On the bus thoughts

I think its almost been a year since I got took the first interview that got me to where I am today. So much has happened since then. The scary thing is that I feel different. I feel like everyone has grown up... myself included... its not a bad thing or a good thing - I guess im just a little shocked by it. Happened sooner than I thought it would.

You would be glad to know im sticking to my travel thing as much as possible.. even if my bank account hates me! In the last 12  months I have been to... Korea, Taiwan, Chicago, LA, New York, and Sydney. But this should only mark the begining! I want to keep seeing new places and hearing about other people's experiences. This is about the only thing im sure about these days.

Hopefully this post will encourage me to start blogging again...

Last Week of This Chapter

It's been a while. And although I've thought about you a lot... I couldn't bring myself to write. It's a little more difficult these days to share my thoughts. It's not just to you, but to people in general. Going through a difficult year I guess.

The past two months have been really something. I think to explain the last two months only two words really apply. Life Changing. Three big things have happened.

Number one. The finalised sale of our Restaurant. After 6 years, 8 months and 6 days I stood in that kitchen and cooked my last dishes. It was a bitter sweet end to all the hard work and struggles. We managed to notify most of our regular customers and I got to say goodbye to my favourites. The last few weeks were crazy busy and since I worked there every night for the last 2-3 months of the restaurant it was so incredibly tiring. I really don't know how my parent's lived through this kind of lifestyle for so long. I'm glad they finally get the break they deserve~one where they don't have to worry about how the kitchen would need to be prepared when they come back from their break. For me it feels a little strange to have all this time again. Most of all having a weekend again. Dim Sum on Sundays. Everything is refreshingly new but at the same time I do sense the loss. The new owners will be opening soon and I think I will try to visit them on their first day.. as that part of our chapter close.. it's just the beginning for these young owners and I'm sure they would love the support.

Mini Curry Laksa

Number two. After a universe of applications, a sea of rejections, hundreds of cognitive testing, dozens of assessment centers and a handful of interviews... I finally got a job offer :) Strangely enough, I got the offer the day after our last day at the restaurant. And even more strangely ... it was for a place that I actually never finished my application for. I got an email sent to my junk mail asking me for a phone interview and then one thing lead to another. It was all a lot of luck and I am very grateful for this opportunity. So in about a week I will be starting a new chapter. To say that I'm scared is a bit of an understatement. But excited at the same time to see where this will take me. hehe I've also had a little bit of a wardrobe change as I'm beginning to shop for work clothes. Hopefully I'll be good enough to let you my dearest blog know how I go on my first week.

Number three. So from the time of selling the restaurant and starting a new job I've had about a month's time. The biggest thing that I've done in this time is renovate my room! To go with the new chapter the room has been repainted, carpets ripped up and floorboards put in. Let go of a few things and cleaned up a bit more. Having to move everything out of my room was a little scary. I didn't realise how much.. stuff.. I have. It was kinda like having a feel of what reallocating would feel like ... and it was really strange. I would still like to work outside of Perth but my bedroom will always feel like the only space that is completely mine. I love the new look. It suits a fresh beginning.

~The Before Shot~

~The After Shots~

So now there is just you left? Where do we stand these days? I don't really know anymore.

Since When...

Since when did I stop believing? Since when did I start seeing all the flaws? Since when did nothing matter anymore? I really don't know.

I've had no news from the Brisbane job as yet. Its quite worrying especially considering how much I loved the company. However, following the forum, quite a few people haven't heard anything yet, some people have been given offers and others rejections. I guess I really just have to wait for the all important call. Tho at this stage it really looks like a rejection for me. Even though I was so excited about starting a new chapter and starting fresh.

I have another three interviews over the next few weeks. I am quite nervous and at the same time very calm. Doing research and reading - it feels like uni all over again. But speaking of uni, I think there was so much that I could have done. I wouldn't say I regret it, but if I were to live it again I would hope to do a few things differently and do more. I miss learning. Everyone said you would after graduating and I really do. So much so that I watch a lecture on TV last night and was so utterly intrigued. It was by Sam Harris, the author of The Moral Landscape.

These days have been filled with much thinking. Mainly about what I want in life. I've been given the time to do all the things that I've always wanted to do- so I should use the time well. I applied to be a red cross volunteer a while back. They have responded, but I am waiting for further correspondence from the hospital as to how I will be volunteering. I'm actually excited about this opportunity and really hope to get some news from it soon. I have also been thinking about going back to do TAFE course- language courses are probably most likely for me, but I wouldn't mind courses in health and safety or tourism. But we shall see, since there is still a number of loose ends to be tied up here and there.

Travel is always a big thing for me. And no matter how much I say I won't travel anymore for a while... I always seem to be thinking about it. haha if only I was courageous enough to make it part of my career. Still can't decide between a few destinations. But all is dependent upon whether I do land a graduate position for next year. I have a feeling that either way I will be doing some travelling this year ^^ lets see if I'm right?

The Waiting Game

I'm obsessed. Completely and utterly obsessed. I can't stop thinking about it as the scenarios all play out in my mind. Every second of every day I keep wondering is it possible that I could be so lucky? Is it possible that this could be my break through, my new start? And most of all I question... Can I really do this?

Last week was quite an eventful one for me. I went on a road trip down to Esperance with PooPoo, PeePee and 5 other people. It was a crazy 8 hour drive with breaks here and there. It was a tiring drive haha but none of the others trusted me to drive during the whole trip. Frankly, I really don't blame them! haha. Esperance was quite an experience mainly because I got to spend some time with my sister. Ever since she got married moved out from home we haven't really had a chance to just be in each others company. I missed that. Even if it meant tolerating a yukky motel styled shelter ^^. My main aim for the Esperance trip was to take a few good photos. I've been playing around with the dSLR more often these days and even tho I'm still learning I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.. well the sort of pictures I would like to take ^^

~The only picture worth taking of the accommodation lol~

~ The view from above~

~PooPoo donated her shoes to me to climb the rocks~

~From the Jetty~

~Probably the Awesomest Jump Shot Photo I've EVER taken~

During the Esperance trip, I had something that plagued my mind. Something I didn't think I would even get the opportunity to do. An interview. The morning after returning from Esperance I was set to take a flight to Brisbane to attend an interview for a position that I had previously applied for. It was the final interview before an offer would be made and my first face to face interview throughout the masses of applications I had made. The company had paid for the flights and accommodation in Brisbane. It was very generous. Through the whole process, I had tried to read up as much as I could about the company. About its values, projects, objectives and interests. The more I read, the more obsessed I became. The company has reached the point where I find it perfect. Correction, perfect for me.

The interview went okay for me. I was more calm then I thought I would be. I admit there were a few questions that stumped me a little. But I think I gave it my best. That's all that I could as from myself right? I even had some time to catch Ann for dinner and explore a bit of Brisbane which I was quite happy about. It was my first time there. So now I fast forward to now. Now I am in the waiting game again. Waiting beside my phone for that all important call. I don't have any idea about how many other people I am competing with. Nor do I have information about when I am expected to hear back from them. But I can't get it out of my mind. I'm scared and excited at the same time. What this position means to me is more than a career... its actually a life change. It would mean starting a new chapter and starting it pretty much from scratch. From the other side of the coin... this could just be an experience. I could still definitely be rejected at this stage. And its a reality that I've been considering more and more. I mean really? Could I be lucky enough to land a position like this?

Bubble Burst

I just got rejected from DFAT's third stage :( am kinda more cut then I should be considering I know how hard it would have been to get through at all. I will try again next year! Starting to lose hope on these applications. Though I have another phone interview tomorrow. Hopefully someone will give me a chance soon~

Relocating?

Ok the title might have been a little misleading. I am not reloacting just yet. But I've been thinking it over quite a bit lately. This topic has come up a few times over the past few years. And everytime it has I have settled with the idea that yes, I can relocate. But can I really? I woke up today and as I walked out of my room towards the bathroom, I suddenly missed home. I know it doesn't make any sense because I am home now... but I suddenly thought about how much I would miss walking down my hallway ... miss my room where I have dwelled and comforted myself ... miss walking past my sisters' rooms to peek if they were awake... so could I really do it? In all the job applications to date relocations has come up quite a bit. With more prospects interstate it is likely that I would have to consider this option in my future. I'm approaching this question quite seriously now. And I am worried. Can I really leave my comfort zone and start a new chapter? Only time will tell. Monday will be a big day for me ... i'm kinda really scared but also excited about the prospects. I'll let you know more about it all soon ^^ side note: having issues with the paragraphing in blogger T.T

Who Would Have Thought?

Just as I don't know what my life will be like in five years time, I would have never guessed that this is where I am today. Someone once told me that all things happen for a reason. I know its a very general statement... but it isn't until recently that I've really tried to apply this concept. I have the most awful nauseating headache today. I have no idea why. Maybe it was from walking in the rain yesterday and having a slight cold. Unfortunately for me I should have notified my interviewer today of my "disability". Yes, I finally at least got the opportunity to speak to an employer in the progress of my application. It was a unexpected call. And I really think I didn't do as well as I would have wished. I am disappointed in myself. But at the same time happy that I made it that far. The assessment centre event will be held on Monday. So I guess if I don't hear from them again before the close of business today then I'm out :( The waiting game is always hard. I'm trying to document as much of my thoughts during this period as possible. I want to be able to look back on these days and re-experience what was felt. To remember how much effort I put into getting where I am now. So excuse all the talk about graduate applications. I need to continue with new applications.. but getting caught up with cognitive testings and the progress with firms that I have recently heard from. Wanting more information ... waiting ... the process is torture... hahah how have I responded? Instead of being on facebook these days I've spent my time stalking Whirlpool forums. Its surprising how many times I check it a day == almost as much as I check my emails!.. I said ALMOST. Off I go... to check my email T.T

Unreasonable

So some of the applications that I've put in have come back. Some of them rejections :( but for some of them I've made it to stage 2 :) ... Stage two is typically an online cognitive test. Usually verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. And after doing a few of these tests I've realised that it is a bit of a weak point of mine. Maybe becauses its a test that you can't study for. I've done a few practice tests which I hope will help... I just hope to make it to the third stage. One step at a time right? Well I'm still working on applications as now is the time when most of the closing dates are approaching. Also I'll be heading to Esperence for Easter this year. So I've got to get all the ones due during that time period done well before I head off. I'm quite excited about Esperence... I've always wanted to travel more around WA, but somehow never got round to it... must be because I've become too lazy to plan thing anymore. This should be a good experience.. tho I am worried because they hope to live on the fish that is caught... and I... umm... don't like eating fish >< We shall have to wait and see. I can't wait to bring my camera too!! I'm sure I'll be able to get a few nice shots there, I mean Australia really is quite beautiful when u get the chance to look around. Ok plan for the rest of the night... 1. Eat dinner 2. Complete the cognitive test invite 3. Work on DFD graduate application. Jia You!!!

Snippets of the Past

So when I'm a little bored or something sparks my interest I tend to go back into old conversations and letters to see what life was like before. Its also to find out fragment of missing memory that I could have sworn never happened. But either way ... I always learn something out of my quest sessions .. and most of the time it makes me smile and acknowledge how far I have come.. how far we have come. Tonite, it was Lisa. I went to check the MSN chat logs to figure out if she said something to me last night or I had just dreamt it. Turns out it was an SMS ... but it got me looking through our chat history. (I shouldn't even be telling u guys that I keep these - since they are so private). Anyways, through these chat logs there were so many memories. Lisa is one of my oldest friends... and definitely one who has seen me through so many of my dramas. So looking thru all the conversations and all that had happened in my life then really made me reflect. There were definitely a lot of laughs in those logs. So thanks Lisa, I know I rarely get the chance to say it to you, but I'm glad you have been a part of my life and making it all the more enjoyable hehe. I really do appreciate your support through the good times and bad. Reading the logs made me feel selfish but taught me to be grateful for all I have. An I am grateful for ur unfaltering faith in me to be nothing more and nothing less than me.

Yippie!

I got into the second stage for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ^^ That is two out of lol six stages? Second stage is cognitive testing again... so I am worried. Rushing to do practise tests before I attempt the real thing. I know chances I get through are impossibly low but ima give it my best! I happy that I at least got t stage 2 *hi-five*

Burger Wars

Hi people ^^ How have u been? Me? Still facing the sound of unemployment. I attended graduation for the second time last night. Why would I go through that awful process again? Well parentals asked me to do it ... something about the proud factor. Fair enough after all they have put up with me in my honours year. So that means as of last night I really am unemployed. I have been making progress though. Since all the graduate program applications are open now and a lot of them closing soon, I've made it my goal to get through as many applicable to me as possible. Slowly but sure. A few rejections have come through from applications I had completed a month ago. Its funny because looking back, I can understand why. The difference between the applications written now and the ones written a month ago are huge! Other than that I haven't really heard back from many. I did get to stage two of the NAB application tho ^^ it was for online assessment of written, numerical and logical reasoning. I learnt that I have none. haha we shall just have to see...

Anyways since coming home I have caught up with a few friends and the trend seems to be for burgers. I guess Perth is really trying out this gourmet burger thing. Anyway over the past month I've been to Burger Bristo, Grill'd and Jus Burgers and surprisingly they are quite different.

-Grill'd-

This was my first dose of Perth's Gourmet Burgers. Although I had heard about places including Alfred's Kitchen and Jus Burgers, Grilled was my first taste of hearty burgers that weren't mass produced by a group of teenagers. I took my sister here for her birthday last year just before flying off on my holidays and it left me craving. For the month and a half away from Perth I couldn't believe I was craving something at home! The texture of the bun which was soft and yet had substance was what I found most pleasing with this burger. I think of them all this was my favourite. After coming home from holidays I caught up with Anthony to check out his new camera and introduce him to Grill'd. I can safely say we have another addict. Service was great too and the atmosphere of Beaufort Street is always busy... I give it a 9/10!

Craving... *drools*

- Burger Bristo -

Apparently a new burger joint had opened up in Leedy while I was gone. Alii-Lii asked me to come down and try the place as well as have a little catch-up session during his lunch break. I must say after the taste of Grill'd my expectations were set pretty high but at the same time I was really looking forward to Burger Bristo. Being late that day I was thankful for the fast service as Ali was rushing to get back to work. The burgers were tasty.. definitely.. and at the same time I didn't feel as if I damaged any health routine by eating it.. but something was missing. It was the bun. It was a little harder and flakier than I would have expected. It was a little more difficult to eat. Still thoroughly enjoyable but unfortunately not as good as Grill'd... I give it a 6/10.

Can you see all the brie!!

- Jus Burgers -
Planning a catch up session with Tammy, Ruth and Alan is always a bit of a challenge as we all work on very different schedules but I'm always so grateful when we get the chance to meet up over coffee, lunch or dinner. Unfortunately, for our recent session we were without Alan. But we decided on Jus Burgers for dinner. I think Jus burgers were the first gourmet burgers that I had know about.. but just never gotten round to trying until a week ago. We tried the newly opened branch on Williams Street. I loved the atmosphere of the place and the girls would agree that it is a cute little place for good food and good company. Trying not to be influenced by all the laughter of the night and solely judging on the burger is a little difficult. But in my honest opinion, I think Jus Burgers meet my standards. The only disappointment I had was with the pineapple in the burger I had chosen. By the time I made it half way through the burger.. the pineapple had made the bun all soggy :( but I am deciding to put this down as a choice since I decided to have the burger with pineapple. All in all I was pleased with what I got. Shout out to the friendly staff too ^^ I give Jus Burgers 8/10

With a pomegranate shake on the side

Sorry for the long rant and poorly written food review... I decided I'm better at eating than I am at reviewing lol I guess I should stick to eating ^^

== Unemployment

Sitting in Ms.Cooper's class trying to understand the concepts of Economics and listening to her explain the Australian definition of the Unemployment Rate.

"The unemployment rate is the proportion of individuals willing and able to work, but cannot find a job. "

Little did I know that I would be part of that percentage today. *sad face* It has been just over a month since I came back from my holidays... and whilst I admit I didn't start the job hunt immediately... I'm starting to feel the desperation. I don't like the idea of being part of that statistic I learnt so much about in my studies. I guess no one really does. But who would have thought that I would be here. I guess it never really occurred to me that I would be unemployed straight after graduation. That I wouldn't be one of the lucky ones that go from one life stage (University) straight to the next (Working). Naive. That's what it is. I am naive.

I know there are others just as bad.. or have been looking for longer.. giving me little reasons to complain. But I just wanted to say... if you didn't know it already... UNEMPLOYMENT SUCKS!

Story of a girl

Let me tell u a little story... but be warned this story has no end just yet. Are you still prepared to listen?

There once was a girl who was good at a lot of things but great at nothing. Growing up she was a good girl. She was good to her parent. Good to her siblings. Good to her friends. If there was one word that she could use to describe herself it would have to be paitent. haha U thought I was going to say good didn't you! Anyways, she believed that good things came to good people and that all she had to do was wait for her opportunity to shine.


Waiting for the right opportunity wasn't easy, but she tried very hard to focus. She believed she had good morals and ethics... As a student she didn't even consider the thought of cheating. She wanted to work hard for what she got so that she knew that she deserved all she was given. But as time went on she started to forget why she was being so good. She started to forget why she wanted to work so hard. She slowly forgot where she wanted to go.

Seeing other get to place that she wanted without putting in the same effort made her feel uneasy about the way she was doing things. Was it jealousy? Or was her patience starting to wear thin? She started questioning whether she was right to even be so good anymore...

She is lost.

- To be continued -

Only You

Sorry my dearest blog... I've been away and back and yet did not leave a footprint. I would love to promise that I will blog more but I shall make no promises that I am certain I cannot keep. Today my heart hurts a little and I have only you to tell.

Ok ... so maybe its not a little.. but more like a lot. But I have not cried yet. Is it because crying will do me no good? I'm not sure quite. But so much pain and no tears. I'm a little worried. The reality of it is no one is ever at fault when it comes to matters of the heart or is that wishful thinking?

There is so much on my mind. But I really don't know how to express myself very well. I'm finding this to be the case more and more these days. Maybe that's why I haven't found a job yet. That and my five page resume? Tell me why is this so hard?

I wish that I didn't miss him so much. Because he probably doesn't miss me anymore. That's a stupid reason isn't it. But I'm sticking with it because I'm a stupid girl hehe.

I guess I no longer cross your mind anymore.
I pray that I will keep thinking I have nothing to regret... if one day I cannot maintain these thoughts... will you help me?

Before it's Too Late

I'm flying off again.. early Monday morning. This trip has kinda crept up on me and took me by surprise. I knew that I would be away around this time of the year cos I'm heading to Malaysia for my cousin's wedding.. but at the same time I dunno.. I guess I didn't have time to anticipate. My bags are semi packed. I've brought too much I think. But everything seems essential.. as everything always is. Everything has been pretty much sorted. Appartment accomodation in Taiwan is finally sorted thanks to the help of Jason. Just a little piece of mind knowing I don't have to worry about accomodation in Taiwan. I'm looking forward to the Taiwan leg.. a little nervous about taking my family around.. but excited none the less. I will be living alone in Taiwan for 20 days. Its kinda scary. And I wish Lisa and Mish were actually coming, like planned.. but I guess everything happens for a reason. Jia You.

I thought I would just do a quick recap of this year before I am to fly off. Mainly because I don't know if I will have the chance to blog for a while.. I'm not bringing lappy with me this time.

This year has been a real roller coaster for me. A lot has happened. I've learnt new things, met new people, said goodbye to some people, started and finished honours, got back into work-struggled-tried-to-quit- stayed- quit, dinnered, shopped, Melbourned, Unemployed, Jay Chou and Daniel Henney, been a bride's maid and gained a brother... the list goes on.

Tho I know there were many many testing moments this year, moments that almost broke me. I'm glad to be where I am now. As I am that little bit stronger because of the pain. There were also a lot of moments that I can imagine just staring into space with the sudden trigger of memories and giggle about.

I don't really know. All of 2009 I've thought that 2010 would be my year. A year that I would be accomplished and shine. Did I really achieve that? I'm not really sure. But looking back on everything now.. it wasn't so much of a bad year. It was hard.. but yah I think it was worth it.

I can only hope that 2011 brings a new start. Lets work hard together..

See u soon ^^

Sometimes...

This has been a little bit of a hard week for me. For many reasons.. of which I don't think I have the heart at the moment to divulge. It seemed that I'm been pushing myself to just get through this week.. pushing myself to be strong and not let it all affect me too much. It has been hard. Really hard.

Sometimes I do wonder if I just put myself through everything just to feel human. I really don't know. But regardless.. that is not even the point on this blog post today.

The point of this post is that although this has been a physically and emotionally straining week for me there are two people who have really surprised me. In a good way that is. One is an old friend of mine who I have known for a few years. It felt as if we were drifting apart.. but this week I really felt as if this person has never second guessed the type I person I am. And with this faith in me I am surprised and so very grateful.. because it made me feel as if I didn't need words to explain who I am or what I am doing .. they already know. *love*

The second person this week surprised me the most. I feel like such a selfish person after talking to her. But I was touched at how much she cared. This second person is one of my co-workers. Ok, at work I'm a pretty mysterious person. No-one knows much about me.. I hadn't been working with them enough to be able to let them get to know me so well.. so I'm not as close to my co-workers as I could be. But as this week has been so straining.. Its shown ever so clearly that things have been on my mind.. that I have been upset. Today was the last day of the week. Its a huge sigh of relief. But as usual after work at the post office, I turn into the dinner shift at the restaurant. I had been feeling the weight of the week and was exhausted. Mum let me rest in my car while it was quiet. That's when I got a phone call from an unknown number. I picked up not knowing what to expect. I was my co-worker just calling me to see if I was ok. She knew about the rough week .. and I thought I could help her with something (I thought that's why she called) but no.. she called solely to see if I was ok. She gave me advice and talked to me about everything. But mostly what I heard was how much she cared. She has restored me faith in people.. and her phone call really made my day. It was only 10mins .. on the phone (even if I saw her at work today) .. and it made my day.

In any case. To both these two surprises in this very tough week.. I say thank you. U guys make me stronger.


Noelle.

Glimer of Happiness

It's kinda sad to think that I only really blog when something is wrong, when I'm sad or when I'm on a holiday. haha But I guess it's safe to assume that in between all those times I am happy enough. Happy enough to not have to run to my blog readers with tears in my eyes because life has bullied me.. or I believe that life has anyways...

Being back from Melbourne and the general feeling of being on holidays kinda sucks. LOL. Yes I know that's what everyone feels, after all who wouldn't want to be on holidays all the time. But in these past few weeks I've been quite content. There is nothing I can complain about overly really.. and just moments that I can just smile about nothing... what has happened to me? haha

Maybe it has a little to do with the fact that I haven't fully knuckled down to study for my final exam yet. During exam period I'm always an emo little girl.. but I dunno.. because I've been working and still making time to talk to friends and hang with people I think its made everything a little easier this time round.

My final exam (god this feels a little like dejavu) is on next Monday. A little worried because I'm pretty sure I don't know the content that is going to be assessed. It's on Clinical Assessment. I do find a lot of it interesting despite being very fidgety during the lectures. haha I just can't sit still.
Anyways I just thought I would do a little spill before I go and do I little more studying. U know what .. I think u guys will miss my dramatic emo posts.. sorry this was a boring post guys :( haha

Till another day.

P.S what happened to my comment box? grrrzz will have to fix that after exams .. added to the to do list XD

Melbourne and My Birthday

~Melbourne from our hotel room window~

Looking back on the experience in Melbourne, it was really kind of like a therapy session for me. I know I left perth quite depressed and stressed about assignments and what not... but slowly the time we spent in Melborune really cheered me up.

My Tiffany & Co.

23rd Brithday Present to myself

My birthday was one of the most memorable days in Melbourne (not that everyday wasnt memorable!). But it was filled with lovely little moments. Like buying my tiffany *love love*, having the facial done (which made our skin look so awesome), like drinking games and the bars that the boys took us too (where I lost every round T.T thanks Vince), like singing 說好的幸福呢 *epic*, like catching up with the dear boys I met in Taiwan. It was so eventful... and at the same time it didn't feel like my birthday. Strange right?

Singing 說好的幸福呢

-Me, Mishie, Andrew, Vincent and Tim-

Other highlights of Melbourne included touring all the historical points of interest with Jimmy. Its been ages since I've seen him.. like it was highschool? But he was so nice and just the same ole Jimmy that I have always known. It was good to see him again and I'm thankful for such an awesome tour guide. The girls were also very impressed with how much he knew about Melbourne, a city that he has only been in for 5 years. You would have thought he grew up there. But thats just Jimmy. He is awesome like that.

Loved the club in Melbourne that we went to. It played all the good songs. At first there was a gianormous line to get in. But then the bouncer came up to us and moved us to like a fast/VIP-ish line .. lol I think it was cos we were girls... so desipte the 20 meter line, we got in in like 10 mintues. The people there were different. Or maybe it was because we were afraid of their difference. The lack of familar faces it must be. The girls there are quite scary ><>

Hutong Dumpling Bar - Lisa and I

Disappointments was probably the food. I don't think we really had an awesome meal in Melbourne. My favourite was probably the steamboat buffet Lisa and I had on the last day and the pizza place Jimmy took us to. But According to Andrew, we just really didn't know where to look for good food. Next time I will let a local take us for food ^^

The same with shopping... we didn't really shop all that much. Not that I should even be shopping with the crazy amount of clothes that I hoard! But most of the stuff we bought were kinda expensive - labley stuff.. and even then we bought nothing. I don't know how I spent so much money ><>

Next time I go to Melbourne (yes, there will be a next time), I would like to go to Luna Park to play. I know its a little childish, but I really wanna go!!! I have no idea when that will be tho. I've come home from Melbourne as a happier person. I've let a lot of things go. I'm glad and ready for the next adventure!

With the Girls

Will you join me?

The 4am Friend

... scribbled this down last night before I went to bed ... I wanted to blog but it would have taken too long to get lappy on ... and it was already 4am.

Have you ever had a friend that you could call no matter what?
It didn't matter how silly your problems were, how irrational you were being or how late/early it was... you knew they would pick up no matter what and just be there for you.
I think I've always had someone like that in my life until now.

Don't get me wrong... its not cos I can't talk to those people anymore.. but its more because they have responsibilities now.. and I don't want to bother them.

But right now. At 4am. I really wish I had someone to talk to...

Student's Rant

Grzzzzzz.... i mean really GRRRRRRRZZZZZZZ

I don't think words can really describe my disappointment and frustration with my supervisor and honours in general. Yes. I know. Its very close to the end. Just another week and a half and it will be all over with. But seriously, why do this to me. Why must he be such a retard. I've already tried to come to terms with the fact that I can't really count on my supervisor to help with anything related to my project and have solved all the problems together with my master's student. Finally thought that it would all be ok and that I've made it thus far. And then he goes and annoys the crap outa me!!!!! GRRRRZZZ

For honours, our supervisor is allowed to read and give comments on our draft only twice with a ten day turnaround. That means they have to give it back to us after 10 days of receiving it. Additionally, they can only read and comment on the Intro, Method and Results, so they are not allowed to touch your discussion let alone read it. Anyways, I was working on quite a good schedule earlier on this year. Remember when I told you guys my first draft was due back in July 31st? Well I was actually the only on of his students who managed to give him a complete first draft with all three sections. I was quite happy with that first draft and had put in a lot of effort. Anyways, I got that back and he didn't have many comments because he said it read well and all I had to do was add I headings. I was so surprised, but glad because we all know how much my proposal annoyed me. So I happily edited my first draft and finalised my results before sending in my second draft a couple weeks ago. I got it back last night.

And that's when I got super annoyed. Its come back needing MAJOR changes. I can see how I will need to re-write 30% of it. Its not just the way I write.. its also major ideas and the structure that need to be changed. On top of these changes I haven't even finished writing my thesis.. the discussion is only just started and I think I'm about 2000 words away from completing it. There is seriously so much to do. On top of it all the conference is tomorrow and I haven't finished my slides. What S**ts me the most is that HE COULD HAVE MENTIONED THAT THESE CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE IN THE FIRST DRAFT instead of making me think that it was all ok. So now that I'm pressed with time and stressed with everything else he piles on more crap for me to do. It just makes it seem like he didn't even read the first draft. And if that's the case isn't that even more disappointing ... I already don't expect very much from him as a supervisor ... and at the end of the day he doesn't even do his basic job. Just so annoyed *angry face*

Clarice, my master's student is equally annoyed. Her thesis is due like a few days before mine and she also has been given major changes to work on. What is worse in her case was that she gave in her final draft 3 weeks before she got any feedback.

What have we done to deserve a supervisor like this? I'm going to make sure that people chose their supervisors wisely next year. I'll be sure not to recommend this particular supervisor. GRRRRRRZZZ

-- end of rant --


... for now.