A Corner of My Own

La la la la

2010-03-16T13:33:00.002+13:00

It had been a while.

Not entirely my fault, I can't sign in to my Gmail using the virus infected laptop at home. Thus, can't sign in to Blogspot and blog!

The solution is either get it fixed or get a new laptop. Both depend highly on my BIG brother. Waiting for him since forever =_____=

Few Updates:

Started work since 1st March 2010.
Still gathering the courage to drive in KL.
Hmm... can't think of any now!

I have so many things that I want to do in mind. Let's hope I will have the motivation to plan it out and actually DO and LIVE it!

Ciaooooo~~

# I'm blogging from office! (since I'm early) #

Year 2009

2009-12-30T19:22:00.002+13:00

2009 will soon come to an end. I had a great and blessed year. Enough said.

I'm looking forward to 2010.

Wish you and your family an early Happy New Year! =)

# Let's get ready for 2010! #

Albert Park Gateaway

2009-11-16T10:36:00.002+13:00

I was too bored last Wednesday. Hence...

# I'm learning Photoshop =) #

I admit that

2009-11-03T00:39:00.002+13:00

I'm a lazy person. I don't update my blog.

Cheers,
Jamie Lioh

# I bought myself a new bag. The old one has been with me since IACT days #

Dinners

2009-09-26T20:57:00.005+12:00

Time to update my dinners~

Fried Rice #1: Broccoli, Mushrooms and Minced Beef

Fried Rice #2: Sausages, Mushrooms, Egg and Spring Onion

Fried Rice #3: Kimchi Beef Fried Rice

Fried Udon Mee with Chicken
5 stars =)

French Beans with Minced Beef

Potatoes with Minced Beef

Mushrooms with Minced Beef

Grilled Chicken with Soy Sauce

Fried Monowai Cheese, 2009 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Silver Medal

# Applause Applause Applause Applause Applause #

Blogging Class

2009-09-24T13:24:00.002+12:00

I'm in class learning how to set up a blog. Or in a more classy way, use social media.

* I'm bored*

F.a.M.I.L.Y

2009-09-10T11:24:00.003+12:00

I love Daddy.

I love Mommy.

I love (sometimes) Gor Gor.

I love (erm...) Janis.

I miss you all.

# On my playlist, Michael Buble "Home", Daniel Powter "Next Plane Home" #

What can I do when someone cries in front of me?

2009-09-04T11:16:00.008+12:00

I always do not know how to react when someone cries in front of me.

Obviously, they cry for a reason and I don't think asking them to stop crying makes any sense.

Hug them? I'm afraid they will cry even more. (I will).

Say something to console them? I am bad at this, totally clueless.

Sit quietly and pat them on the back? I feel weird as it looks I did nothing to help them.

Cry with them? I do this, sometimes.

# I'm supposed to be focusing on my media planning report while I worte this post. #

You Got A Nice Smile

2009-08-03T20:44:00.004+12:00

Warning: This is NOT a vain post!

The story begins like this...

We were on our last minute shopping before leaving the Auckland Food Show. An exhibitor approached us with chai latte for sampling.

I never like chai latte therefore I smiled and shook my head while my friends were reaching for the free drinks.

Then the guy said to me, "You got a nice smile, very nice smile." - This is the whole point of this post! hahaha

I just said thank you (or else what) and smiled even harder.

And, because of what he said, I took a sip of chai latte from my friend's cup. Guess what?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Chai Latte is still Chai Latte. hehe
____________________________________________________________________

After a vain post (if you think so which I totally disagree with you), I better explain why I wrote this.

I was reading the more-than-20-pages-journal in library today and was really stressed over my HR Communication assignment. Suddenly, I remembered the stranger's comment.

"You have a nice smile, very nice smile."

I do not know why it suddenly cross my mind (I was reading ALL about coaching and mentoring) but at that moment, I felt better, not better, was good, damn good! I smiled and packed my books and left library.

One can cherish the little things in life. It IS the little things that matter, perhaps, more than all the big things. Add them up and you may just get some happiness.

Thanks a million for his delightful comment on Sunday. I do not who you are, but you made my day!

# Back to my readings with a better mood now =) #

p/s: Dear readers, do drop me a comment if you wish to see my "very nice smile" pictures just in case you can't recall or miss me!

Semester 2 in AUT

2009-07-19T20:33:00.002+12:00

Semester 2 officially starts tomorrow, 20/07/09.

Semester 1 ended not too great yet not too bad. Experienced few ups and downs.

Having 3 Level 7 papers in Semester 2. Wondering am I up to the challenge.

# I'm stressed now. Really. #

Too Lazy to Update

2009-07-02T23:15:00.002+12:00

I'm having break now. For freaking 5 weeks! (Entering the 4th week on Monday).

Didn't do much so far but enjoying it.

My daily routine: Wake up around 9am, jogging (not the past two weeks as it was too cold) - excuse is like an asshole, everyone has one! , eat breakfast, go library, read books/magazines, free internet, read till hungry, go back for lunch, walk on Queen Street (so called exercise), back to library, read, go back home on 5.30pm, cook dinner, eat dinner, watch TV (sometimes), online, msn, emails, offline, read, sleep.

It goes on...

I did try to look for a part time job! Daddy & Mommy, really, I DID! Just submitted my CV to a chocolate boutique, hopefully will get the job and can eat endless goooood handmade chocolate. It will be a perfect job for me XD - Call me soon!!!

At the same time, waiting for my result for Sem 1. Let's hope for the best, praying hard that it is not too ugly to look at.

That's all.

Nothing much.

# Will update dunno-when-but-soon #

Dinner Time

2009-06-10T21:04:00.005+12:00

It's time to update my dinners again! Improved a lot =)

BakChoy with MaPo Tauhu

Choy Sum with Spicy Chicken

My Favourite Fried Beehoon (but can't really see the beehoon =P)

Spaghetti

Noodles with Salted Vege and Minced Pork
p/s: pork here very expensive

Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken, Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
Very very nice!!!
Daddy and Mummy, will make for you when I'm back!

# Friends, please make your reservation! #

21st Birthday

2009-06-05T09:28:00.008+12:00

Dear Daddy & Mummy,
Thank you so much for everything. I never thought of studying oversea but you two worked hard and made my dream come true. Love you two always and forever. Miss you all.

Dear friends back home,
Thanks for all the warm wishes. It was very nice to receive birthday messages at 4am local time when I was sleeping. So sweet of you all to remember my birthday! Love ya and miss you!!!

To many many new friends I made in New Zealand,
Thanks for the warm wishes and presents. Thanks for celebrating with me at this foreign land which I am still very new. Your kindness will be the most I miss when I'm back home. We do not know each other long but you guys gave me a memorable 21. Thank you very much! Friendship forever.

To many many friends who wrote on my facebook wall,
Again, thank you very much for your warm wishes. We will continue to keep in touch on facebook. What a wonderful site with the advance of technology!

To my brother who I always respect (I try to!),
Thanks for calling me at the very last hour. Just wanna tell you, you are a great brother to me SO FAR! hehe

To the most talented actress in Lioh's family,
Thank you!!!! I love you and miss you tooooo~~~

THANK YOU!!! x 21

# I had a great 21! And now is time to study and prepare for exam @%&*^% #

I miss home... 我想家了...

2009-05-30T19:01:00.004+12:00

May marked the third month I am in Auckland.
And finally, I start missing home, really missing it...
It was fun at start but slowly I start missing home...
The "not-so-good" result made me miss home even more...

Miss the time stealing daddy's supper and then scold him not to eat
Miss the good food mommy cooked sometimes
Miss Jason who always likes to instruct people
Miss irritating Janis

I really miss home now.

来了纽西兰差不多三个月, 我想家了...
从开始的新鲜到现在的一成不变, 我想家了...
课业上面对的困难也让我更想家...

想念偷爸爸的宵夜吃然后再骂他不该吃
想念妈妈"有时"煮好吃的
想念哥哥喜欢指使人替他做事的语气
想念和Janis吵吵闹闹, 争电视看

就是好想家...

# Be strong =) #

Communication Strategy Online Tutorial 200509

2009-05-26T22:07:00.002+12:00

Q1: What is the difference between XML and HTML?

HTML displays information and focuses on what is the date about while XML describes the information and focuses on how the date looks.

Q2: Name four different types of feedreader

Mozilla Firefox, Windows Live Mail, Google Reader, and iTunes

Q3: If you wanted to monitor environmental issues, which feeds could you subscribe to?

ecoFactory, Environmental New Network (ENN), and the daily green

Q4: Can you name another blogging platform other than Typepad, Blogger and Blog?

Wordpress, Movable Type, Blogsmith

For Q5 in your hunt, name the three of NZ's top opinion bloggers. Can you also name NZ's leading business blogger?

David Farrar, Tim Selwyn, and Peter Cresswell

Chris Dillow

Q6 Name three of the trend examples given on Google Trends. Which was the most popular choice in each example?

Who will win American Idol (Most Popular), Angelina Jolie at Cannes, and Miley Cyrus fat

Q7 Find the Wikipedia page on public relations. If you were going to add or amend that page, what would you write? How would you define public relations?

Definition: Public Relations establishes and maintains the relationship between an organisation and its key publics in order to maintain a good image. Public relations people advise management on policies, channel and coordinate within an organisation the activities that affect public relations, provide mechanics for explaining an organisation and its policies to various key publics through communication media and ascertain to management what various key publics think about the organisation.

I would add some key terms and their definitions on the page such as PR Technician, PR Practitioner, Dominant Coalition, Key Publics, Boundary Spanner and etc.

Q8 Can find any uploads that might have been created by an activist public. How do you think you could test the veracity of the source?

Child Labour: The Facts, uploaded by 40HourFamineNZ on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2CQX73g0Mo&feature=channel

The veracity of the source can be tested using google search on child labour in India or log on to World Vision’s official website for further details and media coverage.

Q9 Can you find a site out there (not a quick visit to iTunes please!) that is routinely using podcasts? This test your search and find skills!

LimeCast, www.limecast.com

Q10 Think about the organisation you described in your last assignment. How do you think that organisation could apply these tools?

The Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) can create an online community for migrants or new Aucklanders. The forum will act as a ground where migrants can interact with each other sharing their experiences and find supports.

# I still managed to keep my promise to blog at least once a month =D #

Jamie Oliver Soon-to-be Recipes

2009-04-07T20:52:00.005+12:00

WARNING: DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD YOUR MEALS.
I mean it. Really.

Kailan with Tomatoes
Rating: 4/5

Cabbage with Capsicum
Rating: 2/5

White Button Mushrooms with Spring Onion
Rating: 5/5
I gonna miss this dish when I'm in Malaysia! Button mushrooms are so expensive back home.

Fried Rice with whatever-you-can-find-in-fridge with Double Cheese Sausages
Rating: 4/5

Beef Patties
Rating: 5/5, Heavenly nice!
I'm so impressed by myself, the beef pattiess is superb!

#Jamie, start your Media Communication essay before it's too late!#

Fire Alarm

2009-03-31T20:26:00.005+13:00

It was 7.53pm, I was happily enjoying my dinner and the emergency alarm went off!!!

Me: "Is it our alarm?"
Friend A: "Err..., it's pretty loud."
Friend B (out from the room): "It's fire alarm, we need to go down."
Me: "I will knock Friend C's door and get my passport and keys!"

We went down by stair (of course!) and guess what - 2 fire trucks, 1 big 1 small were already there. In less than 30 seconds, another two came.

It was pretty amazing how fast they got here! How can they arrived faster than me?

5 minutes later...

No fire and we are safe. Everyone rushed back to what they are doing and everything is back to normal. I continued my dinner and the drama of Chef Ramsay on Hell's Kitchen.

Btw, the fire alarm was triggered by the smoke of an overheated oven left unattended by some ignorant people. At Level 6!

*The New Zealand Fire Service is really impressive! So efficient that it took shorter time than me walking down from Level 5 to arrive at the fire scene! Claps*

Assignments! Assignment!

2009-03-19T09:51:00.004+13:00

Abandoned my blog for a week plus... and now I'm back!

The title said it all. I have 2 assignments due on the same week. So, studies have to come first.

When my fridge is empty, I know it's time to stock up some food which means grocery shopping again!

I have a big trouble doing my own grocery shopping. Every fortnight, I have to crack my head and plan my dinners for the next two weeks then shop accordingly.

The problem is me being myself never follow plan! I always find myself in the situation of missing the ingredients for some recipes I suddenly thought of cooking.

It's not like I'm in Tampin, I can just drive around to get whatever I want for dinner an hour before dinner time.

My Grocery List Must Have:

Eggs
Milk
Tomatoes
A type of vege (usually broccoli or cabbage)
A type of meat (usually minced beef / chicken)
Button mushrooms (my favorite)

That's usually what I get for myself from the supermarket. Looking at the list above, what are the other options you can suggest I have for dinner? I find myself cooking almost the same dinners till my next grocery shopping.

I think I need a cook book.

Reminder for myself:
Communication Strategy essay is 2 weeks away.
Marketing Communication essay is 3 weeks away.

#I decided to drop Project 365 due to circumstances beyond my control. #

Project 365: A Photo A Day

2009-03-07T09:22:00.005+13:00

Okok, I admit! I really don't have the determination like Taylor McKnight.

Seriously, making sure I take a photo a day is quite a difficult task. First, I always forgot my camera. Then, I'm just too lazy to explore my photography "skill". Plus, being a perfectionist, I procrastinate a lot.

"Excuse is like an asshole, everyone has one."

So true. So true.

Photo #002 - 02/03/09

View from my Room Window

Just got home from uni and realized I didn't take any photos. It's only my second day and no failure should be accepted without fighting! I looked outside my window and saw the sky. Wow, clear blue sky and yellow horizon! Not too bad for a last minute photo =)

Photo #003 - 03/03/09

I forgot! The camera and the project.

Photo#004 - 04/0309

Fern Leaf

I'm in New Zealand - Aotearoa, the land of long white cloud. Fern leaf is a must to take! This was taken outside the postal office after I submited my application for an IRD number. It was dizziling and windy outside and the officer told me to take care. So sweet!

# I hate the sound of the strong wind. #

Project 365: A Photo A Day

2009-03-01T20:21:00.008+13:00

A Photo A Day.

A project sounds simple enough to a lazy person like me to begin. Besides, it makes sure I will not run out of topics to blog.

This project was started by a guy named Taylor McKnight. He started taking a photo a day on 1st Jan 2004 and still doing it now. I really admired his determination and hopefully I will have the same too!

For more information about the project and how to get started, please click on the link.

Cut the story short, this is officially my first photo to kick start Project 365.

Photo #001 - 01/03/09

Auckland City Libraries Card
Image by: William Mitchell
Owner: Jamie Lioh Kee Mei
Validity: 24/02/09 - 31/03/10

There are three different designs of library cards for you to choose from. It was the simple design of the card above that attracts me. Pure, innocence, plain black and white illustration.

Reading is a habit I try to hold on. Like the mothers' saying, "It's for your own good!" Therefore, I do it for my own good =D

Auckland Central City Library is three storey tall (got escalators!) with a great selection of books (it will not be called a library if it doesn't have right), CDs and DVDs. The most significant difference between the libraries back home and here is; I guess I do not have to point it out and you will know what it is. Yup, library here is crowded.

I remembered visiting the National Library in KL with Jonathan last year; there were only two of us and 3 tourists flipping the map of KL in the library. To be more exact, I am the only Malaysian there excluding the librarians. FYI, I went there just because Jonathan wanted to have a look or else I will not walk in there.

p/s: Auckland Central City Library has free Internet. FREE INTERNET. They provide free Internet, my campus doesn't even have this privilege. So far, I didn't get the chance to use the Internet in library as it is crowded but I definitely will one day! It's FREE!!!

# I'm trying my best to keep my blog as lively as I could. #

Dinner 7.30pm

2009-02-25T20:18:00.006+13:00

Taa Daaa~~~

Dinner 1: Potato & Tomato Soup with Chicken Fillets

Dinner 2: French Bean, Tomato & Ham Fried Rice

Dinner 3: Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes & Hard Boiled Egg

*Applause*

# Told ya, I can cook! #

Cooking Dinner for Myself

2009-02-21T15:54:00.003+13:00

I cooked my very first dinner in NZ. It was a simple dinner, indeed a very simple one. Just omelet with onion, ham and white rice.

The omelet tasted good with a pinch of salt and pepper while the white rice was too dry and hard as I put too little water. I squeezed the Heinz tomato ketchup to moisture my rice. Now it taste like Nasi Pattaya!

Overall, I don't really like cooking. I hate the smell left on my hair and clothes after cooking. Not to forget the cleaning part. However, eating out every meals in NZ is not practical. Thus, I have do some cooking.

Good cook or bad cook?

# I'm not a picky eater. So, good cook =) #

Orientation Day

2009-02-20T20:49:00.006+13:00

After so long not knowing what to do every single day after waking up, the long waited orientation has finally arrived!

Orientation day did not start with a bang like how I expected! It was raining. In fact, it rained since last night and still drizzling when I woke up. Thinking that the rain will stop in a while, I "semangat" went and applied sun block. FYI. I look so tanned after two trips to the beach without applying sun block.

After a simple breakfast, Belle and I headed to Hikuwai Plaza. To get to the plaza, we need to walk through a staircase which looks super slippery. I was walking so slowly, step by step just to make sure I do not fall especially in front of so many students that might be my classmates. Luckily, I walked down safely, so do Belle.

It was still raining.

Since we are early, we were all (other students) waiting at the plaza. Deep in my heart, I knew someone will slip at the staircase. And guess what, total of 3 ladies slipped and fell at the staircase. I swear I didn't curse any of them.

It was still raining. Getting heavier.

Orientation started on time and we were all gathered at the lecture hall. Then, the boring session started. Briefing by International Student Support followed by another briefing by Auckland City Police and followed by another briefing by Insurance Company and the list goes on. Blar, blar, blar, blar, blar...

It was still raining. Light rain.

I collected my Student ID at the end of orientation day and I hate my picture! IIRC, the photo was taken in 2004. Too bad, I will have to live with it for one year endless I pay 20NZD for a new one. Daddy, can I do so? =)

It was still drizzling.

I really can't wait for uni to start especially after watching my seniors marched down the busy Queen Street during their graduation walk.

It rained the whole day. Basically, I applied sun block for nothing. According to the receptionist, rain storm will hit Auckland City for the next three days.

# Need to get a part time job asap to save for my travel fund. #

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-15T01:35:00.003+13:00

Happy Valentines Day!

I forgot to wish everyone in my earlier post. Hope it's not too late though. Appreciate the person beside you and everyday is Valentine's Day. Love you all.

# I had superb lamb curry on Feb 14 with great friends #

Mangawhai Beach, New Zealand

2009-02-14T00:53:00.012+13:00

That's the name of the beach I visited with Uncle Victor, Auntie Margaret and Belle on 11th February 09, Wednesday.

We drove from Mairangi Bay where Uncle Victor and Auntie Margaret live. It took us almost two hours to reach our destination. The view was spectacular along the journey. You will never see red plastic bags at the roadside or in the bush. Something unusual to my eyes! I was actually hoping to see at least one red plastic bag. Just one.

We stopped at Kaiwaka for Gelato ice cream. Totally can't resist when we saw the signboard. My first ice cream in NZ! I had total two ice creams (4 big scoops) that day.

First Ice Cream: Passion Fruit + Rum & Raisin
Second Ice Cream: Rum & Raisin + Rum & Raisin
=)

On the way, we even saw PINK SHEEP! However, due to the rain the night before, the colour was washed away and looks so ugly. Anyways, why dye the sheep at the first place? And why pink?

We reached Mangawhai Beach around 2pm. Although it was a weekday, there are still plenty of people at the beach. Clean, clean, clean! These are the words that came to my mind when I saw the beach. This beach can definitely fight with the one in Kenting. Absolutely beautiful!

That's all about my one day trip to Mangawhai Beach! Thousands thanks to Uncle Victor, Auntie Margaret and Belle for their kindness to invite me over.

# I want more ice creams - Rum & Raisin! #

Keeping a Journal

2009-02-10T17:40:00.024+13:00

In my perception, keeping a journal equals to writing, which is really not my strength and favorite. I tried keeping one during secondary school but it didn't last long. Me, being a perfectionist will tear off the pages when I felt my handwriting is ugly or I wrote something wrong.

However, after reading articles about the benefits and beauty of keeping a journal, again I am so tempted to keep one. The words "It is your book" and "historical documents" are magic words! Still, I'm not so sure if I want to let my grandchildren to read my journal or blog.

Therefore, instead of a handwritten journal, I decided to start a blog where I can share it with everyone. This time, I have nothing to tear off, just keep amending which will also take ages.

Here is a promise I made in 2009, I will keep a blog and update it REGULARLY.

# I'm going to North Shore Beach (exact name to be updated later) with Belle, Uncle Victor and Auntie Margaret. #

Kia Ora! Jamie

2009-02-10T09:46:00.004+13:00

Yup, I arrived safely at Auckland airport at 12.51pm local time on 8th February 2009.

Let's start from KLIA.

My family (everyone!) was there to send me off. duh~~ This is the second time I will be away from home for sometime. The first one was when I went for National Service which I still got to meet my family fortnightly and go home during holidays. Not this time.

Besides that, Kristina, Felicia and Beatrice came all the way to send their baby sotongz . I told them not to come but they made it at last. Thank you so much and love ya.

At the airport, I tried my best not to cry but can't hold it when I saw Janis cried. I don't even dare to stand near my dad and look into his eyes because I knew I will just burst into tears and it will never stop. Gonna miss them so much here. They are the persons I love most and care most in this world.

In the Flight.

The plane took off smoothly and my tears won't stop as I know it will be a while before I step my feet again on this land where I grew up. The nearly 11 hours journey was smooth overall although we did experienced turbulence at start due to bad weather.

Belle slept all the way, literally ALL THE WAY after taking the air sickness pills. She only woke up two hours before we touched down but went back to sleep very soon. Ben and I were looking at Belle and left speechless by her. Not only both of us, the flight attendant too!

Since I was left all alone, I watched two movies - MamaMia and High School Musical 3. I wondered why I chose to watch HSM3. MAS provides two meals during the whole journey. It didn't taste great but I would rate it as above average.

I couldn't sleep well and remembered starring at the blue screen with all the flight information from 3.01 till 4.01 KL time.

Arriving at Auckland Airport.

It was a clear bright day when we arrived. Great view from the window. I saw cows!

The airport was packed with people, mainly ASIANS. Seriously, I heard people speaking in Chinese and Cantonese. According to Belle's uncle, Uncle Victor there were 12 flights touched down almost the same time from Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Korea and etc.

Uncle Victor drove all of us to the city. It was a hot day (24 celcius, IIRC) with clear blue sky. I couldn't check in to my hostel that day and spent a night at Uncle Victor's place located at the North Shore.

So, that's my first day in New Zealand!

# I am seeing more Asians than Kiwis in New Zealand. #

Bye bye Malaysia

2009-02-07T05:38:00.001+13:00

Finally...

After 5 months of break, I can't wait to pick up books and start study life again. In a foreign country this time.

Study abroad is like a dream comes true to me. It was really a childhood dream and I never knew it will come true one day. Thanks to my beloved parents, I got to achieve my dream.

Bye bye Malaysia, my home and.... Astro!

# I am a lucky kid! =) #