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Initially I didn't want to break this news in my blog but the stress level has been cummulating up to my neck now I feel really suffocated. I have too many things to do, but too little time.

As some of you may have already known, I'm leaving Malaysia in less than 2 weeks. It's a one way ticket this time. I am going to Melbourne but it's not a holiday and it's not for school. It's to stay there for a good few years until I get a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa from the Australian Government. Because Wei Kiat is putting my name with his, the lawyer said I have to be there before lodging the application, and thereafter while waiting we are required to stay. In other words, I have to leave everything behind. Everything I already have in my fingertips - jobs, car, familiarity, connections, friends and family.

No, I'm not blaming anyone. I just need a place to let a little bit of things out before I explode.

I currently have 5 main things to do: settle things in my dad's shop, settle things in music centres I teach at, have as many lessons as I can with my violin teacher and lastly, spend time with friends/family and lastly pack.

I know I complain about working at my dad's all the time and I should be happy now that I get to get the heck out of here but that doesn't change the fact that he's my dad and if I could I would help him any time. When I told him how soon I had to leave not only did he not sound me for being irresponsible, he showed his concern on what I'm going to do there, financial stability and all the things any dads would naturally do. And I feel really bad but there's nothing I can do about it but to get everything as organized as I can before I leave.

I currently teach at three different places but the good news is that I have already told them my plans of leaving a few years before this (with failed attempts of actually leaving wtf) thankfully all bosses are already prepared. I won't miss being irritated the crap out of myself by parents who complain a lot or students who don't practice, but I would most definitely miss my students. I would miss that rewarding feeling when a student does well whether in an exam or a regular lessons, and I would miss having kiddy conversations with the younger students. Yes, I might be able to live this part of my life again in Melbourne, but the students I would get in Melbourne are not Malaysian. That, is the difference.

Right now, I'm having violin lessons as regularly as I can afford to - as long as I have enough money, and time. I feel really happy that I've finally found a teacher who would help me out unconditionally, with dedication and as much as he can but it's also really sad that I'm tied up with so many other things, I really really really want to try my best to put practicing the violin as my no. 1 priority but I just can't. My teacher advised... or rather requested that I quit working at my dad's for this month and make sure I get myself really really prepared, before approaching educators over there in Melbourne. I agree, but sadly I cannot do it. I want to quit not because I hate working here (eventhough truth is I'm only working because I feel like I owe it to my dad) but because I really want to be prepared. I try my best to practice (I should be instead of blogging but damnit I really cannot stand the stress anymore) but work just takes up more time and there's nothing I can do. I feel really sorry for myself, I feel so guilty to my teacher.

According to my schedule, I'll be out every single night after work not because I'm going to have fun with friends but it's all more work-related things to be done, trying to settle everything until the very last minute. How the heck can I spend more time with my family/friends like this?!

Lastly, it just hit me that I won't have any time at all to pack unless I sleep lesser. If I do, I'll be too exhausted to even practice or work. So the only days I'm left to actually pack, are a Saturday and a Sunday. Notice how it's not plural. How does one pack up her entire life in just 2 days? Once I leave, I don't know when I'll be able to come back. My mind is like a warzone, I don't know where to start from. I don't know what I should and should not bring. I have too much of makeup, books, clothes emotions...

And today's sick tummy plus 4 trips to the toilet is not helping at all.

Just the other day my dad was telling me he might as well sell away my car since nobody is going to drive it anymore. It made total sense, but it also made me really really sad to hear what he had just said. I don't know why. It hit me hard that my parents raised me and gave me everything including that car and then I'm just going to leave them in less than 2 weeks.

I'm sorry this post is getting so fucking emotional and I'm crying right now.

♡ is in the air

Girl: For this vday, go to cards section in the mall. Randomly pick one vday card and read. Then put back in the rack. There, that's my present. Practical n economical, yet still have the lovey dovey feel. Wtf.

Guy: WTF Hahahah. So sweet. Then as for u. Go online n read one la :)

After half a day...

Guy: Read a vday card. It says "see u in Melb on 28th!". I smile. Content. This is the day I've been waiting for

Girl: :) you make me smile like sohai. Just your assurance is enough to convince me tat going there n restart my life is ok :)

Guy: :) I dunno wat will happen. But i know we'll go through this together. I'm sleeping ady ya. Nite nite baby.

***

Happy Valentine's Day 2011

I spent Valentine's this year with 2 of my bestfriends. I wish we can do this every year.

Don't my nails look freaking awesome?

I've been quite diligent in painting my nails so no more Wai Loon come asking me "Is this a trend? Why is there only a patch of colour at the centre of your nails?"

Pasta Zanmai

Chinese New Year this year felt a little short but still fun nevertheless. Nobody truly enjoys a holiday until they start working. This year could be the last time I get to celebrate CNY with my family. Sad, but some things need to happen. Will reveal when everything is in my hands. Remember I said something exciting is going to happen? Well, it IS happening. Soon. Exciting, but scary at the same time.

And no, I'm not dying.

Some pictures of Wk and I at Pasta Zanmai. First time eating there. Verdict? Overpriced fusion food. Worth trying though cos some dishes taste interesting, but don't eat the typical Japanese dishes cos it's a lot more expensive than if you were to order it in Sushi Zanmai.

Spaghetti with Unagi and egg. Not bad but nothing to shout about. This is around RM 23 or 26.

Spaghetti with prawn tempura and sesame paste sauce. This one tastes really interesting. It's a mix of Japanese, Oriental and Western in a plate. I think this is around RM 26.

I shall end with a picture of me being my usual self (obsessed).

Hair colour's fading already huhuhu T_T

Tong tong tong chiang!

Bored!

I shouldn't be cos I have a shitload of things to do but I have not felt bothered to get anything done so I shall blog now.

Major change in my life? What else... my hair of course. People who follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook will know that I have turned from brunette to...

... a redhead!

I posted this picture in my Facebook and Kin Wai asked, "why the lala pose" and I answered "lala hair colour of course must do lala pose"

No offence and please don't perasan, I'm not generalizing redheads as 'lala', it's just a joke. Everyone's definition of a 'lala' is different so don't get too sensitive.

When I first saw Mustardqueen's new hairdo it instantly made me want to go get my hair done. I've been wanting to dye my hair red since forever (no, I'm not saying this only to justify myself just incase anybody thinks I'm trying to 'copy' Mustardqueen, it's a fact) but everytime I'm in a salon deciding on what colour I should dye my hair, the hairstylist will persuade me to not go for red saying it will fade very very quickly and once it fades it won't look nice, the colour isn't versatile blablablaaaa.

Her pictures inspired me so much that I didn't want to give a shit anymore. Do it now or never, how many youths does a woman have, right? And if another hairstylist ever suggests me to do otherwise, to hell with it. 

I went to the same place she did (Wenawave @ Times Square) and I'm glad I did, the stylist didn't comment on a single thing about my decision. Of course she did tell me it will fade quickly which I do not blame her because it's just how the dye and Asian hair work. Once I said "Ok, do it" she told me "You're gonna look like Rihanna".

They use L'oreal and I'm not sure which one I picked, it was either a shade from the Majirouge  or the Majirouge Mix+ series. I didn't expect the colour to turn out soooo vibrant even without bleaching! Well honestly, I wanted something different, not just a burgundy or a mahogany but something... different. And this is exactly what I wanted! But for a day or two I was too afraid to show the big change to the world I wore a cap around -.-

By now, the colour has already faded slightly. It's still red, but not as vibrant. Each time I shampoo, the foam turns pink. I see water with red tint running down my hair. It stains my towel and when I'm not careful, my wet hair will stain my clothes! Well, I'm not complaining since this was what I wanted. I just wanna share a little bit of info just incase anyone out there wanna do this this, at least you're prepared.

I paid RM 220 for my length (it's over my boobies) and RM 95 for the treatment. The place is quite small and  busy so I suggest making an appointment before going. The creative director (whom I consulted) is Yen but the one who did my hair was another stylist.

Now I need to scratch my head and think of what to do once my hair grows out. I can actually see a little bit of regrowth already :(

What's up doc?

On the 3rd day we went to Wet & Wild which is a water theme park, like our Sunway Lagoon but with 9875341089 times more scary rides and nicer pools. Didn't manage to get pictures cos it was obviously et everywhere and it's not only because it's a water theme park, but the fact that it was raining that day :(

It was raining till around mid afternoon when the rain stopped but the sky was still gloomy. Then while we were queueing for a water slide, it started drizzling. We were queueing for about 30 mins? 45? I'm not sure but people there were that crazy. Despite the rain people still wanted to have fun and the amount of people was crazy by just looking at how long we had to queue for one slide.

When it was our turn to get on the slide, the rain became super heavy and there was thunder and they had to stop the operation.

MAHAI.

And we had to run over for shelter. It was pouring like cats and dogs and the wind was killing us. We waited for about an hour before the rain stopped completely, and everything was operating like normal again.

One of the wave pool where they have this outdoor cinema system called the Dive' n'Movies where you get to watch a movie while floating on the pool. They were showing The Grown Ups that day.

Overall, it was a really fun day and it would have been perfect if there was no rain. Absolutely worth visiting.

The next day which was also the last day we had in Gold Coast, we went to the Warner Brothers Movie World, which is a movie related theme park.

Upon entering, this is the first roller coaster ride you will see.

The Superman Escape

Freaking scary looking!

We wanted to ride it but the queue was guess what?

FREAKING 2 HOURS WTF.

They had a notice board placed outside the queue area of each ride, stating the estimated waiting hour. And almost all that we saw were 1-2 hours.

Major turn off :( In the end we didn't get to do any rides at all. There were too many people, I think December is a really bad time/month/season to visit Gold Coast.

Don't get to ride anything, so how? Pose and take pictures lah!

Batwing Spaceshot is like the Space Shot (I thought it was called Solero Shot but apparently not anymore) in the Genting Theme Park but Batwing goes up slightly higher than Space Shot.

Bugs Bunny and... girlfriend! Wtf. What's her name ah? 

We also watched one of the shows in the 4D theatre, that day they had Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Then there's also the street entertainment.

That day it was the Justice League against The Joker and some guy I don't know.

And in the late afternoon there's the Star Parade, where the movie and cartoon characters parade along the streets.

The Green Lantern said hi to my readers! :)

Would you look at Fred? Even a fake one is as vain.

I'm gonna get killed for posting this picture but Ben & Jerry ice cream FTW!

There wasn't much to do since it was fully packed with people so we left the place early and chilled (literally) at the Surfers Paradise beach.

The wind was not as funny as how this picture may appear.

The wind was so strong it was blowing the sand up! When you walk towards the beach you'll feel as though your legs get pricked by some invisible needles. And if you're not carefull, you might even catch sand in your eyes. NOT FUNNY AT ALL.

Either it rains like crazy, or the wind gets crazy. And it's supposed to be a hot, sunny summer time when we were there. It was broadcasted that that December (2010) would be the wettest Christmas Gold Coast ever faced. 

We were unlucky for such timing and plus, since it's December, everyone's on their holidays so everywhere was packed with people. And not to mention, rude people. Wasn't pleasant at all. 

I guess the best time to go there would have to be January - April, where it's not the holiday seasons, and it's not too hot or cold.

We bought this ticket package to get into all 3 parks (Sea World, Wet & Wild and Move World). It's a VIP pass for about AUD 100, and not only is it cheaper than buying individual tickets for each park, the pass lasts for a year! Which means I can still go back there (any 3 parks) and enter without having to pay again! I'm not sure if the package is still available but just to let you know to watch out for packages and deals and not blindly go for the individual tickets.

Last picture of us at Gold Coast :)

We took LOTS and LOTS of footage through out this trip, I'll be compiling them soon. 

By the way, Chinese New Year is coming soon! Less than 2 weeks! Have you done your shopping? Well, I have and now I'm left with my hair. I'm thinking of dyeing it red, eventhough Wk doesn't really like the idea. What are you doing? :)

Gold Coast! (urm... non-halal pictures ahead)

My Australia trip post is coming to an end, finally.

If you ever visit Melbourne, don't forget to eat at The Meat & Wine Co. There's a few of the restaurant all around the world but I think the nearest to us would have to be Australia, Sydney in particular. And while you're there and while you're non-Muslim, please don't forget to eat the pork ribs.

No, not this one but this is really good too. It's their ribs platter which comes with small portions of lamb, beef and pork ribs. 

THIS. is their full rack of pork ribs. It may look gigantic but it's not difficult for 1 person to eat it up since most of it consists of bones, or ribs for that matter.

That full rack of pork ribs costs around AUD50+, can't remember the exact amount. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Will I try it again? Absolutely. Why? Simply because I can never find something like this in Malaysia.

The last 4 days before heading back to Malaysia we went to Gold Coast, stayed at Surfers Paradise.

The Surfers Paradise beach, which is loooooooooong.

It's a beautiful place but I guess we were there at the wrong time. It was raining everyday, the sky was really gloomy, the weather was wet and cold. Everything was underwhelming :( Because the sky wasn't clear, so was the sea waters. And the rain just didn't help at all.

Upon reaching we strolled along the suburb. Because it's quite a hot tourist spot, the price of everything's marked up like crazy. My advice for anyone who's traveling to Gold Coast particularly Surfers Paradise is, stay in an apartment and cook whenever you can. The food isn't exactly amazing, or at least nothing we tried was. It's not worth it to spend on food there, not even groceries. Pack instant noodles if you have to.

We had dinner at this Taiwanese restaurant. Like I've said, food was not impressive. But I quite like their bubble tea. The milk tea was so so, but the pearls were good. The place is called Hazel Tea Shop.

The next day we went to Sea World which was quite fun but again, the rain was a major let down :(

My favourite part of the visit is seeing these King Penguins!!!!! I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how huge they are and how fake they look! It's like seeing a Mumble (from Happy Feet) and the rest of the penguins! Except that they didn't sing and tap their feet and dance wtf.

There were also a few scheduled shows peformed by the marine animals.

Imagine, the dolphin show.

Fish Detectives, where the seals and sea lions all came out to act!!! So cute!!!

Looks like one of the seals is getting horny wtf.

First time seeing a polar bear!

For dinner, we decided to try Bavarian Haus because they (Wk and family) were very interested in the pork knuckle, which is a popular German dish.

Such a disappointmet.

It's my first time trying a pork knuckle and unfortunately I didn't like it. Ok... I did enjoy the crispy skin (I'm a sucker for zhu yao zhar which I think is deep fried pork lard and siew yok skin which is the skin of roasted pork) but the meat was well, quite tender but smells strongly of... I dunno. Pork which has been kept for too long I guess? Not forgetting it was looking quite bloody as well, not sure if it's cooked. But if it's that tender I'm pretty sure it has been cooked for long so I don't understand why it looks bloody in the inside. And the strong, unpleasant smell of pork, gosh.

We also had several other dishes like the Wursts (German sausages), chicken schnitzel, lamb shank, pretzels... everything was just mediocre. Nothing impressive.

Try it only if you cannot contain your curiosity on pork knuckle. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend that place at all. Environment is ok, but the food just doesn't justify the price.

Ok signing off. Will finish off the last 2 days tomorrow. 

Selamat Hari Thaipusam semua!