Another year has passed!

 I want to avoid the statement, "as one door closes, another opens". Life is a journey, a marathon, a continuation. Yes, there are beginnings and endings, but collectively, the events/milestones/relationships we experience contribute to developing our identity and who we are as people. This year, I have stepped out of my comfort zone, overcame challenges, developed new relationships, nurtured old ones, reaffirmed my faith, and learned what it means to be other-person centered. I look back and can confidently say that I am filled with a sense of contentment for another wonderful year that God has blessed me with. 

On a random note, this year, the babies born in the year 2000 are 13-yrs-old! I remember being in assembly in primary school where they handed us out medallions encased in plastic to commemorate the beginning of a millennium. How time flies! :) 

This year, a bunch of friends went to Chibi's house to hang out on NYE. I'm so thankful for this group of people and just some time to chillax before the climatic 12:00. We had some snacks, played singstar, watched the boys play tekken, had a chat on the balcony and watched dodgeball. 

Countdown to 2014!!

We have our fair share of arguments, misunderstandings and conflicts (NYE was no exception), but he is so special to me. I hope that together, we can learn to be more loving, patient, sacrificial and accepting in 2014. :) 

Unique God

In this world, there are many different religions whose members claim to worship the one true god.  As a Christian, I believe that the true God, the One I worship has three major characteristics. Let me expand on this. God is all-loving, which means that he will have our best interests in mind and will do what is beneficial to us. As an all-powerful God, He is capable of making anything happen when he wills it. He is also all-knowing, so He is not only smarter and wiser than anyone who ever existed, but He is aware of every thought, action and status of everything of this universe - past, present and future. 

Here is a hypothetical situation: A child is about to be hit by a car and God is present in this situation.
I hope this makes sense.. here goes!
1. God is all-loving, but is not all-powerful and all-knowing.
This basically makes God ... well not a God. Humans are capable of loving. We love our parents, siblings, spouses, friends, yet we are not gods. If God is not all-powerful and not all-knowing, then what makes Him any different from us? It certainly makes Him a petty God. He will try to stop the child from being hit by the car (because letting the child die is not in the child's best interests), but He won't be able to stop the event from happening. Therefore, the outcome for the child is death.

2. God is all-powerful and all-knowing but not all-loving.
This makes God a dictator - with us as His minions. We worship Him out of fear. If something goes wrong, it's because we displeased Him or made Him angry *shudders at the thought*. This is not a God who I would willingly worship. I would feel obliged to worship Him so that He can bless me or keep bad things from happening, and not because He is a good God. In the hypothetical situation, God has the power to stop the child's death, knows the child is going to die, but doesn't care for the child and just lets him die.

3. God is all-loving, all-powerful but not all-knowing.
Yes, He will do what is in our best interests, and yes He can make things happen, but if God is like this, He will operate under our ethical code. If present in the situation, us humans will do what is possible to save the child from the car. Why? Because we don't know the future. What if the child is Adolf Hitler? Saving one life will result in the death of many, many more people. But a God who is all-knowing, all-loving and all-powerful will do what is for the greater good and probably let the child die, even if He has the power to stop the child's death.

In conclusion, the combination of being all-loving, all-powerful and all-knowing results in a God who has got our backs and will do the best for us because He knows what's up basically. We can firmly put our trust in Him because as limited beings, we don't know what's going to happen, we don't have the power to change outcomes, and we don't know what's best for ourselves (despite thinking we do most of the time). With this in mind, I WANT to worship God, and I want to place my life in His hands.This is what makes Him unique.

Photo drama

I'm a sentimental person. That means I like to record details of my life by taking lots of photos, writing blogs and keeping journals. If I don't do these things, I feel like I'm letting precious memories slip away. Today, I decided to drag Jeffy to the local photobooth in the CBD to capture our first year of dating. My plan is to do this each year and see how time has passed. Our photobooth experience didn't go too well due to our noobness. The whole thing was very rushed (silly time limit) and confusing. 

A couple of things went wrong: 

1. I only selected three photos to publish (we took six). 
2. We spent so much time decorating one photo each, that we neglected the decoration of a whole photo D:
3. We chose photos with small boxes to print out (we should've printed the photos bigger and shared them)

But ah well it's probably going to be something nice to laugh at when we look back :) NEC YEAR WE'LL GET IT RIGHT!!! :) 

Festivities

So I have finally gathered enough motivation to post another entry (that took a while)! This year has FLOWN by and Christmas has arrived and passed already. It's been a whirlwind of events and get-togethers with friends and family. That's one of the things I really like about Christmas. Everybody gets into the spirit of things. But ultimately, Christmas is about remembering the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his amazing love for us.

Christmas Party

Each year, a group of us go to Huldah's house to celebrate Christmas. Reflecting back, it doesn't feel like such a long time ago when we had the party last year. Time DOES fly. This year Fergus organised Secret Santa - our presents are placed under the tree. I got a ice-cream set. It came with bowls, a scoop and some sprinkles. The presents are meant to be unisex but I got a particularly girly present haha. Jeff got a batman cup - perfect because his old cup broke. 

After Secret Santa, we headed off to the kitchen bench to have some dessert a few of us prepared! There were cake pops, a chocolate and strawberry tart, jellies and mango pudding! We were all looking forward to taking photos and eating these aesthetic little things.

To finish the night - photos :) Last year on this occasion I took my first polaroid. Just quietly reminiscing... oh and these five girls are my favourite. God has put us into our lives to be a blessing to each other, and for that I am extremely grateful. We grew up together, and I hope we will grow old together <3

Lights

This is Borthi (school) and my tradition every year - to look at Christmas lights. Last year we did South Brisbane, so this year we decided to go East. Each location greeted us with an array of lights, and quite often the whole street would participate, so it was nice to just park the car and have a walk. We went only a couple of days before Christmas, so the place was PACKED. Good old Borthi stalled a few times and we listened to Christmas songs in the car to get ourselves into the Christmas spirit. 

Macaron Making

Borthi wanted to make some macarons for her relatives/fam members as Christmas presents, so we got the almond meal and sugar out and got cracking. We decided to make them a combination of pink and green (Christmas colours) with a milo filling. Determined to get things right, we attended to every detail (great and small). They came out quite nice but not perfect, but that's alright I'LL KEEP TRYING! 

Date Night 

Most of the week was filled with family events for me and Jeff being away to the beach with his family for the weekend, so this night was really enjoyable - us time hehe ^_^ We were planning to go to Wagaya to celebrate Jeffy's belated birthday dinner, but it was closed so we decided to go to Vapiano instead to celebrate MY belated birthday dinner.

I love the fact that you can watch people cook here! It's so interactive and cool. We ordered a funghi pasta and diavlo pizza. Topped off with a lemon lime bitters, I can safely say that the meal was amazing (and romantic). 

Tonight we were planning to go to the north side to look at a few more christmas lights, but I had the thought that the lights might not actually be on (since the brochure said it goes until the 24th). We decided to play it safe and go to the south side instead of risking driving for two hours without seeing any of the stuff. We still had a really amazing time :)

Christmas Day 

WOO! I woke up and thought to myself: "It's really Christmas" 

The morning was kickstarted with a Christmas service at church, followed by a luncheon. I had received my fish eye and wide angle attachable iphone lens in the mail the previous day so I used it a in quite a few photos on Christmas day. 

At Jeffy's house, we wrapped presents together. Jeffy was really slow and it was pretty cute. I'm glad he puts an effort into writing cards, giving people presents and wrapping presents though. I know lots of guys can't be bothered. He had made an effort to get my parents, brother, me, his dad, mum and sister each a present (I chose most of them haha). 

I made most of the Christmas dinner in the afternoon. The star of the meal was my turkey (bought from the frozen section haha) and roasted veges. I made an effort to add extra olive oil, herbs and garlic salt to make it extra yummy :D We also had salmon sashimi from another night when family friends came over and a mango mousse cake that my mum baked - it was delicious.

This is our Christmas tree this year, it talks :P (literally). It senses movement and starts singing. It's got eyes and a mouth too. We came back from Melbourne not long ago, so we couldn't be bothered putting up our usual big tree. We broke tradition and opened the presents Christmas night because my brother didn't want to wait and nagged my parents to do so. 

I got my dad juggling balls from an online shop and he really likes them. He practices everyday and can do three balls now! I gave my mum a birthday cake cookbook and one pot cookbook and a very glamorous necklace from Lovisa (that she chose). I bought a cup for my brother (one from Chadstone). It's green and has a emoticon face on it. I think he likes it (I'm making him use it). 

I was spoilt silly by mostly my friends (shopping in Melbourne was my Christmas present from my parents) who were very thoughtful in the presents they got me. I can certainly tell that they didn't just get anything for me at random, but paid attention to my likes and little comments that I have made in the past. For that I am very touched :') 

Boxing Day

I went to Koorong Christian bookstore for a 20% off all items in store. I bought this book (I have been borrowing this from the church library and have had to pay overdue fee several times) so that I can have a permanent copy, because I think it is worth reading. I do admire Tim Keller (he looks like Professor X from X-Men) who is a pastor of Redeemer church in New York. He offers great insight and uses his intellect wisely. In addition, he does not promote the charismatic style some churches like Hillsong displays. 

Recently, Jeff and I have grown tired of crappy radio music, so I purchased these CDs to put in his car. I am liking Christian music these days. :) :) 

As one door closes, another opens

On the 6th of December, 2013, Jeffy graduated from University with a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning. I'm so proud of him! <3 Here are some photos:

Exam season!

It's the final stretch of 2013! Last EOS exam block. It's been a very busy and stressful period of time. I'll post some photos of random things I've taken over the last couple of days/weeks? Hope you enjoy!

Studying physiology. I get bored, and when I have highlighters, I tend to do weird things. 

Last day of class with Katie! :) We went to get lunch and have a chat about lyf3 yo. I'm so glad to have her. She's an advocate of attendance - that's something I really like about her. You can depend on Katie to be in class and be able to sit with! She's also very lovely and energetic person, which I admire. So blessed to have completed childcare and yrs 1 and 2 of university with her! 

Saturday study days - madtongsan with my brother and Jeffy. Very yummy I think it's pork and veges with rice. Exactly what I need on a hot day (it was aircon inside I ended up having to wear J's jacket). I used to not like madtongsan, but now I do for some reason. I think it's taken over pho for me because I think I've gotten a bit sick of it. I'll probs soon get sick of this place soon too though haha

My mum's very supportive. She gives me massages and brings drinks, fruit and random food for me all the time! It's so nice and energising, especially when study drains me. I've been primarily studying this subject, OCTY 2210 - I don't know the name of it, but it's centred around physical/perceptual/cognitive adult rehabilitation post stroke/neurological conditions. It's a MASSIVE subject - weeks 5-13 with 5 hours of content per week. I've tried to do all of this in a week, and I've read through lectures, text books, typed up notes, written out notes, read through revision documents, past exam papers etc. etc.!!!! Tiring as bruh

 Crispy pork and vege laksa @ little singapore. Very yummy. It was massive, so Jeffy and I just shared.  

One of the girls in our OT cohort created a list of revision questions the night before the exam. 
Everybody joined together and completed it (very very long document) and used it as a study tool. I love our cohort!! 

The past exam questions where also added. There were so many people on it - about 30 people on at a time for like the whole night. Even the morning of the exam, there were quite a few people on. So good. 

My friend Bonnie created this document - she's always a champion :) Also google uses a funny system to name users online. Anonymous animals - there's anonymous penguin, anonymous anteater, anonymous nyan cat and even anonymous kraken! So funny :) 

Exam day!! Jeffy picked me up in the morning at 6:45 and we parked our car and bussed to uni. His exam was at 8, so we split ways and I met up with Trang in the psychology bldg. It was like empty and quiet - so good. Trang had to move away from BSL because apparently some guy was talking really loudly about his biology study haha (T-cells or something!) - I went through most of the notes (there were some things I accidentally missed out) and felt really hungry.. So Trang went and got a pumpkin sandwich that contained: pumpkin bread (my favourite!), tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese, chicken, cucumber, carrot - so gourmet!! It was massive so we shared - I think it took me like half an hr to eat it. Jeffy finished his exam really early - an hr or so? So he came and accompanied us studying. Very good moral support ^_^ <3 Before the exam commenced, at 11:15, Trang and I went to get some chocolate to give our brains some glucose for energy, peed, went in!! 

Imo, it was pretty easy - I could remember pretty much everything (Praise GOD!) and I finished 45 minutes early - cbb staying for longer I wanted to bail haha. Apparently people didn't get enough time to finish?? I thought we had plenty of time. I met up with Jeffy and we bussed back and went to Rainbow Tea to get a drink (thirsty as, and water doesn't cut it!). I got a mango smoothie, and he got a mango green tea with rainbow jelly. First exam done, 3 more to go! 

Change of blog name

"Raindrops on Roses" was inspired from the song My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music - one of my favourite musicals. I love this song - it's so cute. When the kids are scared from the storm, they come to Maria one by one, and she sings them a song to make them happy ^_^ So I guess this name is a reminder of my love for music, and to be happy when you read my blog :D mwahahaha

Introducing Myself

This is part where everyone says, "I'm just an average girl.." etc. (which I am), but to be a bit more specific, here are some things about me :)

1. I think the most obvious thing people notice when they first meet me is that I am a quiet person - I don't really know how to make small chat or interact in a way that makes people feel comfortable. So I guess I'm awkward in that way. But to my friends, I'm a chill person who walks and speaks like a guy. 
2. I'm not afraid to point out something that I dislike or something I find to be wrong, and I like developing my own opinions on issues and stuffs like dat yo. 
3. Talking on a superficial level doesn't really interest me - I crave deeper conversations and getting to know what's really going on in someone's life and stuffs they are facing. I admit that I don't do this often though, because a) I am busy, b) my close friend (borthi) doesn't live in Brisbane anymore (sad), c) my church friends are busy ARGHHH!! But that's no excuse :( I hope to be able to catch up lots of people on the holidays. 
4. I am a child of God. He's my Saviour, Lord and friend. Even though people fail me, He will never fail me. I can rely on Him for guidance, support, encouragement, wisdom, comfort - He's got my back 24/7 and He knows what I'm going through. I want those around me to know Him, and I challenge those who don't to actually find out what this is, read the bible and investigate for yourself what Christianity is. After all, you can't make a judgement on something you don't know. Have a chat to me if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy. I might do another post on this in the future, but for now, I want to leave you with some food for thought: Christianity is not a religion. It's a relationship. 
5. I'm a sentimental person. I like to hoard useless things, take pictures of everything and keep numerous journals and diaries that I can't even keep up with myself. I just feel like one day I'm going to look back and not even be able to remember myself or the things that went on back in the day! So I gotta record it all down yo :) 
6. I like food. Especially yummy food. The only barrier to me being obese is $$. Which leads me to my next point...
7. I would call myself a saver or frugal, whatever you want to call it. I don't have a very big income, so I try to do my best to restrain myself from purchasing expensive clothes, or the nikon J3 or even ordering drinks when I go out. I usually just bring a water bottle to restaurants, or tell myself to just walk away from stuffs I really likey. But one thing, I'm a sucker for cheap things.. no jk I can't resist!!!! It's my weakness no doubt. When I see a piece of cheap clothing at cotton on or something I'm like "I HAVE TO BUY IT CAUSE IT'S SO CHEAP!!!" and that's how I justify it. I end up buying so many cheap, crappy clothes that don't even fit me properly that I end up not wearing them because they're so bad and probably don't go with any of the clothes I already own. Also, the price of all my crappy clothes that I don't even wear, adds up to me buying a more expensive piece that I'd probably wear so many more times. Dat logic. I know. So I'm trying my best to invest (haha rhyme) in something that I like and will wear. 
8. I study occupational therapy (OT) - personally, I think it's the best :D I could probably do a separate post on why it is, but for now, I would sum it up like this: holistic, practical, client-centered, and meaningful. I'm only in my second year (which I have nearly finished!!) so I'm not sure of what area I want to go in. All I've done is ruled out work rehab because that sounds boring as hell. 
9. I don't require fancy activities to entertain me.. doing stuff at home, watching a movie at home, having a chat, cooking, lying down and staring at the ceiling, having a walk, going for a swim, going to chill asian restaurants that don't require me to dress up, playing a board game with friends, reading.. I guess it's good cause that means I'm fairly low maintenance as a person.. just happy to hang out with ppl and by myself. 
10. I have a boyfriend and his name is Jeffrey, but I call him Jeffy. He's a funny, friendly and cool guy to everybody, but to me he's sweet and lots of the time is like a little boy ^_^ He's not romantic at all and doesn't buy me many gifts or shower me with flattery... or else he'd feel fake, but he demonstrates his care for me through his actions. I could probs do a separate post for this too actually haha I'm getting so many post ideas. 

I'll add to this list when I think of it.. I'm sure there's much more about me, but I should end this procrastination from study and get back to taking notes on my lecture about promoting neurological recovery -________- bai for naow :) 

The start of something new!

Blogging has always been a part of my teenage years. I've had numerous blogs that I've forgotten about (that I wish I could look back at) and neglected. I always do this kind of post at the start of a new blog, but I created this because I finally figured out that there would be a good chance I could keep up with blogging under the following circumstances:

1. I post infrequently 
2. I don't ramble on about the plot my day (e.g. this happened, then this, and then I did this etc.) haha 
3. I focus more on thoughts, concepts, realisations, ideas - I think that would be far more interesting for me to write about and for people to read
4. I put up a few pretty photos :) gotta have that! 

I hope to share a lot about myself, but after all, it is a blog and I know the general public has access to this, so I'll try to keep things that must be kept private, private! :) Afterall, I do have a separate diary that I hand-write memorable things in, but that's private :D 

I hope you enjoy reading!

Melody 

p.s. meldy is the affectionate nickname my boyfriend has made for me - didn't just forget how to spell my name haha