"When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm.
Father, You are King over the flood.
I will be still, and know You are God."

- Still, Hillsong

21:09.

I feel like having honey on toast but I should resist. Will just have it tomorrow morning if I still have the urge :) Eating honey on toast - learnt from my housemate Eliza - makes me feel like a happy Winnie The Pooh. Hah, but I am an Eeyoh at heart.

(Why am I likening myself to a donkey here? Umm.)

We - Hannah, Eliza, Jessica and myself - just had a good dinner [pepper and garlic sausages (Ah! The delight of sausages in real skin) cooked in olive oil with garlic, mushrooms, string beans, parsley, real tomatoes and tomatoes paste; and cai xin with oyster sauce].

At least, I had a good one and they tell me so too. I cooked, haha. Have been doing that a bit these past two weeks. I like it actually and thank God, every thing has been edible so far.

Don't freak out at me or laugh your guts out but last week, after cooking a simple clear veggie soup successfully, I was feeling so contented and happy I felt rather... fulfilled.

And today, yes, I had two classes. My first - as in first class of the semester - class was from 1130 to 1230. I then met a friend (meeting a familiar face on campus is quite an amazing feeling) for lunch and came home so I can return to base and chill a bit for an hour before going back to school for another lecture at 330 to 530.

Now, during that time when I was home, I was just feeling rather nippy for a nap. I almost never take afternoon naps - save for on sunday noons - but I really felt like having one then.

I was in Hannah's room waiting to use the internet and looking at myself in the mirror (I need to focus on something, righhhtt? Besides, we have sliding full length mirrors as wardrobe doors) and we were talking about what to cook for dinner (not me). Out of almost nowhere, I said something like, "Ah, I half wish I can be a housewife and stay home. Then, all I need to do every day is plan the cooking and cook" *half-pout*.

Freaky? Yeah, I know. Especially when I know a homemaker's life is hardly that simple and easy, and very unappreciated, I do add.

I think I also half-whined about "where's my tall, good looking husband who adores me". And then, Hannah and me started a short banter about his (the non-existent husband, figment of my imgination) profession. Like, no doctors since he will never have time to spend with me; writers (royalities could possibly pay well) are welcome.

Umm.

Shhhhhh... bygones.

Nooooooooooooooooo, I'm not a girl who goes for big buckeroos making men or stiff white collared types.

(I go for sensitive poetry and song writing rebels in leather jackets who stand at 1.8metres and above).

No, no, no, seriously, forget you ever read all that. I'm just in a bit of a flopping type mood. Don't ask me what "flopping" is though.

Okay, to embark on a serious note about the first day of school.

I had two lectures: Reading Media Texts [my only compulsory course (subjects are called courses while courses, as in "What course are you taking?" "Media Studies" are called programmes in RMIT), and Popular Music & Society.

The former was an hour while the latter was two.

I'm glad to share that I enjoyed both though I was feeling rather sleepy in the latter.

In both classes, I sat alone at a corner seat but no, I didn't feel lonely. It would have been sweet if I have my good friends there with me like in poly and we could discuss under our breath a certain video or something the lecturer said.

But you know, things, life is never constant and tt's fine. In fact, the unpredictability is what makes the ride interesting going.

Tomorrow, I have my first tutorial. It's for Reading Media Texts. And this will be a more interactive setting. Again, I ask and covet your prayers.

Okie, okie, I got to end this post now. I have got readings to do so till next, love ya :)

22:45.

In less than 12 hours, I should be sitted in a lecture theatre for my first class. Perhaps feeling a bit nervous, perhaps hoping to meet a familiar face, or perhaps just feeling strangely detachedly assured.

That last has been a familiar feeling these days, recurring or just turning around to face me and smile a small smile. It's part of me but yet at times it's like a separate entity that goes before me, seemingly.

Hope that didn't sound too weird.

This - studying - is what I came here for, among other things. And honestly, I do feel I want to start lessons now. It has been two weeks. Enrolment, setting up the room, marketing, and exploring the place only took so much time, and could be done in certain doses.

I haven't been bored. In fact, I have been enjoying having time. At time, I didn't even feel like I had enough time to do all the things I want to get done.

It was perhaps, a simple life, though right in the middle of an urban setting. The apartment, right next to Vic Mart, is just on the fringe of the city area.

It was (should I use this tense?) an idyllic time. I was contented but yet, I need more activity, perhaps some routine, and I should be able to find this in school opening... again after two years.

Please keep me in prayer and pray for continued favour, strength, wisdom and love. Love for people and new academics, increased love for God. And for a teachable spirit.

At certain moments, more strongly in the first week, my spilt personalities (working adult and student, and spilt personalities is really not quite accurate) had a few quiet face-offs.

But my heart is (perhaps) getting more quiet.

In church yesterday, I rededicated this year to God. Ok, it's already dedicated a few times but when I made that dedication yesterday during worship, it was more than words or quiet emotions. It was emotions pouring out, it was surrender.

I have two wonderful housemates and they have been amazing. If not for Hannah, it would have been a lot harder for me to ease into this new life, new roads and streets and all.

I have also attended, twice now, Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF) meetings. Knowing I have family here spiritually is very assuring.

Dear God, you are real to me. And I want You to be even more real to me, in every single aspect of my life, in my head, my mind, my heart and soul.

Two years ago, I wrote for my scriptwriting class a short essay about who I am, what drives me and what I want. I remember writing about gladly giving my life, if I can be consumed by a cause.

I want to be consumed.

14:14.


Your man is King Aragorn (The rating takes place
below)
Perhaps its because hes so world-weary but Aragorn
is upfront and honest with no time for mind
games. Hes attentive and devoted, as well as
sensitive to your needs.


The last 'WHICH LOTR GUY IS FOR YOU?' quiz you'll ever have to take UPDATED WITH BETTER PICS & RESULTS
brought to you by Quizilla


:)

13:54.


You are Form 3, Unicorn: The Innocent.

"And The Unicorn knew she wasn't meant to
go into the Dark Wood. Disregarding the advice
given to her by the spirits, Unicorn went
inside and bled silver blood.. For her
misdeed, the world knew evil."

Some examples of the Unicorn Form are Eve
(Christian) and Pandora (Greek).
The Unicorn is associated with the concept of
innocence, the number 3, and the element of
water.
Her sign is the twilight sun.

As a member of Form 3, you are a curious
individual. You are drawn to new things and
become fascinated with ideas you've never come
in contact with before. Some people may say
you are too nosey, but it's only because you
like getting to the bottom of things and
solving them. Unicorns are the best friends to
have because they are inquisitive.


Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


So. Yes, I'm here taking quizzes instead of blogging or sending any of the other many emails I should but... so.

Apparently, the school gave me a wrong student number. Thus - and plus the fact that it's orientation (I'm not attending of course) today - I cannot log in to my school email account, book my tutorials online or go down to the submit my enrolment variation form (basically, putting in the paperwork to change two courses. My first combo was chosen on the spot a few hours after I landed).

The school is supposed to call me back, "hopefully today". I hope - and pray so too.

I'm feeling bo liao. But school starts next week and I really like to get all the above sorted out first. Wait, correct that, it's not a "like", it's a "must". If I don't get to book my tutorial classes, I won't know where to go when.

Be still my heart.

Waah. Breuph. Pook.

15:26.
Melb time.

The first thing I see in the morning is the ceiling of my room in Singapore. When I open my eyes after blissful slumber, for the slightest fraction of a second, I see that ceiling instead of the one I now wake up to. And then, again for the slightest fraction of a silent second, the sentence "this is not home lah" may roll past in my mind.

I'm not even sure if I see my old room in my mind's eye, with eyes shut, or whether I see it superimposed over reality.

It has been a full week now since I arrived.

I have enrolled and chose my subjects. Am taking:

- Reading Media Texts (compulsory)
- Popular Music & Society
- Asian Modernities
- Race, Ethnicity & Racism

for first semt and:

- Understanding Philosophy: Themes From Popular Culture
- Creative Writing
- Asian Cinema
- Either Culture & Business Practice Japanese or International Approaches To Journalism

for second semt.

I'm inclined to take Japanese since I target to speak five languages by the age of 25 and I'm nowhere near this lofty aim. I also like the language and believe fluency in it will be useful but it is an examinable subject and I prefer not to take any subjects with examinations. None of my other courses require exams.

And Jap is not offered for first semt, which ups the risk factor.

Please pray along with me to make the best choices.

Okay, "work" aside (since studying is now my work of sorts), I am doing well enough. I like my new home, my housemates and I do like the weather.

The price of eating out is disgusting, and the tags on some simple pleasures - $2 for a piece of bak qua - are cut throat but the cool crisp wind - no perspiration! - is very enjoyable.

The days are are long with sunrise at 6-ish and sunset at 8-plus. Since I like evenings and nights, and tend to get work done during this time, seeing the perpetual light was disorientating.

I should or ought to get my internet account in two or so days time. Talk to ya again.

12:17.

Hi folks, I'm alive and well in Melbourne, just so you know.

Have not been able to update or send mail 'cause my internet connection is not yet up. Am using my housemate, Hannah's account now.

I have such to say (what's new eh?) but will do so later.

:)

*hugs*

12:15.

Okay, I'm into my last 24 hours (over the next 10 months or so) here in Singapore. I've been sleeping late the past few days, after 2am every day. Last night - or this morning - packing took me up to 3.30am.

I've exceeded my luggage allowance....

Am now checking on the penalty per kg for that.

I'm about 5 kgs over, for check-in luggage.

Whew. All in all. I'm carrying a load just 10kg lesser than my body weight.

You know how those poor primary school kids with oversized bags look like they could fall over backwards?

Yeah, I feel like that when I carry my bagpack.

Thank God for the bagpack though. I bought it yesterday and it's really useful, It's holding my laptop, various PC periphels, my cameras and lens, my CDs, tape recorder, and many many other knick knacks.

It weighs.... 10 kg.

Yeah, so I'm 3 kg over for hand luggage too but I hope they won't weigh it.

There are books I want to bring but don't have space or weight allowance for. If I had time, I would go to the post office and check out the costs of mailing it all to myself, along with some stuff which I'm now checking in. But I don't think I have time to go to the post office at the central. It's not far but it's not that near either and there's the imminent lunchtime crowd.

Oh well, I'll see what I can do but it looks like I definitely have to freight stuff back when I come back at the end of the year.

This. All these - packing, sweating, sniffing (got a cold) and worrying (do I have everything?) - is quite amazing.

I think I will start missing every one and every thing proper only after I get to Australia. Yes, there's a tingle of "argh" mixed with "aww" at the side of my heart (Those are the sounds I feel when I think about leaving loved ones).

Last night, as I take my routine sip of water before going to bed, I found myself wishing I can take a leisurely goodbye, a leisurely last night with my loved stuff (chair, windows and all included).

Leisure and time - These seems lacking from the last couple of days but it's okay. It's perhaps what I need to gain momentum and not stop and falter. And the lack of it will make my first few days in Melbourne, the days before school starts, better because I will be able to get peace. Get leisure. Hold time.

There's really a lot that I want to blog about. Every moment that passes now exists only in the now and after that, only in the memory. This minute, this minute that you spend reading this post, will never repeat again. Such is the uniqueness and one-way stream of time and life.

I can't capture the time and have not been able to give form to the numerous thoughts in my head over the past few days but I do promise you, dear friend and faithful reader [ :> ] that I will blog and continue to unleash ramble upon you.

Pray for me.

And take care, because you are loved.

19:37.

It feels like I'm packing up my life.

After five days of lunches and dinners with various lovely people, I finally had time to just stay in at home today.

I'ven't even started putting things into my luggage; I'm just packing stuff into neat bags and containers, but I'm already realising I have a lot of things to take along.

Thus the feeling like I'm packing up my entire life. Or at least some.

And I have a lot more packing, organising and some buying to do.

It's Thursday evening.

Monday evening I fly.

Whew. Time sure gallops along.

But thank God, things are falling into place. I finally got my student visa on Tuesday, and I have bought my air tickets.

Thank God I got a PC laptop instead of a Mac. Was installing programmes and configuring stuff just now in the noon, and I was already frustrated enough when I couldn't get some stuff done the way I wanted them to be.

With a Mac - the last time I actively used one was 18 months ago in my first job - I would definitely be more helpless.

Leaving On A Jet Plane has been playing in my head. Tuesday night, I karaoke-d with Qihui, Yi Ling and Shuhui.

Was going to sing that David Gates classic but we ran out of time. Too many David Tao, Jeff Chang - yeah, my choices. It's amazing to me how I've learnt most of the Mandarin songs I know from karaoke - and obscure old English classics.

I think I'll miss karaoke, hehe, though I can always sing out loud at (the other) home in Australia and entertain (...) Hannah and Germaine.

There isn't much time left now.

I realise I have to make a conscious effort to spend time with my family. Considering how much I know I will miss them, I've not been too good with the family quality time effort.

I'll miss Mom's cooking too, especially the soups.

I'll miss my utterly comfortable bed, bloster, support pillow and my stuffed animals.

Yeah, it's the little things that I will miss even as I get used and find new beautiful little things to appreciate.

I'm sure it won't be hard.

The hard part is putting into form - in this case, words - every scene that captures my heart and makes me smile.

There were nights when I would just sigh happily and thank God when I lay down on my bed (it's that comfortable).

And every time past the last two months when I walk home from the MRT and look up at the sky to see twinkling stars I didn't realise were there, I laughed and felt unspeakable joy rush from my heart.

And the moments when I rush into the rain, and two to five seconds later, truly feel the impact of the raindrops go through my clothes and touch my skin, I chuckle as if sharing a private joke with the Spirit.

Coming home hungry after work days to find Mom cooked.

And looking out at the night traffic scene on the road in front of my house.

So, so many little things, too beautiful for me to justify.

I will miss them, but I know they will always be mine.

Wow.

12:32.

Han Kui.