Life into 25

        I realized that I haven't really mentioned anything about my New Year resolutions since stepping into year 2012. After racking my brain for a long time, I've decided not to have a new year resolutions this year. No, it is not because I have such a perfect life that I don't need to make any changes to my life, in contrast, I think there are too many things that I wanted to change and work on that I can't even bother to list them down. From the past experiences, I found that I often didn't do the things that I've listed down to change or improve. I hardly ever achieve my resolutions at the end of the year so what's the point? This year, I'll have the "come what may" attitude. As we all know we can plan as much as we want but sometimes thing just doesn't happen the way we want, so why not leave some rooms for the surprises in life. Saying that, however, doesn't mean that I won't do anything and just sit around for things to happen. I will continue to keep working towards some of my goals in life, but if life decided to take an expected turn then at least I won't be too upset because it ruin my plans.

       As you can guess from this blog title, I've just turned 25 years old in Jan. I didn't had a big crazy party but a nice quite dinner with mum while we travelled to East Coast Australia. It's funny how I've always tell people around me that I stopped celebrate my birthday after 21st so that I can stay at that age forever. Of course, who am I kidding? I knew it is just a way of me denying of getting older. Yet, now that I'm only just into the first 2 months of 25, I reckon it is the best age to be so I hope to be forever 25. LOL. Not that any awesome or unforgettable things happen that make me change my mind (My life is so so, I'm still as confuse as before regarding where I really want to live, I still have many concerns and worries that related to my future. Life is just ordinary at the moment, and future is fuzzy.) I just think that 25 is a good life 'check point' for me. I am certain that I've learn something from the past 2 years that the Lord wants me to learn and have turned me into a stronger and more mature woman. If any good change going to happen, I hope it will happen to me this year.

        Few small good changes have happened for the last 2 months - just a quick recap here:

        January - I went on a 2 weeks trip with mum to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. I'm glad that I get to spend some quality times with mum as I had not seen her for a year since I came back from Malaysia last April. I know that as years go on, I might not have too much time to travel with her like this. I want to cherish every opportunity I have to spend time with my family.
                    Also, at work, I was asked to take up the role as an Infection Control Nurse. I was very nervous and a little reluctant to accept the role, yet, for my resume's sake, the role will make my resume looks better in the future. Plus, it is a good challenge that will benefit my nursing career.

        February - I'm happy to announce here that my sister, Sharon, is pregnant! Yes, I will be an aunt in September. Phew~ finally I can let the good news out now that most people know about it. So perhaps another trip to the States in September =)
                        Well, this is not something that happen to me but I would still want to mention about it here. My youngest cousin, Becky, has finally decided to pursue higher education in Taiwan. This reminded me of my journey to pursue Nursing in Australia couple years ago. I am truly happy for her because she is able to study something that she really like. Also, it will be a good opportunity for her to learn to be independent and become a talented young woman. So, good luck to her in a foreign country!!

    Mum and I in Melbourne

Sharon in her 13 weeks of preggo.

The 25 y.o me ^^

Pondering Time: Have you learn something from a book you read lately?

Recently I have been reading this book called :A Single Voice by Kristen M. Oaks who had stayed single for 52 years until she met her husband Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in my church). In the book, she shared her life as a single woman and the many lessons and experiences she learn while being a single. There are many words of wisdom and great examples from the book, but one of the main thing I learn from the book is that single man/woman doesn't have to wait until they are married to live a happy productive dream life. A happy productive life begin the moment you start enjoying the journey toward a happy life - the unexpected life is no less a life.

One of the few poem/quotes I love from the book :


" Pain stayed so long I said to him today, ' I will not have you with me anymore.' 
I stamped my foot and said,' Be on your way,'
And paused there, startled at the look he wore.
' I, who have been your friend,' he said to me,
'I, who have been your teacher - all you know
Of understanding love , of sympathy, 
And patience, I have taught you. Shall I go?'
He spoke the truth, this strange unwelcome guest; 
I watched him leave, and knew that he was wise.
He left a heart grown tender in my breast, 
He left a far, clear vision in my eyes. 
I dried my tears, and lifted up a song - 
Even for one who'd tortured me so long." 


"A good marriage does not does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. 
It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection." - Dallin H. Oaks


"Dress your best and look your best, but know you only have seventy seconds for people to care what you look like before they notice who you are and what you are saying".


"... when we look good, we feel good. Taking care of ourselves can increase our respect for ourselves. We wash our car, vacuum our home, and do our dishes - we shouldn't neglect to maintain ourselves."


" As single sisters we have little control over when we will marry, but we do have control over the environment we create for ourselves."

Belated Wishes: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!!!AHHH~ It's nearly two months since I last posted on my blog! I miss sharing things here. I would just blame it all to the ridiculous internet company. My old house's internet was having some technical problem on Christmas day. At first, my housemates and I thought it's Christmas time which means a lot of people probably were using skype or facebook chat or whatever social network to contact their family who live overseas, therefore the internet is down due to over usage. Unfortunately, we still couldn't connect to the internet for the next few days and it was Christmas and New Year holidays so the internet company was close. We have to wait for another week before we can get hold of the company technician. To cut the long story short, we ended up terminated the internet service since we were moving house shortly after the phone call. That also means I didn't have chance to access to internet properly. Anyhow...I've moved into my new place with few friends and I CAN ACCESS TO DA INTERNET 24/7!! * Jeez..talking about living without internet these days* *eyes rolling*.

Alrighty, so how was my Christmas? Erm... worrrkinggg. Well, I wasn't suppose to work but one of my Aussie colleague asked if I can cover the shift for her as she would like to spend Christmas with her family on Christmas night. Since I don't really have family here to celebrate with, I agreed. If my job wasn't the kind of job of providing caring service, I wouldn't want to work that night. But I seriously didn't mind working that night because how can I spend my Christmas night more meaningful than providing service to those elderly?! Plus I have to said they were especially nice on Christmas. ^.*

Here's some of my Favourites of Christmas-December:

Favourite Christmas Message:

“Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out, and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Behleham…What is the spirit we feel at Christmastime? It is His spirit – the Spirit of Christ.” – Pre. Thomas F. Monson

Favourite Christmas Gatherings Party:

Though I was invited to several Christmas parties (workplace, ward, friends, YSA), there were two particulars that I enjoy the most. The first one is my ward Christmas party, where we have to all dressed up in Biblical attire. Never have I ever stop feeling amazed by how good the ward or YSA activity committees are in planning activities, especially as big as this. They are just so creative which I think I would probably break down into tears half way organizing it. Aaanywho, I'm glad that I can finally wear the Baju Kurung that I brought from Malaysia 5 years ago. I think I turned out pretty good as a good Samaritan lady =)

I loveeee this pic dearly. It is perhaps one of the most completed group photo with Jonathan (the only male in our group) in it. They are the friends that went through the same 'pursuing-nursing' journey with me for the past 5 years. With them I felt completely myself because we come from same country, we know the same cultures. Because of them, my homesickness reduced. Though Jonathan had left to Perth, I hope we will continue to gather as often as we can ( it's not easy since we all work shift work) to maintain this special friendships we have.

Favourite Christmas Photo:

If I ever gonna have a daughter I hope she will be as cute as little Trinity!! She was one of my sunbeams in Church Primary class. Her dad is Malaysian Chinese, mum is Vietnamese Chinese, and little Trinity is Australian Born Chinese. Maybe because I am Malaysian too,so her dad always treated me like sister and called me 'Ah Mui' (little sister in Cantonese). I was grateful to be in the same ward with her family ever since I came to Australia until recently when I have to move out of the ward boundary. Yet, they still always include me in some of their family celebration. They are like my Aussie family =)

Favourite Christmas Music Video:



I've watch The Grinch ages ago (can't even remember how old I was). I don't remember much of the movie but one part that stuck in my mind was when Cindy Lou Who sang the song "Where are you Christmas". The caught my attention right away. I only recently look up the full lyrics and absolutely love it when it says "did Christmas change...or just me?"

Christmas means different to different people, cultures and belief. Some celebrate it, some don't. Some believe in Santa, some knows it is just a legend ( woops..sorry if you still believe in Santa). Christians know the celebration is about the birth of Jesus Christ. Indeed, Christmas is always the same. It is there. People change, change their attitudes towards Christmas Day based of various reasons.

Favourite my Christmas Outfit:

Thanksgiving

According to my knowledge, some people who celebrate Thanksgiving's Day in America or else where in the wold will have a big feast at home with family or close friends. At the meal time, they will take turn to express their gratitude to one thing they appreciated. I think it is a really cool tradition/culture as sometimes we may not recognize what we are most thankful for until we say it out (note: I always enjoy listening to people of what they are thankful for). Therefore, in this blog entry, I would like to express my great appreciation for the most important thing that the Lord has given me : My Fammily. I can never thank the Lord enough for giving me the family I have. Though mum and dad are not together anymore but they are both lovely parents who want the best for me and Sharon.It will take another few hours just to talk about how much they have sacrifice to provide us for what we need and want in our childhood / teenage days. I have the most hardworking and intelligent sister who forever know what she wants in life and live to prove that she can always achieve most her goals. Needless to say, what can you ask more for a better brother-in-law than Leighton? IT genius, funny, and most importantly, a kind-hearted person. 

It might be because I've grown up or I am far from home, I love and appreciate my family more and more as the years go on. I miss the every single family gathering time we had and hope that we can all live closer to each other again. Yes, I do believe i'm more of a  family orientated person and I intend to stay this way forever.

Forever Love for my wonderful Mum!!! 

They are my goofy awesome brother-in-law and smart pretty sister.

And my healthy Nana, with beloved Dad!

 

Sisterhood of the Funny Face!

Favourites of the Month:October

Well, I realized that it is 'the' Halloween month and most blogs I visited or tweeter I followed or FB were/are all about celebration of Halloween for the last 2 weeks. Personally, I don't think I ever experience the real American's Halloween (mental note: must experience that the next time I visit America), which is more festive than Aussie's Halloween (because Aussies don't really celebrate it as big as the American!). Since I didn't end up going to any Halloween party this year but I would also like to touch on the 'Halloween topic', thus the following picture: I changed my mobile homescreen according to the month's festival ;) Oh and some of my this month faves ^_^

Favourite Weekends: General Conference

Every years in April and October, my church will have general conference where leaders of the Church will address us with spiritual talks. The conference will last for two days. I am always excited about the General Conference because it's the only time you get to hear so many uplifted messages in once, especially from the Prophet of God (he's the one in the above pic for those we are not members of my church). Believe or not, every General Conference there is always one or two particular talks that I needed so much in my life at that moment. No doubt in my mind, these are the answers to my pray. I also love how after the general conference, church members will discuss and share their feeling of their favourite talks. It is exciting because  you will hear/see how the same talk means differently to different people depends of their current circumstances. Yea, this October has been a spiritual month for me because of the General Conference and Stake Conference we had.

Favourite News : Lian and Clifford is Getting Married!!

Lian and Clifford, her fiance!

Me and Lian couple years ago before she left Miri for her mission.

Big Congratulation to one of my best friends, Lian, who will tie the knot with her fiance in a couple months!!!! I would like to dedicated this particular post to them because they have come a long way. I have known Lian for nearly 7 or 8 years through the church. Couple years after I joined the church, Lian moved back to Miri for a period of time and we were not only going to the same church but worked in the same place too - Dialysis Centre in Miri. Having to work in the same place and participating in church activities had definitely helped us become closer friends. For me, she is such a smart and independent girl. When she decided to serve the Lord and spend 1 1/2 years on mission, I admired her faith and testimony. Unfortunately during the time she served her mission, I came to Australia for my education and we never get a chance to meet up for years. Thank goodness for Skype that allows us still catch up and updated our life with each other. I am truly happy that she found her happiness and ready to move into a new stage of life in a new environment. It takes courage to accept big chances in life. It's all worth it in the end Lian, at the meantime, enjoy the journey!!! *hug*

Favourite makeover reality TV shows: 

I'm not sure about you guys, but I really love watching makeover show. It always strike me how after the magic touch from makeup artists, hair stylist and fashion gurus, an unattractive 'ugly duckling' transforms into a confidence swan. I love to see the process of this transformation and that's why I love watching the above two reality shows. There is a Chinese sayings: There are no ugly women (men) on earth, there are only lazy women (men) who don't put effort into beauty. I have to agree being beautiful takes up a lot of time. But it's worth it because it makes you feel confidence, it gives you courage and it makes you happy about yourself.

New Favourite Dessert Place: Eggless

When I first heard about this place from my housemate, I have been wanting to try their desserts. When I finally found the time and friends to go with me, the shop was close for a month as the owner decided to go on a month holiday. Therefore, I waited for  A MONTH to try out this famous dessert place in Adelaide. The name of the shop is EGGLESS. The reason being that the owner's wife does not use egg in any of her home-made desserts. What attracted me are there Malaysian's desserts! (Yes, the shop owner is Malaysian.). Also, the menu changes every month so old/ new customers can always come back to try different types of desserts.  My friends and I have to wait for about 45 min to get seated and that's how popular it is.

Favourite Change:

2 weeks ago, I discovered YesStyle which has now became my number one online shopping website other than eBay. As I went through the products lists, I came across with a few hair colouring products. Instantly I decided it's time to change my hair colour. I've been pretty much black hair entire my life, I think I need a new look. I did some research on this particular hair colouring product - palty -on yourtube and seems like a good one to go for, so I ordered the caramel-latte colour. On the day when the product arrived (together with a few other skincare products I bought as it's free shipping to buy more ^.*), I had my hair trimmed too before I DIY my hair-colouring .At first I think the hair stylist cut my hair for too short but it turned out pretty good. So, Ta-Da... my new look - short brown hair babe! (side note: on the colour product, it shows you how the colour will turned out to be according to your previous hair colour.Since my hair was darker, instead of caramel-latte, it became brown, which is what I want.)

Favourites of the Month:September

Another month has gone by quick. I felt like I have done a lot, yet not achieving any particular goals of mine or something that make me feel satisfying at the end of the month. Does some of you feel this way every now and then? I feel it more often lately. Anyway, it's time to share this month's favourites~~

Favourite Qoute:

"Do something that you love, surround yourself with people you trust, learn from your mistakes, work hard, and don’t let other people’s opinions of you become your limitations."- Lauren Conrad

Favourite Day Out:

The first week of September started with celebrating Ida's birthday. It was definitely one of the best girls' day out since I came back. The day began with a late breakfast at East Terrace Continental (Mmm.. their breakfast are good.) Then we decided to do what we have been wanting to do for a while- foot spa and pedicure! Yeeeaap... my first time and loving it. Since it's not as expensive as we thought, we might go back again every now and then!! Oh did I mention about the massage chair? I didn't realize it was a massage chair until after 10 min into the foot spa when the lady doing my feet told me, which I wish she'd have told me earlier.Haha. But seriously THAT was definitely a chair to die for (Noted: need to be in my future-home-furniture shopping list). The day went on with some shoppings and afternoon dessert time at Chocolate Bean. Couldn't ask for more for a fun relaxing day.

Favourite City Fun:

One thing I like about going to city Rundle Mall on Saturday is that there are always many interesting street performances, fun business/religion promotion or cute kids entertainment to keep the mall busy and entertaining. I saw this "Wall.E" taking her little baby in an old fashion pram doing some shopping on the street. How cool was that? If I wasn't in a hurry I definitely would take a picture WITH them!

Favourite Mother-Son photo:

My dear cousin, Vicky, welcomed her baby boy, Quinton, into the world last month. My sister, Sharon, gave him the name. Wow... i can still hardly believe she is a mum now. We used to play together a lot when we were little. She being a mother makes me feel weird...erm, in a way that make me feel : wow! i'm really at that stage where life is no longer the same as it used to be. We are sooo grown up now. LOL. Before I know, maybe my sister will have a little baby too, which I'm so looking forward to be - Auntie Ivy =)

Favourite YSA Activity: Master Chief Competition

First of all, I was glad that I went to the activity even though it seems like a last minute decision for me. If you have watched Master Chief, you'll know where the activity idea from. At first I thought I'd just watch people doing the cooking/baking and i'll enjoy the food afterward. But it turned out everyone came to the activity have to participate and get sorted into different group. Tracy, Camilla, Steve and I decided to call our team "Awesome" and guess what? We won!! But really it wasn't that hard when you had two good bakers on the team a.k.a Tracy and Camilla. All we had to do was following the recipe given to us and had them done within the time limit (which no one really cared and followed ^^). The recipe given to us is Raspberry and White Chocolate Friands. I'm pretty sure I have friands before but never really know what they call until this day when I had to make them. Definitely added it into my new list of favourtie dessert! Especially with the white chocolate. Yumm... (I was really happy with the way we decorated it. We did put a lot of afford into it!!!)

Pondering Time: Are you a True Friend?

Recently I have been reading this book called "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie. I first heard about the book from my brother-in-law,Leighton, as I told him I was searching for some self-motivation/self-education books. At time I didn't pay too much attention to it because I was reading another self-motivation book. Then, I was talking to this close friend of mine, Doreen, who happened to read this book earlier and she once again recommended it to me. So I decided to rent it from the local library. Now that i'm reading it, I pay more attention to the way I treat/communicate with people and try to apply a few important keys that i've learnt into real life. I have to say reading this book doesn't necessary make me a better friend or enhance my social skills to deal with people because I'm still struggling dealing with some people around me who I would like to called "self-centred". But at least at this time (since I haven't finish the book yet), I can understand what makes two people or a few people becomes good or true friends for life!

Have you ever doubt yourself at some points of your life if you are a true friend? I know I have.

Years ago, a friend of mine was about to leave overseas for studying. Before she left she gave me this beautiful card with a friendship quote on it. It said: "Being a friend is easy when times are good or when you benefit from the relationship. But true friend sticks by your side even when things get tough. This is the kind of friend you desire. But to have one, this is also the kind of friend you must be. THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A FRIEND IS TO BE ONE." Yes, no doubt this is a beautiful quote about friendship. And I am really grateful she chose this card for me because at the time I received this card, I was questioning myself: is she saying that i'm not being a friend that I should be by hinting me that I need to be one? Of course, I might read too much into it. However, I'm glad THAT kept me ponder and wonder (yes i'm still reminding myself til now) if I am a true friend to my friends and how can I be one if I'm not.

Funny how now that I am reading this book by Dale Carnegie learning how to be a better social person, I also tend to observe (secretly..hehe) how other people socialize. I met some new friends since I came back to Adelaide and surprisingly couple of them revealed to me they hardly have many friends they can call "good friends". So I did some behaviours/social skills observing to find out why. (I know, I know, I'm not psychologist or those smart people who analyzed personalities or bahaviours, but I'm those who like to dig deep and find out 'why it happens this way and not that way'. Okay I can sense some eye-rolling going on now. LOL.)

These are the main reasons I found with people who think they don't have many good/true friends :

1) They are not good at conversing or too shy to make the conversation first or afraid of awkwardness.

2) They are inconsistent. By this I mean not having a solid circle of friends. They may have a lot of friends but not 'good friends'.

3) They are not interested in other people's life or self-centred. So everything is about themselves and their lives. Care-less about others. Too prideful to go up to others first.

4) Insensitive and insincere - not a good listener or simply rude. Believe it or not, some people never let you finish what you want to say because back to 3) - they could't care much of what you want to say.

So there you go. Of course, these are only based on my observations so I believe there will be many other reasons out there.

I have to say in my 24 years of living, I am blessed with many good/close friends. I'm not talking about those hi-bye friend or only contact once in a blue moon. I'm talking about true friends that I could still maintain the friendship as I grow old. My secrets are simply 3Ls: Loyal, Love, Listen.

What are your secrets to make you a true friend? Have a think about it. =) xoxo