Thumbs up? or down?

Guess I couldn't stop laughing. When I got my hands on that big thumbs up hand, I would tell people good job on things. Actually I wasn't saying good job, I was saying bad job. Oops, hehe..



Jon decided to say that to people.



This was my group, Em was the group leader. I can't remember what we won but we did win for the best drama performed. Em won the best supporting actress. She can go to Hollywood now. Hahaha...



Look at that Jon, bullying me. He knew I wasn't tall enough to reach so he purposely did that. I did get the thumbs up thing back in the end. Guess he is soft-hearted to give me back. Muahaha...

Define

I have been wondering about this for quite some time. How do you define betrayal on friendship?

I have the idea of a friend go behind another friend back to steal boyfriend. Or it could be doing something bad, as in something embarrassing and of bad rumours, not about bitching but I mean, rumours of you stealing a guy or something like that.

So what is your opinions?

Oops

I forgot to blog about the other page of the draft I wrote on friendship. So here goes.

• Friends should support each other. This doesn't mean that Friend A should ditch Friend B for Friend C. I mean, if Friend C did not do anything to Friend A, why should Friend A ditch Friend C.


• Listen to friends. LISTEN. It is best to listen to positive feedback and ignore if it is negative feedback.


• Friendships are very important and they are always by your side. So we should appreciate them. What happens if you got no friends at all?

From what I have said so far, I know it is hard to fulfill them so we should always forgive our friends if they did something wrong or bad. Who is perfect anyway? You are not, I am not, your friends are not.

What I mean

• sacrificial love

From 1 Samuel in the Bible, it is the friendship from Jonathan and David. Jonathan's dad tried to kill David and Jonathan was almost killed because he was protecting David from his father.
I was thinking, in this kind of world now, no one would do that kind of thing because it is not the norm. People would think you are crazy and start thinking if gay or lesbian. *shakes head* Such a world.
From my point of view, friendships nowadays are just friends hanging out and helping each other out. I bet there is no such thing as sacrificial love between friends. I mean, if I ask you to die for your friend or friends, would you want to do that?

On this, I still want to comment about what I wrote. A friend disagrees with what I said. Well, what I meant was that some people take their friend for granted, which is why I said friendships nowadays are just friends hanging out and helping each other. You can never know if this friend is truly your friend. What happens when he or she turns out to be different, as in not whom you used to know.

On friendship

I am going to summarize what I hear and learnt from friendship from church camp and reading relationship book on friendship. First of all, there is this model of friendship list.

• mutual commitment

I think this is common. Friends do commit to each other.

• sacrificial love

From 1 Samuel in the Bible, it is the friendship from Jonathan and David. Jonathan's dad tried to kill David and Jonathan was almost killed because he was protecting David from his father.
I was thinking, in this kind of world now, no one would do that kind of thing because it is not the norm. People would think you are crazy and start thinking if gay or lesbian. *shakes head* Such a world.
From my point of view, friendships nowadays are just friends hanging out and helping each other out. I bet there is no such thing as sacrificial love between friends. I mean, if I ask you to die for your friend or friends, would you want to do that?

• openness and honesty

Honesty is a hallmark of real friendship. Friends do not pretend about themselves or others do not desire or need to cover up their struggles or failings. -Nigel D. Polluck-
You do have to be open and honest to your friends. If you are not sure if you can trust the friends you are with, don't open too much. But be honest because they won't like you and you can lose their trust in you if you happen to lie or do something bad to them or even one of them.

• service

Service? What do you mean by that? Well, I think it is more like you do things for your friends. I do believe that. Now compare with what you usually do for your siblings or parents. I think it is similar.
There are ways to show your love for your family and friends. You help them out on things, eg buying things for them or just helping out on chores. Anyway, my point is that if you yell at your siblings or parents or disobey them, that doesn't mean you don't love your family or siblings. =)

• God - centreness


• interdependence

Friendship is not about making people dependent upon us or about us becoming dependent on other people.
True friendship can only develop and grow when we work together, trust each other, help each other and rely on each other.
With true friends pointing out your weakness or something bad, I don't think you should keep it at heart and decide that he or she is not a good friend. Instead, you should look at yourself first and try to undo your weakness. Yes, you are not perfect and your friends are not perfect but it would help to study yourself first before start blaming on friends. Not all friends give good advice but some particularly do. Some friends are there to listen to you and give you a long big hug when you are down.
I do admit that I don't like my friends to see me crying if there is anything so I tend to go away or be quiet if I see my friends crying. So don't take it to heart, thinking that your friends desert you when you need someone to talk while you're crying.

• willing to let go

Friendship is so important and sometimes there are things that we need to let go in order to let the friendship to last. 1 Samuel 20:42 shows that.

Am I being too straight-forward? Hmm.. this is just my point of view. I will let you have your opinions, I won't judge or be defensive. I am beginning to refer to Bible verses a lot. =)

This is from church camp talks and I summarized it up. Some may be the same from what I said above.

• Friends do point out your mistakes or your differences. But how do you feel from it? Embarrassed or anger? If embarrassed, would you rather strangers telling you those or your friends? If anger, study yourself first before you start blaming your friends. Humans aren't perfect so your friends are there to tell you your differences. Again, would you rather strangers telling you?

I think I prefer my friends to tell me. I rather them laughing at me than strangers or friends whom I don't normally talk to.

• Friends don't just give advices or comfort you, they go through each step with you. They are there to guide you so don't keep them away. Remember that some friends deal with their problems better than you.

Outdated

I received a text message from a friend in Bintulu a few days ago. I was quite busy that time so I left the message in my phone, hoping to get back to it. Yes, I did get back to it. I was to add this friend in friendster. So I did. The moment I signed in friendster, I saw so many comments in my profile so I browsed through. One particular message said that this friend went to Perth for her final year and it was dated 16 February. It’s my fault for not signing in and look through my profile. So now I am going through my friend list and messaging them on how are they. Guess what, I cannot remember my friend’s Chinese name when I wanted to message her. I only know her English name and surname from her profile. Oh, I do know how she looks like. She is a friend from secondary school back in Bintulu. I think keeping in touch once in a while is ok but forgetting a friend’s name is not forgivable. *hit head on the table

Second half year

I did a half year review in October, dating from February till July. Now, I think it's time for me to do from July till November. I think it will definitely be quite long. I chose to put up some photos only. Didn't want to waste the Internet bytes to upload unnecessary photos. Anyway, let me just summarize stories about second half year.

Li, Em and I went to Dunedin during our winter holidays and it was great fun to meet up with Anita, one of my high school friends back in Wellington. We spent 2 full days going to the world's steepest road, visiting Chocolate Factory and not forgetting Otago University. I caught up a lot with Anita, talking rubbish from after high school till recent. I do miss my high school friends. I don't see them everyday in school now.

Semester 2 started with meeting more friends. Really, it was great fun getting to know more people though some of them are graduating that year. We have some events going on with ICF as the year goes by. This includes selecting new executives committee for the following year, 2008. Later in August, I took up a waitress job which made me a busy girl, juggling with study, work and friends. Nevertheless, I volunteered to help the Canterbury Malaysia Student Association and even went to the ball. It wasn't what we really expected. Some people even ditched the ball to go somewhere else. I couldn't blame them after rumours about the previous ball were like. The food was really good and we did enjoy it.

Later in the week, the weather was really sunny so the four of us decide to head off to the beach, enjoying ourselves and clear our heads before the new term started. We also did some shopping as the spring approaches. We went to watch our friends perform at an event, for example Talent's Night at university, hosted by the PETSOC (I assume so, I think I forgot the name but correct me if I am wrong).

I also have a field trip in the term 4. It was supposed to help with our final exams but I did not see how any could have help. Nevertheless, I did enjoy from taking photos.
ICF also organizes a walk from Sumner beach to Taylor's Mistake. There were 6 people going. Some commented good walk, some complained dying all the way, etc and I think it is a good exercise to have that and also to bond our friendship. They would agree with me, I hope.

A week later, we decided to have a picnic and walk around in the Botanical Garden. I thought it was sunny weather, turned out to be quite windy that day. Flowers were blooming everywhere since it was spring. That was my first time to Botanical Garden in Christchurch, note that it was already my second year in Christchurch.

Before study, final and hard work of week really started, we decided to have one night of fun. Everyone gathered at two of our friends' flat and slept over. Some were drunk and others singing till the early hours of the morning. Overall, it was really enjoyable.

When finals finished, we celebrated, well sort of but Emma hasn't finished her finals yet, so we decided to celebrate the ending of the year.

Oh ya, before the dinner that afternoon, Raz, WZ, Jon and I went for a kayak practice as I never kayak before. It was really hard the first time and tiring as you have to lift your arms most of the time. This was just one hour practice. What happens when you really go out in the sea kayaking and you have to kayak for six hours non-stop?

Well, it wasn't really six hours non stop paddling. Sometimes I paddle, sometimes I stop. And I don't stay in one kayak by myself. I paired up with Jon. When he paddled, I stopped. When I paddled, he stopped. It was really tiring and my thumbs hurt by the end of the trip. We stayed at a holiday house first and the last night of the trip. We spent the second night at one of the huts where we kayak-ed. There were amazing scenery's at those places we kayak-ed. It was really an experience to go kayak. I never thought I will eventually kayak, it's like an adventure. One that I will never forget.

After coming back from the trip, I started packing all my stuff and moved them to a homestay's house with help from friends. The last 2 days before I leave for UK, friends and I spent all the time together.

p/s It's not very detail because I cannot remember some of the events we have done. Note that there's not a lot of group photos because apparently they said it's enough. Is there? I can't seem to find a group photo where everyone is inside.

Fun

I am back in London already. Flight was ok despite tiring. Yes, Emirates has lots of movies to watch but but but. I watched almost all of the movies listed on board. I re-watched the disney movies, Bambi, Parent Trap etc. I was bored an d I couldn't really sleep well because it is really painful to sleep sit up on a chair.

Anyway, what did I really do after my exams? Right after exams, I went for kayak practice in the city because I was to go for a trip at Abel Tasman on the following Monday. We came back on Thursday and I just stayed in my room that night. I packed a bit of my stuff since I was to move out by Sunday. Friday was also another day of packing and by noon, I realised that I needed another storage container to put my stuff. Yes, I know I've got a lot of stuff. Can't really help having a lot of stuff. I had some stuff brought down from Wellington because I used to stay there. I spent most of my time with friends the last few days before flying back. We also had drinks at Ancestral.

I think I do miss hanging out with friends and talking. Anyway, I am going to enjoy my time back home. My first meal is rice, soup, veges and chicken soy sauce. I really miss food at home. Veges are cooked almost the same way so I didn't really miss that.

End of year dinner

On Saturday night, the people in the photo all gathered for dinner. It was the end of the year and we wanted to celebrate the end of year and also exams finished. We did a toast but did not toast for exams end because Em wasn't finished with her exams then. She only finished hers on the following Monday. Talked a lot that night and had much fun. :P

Half year

The year is ending. Oh man, I am finishing my second year as university student. Next year, I will be a third year university student. Anyway, that is not my point. My point is this year has passed really fast. I have made quite a few friends this year. I think more. I enjoyed this year a lot.

During Easter holidays, I went up to Wellington to spend holidays with family friends and we went to Rotorua. I have met up with a few friends as well. I did enjoyed my time up in Wellington.

After coming back from Wellington, it was still the holidays and we spent time going around the city.



Then, I cannot remember what else I did in May. But I do remember that Emma and I bought chocolate cake to eat. The cake was so delicious.



But in June, Anu's parents drove her car down for her. Her mum cooked dinner for Em, Liyana, me and Anu the night before they left to go back to North Island.


Then, it was final exams for me as all my courses were half year. For ICF, there were some people leaving as they only came here for half a year. One of ICF friend left NZ for good as she graduated already.

We also had dinner gathering out with few friends and also in my flat. Also went for a culture galore event and met up with friends in city.


We also had offer to help CMSA with BERSATU. It was an event for all Malaysians from all over NZ, gathering to play sports. There weren't photos for the event as we were too busy helping out during the day. However, there was a dinner at the end of the event and we did went for that.


This is only from February to July. There's more and stay tuned.

Hari Raya

This week has been hectic. I handed in 3 assignments on alternate days starting from Monday. I have a lab test on Tuesday. I have to remember fossils names. I should put here. It probably helps me to remember but pity my readers. They will be bored to death reading about the names. But, you can skip on reading that. Muahahaha..

It was Jon's birthday on Friday so WZ, Em and I went to the mall that afternoon to buy present for him. I like Em's idea of giving him a cup that has drunk sober line. Hehe.. Em and I did not join the birthday dinner that night as we were working that night. Jon texted us at 4 something in the morning to thank us. What a way to wake us up. Sigh..

Raz had a open house yesterday for Hari Raya. Jon, Em, WZ went over to her place for dinner. I saw a few friends there as well. One of them was my coursemate from last year. The rest are still my coursemates this year. :P

Anyway, Raz sleptover at our place last night. We also just had lunch. WZ came over for lunch. It was really good lunch. Right, Em and Raz? And WZ.. if you are reading this. Jon came much later. We left him strawberries but he did not want so we took one each. We actually planned that we left him 4 pieces so if he doesn't want to eat, four of us can have one each. Hehehe.. what a good plan. Muahahaha..

Ok, at least I have updated blog. Will update again when I have something to talk. Oh ya.. just encountered flatmates problem. So pissed off and my friends had to help out. I do not want to talk here. Want to know more, click here.

Break's over

This past few days have been fun. After coming back on Thursday evening, I enjoyed a reading session in my room. Reading reader digest. It's fun to be spending time on my own, just reading on the bed.
Friday night, before we went to Talent Night, we had dinner.

Look how nice our food was. Forgot to take the photo before we started. We were too hungry waiting before. Mer raz and i started eating immediately without waiting for Em. Hehehe....

me raz mer em

After Talent night, we decided to go Karaoke at Ancestral. There's one group photo but it's with someone else. Will posted it up as soon as I get it. Anyway, we sang till early morning at 3pm. Fun eh.. Mer sleptover that night.

Jon and me. Don't ask me why Jon pose like that.

The next night after YAG discussion, Raz, em mer and I went to Denny's for dinner/supper. After that, we went over to WZ's place to hang out for a while and then came back to my place to sleep.

I took a photo of them. See how colourful our blankets are, says Em. Em was pointing at Mer who hides in the blanket.

All 4 of us snuggle in the blanket, refusing to get up. Mer is still hiding under the blankets.

I want a homely place

On Wednesday night, Em and I slept over at Mer's place. Before that, we went to Countdown to buy some stuff. We bought some snacks and wine to keep warm. The wine proved to be useful as it kept me warm that night.
Guess what happened. While waiting for Mer finish paying, Em and I sat outside on the bench waiting. We heard the security guard calling police and reported seeing an arguement. We did not hear the rest as Mer came out already and we headed off to the car.
It was then we saw the police car and we were looking at them to see what happen and the police car make a U turn and followed behind us. Then, all of the sudden, I saw blue and red lights and Mer pulled over. I bet I was like 'What the hell, what is happening...'
The police asked Mer if we were arguing and of course we answered no. Why would we be arguing. Anyway, I asked what happened and Mer echoed to the police. The police repeated what the security guard mentioned and said they left in a green rover. And he turned on the torch at the car and said ' oh no blue..' So, I don't know what the police meant. They must have heard it wrong. Anyway, the police asked Mer for her driving lisence and her address. Yea.. I guess it's like that. Wow.. interesting to be stopped by a police. What an experience.
I don't wish to be stopped by a police even if I did not do anything wrong.
Made me scared only.
Anyway, after that, we resumed our way back to Mer's place.

This is her living room. The moment I stepped into the house, I like it immediately. I checked out the toilet/bathroom and I like it too. I know I am very particular about the bathroom/toilet. But that is me. I actually miss her living room. The flat is cold but it's the homely place. You have the kitchen and living room all to yourself and you can leave your stuff there.

Took this photo the next day though. I slept on that couch the night before. Actually more like that morning. Only slept at 2am and woke up at 10.30am. So late. As usual, I would get up in the middle of the night.

Don't worry, I have asked her permission if I can put up these photos here. I like her kitchen though it doesn't have the thing to suck up the smoke if you are frying.

There's a dining table as well. We ate brunch and it feels so homely. :)
It does feel like you're flatting with your friends and it's fun.

Just testing my friends

Hey friends
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Summer Tea

I think we have been to the Summer Tea for more than 4 times when I was in Bintulu. Funny that every time we friends wana meet up, we planned it there. Here are some of the photos that we took on Monday at Summer Tea with Huong Ding, Ivy and me.

Sherp and her friend there

The house Ivy and Huong Ding made

Ivy and Huong Ding with the house

The house

Me and Huong Ding

Huong Ding and Ivy playing the blocks and making it fall, actually it was Ivy who made it fall.

Me laughing at Ivy for making it fall

the process of making the house

Bintulu Photos

Well, I have changed my blog to the latest one but I did not change my template to the layout version, simply because I don't want to change and I'm a bit lazy to change here in M (Malaysia, short form by Em). I will wait till I go back to London and change it. So, now I am displaying Bintulu photos, I have them in my camera so it is easy to upload them. Other photos are in my hard drive and I can't get them out, just because my hard drive won't work. It kept saying that it is not recognized. Argh.. I am so frustrated. So, I have to wait to blog about those photos when I get back to London or when my hard drive works. Such a pain to use that hard drive. Is it because I keep pulling it out from computers? hmm.. I wonder..

This is taken on the Sunday, 17th Dec night. I didn't notice that we sat in a very nice circly. :)
I restraighten my hair that morning. Poor Huong Ding had to wait for 5 hours for us. We went to my other relatives house before we headed back to shower and rest. After that, we waited for Edwin to come pick us up to go to Summer Tea. You know what? Summer Tea is like the favourite place to meet up with friends and also drink 'kokoberry'. I'm not sure how some people call it. But normally, I call it 'kokoberry'.

This is me and Jim Fong.

Me and Elicia

Lin Siu, Voon Nah, Me, Su Ning and Houng Yien

Me and Lin Siu

Edwin, me and Kai Siang

Jim Fong, Siew Ling, me, Sieh Wei and Huong Ding.

By the way, Huong Ding followed me and my family to Bintulu. The two of us met up with friends. She was with us the whole time and I think sometimes people thought that she is my little sister. My sisters even started to call her 'er jie'.

Voon Nah and Huong Ding

Lin Siu, me and Su Ning

Me and Su Ning with Jim Fong in the background. I don't think she realises that she is in the background.

Hui Ching, Ling Sii and me. We were classmates from primary 1 till six. We haven't seen each other for a very long time already. Ling Sii and I were in the same secondary school but we weren't in the same class.

Kian Chiew, Hui Ching and Ling Sii. Ling Sii and I didn't know that Kian Chiew and Hui Ching know each other. I didn't have Hui Ching contact number. Then, Kian Chiew said that he has her number. What a relieve. It's a good thing that I saw her. Otherwise I don't know when we will meet again.

Ling Sii and I

Me and Hui Ching

Me and Kian Chiew

Kai Siang, me, Kian Chiew, Su Ning and Ting Ting.
This is taken on Wednesday morning at breakfast. After breakfast, Kian Chiew took me, Kai Siang and Huong Ding to see Sieh Wei. Because her birthday is soon, Huong Ding and I bought her a present. We asked her if she is at home and asked Kian Chiew to send us there.

Me, Sieh Wei and Huong Ding
Last day in Bintulu.

P/s: If there is anything that I wrote wrong or need to add in, just tell me or comment here. Thanks. Enjoy looking at the photos.