Winds of Change

I've moved (yes, that seems to be something a lot of poeple are doing lately, so I though I'd join the bandwagon). Click www.charlesjunior.blogspot.com to be redirected.

I know it's still within the blogspot sphere but I just felt like a change. So, see you there.

Posted by Naveena at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments

Like many of my Christian girl friends, I used to complain about the seemingly decreasing number in single Christian men. "There just isn't enough of them to go around" and "How am I supposed to get married when it's so hard to find a Christian man?" were my constant cries. Then I'd go through the "what if I never get married" phase (if you know me well and are reading this, I know you're nodding!)

But thanks to a friend (who's equally guilty of 'complaining'), some light has been shed and what I thought was a fact, I now see is a falacy. My faith in the prospects of possibly finding a man has been renewed So, to all you single Christian women/girls who think you'll never be able to find someone, perhaps THIS would be of help. Enjoy:

Posted by Naveena at 6:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Every Sunday for the past few weeks Dad's been taking us around the city for sight-seeing, although there hasn't been very much to see becasue of the crummy weather. Albeit, thankfully spring draws nigh and it just so happen, last Sunday I visited a marina and oh, the view was AMAZING! I saw lots of sailboats, ships, yatchs and everything else that fall under the category of water transportation. I cursed myself for not having my camera that day...argh!!!

But I do plan on asking for a revisitation. In the mean time here are a few things I saw at a park last week (yeah, it's gonna be like a show and tell, except there's not gonna be any telling). Enjoy!

...and finally, ny fist and MUCH needed pair of boots!

I was never much of a shoe person...untill five days ago. I walked into the shoe store that day and now I've decided that I wanna own almost every pair of shoe in that store! Wait till my cash comes in! Till then, all I can do is look at them....sigh.

Posted by Naveena at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

Warning: This MIGHT be a long post- seeing as how I've not updated in quite a while

WOW!!! So much has happend in these few days and quite frankly, I'm not sure where to begin. Should I start with the weather (for real!)? Perhaps I should start with the the amazing beaches I've seen so far (which is just the tip of the iceberg!)... Maybe I should whine about the fact that till the very end of leaving Malaysia, I NEVER got to have my last bowl of authentic Penang Char Kway Teow and Bak Kut Teh!

Well, whatever it is, I know I've a lot to be grateful for and I eagerly await the Lord to show me what He has in mind for me and I certainly can't wait to go SHOPPIIIING (as Joel would so nicely say it) in Auckland City. It's funny how I'm not missing home, but I am missing my friends and family very dearly. To all of you who I didn't get to see, I'm so sorry but I promise to come visit first thing upon returning. And to all of you who did spend my last few weeks with me, THANKS FOR MAKING THEM MEMORABLE! (Gosh, why did that soundlike I was already dead?!)

On adapting to this side of the world, I haven't made much progress, but then again it's only been 9 days...

...the weather is dreadfully horrid! Now, I'm not one to talk about the weather like how some people use it as small talk but seriously, this is just argh!!! Because it's winter, it rains, shines, rains again, then like after an hour it shines again and then without warning it rains again and well, you get me. I live a mere 10 minutes away from the beach but I've yet to set foot on one because of this crummy weather. I SO an't wait for summer and since it's been a horrid winter, the residents predict a fantastic one!

...the water is another thing I'm gonna have to get used to. It's hard water so it makes my hair all rough and tangled up. I guess I'm gonna have to et one of those live-in conditioners...and I trully understand the meaning of skincare now. Man, I need like, a hundred different creams so my skin doesn't dry up...it's irritating, I never used to take THIS long to get ready for bed and I can't go out anywhere without putting them on coz I'll come back all dried and get myskin all peeled. Yuck! I wake up every morning with a cold nose and I get cold feet (literally) despite wearing socks and I sure as heck am not used to wearing so many layers of clothes! Did I say I can't wat for summer?!

After all that whinning, I must say that the Auckland weather has its upside: Double rainbows. I saw an absolutely gorgeous one last Sunday on my way home from church (Church here makes me miss YC!). Gosh, it was an amazing sight- two completely different rainbows right next to each other! Iwish I had a camera with me then.

So, now that I can't go to college just yet and I can't get a job I've been pretty much at home, getting in touch with my culinary skills and learning how to make my bed with the help of Martha Stewart (for some reason, NZ telly don't seem to be big on Oprah, thought they have Tyra Banks and Dr. Phil (eek!)). It's not that I've never made my bed before, it's just that the beds here are more complicated...there's more than one layer after the bed sheet- probably due to the weather. You have the protective layer, the fited sheet, then the flat sheet after which comes the duvet (or better known as the comforter) then some fancy-shmancy layer of something and one more thing I frgot. The pillows are a whole different matter!

On another plus side, Mexican cuisine is much easier to get here and for a much affordable budget. Enchillatas (hope I spelt it right) and Fajitas, here I come! Ciao, mates! (haha, how contradicting!)

Posted by Naveena at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wow, it's been exactly a week since my last post and gosh, thise whole week has been nothing short of a whirlwind! So many last-minute errands to run- believe you me, selling a house is hard work, despite having lawyers to help you with it! And since the house is sold, we've finally vacated, as of last monday so it's not been the easiest thing to get internet connection. But it's not like I've been homeless since- I've been bunking at one of my aunts place...

Anyways, so much has happened in the last few days and in about less than 48 hours, a lot more is going to happen. I can't say I'm not excited, because I trully am. I'm thrilled at the fact that I'm embarking on a whole new journey at this phase of my life. I think the timing couldn't be anymore impeccable. But the reality of me not being able to spend time with my loved ones is just...well, sad. I'm not gonna be able to pick up the phone and say, "Mickey, I'm bored and I'm coming over to watch a movie" or send out mass text messages saying, "hey girls, lets go to Chillis, I need my fix!" to my gal pals as and when I want.

Like last night, we had a girls' night in and at dear ol' Mickey's and decided we'd make dinner. For once, we were all there together (once you leave school, meeting up on a regular basis is very hard to do, all the more if your friends happen to be halfway across the globe)- the cynical I'm-never-getting-a-boyfriend (but turned out to be the first among us to get one!) one, the mweeble, the fruit basket, the first-day-of-school partner in crime, the cheeky/sassy and sweet all at once one, the I'm-getting-bored-with-work/life one, the kindergarthen teacher- all of us. It reminded me of how much fun we had in school and how crazy it can get when a bunch of 19 year olds (and one almost 18 year old...hehe) got together. I'd forgotten what it was like when we'd get together and pig out and well, you can't exactly do that with just anyone...Serena, i'm sure you know what I mean...

Man, I'm sure as hell gonna miss the whole lot of you...

Then last weekend, I had lunch with another one of my dearest and wisest friends. By wise I mean old...haah! Well, not old exactly, just oldER I guess. But then again, I'm one of those people who has people who are married with a children and people who're at least 7 years older than me as friends. I sometimes find them to be the best of pals simply because they don't always tell you what you want to hear. They'll give you what you NEED to hear and not many people are daring enought to do that. So, to all my oldER friends (those 22 and above), words cannot describe how much I value you and how much I've enjoyed every one of our chats. Thanks for being honest!
So anyway, we got talking and I will always remember what she said about finding the one- it should always be my prayer that God will complete me and find me a man that compliments me...Yeah, it may sound trivial to some but I don't expect everyone to understand that.

Ok, so here goes...I'm off to the land of sheeps tomorrow. Thanks girls for dinner, song and drinks. I love you fellas to bits! It's good to know that you'll be only "Two Steps Behind"

Walk away if you want to.
Its ok, if you need to.
Well, you can run, but you can never hide
From the shadow thats creepin up beside you.
And, theres a magic runnin through your soul,
But you cant have it all.

(whatever you do)Well, Ill be two steps behind you
(wherever you go)And Ill be there to remind you
That it only takes a minute of your precious time
To turn around and Ill be two steps behind.

Yeah, yeah.
Take the time to think about it.
Just walk the line, you know you just cant fight it
And take a look around, youll see what you cant find,
Like the fire thats burnin up inside me.

(by: Def Leppard)

Posted by Naveena at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments

It is now 1.00p.m on a bright Friday afternoon. I am at my work station putting the finnishing touches to my newest and last article entitled "Procrastination- Where's the Good in That?!" I chose that partly because I was all too familiar to that concept and partly because I wanted to be known for more than just writing movie reviews. I mean, this job was supposed to nurture my writing skills and to do that I had to write more than just reviews. Anyway, when I walk out of the office today, I am never going to be able to come back (partly because my pass will expire as of Monday). This will be my last day working as an intern for the Xfresh content development division as a web journalist (I've been here for about five months now).

So, I figured since I didn't really get to say a proper goodbye to a few people I wanted to, I figured now would be a good time. Plus, it's my way of giving myself a proper closure to it. I've had so much fun working here and I can only hope my first real job (the kind gives me a proper paycheck) will be as fun as this. I never thought of myself as much of a writer, and honestly, I still don't. But at least I now know that I've much room for improvement and that if I'm gonna be a journalist, then I'm just gonna have to start writing more. I believe it can be done...I just need time. And this job has given me a glimpse of what working in the media is like. Truthfully, I like what I've seen...I'm a little more convinced that I'm not in the wrong major.

On that note, I shall begin my thanks you's...
Shaz, thanks for giving me the opportunity to work here. I had nothing short of a blast getting to know how the media works and its people. You have helped me overcome my fear of networking.

Will, thanks for helping me all the way and getting my back when I needed you to. Thanks for all the emergency uploading you did when I was in a rush to get things up but couldn't. Like I've said before, I'm glad to have found a friend in you.

Muiz, it was a pleasure getting to know you. You have shown me what a typical guy is like (that's not a bad thing). I've love how you're always keepin' it real- Kampung Bharu style, man!

Ryan, though I didn't really see much of you, I enjoyed our little group chats and especially that time when the server was down and you were telling us stories about 9/11. Thanks for that letter, boss/sir!

Albert, thanks for all those wonderful selection of songs you had going all day long to keep us company. I'm glad for those songs- I can't always work in silence and you helped break that silence with your music.

My fellow interns- you know who you are- I had fun working with you guys. On the bright side, I will no longer be able to sweep press screenings so ya'll be able to watch more of those without having to worry about competition =)

And the rest of the crew, streetsurfers, web people, thanks for making my five months at Xfresh a memorable one. Through you, I've seen a peak of the real world.

I shall blog about camp another day

Posted by Naveena at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

COLLEGE CAMP IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to going away this weekend. I've been curiously waiting for this though I don't expect anyone to understand my excitement. I just am! I am in desperate need of some alone time, what with all the non-stop packing (gosh, you won't know how much jusnk you have stored in your house until you have to pack up and move!) and countless lunch dates (but I'm not complaining about that...hehe) and everything else that's been going on with me.

And so this weekend I'm going to spend some much needed quality time with my Creator...and what better place to do it with all the other wonders He's created!

On a side note, when I get home, I just might be greeted into a half empty house and perhaps an even more empty room! It's hard to detatch-

Posted by Naveena at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments

I know, I know...it's been more than a week since my last entry. rest assured, this blog is NOT dead/left in abandonment (hope I spelt that right). I am truly sorry but the only excuse I can offer is that I've been busy packing and that's the whole truth. Okay, so maybe not th WHOLE truth but partly the truth- the truth nonetheless!

Man, this whole packing thing is really getting the better of me; I just can't seem to 'get my head in the game'. I mean, on the one hand packing up confirms the fact that I'm finally going to that blessed city where its livestock outnumber the people (though I STILL haven't wrapped my head around that fact completely- the leaving I mean), all the more with every one of those white with red stripped boxes I pack away. On the other hand, as I've said before, packing is like putting away a number of years and closing those chapters of one's life and admiting that it's time to move on and accept change...which sometimes is a lot more easier said than done.

Change is more often a choice rather than a must- in my situation anyway. Packing up and leaving to settle down in a nother country all together is a choice that should be yours. In my case, it isn't all together mine. I'm not saying that I'd rather not make this move- believe me, no one in my family is as thrilled as I am about this big move. Yes, I've always imagined myself packing up and moving to another land (in this figment, I also imagine myself moving because I have a job that demands that of me ;p)...I guess I just didn't think that day would come this soon. I understand and am fully aware of why this has to happen but I don't feel ready to make the jump just yet. Maybe I'm getting cold feet; Perhaps it's just pre-relocating jitters (if there's such a thing).

Oh, I don't know...I have so many uncertainties and insecurities. I didn't think it'd be THIS hard. I feel so unsure and on some level am afraid of the not so distant future- so near that it's only three weeks away! I'm the kind of person that always know what to expect and I always anticipate what's gonna happen but this time, I've no control. None. Zilch. NOTHING! And I hate not being able to anticipate the possibilities of (my) life.

But I do know one thing: My Jesus is gonna help me get through this because He's always jumped through my hurdles and what-nots with me and I know He's gonna get me through this one. He HAS to! :)

So Lord, I am fully relying on You...and this time I mean it!

Posted by Naveena at 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

You know, I never did belive my reporter friends when they said "only the best movies come out in the summer"...probably because up untill this summer, I was never much of a movie go-er. Now that the opportunity has come I've been ceasing it as best as I can, watching so many movies, I've lost count which ones. I should keep a tab...

Anyway, here are three movies I think everyone should try and catch this Summer:

1.Superman Returns- I'm not usually the kind who follows up on comic adapted superhero movies. Truth be told I only saw Spiderman2 last week when they aired it on HBO because there wasn't anything better to watch and I've yet to watch Batman (the newest one starring Christian Bael and Katie Holmes). And as for X Men III well, I waited till all the hype died down before I watched it (yeah, it wasn't half bad). But I gotta say Superman Returns is THE superhero movie to beat! This is what I have to say about it.

2. Take The Lead- It's Antonio Banderas. Nuf sed! But seriously, it's waaay better than 'Shall We Dance'...a fresher appeal.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest- If you think you won't be able to watch the other two, MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THIS ONE! You would not want to miss it...a real cliffhanger which can only mean one thing- the third installment will be coming out next year. Will post up the review as soon as my colleague writes it =) By the way, it opens in (Malaysian) cinemas July 13, 2006.

Posted by Naveena at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments

I know, I know my inconsistency in blogging has struck- yet again. But honestly, I've been a little busy (and a little lazy to blog), what with me pretending to be oh-so-English, having afternoon tea with scones, running errands due to the god-forsaken car accident (yes, it's finally at the mechanics), watching too many movies (though this I've learnt to get used to since my internship) and cleaning my room (well, I try to anyway)...

Here's what I've been up to- in pictures:
Pic#1: the (FINALLY!) empty study table drawer...oh, how my heart broke to see myself rid my nicely stored away "junk"
Pic#2: How much of stuff I had to throw away- one bag full. And this is ONLY the study table!
Pic#3: Some of my prized posessions...this made me miss all the fun I had back in school...

Posted by Naveena at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

Behold, the Canon PowerShot A530! Yay! Finally got me a camera. It's not much but it's good enough to take the pictures I want. I shall invest on a better one in a couple of years time...

Oh, and mom bought me a luggage bag on the same day, which means I've to actually start packing soon.

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm never gonna pack until the last possible minute! I just can't get myself to.

Posted by Naveena at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments

"Apasal lu brek?!"

That was the first thing he asked me as soon as I got down from the car to look at the damage he had done. It (the aformentioned sentence) translates to "why did you hit your brakes?!", for those of you who aren't fluent in Malay (as spoken by a true Malaysian). Okay, so let's back it up a little, shall we?

If you were caught in traffic that was moving at a snail's pace, the natural thing to do would be to drive slowly, always keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, just in case he hit his brakes. Right? So, that's exactly what I did, only I didn't get so lucky after safely avoiding the car in front of me. Some dude who can't follow this rule of thumb in driving just had to come a little too close and hence not being able to brake on time when push came to shove. The result? He whacked into the back of my car. Well that, followed by another two cars behind his.

Of course the immediate thing to do was panic (well, in my case at least) seeing as how I'm still on probation. The first thing I thought of was "Gosh, why today of all days? I was supposed to watch a movie! This is like my second accident in the last six months". But this time around I was a little braver because it wasn't my fault (no, this is not one of those point-the-finger-at-another moments).

But before I could go into the "why me? Why now?" zone, the adult part of me (as turns out, I happen to have one =p) stopped me and I suddenly remembered the song "Always look on the bright side of life". You know how people always say "what happens, happens"? I realize that it coulda been a lot worse. I didn't get hurt, it wasn't a huge truck that rammed into me, I'm not at fault, and the damage is fixable. No problem, it's nothing I can't handle. I was even straight faced about it when I told mom too (which is quite an achievement to me)!

What did I learn today? These things happen (and today was my turn). I'm just gonna have to take it all in my stride and finally learn to take responsibility for my own actions. Having said that, I'm going to pay for what ever I have to (because this time I can afford to). So much for rewarding myself with a hair-do and a massage with my first company allowance!

So, this is me- taking responsibility for my actions. It's not much in terms of money, but still, I felt proud of myself for standing up to the guy and I came on top. Previously, I was so scared I was crying on the phone when I had to call for help becasue I didn't know what to do then. I'm smarter and braver now...hehe

Posted by Naveena at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Posted by Naveena at 8:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

I don't know what's come over me but I found myself smiling inside the whole day-for no apparent reason! Could it be because the morning sun was at it's perfect temperate? It was one of those days where the sun totally got me- it understood exactly how I wanted it to shine (as silly as this may sound). Or maybe because I had such a good workout. Never mind that it rained cats and dogs after that. In fact, if I was brave to risk getting a flu, I would have danced in the rain! I refuse to believe my current state of being has anything to do with it being a Friday today. I was so happy that when I got to work, my boss gave me a funny look.

For once in a long time, I feel genuinely happy. I'm just gonna stay in this place for a while more. It's been so long since I felt this happy (more so for no actual reason), I had almost forgotten how it feels. And I'm not going to bother trying to figure out why I'm so happy either. All I know is that I am.

Posted by Naveena at 6:15 PM | Permalink | Comments