Remorseful!

This shouldn't be how I feel towards the ending of 2007.. but guess what, I killed a lizard. It's like the common lizard at home, only it's black. It certainly does look creepy and I don't want it to come out of nowhere and frighten the hell out of me. Hence, I tried to cover it with a tupperware and then take it out of the house, so that it might live. However, it ran too fast, and I was frantically trying to cover it. I finally got it, but in the next second, I saw some blood and instantly I knew I had hurt it. I took it out of the house, but it think it wasn't moving when I left it beside the tree.. Oh, I feel so bad!!! The lizard looks a little like the picture below, only it's much smaller (probably 3 inches long). We are surrounded by greens ie park, trees, grass etc. So inevitably, some insects/reptiles will come into the house. Ohh... what should I do?

"I think I better take the picture of the lizard off before someone begins to have nightmare, if they keep looking at it (it's probably going to be me). Hehe =) "

Merry Christmas 2007!

BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

It's the time everyone's been waiting for. A time to be with loved ones, a time to give and receive, a time to share, a time of joy, peace and love. Although we don't have our families here, we are still very much taken care of by God and are very much part of our church and friends circle. Leading up to Christmas has been so busy, unlike last year. We had my in-laws to celebrate Christmas last year and we didn't partake in any church activities nor celebrated with friends. So it was a quiet, peaceful little Christmas.

This year was the total opposite, perhaps more for me. I have been running up and down, buying presents, food, going to and fro church for musical practice and driving everywhere for visiting. Phew, a really busy but merry little Christmas, this year.

Also, it's time to reveal the presents I got for Andrew. I woke up to my surprise this morning, and saw a present wrapped up nicely just for me on my way to the toilet. I was so thrilled, and then it hit me, that it's CHRISTMAS! Thank you my darling...

Here are pictures of our presents!

~ HIS~

~ HERS~

P/S: Since he loves his cooking and especially steak, I thought I should get him a steak pan! And he on the other hand, had to ask a favour from his female colleagues to help him choose the bag for me. How sweet of him and so unexpected. =) Everything I tell him, he does take note and in this instance, I did tell him before that I don't really have a working handbag and I should get one. In addition, white is my favourite colour!

Christmas Space Odyssey First night!

It was an amazing evening. The show went well, everything was great. The choir, the dance, the actors, the lightings the slideshow.. you name it. Truly, God's presence was amongst us. He is to be glorified through all that we do, else everything we do is meaningless.

I'm still trying to upload the video for the dance, so bear with me. Here are some photos of our dance and rehearsal. Enjoy!

Obsessed with dancing

I'm loving lyrical dance, which is a combination of ballet and jazz..I hope I will be able to join dancing class next year... =) This duo dance is awesome and I love every move. The choreography is just so beautiful and sweet. This really motivates me to want to dance. I had better do something about my dreams before I get too old.
Dancing is something I truly love, the part I worry is the training. It is not easy. I am also worried that I am too old to start learning. I am quite petite in size and people tend to think I'm still young. So I'm going to use it to my advantage and use it while I can. Enjoy the video clip!



Just in case you would like to know the names of the dancers, they are Amanda Ocampo (7 yrs old) and Clarisse Chavez (17 yrs old).

Christmas Space Odyssey 2007

Christmas Space Odyssey is near. We only have about a week to practice. Because of time constraint, I'm only doing one dance, which is not so stressed for me. Somehow, I find myself a bit too old to even remember some of the steps.. I feel like fulfilling my own dreams to dance again. Anyway, here's the promo for the musical by our church. Although I am a little worried for the whole production, our pastor seems to be so enthusiastic and confident that it will be a real good musical. I guess that's how our faith differs. I guess I should have more faith in God to make all these turn out well.

It's over but not quite yet..

It's finally over, the much anticipated moment and the best news is we PASSED! NATA inspection has been good today, and we thought it would take them 2 days to go through all our documents, but to our amazement, they only took half a day. SO it's all good and what a tremendous relief for everyone. My boss let us go for the day at 3pm! How good is that! However, we have another forensic inspection in January the 7. Hopefully it will be as good and easy to pass like this one.

This weeked will be a busy weekend as I have a wedding to attend on Saturday and a Christmas gathering with colleagues on Sunday. It will be a fun and relaxing weekend, I'm sure!

Hectic week!

No, hectic week is an understatement. It should be hectic month! NATA is next Thursday and everyone is stressing out. My boss didn't go home for 3 days and a colleague of mine didn't go home yesterday. Well, one is married for 30 years and another is single. Of course they can do that. I have a husband at home waiting for me. So, no way I'm sleeping in the office. At least I've done my part and I did as best as I could before going home. Please pray that this week will be over in due time. So tired of the validation we have to do. I don't intend to play the blame game here, but seriously it's all the previous manager's fault for not doing a good job, hence we have to clean up the mess. Anyway, if we have to do it, we have to do it. Just can't wait for this to be over.

On a lighter note, I finally bought a Christmas gift for hubby. I think it's the best gift I've bought for him thus far. Will reveal the gift after Christmas!

All ready for musical

I finally got my ballet shoes from BLOCH and I'm all set to dance this coming christmas. Gosh, can you imagine getting a ballet shoes at the age of 26? I feel so old for ballet. Even the lady at the shop asked where do I train. It just sounds so funny when I replied, no where!

Anyway, we are doing 2 songs, one of which is Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin. Choreography is finished and we are just fine-tuning the timing and more practice is needed now. I cannot say if I dance well, so you be the judge.. only if I can get my husband to record a video of me dancing. Can't wait for Christmas!

Ever so faithful

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Psalm 36:5
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Yesterday, God really answered my prayer. I was so overwhelmed by his faithfulness that I cannot stop praising Him. I still cannot believe myself what happened.

Let me explain.

Remember my last holiday back to Malaysia? In January, I took one month leave for Sept-Oct. I knew NATA accreditation was in Oct, but no one knew exactly which date. I couldn't wait till I find out, else I would miss out on the flight sale (see blog on January 24). So I book my leave for 4 weeks. AS NATA date drew closer, we were all so stressed out. One colleague was supposed to go on leave for his wedding just before NATA. Guilt just plagued me when I thought that I would go on leave at such crucial time. Both of us will go on leave, leaving behind just one scientist manning the lab. I didn't commit this anxiety to God instead I took matters into my own hands. I changed my flight and cut short my holiday to 2 weeks. At least I would be able to help out in my lab, I comforted myself.

Then a week before the original NATA date, my boss came in and announced that NATA has been postponed to December. I was thrilled but speechless at the same time. I should have just trusted the Lord to work something out for me. So, I had to bear my own consequence. All was good then, no more stress though I had a short time in Malaysia.

When I came back from Malaysia, the other scientist who was left alone manning the lab told me he's taking leave in Feb (which coincides with CNY). I thought I won't be able to take leave for CNY. To make matters worse, we have another NATA accreditation in February, this time for forensic and also in February. Still, I voiced out to my boss about my intention to go away in February. He however was reluctant to let me go then due to NATA. He asked me to wait before I book my flight so that he can confirm with me. So I waited. This time, I really trusted in God for His plan. I wasn't that worried as I knew He will perform yet another miracle.

True enough, my patience paid off. My boss came in and said he has a bad news for us. The NATA accreditation for forensic was not in February 7, but January 7 and that he has mistaken the dates. My jaw just dropped when I heard the news. I couldn't believe what I heard. Now, tell me, isn't God faithful??

So now, I can peacefully book my flight to go home for CNY. Praise the Lord...

Australian Idol 2007

I've been following Australian Idol for 4 years now.. that means I have been here for almost 4 years now.. how time flies!

Anyway, was particularly happy when Natalie Gauci won. Not that I don't like Matt Corby but somehow the debut single is important. Whoever sings it well, deserve it. However, the same song may only suit one singer and not the other.. well, it's unfortunate then. Here's the list of Australian Idol since it's opening in 2003 accompanied by their winner's single. Actually this is more like a compilation for myself.

2003 - Guy Sebastian, [Shannon Noll (2nd)] with debut single, Angel's Brought Me Here



2004 - Casey Donovan, [Anthony Callea (2nd)] with debut single, Listen With Your Heart



2005 - Kate DeAraugo, [Emily Williams (2nd)] with debut single, Maybe Tonight


2006 - Damien Leith, [Jessica Mauboy (2nd)] with debut single, Night of My Life



2007 - Natalie Gauci, [Matt Corby (2nd)] with debut single, Here I Am

Getting serious with my endeavour

I always believe that a hobby must fit these criteria below:
a) enjoyable (of course, needless to say)
b) free or with minimal cost
c) useful and
d) rewarding

Of course this is strictly my own conviction and I am not placing judgement on what others do with their hobby. As I mentioned before, I am very shrewd nowadays when it comes with money. I do believe it is good practice to manage your finance well and be a good financial steward with what God has bless you with.

So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will
trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone
else’s property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:11-12).

Anyway, I became quite obsessed with making jewelleries that it's excess for me to wear alone. Hence I've decided to sell them. My policy, however is not to sell them expensive but to make it affordable for everyone. My new endeavour has since fulfilled my criteria as a worthy hobby ie very enjoyable, free and at minimal cost (it wasn't free initially, but I have sold some and since got back the cost of the jewelleries), useful to myself and even others as I can custom make jewelleries for them and last but not least rewarding, as I am making some money for myself. Isn't that awesome?

Here's to share with you some of the jewelleries I made:

Am thinking of setting up website and/or catalogues but let's see how it goes, shall we? Wish me the best!

Lab Photos

I try to keep my promise. Took some pictures of my lab to share with all of you. I'm not too sure if I'm allowed to. But hey, it's because I'm proud of the lab that's why I need to share with everyone about it.

Cut the chase, here goes.

My lab ~ Sonic Clinical Institute
(A division of Sonic Healthcare, the largest pathology company in Australia)

The stairs to the entrance

The entrance

The whole thing

The core of the building

The restroom


Break out area

Stairs leading up to my office (cheh... beh paiseh, thick skin)

See anything unusual?? Anything that rings a bell???

Perhaps you can get it this time.. Just in case if you still don't get it, my lab is health related, why on earth do we have rock stars' names for our meeting rooms? Good question, I don't know, ask Colin Goldsmith, the CEO of Sonic Healthcare.

Tada, my precious office space. It's spacious, I tell ya..

Praise the Lord

It has been a good week since Uncle's surgery. Uncle has since been recovering well and yesterday, dad called to say uncle's report was out. The cancer cells did not spread and uncle may not even have to succumb to chemotherapy. We are still waiting on doctor's decision on that.

God has been so amazing to our family. Without Him, we would have been like lost sheeps, without direction, without hope, without light. We may not be perfect, but we surely have God on our side. The only thing I'm so proud of my family is that they all know the Lord and have accepted Christ as their Saviour and Lord. We are heading the right direction.

On a different note, got a surprise gift today from a colleague to thank me for helping doing so well and helping out so much in the lab. I like the chocolates and the wrapping in particular. I got the same present before (remember the green present?) and I feel bad that it's not reciprocal. I should get something for my colleague as well. Alrighty, will write more in the future.

Our responsibilities

Just an update on Uncle Lawrence. The surgery went well although doctor had to remove 90% of his stomach. We only pray that the cancer cells have not spread to other organs.

If you were wondering who Uncle Lawrence is to me, he is my father's brother. We used to live in one big house, with 17 family members, 4 sets of families ie 4 brothers and their respective families and 2 unmarried aunts. My dad is the oldest, who has 3 children, then Uncle Lawrence who has 1 child, followed by Uncle Steven, who has 3 children, then Uncle Louis and my two single aunties. So, you do the math (do include all the wives as well).

My dad's family have been living together in the same house since they were born. So, you can imagine how bonded we are, as a family. Everyone in my hometown have always been in awed with the fact that my family lives together. It was only until all my uncle's children in the family grows up and needs their own room did my dad decide to move out.

Not having any of my family members there in any occasion, seems odd. There are times when I thought that my family were too closely knitted that the 4 immediate families and 2 aunties tend to cross their boundaries on personal issues encountered by any one families. Hm.. my family's relationship is a little complicated to understand. Anyway, we are seriously close, that's my point.

When I first heard of the news about my uncle Lawrence, it immediately brought me back to the memories of losing a dearest family member, that is my paternal grandfather. My grandpa and I were close as we lived together too, and I always knew I was special in his eyes as I was his favourite. He passed at 69. His death brought so much pain to me then. I was 12. My maternal grandma passed away when I was 18. I was not as close to my grandma as she lived much further away. I was a pity that I wasn't as close to her as I was to my grandpa. After her death, I regretted that I never get to know her better.

When I was young, I never knew how to love, not until I got so much older. This is the time when loved ones should be cherish and not be taken granted for. I only thank God that my family is saved and I can be certained that they will meet God one day in heaven when God calls them home. But I surely will miss them. Even now, I realised these fun and enjoyable times with family will end rather soon, as everyone ages.

However, I do believe we can ask God to grant us good health and live till old age. Matthew 7:7 says "Ask and it shall be given". This is God's promise to us. But do we have responsibilities on our part? Of course we do. We need to also be a good steward of our health. We need to do all it takes to ensure a good health. I am a scientist yet, many a times I am in awe with how God created our bodies. Some people may say, it's all in your genes. Yes, but God is a genious maker. For instance, I learnt that eventhough certain diseases are caused by genes as detected by testing, but it can be polymorphism which does not produce any syndrome nor indication of the disease. In other words, that person is basically normal and healthy. Even cancer, God gives us a second chance if we are careful with our diet and lifestyle. Of course, these doesn't account for all the genetic diseases. It's sad that some person doesn't seem to have a "second chance" at all. But who are we to question God. God can give, God can also take away.

But for those who are without any sickness or illness, be responsible over your health.

Update on Uncle Lawrence

Uncle Lawrence underwent gastrectomy this afternoon. Doctors had to operate on him in order to do staging. Apparently doctor said it's stage 3. We were all gobsmacked by the news. It was totally shocking, although most stomach cancer diagnosis is made at advance stages. Ironically there isn't any symptoms leading to stomach cancer. Apparently, stomach cancer isn't genetic but rather due to diet and environment.

Please continue praying for him. He is only 51 and has a 10 year old daughter.

He is the most helpful uncle and always is a sport. He loves to organise trips and will go all out to help family members. Without him, there's really not much fun in the family anymore. He does mean alot to everyone. I just realised that all my family members mean so much to me. It would be horrible to lose any of them, but we should all know and accept the fact that we will leave this world someday, somehow. The world is not to be called our own.

Prayer and Petition

Today, I received a sad news. My uncle Lawrence was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in the stomach. Although it is sad and discouraging, but we all should realize that this world is just a stepping stone to another destination. In my belief, this destination is called heaven. We are all saved by faith and grace, as long as we believe that Jesus, the son of God who died to pay for our sins. I know many sceptics who will refute that, but I'm just wondering, if they cannot come up with something better for me to believe in, then they might as well not counter and dash one's hope.

Anyway, this news just made me realized that nothing in this world matters. Of course, even if we take good care of ourselves, we will still die one day. No one lives forever in this world. We can only live to our fullest, with the time frame we have.

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to You in this
time of illness. 0 dearest Comforter of the Troubled, alleviate our worry and
sorrow with Your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this
burden. Dear God, we place our worries in Your hands. We place our sick under
Your care and humbly ask that You restore Your servant to health again. Above
all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Your holy will and know that whatsoever
You do, You do for the love of us.
Amen.

http://www.jimfeeney.org/powerofhealingprayers.html

Start of daylight saving

It's the start of daylight saving again. We lose an hour today but what I love about summer is the longer hours of day time. When we arrive home everyday, it feels like we are home early. It was so liberating and purposeful when you feel you could do so much more when the sun is still out.

I'm starting to miss home, so I have been working hard to keep myself occupied. I am engaging myself with my jewelleries making, house cleaning, washing and cooking. Lately, hubby has been very supportive and encouraging with my cooking. He eats more of my food and gives good comments. That motivates me to cook even more and better. Apart from that, we have been watching heaps of movie which I will post later on.

Back from Malaysia

Time flies.. 2 weeks is over just like that! Well, I can't complain. I should be thankful that I got a cheap flight home and I managed to meet all of my family members. Had a great time eating all the delicious meal I was craving whilst staying in Sydney. It was like heaven! Apart from that, it was so good seeing all my family members. My only regret was that I didn't go back for CNY this year. I promise myself to not save on money but to grab every opportunity I can find to fly home and be with my family.

Some highlights from the trip home this time.

1) Penang trip was fun. Went with in-laws and my family. Did some shopping and of course the laksa and char kuey tiew I missed.

2) Saw dad and uncle's new factory. The company has diversified and we are doing something different and less stress. Although it was less stress for most of the employers, things seemed to remain the same to my Uncle Lawrence. He is still as stress as ever, all the years I've known him managing the company. We all worry for his health.

3) Celebrated mum's birthday. I purposely planned to go home to be with my mum on her birthday. So, that was great!

All in all, I cherish every moment I have with my family. Looking forward to seeing them again this coming CNY in february.

Going back to Malaysia

It's been a while since I went home.  After I got married, this is the first time I went home. That's like 20 months ago! Pretty excited and I am, actually at SYD INTL airport and using the free internet access to just blog while waiting. Will be back in Malaysia for 2 weeks, then hubby will join me the second week before coming back to Sydney together.

The bag allowance is quite strict nowadays and for international flights, check-in luggage has to weigh no more than 20kg per person while hand-carry is about 7kg. We bought some stuffs home, and as usual, we always have alot of stuff to bring home. Check-in luggage was good, only 19kg. I am bringing home a laptop in addition to my normal hand-carry. Praise the lord, at the check-in counter, met a bible study member and won't go into details cause I do not want to ger her into trouble. 
But you can guess, I suppose. She will even help to look out for us when we come back to Sydney so we can get good seats. =)

So, all is good! Hope to catch up with all my close friends and have a jolly good time with families.
Will blog and post pictures (if any) when I come back.

Happy Feet

Lastly, our movie to end our movie marathon was wrapped up with Happy Feet, though it wasn't ideal. Movie wasn't too great although the characters are voiced by great actors and actresses ie Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy and Hugo Weaving. I reckon it won the best animated movie award because Shrek (1, 2, 3) wasn't produced in the same year. I give this a 6/10.

Pursuit of Happyness

Our next movie was Pursuit of Happyness. It is a totally inspiring movie based on the true-life story of Chris Gardner. I missed the point initially however as I was waiting for the climax of the story where Chris Gardner (Will Smith in the movie) becomes succesful, like most unrealistic Hong Kong movies. But this is truly the opposite. It stressed on the downs of his journey, and how he was always striving and rushing around to make ends meet, all for the sake of his son. Of course, he eventually became successful and wealthy businessman but it was really the down to earth and surreal journey he went through that should be the focus here.

Truly awesome acting by Will Smith and his son, Jaden. I give this a 9/10.

Curse of the Golden Flower

One of the best things about living where we are now is Civic Video, a movie rental store located just down the street. Wednesday at 6 - 8pm is Happy Hour, where all new releases are only $1.95 for either over night or 3 nights hire. We thought of watching some movies, so hired several new releases. The first which we watched was "Curse of the Golden Flower". Didn't really know anything about this movie, not much publicity, but we thought, hey it's Chow Yuen Fatt and Gong Li, how bad can the movie be. Plus, the DVD cover looks quite sophisticated.

The movie started off ok, however, first turn-off was the part when it was first revealed that Empress actually has an affair with her stepson, the Emperor's eldest son by the Emperor's first wife. Initial reaction was disgust, but slowly realized that in the Imperial palace, every other male is an eunuch except for the royal family. After all, it's just a movie, we continued watching. Second turn-off, the over-exposed boobs were just too much to bear considering that it's an asian setting. Finally, I really disagree with the casting of Prince Jie, the Empress' eldest son, who was acted by Jay Chou. His acting was a little awkward and in the making interview, he explained he was actually quite scared and nervous while acting alongside Gong Li that he dared not look into her eyes. What a funny chap!

I must say though that the costumes are stunning and lavish and all the colours used in the setting are just amazing and beautiful. All in all, the main message of the movie is that, when it comes to a powerful and strong ruling, what is seemingly beautiful on the outside can be squirmingly ugly on the inside.

Visit the official webpage of the movie and you will see how beautiful cinematography is. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.

Hoard Not!

It's Sunday again and we encountered something SIMILAR as before after driving home from church. We parked our car at our usual spot. It was not long before hubby and I both noticed a nice couch sitting just opposite our place. I wasn't expecting anything but my first thought was, the tenants living opposite our flat must be doing spring cleaning and perhaps, leaving their couch out to dry after cleaning or something like that. Then hubby suggested we take a walk at the park to get some sunlight. As we walked past the couch, hubby saw a posted paper on couch saying "It's FREE and yes, you can take it!". I was absolutely stunned and excited. Not again, I thought to myself. I gave hubby a look and immediately hubby knew what I was thinking about. But hubby disproved of the idea and shooked his head, saying we have no more room at home.I was pretty adamant about it, but hubby pulled me towards the park and say let's take a walk first and come back to see if it's still there, and then we will wait for another day and if it's still there, then we shall consider taking it. Of course, that meant "no, you silly girl".

We came back from the stroll and the couch was still there (of course, it was still there, it was only 5-10 minutes later). Hubby tried to dissuade me but I just couldn't listen. I tried lifting the couch to figure if both of us can lift the couch. We tried and tried, but unfortunately, it was no good. I couldn't help hubby to carry the couch up to our flat. Hubby even hurt his fingers while trying to carry it. So then, I decided to just let go of the couch for several reasons:

1. We don't really have any room for another couch in the flat.
2. We can't move the couch by ourselves.
3. Because of my obstinant, Andrew hurt his finger.
4. Lastly, but probably most important is, I realised, perhaps the couch wasn't meant for us, and we have to learn to say enough. Even the bible says so in Matthew 6: 19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Perhaps, I was being greedy by trying to hoard all these "free gifts" which I would like to think of it as God's blessings. But we have to ask ourselves one question before we become misled and the question is "Are we in need of a couch?". The answer for now is clearly NO. However, I do consider for the future sake just in case we move to a bigger place and we can have the couch as a spare! Wait, hang on. I just said spare, didn't I? I won't really use that couch as my main couch in the living room and I'm thinking of its usage more of a spare. Ok, I guess hubby is totally right then and I should listen to him and I must let it go.

Just in case you wonder what sort of couch am I talking about, here's a picture of it.



See, see what I mean, isn't it a reasonably good and nice sofa? (I keep looking out from the balcony to see if it's there and it's still there *sigh*)

Ok, Lord, hoard not, hoard not.

A new endeavour

I mentioned before that there was a beads and such warehouse near where I stay. I have always loved arts and crafts and I love making things because I have a somewhat creative hands. So, knitting is being put on hold and this time, I am an accomplisher. So there's no unfinished projects, a dire habit which I used to have ie never finish a project which I started. Lately, I'm quite enthused with jewellery making, even more so after I discovered the warehouse. I am also trying to design my own label because I intend to sell them, just for fun since I won't be able to wear all the jewelleries. I am kicking off with earrings, and thus far, I've finished making 30 earrings. I started wearing earrings to work (which I almost never did) just to promote them and hoping my colleagues will notice them without me actually promoting them (I'm not a natural sales person). True enough they did notice and were astonished when I said I made them. Some even offered to buy. I am so excited about it. To be honest, at the back of my mind I do hope I will achieve some side income from this.. for the thrill of it. =) Tada, here's to share with you my first piece(s) of work.

We are moving lab soon!

We are moving to a new lab soon, probably in a month's time. Yesterday, my boss took some of us to the new lab for a tour round the building. I must say, I am very impressed with the new building's design. The new lab will be at least 3 times larger than our current lab now. I am so honoured to be able to go to the new lab to give some input on the move and the arrangement of equipments and etc. What impressed on me was that my boss and senior scientist ask for my advise and my opinion actually counts. Lately, we are short of staff and the lab only has my senior scientist and myself to mend the lab. Although so, all test are pretty much up to date and there aren't any outstanding samples so far. I have only started my role about 2 months ago, and it seems I am learning and coping really well. Because there weren't enough staff, I had to learn as much as I can to help out with the lab. So, in that sense, it's actually an advantage to me. I'm so excited and happy with where I am now. Although I can just be contented with where I am now, somehow deep in me, I know that this is not it. I can't wait to discover more of God's plans for me. I will take some pics of my lab and post it soon.

Sharing

Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor~ Benjamin Franklin

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy~ Cynthia Nelms

No particular reason in sharing these two quotes, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

On another note, just came back from a bible study member's birthday party, which he celebrated alongside his daughter's 3rd birthday. Was chatting with some people in the party, and I do pray that God plans for this meeting regarding mission trip and babies =) . I personally felt as if God was speaking to me indirectly through these people. WIth regards to the first, harvest are bountiful, opportunities are plenty. We don't have to wait to be called, if we can offer our time and money to help contribute in God's work. As for babies, we spoke to some mature christians, who was indirectly helping to advise hubby on having kids earlier rather than later.

Anyway, all was good, and as we were chatting, I had a good amount of sun exposure which left me feeling great afterwards. Great day for a party. Now, I'm just rushing to go out for a walk while the sun is still shining bright. How I yearn for sun nowadays.

Also another update. My best friend just gave birth to a healthy baby boy on September 13, and they named him Zachariah Low Yong-ern. I can't wait to see him soon.

I have to stop being complacent about my health!

Went to the chiropractor last Saturday to do a scan on my spinal condition. Was not feeling my best of late hence the decision to see a chiropractor. Got back the results on Monday and to my amazement though not entirely shocking, there were a few problems. The major problem lies on my atlas and cervical vertebrae which explains why I haven't been sleeping well which I believe that was since Form 6 (HSC) days, migraine and sinus. The chiropractor said it's not surprising because most students who study alot tend to have that problem. The report also said it was 120% loss of normal cervical curve ie reversal of neck curvation, which also explains well why I have rapid eye movement and dreams when I sleep. The vertebrae actually touches my part of my brain and causes me to be alert. I am just trying to explain it in lay man's term and trying to make sense all of it.

Then the second problem is, I have minor scoliosis ie dextroscoliosis ie scoliosis with convexity to the right side. This however, is congenital and inheritance, so can't do much about it. Although so, I do think I have an early signs of osteoporosis and it's all because I never got enough sun in my whole life. I used to be known as "puteri lilin (candle princess)", who likes to stay in dark (shadow). Nowadays, due to work, I don't really see much sun at all. How I yearn to be under the sun these days.

Thirdly, my lumbar curve is slightly bent forward causing a slight pelvic tilt.

So, unless I exercise regularly and go for chiropractic treatment, I am sure in the long run, there will be detrimental effects to my health. The latter reportedly has had anecdotal success, so I don't think I want to waste money on that plus it's not cheap. I need to go for 6 visits initially, twice a week, each visit cost me AUD50 (an hour). That's me, I'm a little stingy.

I have since started doing pilates every night for 10 minutes for some stretching. Hopefully I will feel better after a while. Please please, pray for me. =)

Birthday Celebration

Yes yes, it's my birthday and it was truly one of the best birthday I've had. Thanks to the APEC summit in Sydney, Friday was a public holiday. Therefore we had a long weekend to celebrate my birthday, which is today!

It all started on Friday, we had Italian lunch at the Sapore by the Fountain, in Leichhardt Forum. I had Salmon Fettucini and Andrew had Spaghetti with Mussels. Lunch was absolutely stuffing. We couldn't even finish our portion, so we ate up the more expensive food ie salmon and mussels and left some of the spaghetti and fettucini.

Then on Saturday, we met up with some friends we knew from OCF (Overseas Christian Fellowship) and had Chinese dinner. It was perfect as we really felt at home eating those food plus all the catching up. Had a really enjoyable time. Then we managed to slot in a movie whereby we watched The Bourne Ultimatum in the cinema. Movie was excellent with action-packed adrenaline rush. Love it! Great way to end the day, I feel.

Then on Sunday, fetched Andrew to church early as he is involved with worship this week. Our church had to change venue due to the APEC summit. We are not complaining because it's just about 5 minutes drive from our place. If only church is within that distance every week.

Then evening came, met up with a good friend of Andrew and his family for dinner. We had Japanese at Sushi Samurai, Pyrmont. Food was great, value for money, small place but with nice ambience. It was a thorough pleasure! Of course not forgetting my birthday cake which we came back to our place for it.

That was my whole birthday venture. Now, I am feeling really happy and contented and am counting my blessings, and naming them one by one which God has done for me. Thank you, Lord and thank you, darling for such wonderful and memorable day.

Oh, I almost forgot. Received a birthday present from hubby a week earlier and I absolutely love it because I have been buying all sorts of cheap watches for 10, 20 bucks, well I'm a very stingy person. What's annoying is they don't last at all. So, hubby bought a good one and we do believe it will last a long time for me. Here's to share with you the photo of the watch and our photo as of September 9, 2007.

It's about them, not you!

It's been 18 months since I got married. Doesn't sound like it's been too long, but it seems forever to me. Probably because we are so used to each other now, that the thought of having to start another relationship all over again sounds scary not to mention tiring. We are still growing as a couple, much to learn from and about each other. When we first got married, I asked hubby when should we have kids. He said, probably in 2-3 years time. I must admit, at the back of my mind I feel that it's a long wait. But as all wives should, I submit to husband's wish. Of course, every now and then, I tried to talk him into it, but he was adamant. Hence, I've decided to just leave it all to God. I don't want to take matters into my own hand. I want things to happen when we both are in agreement to have kids, and God shall intervene when the right time comes.

Today, I must say I am grateful that I did not pursue the matter and did not deliberately try to have babies. I truly enjoyed all the times we had together. We went places and enjoyed each other's company immensely. As our relationship grew stronger, I began to question myself why did I want babies so much? The only reaons I can come up with, it feels great to have a baby, everyone wants to have a glimpse of my baby, everyone wants to hold the baby, and I of course get to hold and cuddle and kiss my baby every minute I want, unlike other people's babies where there are restrictions and boundaries with their babies. After all, their babies are their "property". Then throughout the 9 months of carrying the baby, everyone will be asking about you and the baby, and everyone who come across the news of you having a baby seems to be so thrilled and happy for you. What a proud and nice feeling it must be.

Then one day, as I was on the way to work, listening to Kyle and Jackie'O show on MixFM, they mentioned about a scenario whereby there was this couple trying to have a baby, but were devastated with the news that the wife was diagnosed with cancer and has only about 2 years to live. The question was whether or not, the couple should continue trying for a baby knowing that the child may not have a mother. Kyle, being the practical one disagreed with the couple trying to conceive and he said this which really struck me "having a child is not about you, it's about them".

All these while, I have been wanting babies for my own sake, not even thinking on behalf of the child. I have been very foolish to think that we will sort things out when the baby comes, need not worry for now. However, this realization really hit me hard in the head. Having kids is all about them, everything revolves around the kids. Everything we do is for the child's sake. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but this is reality. It's not about giving birth too, it's all about parenthood.

With regards to the scenario given, conceiving and givng birth to the baby is easy. They may feel contented and absolutely joyful for a while, but will it last? The mother may not live long enough to see the child grow, and what if the husband finds someone else, and have their own children. What will happen to this child then? The child will be the one to bear all the consequences and live with it for the rest of his/her life as a result of his/her parent's decision in bringing him/her into this world.

Having said all these, I still think children completes a family. My point is that being parents is not an easy task and it takes everything to bring up your children, but if the couple is not ready, they should be given all the time to prepare themselves, otherwise it will be unfair to the child. I shall end here with a very cute photo of a newborn baby, what a beautiful sight of a new life!