2011, The Year That Was

At times, it baffles me how fast time flies. It seemed like it was very recent since I made a similar post like this last year and now it is time to do another to recap this year. Like 2010, 2011 was great. In fact it was amazing. Yes, it started slow, but I feel like in the end, it all worked out. So here are 11 events that made this year (in no particular order), the year the was for me.

1. January. This was the lowest part of the year when, I had to defer my enrollment to The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities because the planets did not align. It was such a bummer for me as all that I needed left was my VISA. However, it took 2 months for them to finally issue it (2 weeks after classes here started) and this in turn sort of left me no choice but to defer my enrollment. Yes, when most of my friends were going to start their new chapter of life in their respective universities in America, I was stuck in Malaysia, where for the next 8 months or so, I did absolutely nothing (except driving here and there, A LOT of driving).

2. Singapore with the family. It was a (rather impulsive) decision my sister and I cooked up for the family, just before I left for the USA. It never seemed like it was actually going to happen, but then, it did. When it did, everyone in the family was stoked. Yes, I did go to Singapore the previous year, but I did not care. This time would be with my dear family. We covered the Singapore flyer then walked the grounds of Marina Bay Sands. We also did the Singapore Night Safari and also conquered Universal Studios (quite literally EVERY SINGLE RIDE from 10am-10pm) besides shopping like nobody's business on Orchard Road. Good times, good times.

3. Heading to Minneapolis, finally. It was the day I anticipated the most all year. When it did come, I honestly did not know how I felt. While waiting to fly out, I decided it was too late to turn back. I did not waste my time and energy waiting for this day only to give up in the end. Eventually, I made it safe and sound and quite honestly Minneapolis grew on me almost immediately. I am pretty much settled in now and am glad everything worked out perfectly.

4. Fall 2011. It was my first semester here. I honestly did not know what to expect. Yes, classes here are harder than what I am used to but after the semester started picking up steam, and I got to know more people, it became easier for me. I have to say, I surprised myself with this semester. My CGPA is at an all-time high and I made it in the Mechanical Engineering program automatically. I am happy. I am grateful. Life is great. Thank you God. :)

6. Thanksgiving in Nebraska. I couldn't believe when my parents said OK. It was one of the best birthday presents ever. I flew to Nebraska to visit my dear friends and have fun. And boy did we have fun alright. From walking the grounds of UNL, to cooking a decent meal and a great Thanksgiving dinner with a friend's friend, what else could I ask for. This year, there was a lot to be thankful for alright.

7. Christmas in Wisconsin. So it finally came. The moment I have been waiting all semester long. To visit my host family again. It has been 3 years since I have seen them last and it feels so good to be back (feels because guess what, I am writing this here, home in New Berlin). In fact, it feels so good, that it was as if I had never left. I was welcomed with open arms from both my mom and brother Tommy and I couldn't be happier. Christmas dinner was amazing, as I got to meet the whole family. I also was surprised with Christmas presents. Yes, despite this being my first Christmas ever, it was (and will probably be) the best one I ever have.

8. Being independent. I have to say it is rather hard to be independent. To be on top of your bills, cooking for yourself, laundry, making sure the money is in check. A lot. Quite honestly, I think I've been doing alright in this department. Being away from the family teaches you to be independent I suppose, and I am grateful that I have been coping, thus far.

9. MTV World Stage 2011. I almost did not go and when I found out I scored 2 tickets, I decided my younger brother was the one I wanted to bring along. It was the one last thing before I leave to Minnesota that I would do with him. He enjoyed it alright, and so did I. I am glad I brought him along, cause he never has been to a concert before. And what better way than to attend a 30 Seconds to Mars and Neon Trees concert. Great huh? I am sure he had a blast and will cherish the memory of his first ever concert forever.

10. Kept extraordinary friendships in tact + made new ones. What can I say? I love my friends. I surprised myself here by getting to know the people I know today. Quite honestly I figured I was going to be a loner the whole semester. However, that all did not happen. I surprised myself by befriending a lot of new people and I feel very comfortable here now. Thanks, all of you. You know who you are.

11. Tennessee. This was a surprise trip for me, but I am glad it did happen. It is such a beautiful place with beautiful weather and breathtaking scenery, everywhere. It was an amazing trip spent with even more awesome people. Thanks a lot mom, Uncle Tom and Tommy. Love you guys. :)

All in all, 2011 was such a blast. It seems like my new chapter of life took off exceptionally well. Although I still am getting used to a lot of things, I feel like I am getting there. Despite missing home at times, I am glad I have my friends here who put a smile on my face every single day when I get to school. Love you guys. So, here's to everlasting friendships. Here's to more great memories to cherish. Here's to 2012.

Where The River Bends

I Miss Home

It's true. I mean yes, I am having such a blast here, but sometimes, I feel like I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but home sweet home. It would be nice to sit down and have a chat with my mom right now. I feel so conflicted now, it seems like the only person I could talk to is her. I seriously don't know what to do anymore. I don't want to talk over Skype. Cause I am sure she'd cry. And when she does, I will too. I mean it's nothing serious, its just a life chat with my dear mom. I usually had these sessions with her over afternoon tea back home regularly and I feel extremely lucky that I can do that and talk to my mom just like any other friend. But now, it seems like Skype talks are just too short to fit in weeks of updates, hence I don't get to talk about much. And Skype is NOT the same OK. Yes it does help, but I feel like we are still separated by vast oceans and land. I know I am a strong person, but a person is only so strong. I am not sure why I feel so down now. I think it's just the semester that's wearing me off. I am extremely demotivated now. Oh well, it's just 3 more weeks. Then off to WI. At least I can call that home.

21

I feel like time goes by way to fast now. It seemed like it was only yesterday that I celebrated my 20th birthday and my dad's 51st at Bubba Gump Shrimp. Today I turn 21. This year's celebration will be drastically different though. I will be on my own this year. Family is half way around the world and the nostalgia is kicking in. No, there won't be a nice dinner where I can order anything I would like or will there be any birthday presents from my parents, sis and bro-in-law and yeah well, family. But I guess that is life. I am rather sad that I am not there (Malaysia) to celebrate my 21st birthday with them but at least I have my friends here. I have my 'family' of my own. But still, its not the same but I'm OK with that.

There are so many things I should be thankful for. In my short 21 years of life, I have lived in 3 different countries (3 different places in the USA, England and of course, home which I call Malaysia), traveled to over 40 different countries (and counting), met so many amazing people (many more to come of course), and I have to say I have been enjoying my life. I am blessed with the most amazing friends in the world, and an even more amazing family. What more can I ask for? 

So, here's to life. Here's to growing up. Here's to being more mature. Here's to more experiences to come. Here's to the year ahead.

:)

The Story So Far...

1. I realized that time moves extremely fast when you're having fun. It seems like only yesterday since I left home and today marks the 3rd month of my stay here in MN. I am having a blast here, and I have met so many different and great people along the way. I have to admit though, I do not really know many people from my country here. I have no idea why but it almost seems like they want nothing to do with me. Oh well, I have made my group of friends already so I don't mind.

2. I have surprised myself countless times since my stay here. Before I left I was a nervous wreck. I doubted myself in EVERYTHING. But I proved myself wrong when I decided to take all the necessary (and possible) risks I could. I purposely came here without contacting any of the Malaysians prior because I wanted to find the place I would call home myself. I want to be independent. If I did contact them (an option most of the Malaysians here do) I perhaps wouldn't have discovered my full potential. Yes it is a safe way to be with Malaysians, but I did not travel 9000 miles away from home to hang out or chill with my buddies from...Malaysia. Hence, most of my friends are Americans. Not to brag here, but seriously it all worked out in the end. I am extremely happy here now and I have 'family' of my own here already. If you guys happen to be reading this, you know who you are. :)

3. Classes are going. Yes they are. Albeit the classes being 900 times harder than they were back home, I am still hanging on. I do update my parents in everything (yes I still give them updates on my quiz & test scores) and they are actually OK with it. I mean they tell me to keep it up, be determined and in the end God will prevail. At one point I wanted to give up, but a talk from mom proved to be what I really needed. After that, I was more determined than ever.

4. I do miss my family. Despite me having a great time here, there are those moments (sometimes at the worst possible time) that I get that sense of nostalgia where I am enjoying the great times I had with my family, not to forget, the scrumptious home-cooked meals my mom made. I really miss her sup tulang. Ahh...her sup tulang. Oh and not to mention her rendang, her CHICKEN RICE, her EVERYTHING SHE COOKS! Wow, I never realized I missed Malaysian food this much. But hey I am proving to be a good cook here. Made myself a couple of delicious meals before and I have many more months of discovering my cooking skills. I cannot wait to get back and make my family a dish instead. Besides the food, I miss the cats. Yes I do.

5. This morning during our Skype session with the family back home, I received great news after great news after great news. Life is good. Life is looking up. I am happy. I am content. Thank you God. :)

Its Time

It's at that point of time where I am starting to get lazy and slack off little by little. This is no good. I mean like really I want to get through this semester and hopefully do well in all my classes and this happens. It seems like ever single class I go to are just dull and uninteresting and I just end up not paying as much attention to what is on the white board (as opposed to writing down and actually understanding what is being written). Hopefully after my (much needed) Thanksgiving break (Nebraska here I come!), I will be more determined and end the semester on a high note.

:)

Random Post

I want this bike so bad. It looks...breathtaking. Wow. Wow. Wow.



Ps// sorry for my lack of posts, I've been really busy here. Will make a big post soon alright! Have a good day guys!

:)