Rythm of heart

Song currently on replay: Battle Scars by Guy Sebastian

 It is SO GOOD!
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What has everyone been up to? Think I should post a quick update before I go to bed.

1. I am having 2-week mid semester break. (Yay!)
2. I am going to New Zealand in late Nov with my parents. (Yay yay yayyyyy!!)

Good night. xxxx

Apt and absolute

Hi dear readers,

I think it is time to update my blog. Sorry about the lack of posts this year. Well, there are 2 reasons for being so not active nowadays - 1. I am too busy with uni; 2. There is nothing too exciting going on other than studying. Again, it is June and I am sure most of you know what's so important about this month. Yes, exam period. All students have to sit for exams so I shall not complain about it. I understand the fact that it is part of our commitment as a student to sit for the exams but the thought of "how great it would be if studying was just about attending classes, learning new things and meeting friends" did appear a few days ago, and I couldn't help but to laugh at myself how funny the idea was. Would we even have the motivation to go to uni if it was not for the qualification and exams? Hmm, not too sure but I think it is undeniable that we would not be working as hard as we are now.

Here's another random thought that I would like to share with you guys. The State Library is just like my second home during swot vac and one really special thing that I enjoy about studying in a library is the possibility of meeting new people. I am not saying that I end up becoming friends with any of them but I do have a little chat with the person sitting next to me at times (of course, not disturbing others at the same time). I met this very nice and considerate old man last week. He could probably tell that I am a student preparing for exams and it was very thoughtful of him to ask whether I was distracted by him flipping through the books. To be honest, I found it slightly distracting when he typed on his laptop but I was very surprised that he wanted to make sure I was fine with him flipping through the books. Just to be fair, it is a library and of course, we NEED to turn over pages to read a book. I was really amazed by his thoughtfulness, he is such a great man who cares a lot about people around him. We talked for a while before he left, he is indeed a nice and hearty person. It is always all these little things that spur on a lot of thoughts. Meeting wonderful people like him in a library is just like us meeting so many people throughout our entire life. People come and go, some play a part in our story for a long time but there are many passers by who leave us learning and growing from the encounters. I won't use "fate" or "destiny" such big words to describe it but I guess we have some sorts of affinity to be able to meet someone, even just for a few minutes, in such a big world. Amazing, indeed.

How can I not mention this in my blog? It was my birthday yesterday! :) I am still very happy, albeit it means that I am one year older haha. No parties like what I had in previous years, I just want to keep it simple this year. What I wanted was spending some quality time, having dinner with family and close friends. And yes, I did have a good time with them. Felt really loved to receive so many wishes and a few surprises from family and friends. Yes, sincerity matters a lot to me so I am very touched by every single little things done by them. So, happy birthday to myself, all the best for everyone! ♥

Family-They are and will always be the most important people in my life. ♥

I will absolutely miss everyone in the picture very much after this year.

Thanks,dear! You have never failed to send me a birthday message/give me call/sing a birthday song for me when the clock strikes 12am. I appreciate it. :) xoxo

Adorable

I had a very happy Thursday,lots of incidents that put a smile on my face. Imagine a girl giggling while studying in the library or walking on the street? Okay, I know I looked like an idiot but it is good to be happy,no?

I collected the marking sheet for my project presentation today. I was the presenter of my group so the responsibility of getting a good mark fell on my shoulder. The comment from the lecturer on the presentation skills was perfect-Well presented,nice presentation skills,well prepared,good pace and clear explanation BUT half mark was deducted because of a small mistake made in the very last slide. I was quite disappointed to lose the half mark,felt that I have let my group down. However, this email written by one of my teammates from my project group totally made my day:

Don't worry about it. I think 4.5 is an outstanding mark. I think
Shane was a bit dodgy when he said it was all about presentation
and not the content. Clearly your presentation was flawless,
and you were able to sell you ideas, which is what is important.
He was clearly going back on his words when he marked it.
People make mistakes all the time when speaking in front
of a live audience... like that American Top Model
host who announced the wrong winner.

I feel it is probably time for me to make my sorry speech,
if this is how tight he marks. Anyway, great work.
I certainly value all the hardwork and effort you put in
into delivering that presentation. It is not something I
take for granted or something that I assume just happens.
It has to be prepared, rehearsed and presented. Well done!

All the best for next year and for the future.

You might find it nothing special but it means a lot to me,especially when it was written by this guy, who is very smart but studious, focuses on studies all the time, doesn't have a mobile phone, never hang out with friends, portrayed by others as a typical nerd. I was so surprised to read such a sweet and encouraging email from him.

It does not necessarily need to be perfect. It is the process you have been through, the support and encouragement you have received, the lessons you have learned, the people you have met, the experience you have gained, that matter the most.

S for....

Spring break
Surprises
Sydney
Student Challenge by ICAA 2011

Mid semester break ended yesterday and I have to say that it is definitely one of the most memorable and rewarding breaks I have ever had. As mentioned in my previous post,I flew to Sydney as Victoria finalist in the Chartered Accountants Overall Student Challenge. The Sydney trip was incredibly fantastic-VIP treatment,free corporate attire fitting,met smart and intelligent students,networked with high-profile and professional employers,being interviewed and be announced as the winner of the Overall Student Challenge 2011! Such a big surprise,seriously! I won an Apple iPad 2 with cover and wireless keyboard,and a free tour to San Francisco for a week! :D All state finalists have something up their sleeves so it is such an honour to be able to win the challenge. Having said that,it's the experience and time spent with the group that matter the most. Winning is just something extra and I am lucky enough to get the bonus. :) Something that made my victory more than just winning the competition was the blessings received from family and friends before and after the competition. Short messages like "Jiayou!","Good luck","Congratulations","Wow,you are great".. I feel so touched and blessed to know that I am always supported and loved.♥ ♥ ♥

A short video which comprises interview of a few state finalists(including me!) and the Awards Evening


Want to know what I have done on the first day? Watch this 8-minute video!

I stayed in Sydney for another 2 days after the competition. A big thanks to my cousin for bringing us around and taking care of us! And he bought me macarons from the celebrity MasterChef, Adriano Zumbo! ♥ A perfect way to end a long and tiring day!

Another highlight of my Sydney trip was the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb! I wanted to climb the bridge when I went to Sydney two years ago but my sisters have climbed it before so they didn't want to do it again. Luckily Nicole was up to the suggestion so we decided to go for the night climb! 1437 steps,I conquered them. :)
Many have been asking me about my San Francisco trip. The details have yet been confirmed but tentatively it will be in early December! I would definitely want to travel around US but Nicole is not very keen to do that. :( Such a pity if I am going to San Francisco only! My parents will not allow me to travel alone so hopefully Nicole will change her mind soon!

Laid-back,relaxed,lying on the grass for a quick nap

Just A Dream

Have you ever had the feeling where many things (either good or bad) happened so quickly that at the end of the day you wondered whether everything was real? I have experienced this for a few times but as far as I could remember,they were mainly because I felt totally exhausted after a long and busy day. Yet,today (or yesterday to be exact since it's 1.40am now),it was slightly distinctive from my previous experience.

A call from Sydney woke me up at 9am today. In a half-asleep state,I answered the call and was not paying full attention to her.

"Hi,may I speak to Yan?"..."How are you?"..."This is Jessica"...."Institute of Chartered Accountants".....

The lady on the line paused after she introduced herself. She was probably expecting me to say something or she thought I would know the reason of her calling me but the only thought ran through my mind was "Hmm..Chartered Accountants?I don't think I have applied for any internship program offered by the institute.Why are you calling me in such an early morning?". An awkward silence for 2 seconds,I said "Uh-huh?",then she said "Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you have won the CA Overall Student Challenge in state level and have been selected as the state finalist for Victoria and Tasmania!"

WHAT?! I literally jumped off my bed!

"You will be flown to Sydney next week,have the opportunity to meet and network with high profile employers in the accounting industry,deliver a presentation to the judging panel and have a new suit especially fitted for you!" the lady continued.

She then told me the details and quickly jotted down my email address so that she could send me the information by email. From the itinerary that I received,I know that I will definitely have an amazing time in Sydney,an experience that can never be bought with money! Later in the afternoon,someone from the Public Relation team gave me a call and we had a bit of chat about my experience so far in the competition so that it could be used by the local media's release.

I have never thought that Nicole and I would win the competition. I knew it's very competitive so I didn't aim to win it. I am actually happy enough that we were able to submit works of high quality within the time constraints. It has never ever crossed my mind that we could make it this far! State finalist,all paid expenses Sydney trip,2 nights stay at Shangri-La Hotel,dinner at Cafe Sydney at Circular Quay,1.5 k of corporate attire voucher,presentation skills workshop etc,it is surreal to be informed about all these in a day! Not sure if we could win the national round,but let's just hope for the best,and of course,I will do my very best. Good night! :)

The results of CA Student Challenge 2011:
www.studentchallenge.com.au/

The eighth

August.. a busy and hopefully a productive month! Let's take a quick peek on my schedule.

-SALP Progress Meeting with my mentees and the coordinator tomorrow
-Information session about application for Honours in Actuarial Studies on Friday
-NCG volunteers appreciation dinner on Saturday
-Volunteering on the uni Open Day on Sunday
-SALP Graduation on next Tuesday
-Launch party of "Laugh Out Loud" magazine in the hospital on next Thursday
-Models for Insurance and Finance assignment due on next Friday
-Meet up with a friend who is leaving for good before 29th August
-Watching movie "Nasi Lemak" by Namewee on 31st August
-CA Challenge submission by 31st August
-Submission of application for ANU Summer Research Scholarship before 31st August

A lot need to be done. Jiayou!

And something that must be mentioned in my blog:
Goodbye,Celeste! So much to say,feelings that beyond words can describe. I believe you understand them even without me saying it out. Just want to say,you have my support and best wishes no matter where you are. :)


p/s:I didn't know that I could edit the post by clicking on the "compose" tab! Have been wondering how people change the font/colours/size/ for certain words in posts and I thought they were all in default setting which couldn't be changed! Such an IT-noob. :( You won't believe how amazed and surprised I was when I accidentally clicked on the "compose" tab and found out that we could actually EDIT the post. LOL.

Enigma

Done with the Korean drama marathon! Slightly outdated but I finally finished watching "Secret Garden". The first 2/3 of the series is simply hilarious but the final few episodes are actually quite touching. As usual,the side effect of watching Korean drama: Start day dreaming and wondering if the story would ever happen in real life. Probably not I suppose.

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I am so proud of myself because I have achieved something incredible today! I ate YOGHURT! I know,not really a big deal for you but it's definitely a stupendous achievement for me. Some of you might not know about this but yoghurt is on my do-not-eat list.(Pardon my own created name for that list please :P)

Happily eating youghurt :)



*That title was given because this post was written halfway on 20/7/2011 at 2.51am (according to the history) but it wasn't completed until today due to whatever reasons that I can't remember =/.

Apropos post

Sorry for being MIA for almost 2 months,folks!

It was exam period in June so I spent most of my time in the library mugging like a nerd.Fortunate enough,my hard work paid me well. :) I am very happy with my results and hopefully I will keep up the good work!So there was nothing much about my life in June other than books,libraries,exams,and of course,my special day-21st Birthday!I guess you have known from my Facebook photos that I had a fantastic celebration with my family and friends.A really touching and wonderful party,full of surprises and I could totally feel the love from everyone.But of course,wishes received from friends,no matter it's from Malaysia,Melbourne,Canada,UK,Singapore etc,made my 21st birthday a memorable one.Not forget to mention the celebration with a few friends "privately",thanks!I appreciate it. :)

So what have I done after the stressful period?Enjoying holiday!!I went to Gold Coast with 7 friends for 6 days after the exam.Guess what?Traveling with 7 actuarial students is FUN!Actuarial students are not nerdy and studious,all right?Don't be skeptical! :P We had lots of fun although we were so tired at the end of everyday in Gold Coast.Overall,it was a fabulous trip,a good opportunity to know each other better too!

Two weeks prior to the end of holidays.Schedule at the moment:

1.Dinner with my Global Consulting Project friends later tonight
2.Meet up with a primary school friend on this Wednesday
3.Catch up with course mates on this coming Thursday
4.Marathon on Sunday
5.Yumcha session at Taipan,Doncaster with college friends on next Thursday
6.Tutankhamun exhibition at Melbourne Museum some time next week
7.Rock climbing if anyone is up for it
8.Volunteer as an orientation host on next Wednesday
9.Baking with friends
10.Try out desserts at Luxbite/BP
11.Meet up with Charis love
12.Meet up with Shyue Shyan and her sister
13.Start working on the CA challenge
14.Planning the launch party of Laugh Out Loud magazine

Last but not least,rest and slow down the pace of life before I start focusing and putting all efforts in the last semester of my degree!Good night!

Ad hoc basis

Thanks to my beloved sister,I am following a Taiwanese drama now! It is actually not that interesting at the beginning but the story becomes exciting as it is approaching the end. Two episodes to go before the whole series ends so hopefully it will be out soon!

And just in case you didn't realise (which is highly unlikely that could happen),my blog has a new design! A new year (oh well,i know it is 3 months after a NEW year),so perhaps I should get a design and templates for my blog! Hope the readers like it;at the very least,I thought it looks pretty cool. :)

+ve semi-definite covariance

Goodbye to my lovely home,hi to beautiful Melbourne!

Disappeared from this blog during the summer holiday.Too many things happened during the past 3 months and I doubt I could ever tell all stories in my blog.Just want to say thank you to everyone whom I met during the holiday in Malaysia and Hong Kong,for making it a memorable and exciting summer. :)

A new semester commenced and I am glad that I haven't felt the pressure from studies YET because my schedule at the moment is enough to fill the days off that I have.More to come.I am ready for it,bring it on!

Exclusive

Laid back,relax,chill and chat.

A random thought,a lame joke,a gossip,a problem,a news,an idol,a drama,a dream.

Could be studies,family,politics,friends,love,food,health,entertainment,future.

It's the familiarity and comfort that make an amazingly big difference.Something hard to find,and incredibly hard to be forgotten.And yes,I feel it when I am with you.♥

It's 25th Dec,it's Christmas.

Clock is ticking and it's 26th Dec today! End of Christmas and if we pause and think about it,2011 is coming in 5 days!How quick it is,just in a blink of an eye and there goes 2010!

I always think that Christmas is a joyful season,with Christmas songs and beautiful decoration.For Christians,Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus;for the others,it is a lovely day that we spend with our family and friends.For me,it's special because it's my parents' wedding anniversary!Spent the whole day with my parents..it's sweet and full of happiness! ♥

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Another activity added into my to-do list

Fly a kite.

home sweet home

I am back at home!♥

December = Summer holiday = Home = Awesome time with family & friends

And this time,the above equation equals to Internship = Hong Kong trip! :D

Days in Malaysia have been fabulous!

Daddy and mummy are the best,and yes,I love them soooo much.

Shopping in Malaysia is awesome!!

Colleagues are friendly and helpful!

But there is one thing that is missed out so far,

FRIENDS!!I can't wait to meet you,you,you,you,every single one of YOU!

Hong Kong

I am going to Hong Kong in mid January for 2 weeks!I got the offer for Global Consulting Project in Hong Kong.Yay!I am really happy! :D

Self declaration

Here I declare that I am a big fan of Kim Hyun Joong!I am crazy over him now.I downloaded his songs,watched his videos,searched for the news related to him online.If you don't know who I am talking about,you should really find out who he is now!Google search and find out how charming Kim Hyun Joong is!!You will not regret doing that!

Sorry for this crazy post but I really want to express my admiration for him!LOL.

when n goes to inifinity

I got an internship offer from OCBC Bank!A pretty exciting news,isn't it?I was surprised when the interviewer decided to give me an offer on the spot.My intense facial expression turned into a big smile instantly.Yay!!

Good things are happening and I hope it will last longer! :)

tired

Arm sore,muscle and back pain - these are the results of participating in high ropes course.I was so tired that I fell asleep on the sofa while watching drama.Yet,we had great fun yesterday.A special experience,and yes,I love it.

I am writing the essay for my breadth subject-Deafness and Communication.50% for 2000 words!I can't afford to screw it up.Jiayou!But for now,I guess it is better for me to go to bed.Good night.

Cheer up,I am expecting a normal you when I am back! :)

High ropes course

Second camp for SALP-High ropes course at Doncaster Aquarena.I am excited and looking forward to it!I heard that some of the courses are really challenging.I hope I have the guts to complete all of them tomorrow.Good night!:)

2.2

Completed half of my degree,gonna start the second half tomorrow.I am excited,just a bit.Let's move forward bravely,hoping that it will be a better one.

End of holiday,I enjoyed every single day of the one-month holiday.Great to meet all the friends,especially the long lost primary school friends.Hope to see you guys soon in December.Take care and keep in touch!

Not to forget,HAPPY BIRTHDAY,hong hong!Wish my dearest sister all the best in everything,no matter it's work,friendship,love or family.I am glad to have you as my sister,taking care of me,doting on me,tolerating my bad temper,listening to all my stories,giving me $$(LOL).Have a blessed year ahead!Hope you like all surprises and gifts from us.I enjoyed myself today,hope the same goes to you. XOXO

soon

This is random but I cleared my rubbish bin yesterday.Everything is gone and hopefully this marks the end of it.

Holiday is coming to the end soon!Another 4 days to go then I have to start studying again.How time flies!I can't believe that there goes my one month holiday!Yet,I did have an awesome possum one,which is good and bad at the same time.Good that I have loads of fun for the whole month,bad that I didn't get enough rest during the holiday.Anyway,I enjoy my break to the max and I think it's time for me to get ready for the new semester.Second semester for my second year!Unbelievable that I am completing my uni second year!Gosh,seriously,time flies!

I am busy applying for internships these few days.It is not fun spending a long time looking for internships opportunities,filling in online application forms,sending resume and CV to various companies.Why there is NO actuarial departments in JB?Sigh..Most of the actuarial departments are based in KL so there are limited options for me to apply for in JB,which means I have to search for the interns in Singapore.It will be troublesome for me to travel to Singapore everyday but I guess it will be a really good experience for me to work in Singapore if I am able to get one.I will just send out as many application forms as I can and see how it goes.Wish me luck!Good night! :)