Winter Break Stop 6- Pennsylvania to New York State

Woke up the next day and again we're on the go. Woke up at 7am and we started our journey to Hershey, PA.

Arrived at Hershey and straight away went for the ride as we were the first to arrive! It was great fun as it showed the process of chocolate making! from melting to cooling!!! they even provide the smell for the smashing room with the smell of Coco!!! After the ride we got free chocolate...hehe so the happy!=)

Our next stop was Corning glass musuem. I didnt wanna go as to me, a glass is glass, make no difference if its from Cornings or from the street. ALos it was 12.60 so I wanna save money so dun wanna go=) Waited outside for YR and her mum for abt an hour. Thank God there was free wifi to keep me occupied or not I would have died of boredom=) After that was the long trip go driving all the way up 2 New York State where Niagra Falls is at=)

We reach Niagra Falls at around 8pm and man was thta place AWESOME!!! the few thousand tonnes of water falling of the cliff each second!!! saw the bridal vail falls, Horseshoe fall and American Fall all at once! Canada was so near and its just the opposite but I still cannot get 2 go across as i dun have the papers to do so. So sad. But there were like 3 casinos just around that area. 1 on teh american front and 2 on teh Canadian front. Can even see the revolving tower from the Canada area. Thought it looked like the Toronto tower. The night view was just simply spectacular~!!!We then left for the night. Spend the night at Buffolo as it was a better place to sgtay, so we were told.

The snow fall there was just A LOT!!! A glimpse of what Mankato is gonna be when I go back!!! Man I dun wanna live like that but what can i do. Its a place i call home 4 the next 4 and an half months. shoved snow down YR's hoodie after she did the same 2 me!! man was it freezing cold!! she had a lot of snow collected at her hoodie after teh fight, FUNNy!!LOL

Till then..caio=)

Winter Break Stop 4-New York

Went round New York 2 days ago. The bus first took us to Chiantown for breakfast but since YR, her mum and I already ate, we decided to walk around Chiantown. Found there were alot of SEA restaurants and FINALLY found the Malaysian restaurant that everybody has been talking about. It was at Bowery Street. Took a few pictures. Will definately come back for a meal before we leave.

Our next stop was Wall street and the Federal Hall, npw known as the Federal Musuem. Stood right in front of the Trinity Church and Wall street which is known as the Heree. It was exactly like National Treasure!!! walked down to the Federal Hall and took a few picture. Found that the Trump Tower is actually only next to Federal Hall=) We also saw the New York Stock Exchange tower and what was suppose to be a bull in front of the tower had now become a Christmas tree. The bull had been moved to the another location which was in front of Battery park=) Took pictures with the front of the bull and then realised that there were a bunch of other ppl taking it from the rear. Tehy were what i would consider 'Sexually Harresing' the bull!!! LOL

Our next stop was Pier 17!!! Took the the water taxi and paid 25 for it. It took us all the way around to see Manhattan by sea. It was HUGE!!!! the wind was not exactly cooperating either! During the boat ride, the wind was strong and COLD!!! everybody was just jumping up and down 2 keep themselves warm. the water taxi took a turn and that was when we sawthe Statue of Liberty!!! It was just like how it was in photos-green with rust!!!LOL...didnt get off to the island but only saw it from afar but it was good enough=) took picture with crazy hair but its alright!!! another american experience=)

The next stop was Times Square and man was it HUGE!! News headlines rotating round and round, big neon lights just like Vegas...even the McD had a huge colourful neon M..LOL..took a few brief pictures and moved on. Will most definately come here again before I leave for Mankato=) On our way to the Empire State Building we went past Ground Zero and the construction site of freedom tower. It was said that its going to be 1776 m high to signify the year USA was first founded=)

Next on the list is the Empire State Building!!! It was TALL!!! first we went for a simulator ride that had a bird's eye view of the entire NYC. The ride was suppose 2b life like but Universal Studios had sucked the fun out of it for me and the whole thing just felt boring. I just followed along when the pictures turn and that was about it while the ppl behind was screaming their lungs out!! totally funny=) Next we took the elevator up to the 80 floor of the ESB before switching to another elevator that takes us up 2 the next 6 floors to the 86th floor of the ESB-the Observation Deck! When we went out, lo and behold it was SNOWING!!! now who would have thought that I would one day see snow at the highest peak of NYC??!! So TOTALLY AWESOME!!!took a few pictures before coming down! The place was just awesome and the view, breath taking!!!

Finally we went to Rockerfeller Center, our final stop. Fifth Avenue Baby!!! Shopping heaven!!! Saw the Rockerfeller Christmas tree which when lighted means Sale SAle SALE!!!! During Summer and Fall the Concorse is a Open Deck Cafe but during winter and Spring it is an ice skating ring! so we saw LOADS of ppl skating round and round!!=) Teh decorations were neat too!! Nutrackers and soldiers and angels everywhere!!!=)

Finally we headed off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!!! crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge and saw the Ben Franklin monument which was shapped like lightning to a kite=) Stayed at the Hyatt hotel which was just next to the Deleware River! so cool to know wher i'm at LOL.. After checking into our hotel, YR and I decide to take a stroll down where we were staying and found ourselves just a few steps away from the Philadelphia Seaport Musuem! Saw a ship as well as a Submarine!!! Didnt get 2 board it but still, to see a sunmarine was just awesome!!! It was so HUGE and half of it is already underwater, wonder how big it really is? Further walking brought us to Philly's Vietnam Memorial and another block away is the Korean War Memorial!!

Overall, NYC was fun! Saw load of stuff that only can be seen through TV! need 2 spend more time there and hopefully 3 days is enough but I highly doubt that! However need 2 prioritise and the Musuem of Natural History currently tops the Must SEE list!!! NIGHT AT THE MUSUEM!!!

Till then..ciao=)

Winter Break Part 2- Miami Beach to Downtown Miami

This week was a long stay at miami. When I planned this it was meant to soak up the sun as I know I was getting fairer and needed to get darker but unfortunately when I reached there- It was chilly and cold so no get 2 go beach and sun bath...only can take picture. Luckily we meet some tour guy who we bargained till $95 and he took us to 3 places for 2 days...

We went to Everglades the 1st day and it was to the Gator Park. We went there by bus and it was fun. I learned the difference between Aligator and Crocodile. Then we went for a AirBoat ride. Went into the Everglades swamp and saw the gator in real life action. They have heaps of sawgrass that actually looks like lalang back home LOL... We then came back and went to a tour to downtown miami. We started with an boat ride that took us around to see the houses of the rich and famous in Miami beach. Ppl like Will Smith, Shakir O'Neal, Elizabeth Taylor, J.Lo and the rest all have houses there. A piece of land there ranges between 8-12 Million. JUST THE LAND WEI!!! It doesn't even come with the house...sigh these ppl really rich ah!!!LOL...We then went to a tour around the town with the bus. Saw some of the places of interest in Coral Gables, Little Havana and Coconut Groove=)

The next day we went to Key West!!! It is the southest most tip of the USA!!! We also went to Hemingway's House!!! Surprise rite that Ernest Hemingway actually stayed in Key West before=) It was a cool tour....The whole Island was so big and we only had 4 hours so couldn't finish the whole island but it was good non the lest=)

The next day we transfered to a hotel at Downtown Miami and traveled around there. The place was quite dingy but the location was GREAT!!! right in the middle of the city and transportation to everywhere is abound!!! The first day itself we went to Bayfront Park. It felt like the Esplanade! If only Penang can better spruce it up and make it look like that it will be great!!! Went past the American Airlines Arena where the Miami Heat was playing that night! Had Osyters the night we arrived as it was happy hour so everything was half-priced=) Walked around the next day around town and found the public library, Art Musuem and Art Gallery=) Spend Christmas eve with YR and EH that I would never had dreamed off...LOL..Dun ask me more=)

We planned to go to The Hard Rock Casino on Christmas Day but we were lost and so decide 2 hangout at downtown miami again. We went aorund looking at the night life there and realise all the fun was at Miami Beach which was a bus away but not sure how 2 come back so we just spend christmas Jumping up and down in front of the CHristmas Tree in fornt of Bayfront Park!! It was hillarious but I had fun=)The next day EH managed 2 get a friend of his to fetch is to The casino and it was great! It was at Fort Laudradale and had we gone by bus it would have taken us 2 hours but by car was only 20 minutes=) We spend half a day there walking around and seeing ppl gambling. There were a lot of old ppl there and they were just pressing the slot machines..so lifeless and lost... At 3 we went to Aventura Mall which is the biggest mall in Florida. It was boxing day and they had Boxing Day sale!!! We bought stuff...lots of stuff but it was money well spent=)

Finally we checked out 2day and went to downtown to have a look see...AGAIN!!! EH wanted 2 have Chillies so we went=) later we took a bus to Miami Beach and the weather was so NICE!!! THe time we were at downtown the weather was warming up so we missed the sun tan part but nontheless the trip 2 the beach today was worth while=) Everybody was out at the beach and having fun=) Spend the whole afternoon there till evening and we managed 2 get EH;s friend again 2 fetch us 2 the Airport=) We have so many bags that I wonder how on earth ar we gonna go back in May...this is so gonna be a challenge...

As of now im writing from the airport so will be sleeping soon! Tomorrow..WASHINGTON DC!!!!

Till then ...ciao=)

Winter break Part 1-Mankato to Miami

Winter break is here and started travelling. When to Universal Studios and Island of Advanture! Sat 3 roller coaster in a day and played LOADS of rides!

Went to Disney's Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios! The whole time I felt like a kid again! Watching Disney's shows and queueing up to take a picture with the Disney's characters like Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto! I am so happy because I managed to get all the charcters and their pics. YEAH!!!

Now I am at Miami! YR and I took a 6 hours bus ride from Kissimmee to Miami and then YR and I took 2 busses to reach the hotel. Everything is so far so good and I hope we will be able to do catch up with our sleep this few days. I'm realy on vacation now as I have no idea what I want to do this whole time in Miami as I just wanna soak up the sun as when I go back to Mankato it will be white...A WHOLE LOT OF WHITE!!!

So far so good! Might not be updating this blog so often this month as I am on holiday so I will play more than uodate. Ask me again in the next few days and I may give you a different answer or an even better answer as to how my vacation is going. Only time will tell=)

Till then...ciao!!!

Picture post

I'm too lazy to write this week but I had fun playing with this picture-thingy so I decided to do something different this week. Hope you have fun=)

My lecturers and Claudia-World Learning staff on site visit=)

A snowy Thursday that was indicated the beginning of winter

World Language Organisation Semester end party at Cita's place

Finals is over bowling + snow camwhoring=)

Till then..c ya soon..Ciao=)

Thanksgiving+Black Friday....INSANE!!!

This weekend happened this way...

26/11/2009

Woke up late at 9am as The Winch's will be coming at 9.30am. Was done at 9.35 and hurried down just 2 find they were not there yet. Manage 2 relax till 9.45 when they came. Glenn drove all the way from Mankato 2 Rochester. Pass through Waseca and Owatonna and finally reach Rochester. U know ur at Rochester when u see tyhat HUGE corn Cub water tower- The biggest in the world=) Reached Ann's brother-Jerry's house and was greeted with a big snowman blowup with music..so CUTE!!! Meet Ann's whole family-Grandpa, Jerry and Terry, Nancy, Sharron + Mike and a whole lot more that I cannot remember=) We had makan at the Garage which was heated. There was TURKEY, mashed potatoes, Stufings, Corn, Cassarole and DESSERT!!! The mashed Potatoes WAS THE BEST!!!! The gravy and all was just so good!!! after that watche the Green Bay Packers game against Detroit. There was then a Baby Shower which was for Ann's niece who is expecting in March. They were cooing and aweing everytime a present is unwrapped. So funny=) The baby shower was in the Kitchen where the women folk were and the man were all in the living room-so gender bias but its the truth=) We finish and left at 5pm and Ann and Glenn drove me around the heart of Rochester which is the Mayo Clinic. The Clinic building was so nice but too bad i cannot stay out side too long to take pictures as it was TOO COLD!!! the wind kept blowing and I was not dressed for outside. So I just took a few photos and hopped into the car again. We then drove all the way back to Mankato and They decided 2 feed me first b4 dropping me off to my dorm. So nice kan! They cooked pasta with cheese! Had my full b4 i balik=) When I balik it was already around 10.30pm and I was expecting my floor to be empty. Surprise Surprise when I found Mike and Brandon in their room with their friends. They were there 4 Black Friday Shopping! So I asked if I can tumpang when they are leaving. They said ok and will let me know when they were leaving. I then went into my room and started to watch TV.

27/11/2009

My door knocked at 2.30am and Mike told me that they were leaving to Walmart. I wanted 2 go to Target so I said I'll just follow and then walked 2 Target at 4am as it will only open at 5am. Mike saw what I was wearing and said I need more layers. I wore 4 and then they said ok. I was HOT!!! but when we went out it was COLD!!! went to WalMart and ppl were there already, lining up 2 buy the stuff they want! It Was CRAZY!!! We walked around to see and They bought stuff but I didnt as I need 2 say money 4 only 1 thing- IPOD TOUCH 32G! At 3.30am, Eddie(Mike's friend) decided 2 go see his friends at Target. They had been waiting there since 2.30am. When we met them, the line was from the entrance till the bus stop. So we decided to talk and mingle with them before I squeeded into the line! YES I JUMPED THE LINE!!!I'm evil but i dun wanna join the line, it wa scrazy long k!!! We waited in the bitter cold! 4 layers and It was STILL NOT ENOUGH!!! As it was getting closer to 5am, we and the people in front of us were ploting and forming strategies to how to get the stuff we all want and can help each other get them. It was the first time I encountered that. When the door opened, EVERYBODY RUSH LIKE MAD wei!!! people were running into the mall and the workers just stood by the isle laughing! Someone fell but there was some1 2 help her up so I just went along. I got my Ipod and was super happy,especially when I paid 4 it!!!!=) After that the line was just growing it a looooooooooooong line. CRAZY WEI!!! Even Pizza Hut counter became a check out counter. So funny. Mike and the rest came to meet us and we went 2 scheels to buys some more stuff for Eddie. We wanted 2 go 2 Manards but the carpark indicated to us that It was CRAZY to join so we left. We went to Best Buy and the line was also long so we judt left and decided 2 go makan breakfast at McD. It was 7.30am when we reached the dorm. I thought I was going 2 tidur first when at 7.50am, Ann called and asked if i wanna join them 4 shopping, as i still needed 2 buy a skin and a screen protecter 4 my Ipod, I joined them and was back at Target at 8.15am. We walked around and realise that it was quite expensive so I decided not 2 buy till I finish checking everything out. We went to Shopko and waited 4 abt half an hour because of the line and then we waited at Jo-Ann fabrics for 2 hours because the line was Crazy long. Old aunties were buying cloths 2 sew and knit and their cloths were 20/30 pieces and all only want 1 yard. So long k. Finally we went back 2 Walmart and It was the cheapest 2 buy stuff. I bought my skin and protecter and was done. Ann said that Glenn wanted 2 cook friend rice and so i said i'll help them cook Friend rice ala Malaysian style. We bought the stuff needed like garlic, onions and halapenio 2 replace the dried chille. We baought prawns too=) By the time we balik to the Winch's house, I was too tired and jsut slept on their couch after staying awake 4 36 hours! I just tumbang and slept till 5am-a total of 4 hours sleep=)

When I woke up it was 5pm and Ann had set up the Christmas Tree! I went to teh Kitchen to see Glenn preparing for the fried rice! He cooked the rice ready said that only 2 of us will be eating the fried rice as the rest will be eating beef stew. So I prepared the garlic and the chille. Glenn started cooking so I just helped him and in the end He allowed me to cook and I fried the rice as good as I can remember how my mum cooked it. In the end, it tasted good! We had a round table makan and it was the first time I felt like I was with family!!! So warm the feeling. We the cleaned up and we decorated the tree. We watched a movie after that-The Polar Express until 10pm. Ann then dropped me back to my dorm.

28/11/2009

The Saturday was boring. Woke up at 2pm as I was too tired. Spend the whole day doing my work. Had cheese on toast 4 lunch. Was invited 2 makan dinner with Natsua at her dorm and after makan, when I reached my dorm the hall was again empty, I suppose Mike left 2 go home.

29/11/2009

Went to church and had fun with the kids. First time I had advent and it was with them and we did a mural of Jesus's birth. After church, Ann and the kids brought me along 2 Wendy's to have lunch. After that, I had been stuck in the dorm doing work till dinner at the cafeteria. Back to work until then till now.

Over all I think I had a good Thanksgiving=) Black Friday was Insane but I'm glad I was there to experience it=)

Till then...ciao=)

Holloween and more...

Halloween started early for me. I went to a get together organized by my friend Brian on Halloween eve at his place off campus. We walked to his place at around 9.30pm. People were dressed up in different costumes. There were witches, devils, lumberjack and others. A few of the international students including myself did not dressed up but mixed and match our cloths and came up with something. We played Wii and card games. I was introduced to different card games that were played all over the world. There were games from Finland to Ethiopia and of course American card games. I learnt a whole need set of card games. Later we left the party and wanted to go back to the dorms.

When I was resting in my room, Sully called me to join her at another party that was organized by the Maverick Bullpen which is the game room area. It was open day where we get to play pool and bowling for free. People were all dressed up in different and weird costumes and it was funny in some of them. One guy was a stripper while another cross-dressed. There was even a group of friends who dressed up in the whole complete set of characters from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ including Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb, Cheshire cat and the Queen of Hearts. It was really cool. There was a costume completion, lucky draws and a band playing. We play pool for a while before the announcement for the costume competition was announced. Not surprising the winner for the competition was the stripper. It was so funny when after he was awarded his prize; his friends took a photo of him being hand cuffed in all kinds of positions. We left after the party and that was when I realized I lost my phone. I went back and tried looking for it but could not find it. I tried calling it but the battery died soon after as there was not much battery left. I really hope someone would find it and give it back to me. I posted notices around the campus so I can only hope that it will be returned to me if it is found as soon as possible as I really need the phone for a lot of other functions like for time and alarm clock.

Overall Halloween was fun but the bummer was my lost phone. It was great to dress up and see people going all out in their costumes. It sucked as I now have to buy a new phone and phones here are exp. I love Malaysia more now....

Till then...Ciao=)

Birthday Getaway

It was fall break and my birthday so Kaori, Brian, Oona, Rabya and me went 2 Minnapolis, it was so long d since I havent gottten out of Mankato that I was so jakun when I left. I felt stupid at times but hey when u dun have a car here, Everything is far. Here public transport is crap so I appreciate Malaysia more now even though our public transport is crap too.

We went to Edina, Brian's dad's house. It was a sub urb setting at the place was GOOD!!! It was a rich man's area wei. according 2 Brian, CEOs of BestBuy, Walmart, Target and others all own houses here. There was a house wif 6 LUXURY cars like cardillac, ferrari and all. I only manage 2 see the cadillac when the garage open but still!!! Americans with their material possessions~~sigh...

We went to Mall of America and walked the whole day 4 min 4 hours and that also we didnt finish the mall...Too big d la the mall!!!....

Went back to Edina n on the way we brought Alchohol. We had a drinking spree at the basement and needless to say, I join in the fun la. I drank and drank and drank and yes, I was drunk...for a while. I was tipsy and spoke crap. Almost smoked weed when it was offered but had to restarin myself as i'm inexeperienced and the experience ppl also didnt want to. So since the experienced ppl didn't do it, I dun think i should. It was a smart call cause the pplk who did smoke after tat was GONE!!! They had no idea what happened and we woke up at 1pm. It was great though. During that time they celebrated my birthday and I had a birthday Pizza! I love practicality!!=)

On our way home we talkeda bout what happened last night and realised all the crap we were talking and I was embarassed at the info i let loose 2 them. It was nothing serious but still i would Never had those conversations if i was sober.LOL. It was a great trip and it was all Thanks to Kaori, Mufasa/Brian(lol), Oona and Rabya!!! Love u guys=)

I came back on saturday doing laundry and watch loads and loads of drama!!! desperate housewives, grey's anatomy all the shebang!!LOL...ah its stuff like this that I love america=)

On Sunday after church, The Winchs (my friendship family) took me out for a birthday makan! It was so sweet of them. They took me to Buffolo wings which was a great place to hang out! They even gave me presents!!! I got a sweater and a blanket!!! They tied it themselves. pics are on FB!!! It was lovely!! So happy and Greatful to tyhe lord for always providing 4 me evn though i'm so far away from home. He still looks after His child and I'm eternally grateful!!!!

So my weekend was a great one and I hope next week will be better. till then...ciao=)

Its only weird if u see it that way....

Its only weird if you see it that way,
no one knows and no one cares,
If you can see through the weirdness and all,
then you would see the beauty of it all.

The times we had was fun and easy going,
nice, comfortable and simply pleasing.
We told each other everything,
which was the best part of the whole thing.

Secrets that we wouldn't dream telling,
went through advantures that were quite thrilling,
and just because of a spontaneous saying,
you want to throw away everything?

Why oh Why do u keep seeing its weirdness,
but not look at the other side, the brightness,
there is nothing to be weird about,
unless you yourself are in doubt?

The times when we would just talk,
tease and poke fun when we walk,
now even when we talk,
your guard is on to block.

What's there to block i do not know,
unless there is something that you do not want to show.
I have no clue how your brain goes,
but something tells me that you know.

I know the timing was sucky down right
Trust me, it was not suppose to come to light,
but all the questions at that night,
Why oh Why didn't I kept my lips tight!

Take all the time you need to heal,
recollect and find your ideals,
soul search while having fun,
enjoy it to the fullest with no intended pun.

The ball is now at your court,
I'm not asking you to do anything.
just don't weird out on me now,
we'll see how it goes for here...

Sorry missed last week...

I know i lost last week but nothing exciting happened anyway so i'm just gonna let it slide.

This week there has been a lot of happeing shit to me!!!

First was the best! SNOW!!!! My first snow and it was so cool. The snow looked like tiny grains of sand and it was ssssoooo cool! Tried to taste it and looked like and idiot when I stuck my tongue out to try 2 taste it. Everyone was staring at me! luckily no one took any pictures=) The pics of my first snow is on Fb so go find it if u wanna see how excited I was...LOL

The week has come and gone and it was really really a roller coaster ride. Found out some stuff about other people that I didn't ever expect to know and It was interesting and curious even andmade me wanna know more now=) Other stuff are quite depressing but it was a case of not knowing when to shut up! Stuff that I said I wish i could take back but now that its out, it there! I hope the person would look beyond what was said... Its a relief that i said it cause it had been such a long time wel kept secret and now that its out of my chest, I can't believe its weird...Dun hide from me, talk to me...

There was attempts taken by others to make me drunk! but unfortunately, Mission to get Sean Drunk--Attempt 1 ---FAILED as I forgot 2 bring my passport and thus was denied entry to many many clubs! I then decided to take the bus back 2 take my passport and found out on the way back that the bus doesn't take return passangers. Its a one way bus! That means a $8 taxu ride back, NA AH!! NO way Jose am I gonna spent 8 bucks to go back. So thats y now i'm here in my room typing this blog... There will be other times and frankly I was thinking of getting drunk=)..just 4 the hack of it=)

A lot of assignments to finish so till then...ciao=)

Malaysian Gathering and more..

This weekend was indeed a highlight!

Friday saw me shopping with Jesse, Sully, Isabel and Mirjana. We went around town and it was good.

Saturday was when the fun started. The Homecoming perade was fun and I joined as a flag bearer. Carried the Malaysian Flag around and when ppl ask meif I'm Malaysian, they were surprised that I was. So funny! The Homecoming parade was on Saturday and Sully and I participated. We were supposed to be flag bearers for our countries in our traditional clothes under the International Students Association’s banner but the weather was too cold for us to wear them. We just went in our jackets and joined the parade. It was great fun to see all the floats that the people had decorated. The theme for Homecoming was ‘Stomper Saves the Day’. Stomper is the MSU mascot. There were all sorts of different forms of Stomper. He was Batman, The Hulk, Spiderman and Superman and many more. The floats were decorated with them. Some of the figures on the floats even moves. The students really put effort into them. The Sororities and Fraternities also had their own floats. They were very nicely decorated. The African Students Association was behind our float and they had African music blasting behind their float. It was cool as they danced down the parade. We walked for about half and hour and then we stopped as the weather was too cold. It was raining that morning so the temperature was pretty low.

At six, Glenn picked me up to go to Rachael’s birthday. It was fun as I got to meet their friends and family. They introduced me as their international family. So sweet of them=) They had a bonfire burning outside and it was so nice to be around the fire during the cold. We play volley ball till dark that Glenn drove his car to their backyard and shined the court and we continued playing. When Rachael and Alyssa’s friends found out where I come from, they were so interested to find out more about Malaysia and when they realised how old I was, they could not believe me. We had fun together. We then gathered around the fire and Rachael showed me how to make smores. It was so much fun roasting the marshmallow and it tasted good. The marshmallow just melted in the heat and when I put it into my mouth, it was sweet and savoury all together in a bite. So lovely! We chatted around the fire and I learnt of 3 siblings who were adopted from Russia- Andrei, Vladimir and Anna. They were so open about it and Vladimir was just a fun kid to be with. When it was getting to cold we went indoors and played Apples to Apples and there was 17 people playing it. It was by far the largest group I have seen playing this game. We had fun playing and realised that the international players were winning! Andrei and I were leading and eventually we won! So funny! When the game was over, Glenn dropped me back to MSU at 11pm. It was a nice evening as I made friends with these kids and I really enjoyed feeling young again, living my youth that I had since past...

On Sunday after church, I attended a Malaysian get together organised by fellow Malaysian in MSU. Through this meeting, I finally met all the Malaysians that are studying here. There are 6 of us. As typical Malaysian, when we meet, we eat. We had steamboat which I had not have for a long time and when there was a pot of spicy flavoured soup, I was so happy! It was so long since I had something spicy as there food served at the cafeteria were always not spicy as I was explained to me that Americans have a low tolerance to spicy food. It was so good to have something from home and especially better during this cold weather where it warms you right up. Somebody brought mooncake and it just added brighten up my day. Saturday was supposed to be Mid Autumn Festival back home and we would always have mooncake during that festival. I thought I would not have them here but when it was brought out, I was so happy! After we had our fill, we cleared up the room and went home. Although it was only a short gathering but the knowledge of knowing fellow Malaysian are around in campus was kind of comforting. The few hours of being able to speak the language and use terms that others can understand without explaining the meaning was just great.

I then attended a NBA game in the evening. It was free for a few of us exchange students as the offer was sent to us by the international Students Association Graduate Assistant. It was the Minnesota Timberwolves verses the Milwaukee Bucks and it was the pre season game. We went and watched it and it was so cool to be so near the NBA players. They were really GOOD! All the dunking and passing, it was just great. They have performances during half time and that was phenomenal. There little kids break dancing and the best was the performance when 3 people using trampoline to dunk the balls. They were just AWESOME! Unfortunately I could not finish watching the game as the cafeteria would be close by the time the game was over so I had to leave mid way for food. Will try to attend next time and sit for the whole game.

All in all this weekend was a good one but now I have to suffer the consequences of a fun filled weekend. Assignments are piling up and I need to finish them as soon as possible.

Till then...Ciao=)

Glenn's birthday(25/9/09)

It was Glenn's birthday on Friday and Kaori, Maria and I were invited for a dinner party at a pizzaria downtown. We Had 3 14' pizzas-4 cheese, Pepperoni and Deli. The 4 cheese was the best=) kaori and I gave Glenn a card and a pack of snikers. Maria gave him a card. We all ate till we were full.

After dinner they drovw us to their house and MAN was their house HUGE!!! It has a backyard of a football field and it was behind a soy bean field. Aaron showed me the brick circle he was building. IT WAS A HUGE HOUSE and they only go it for $250000!!! cheap rite.

We went into the house and played ping pong at the basement. They even have a drum set in the basement. SO COOL. While waiting for Glenn to come back from getting ice cream, Aaron and I played WII while the girls played with the cat. Ann brought in the cake which she baked by herself and it was spelled DAD hahaha

We sang happy birthday to Glenn when he came back. Later we played a game called Apples to Apples. It was great fun=) We had a little family time in the living room later and we just chilled. Bullied Aaron for a while=) and then we called it a night at 10pm. Glenn drove us home.

On my way to my room, I realised that I left my keys at their house so i had to call Glenn at their home and they helped me find it. It was at the basement by the ping pong table. Glenn drove all the way back to Crawford to give it back to me. So touched and paiseh...

And that was basically my weekend. Wasn't a very exciting one this week. Hopefully it will pick up the next.

Till then...ciao!

I WON!!! I WON!!!!

Today was such an AWESOME day taht I have to blog about it!!!! I went to St Peter Regional Treatment Centre for community service and ended up with so much more. There was a Diversity Event held by the St Peter Regional Treatment Centre and Sully, Isabel and I went for it. We had to bring things from our home country to promote our country to the inmates. We were there since 10am and Karla and Bert, the representatives from the Centre brought us to St Peter. I was excited as it was my first trip out of Mankato. We reached the Centre and set up our tables and started sharing with everybody that came by. It was fun. We talked for hours. Although the inmates were all classified as mentally ill and dangerous, the people that came were quite fun to be with. They were very engaging and asked a lot of interesting questions. Now I know how the Tourism board people feel when they go around the world promoting Malaysia in exhibitions. After the event, Bert took us around St Peter and when she heard that we have not seen an apple tree before, she drove us to a staff member’s house name Catherine who had an apple tree in her yard. We had fun and I got to pick my first apple from an apple tree=) After that Bert drove us back to Mankato. It was a short but fun trip and I was so thankful that Bert brought us around without us asking. That was so hospitable of them.

later after dinner, there was Fire Dance in the field in front of the Performance Art Theatre. It started at 8pm. Went there with Nanayah, Nargiza, Lennard and Sully. We saw the performance and it was GOOD! The girls were hot but the guys were not...LOL...love the performance though. Had so much fun with the stuff that they laid out for us to play with and we even got to play the drums for the event=) came back to the dorm at 9.30 and met Mike and the gang in the lounge and they told me that the Study Buck draw was at 10pm later. Went to my room and took my bucks and went down to the lobby to see what was there. Prize 1 was a free T-shirt and some candies. Prize 2 (which was what Mike and the rest was aiming for) was a box of PopCorn and some chick flick and Prize 3 was DVD of season 4 of Entourage. I wanted a free T shirt and so I put my bucks into the 1st jar. When the draw started, low and behold, I WON!!!! so now I have a free T-shirt and a lot of candy. Gave Mike and the rest some but i took the sniker bars and 100 grand chocolates=)So happy!!!

So that in short concludes my day today. So happy! It was a GOOD DAY!!!=)

Till then...CIAO=)

Pow Wow and more!

This weekend was fun filled! The weekend is finally picking up!!! Yeah man!

Weekdays are always boring. Always eat, sleep, study. Now have to do annotated Bib somemore. So kelian wei. So much work to do. That y weekends are always welcome.

It started on Friday that I did all my studies and went shopping during the night. Went to Old Navy but nothing much are cheap. So decided to ask Sully to ask Jimmy 2 drive us downtown on saturday.

Was suppose to meet at the Cafeteria at 11.30am. Dah sampai 12 only they rayau masuk. So by the time they we ready, it was 1.30pm. Walk 2 the carpark was 1.45pm and guess what, Jimmy can't drive a stick!!! To cut the long story short, we somehow manages 2 get there(wanna know how? PM me) and we went shopping at the thrift stores. Things were cheaper there. went back at 5.15pm. Had to go for fesyen show at 5.30 so ran back to dorm, bath, change and ran out to find Kaori in her Yukata. so PRETTY. Took a picture and went to the venue together. Had fun at the fesyen show it was 2 CH so i think it was worth it. Later at 9pm, we went downtown to party and that when the real shit happens. Went to The Haze at 10 and it was deserted, stayed on till 11.30pm and left for the Shisa Bar. Smoked Shisa for my 1st time but tak jadi. Tried 10 over times but STILL tak jadi. Ended up swallowing everything. I take it as God's sign of saying no smoking for u! LOL. Went back 2 The Haze at 1am and this time it was happening! Went dancing and 2 guys came hitting on Kaori. She was not putting up a struggle so i guess it was fine. When the guys tried pulling her off the group then only she wiggled her way out and in the end we left cause we were hungry and the place was HOT!!! Saw all sorts of crazy stuff in there!!! Had some fries and then balik at 2 something!!! This was the only day since I was here that I did not do any work or reading and I had FUN!!!

Sunday came, went to church then hurried back for Pow Wow. Mana tau the bus did not come. How 2 go? Luckily Chikara had a car, convinced him 2 go so i paid him 4 gas. It was cool!!! The dancers and the colours were magnificant!. First Native indian culture experience=) Pics are at FB so go check it out there!=)

So that was my weekend. Things are starting 2 pick up so hopefully it will be better next week.

Till then...Ciao=)

beat last week...

last weekend was FUN filled. It was way better than the week b4.

Class started as usual with all the work load piling but what to do. here 2 study ma so mah hv 2 study lo. Started with the muti genre research paper and spend my whole 2 hrs in the library with Nhon(vietnamese graduate dude) and Xu (chinese Graduate). he is working me and I hate it but i think he gets it when im irritated as I apparently I give ppl a kind of look when they push the wronfg buttons sa i think he is a little afraid of me now and knows that i do not work well when im hungry. LOL Borrrowed 2 books 2 read just for the sake of this assignments. Stupid! back home where got do so much work 1. Tipu tipu pass can d la. Nhon is so straight that he must work according 2 schema. HELLO!!! rules are dead, ppl r alive. work around it, find lubang la. sigh....

Friday nite was the best as I finally manage 2 hv fun. As i'm joining a friendship family program and they were having a dinner that night 2 intro the family to the students, i did all my work in the morning till afternoon(6 hours in the library sucked!!!BIG TIME) Dinner came and I met mine. Low and behold, my family is the Worship pastor of the church that im attending here and the wife is teh church administrator. they both work only 10 minutes away from my campus so i can go find them anytime. LOL. They hv 2 daughters and a son and I was invited to the daughters 16th birthday this coming Oct 3. YEAH~~~~

Saturday came and I got 2 go out wif Mumfe, Rabya, Oona and Kaori to the mall in a car! Mumfe has a car so now I finally hv a friend with a car! We made plans 2 got to Chicago so hopefully that turns out well. We had dinner later that night at a Chinese restaurant!!! China Buffet. It was GOOD!!! I finally had some chinese food that I had been craving 4 so long!!! Althought it was 11 bucks but it was satisfying. Had my 1st fortune cookie and its was fun=)Spent the whole night hanging out later and it was great.

Sunday came and sunday school started. I'm helping out 2nd Grade whore are 7 yrs old. I'm helping Mr&Mrs P and so far i hv 2 kids. Medaline, Jamie, Aaron and Anthony. I heard they hv more coming so let see how it goes. They are fun kids! Medaline and Anthony are 'happy' kids so need more strength=) LOL

Had my first tutoring session with George and found out some interesting stuff about him. We will do just fine i hope as we learn from each other=) so interesting when we shared with each other.

So far life has been fun! Hope things will begin to pick up. Going 4 an native American Pow Wow this weekend so stay tuned for that. I hope it will be interesting=)

Till then...ciao=)

I'm an exchange student...GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!

I feel so trapped here. I wanna get out but buses here are so in convinient. They only leave for the cities 2 a day. 3pm and 6pm. What abt the ppl who wanna leave in the morning? This is shitty wei. I wanna get out 2 Milwaukee on Labor Day also cannot. If i leave i will hv 2 skip class but when i come back on manday, i can only reach at 11.30pm, and thats in Downtown. hv 2 find way 2 my dorm somemore and it cost USD$150 This sucks!!!

I need 2 find ppl who has a car. It is so much more convienient! here without a car is like cutting of ur legs,literally. U can't walk at night cause it would be freaking cold. Temps at nite can go as low as 5/6'C here.

I need friends who can make me around!!! or at least hv an interest going out and not just staying in campus. Im getting bored of campus!!! these 4 walls are KILLING ME!!!

ARGH!!!!

18-23/8/09 My First week

Its has been a week since I first came here and so far things have been ok with a little kicks here and there.

Orienntation was actually enjoyable and fun. The people were nice, even the Peer Mentors(PMs la). Best part was they were all International students from all over the world. Meet all sorts of ppl, from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, China, Utophia, Uganda, South Africa, Serbia, Austria, Khazastan and many, many more...

The food here has alot of fried and cheese stuff, not that I'm complaining. But I feel its quite unhealthy without vege cause the only thing they hv for vege is a salad bar. BUT i'm enjoying my macoronni and cheese so YEPPIE!!!

The weather here is wack I tell u. When I first arrived, temp was around 17'C even at night but within a week, it went down to like 12'C. CRAZY MAN!!! Thank God for water heathers or not I wont mandi at all man.

Currently the only thing I dun quite like is my roommate. Name's Bati (Essense,LOL) and he is From Utopia. He is nice and all but the thing I dun quite like his gang. They are quite loud and they like 2 gather in the room to talk and with 4 /5 of them talking at the same time, it's VERY LOUD!!! The things they talk abt are also just in the circle and I hv no clue so I get ignored. So I'm stuck at my little corner, on9ing. The worst part is, he asked me (politely la of course) 2 exchange room with his best friend so that he can room with him but the problem is I hv 2 change my address and the paperwork is too much of a hassle. So he said he might ask the other guy to move here. We'll C how it goes. Frankly if it was not the paperwork, I would LOVE to move cause I dun wanna b in a room where the other person doesn't want me there. Y I always kena so much drama 1!? Sigh...

Went to the Steele County Fair at Owatona (1 hour drive by bus from Mankato) yesterday and it was FUN!!!. Had my first corndog, Watched my first Pig Race and My first demolision car derby. IT WAS SOOOO CCCOOOLLLLL!!! Touched a pig and the american pigs are HUGE!!! Everything here is huge, their houses, horses, rabbits,cattle, pigs, every single 1 of them=) Visited a Village of Yesteryear and saw a lot of stuff. C all pictures at FB k. I lazy 2 upload them here again.

Well class starts today so we'll c how it goes. Taking 15 credits this sem, the most so far from the ppl i know but we'll c how it goes. I have no classes on friday ( I ARRAGED IT THAT WAY HEHE) and class only starts from 12pm so yeah!!!

Take care now. Ciao=)

Of meetings and Gatherings....

After I got my visa on last monday, things seem to move so slowly...

Had to stay back for Pre Departure Orientation on last Wednesday so had to keep staying on in PJ. Personally I wanted to go home but because of this I had to sleep in the living room till Thursday, or so I thought. Thought of giving the Sunday Steamboat wif housemates a skip as I've been in PJ for far too long d. Then Wednesday passed and Thursday came and the Sunday steamboat became a tempting idea. So stayed in the PJ house for the whole thursday and felt that it just ticked away....told myself will not waste my friday like that=D

Friday came and went to around Shob's new place in the pretext of wanting to get the Stuff form Kuching from Hui Woon but ended up making Pizza wif Grace and had makan dinner wif Hui Woon, Kouji and Elven. Catched up with them on the latest happenings and had fun. Had 'Kam Chia Hua'- a sarawakian dish that tasted just like pork but Hui Woon says its vegetarian so it was unbelieably good=D Went to cell and met new ppl. Had fun and reaslised It was my last cell after 3 yrs b4 i leave for US for a year...So gonna miss them=D

Saturday came and met up wif more ppl. The gathering was good but too bad it was so short. Wished we had more time dearies=D

Went to church on sunday and told them it might be my last sunday wof them. Aunty Doreen wanted 2 hv lunch wif me but too bad Ah Boy and the gang said earlier so I went wif them for lunch. Left Kidzone b4 it even finished. So bad rite!!! Looks like I didnt't do a good job saying good bye there=(

Had lunch wif Chia Hoa, Fei How, Edwin, Jackson, Yeong Lin and Ah Tak. Man it has been long since we all had makan time together like that. The last was in Kolej I think...We were fist yrs then, now all sudah besar, working and interning---I miss the old days... Watched 'Obsessed' wif them and man was it a show filled wif loopholes. Entertaining no doubt but so not believeable=D

Came back thinking that will help in preparation for steamboat but Mum had to call and ask me to get 'Swidish bitters' of all times. SO BAD TMING!!!! I had to leave and when i came back it was already almost 7.45. Makan was suppose 2b at 7.30 and i looked so bad for not doing anything and just makan. When everybody reached we started makan and tat was when we slowly got 2 know everybody! There was 15 ppl there that nite and it was acombination of housemates, ex-housemates, housemates loved ones and squaters(me)... Dr Juliana called and talked like for hours and I missed cleaning up time as well as the guest leaving. Another bad farewell on my part! SUCH A JERK aren't I!!! SO SORRY PPL!!!!

My fliight ticket is here and will be flying off on 16/8 at 10.45pm at KLIA. based on what i've done and evaluaded myself, I think I don't deserve anything for my friends...I should just go off and get out of their lives...I feel so small and undeserving...

Better get a hole a just bury myself...Thank God I'm going back tomorrow!!! Ciao")

I'm still here!!! Alive and Kicking..,

I know I know its been a while since i last updated my blog but then again. A lot have been happening to me for the past week so here goes.

After finnaly completing my medical stuff i went down 2 KL on tuesday. Reached PJ and rested. Nothing exciting happened la...

Then came Wednesday when YR and I went to hand up our Medical+Visa stuff to Miss Kalis and as she sat there going through our details. She cleared YR and mine and just as she looked through my passport, she said i do not have enough 6 months left after i come in May. So i hv 2 renew my passport even B4 it expired. SUCKY!!! 300 just flew off the window. sigh. but it was fast. I did it at 11.30am and was told that i can pick it up by 1.30pm. Thats like 2 hours and its done wei=D Malaysia has really improved=D

Picked up the passport and had 2 redo the visa application again so hv 2 go all thw way 2 the office and do and my my does technology hate me! I filled in the form 3 times and the next screen that came put was 'SERVICE UNAVAILABLE'. Frastrated, i ask YR 2 do it and she pass wif only 1 TRY!!!! stupid technology.

The next day saw everybody in HM A5-1 coming back. Jinni reached 1st the came Rachel and then we told that Hugh wanted us the babysit his GF at Midvalley till he arrives at 10pm. We did just that and came home 2 find that there were 12 ppl going 2 crash in our place that night. That night A5-1 really felt like a shelter home for the homeless..LOL

Went for the Teaching Practise workshop on Friday=D Glad for Jinni and Rachel that they got YR and my place at CHS. All things worked out la in the end. Took an incomplete class photo but what the hack, all the ppl that mattered to me were there(except Jinni and Rachel who was in school...sigh). Spent the night at Sze and the gang's new place. Went shopping b4 that and man did i realise i was really and old man and a potential father figure....is that a good thing or a bad thing? u decide=D

Saturday was cool. Had fun at the bazaar at KLPac. I so should have bought the feather hairband wif Grace!!! regret regret...LOL

Went to Sze's church on sunday and finally met the Yap's as a family. Uncle David was fun and Aunty Jenny was cool. We went 2 Ijok for dinner and everybody was staring at us like we were aliens or exhabits just because we were the most multi-racial table around. When la will the Rakyat stop doing that and accept that this is Malaysia and move on...All that aside, the food was GGGOOOOODDD!!! hehe

Went 2 Sri Aman on monday and man were the girls quick at spotting trainees. As soon as we walk in only they were like:' Look new Trainee teachers!!" WOW those hounds can really smell fresh blood man!!! LOL...Met other trainees in Sri Aman and found that they have a room specially for trainess only. Its like staying in your face: "Ur not good enough for the staff room!!"...scary...well i have another year till that becomes my problem. hehe.Good luck girls and take care. GOD SPEED!!!=D

Staying over at The girls new place was FUN!!! they have hot showers and TV and sofa couch which i dun hv back in PJ. I was so comfortable there that i started claiming all those as mine. HEHE..sorry la Sze=D

I reach Pg at 6 something. was so tired but had a family makan togeher b4 Daddy flew off 2 Melaka=D

So thats my adventure for the week. Too long 2 go into every detail but hey thats another story rite?

Till then. Ciao=D

Some Updates...

Its been awhile since i last updated so here are some new happenings in my life!

I was bitten by a fire ant yesterday while working outside Francis Light Primary School. It started to itch but its better now. Thank God its not swelling.

I've been working 4 the last 2 days at my uncle's shop. just 2 help out la. Selling Nestle yogurt drink n Yoco. Had fun! Will be woring in a Toyota fair 2mlo. sigh only 1 day off! tiring eh...working sucks! Thank God i wont be working for another 2 years!!! HEHE

A few results are out. Am satsfied with the results. Thank God for all that he has blessed me with. I am eternally grateful and thankfl Lord! Hopefully there will be more good news but all the the thing i surender all in His good hands for He knows what is best for his children;P

Another thing is that my Lappy is dead! sadness but it happened. oh well. It was time anyway. Believe it or not, my laptop had not been formated B4!!! It was bought in July 2006 and its now almost 3 year. ITS TIME!!!!hehe

After exam has been relaxing! so happy 2 be home!!! Home 2 where i grew up. Sadly i'll have 2 clean up my PJ house this month end. Going 2 miss all the fun i had there. The people, friendships and all the memories that i had there...sob

As i look forward 2 my US trip, I will cntinue 2 cherish the time left that i hv wif the people i've grown 2b close 2 for the last 3 years. It has been 3 great years and i had wanted a nice break from all the studies that i've had in UM. A nice change of environment is what i had wanted and with this Fulbright Scholarship that pays for everything, I thank GOD its an answered prayer=D

Till then, Ciao;P