Superficial world. We live in.
Note: This post was written in the middle of Feb. Was going thru my draft and thought that i should post this since i already susah payah write it wtf. My thoughts and voice, back then. Enjoy! 
Le sigh. It’s been a while since I posted something. My unpublished, unfinished drafts are increasing at an alarming level. Don’t know why i always write but never seem to publish them 
And worst is, i always have a lot to say when i’m lying on my bed. But once i’m in front of my laptop, my mind just goes blank.
Okay, so let’s start what’s new with me!
My new 2nd hand phone has arrived. I got the same model – HTC Sensation XL (for NZD150). Tangan gatal wanted to get Samsung Galaxy S3 but it’s NZD400. Way over my budget. I’m a backpacker. Not some luxurious traveler. Initially i wanted to get spare parts to fix my phone but after researching on the internet, NZ and US website are selling HTC XL spare parts for >NZD250. So 냄새 suggested that i get a second hand phone from Korea. And the phones in Korea are so fucking cheap lor. Apparently, you can get the phone for free or $1 with telco contract. And you’re bounded to the contract for just 3 months and each month you’re required to pay like $30 only. Thus, after the contract expires a lot of people sell their phone on the internet at dirt cheap price. I couldn’t believe it either. Thank goodness for le Korean bf
Other than that… i am no longer working in Talley’s at the mussel factory. Due to their very short working hours, i quit and am now working in the apple packhouse. As luck would have got it, on my first two days of work, i am not even working 6 hours/day wtf. But the pay is slightly higher NZD14/hour and I can work in both day and night shift (8am – 9pm) Work die me wtf. Only 4 more working weeks till I start traveling <3
Honestly, i am slightly scared about traveling. I am so comfortable and used to my plans working accordingly that the thoughts of making new plans are kinda scary. The other day i was so gung ho planning my Cook Island trip. The whole cost of traveling (3 flights), accommodation and meals cost NZD1k. Actually, it’s consider reasonable already la if not i have to spend NZD400 to change my visa to a visitor visa here. But the coward in me was scared to book it. NZD1k for 5-7 days is very heartbreaking lor. I worked so hard to earn money here leh. And to you people who thinks that I have a good life here, SCREW YOU! Just because I didn’t talk about any down moments doesn’t mean my life is a bed of roses here.
Do you know that i worked so hard to save money? Funny thing is on the first week of 2013, i have NZD3k. And only 6 weeks later my saving hits 4k. So now i have resorted to eating instant noodles more often T3T. Damn sad case wei. But i compensated with some good NZ’s one of a kind meat once a week. Last week i had rissoles. This week i had some beef and cheese thingy. Oh this reminds me that i need to learn to make lasagna before i leave because once you start traveling, you have no choice but to eat out all the time. I don’t want to carry my pantry all over NZ lor please.
I kept counting down my weeks left with 냄새 just so he will sayang me more. Can’t believe we’ve been together for almost 4 months. Longer than 3 months of summer. So… time to *cough cough* #hamsapface. Haha. Sometimes my friends have to remind me that I have a boyfriend. In my defense the love-of-my-life type of boyfriend and a traveler boyfriend is 2 totally different thing. Some of the FAQs about our relationship is, “What will happen after this trip?” Honestly, i have no fucking idea. We never really talk about it. We are trying to be in this relationship for as long as we can. Which means it is pretty fragile. The only plan we have is me go for my solo trip, end May the both of us will return to Malaysia and then he will return to Korea. Odd thing is he never invited me to Korea wtf. I’ll admit i wana go cos i don’t want to return to reality that soon. And just for the record, i actually didn’t invite him to Malaysia one wtf. Initially it was a plan to bring Michael (the hot HK guy) around Malaysia with Ozias. Then Ozias was like, “Eh why you never invite your bf wan ah wtf.” Then he invited on my behalf. Anyway, that time we were like 1-2 weeks together? I didn’t want to put any pressure on the relationship. Surprisingly, he agreed.
Please don’t get me wrong if you think i’m not being serious in this relationship. I was working really hard in this relationship from cooking meals to not swearing at all (fucking hard to do ok) to being an understanding and tolerate all the miscomm & temperamental bullshit. Since Koreans are ta nan ren, i have stopped expressing my thoughts as it is deemed rude in his culture *swallows pride*.
We kinda had this major argument which resulted in cold wars for a few days. That few days was the worst days of my life in NZ. I wanted to run away from this place. I wanted to just be away from all the negativity. I even searched for cheap flights to Invercagill. Anywhere, as far as possible. The fight broke my soul. It has shifted my perception on him. It has instilled fears into the relationship. 1 month ago, i would do whatever it takes to be with him after the trip. But the fight was a reality check for me. I started comparing (i know i shouldn’t) the sacrifices that we made. I was giving more than receiving. I wasn’t complaining at that time nor now actually. Just that i have promised myself instead of giving my all into the relationship, i should channel some energy to loving myself. Thus now, I only cook like twice a week for him. Cannot pamper him too much jor.
It’s just a weird phase in the relationship. After the fight, i still love him. At the same time, i am terrified to love him like before. I am afraid of being discarded again. I am afraid of broken heart. I am afraid that he will morph into a stranger that looks at me in disgust. Nobody knows the pain i went thru.
Sometimes i wonder how did we fall in love with each other? Our personalities are different in every possible way. He is an introvert geek while i’m a social butterfly. He loves being confined in the bedroom walls while i rush to explore NZ whenever the opportunity arises. Thus, we do not have much pictures together because he is very indoorsy, a creature of habit who is very attached to his laptop.
This picture was taken during the recovering period from the fight.
We are not the conjoined twins type of couple. Which was great cos i overheard his conversation with our landlord about foreigners’ level of English. People assumed that his English has improved tremendously since we started dating but he said, “Actually when we first met, I couldn’t speak proper English. The feelings that we have for each other is what connects us.” (okay i may have taken the liberty to paraphase him) I was surprised that he would say something sweet cos after the fight, i was half-dunzo. I still love him but i learn to care a little less so that i won’t feel too hurt.
Nevertheless, 4 more weeks of rotting in Motueka. I really can’t wait to travel NZ. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the things to do – i wana do trekking! i wana go for cave adventure like this! And not forgetting swimming with the dolphin. Why the things i wana do is freakin’ expensive 1. NZD300 for the cave thingy and NZD200 for swimming with the dolphin. Now i’m not even sure if i have money left to do skydiving anot. Sei for.
Ok la. I will not bore you anymore. Come i show you this.
Mok and I were invited to Elena’s farewell. 냄새 was invited too but i ran out of excuses to cover for him wtf.
Maca (Chile) and Mok (Congo/ Korea)
I’ve been tutoring Maca English 1 hour/ day for NZD10. #anythingformoney
Majority of the attendees were Spanish speaking people. It was so cool to be in that environment <3
Hola! Mi nombre es Melissa.
My body is your masterpiece. Guess who was the artist?
A Spanish girl (my first friend from Spain!) did my hair. She attached some colourful strings on my hair and it will last for a couple of months 
One of the best thing in life – meeting fresh new faces from different part of the world.
Please wish me luck and give me the strength to book my flights to Cook Island >.<
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When the Best Friends Reunite
The day has finally come. The day that I will be reunited with my best friend.
I was so nervous, I didn’t sleep well the night before. Waking up from time to time – 2.40am, 4.30am then 5.30am. My bus leaves at 6.55am
Throughout the journey I thought about philosophy (as always). I think fear could be my favourite feelings. Fear pushes you to do something beyond your boundary. It makes you want to overcome an obstacle. It makes you just wana get over it.
And I thought of a quote. “Bad things are blessings in disguised.” So, when something bad happen, don’t fret about it. Soon enough you will see why it happened and the good outcome of it.
Anyway back to Ozias. It finally hit me that I’m going to see him when I saw the sign “Welcome to Invercargill.” Like wow. It’s today, huh. So fast. So so fast.
And then I kinda wished this day didn’t come so soon. I was feeling scared. My heart was racing. I wedged my palms under my thighs to keep them warm.
A million things was going through my mind. It’s been 6 months since I last saw him. Of course, we kept in touch with phone calls and text. It always feels the same talking to him. It always feels like home.
But I believe people change/ mature with situation. One way or another, it applies to him. It applies to everyone. Then I started wondering what would he be like? Will he still be the same boyish Ozias? That same friendly dude that is loved in our group? Then I shush those thoughts away and reminded myself not to think too much.
But I’m a girl hello. It’s in our genes wtf. Yeah I know girl tend to over-analyze and over-think things. Then I started playing some scenes of how I will react when I see him. Will we hug? Will he be waiting for me already? What will he look like? Then i thought, how do i look like? Then i just brush it off and thought, “I already look like shit. It doesn’t matter.”
Coincidentally this song was played and now i called it “Meeting Ozias” song wtf. Damn appropriate lor. It’s like a song that gives you semangat.
When I reached the destination, my eyes dart anxiously searching for the slightest sight of him. No signs. Phew. I can just chill here a while I guess.
Then at the corner of my eyes, I saw a figure. A guy. I couldn’t really tell if he’s Ozias or not. I thanked the driver and walked towards the figure. True enough, it’s him. I fasten my pace (but not too fast that I might trip. Yes, I’m klutzy like that) He saw. He smiled. I put my hand on my mouth in disbelieve that this is finally happening! I wanted to run but thought omgosh that is so cliché. So I took quick steps but he was leisurely walking. Doesn’t he wana see me badly?! Next thing I know we were right in front of each other. Felt a little awkward though. And I forgot the hug wtf. He helped me with my bag and we walked towards his car. Ada orang sudah beli kereta woo!
The reason why I had been really anxious about this trip is because Ozias knows I love surprises. And he had planned my 4D3N here surrounding it. Everything was a secret until I can’t even know where I’m staying. He handled everything from my accommodation to activities. Usually I try to outsmart guys when they plan surprises like this (and I usually succeed in ruining it). But this time I try to let go and put my trust into Ozias’ hand that he will take good care of me. So far, he is doing a pretty good job about it
Right now I’m just waiting for Ozias to finish work so that we can kickstart our pillow talk session. It will definitely be the most awesome weekend of our lives!
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6 Friggin’ Months in Motueka, NZ
Sorry! Backdated post! It’s really hard to get proper internet access here. Well, you can but you gotta pay like NZD2 for 30 minutes. Too expensive for a kiamsiap backpacker like me.
6 months in Motueka. Phew! Time flies. And I finally embarked on an adventure away from my foreign home. I was kinda reluctant to leave. Motueka is a place where I matured the most, the place where I fall in love, fall out of love and made my friends, my family.
Thankiu to these 2 monkeys for sending me off to the airport. I love them to bits. Can’t live my life without ‘em. Distance will not end our friendship. It will only strengthen what we have.
In September I plan to visit Mok in Korea, and him to Malaysia in October.
As for Ying Zhu, I shall be waiting for the time when she will make her trip to Malaysia
As I boarded the plane, I could feel tears started building up. “Hold your tears, honey. It would be utterly embarrassing.” While the cargo is being loaded up into the plane, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears streaming on my face and I thought to myself, “Damnit. Why didn’t I bring a tissue.” So I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and the sniffling stopped.
When I reached Auckland, I wasn’t too impressed with the whole atmosphere. Well, to me it’s just like any other city. I paid NZD35 (too expensive) for my airport transfer to the backpackers and NZD26/ night for my accommodation. I was placed in a room with 2 guys. And surprise surprise, I got the top bunk bed (Yet again. As always) I rested a while and my roommate got up. From his accent, I immediately knew that he’s a French. We quickly become friends and he brought me to a nice burger joint called Burgerfuel. We talked about football, shared our travel experiences etc.
He works as a bike guy in the city (sort of like a beca cyclist in Malacca wtf) – from 6pm till late. At night, I roamed around the city alone looking for pearl milk tea store (I was so desperate I even tried googling it!)
The next day, I woke up pretty late. Laze and roll (stationary) on the bed until Ozias scolded me cos I was so damn lazy wtf.
Adrian has his day off and he wanted to go to the city centre so we decided to go together.
While talking to him, I couldn’t help comparing an Asian guy to a French guy. Despite being only 20, he seriously knows how to treat a woman well. He knows how to say the right words. Things you will never expect to hear it from an Asian guy.
“You’re perfect.”
“I will not look at another girl because I’m with you now. I don’t want to disrespect you.”
“You have chestnut eyes.”
“A postcard from Cook Islands will not replace you here.”
“I will not be bored here because I will keep thinking of you.”
OK la. It’s nice to hear it but to type it out makes me realize it’s too soon to say all these to a girl who you just met for 48 hours wtf.
Nevertheless, it was a fun-filled hangout session. Adrian stays in Auckland for 2 months already so he brought me to a lot of hidden nice places.
More blogposts to come! Up next… Rarotonga, Cook Islands!
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Dark Paradise
SO SO OUTDATED!!! I’m sorry people. My blog can’t keep up with my life. So imma just going to make this short and sweet wtf.
Jay/ Ashton whatever and I broke up early March. Truth be told, we broke up twice.
Writing this 6 weeks after the break up actually puts a smile on my face. Honestly, it makes me laugh. Almost like the world wrote a bad joke for you and you don’t understand it at first. Then 6 weeks later only you geddit wtf.
The reasons of our breakup are totally ridiculous. I’m a little embarrassed (for him) to put it up here.
All I can say is, I’ve never met a guy who has the personality traits of a childish extraordinaire. At the age of 28, it’s so amazing to see an adult acting like a child. Literally, like a child. Like throwing beer bottles on the floor, hitting the wall and door, being aggressive by hitting himself just cuz he couldn’t fully expressed his thoughts.
When the first aggression happened, I was mortified. After that, I sort of get used to the aggression and watched him like I’m watching a kid rolling on the supermarket floor because his mommy won’t buy him those packets of chips.
I could actually live with this kind of behavior. Really. Nobody is perfect and I’m willing to accept his flaws as long as he accepts mine. And sadly, my flaws according to him is, “Speaking my mind.” I don’t know… maybe in the Korean culture or just him really, a lady who speaks her mind is deemed rude.
Which to me is so freaking sad. And that is something that I could not live with. What’s the point of living if you could not voice up? What’s the point of living if your thoughts and opinions are considered taboo regardless how harmless it is?
And we mutually decided it’s dunzo. Of course I was sad when it happened but honestly, at first it felt like a huge slap on the face. I was really putting in a lot of effort in this relationship. I was a dreamer in love. But now, I’m a realist.
It was a little hard to live as a break-up couple because we continued living in the same room. To avoid (further) arguments, we just don’t talk to each other. Ignorance is what we do best. For 4 freakin’ weeks.
They say ignorance is bliss. But I can’t live with it. So, I occupied myself with lots of activities, cooking and baking. And honestly, that was the best damn thing I’ve ever done for myself in Motueka! I was really “living”. Surrounded myself with happy, positive people like Maca, Mok and Janin. Oh gosh, this means I need to blog about them. I love you people! <3
Ok my laptop battery is low. Gotta start planning for the rest of my trip!
PS: this post was written on the 19th April. After all the awesome things that I had done. Thank you to every single god in the world for blessing me with an amazing life. The quote “When one door closes, another opens.” is so damn true. So don’t sweat on the bad things in life. Move on and things will go your way in no time
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Little Love Notes
Note: OMFG this was supposed to be a Valentine’s post but procrastination took over me. Nevertheless, since i so susah payah wrote this i gotta post this wtf. Enjoy!
Anyway I’ve never really written about my love life here in NZ. And I don’t know where to start wtf. So i’ll just document it here.
My first thoughts when i saw him was “OMG SO HANDSOME!!”And i even contemplated to move in into their house just cuz he’s an eye candy *wiggles eyebrow*
Of course i didn’t laaa… not that desperate k.
But i did tweet about how comel he was.
What was the weirdest thing he has ever done
As you can see, he friggin’ ate my lollipop. I was happily sucking it when he just snatched it away from my mouth and finish it hrmph. It was a gift from Kevin, so i wasn’t really happy with it.
How did it start?
It happened at work! Nadia, my work partner hated the job so she left and Jay/ Ashton became my new work partner. 8 hours of seeing each other everyday, there are bound to be something developing.
And it was a motivation for me to go to work haha. I felt really happy to go to work albeit the job is pretty mundane.
He confessed to me after 1 week at work wtf haha. I was caught off guard and I can’t remember what was my respond when he confessed. Definitely not thank you haha. I’m not rude okay.
Official date together
Honestly, he didn’t really ask me lor. It sort of happened and he told his friends that i’m his gf then okay laaa haha.
Thus, 10.11.12 it is! Nice number sumore kan? It was also the first time I stayed over at his place and be let into his world *eyes wide open*
First quarrel
It actually happened before we got together. It was after the Golden Bay trip which i was pretty high on happiness. I swore a lot during the trip and he didn’t like it. I was pretty bumped about it cos I have no freaking idea about Korean culture. (I never watched Gangnam style video until Oct 2012 and that also my European friends opened it for me wan. I never watched any Korean drama nor follow any of the Kpop songs)
Basically, we quarrel over culture differences. The word “fuck” is nothing to me. At work, we said the work “fuck” all the time. But to him, one is forbidden to say it no matter the circumstances.
Sweetest thing he has ever done
Now, where do i start? Seriously, too many to list down here wtf. The sweet stuffs that he did isn’t like “i’ll catch the stars and moon for you”. It’s more of the small, simple lovey gesture. If i list it here, i think you’ll be sick to your stomach wtf. Please read at your own risk.
I like how we hold hands when we sleep. No joke. I used to find it very troublesome (when i was with my previous boyfriends) but I like doing it with him. If our sleeping time is not synchronize, then he will either sing Korean lullaby while stroking my hair gently/ hug me to sleep or hold my hands until i doze off. (OMG i write this also can feel how xinfu i am wtf)
We have developed the habit of hugging and kissing each other if we’re going to be apart from each other for more than 20 minutes.
What are the things that I love about him
The fact that he makes me really happy. Really, really happy without trying too hard (or maybe i’m so easily satisfied wtf)
The stuffs that I discover about him after I move in
He is so lazy!! Not lazy lazy but he is always geeking away with his laptop in the room. And he is not as adventurous as i am. He doesn’t wana go for short trips. He doesn’t like jungle trekking and he almost didn’t wana go kayaking with me.
But I am thankful to be in this relationship as it has matured me, it has also turned me into a (domesticated) woman. I can fully relate to Joyce’s post. With my previous boyfriends, I was the one glued to my laptop, watching series and waiting for the guy to bring me my meal. But with him, I took the effort to learn cooking and baking. You can ask China doll, I never cooked a really nice meal before I moved in with him. Heck, after i moved in I also never eaten and cooked sausage lor!!
Though we are two totally different individual but the beauty of the relationship is not how similar we are but the differences that makes us unique.
Language barrier sometimes do stand in between us thus google translate is our best friend wtf. There was once we communicate using google translate app. We were sitting side by side but i will type out a question and translate it to Korean, while he replied me with an answer translated to BM. I find it cute lor.
I could go on and on about the relationship but I don’t want to bore you with the details. All I can say is it is NOT EASY to date a foreigner.
Sorry for ending this post abruptly cos i actually wrote a pretty long post but it was not saved and i can’t recall what i wrote wtf. Till then!
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Hairy Monkey
This is a story of friendship between two kawan.
Mok and I have a “unique” kind of friendship.
We are always in our own world.
We can tell a joke telepathically and burst out laughing at the same time.
We express affection through insults (and some can really hurt like hell. it is certainly not for the short temper)
The things we say.
After work:-
Mok: Hungaryyyyy.
Me: You can eat my shit.
Mok: OK give me your shit and i will eat it for you to see.
Me: OK but my asshole is shy wtf.
++++++++++++
Mok has this awesome sound system in his car. His playlist is awesome too. Will.I.Am, Kanye West, Jason Mraz, James Morrison and Maroon 5. (Purposely leave out Jamiroquai from this list cos sorry, I don’t know how to appreciate Jamiroquai’s song. Don’t know whether I spelled his name correctly or not.)
When Jamiroquai’s song playing. ..
Me: Change the song Mok. Chulseyo.
Mok: Sometimes I wonder why do you keep using the word “chulseyo”. Do you know that “chulseyo” means “please give it to me.” In this situation, I don’t have anything to give to you.
Me: Okay. Mok, change the song. Seyo.
Mok: What?! You can’t use the word “seyo”. It’s like saying “-ease” from the word “please”. Do you know what I mean?
Me: *embarrassed* Please don’t tell your Korean friend about your stupid Malaysian friend trying to learn Korean.
Mok: Seyo. HAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Driving past a group of black people. I pushed the horn.
Mok: OMG do you want me to kill you? 90% of people outside Countdown were looking at me. Maybe when i drive back now they will kill me.
Me: Yeah and do Korean BBQ on you.
++++++++++++
At a zebra crossing while waiting for mother and daughter to cross the road.
Me: Aww, look so sweet.
(Fake attempt to push the horn)
Mok: Do you want to die?
Me: Wouldn’t it be funny? Aww, look so sweet. BEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPP.
Mok: Yeah, move your ass man.
++++++++++++
The other day, Mok and I went to Richmond and pick up his car. He bought a secondhand BMW for NZD1,900. Honestly, I was a bit xing tong for him cos he didn’t have to spend unnecessarily since he has a good car.
2 hours after buying the car.
Me: Do you actually like your car now?
Mok: Well, okay… not to say i really like it.
Me: OK then you can text the seller and return it.
Mok: And tell him what? Thank you for renting your car to me for 2 hours?
Me: Yes, and ask for your NZD1,900 back too LOL.
++++++++++++
Sometimes, I am not ashamed of saying what’s on my mind.
Me: I miss Ozias.
Mok: I think you should marry him.
Me: -.-”
+++++++++++
Me: Come, lemme take sexy picture of you with the car.
Me: Mok! That’s not sexy. You look like a hairy monkey!
+++++++
Sometimes I like to say ridunkculous things for a reaction.
After smoko, walking down the stairs.
Me: Hey Mok.
Mok: What?
Me: Jung-mal. Saranghamida.
Mok: (making gestures like he wants to beat me up. LOL.)
At work.
Mok: Melissa.
Me: What?
Mok: (show middle finger)
Me: (mouth “fuck you”)
++++++++++++++
On Skype.
Mok: Yoyo.
Is this same as me?
Me: Yes! Very similar! Please make one for me too.
Do you want me to kill you?!
++++++++
I posted an instagram of Mok.
Me: You know, my friend said the before picture looks cuter. (stare at him for a mental “spot-the-difference”) I know why already. Your have very little hair on your head now. But elsewhere you are hairy.
Mok: You know, my hair travel downwards.
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Narcissism
We love teasing one another.
As we walked along High Street, hand in hand, listening to happy, summery chatters around, heart flutters giddily inside.
As we walked past glass window, I can’t help checking myself out.
He would shake his head and sigh, “Narcissism”.
I call it:
Checking myself out to see how happy i am.
A reminder on how incredible this journey have been.
Which got me feeling this is too good to be true.
When I woke up this morning, I continued discovering and downloading new songs from YouTube. I had the sudden urge to check out how are my YouTube videos are doing. And to my delight, there are 2 videos exceeded the 10,000 views already. Woohoo!
10, 390 views
13, 496 views
Psst. Can you please view it so that it would be a nice 13, 500 views 
And reading the comments makes me blush a little.
Haha. Let me gloat a little can or not. I’m a nobody and to get more than 10k views with no paid advertising is a feat for me.
While watching this, I had to tilt my computer against him. I don’t want him to catch me watching myself dancing awkwardly on Youtube. That would take narcissism to the next level, no?
It’s 10.30am – Watching him sleep peacefully is so soothing. I can’t help but to stroke his hair a little without waking him up. 8 more weeks to go. 8 more weeks with you till I’m gone for my travels. Yes, my so-called summer love will end by then.
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The most painful 2 hours of my life
It gets harder every day. The strength needed to last a whole 8 hours of standing, repetitively doing monotonous work resulting in backache, sore thumb. This job is draining out my soul, my happiness. It absorbs my energy, peculiarly the sensible side of me.
This is my fourth week working in the mussel factory. With Miss Teoh Hui Peng left to tanah air (home country), I am literally bored to death.
Waking up in the morning and cycling to work isn’t so bad. The negativity kicks in within the first hour into the job.
As you all know, I survive on music. It is the one thing that sooth me, the one thing that could spot on depicts my feeling in any situation.
Thank goodness for imagination, these were my mental playlist today.
This is on repeat every single day.
Somehow, this is always up on my mental playlist too.
================
First half of the day, I usually occupied myself with lots of thinking.
“OMG why am I enduring this pain, it’s killing me softly.”
“Persevere babe, persevere. Nobody said it’s going to be easy. Nobody said working holiday is like frolicking on cotton candy cloud.”
“Maybe I should try my hands on working in advertising here.”
“Should I work in the Thai restaurant to get more cash? I might be able to get work permit.”
“What about working in the fish factory? They earned $700++ this week.”
================
Then I thought about my travel plans to keep myself going. Tentatively, going to start my journey with a trip to Cook Island. Probably for 5 days. Get a visitor visa then back to NZ to travel around north island then south island. I haven’t researched on THE MUST VISIT PLACES.
But one thing’s for sure. I have changed. In a bad way (well, depends on how you look at it)
At 16, bungee jumping is in my bucket list.
At 26, I realized that I might be too chicken to do bungee. So, okay skydiving pun jadilah!
Few days ago, I figured skydiving is so passé. Every backpacker that you meet, he/ she has done/ would skydive. I know NZ is place for extreme sport + gorgeous view = something not to be missed.
But currently, I’m into trekking and would like to try camping. I have never camped in my life before and I think it would be pretty fun! Bonding session with nature. Plus it’s more affordable. They say skydiving is the easiest way to burn your hard-earned money. Just $600+ for that few minutes of thrill.
So maybe. Skydiving is at the bottom of my list for now. I wana spend my money wisely. Travel as much as possible with limited funds. Le sad.
================
2nd half of the day – I am my biggest motivator. My own personal cheerleader. Born a Gemini, I am easily bored. I feel like I’m trapped in this recurring nightmare. Daytime nightmare that is.
Time seems to be trolling me. I think it just enjoys watching me suffer. Every time I look at the clock, it’s always 5 minutes, 5 minutes, 5 minutes. Seriously? I feel like I’ve been here for an hour!
Supervisor came over and told us that we need to OT. Prior to that, I just cheered, “1 more hour to freedom!”
Hence, the most painful 2 hours of my life. The excruciating pain is unbearable. It is indescribable. Actually can be described la. Try this.
Step 1: Stand still for 8 hours with 20 minutes break every 2 hours.
Step 2: Eyes on the conveyor belt, hand in a motion.
Please repeat the above for 4 weeks (and counting)
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At times. Most of the time, I questioned why do i even torture myself with this. I have not been living for a long time. I have not explored or learn something new or marvel at something simple yet beautiful for the longest time. Probably since the netball event la. The Asian side of me asked me to persevere and work hard. The Western side of me wants to be free-spirited and let go.
Well, it is a no-brainer on who wins.
Persevere babe, persevere.
And I just agreed to work on Saturday as well. $$ & future plans are what matters.
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I miss Mok & Ozias too. My happy pills. When can I see you and laugh and be silly again
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Andddddddddd to end this absolutely wordy blogpost, an announcement!
My cellphone is officially dunzo. It’s been 48 hours since it’s death. Why? Because the touch screen sensor doesn’t work. So practically I can’t unlock my phone/ text/ whatsapp/ call/ NOT EVEN TO SWITCH OFF THE ANNOYING ALARM. Thus, I put it to sleep since i can still online with my laptop.
It’s amazing how I’m only announcing it here on my blog. Not even a rant/ attention seeking statement on Twitter or Facebook. Amazing that I didn’t run around like a headless chicken. I didn’t freak out. Just felt sad cos it just surpassed its 1-year-old birthday. The bf thinks he can fix it but i gotta get the spare part. Well, my cellphone is not something I want to deal now. I have lots of shit going through my mind.
Sometimes I wonder how did I turn my working holiday into slaving for money?
How did it become so messed up?
What did I do to deserve it?
The other day I was self-evaluating all the major decisions that I made over the years. Though, it was painful but I am so thankful that I did what I had to do. That’s cuz, I’m at the happiest with you. And that I’m here, in NZ. Living my backpacking dream.
Thennnn….. something, someone had to crumple it up and toss it away.
I hate quitters. I hate it when you don’t try hard enough. I hate it when you complicate things when I am the most easy going girl you’ll ever meet in your entire life. Plus, I’m a non-judgmental person which is already so good lor!!!
Sigh, sometimes I feel like shaking you up and just ask you to chill.
But i guess, language barrier, stubbornness, unwilling to learn and see the beauty in the differences overpower the sincerity of a beautiful love.
Yes, I’m having that trouble in paradise thing.
Whatevs. As of now, I’m just going to make the best out of this misery.
Related posts:
Hola! How are you people doing? I had a great weekend. Saturday was spent dating with myself wtf and Sunday was well-utilized with my Malaysian friends cooking, eating, baking, eating. Oh my lord! Perutku buncit!! Hahaha!
I’m currently in my 6th month here and I absolutely loving it!
So jeng jeng. If you wana have fun like me in New Zealand, you can do so REAL SOON!
Application will be opened on the 22nd January 2013 (Tuesday), 10am NZ/ 5am MY time. Remember the time and date!! Set your alarm!!! Be the first to apply!!! (That was me la one year ago :X)
Nah nah… here’s the link. Currently it’s not working la since it’s not opened yet. Wait till Tuesday!!! Gancheong anot!!
OKOK what do you need when applying for a spot online.
1. Your passport
Please ensure the validity is about 2 years liddat. the longer, the better.
2. Mastercard/ Visa credit card.
I’m not sure if debit card can be used anot but according to the link, it stated credit card wor. So just use credit card la. Better be safe than sorry. You do want that spot, don’t you?
That’s all! So easy kan? No need to queue up, no need to present whatever certificate bla bla. And within 1 week your application will be approved (granted your credit card is valid and you apply before the quota is up)
If you have any doubts or questions or require further information, can just go to their FAQ page here.
Tips on the application.
1. Be early.
Last year the 1,150 spots were quickly filled within 48 hours. Me being kiasu, woke up at 5am to do it.
2. Get your documents ready.
Meaning your passport & credit card details lor.
How do you know if you have been granted a visa?
NZ immigration will send you an email to convey the good news!!! So make sure your email is working la ha. And do check the spam folder once in a while. Mana tau it is sent there.
What to do when you’re granted the working holiday visa?
Tell all your friends and family!!! LOL. Friggin’ get your flight tickets!! I used skyscanner to look for cheap flight. Last time I flew via AirAsia to Sydney first. I was there for 10 days then flew to Christchurch with Jetstar.
When is the best time to go to NZ?
Actually anytime that you desire lor. If you want to experience winter, then come during winter lor. But from my experience thus far, this is what I can share:-
Summer (Dec – Feb): There are tonnes of jobs everywhere. Also weather is like Malaysian weather minus the humidity.
Autumn (March – May): During this season also got a lot of jobs around. Though I haven’t experienced this particular season but from what I heard, the scenery is fucking lomantik.
Winter (June – August): Limited jobs available. If you decided to go to NZ during this period (like me) best is to head to Blenheim and work in the vineyards. Alternatively, you could woof to save on accommodation.
Spring (Sept – Nov): More jobs available during this period i.e. jobs in kiwi orchard is available.
How much to bring/pack to NZ? (For girls)
Well, it depends on which season you’re here. I came during winter so i brought all the winter shit that is so fucking heavy. But it’s necessary la. I hate the cold anyway so i wore layers like mad. Winter in NZ can be pretty horrible considering NZ is in the southern hemisphere so it’s colder la.
Casual clothes – just bring 3-5 tees. When you’re in NZ, you’ll see people donating their clothes everywhere and you can get pretty nice 2nd hand clothes.
Other stuffs that is optional to bring is sleeping bag. The bf said that you can get it for as low as NZD$6 at Warehouse.
Camping stuffs is pretty affordable here also when there are sales. And I think the sales season is quite frequent cos all the Malaysians that I met here bought their stuffs at Kathmandu which I think is not cheap lor but they say got sales ma.
So don’t worry about not bringing enough. The lesser you bring, the better. It will save your life when you travel. Always remember. You’re a backpacker, not a luxurious traveler.
Oh, if you have a cooler/ chiller bag in Malaysia, bring it!! It’s good for you to pack all your food stuffs when you travel. I have one from NZ Natural ice cream but the kawan didn’t ask me to bring for whatever stupid reason that only he can think of *pissed*
Is it better to get a job prior coming to NZ?
Hello. You are in an adventure of a lifetime. You have taken the first step to leave your comfort zone. So my advise is, do whatever you want (whether to get a job first or not) But usually, they would require to be in that place for you to secure the job. No chup chup 1 ok. It’s first come, first served.
My advise to you is to take the risk. Go with the uncertainty. Though it may be scary to not know what’s next, but think of it in another point of view. Wouldn’t that be exciting? Wouldn’t being spontaneous fun? Don’t be afraid if you don’t have a plan. Shake up! Do something different. Do something out of your comfort zone. It is wayyyy more exciting when things happen unexpectedly.
Trust your instinct. Trust your gut. Do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. You only have yourself to take care of
Always stay positive. Always believe that things will turn out better than expected. If things didn’t work out, don’t stress yourself out. Believe that the universe has planned greater things for you.
I believe in karma thus always be nice to everyone. Don’t be nice for a reason la. Be nice generally. Anyway, the NZ atmosphere will automatically make you nice la. Haha.
NZ is freakin’ small i tell you. Smaller than KL one. Everyone knows everyone. So behave. You may never know when you will bump into the same person again.
Best of all, just enjoy. The beauty of learning something new every day. The beauty of living in a dreamland. The beauty of meeting people all over the world, from all walks of life in a country.
I gotta end here jor. Need to wake up at 4.45am for work tomorrow. Eekkk! If you have any questions, just write them down in the comments section and i’ll try my best to answer
Good luck my fellow Malaysians <3
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3rd Day and Still Surviving
OMG I can almost die from exhaustion today. I don’t know how people can do this long term. My back hurts like hell, my neck feels crazy. It is very physically daunting. I finished work at 2.30pm, I thought of getting a part-time job in the evening but every day after work i showered, had something light to eat and KO straight. I’m dead tired/ flat on the bed by 4.30pm.
Although work is very mundane but I’m kinda (still) enjoying it. I’m always trying my best to push myself to work faster but down point is my machine sensor is wonky. It says that on my first 2 hours, I only opened 355 mussels. That is so ridunkculous. It is impossible for someone to be that slow.
After lunch, my sensor miraculously work. That really fires the spirit in me to just GO GO GO. At the end of 2 hours, HP said that I did 1,000 mussels. Woohoo, hard work is paid off!
Unfortunately, it went wonky again during the last session. Damn sien. And the mussels were really bad too.
On a brighter note, I have Samaritan on my side. Somehow, people gave me opened mussels on my workstation. Like, WOW Y SO NICE!! Seriously, I am so lucky that I have nice people all around me. When I was working in vineyard, I heard stories like how some contractor/ supervisor try to cheat the backpacker by underpaying them. Thus, you have to be really sure on how many plants you did and argue your way around. However, the situation that I had was completely different. There was a week which I was unwell for 2 days and my supervisor scared that I cannot make money to survive thus he did a row for me. And I have colleagues and other supervisors helping me out without asking anything for return #blessed.
Why am i so lucky i also don’t know. I suspect it’s because I look innocent wtf. I have big pupil, babies have big pupil. See the connection? Big pupil = innocent = too cute you just wana hug/ help me wtf.
Well, i think i crapped enough jor. It’s only 9.30pm and I’m ready to go to bed. FML I iz auntie. Like seriously, I can’t wait for April to come and start traveling my ass out. If I managed to stay in Talley’s until April that means out of 9 months, I worked for 7 months. Nah, don’t say I’m having a hippy life here lor. I do work and save money wan ah. Wana pay off my PTPTN in full when I’m back. So this 3 months of hell better be worth it.
Okok type until don’t know how to stop wtf. Oh Joyce just updated her blog! Imma read then date with my bed wtf.
Goodnight people!
