes and tea towels in the end. They are absolutely necessary at the moment. The other luxury can wait.
Tristan and Isolde is a surprisingly good movie. It is very delicate, and almost seems to be made by a woman. I love it. The scenery is also great, just wondering whether it is shot in England or not.

Graduation and work

The interview in AgResearch went well, and I signed the contract for work on 15 October, 2006. After seven months of waiting, brainstorming, writing and re-writing CVs, I finally got it right. I also went to my Master of Science graduation yesterday. These past two weeks had been very hectic, and worth blogging. I will start working on 24 October, 2006, after the long Labour Weekend.
The graduation started with Powhiri, the Maori traditional welcome. We were also honoured with the presence of Sir Egmond Hillary. He was awarded with the Honarary Doctorate for his work in setting up the Hillary Fund for sports people and building school and improving the lives of citizens of Nepal, especially in the Himalayan region. I was honoured to receive my Master on the same stage in the same year in Waikato University. The effort that I put into the research and writing the thesis finally came to fruition and I was very happy. I am still very pleased!
With the propect of starting work next Tuesday, I am reading some materials related to human muscles, and I will search for more current papers from journals when I start working for AgResearch. I will need some time to understand what exactly is entailed in my work as well. It will be a whole new adventure. Goodbye, Alma Mater. Research, here I come.
I feel ready to start again, no matter what the challenges are. I am determined to get to the bottom of the problems. Right now, I am getting my brain back into gear and trying to refresh my memory on what I have learned.
Checklist for preparation for work: lunchbox has been acuqired, but working shoes haven't. It sounds funny but these two items seem to be the only ones lacking.

Emotion tug of war

The interview with agriculture research went well. The question about working after hours did not faze me. Of course I am willing to work after hour! In fact, nearly all my friends work more than eight hours. I don't think I handled the question about doing PhD so well, though. I answered honestly: I have not think about it yet. The tour around the laboratory also went well. However, one dreadful thing happened near the end: I lost my visitor's pass. Fortunately, someone found it and handed it in at the reception. They asked for another referee. I think this is a good sign. If they don't want to consider me, why would they ask for it?
I really want to get my hands on the equipments and carry out experiments again. It is in my blood and on my mind constantly. I hate my idle life. I wonder how I did this time. Now the only thing I can do is pray that I am good enough to work there.
Inevitably, self doubt set in. I took pen and paper with me on my daily walk to copy down the phone number on the "For Lease" building. Maybe I should get into the retail business? What should I sell? I had to pull myself back from this evil thought in the darkness of night. This forced vacation after working hard out for my master degree is damaging my self esteem. I have to be stronger.
Apart from worrying about not having a job, I actually feel better because I went to the interview. Someone thinks I am a worthy person. I have sent out my CV and coverletter to another company. See how this goes. It will be such a waste if I stay at home.
Timeline the movie was on last night. However, I had already watched it on DVD. So I caught Numb3rs on the other channel, then caught the ending of Timeline. It is not a very good movie. I think the concept of time travel is good, but the actors are not believable. The fight sequence was not very good, either. The movie looks very fake.
Looking forward to The Departed. I haven't seen the original Hong Kong version, but heard it is very good. Hope the Western version is good, too.

Wish me luck for tomorrow

Our friend took her sister, brother-in-law, nieces and her friends to our house to visit. A bunch of kids were playing with our rabbit on the lawn, then I brought out the Monopoly game for them to play. I was in charge of the bank in the beginning and not long after I gave the job to a girl who was too absorbed with the rabbit. Our friend's brother-in-law works in China and his company makes air conditioning units and cleaning room.
The weather was beautiful today. I took a walk before lunch. The second hand clothes shop looked deserted. I wonder what will happen there. I also did 100 crunches today.
Tomorrow I have an interview with the agriculture research company. I have been preparing for this interview since Monday. Keep my fingers crossed for this job. I know what I am going to say, just hope my potential employers like me.

Two books in a week

I have been reading Lee Child's Killing Floor and Agatha Christie's Cat among pigeons. Killing Floor is about murder and counterfeiting money. It is fast paced. It is brutal. It is also tender and loving in some ways. Reading this story is like peeling an onion. The people who wants to get out of the counterfeiting scheme are killed, and the people who wants to expose the scheme are also killed. You can also sense that the main character's loneliness.
Agatha's Cat among the pigeons follows her formula of detective story. Murder takes place in an innocent girl's school. Police and the F.O. investigate with no conclusion, Poirot comes in and sits down to solve the problem. The good part is in the beginning with the middle eastern flavour. The teenage girl's life is also portrayed vividly.
I have applied for two more jobs. Just have to wait patiently for the results now. I have also received the tickets for graduation yesterday. I am content and happy about the upcoming graduation. I have worked very hard on the thesis. This graduation ceremony will be a good finishing note.

Through the looking glass and the beautiful dresses

We have been taking the weeds out of our front yard in the afternoon. The tulips are still blooming, and they are an interesting colour. The petals look like raspberry ice cream, with white background and pink stripes. We collect some weeds to feed our new rabbit, Ginger. It is happy to eat grass, carrot peels, kiwifruit peels, and dandilions. She does not like other food.
I went to the bank when mum is doing her weekly shopping. Walking from the supermarket to the bank proves to be a very good exercise on my legs. I keep my eyes on the new upmarket boutiques on Victoria Street, and there seems to be many shoppers in the shops even though today is a working day.
Another rejection letter does not get me down so easily. I believe in myself and that is the most important thing. I will not let the bastards get me down. I will keep typing curriculum vitaes and coverletters. I will keep sending them out. I am a hard worker. I am a good worker. I am willing to work. I am motivated. I am organised. I can be the best investment you make.

Kite making and Fly a kite

It is a windy day. We get free newspapers from the major newspaper distributor and they don't seem to be staying in the letterbox at all. As we chase the flying newspaper in our yard, mum and I come across a transparent plastic bag. It is attached to a line. I let my imagination run wild, this contraption is probably a kite. However, the plastic bag is broken and not very pretty, so I swap it for a red Warehouse plastic bag. I have also extended the line so the kite can fly a bit higher.
How often does an adult have time to fly a kite? I guess everybody is too busy working or doing housework. I fly a kite without a care in the world. I haven't felt so happy for a long time.

Wake Up Call

I was still dreaming when the telephone rang this morning, and I blame myself not getting the call. What if it was from a company that want to set up an interview? How can I sleep through that? I keep beating myself up for it, but what's done is done. I can only pray that the person who wants to call me will call later.
The weather is exceptionally fine today. I am so happy! I made red bean soup and prepared the ingredients for chicken breast spaghetii.
Ghost Club is a moive that I watched last Thursday. 市井滋 was the ghost who made her husband promise her that he would not remarry after she died. 山口智子 was the woman who married the pub owner after 市井滋 died. The movie was filled with funny moments and the pub owner's goodwill went a long way. A daughter was reunited with her father, and a gambler was reunited with his family with the ghost's help. The set was simple and clear cut, and you can see the cluttered graveyard in the urban area. The small pub was cozy and warm, a sanctuary where you could spend some time after work.
The new season of NCIS and ER started in New Zealand. Both are griping drama. I enjoyed them.
Still looking very hard for a job. I will try to get up even earlier so if there is any telephone call, I will get it.

A hint of spring

The rain has finally stopped yesterday. The sun is out today as well. The daffodils are blooming in our house, golden bells hanging in the otherwise blank landscape. I did three loads of laundry today, holding them like a weightlift champion, suddenly feel better altogether. Keeping myself busy, always doing something is better than sitting there and doing nothing.
I have sent out uddles of CVs to potential employers these days. Hopefully I will get set up for another interview. The one with Fonterra went well, but I didn't get the position. Patience is wearing thin and I feel despondent sometimes, then I tell myself a better job is just around the corner! I will get it one day.
Walking around our neighbourhood, just wondering where the police car is going to. Probably back to base.
I will watch a Japanese movie tonight. It's called Ghost Club. Talk about this tomorrow.

Dear grandma

Goodbye, grandma.

Take advantage of the sunshine

The weather is so beautiful today. I washed two loads of clothes and put them out on the line. The three of us went on a winter day excursion to the Hamilton Gardens. We took water bottles with us, crossed the Cobham Bridge. There were people with energetic dogs, there were people with energetic children, and there were people playing soccer. We also saw a group of people in 18th century costumes. Why are they all dressed up? It's still a big mystery to me. Is it for a wedding? Or maybe it is for a photoshoot.
Our next door neighbour just moved in today. They are renting the house. They are still bringing in the boxes and furnitures in the evening. The other neighbours gave us a chocolate cake. It is very delicious. Thank you very much.

Superman returns

This Wednesday I went to watch Superman Returns. Do you remember Superman? He is the ultimate hero, the guy who can fly, gets power from the sun, makes fire/freezes materials, good and honest. He is also Clark Kent, the clumsy, down-to-earth reporter. I think this movie exceeds my expectation, especially the sequence where he saves the passengers on the airplane and the crew in the spacecraft.
You have to remember that Superman is a fantasy, so when he defies laws of physics, you have to forgive the movie maker. He has many powers, but is not a telepathic person, so Lois Lane has to send direction via fax to the Daily Planet.
The villan, Lex Luthor, is also very well played by Kevin Spacey. He is intimidating and evil.
After five years away from Earth, Superman returns to a planet where people who still wish someone will save them. Earth still needs Superman. Lois is still her indepedent self, with an asthmatic son. It is later revealed that he also has superpower! Are we going to see a new generation of Superman in the next movie? I hope so, if the next one is as good as this one.

Precious memory from Grams

Grandma: I miss you. I have been praying for you. I remember the time that I spent in grandma's house. The birthday cakes of Fuzzy and me, cousins playing together, laughing, and our great-grandma sitting on a chair, smiling. I remember watching Doremon and sumo fighting in your house. I also remember that the house seems so quiet when we sit down and listen, and that must be how it is when we are not there. Don't want you to go, but if you must leave, I truly wish that there will be less suffering.
I have handed over cooking to dad these few days, and cutting vegetables and washing dishes are my job. The sun is shining again. I must leave my computer and enjoy the sunshine, the most precious commodity in winter.

Contemplation in a cold room

It's been a while since I last blogged. This room is quite cold and even though we don't get snow, my fingers are freezing. There is no central heating system available, and this room is always nice and cool. Good for the computer, but not so good if you are sitting here and typing.
I guess I complain too much. I have checked out the description of the AKL university job and I don't think I will be able to apply for it: some skills I have not aquired. I have applied for the other job in the milk factory. I feel that I may be more suited for this job. I feel confident and if I get to the interview stage, I will be able to answer questions that I believe I can do.
Apart from the job application, I keep myself busy doing lots of housework. Tomorrow it may rain, so I better grab the last chance to go out walking. Exercise is good for you and I believe it will get the metabolism up!
I am getting better at making food now. It is not that hard. Defrosting meat takes a long time, and it is better to use a microwave to prevent bacteria growing overtime. I just have to be careful not to cook the meat in this preliminary process.

Tree planting

The city council sent two people to plant Black Birch in our street yesterday. We will take good care of it.
Wednesday is nearly always a good day. I caught Lost in the evening. I have not been watching it for a while so it is a little bit difficult to comprehend why some of the characters do what they do, then again, I deduce even if you are watching every episode diligently, you may still not know what is happening: it is a big mystery! That's what get the audiences hooked!
The housework is becoming easier now. I always wash the dishes from the previous evening in the morning, and that's taking shorter and shorter time. The weather is not so bright yesterday, but I stayed indoor most of the day.
Watch a Chinese Ching dynasty drama with dad. I am also reading the novels that I borrowed from the library at the same time. I would like to complete before Friday, and if I can't, I will have to renew them online today.
Sent my CV to the milk company to apply for a project engineer job. This job sounds infinitisimally better: location close to home, something that I have learned. Just hope they will consider me!

The soccer world cup is officially over now. The last game was great. Both sides gave their best shot, and it was a shame that Z.Z. had to go off. Dad and I were watching Ghengkis Khan before the soccer started yesterday afternoon. I washed and hung the clothes before that.
The Aviator was a good movie with a very determined central character, who is fighting against inner and outer demons. He did have many girlfriends, but no real life companion. He had vision in developing new airplanes and flying them. We can still see The Hercules in the sky right now, thanks to Howard Hughs.
Fuzzy fractionated the mince into two parts for dinner. I added soy sauce and some spices for one part, and cut the onions for the other part. Cooked cabbage as vegetable.
Today the weather was really fine in the morning, with sun shining, but now it is heavily overcast. Just hope we can get more sunshine!
Swept a little leaves on the driveway and sent my CV to a milk factory. Hope they will like me enough to give me an interview.

Casual interview in a coffee shop

I believe that we should have checked out where the interview venue is on net before we leave for Auckland yesterday, because there are new roads built in the last 10 years after our map came out. They are very confusing! We drove around twice and took a leap of faith on the new road and finally get to the street where we want to go. Whew....and we were 1 hour early! YA!
The boss asked some questions and he hinted about some companies in the Innovation Park here in Ruakura, but I don't really know them! But I know that the companies that are in the Innovation Park changes anyway, so I will get to know them later. I guess I will have to know more companies in Ham and Auckland and other cities if I ever go work for this company.
He also asked me whether I have used HPLC and Mass Spec before. Oh, no! I haven't. I had the chance to use HPLC in my previous work experience, but my samples didn't require it. Apart from these two things, I guess I answered the questions pretty well.
There are four other 'contestants' in this job interview. I just hope that I seen to know what I am doing. Praying now. Just hope they like me, even if they don't, I hope I will get another chance.
We drove out to the Beachlands area in Auckland and saw a very beautiful Maraetai beach in the afternoon. Didn't get a chance to get out there, but come to think of it again, the gale force wind was probably not as enjoyable as the temperature in the car.
Get home and cooked a simple dinner. Fuzzy and I watched HP1 for the nth time. It was a good evening.

Domestic training: getting better

The weather is still unpredictable, but I took the clothes out in the sun for a short while. Today's main objective is to drink the rest of the milk...I am getting quite domestic now, am I? My left shoulder is a bit sore and after walking around it is okay now.
I took the overnight DVDs back to the video shop and filled up the petrol. You never know when the petrol price will go up again! Just hope it will be stable. Fuzzy got up and we watched the not so scary The Jacket. I feel quite sympathetic to Jack Starks. Poor guy.
Fuzzy cooked macoroni and cheese and instant noodle for dad. Should have just given up cooking macoroni because it was too old. I ate another rice ball.
Dad cut the cherry and some other trees in the garden. I got the location of the meeting/casual interview tomorrow. Dad doesn't feel very enthusiastic about the job, but I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt. Just hope it is safe and not a scam. I have not done much preparation, but am going to get clothes out of the closet.
I planned the soup (spinach, tempura, thin beef cuts) and dad boiled everything on the gas stove. He made cabbage there, too. I cut the last part of the raddish cake and Fuzzy fried them. Very delicious dinner. We had Weight Watcher chocolate mousse.
Thank God It Is Friday! So we sat on the couch to watch television. "Medium" has a very nice season finale.
Ate a grapefruit (not ripe enough yet), a mango and grapes. Thank you, Mrs. T, for giving us the grapes. I will probably go shopping tomorrow after I get back to Ham.

Breakdown and bounceback

Dad went to D's place to fix Mr. Lee's windscreen. The car didn't pass WOF. I felt really bad and couldn't cook dinner properly...the emotion took over and I went to my room and laid on the bed for half an hour, then thought better of it and got up to cook. Almost walked to Pizzahut, but when I got to the mailbox, I remembered that I didn't bring any money or credit card. There was this evil voice inside my head saying: they all have excuses not to do house work, broken finger, sick etc. But I know that if I don't hold it together, no one will.
Dad came back and took over the cooking. Things settled down and I apologised to Fuzzy. I will try harder.
It is raining today, but I actually feel a lot better in the morning. Washed the second load of clothes today. Dad let D took Mr. Lee's car to the garage to talk about the windscreen. I fried the rice in the afternoon and took Fuzzy to pay for her tuition: she finally discovered that the due day is tomorrow! Friday! That's why mum kept asking me to take her to uni...that's sorted now.
We got 6 new DVDs again. I am still worried about Fuzzy, or maybe I shouldn't worry so much about her. I am going to AKL on Saturday again for a 'casual discussion' about work. Hope this time I have better luck. Don't know how to prepare for this informal interview.
Feel bad about weight, still didn't lose any in July. I will have to eat less.

Independent life? Practicing now

So many things have happened in these two days. It is already July, the coldest month in New Zealand. Grandma is very sick at the moment. Mum has booked the tickets and I took her to Auckland Airport. To other people, driving for 300km may be a small thing, but to me, it is a big thing. This was also the first time that I have driven from Ham to AKL without someone who actually knows how to drive (mum doesn't have a license). I am very happy that I have done it, but at the same time very sad because mum has to go back to Taiwan for my grandma. I wish that she will get better...and if she does not, I wish that she will go from this world without much pain.
Fuzzy and I have prepared the food, washed the dishes and clothes ourselves. Dad has hurt his finger from work. He will get better soon. Now it is the time for me and Fuzzy to live independently. I am sure we will be fine. The only thing that exasperated me was cutting vegetable into very thin pieces when I was hungry, apart from that everything seems to be easy enough. I almost broke the knot on the washing machine, but I put it back together and the washing machine worked fine. Whew...I will survive.

Outting to Te Kuiti

Dad drove us to Te Kuiti through High Way 30 yesterday. We have never been on High Way 30 before, and the scenery was quite spectacular. We passed a small water fall between rocks on a farm. The land was littered with rocks and you couldn't tell whether they were sheep or rocks. We saw a car rally in progress, although we didn't see the actual race, we saw the mechanics repairing the car. We went on to Taupo for dinner and it didn't rain all day. The petrol price is down 3 cents ($1.66/litre).
This holiday we can watch the soccer world cup, Ghengis Khan (DVD), and rent DVDs from the shop. I also keep up my daily walk when weather permits me. Up until now, I have watched The Constant Gardener, Pride and Prejudice (the new one with Keira Knightly), and The Queen Sheba's Pearls. The Queen Sheba's Pearls was a really good film talking about love during and after the second world war. The Constant Gardener is a little bit more contemparary, about pharmaceutical company trialing drugs in Africa and covering up deaths under the guise of AIDS. This reminds me of the recent story from the U.K. about trialing new drugs on humans and they died of multiple organs failure.
Today I watched The Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow. Quite entertaining.
I am also doing a questionarre from a potential employer. Wish myself luck for this employment opportunity. I am trying very hard to answer some difficult questions.

I, Robot blog edition

This looks quite cool so I entered my name and viola!



The bad weather has finally left New Zealand although some people are still without power. I have sent out yet another application for work and wish that I have better luck this time. I am always hopeful.
I am thinking that I may do some volunteer work, but there's a big voice in my mind shouting that I should find a job related to what I have learned instead of doing something I have no idea about.

Weather bomb

After a few days of good weather, the front is moving from the west and it is raining and very windy today. Despite the bad weather, we have done a lot in the morning. I have dropped off Fuzzy to her exam, then we moved on to my friend Dr.'s house. I have borrowed her CD for a long time and finally get the chance to bring it back to her. She is getting married in October. Congratulation! We then drove almost blindly to Hand tool to buy dad's toolbox. Now we know how to get there, next time I will not have trouble finding the place. Lastly we get to the bank.
CSI last night was pretty interesting, about a twelve years old genius who got her brother away from murder charge. She had directed the attention from her brother to herself so the jury found her brother not guilty. It is quite scary.
I went to the library to borrow five books. They will keep me occupied in the rainy weather.

Sunshine and pink hat

The Asian foodmarket is on sale today so mum and I bought the bulk food such as soy bean sauce from the shop. This year we collected three pens as gifts. They are more practical than mobile decorations. My mobile doesn't have an antennae to decorate.
Today is the Queen's Birthday so dad does not have to work, however, he is busy buying tools for the forklift repairing job. After a light lunch, I walked around the block, then take the old clothes to The Nest. Kids are sending newspapers to our neighbourhood.
The weather is great today. I should make the most of it before the sun goes down again.

Sweeping the floor and vacuuming the living room may be choirs that you want to avoid, but today I have carried them out one by one with pleasure. I believe that I am a person who cannot stand dirty or messy environment.
Rain comes and goes as it pleases today and the occasional rainbow appears in the sky. I can see all these when I peddle away on the stationary bike at my backyard. The maple leaves have nearly all fell out, and the neighbour's cat walked slowly away from me. He must think that I am strange, peddling strenuously away in the rain. Or, maybe he is just escaping from the annoying raindrops to a save place.
Tomorrow is the Queen's Birthday. It was Queen Victoria's birthday, not Queen Elizabeth's birthday. All Black is playing against Ireland. All the very best to the ABs!

On the edge

Mum and I went to watch Mission Impossible 3 together. It is a good movie, and I am glad that I went to watch it on the big screen. The storyline is unexpected, and I was on the edge of my seat when Tom Cruise slid down the top of a building and finally came to a holt at the edge. You can't help but draw a comparison between MI3 and Da Vinci Code, and I reckon MI3 is better.
We took the grey car for a warrant of fitness check, then spent the rest of the day walking and window shopping in city. We bought four different coloured face clothes and a tiny skirt with Disney characters printed at the front for my newly acquired bear. The bear is knitted by wool, and now it is even more cuddly. My head was hurting last night and I was sneezing. Fortunately after wearing more sensible clothes and wooly hat for one evening, I am back to my healthy self.
I trimmed the grass at the edge of our garden today, and dealt with cherry leaves at the front of the yard. The weather is cold and crisp today, but at least it is not raining.
There are still heaps of things out there for me to do. I will get on with the cleaning and trimming grass tomorrow. Just wish the weather will hold.

As brave as Indiana Jones

You have to be as brave as Indiana Jones to be in this room: it is freezing! I know all you people out there who lives in a colder climate will complain to me that I am exagerating the situation, but we do not have a central heating system installed in houses here in New Zealand. Most homes only have one heating source in one room, and people who stays in other rooms, sorry, you have to wear bulky jerseys and thick socks to keep warm.
This winter we are better prepared. I now have a nice and warm electrical blanket under my duvet, and three more layers on top of me if I am sleeping (one sheet, one wool blanket, and one wool duvet).
The construction of houses in our general area is still going on. The various machines are making a racket as I type. Don't know when they will stop. I receive another letter from the realtors today!
The junior doctor may go on strike for five days sometime in the near future. Just hope that I don't get the flu in due course. I am getting used to the cold now.
The episode of "Bones" was particularly interesting last night. There seems to be some on-screen romance going on there and a very sentimental story line. I will keep on watching, I guess that's how the TV shows hook you on these days.

Da Vinci Code and all the things that happened

Fuzzy and I went to watch The Da Vinci Code together. Sophie's driving skill is superb, and the whole movie is amazing. I like it, and it is based on a "fiction", which means it does not base on facts. I like the paintings in Louve because they have been arranged in a great order. The story is fast paced and not jumping from frame to frame too fast.
I have finally managed to write the above "musing" on computer today after the busy weekend. Something unfortunate has happened at our house, but the fortunate thing is that everybody is okay. I have also managed to arrange everything in my room in a desirable order. Whew! The weather has changed from very cold and wet to sunny/not so cold to wet/not so cold now. Winter is almost here, but it seems after the first cold snap, I am getting used to the cold! The Met service person has said that this winter will probably be colder than the last.
I am reading a book called Ichabad Hart and the Lighthouse Mystery. It is written by James Roy for teenagers, although I am no longer a teenager, the book cover attracted my attention. A good book is the best pass time for a rainy day.
Still tracking down that elusive permanent job, but that also mean that I can spend some time with my family. This winter does not seem so cold after all.

Dr. Jack Dr. Jack calling Dr. Jack

I think I am hooked on the Dr. Black Jack cartoon. It is a series about a surgical doctor who practice without license. He is rumoured to be cold-blooded and love money, but in fact is a very loving and amazing doctor. I have read some of the work already.
The weather is great today, and when dad is out getting the interview, I watered the plants. University students go back to study from today so Fuzzy is not home. I spent the rest of the day reading.
We have all voted for the two issues: water fluoridation and the way we vote (either First Pass the Post or Single Transferrable Vote). Just wait while those votes are being counted and see how things turn out.
President Bush had made fun of himself in a State dinner. I think this will help his popularity.

Another strange dream

It has been raining for a few days so we are stuck indoors, and I have managed to read one of the two fictions that I borrowed from the city library. However, the weather is great today so mum and I went out shopping.
I have sent out another CV to a beverage/food company, still full of hope and expectation. Dad get the reply from the forklift maintenance job that he applied and will go for an interview tomorrow. Good luck to both of us!
These few weeks we have been watching Shakespearean movies that had been given the modern twist. First up was Taming of the Shrew, then came Much Ado about Nothing (with the very different Lt. Winters from Band of Brothers: very funny), and this week we can watch A Midsummer Night's Dream. The other channel will play The Last Sumarai! Why do they always put the interesting movies on the same night? Why can't they put on on Saturday and the other on Sunday so we can watch them both? AAAhhhh....
Fuzzy and I also went to watch She's the man the other day. It's very funny, and Amanda Bynes is getting better now.
I had a strange dream last night. There was this guy in university asking for direction in the evening, and I took him to the lecture theatre, but when we get there, it looks like the interior of the person's house. The outside is filled with deep blue sea water and I can feel the tide coming in, very scary. I can even see people surfing towards the building. Weird, huh?

Anzac Day

I got two books on exercise in the Rotary Club book fair, and one book on natural beauty. Each of them cost one dollar! Today I have started to do yoga according to one of the book. It is not so hard, and looks like something that you can do everyday without too much hassle.
The whole family went to a wedding reception of our friend on Sunday. It was set in Auckland, and we didn't get lost too much. We merely missed the ceremony, and got there for the photo shoot. Very happy! The food was vegetarian, but still manage to become very full.
Today is Anzac Day. My grandpa fought in the Second World War, in the Asia Front. He was in the artillary regiment. They used the tall, big, foreign horse to drag the artillary and had to calculate the trajectory. Lest we forget.

Renew hope

The weather is better today so in the morning we bring the DVD back to the video shop, then go to our friend's house to pick feijous. Those feijous are great green fruit, nice and sweet. It is a fruit that you can enjoy before winter comes.
Dad takes the old gooseberry plant out of the vegetable garden today and we are left with heaps of gooseberry in their pods. They are nice fruit as well. I like them, but like all food, you cannot have too much.
We watch Sin City in the afternoon. It is a very graphic film, a dystopia city where wrong things happen and nobody uphold the law. There's a lot of killing. The imagery is very comic-book-like. Personally, I don't really like it. Pure, the other DVD we watched tonight, is about a young boy who helped his mum to quit her addiction. It is a very reflective movie, and more positive. I like this movie better.
Contemplating about applying for a job. It is not easy. I will think about it, then send my CV. Let them decide.

Follow the Easter Bunny to Garden State

This Easter holiday we kind of stayed in most of the time, but the time that we spent out was great. Fuzzy and I went shopping together in Chartwell Square and in The Base, the new mall that opened in the north of the city.
I saw a really pretty sweater made of mohair in Chartwell, but I didn't buy it because you can't wash it in the washing machine. It requires special care. Fuzzy bought a pair of really pretty shoes. We chose a dark blue shower curtain with water drop pattern on it. It is pretty and hanging in our bathroom right now. It can be washed (easy cleaning), it is not made of plastic, and I will try using it tonight.
We went to Burger King and both had Whopper meal there. A great dinner. We drove home and forgot to get DVDs for the rainy days, then left home again to pick them up.
This time we chose National Treasure, The Mindhunters, Garden State, Sin City, The Sisterhood of Travelling Pants, and Pure. We watched The Sisterhood of Travelling Pants yesterday. It is such a nice film! The four girls are unique in their own way, and the young girl Bailey's part is a real tear jerker.
Garden State is a beautiful film. I like the soul searching and the music. Mindhunter is quite weird, and scary at times.
I have also borrowed two books from the library to read today. It had been raining, and some people had come to check out the house next door. Wondering when they will sell and develop the small piece of paradise into another concrete monster.

Woodland Wonders preliminary days

The hot air ballon festival has started and in the morning I could hear the sound of the ballon pumping not so far above my window the day before yesterday. However, today I have only seen them flying in the sky, getting smaller and smaller in one instance and a red one taking off in a nearby park in another instance.
Walking around the block is becoming a daily exercise for me, and I have notice that the building activities around our community is blocking some drainage system. Just wish when they finish building the new houses, they will take the dirt and rubbish with them. The developers have taken away the grass, the trees, and the old houses with memories, but I try not to feel sad about these things. Just wish they will take care of the environment after they have changed it.
On a brighter note, it is near the weekend again. I plan to make the most of the ballon festival, and do more housework.

This weekend I went to watch a movie: V for Vendetta. It is a great movie, and I don't know how to describe it. The whole concept is good, and being an adaptation from a graphic novel (comic book), it is one of the good ones in 2006.
However, mood is sliding down the slope lately, possibly due to having no job and not studying. I think I feel a bit lost. Family is supporting me all the way and I have got many good advises from my parents and friends and sister. I need to get my acts together. Starting from today, I will have a more regular life and the pretend holiday is over.
Walk up the hill to the hospital close to home and down for excersise. Already feel better now! So many projects at home that can be done still.
I can learn to cook better, how to knit properly (with winter coming), read more books, and live a healthier life. All those things take the backseat if I found a job and become very busy, so I believe that in-between-job is not so bad after all.
Give myself a smiley face.

A stroll in the city

It is getting colder and colder everyday. I have started to knit again, just wish to complete a scarf before winter really sets in.
The sky is full of grey cloud right now, and before it was very stuffy and warm. What a weird weather! Just rain already.
I drove into town in the morning to do some banking and buy groceries. Delibrately parked the car very far from the bank in hope of doing some exercise, and the road is practically empty, not so much petrol fume. By the time I get to the bank, I am already saturated! Then spend a little while in the air conditioned supermarket, and take cool soy milk, tofu, and some frozen breakfast for a stroll in town.
I have read the Amelia Peabody book (Children of the Storm), and now reading Phryne (pronounced fry-knee) Fisher (Death by Water) book. Also, I have started to keep a Commonplace book, hope it will come in handy.

Tomorrow brings endless opportunities

Every little girl dreams of getting married one day, wear the pretty dress, be loved by the handsome guy and be happy ever after. I have been to several weddings in my life. There were the banquets, the children running around, the adults exchange what is happening in their life, and of course, the happy couple. I went to my friend's wedding tonight and had just got back from the reception. Let me shed some light to my attendance to the reception of a Muslim wedding.
Put some powder on my face and tried to put lipstick on my lips. The lipstick applicator broke inside the lipstick. I looked into the mirror and my face looked ridiculous, so I decided not to wear any make up. My face without any make up actually looked better than with make up. I have prepared beforehand the wedding present and wedding card. Grabbing these things, I was confident that I will be able to find the place after checking the map about the location of the wedding.
I must admit that it is my fault that I didn't go to the location when there was still light so when I drove up to the street, I had no idea where the hall was. I had to drive around the whole block again and got out of the car and walked around to find where the hall was. It was pretty funny.
Getting there was the most difficult part, and the rest was a breeze. I sat beside my university classmates and listened to elders speaking about what a marriage should be like, what a marriage is about. Cool. They keep everything short and sweet.
The food was simple and delicious. The candy was mysterious and sweet, but I tried them without hesitation.
I went to an Indian wedding last year, it's very different to this one. They are good examples and I hope when I find the right guy, the right dress, and the right time, I will get married with as much flair as my friends. Good luck, my friend. I know that you are so happy, and I am happy for you.

Another storm is coming

It is amazing how you discover things that you wouldn't notice normally when you are busy studying, working, or doing something significant. You wouldn't notice that a courier car is parked in front of your house if you are busy studying. You wouldn't notice that the sky is filled with grey cloud and it is pouring down. You will probabaly stare at the television and expect that your country will win a medal in the Commonwealth Games and not notice that the sky has opened. It rained real hard today, the precipitation on the window is extremely beautiful. I guess I will never stop and notice that if I am busy working, busy thinking about something else.
Ride the bike today, and continue doing crunches. Feel like that I have accomplished something by sending out another CV.
It is still very warm, just hope that winter will come sooner. Everything will be clearer and comfortable by then.

Fish in the sea

I have put up a new name for my blog since I have written up my thesis even though I am still technically a Master student right now. I have been trying to find a job ever since I have sent away three copies of the thesis. There is a free copy of newspaper in my mailbox this morning. This is a good sign.
Sent away two CVs and will wait for the answer for them (found these jobs on the helpful site). Realistically, I believe that I may have to send 10 or more CVs. Good luck to all my friends, who are finding jobs or studying, and to myself. This is the time to give them all your best and hope they like what they see. Talent is no longer hidden, it is best shown and leave under the sun. I am sure tomorrow I will find more opportunities.
We are doing well in the Commonwealth Games. Caught the 200m butterfly final where Moss Burmester got gold. It was so thrilling! Good on him. Still keeping a close eye on the results everyday.
Reading Children of the Storm and The Killing of Cinderella.

Keeping my head down

I have been keeping my head down and writing my thesis so have been neglecting my blog for a while. Sorry to those people who reads my blog! I am still alive and still writing the thesis.
Watched Cheaper by the dozen 2 in theatre. It was very funny and can't help admiring the gorgeous Tom Welling. However, I believe that all the characters could be written a little bit deeper with more developments.
Borrowed some DVDs with Fuzzy to watch. Right now we have watched Kingdom of Heaven, Closer, and Assault on Precinct 13. Fuzzy and mum watched The Recruit together. I will catch up on that later. Kingdom of Heave was okay, but the DVD was broken in the middle of the war (between Saladin and Reynold) so didn't watch that part. >_< Too bad, but the second war between Balian and Saladin was really cool. I also liked when Balian was in his land Ibelin and he worked with the peasant, showing his human side. It was good.
Don't really understand Closer, though. It was a bit too deep for me, I guess. The modern relationships...a lot of insecurities.
Assault on Precinct 13: good action film. At some times I felt a bit helpless for the people dying.
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone! Got a red envelope from dad. ^_^ Thank you thank you.

First day back

Hello everyone! This is my first day back to 2006 and I have plunged straight back to working on my thesis in the morning. This should not be so hard as I turned on the computer and enter my password so I can log onto the network for the first time this year. So far so good and no trouble there. So exciting! However, the e-mail program does not remember my password and only lets me in upon the fifth try. Ya! I finally get through to my mailbox and there didn't seen to be so many junk mail present. Whew...
The deadline seems to so close yet I am still writing so slowly. I will just get back to it now. If you are still enjoying your holiday, then have fun. If you are back to work, then take care.
I have actually been to the beach in the holiday. ^_^ It was fun, and very warm.