Thank you my friends!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to

thank you all for your warm hearts!

Thank you so much for all the encouraging words...

Thank you for coming and spending time with me...

Thank you for all your thoughtfulness...

Thank you for your sweetness...

Thank you for being there for me...

All those really mean a lot to me..

Again, for everything you've done, thank you!

You are the best!

God bless you!

Love,

Amelia

My precious baby, Joey...

Yesterday was certainly the hardest
and the most shocking day for me...
I lost my precious baby, my wonderful friend,

and my dearest sweetheart....
Hard to believe, but it did happen.
And I know it's for the better...
All I can say is that the last four months have been

the best time that I've ever had
and it's truly a privilege to be Joey's mom....

Bye bye, baby Joey...
You'll always have a special place in my heart

Mommy sure misses you!

YAY!! Summer time!

The sun is shinning so bright.

The birds are singing and flying from trees to trees.

The flowers are dancing.

So what do we do?

When summer comes, it's time to do cook out!

And that's what we did!

Totally had a blast with my friends grilling some food last nite!

It's a very very multi-cultural bbq party.

Not only from the people who attend the gathering,

but also the food that we all prepared!

So friends, come take a peek of what we had and did last nite!

By the way, these are just some of those!

Want some Indonesian Grilled Chicken a.k.a Ayam Bakar?

What about some Malaysian Ice Kacang?

MY GOODNESS! Smokeyyyy!!!

Me and the grill boys..

While they were grilling....

cute? no? funny? no? uhmmm ugly? Oh yeah!!

Huan and me...

Dinner time with some of "The Mission" members

Free Advertising

Go ahead and click on one of my links "Huan's not so private life."
And, you can read her entry on

"Summer, I'm in love... Or, I'm not?"

Enjoy!

5 Rules to success in Grad School!

Okay, I'm kinda bored in my office waiting for my student. So, I tried reorganizing my stuffs on my desk and found a note that says 5 rules to success in Grad School. Wah! It's getting more interesting to me! I remember jotting down this note on our first class in grad school (COMM 801 - Intro to Communication Research) given by Dr. Keel.

For those of you thinking of going to grad school, this might be a beneficial source to kinda get a glimpse of what grad school looks like. For those of you who are already in grad school, this could serve as a friendly reminder. What about those of you who have graduated from grad school? Don't worry! This is useful for you too! It may bring back all those pain memories you had in grad school! Hahaha! Oooops! But, really!! Although it's fun and rewarding to go to grad school, a lot of us including me can testify that there are LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTSA pains that you need to go through! Can I get an AMEN, brothers and sisters? Hahaha!

Ok, here they are!

1. NO CRYING IN GRAD SCHOOL
2. THERE ARE STUPID QUESTIONS (AND STATEMENTS)
3. ASSIGNMENTS MEAN WHAT THEY SAY
4. GRAD FACULTY ARE A USEFUL RESOURCE
5. IN THE END, IT'S ALL YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

Wow! What a good reality check for me! I almost failed every single rule here.
1. Yes, I have cried during my grad school 'career.' I failed this big time. Haha!
2. Yes, I've asked stupid questions and made stupid (yeah, i mean very stupid) statements.
3. Yes, at times I don't understand what the professor asked for on the assignments (specially during statistics class! Thank God it's all over!!).
4. Yes, sometimes I don't treat the faculty as useful resource, coz I'm afraid of violating the second rule by asking stupid questions.
5. And yes, SOMETIMES (well, okay! MOST OF THE TIMES) I'm not responsible enough as a grad student! My buddy, Jasmine, sure agrees with me on this part. Haha!

So in the end, OH MY GOODNESS!! What am I doing in grad school???

Time flies! Yeah, it really does...

Was sad to see my sisters leave for home a couple weeks back, thinking "What was I thinking? Why am i staying, again? Why did I choose to stay in Wichita for another month?" For a nite, I thought something must have been wrong with me...

When I was talking about it with my friend that nite, he paused and asked "Yeah, I also wonder why!" Hahaha... Sure didn't expect that kind of a response, but in the end he assured me that one month will go away without me even realizing it. It'll be very fast!

And, thank God!

I'm blessed to have Joey who has been here with me day and nite; who makes me laughed and smiled at what he does; and who makes me worried and broke into tears when he's not well.

I'm blessed with many wonderful friends who have been very faithful to keep me accompanied.

And another thing, I'm sooo blessed with fantastic students! As I mentioned in my previous entry on this blog, I have the best batch of students this semester. And I'm not kidding, ya'll! They joke with me. They laugh with me and sometimes AT me (thanks, kids! *eye rolling emoticon*). They even said they want to make a class' t-shirt that says "PUBLIC SPEAKING SUMMER 2005" with my picture on it. They are a bunch of crazy kids! They sometimes make the weirdest and funniest comments. They asked stupid questions! Ok, let me clarify before I move on. You probably say, hey, there is no stupid question. Yes, we're trained to believe in that. However, it's stated on the 2nd of the 5 rules in Grad School. Yes, in grad school we believe that "There are stupid questions."

But, despite their craziness and 'stupidity' when it comes to choosing topics for impromptu speeches, I love them! Yeah, I mean it!

I still remember how nervous they were when they first gave their introduction speech. And now, they got better and better. They even made comments that they start liking public speaking now! UNBELIEVABLE! And I can totally see how they've improved for the past three weeks. Now, I'm proud to say that some of them have turned to be better speakers and many have turned to be great speakers!

This is something that teachers do find lovely. Yes, it's when we see our students grow and get better at something that we teach. There is a feeling of satisfaction that no one can never imagine. It's definetely better than having marble slab's ice cream; it's better than walking down the 5th avenue in New York City; and it's probably better than getting a new car as a graduation gift (well, not really! But, anyhow!). In short, I can testify that it's a JOY!

It probably seems like I have exagerated the situation. But this is really what I feel as a teacher. It would be a 'lil hard for me to see these kids 'go' next week. I don't know if I would ever have as great students as they are. But, life moves on!

Now, I just realize that yes, my friend! Time really flies! It happens before I even notice it. I'm leaving in 12 days. I'm sad to leave Joey by himself, but at the same time I know that it's gonna be another exciting life too back home!

Quote of the day...

I was talking to one of my friends last nite. Don't think I would disclose the question that he asked on this blog. But anyhow, when answering him, my brain insisted me to say,

"It's for me to know and for you to find out"

Very simple, but seems like it was a pretty powerful one between us!
Haha! You know what I'm talking about, friend!
Peace!!

Thoughts for the day...

First thought

I went to see "A Lot Like Love" today with my friends and there is a line that is kinda cool....

"If you're not willing to sound stupid,

you don't deserve to be in love"

Hmmm.... Am I willing to sound stupid?

Second thought

I think I'm ready to head back home!

Thanks, friends!

Went to watch Mr & Mrs. Smith last nite! It was kinda kewl... Never have I seen a husband and wife like that! Haha! It was hillarious...

Then, hung out with Kerry and Adrian at my apartment... They brought me another three birthday gifts from three different people!! Since when do you have delivery job, Kerry? *winks*

WOW! I'm showered with lotsa gifts this year..... Got a pair of cute earrings from Kerry... Thanks to Chuan too who sent me a set of tiny mini piggies from Malaysia... They are really cute! They would sure make good companies with me in my office... Haha!

Anyways, thanks friends! It was very sweet and thoughtful of all of you!

I'm falling in love!!

This afternoon I got a phonecall from someone at a petshop here in town to let me know that they have a 10-week male pug. Without any intention to buy another puggy, Huan and I still went JUST to see how he looks like... Well, no harm seeing a doggy, rite?

Anyhow, to make the story short, yes I fell in love with him... He's sooo cuteeeeee! He's soooo fattttt! And, he's soooooo adorable.... yes, berry berry adorable! He made me go "awwwww...." Then at the back of my mind I thought, well, wouldn't it be great if Joey has a friend to play with?

So in conclusion, yes I fell in love with him! Yes, I do like him! Yes, now I do have the intention to get him!

And, yes I think I will have trouble sleeping tonite!

It's him!!!

Me wif my crush!

WOW.. yeah... WOW!

Two nites ago, my friend stopped by my 'lil corner' and read my thoughts on the "things that make me go hmmm....." He commented as we were chatting on msn, "You are at a point in your life where your friends start moving away..."And I realized, yeah! It's so true!

I still can't believe how fast time really flies. Seems like it was just yesterday (well, not really!) when I organized my high school's prom nite together with my friends; when I got excited for my highschool graduation; when I applied for communication schools in the US; when I packed my belongings back home to come here to the States; and when I actually got here in Wichita and cried on my first nite thinking "what kind of town is this?" Geez! That was about 5 years ago!

The same nite, I was chatting with Kerry and Chuan on msn to do another 'catching up.' Beyond, one of our friends who was in Wichita before, is now a GM for his own company in Penang! Wow! Hey Beyond, need a marketing or a communication person? *wink wink* Oh wait! If he does, then I have to move to Penang? Hahaha!! Ooppss...

As we were talking about something, Chuan said "hey faster faster... I have a meeting!" Wah! This Chuan, who I used to hang out with back in those old days; who taught me how to drive; who brought me here and there in Wichita; who got on my nerves sometimes (haha! joking!), is actually an 'important' person now too!

Then, Kerry, of course, has been doing a lot of thinking about her future now. I still remember when she and I giggled about everything as she was preparing for her Miss Asia Contest; when we took turn skipping the geology class and actually gave up and skipped together; when we went to the gym, ran on the treadmill together and sat in the sauna talking about crazy things; when we prepare for the Valentine's celebration. And now, she's gonna go on with her life leaving all those fun school memories behind!

Jasmine, who always scolds me for being 'gong gong' a.k.a stupid; who used to always ask me how to curl her hair; who always drags me to the library to do research; who stops by my office every morning to chit chat, has a five-year plan already. She's gonna pursue PHd! You go, girl!

Then I thought about my girlfriends from highschool. Rosa has a permanent job now! Monik is doing her export and import furniture business. Fenny is now working at Citibank in Singapore. Priska is doing her dentist thingy...

Another friend, Jeremy is also working at some material handling company in Malaysia. When we were talking about going to Singapore to see Hillsong's concert in August. After we both got excited and all, he told me, "Hey! Let me know early, if you are going! Coz I need to apply for a leave. " Then he said, "I'm afraid I can't take a leave, coz I'm always on call even during weekends."

Then, I also heard from my girlfriends that one girl from our highschool is getting married this weekend in Kuala Lumpur and a friend from elementary school this summer in Ames, Iowa and another friend from junior high school early next year in Indonesia...

WOW! Everyone is now on a different track of life trying to pursue their dreams... So, yeah! I guess you're right, my friend! I'm really at that point of life now! Wow!

Things that make me go hmmm.....

This morning, my baby Joey started crying from 6 a.m. He sounds so cute everytime he cried that sure makes my 'maternal instinct' goes "oohh.." Hahaha! Couldn't resist his mega cuteness anymore, I opened his crate and knew that he was really hungry. So, I fed him and played with him early in the morning...

As soon as I went to the bathroom and pulled the tap to take a shower, I realized, "ME, NO HOT WATER!!" Arrrghhhh!! What a good thing to start a day with...

But yeah, as Jasmine mentioned in her blog, I believe in 'in order to look good, one must suffer' Hahaha! So, I still took a shower and washed my hair with a totally extremely completely (excuse my grammar, but really I'm not kidding!) cold water! Ooooopssss! I may get kicked out of Elliott School of Communication for that louzy grammar! Oh, well!

Got another birthday card and present on the mail today! Thanks a lot, friends! You are all so sweet and thoughtful !

Okay... I did some 'catching ups' with my mom, aunt and girlfriends last night... Was on skype for dunno how long with Jasmine talking about some stuffs. Hahaha..... Thanks for your millions and millions of 'stupid' scoldings! *eye rolling emoticon*

Also, chatted with Kerry and found out that she's moving to either Dallas or even home... Sigh! Losing another friend again here in Wichita! But, life sure moves on!

It really makes me think that we as humans really do not have the power when it comes to this kind of thing... God can sure moves me anytime anywhere.... Our lives are really in His hands... That conversation made me think of "So, what's next, God??" Been thinking and praying about that lately, and really it's a tough decision...

But, I know for sure, as Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

So Kerry, although it's sad to say this, but I really do hope you have the peace as you go wherever God directs you... I know for sure He has an awesome plan for ya! Although it doesn't seem that way now, but God sure knows how to make things perfect in your life!!

Take Me to Your Heart

by Michael Learns To Rock

Hiding from the rain and snow
Trying to forget but I won't let go
Looking at a crowded street
Listening to my own heart beat

So many people all around the world
Tell me where do I find someone like you girl

[Chorus]
Take me to your heart take me to your soul
Give me your hand before I'm old
Show me what love is - haven't got a clue
Show me that wonders can be true

They say nothing lasts forever
We're only here today
Love is now or never
Bring me far away

Take me to your heart take me to your soul
Give me your hand and hold me
Show me what love is - be my guiding star
It's easy take me to your heart

Standing on a mountain high
Looking at the moon through a clear blue sky
I should go and see some friends
But they don't really comprehend
Don't need too much talking without saying anything
All I need is someone who makes me wanna sing

[Chorus]

-- A song that has been stuck in my head for the past week--

Dear Jasmine...

Hahaha! She's got a heck of a "dissertation" for me... Gotta write one for her too!! Again, it's another effect of breathing her "kiasu air" Haha...

Jasmine is my buddy in grad school... We talk almost about everything... from possible research topics, dogs, jobs, to life in general... I sure miss those morning chit chats in my office with her... Haha...

Also, for those of you who don't know, she's the biggest fan of mine! Oh my gosh! You just can't imagine how crazy she is about me! You want a proof? Go to her blog! She's using the exact template as I am... All pinkish! But, it's okay! I completely forgive her, simply because she's my dearest buddy....Huahuhaua... *kidding*

Well, well, well, y'all should see her blog! This girl has lots and lots of fantastic thoughts... and sometimes, she has those funniest comments and not to mention those stupid ones too that sure make me laugh out loud... yeah... i really mean laugh out loud!
Anyways, go see it yourself: http://thotfullness.blogspot.com

Oh yeah, I also need to make a clarification about what she wrote on her blog about me that says "even if you dunno she always wanted to be a beauty queen." Excuse me, madam! I'VE NEVER WANTED TO BE A BEAUTY QUEEN, okay?? Haha!

And one more thing, she made me change my blog's url, because according to Miss Jasmine Tan, that was such a silly silly address and she laughed and teased me about it last nite on skype!

Finally, after all these, I'm proud to say that Jasmine is my best buddy and she's very very very smart! Way to go, girl!!

Monkeys, monkeys, monkeys....

I'm now getting addicted to this blog thingy... seems like everyone has it, so i told myself, hey! I've got to have one too! I guess it's the effect of too much breathing what is so called "jasmine 's kiasu air".... ooopsss! Hahaha.... She's my biggest fan, so she won't be mad at me when she reads this... *crossing my fingers* Haha!

Anyways, today is certainly a brand new day for me as a friend of mine suggests, "Every time the sun rises, it's a brand new day" Haha! Thank God, the sun rises every morning...

Dunno why, but I've got that extra energy this morning when I woke up. Not sure where that came from... I thought I stayed up late last nite, but anyhow...

Met my monkeys today, taught them public speaking... This semester I have the bestest bestest bestest batch of monkeys ever... They do their homeworks; they do their readings; they make comments in class; and for some reasons, they love those impromptu speeches that I assign... Kinda weird, but oh well! But, it's totally worth driving 25 minutes to the other side of the town every morning...

Birthday Dinner 

Me opening presents... 

With my precious baby Joey 

One sweet Sunday...

Still on a birthday mood, today was simply a great day! Served at church with my friends, which is always good.... I'm just thankful for what God has given to me for the past 24 years. I wouldn't have been here, if it wasn't by His grace....

A blessed day...

Well, well, well..... I officially turned 24 today.... After all the jokes of being an old lady and whatsoever that have been passed on to me by my friends, this day finally arrived.. I'm very blessed with all those text messages, phone calls, emails, cards, cakes and of course pressies! Haha!

When I finally turned off my PC about 1 a.m., a friend of mine who happens to be a neighbor called to kinda 'check' on what I was doing. It was a very very quick phone call and sure left me wonder ^what's going on?^... The very next minute, he showed up on my door with a chocolate cake and celebrated my birthday... Kinda kewl!

In the morning, I did my old usual routine... Took my baby Joey out to do his business and of course fed him... Wanted to go back to sleep, but couldn't manage to do so, coz my phone kept buzzing....

In the afternoon, as always, I went to 'The Mission,' our Christian fellowship.. It was fun... They surprised me with presents and cakes! Thanks to Mary who baked a yummy banana bar cake! And the guys with their strawberry cake! Then, we wrapped up the nite with an exciting dinner at China Inn.. It was a lot of fun!!

Thanks a lot friends! You are all great! Now, I'm left with those banana, strawberry and chocolate cakes... Anyone's willing to help me out with that?