My Unforgettable Summer Adventure (MY USA)

“So you’re sure you got everything? Passport and plane tickets?” my brother asked me nervously as I nodded in response to his questions.

“Be sure to call mom and dad before you board the plane alright?” he reminded me. I nodded again.

“She’ll be alright. Looks like you are more nervous than she is,” said my soon-to-be sister-in-law.

Being the youngest in the family, this is not the first time my brother was concerned about me being so far away from home. He has always been a protective brother in his own ways. I still remember how he used to act macho and protective over his little sister when I entered primary school.

“You tell me if anyone bullies you in school, okay?” *laughing* as I now recalled my childhood.

So after saying my goodbyes to my brother and my sister-in-law, I gave them a hug and soon both Ann Chen (my friend) and I were on our way going through securities. We each called back home before boarding the plane and told our parents that we’ll take care of ourselves.

Sitting inside an airplane for the first time made me excited and nervous all at the same time. Not to mention, the fact that my first airplane experience will take me more than halfway across the globe and a travelling time of more than 30 hours in total to get to the YMCA Estes Park in Colorado. However, being in an Airbus 380 for my first flying experience got my adrenaline pumping as I listened to the stewardess explaining all the safety guidelines. Soon, we had lift off and the plane was thousands of feet in the stratosphere as I grooved to Miley Cyrus’s ‘Party in the USA’ while buckled to my seat with my headset on. The person beside me probably thinks I’m a little weird, but in my mind I was like; ‘Yeah! USA here I come!!”

From Kuala Lumpur to London, over to Chicago and finally to Denver, Colorado. Upon reaching Denver International Airport, we had to catch a shuttle to the YMCA. The entire journey from the airport to the YMCA took us about 2 hours to get there. By the time we reached the grounds of the YMCA, it was already 10.30pm and it was too dark to enjoy the surrounding view. Leah who was our RA (Residential Assistant) quickly settled our housing and nametag. Then she welcomed us to our dorms where both Ann Chen and I were lucky enough to be roommates. Below are some photos of our dorm called ‘Hague House’ as well as the breathtaking view the YMCA has to offer.

Our home for 3 months

Our room (it's funny how they mistaken Ann Chen for a Taiwanese)

Ann Chen and I were the only occupants in this room

This is Hague's lobby. Pretty awesome right??

Y.M.C.A

The magnificent view of The Rockies Mountain

Estes Park!

Here at the YMCA I was assigned to be in Food Service whereby I was responsible for food preparation, serving, washing dishes, scrubbing pots and pans, cleaning the dining rooms, and even cleaning the restrooms! One thing I learnt while working in Food Service is that tremendous amount of work is put into serving thousands of customers.  With that said, no task as huge as serving thousands of customers; will be successful without a team of dedicated and hardworking people behind the scenes. After all, TEAM stands for ‘Together Everyone Achieve More’. Teamwork and communication skills were some of the vital skills that I have learnt while I was working at the YMCA. This entire experience has also taught me that no one person in this world is the same. Each and every one of us comes from a different background with different culture and different beliefs and thus, each of us will have different opinions and different outlook on things. However, when it comes to achieving a common goal each of us will have to put our differences aside and set our minds to complete a specific task together as a team. There are even times when we will have to agree to disagree with one another.

Look! There's nothing easy peasy about working in the dish room

However, a great team with great people makes working FUN! 

Even with all the stress at work, my colleagues and I still managed to find time for a good outing in town or a good hike up the mountains; after all, I am at The Rockies Mountain National Park! Overall, all my American friends that I have met along the way have been very friendly, welcoming and such gracious host. They took the liberty of asking us about our countries, our cultures, and some of them even pick up a fair amount of Bahasa Melayu! Furthermore, they were willing to take us around town in their car, bring us on awesome hikes in the mountains, took us to their local bowling alley as well as shopping trips at Walmart and Target!

Touching snow for the first time!

These were some of the many many photos from my hiking trips

Not forgetting shopping!! Look at the amount of bags in the trunk! Hehe.

Of course, our weekly bowling night with the kitchen guys is something I always look forward to 

One of the exciting things about the YMCA is their fun-filled staff activities! Every month we looked forward to the many activities that were organized specially for staffs to participate. We got to introduce our countries through events like ‘International Fair’ and cook special Malaysian dishes during the ‘International Dinner’. There was even a 'Prom Night' where the ladies wore their best dress and the men all suit up! And one of the staff trips I signed up for was a trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park where I got to watch my very first live football a.k.a. soccer match! How ironic is that, watching an English football match in a country that refers it as soccer.

International Fair and International Dinner

Prom Night!

My very first live soccer match!

When it was time for Ann Chen and I to begin our major travel plan around the USA in 3 weeks, we were thrilled but at the same time we left the YMCA with a heavy heart. To make matters even worst we left the YMCA in such a hurry as we had to take a detour to Snow Mountain Ranch before getting to the airport due to the recent Colorado Floods. However, thank God that everyone at the YMCA was safe and the only crisis we faced was communication breakdown for 3 days. I am really glad and thankful for making many new friends from around the world. You bunch of crazies have definitely made my trip worthwhile and fun. Be sure to give me a buzz if anyone of you happens to stop by Malaysia. And YES Malaysia is the tiny country in between Thailand and Singapore.

These are the many friends I befriended from every corner of the world!

My 3 weeks of travelling around the USA includes places like Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Niagara Falls, Washington DC and New York City. Every single place is unique and I was mesmerized by what each city has to offer. Never once did I felt like I was not having fun, even when I was tired and my legs felt like jelly. Travelling around really gave me the chance to broaden my horizon and at the same time I got to learn a few tips on how to travel on a budget. When I was younger, I could only dream of ‘Living the American Dream’ and travelling to such places. Little did I know I would be blessed with such an opportunity like this!

Living the American Dream

Travelling to the many cities in the USA made me felt like I was in a whole new world which allows me to dream big and to be unafraid of the unknown. Now, having seen another side of the world I now know that everything is possible if I were to put my mind to it. No dream is too big for a petite-size girl like me!

Throughout my 4 months in USA has been nothing short of awesome! It has been an adventure of a lifetime and it is definitely something I would recommend everyone to sign up for! All the things I have learnt, all the amazing friends I met from all over the world,  all the places I have been to, all the American food I have consumed and definitely all the crazy shopping I did; are some of the many highlights of the entire trip. All in all, my summer adventure to the United States of America will be an unforgettable one; and probably unbeatable any time soon!  

Crossroad

Being alone in my room, lying on my comfy bed while thinking of the future; frightens me. I know for a fact that I have to face the bitter truth and plan the next few steps in my life as an undergrad.

Yes. I know what I want in life. 

Yes. The things I want in life are simple.

Sadly, I haven't figure out a way to get there.

Many a times I tell myself, 'Go with the flow and just do it!' And now I am at the crossroad. It's the time to decide and make a move. Currently, I'm facing that typical situation of 'The Road Not Taken'; a poem by Robert Frost. There's two roads diverged in a yellow wood. Well, in my case there are at least FIVE roads diverging from where I am standing. 

There are certain things in life whereby if you fail or you simply decided to do all over, it is fine. Well, this ain't that situation. It's not a matter of life and death, if you will; but it is a decision that will shape and mold MY future. 

Yes. The future is exciting.

Yes. The future is overwhelming. 

Yes. The future is scary. And being me, I am afraid and worry about the unknown. 

Yes. I worry for no reason at times to the point I freak myself out. Call me a worrier if you wish to.

STRESS is a 'friend' of mine right now. And STRESS has this ability to pile up on me. Many things are happening to me. Some are pretty shitty and some are just there to destroy me. It's emotionally tiring and physically I am beginning to grow eye bags. Then there is this fella called TIME who's the best friend of STRESS, and its duty is to make the world spins faster before I could even get anything done!

Each day I remind myself that what ever decision I make, I'll have to give my all and make the best out of it to my best ability. With that, at least there's a guarantee that I won't regret not trying. After all, even God will not be able to help you if you don't help yourself.

Objective: To Improve

Throughout the year of 2011, I was in a state of trying to figure out exactly what I want in my life. Relationship wise, to career wise and most importantly what would make me happy. Been through my industrial training and I have managed to get a better picture of adulthood. Been talking to seniors and colleagues on what really matters in life. It was something I needed.

So for now I have some short term plans in mind. Short term as in less than 5 years (so don’t ask me where do I see myself in 5 years). This year will be the year where I have to improve myself. Take everything in. Generally, I’ll strive to be a better person and a more wholesome person. I have been told or realised; my weaknesses as a person. Friends who were kind enough or daring enough if you will; to point out my weaknesses, I cherish you. To improve will be my objective. I guess I need such friends. So be sure to continue what you do and please compliment me when I get it right. =)

*Prays* Hopefully within the upcoming 5 years, opportunities will come my way. And that I will be able to realise these opportunities; so that I will seize it and make the best out of it. May all the influential people continue to stay in my life (you guys know who you are). =)

'Hectic' Is the Word

This semester I foresee myself running around in order to get things done. Even before the semester officially starts, I was already back in KL to have a meeting with my committee members about the upcoming Masquerade Night. This event alone is already beginning to fill up all my empty slots on my daily planner. =(

And a new semester isn't helpful at all as my subjects get tougher with every semester. Yeah...yeah..this statement is kind of redundant. But if your an undergraduate, you'll get the idea~ To top it off, this semester will be the time for me to apply for my industrial training. Cracking my head where to apply to, getting all the paperwork done(resume, cover letter, etc.), attending interviews, and lastly praying a company would hire me as their slave.

Imagine putting all these together with the other usual stuff I do every semester. It's hell of a work load alright!! Sigh~ a good time management is what I really need. And the thing is I'm just bad at it. Mind you I am a procrastinator. Well, this semester is going to brush up my time management skills for sure!! Also, I am relying heavily on 'The Secret'. =)

Just One

Yes. It's a whole new year once again. I've noticed many people posting their new year resolutions. As usual, a new year resolution list will begin at number one and continues on to two, then three; and the list goes on. Well for me, this year I am going to list down just one item on my new year resolution list.

Yan's 2011 New Year Resolution:-

1.) To always practise THE SECRET. (it's a book by Rhonda Byrne)

Yup. That's it. My new year resolution list. Simple. Precise.

Like everyone else, my pre-resolution list is actually a longer one than the above. However, once I started listing it down; it took me 2 minutes before I decided to just go ahead with just this ONE new year resolution.

After reading the book, my understanding is that the universe is SUPPOSE to be able to manifest all my desires as long as I understand The Great Secret of Life which is the law of attraction. So, guess I have nothing to lose. I'll just believe in the law of attraction and be thankful every day for it.

p/s: this book is highly recommended. =)

Christmas Here I Come

FINALLY. I'm done with my exams. I think this semester I did put in a lot more effort than the previous one. I'm feeling confident this time. Shall just wait and see. =)

For now, I'm just going to enjoy my holidays. I know I'll be having LOTS of plans. My daily schedule for this holiday is filling up FAST! So if anyone wants to date me, let me know ASAP. *wink*

Am really looking forward to be back in Taiping. My peeps and I are gonna partay till we're all high!! Here's the season to be jolly, fa la la la la...la la la la... This is how excited I am to be going back!

A few friends of mine who's at overseas couldn't make it back for Christmas. Don't worry, you guys will be missed dearly. Hope you guys will have fun too during Christmas. =)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

&

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Lucky is the Word

I'm the
luckiest girl
in many ways that
no one can ever imagine!!

December Wish List a.k.a. Christmas Wish List~

Woohoo!! It's the time of the year again!! Yes it's December; and that would means Christmas is just around the corner!! When Christmas is just around the corner, that would means I've got a whole lot of things to do! So here's my wish list for the month:-

1.) Have a the strength to sail through my finals.
2.) SALES SALES SALES=SHOP SHOP SHOP.
3.) A Christmas celebration in Taiping.
4.) Baking!!(Ng Shea Yuin, better be prepared for me to burst into your kitchen)
5.)Finish reading 'The Secret' by the end of December. (Am already half way through)
6.) For 2011 to never come.

There. My wish list for the month of December. All of them are logical enough to be fulfilled, except for one maybe. Oh well, I'm just being hopeful. =) Alright, since number 6 is invalid here's number 7 to minimize the 'damage' of number 6.

7.) 2011 will be a year where I'll always have the strength to face any obstacles in my way.

There. Now the list is complete. Next list to come would be...NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS.





p/s: Christmas songs are already being played on my Media Player. Christmas deco are already filling my mind. Can't wait to see the deco in the malls. =)

Paramore: The Only Exception

When I was younger, I saw my daddy cry
And curse at the wind
He broke his own heart and I watched
As he tried to reassemble it

And my momma swore that
She would never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love if it does not exist

But darling, you are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception

Maybe I know, somewhere deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we've got to find other ways to make it alone
Or keep a straight face

And I've always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance
And up until now I had sworn to myself that I'm content with loneliness
Because none of it was ever worth the risk

But you are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception

I've got a tight grip on reality
But I can't let go of what's in front of me here
I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up
Leave me with some kind of proof, it's not a dream, oh

You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception

You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception

And I'm on my way to believing
Oh, and I'm on my way to believing

What if...??

So, Tuesday Sept, 28th was my last paper of my Year 2 Semester 1. All in all the papers were HORRIBLE. Maybe it's just the Year 2 papers, or it could be just me. We will just sit and wait for my results. Honestly, I'm getting pretty numb about exams. Well who wouldn't right?? Try counting how many exam papers we have actually sat for from primary school to secondary school, during pre-U right till now our varsity days! The numbers you come out with will blow your mind!

Lately all these stress is starting to make me think about all the 'What if's...??' although in the back of my mind I knew quiet clearly there's no point into squeezing my thoughts about all the 'What if's...??'. I just have to go with the flow and do things as they come along. Once decisions have been made, then I must strive for the best or die trying. It's sounds pretty cliche just like the Robert Frost poem. A person who have chosen a path will probably never know what will happen to them if they were to have taken the other path instead. And in this case, it just kept me wondering...'What if...??'. Oh well, no point dwelling on it...



Although there's this huge pile of 'What if's...??' piling up in my mind, another huge part of me is pretty much blessed. With this I know I can make it no matter what. =) For now I shall just enjoy my sem break!

Spring-cleaning My Blog

Right...I've been receiving complaints about my dusty blog that's filled with cobwebs. I know, I've been on hiatus for awhile without even realizing it. From now on, I shall try my very best to write a new post onto my blog every now and then (i said 'try').

I'm already in my Year2 Semester1, I know...still a long way to go. Sigh~ and now it's already week 5. Assignments will be stacking up on my desk soon. Test dates will be filling my little calendar together with assignments due dates. It'll just be my usual hectic pathetic student life. Nothing more, nothing less. Just that this time, it's just gonna be tougher and a rougher road ahead of me. I'll need a Land Rover for that!!

Oh yeah...huggie-counter will probably be up soon enough on my msn. In need for lotsa love n huggies from all my peeps out there. *wink wink* =D You bunch of people are the best!

February Comes & Go~

Two post before this, it was February 1st. Now, it's already the last day of February. February comes and goes in the speed of light compared to other months of the year, obviously because it only has 28/29 days. Oh well, February 2010 had generally been a great month; of CNY and birthdays. =)

Went back to Penang as usual. Duh, my annual affair during CNY. Collected fewer red packets this year compared to last year, since the economy doesn't allowed and fewer relatives were in Penang. Moreover, I thought I would be getting more ang pow this year since many of them had recently exchanged vows. And I've got to admit, throughout the time in Penang; I was NEVER hungry. My tank was either full or at least 3 quarters full! Talk about gluttony! I guess now I've got to stick to my New Year resolutions and get rid of those extra pounds. Bummer. =(

Yes. My birthday coincides with CNY, yet AGAIN; which makes it all more happening! My day kick-started by meeting up with Khai Li, Mag, Annie and Jeffrey at Lian Thong for lunch. Our faithful place for meeting up right?? Was sad that Ling Ling couldn't join us. And there, I got my first slice of birthday cake from Jeff. Chocolate Indulgence (I've checked, Jeff. on the webbie). Thanks Jeff, it was nice. Also for lunch. =)

After that, it was off to Jenn's. Everyone met up at her place before we head on our visiting trip. Oh boy, we went to quite a number of houses in one day! Jenn's, Mrs. Ng's, Khai Li's, Jen Yong's, Mr. Tan's, Jing Rui's, Sher Lyn's, Shea Yuin's and finally my humble abode. Fuh. From day to night! And in between we had a pit stop at Panorama. There we had ice cream feast and also the second birthday cake from the whole gang. Thank you so much peeps(you all know who you are)!

At Ng's, we stargazed on her freshly-cut grass. Tried using the telescope but we couldn't see a thing, so we gave up. Haha. We sang 'dui mien de nu hai kan guo lai' on Ng's lawn and cam-whore on Ng's lawn. Before midnight, we arrived at my humble abode(so-called surfing house by Jane). At my place, I received this huge lantern(those that can float up to the sky) with good/well wishes written all over it...I was surprised. Mind you, I was really about to cry. Had tears in my eyes already. And I didn't realised that they have been up to something the whole time. How blind of me. Sad thing is that it wouldn't go up. We tried twice. So now, its' lying in my room. After the two failed attempts, we gambled a little.

And that was it. One heck of a tiring day. I had a great birthday. Another memorable one indeed. Thanks again peeps!! Also thanks to all those who called, sms-ed, left a comment on FB and MSN. It made my day. =) Next day we celebrated Jane's birthday with her online. We gathered at Ng's and connected the lappie to the LCD TV so that we could all view her on the big screen. I hope we made her day. =)

Just last night here in KL, had another CNY celebration with my friends. We 'lou sang', played cards and of course we drank. Gosh. My head was so darn heavy after that. Even when I woke up this morning, it was still heavy. All these was thanks to the alcohol consumption. Thank god, today is Sunday and not a school day. I didn't experience a hungover tho. But my hair did. Had such a bad hair day when I woke up. A housemate of mine, Looi gor; was in such a drunken state. 40% vodka in your red wine or in your Revive drink, and this is what happened. He was so drunk that he started mumbling nonsense. Haha. All the girls was still in a conscious state by the time we went to bed.

So there, February have been pretty much like this for me. Fun-filled. As always. And always will be. =)

Goodbye February. Till we see each other again next year. =)

March will be coming. And so is tests,assignments, and whatnot. I'll be experiencing Monday blues on March 1, 2010. =(