St@R uP uR LiFE

Saturday, January 28

What does Chinese New Year mean to me? In a short and sweet term, cny is all about a new year, a new hope and a new resolution. As a kid, I am always looking forward for this very special day. It is true that every kid in town will definitely feel the heat coz cny only comes once a year.

Every chinese new year eve, we would go back to my grandma house for reunion dinner. It was great to see all my cousins, aunties and uncles again after a year long. Moreover for kids like us we would be enjoying ourselves playing fire crackers. On cny day, we get the golden oppurtiny to wear new clothes, new shoes and even new underwear :P Although there a lot of rules to be followed on the very first day ( for example: do not sweep the floor, do not wash your hair.), mum will make sure that we obey it strictly. However my sister and I just could not be bother and love to have fun throughout the whole day. Plus the best part of all being a kid is receiving lots and lots of ang pau.

In an irony, as I grew older, chinese new year beginning to mean less to me. I feel that cny is just like an ordinary other day that will definitely come and go. Receiving ang pau from my aunt and uncle does not mean much to me too. I can still remembered that last year cny was the worst. Getting up at the wrong side of the bed was already bad enough but having a fish bone stuck on my throat was darn worst. Can you imagine going to see a doc on the second day of chinese new year?

Ok back to reality. Now I have to admit that this year cny is just around the corner. But still I do not feel the new year spirit. Maybe I guess it is just part and parcel of life. As you grow older there are more and more responsibilities and a celebration is just like an ordinary day. However there is one thing I still love about chinese new year, it shows my identity as a true chinese girl.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

Xin Nian Kuai le by 5566, 183 club & 7 Flowers

- Words of Love, Shir Li -

Monday, January 23

The Rat or Mouse
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox. You are imaginative. You are generous. You can be quick tempered. You will be happy as a writer, critic or publicist.

The Ox or Bull
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people. You are a born leader. You inspire confidence. You are demanding. You are methodical and good with your hands. You will make a good surgeon, general or hairdresser.

The Tiger
Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. Sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs You are sensitive, emotional and capable of great love. You are stubborn about what you think is right. You will make a good boss, explorer or racecar driver.

The Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog You are affectionate, cooperative, and pleasant. People like to be around you. You are sentimental. You will make a successful businessperson, lawyer, diplomat or actor

The Dragon
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be softhearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters. You are full of life and enthusiasm. You are popular and "fun-loving". You will make a good artist, priest or politician.

The Snake
People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snake people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people's judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. Snake people are usually good-looking and sometimes have martial problems because they are fickle. They are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster. You are wise and charming. You are a good thinker. You can procrastinate. You save money. You will make a good teacher, writer or psychiatrist

The Horse
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep. You are a hard worker. You are independent, intelligent and friendly. You can be a bit selfish. You will find success as an adventurer, scientist or poet.

The Sheep or Goat
Comment: The Chinese word for Sheep and Goat is the same, "Yang." That is why the confusion on the name.
People born in the Year of Sheep are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac's other years. But Sheep year people are often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Sometimes clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in. Sheep people never have to worry about having the best in life for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Sheep people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses. You are charming, elegant and artistic. You like to be comfortable. You can complain and worry too much. You will make a good actor, gardener or beachcomber.

The Monkey
People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat. You are very intelligent, clever, and well liked by everyone. You will have success in any field.

The Rooster
People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon. You are a hard-worker. You speak your mind. You can be boastful. You will make a good restaurant owner, publicist or world traveler.

The Dog
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth; yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit. You are honest and faithful. You can worry too much. You will make an excellent business person, teacher or secret agent.

The Pig or Boar
People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don’t make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. They don’t talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered; yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep. You are a good friend. You are sincere, tolerant and honest. You are sometimes disappointed. You will thrive in the arts as an entertainer or you will be a great lawyer.

- Words of Love, Shir Li -

Wednesday, January 18

No one would ever predict how long an orthodontic treatment takes. 1 year, 2 years, 3years or even as lengthy as 4years. However as for me, I was finally released after 8years of excruciating treatments. Flashback to 1998, when I first stepped into the clinic for my dental appointment, I was only a 12 year old kid. Still young and immature, I did not expect that there were many more obstacles to come.

I can still remember the very first sentence the doctor said and definitely I will not forget that for life. She scolded me for having a set of extremely dirty teeth and straight sent me for scaling. Ok that was just only the beginning. Later she put me for retainer treatment and had to wear it for almost a year.

I had my braces on in form 2. But before that 4 tooths had to be extracted, 1 tooth per week. Can you imagine it? 4 injections, 4 times of unbearable of pain, 4 times looking at the doctor pulling out my fine tooth and 4 holes by the end of the week. After putting on braces for the first time, I could not even eat too. Porridge would be my every diet for 2 weeks. Moreover every 3 months, I had to go for regular check-up to tighten my braces. That was when you would feel the pain. Your gums would scream and you could even feel something was pulling your teeth.

So guys, better think twice before deciding to wear braces. Seriously I had my braces on for 5 years!!! Definitely long enough to see a baby turned into a kid. Moreover I had to miss my classes in school each time I had an appointment with the doctor. On September 2005, I had my braces removed. Yeah! But in exchanged with retainer. Finally today, I was released by the orthodontic department after 8 years of treatments. And the very last word the doctor said was good luck and all the best. What an irony! Actually wearing braces was not that bad after all. By the end of the day, I have a nice set of teeth and a sparkling smile. =D

- Words of Love, Shir Li -

Sunday, January 15

On 12th January, we had our UNSW foundation year graduation. It was a great event to be remembered. We got the opportunity to receive scroll from the VIPs and wear the all black graduation robe. Hehe, definitely an impersonation of students in Hogwarts. Moreover we got to meet all of our lecturers too. Sad to say that we had to bid farewell to them. Later in the evening we had our graduation dinner aka prom in The Royal Bintang Hotel. I really enjoyed myself. The food was delicious and there was lots of great performances entertaining us the whole night. I love the magic shows. It was fun too spending the evening together with my friends for the last time before most of us would be going off to other countries for further studies. May our friendship last forever. Good luck and all the best. In a nutshell I really could not believe it. Yippee! I am graduating from my foundation year. Melbourne Uni here I come!

UNSW Foundation Year Graduation

UNSW Foundation Year Graduation

JPA Scholars with Mr Phil Gibbs, Head of Economics and Commerce,UNSW

Say Cheese! Happy faces of "Hogwarts" students =P Going to miss them all.

With Ms Elsie. She our best economics lecturer

Hehe. I am graduating from foundation year. MelbUni here I come

My cute Academic English lecturer, Ms Azizah

Graduation Dinner

Smile! Guess which one is our hot computing studies lecturer?

The girls in black: All blacks! Me, Beautiful Hannah, Cute Kathy n Smart Sian. Love u gurls so much

A wonderful graduation dinner night.With Tim, VChin n Siew Sian

3 musketeers of KDU

UNSW Foundation Year Graduation

- Words of Love, Shir Li -

Monday, January 9

Rain, rain goes away, come again another day.

It had been raining cats and dogs since Sunday. Instead of the usual bright sunny rays, the sky had been substituted with continuous pouring rain. This is totally unusual. Malacca is well known as the hottest state. Each day, the weather is getting colder, the rain is getting heavier and the wind is getting stronger. What a great start for the year 2006.

Of course, I am wearing sweater and tracksuit plus eating lots of vitamin C coz there is only 1 word to describe the situation right now: Cold! 23 Celcius for 3 days. Moreover this weather is the best time for sleeping. Do you agree with me? To tell you the truth, I had been sleeping for more than 10 hours these few days.

Ok, had to admit that we only in Malaysia and not elsewhere. I really cannot imagine myself staying in the cold Melbourne climate. I guess I will freeze to death and sleep for 24 hours =) Raining definitely created a boring and dull day. I wonder what will happen next. Will I survive? A bright and sunny day tomorrow?

It is Raining by Rain

- Words of Love, Shir Li -

Sunday, January 1

A whole year of memories

3, 2, 1, 0: Goodbye 2005, Welcome 2006! Could you believe it? One solid year had already left us behind. Year 2005 definitely placed a great significant in my life. Along the journey of whole 12 months, I had learnt a lot about life, love, responsibilities and the most important of all was friendship. Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness (Lois L. Kaufman). It was like a norm now that we declared a brand new year will be absolutely better than the previous. As for me, I had to admit that year 2005 was a blessing. And of course I would expect that 2006 will be good, better and the best year. However, it will be a year full with myriad obstacles. Staying and studying in a foreign country will definitely be tough for me. Plus, I am sure to miss my country, hometown, friends and family. Just hope for the best now. In a nutshell, I wish that 365days of 2006 will be filled with hope, joy and happiness.

Happy New Year, everyone!

My 2005 Online Diary
JAN: Just started a brand new year and it was already semester one exam.

FEB: Sigh! Got my semester one result. Did quite badly and it was not what I expected. Determined to work harder.

MAR: It was semester 2. Learnt so many things and all the lecturers were rushing to finish the syllabus.

APR: Felt the exam stress. Lots of assignments-presentation, report writing and long essays came pouring in all together at the same time.

MAY: Sat for UNSW final examination. Felt relieved and happy that we were the earliest to finish our whole programme.

JUNE: Check my final results online. Thank God. I met the entry requirement for Melbourne Uni. Applied for 5 unis in Aus.

JULY: Went to btn camp. Meet lots of new friends from other colleges. Yippee! Received a full offer from Melb uni after 3 weeks waiting.

AUG: Started malaysian studies and moral education lectures. Felt glad that only 2 subjects to kill for the last semester in college.

SEPT: My 19th Birthday! Hehe, definitely a big girl now. Sent a friend off to UK. Wish them good luck and all the best.

OCT: Applied for accommodation. Whew, had to pay RM6k++ for the deposit. But I am glad that I finally got a place to stay and Vivienne will be my future housemate. College Square here I come.

NOV: Did my medical check-up and applied for visa. LAN exams. At last, I finished my whole course officially. Visa to aus was approved after 4 days of waiting. Yeah! I can fly now. Went to jpa psycho camp.

DEC: Moved out from my apartment and kdu college definitely left a great impact in my 1year and 6months college life. Thankful that year 2005 was a sweet blessing.

- Words of Love, Shir Li -