The Mercury World

Friday, January 27, 2006

Auf Wiedersehen to the year of rooster

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wheres my ang bao? But then, most pple reading my blog prob would not be eligible to give out one, yet (unless u are keeping a deep secret that I don't know of). Would be spending this CNY here in Sg, seems like a long time since I have done. Actually, I just only missed last yr when I was stuck in Brissy doing my hons. Though its not the first time that I was spending CNY in a foreign place, it was the first time that I was without my family. Fortunately, we had a gp of friend (n of course JJ) who didn't mind spending a little more for our 'renuion' dinner, what with already being so pitiful as to spend CNY downunder. That was definitely an experience. So this yr, having failed to 'pi nian' becos my sis could not cfm if she could take leave till it was too late, we are stuck in Sg for CNY. I know I just make it sound so 'exciting', but then for me new yr is quite a boring thing. Most of my ang bao are collected within the first day of CNY. First day going to my grandfather's place and 2nd going to my dad's friend's place. Thats it! So I guess I would just take it as a time to rest and catch up on my VCDs then.
Well, in welcoming the yr of the dog, we leave the yr of the rooster (which was the zodiac yr I was born in... err .. I just unknowingly revealed my age). It seems to be a good thing as the pple born under the sign of rooster were 'fan tai shui'. So its seems like we were supposed to be kinda unlucky. Well, I can't say that its been all bad this past yr. Other than the fact that my hons results wasn't very ideal, made some 'screwed up' 'friends' who only look for u when help is required, got messed up with some sales rep (and their finance dept, which shouldn't concern me to begin with) and had bad karma in the lab (expt not working from my hons to work), it has overall been a pretty good yr. I did end up knowing some really good friends, who are missing me there in Brissy (haha u know who u r), reacquainting myself with old ones (thank you for making the effort to include me in ur lifes again), realised that a lot of pple actually miss me in the time that I was away (see how impt an entertainment I am for my friends), found a job in quite a short time, have really good colleagues, work in a fun lab and also started going to the gym frequently, I would say it really was quite a good yr. All I need now is for Prince Charming to drop from the sky, along with a million dollars and also a PhD. Sigh ....
So while we say Auf Wiedersehen to the yr of rooster, I also look forward to the new yr ahead, leaving all the bad karma behind. Hopefully, it would be as good as the last one if not better. Not sure what I would be doing or how I would be doing or even where I would be the next time I see this sign again (now thats a scary thought).

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Quiz: The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

You Are Balanced - Believer - Powerful

You feel your life is controlled both externally and internally.
You have a good sense of what you can control and what you should let go.
Depending on the situation, you sometimes try to exert more control.
Other times, you accept things for what they are and go with the flow.

You are a true believer in luck, fate, and karma.
You believe that life is a game of chance - not a game of skill.
You either consider yourself very unlucky or very lucky.
No matter what, you don't feel like you can change the hand you were dealt.

When it comes to who's in charge, it's you.
Life is a kingdom, and you're the grand ruler.
You don't care much about what others think.
But they better care what you think!


U know what? I think this is prob the most accurate about me. Hmm ... Believing in fate, but still gotta fight for your own destiny. Well, like its said, u win some, u lose some. Some things are controlable and worth fighting for, while others r just ... 'y bother'?
The kingdom part, well I think its quite true. But the way they made it sound, it seems like I'm a little monarch and somewhat tactless. Sigh..... But still, thats me I think. Will try harder to be less tactless. I promise *innocent smile*.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Quiz: What Advanced Degree Should You Get

You Should Get a PhD in Science (like chemistry, math, or engineering)
You're both smart and innovative when it comes to ideas. Maybe you'll find a cure for cancer - or develop the latest underground drug.

Hahaha ... see I knew theres a reason why I am in science? But then.. y is it that its not biology? N for those who know my ultimate aim .. its to find a cure for AIDS rem? Well cancer is not too far off anyway. So see I am on the rite track.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Quiz: What Age Do You Act?

You Are 21 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.


I'm happy with just being 21. Hmm.. thats not too far off from my actual age rite? If only I could live in the 20 somethings forever. Hmm... dream on .. hmm... WAKE UP MEL!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Quiz: What type of donut are you?

You Are a Boston Creme Donut
You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you.But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft.You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily.You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

Oh so true. But then don't eat donut every morning. Heres the site. http://blogthings.com/whatdonutareyouquiz/

Monday, January 16, 2006

Quiz: The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart.In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now.

Hmm.. I think to a certain extend this thing is rather true. I don't know about the split personality thing though. N also not sure about the afraid of marriages part too. Hmm... flirting around now? Hmm.... What say u? Anyway, heres the site to it. http://blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Cheers! To 2006...

Happy New Year to everyone who is still visiting my blog regardless of how boring it is or infrequently that it is being updated. I know this is a little late, with half a month already into the new yr (meaning its 1/24 of the yr), but still better late then never
(infamous words of mine). See I got a reason this time round. Not that I have nothing to talk about, but becos I have been too busy. It has been a crazy few weeks. Everyone seems to want to meet up and also went for a KL trip last week. I'll leave what I have doing for the next few entries with photos too, so that I have something to update my blog with. So first gotta look back into 2005 and look forward to 2006.
2005: Probably one of the most stressful and changing times of my life so far. However, a rather enjoyable one. Started the yr in Sg (was back home for 9 days for christmas and new yr) and was back working hard in the lab on the 4th. The life of working 7 days a week and rushing thru expt after expts (even running few at the same time). I reckon most of my expts were done in this 2nd part of the hons yr. However, it was also prob the best time that I had in the lab. Working so long hrs in the lab and also towards the ending of my hons yr gave me more chances to interact with the members of my giantic lab. Also the time where you get more encouragment in the entire yr. Where I became closer to few pple in the lab, where I also got more help, advice and care n concern. 2005 was the time I actually made the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. I first joined the UQ gym with JJ. Though it was only for 3 months, we made it the best we could (cos its prepaid). Hey, gym can be fine too. Really love combat and pump back then. Ohh n also ABT too. The fun and healthy lifestyle I have continued on amid painfully by joining Fitness First here back home. 2005 was also the yr where I became more sociable with the 'higher' class of scientist. No I don't mean the ones in my lab. But Phd students friends. Actually its Siok Hwee and Darren. A couple of very nice pple. Darren and I actually know one another from the time I went into UQ. Our common friend being Desmond. But we never actually had the chance to know one another till I started working in IMB. We always meet one another on the pathway to IMB (yes the one lined with palm trees). He walking out to lunch and me into the building for expts. We finally met up with one another (also with our hsemates, Siok Hwee is his misus if u haven't realized). Finishing my hons yr also meant I had to look for a job. Was a little apprehensive bout coming back to Sg (the science industry is only so big here) and thought had better prospects in Aussie. However, it was impossible to get one without at least a PR. So it was back to Sg for good. However, still have to thank Darren and Siok Hwee for all their help in helping me to get a job (even after I have come home). They were also the ones to sent to the airport and accompanied me while I waited for my plane to go home. The ones who I spent my last dinner in Brissy with. All these happened while the pple I used to hang around with disappeared. Of course times with the couple was usually with JJ (shouldn't leave her out). Also gone thru the pain of putting together a 50pg thesis (trust me its a pain), having to give a final seminar and finally a viva (now thats intimidating). A panel of 3 markers and a chairperson, asking u tons n tons of ques for half an hr. Something like an interview. Disappointment came. Letters for job rejection. Getting disillusioned with life in Brissy and the friends there. And also the 2A that I got for hons. Also at about the same time and made me look forward to going home. I know I will miss life in Brissy, miss JJ and also miss Siok Hwee and Darren, miss the fun I had driving around with them and all the times we chatted on forever at some cafe or over dinner. However, the disappointment also made it easier for my preparation to go home. It made me miss my family, friends and life in Sg too. Can't say I have regretted coming back, but
I do miss Brissy at times.

Coming home, meeting all my friends, being surrounded by my love ones and getting a job. Well what can I say. I realised I missed a lot of things while I was gone. Friends getting married, ex-colleagues married, giving birth, etc. Everyone have moved on with their lives and gotten so busy. Keeping in contact and meeting up also took extra effort and commitment. However, lucky me actually got a job soon after coming back. Came back on 30th Jul but got a job in Sept. Thats really quick considering some friends spent 6 months plus getting one. Not sure is it just the timing, the hons cert of just them being plain picky with jobs. I got a really good boss, really good colleagues and a fun lab. Also made some new friends who work in IMCB (cos I know shes reading this) and old ones who were once my poly classmates or uni friends. Meeting new pple and seeing familiar face. It has all been an experience. I have to say I have enjoyed my time since I came back. Can't say if 2005 have been a good one or a bad one. Well it certainly has it ups and downs.
2006: Whats in store for 2006. Started the yr at Esplande counting down with Candy, Lili n K(Lili's fiance) with fireworks of course. Not much of a countdown mood there but spectacular fireworks. It was then back to work and trying to settle back into the working mood and out of the holiday mood that descended in the last 2 week of the yr. Just went I got all settled down, time to go to KL for holidays. This time with Candy (cos Wx cancelled out on us, but thats for another entry). Had an ok time there. Just shopping n more shopping. So now that everything is over n done with, its back to work back to life. Well at least CNY is coming up. Another long break and this time its gonna be spent in Sg. Prob a good time to catch all the dramas I want and also take a long rest. Lili is also getting married this yr (ROM) n yours truly is one her bridesmaid (not sure if thats a good thing, but hey we must be quite close for her to ask me rite). So going to be busy with her ROM soon. Lili n I are also planning for our trip aboard. Destination unsure. It was actually Europe (but with her wedding n my spending its not gonna happen) but now we looking for other places. Not sure what else is up. Hopefully, everything will go well this yr. N yes, the search for prince charming is still on too. Hopefully better luck on that too.
So its time to say 'Goodbye Brissy', 'Hello Sg'. Time to say 'Goodbye 2005', 'Hello 2006'. Cheers!