My birthday was a few days ago and being new in a new country means that there would be a high possibility I would be celebrating my birthday alone (I mean physically)! My appreciation and gratitude to everyone who wished me on Facebook, sms, Skype, MSN, called or verbally Thank you very much!

I was surprised and delighted when my house mates got me a cake for my birthday. Even though we have only known each other for a few days! Although I kind of saw through the surprise but that’s fine! I appreciate what they have done for me a lot. Next up is my Singaporean housemate’s birthday! Wohoo!! Going to throw him into the pool maybe?

Brisbane is a city where the Brisbane river (DUH!) runs through it! I’m fortunate to be in the part of Brisbane which is along the river! That provides another means of transportation as well! I wanted to go to the Central Business District (CBD). It was either the bus, train or ferry. The University of Queensland has its own ferry stop! My house mate and I decided to take the ferry. A first for me Definitely not the last. It was a scenic route. Boy, was it windy too! The fare to CBD with a concession card is slightly less than $ 1.50. Not bad at all. Took some pictures with my handphone but I would definitely bring my DSLR along one day So yeah, enjoy the pictures!

That magnificent bridge is actually a pedestrian walkway! Cool huh!

That’s the tall buildings at the CBD!

Well, it’s been two days since I stepped foot into Brisbane, Australia. Been doing well, been furnishing my new room. I think I’m actually feeling very much at home now. Had a little difficulty at first but I got my friend and new found friends to help me out. Thank you very much! The weather here at Brisbane is great. Not too hot, not too cold. But that’s just for now, winter is coming soon. Oh noes. This is my first Sunday leaving FGA USJ (Church). Wonder how was the camp registration! Come on guys, do register! Oh yes, that picture above is my room. Not the neatest thing you would see, but yeah. Wait, I have finish unpacking as of yet! I’m lazy to unpack, can I? Will be having a full day at University tomorrow. Orientation.

So what does living on your own mean? Well, you have to do a whole lot of things on your own. Clear out the trash, wash your own clothes, clean your own bathrooms and most importantly, get your own meals! I managed to cook my first dinner yesterday night. Thank God I have a little know how and friends that helped me along the way. Another skill you would be picking up is shopping for daily essentials. Prices vary and if you are really good at this, your stay at Australia will be much more affordable. The cheapest mode of transport is your two feet. Ha ha! Buses here are affordable (in AUD) and are efficient. Time to get my GO card soon! GO card’s like touch n’ go, but its for transport, not tolls

I went to a church today, called UniChurch. Happy to meet more people there. Joined a Bible Study Group too. I don’t think they call it a cell group over here like we do. Looking forward to activities in the uni and church as well. Have not been mixing with Malaysians a lot. Ha ha I think I’m picking up the accent too. ROFL

Well, it is already the second day of Chinese New Year. Coffeestops! have yet to release its Chinese New Year greetings to its readers. I wonder whats up? I know, the authors are too busy celebrating or joining in the festivities! I have some time to spare (not a lot actually, have been busy cleaning the new house recently) and here goes!

We at Coffeestops! would like to wish all Coffee Drinkers a Blessed Chinese New Year! Pray for wealth, health, abundance, wisdom and success! May God bless you and lead you path in this new year!

This has to be the first group picture ever taken, unless there are other pictures not in my possession . The picture is taken by Dr. Liow, or then Engineering Dynamics lecturer. Each group has a maximum of 3 people. Sorry G. I’m sure you still had fun with Lee and Tridib! I still have our jumping “bunny” hahaha… Wow, looking back… my hair was really long back then.. AHHAHAHA

Group picture in China. My first time out of the country without my parents or family members. Woot Wokeh, I know I screwed up with the pose.. hahaha forgive me

In memory of G… CHOI!!! This was taken during Chinese New Year. Yeah, I was accused of eating all the pineapple tarts!! I did eat many but not all okay!!! HAHAHA Not to forget Sara Leong almost kissed the floor after kicking something at the park! Thank God she didn’t kick the bucket Oh, I was reunited with the team that won first place in the C4R competition 2006.

One of our random photoshoots. I guess we must have had an extra class during the weekends or so.. Decided to hang out later.. Most likely ended up at Rock Cafe.. ah.. I’m so going to miss that place.. and that USUAL guy who always gets turned away when he asks us what drinks we want.

A “family” photo taken during Mr. Ong Wee Jun’s birthday.. I think from here on, paths crossed and friendships were formed.. hahaha… Who cares if it looks like a high school photograph.. it still kicks ass!! I never get to celebrate my birthday in uni.. my birthday is always before the term starts

Hmm, what does that look like? Did G let some wind out the back door? hahaha Nah, that’s him blowing out his birthday candles at TGIF, Sunway Pyramid. Cheers!

All smiles after successfully putting our newspaper bridge to the test. Ours was the lightest and we were the best team! Woot! G was in our team too. He was the one that delivered the fatal blow to our bridge. Finally, all the excessive fats put to good use. I did sit on the bridge but it didn’t budge hahaha

Another of our expensive meals. This time it was because Kaye returned from Kiasuland. Ate our hearts out. Burn our pockets inside out too. Mojito rocks!

Fantastic trip to Cameron Highlands. My first time there! We ate scones, took many pictures, visited the strawberry farm and purchased some vegetables.

White water rafting owns. Nuff said

I would never be caught going to a rock concert! But guess what, thanks to my peeps, I got a mosh pit pass to the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia! Woot!

A random BBQ at Eugene’s place… ahahaha

Our “final” outing before saying farewell. Ate a lot of crap at Penang. Had a memorable time at YMCA. Had a “fantastic” stomach after returning from Penang too! Woot Woot! Conquered Bukit Bendera! Hip Hip Hooray!

Eugene’s farewell party.

GOODBYE EUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU JUIN!!! Have fun in Melbourne. Study hard! Take care. Never forsake the code of the musketeers! (Okay I made that up AHHAHAHA) Viva la Musketeers! Gotta Thank Mr. Nader for that name.. wkakak ROFLMAOCAT. DON’T EVER FORGET ME, THE 1/2 PORK 1/2 MAN GUY, G, THE TREASURE TRAIL GUY, BERNARD, THE SMOOTH LEGS GUY!!! AND SARA….. well… the BOMB hahahaha!

2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. NKJV

Received a poslaju package this evening. Well, it was from G and Sara. I knew it Something was up when they asked for my address. Ha ha! When I was opening the package, I felt something moved. Thought it was meant to me like that. But guess not, looks like the porcelain tile broke even with bubble wrap! Ugh!

Some words have already been wiped out.. but I guess Sara’s one reads “Stay safe, be happy always little boy”. Heh. And G’s, well it is still standing Thanks for the message guys (and maybe girl)! Our paths will collide again, definitely See you in the future!!! God speed!

I could’ve sworn that phrase sounds familiar. I know, Thank God It’s Friday! So why thank Shirley? Well, you might just have to read on and find out why. (I hope you find out eventually hahaha) It is a few more days, 1 more week to be exact before I fly to Brisbane, Australia. Something’s missing. Good food! I’ll be missing all the food in Malaysia! But wait a second, isn’t TGIF available in Australia? Yup, but you have to pay Australian Dollars. Ouch! And… I have to pay for myself hahahaha!

It was a little last minute, plus I had to leave during Chinese New Year. Everyone’s going back to their hometowns then, right? So it makes perfect sense to have a mini farewell during this week! Mrs. Shirley Tan (my high school teacher, teacher in charge of the school’s editorial board, my “colleague” and my kawan baik ) organised the mini farewell for me. She called my high school friend (good friend in fact), Da Wei along too. Not to forget Pn. Teo (best disciplinary teacher I have ever known) and Pn. Evelyn (best PJ teacher.. haha always lets us go for PJ even when she took relief for our class!). However, Pn Evelyn couldn’t make it as she had other obligations.

The initial plan was to have it at a joint in Taipan. Anyone up for Mexican food? (hint) However, due to the new MPSJ ruling (maximum 1 hour of parking at Taipan), we had to ditch the plan and head for Subang Parade! Guess who was the driver? It was none other than Da Wei! And he drove his spanking (or rather his parents’) new Mazda! Woot! I’m so lucky! So is Pn. Shirley! Pn. Teo has her own ride!

We had a choice of between TGIF or Swensons. Well, I’m sure if you were observant enough, you might have guessed we chose TGIF. It was an easy pick. “Swensons got not much choices la”. We ordered our foods (oh yeah it was an extremely late lunch ) pretty fast! Wow! And I’m amazed that the waiter could remember all of our orders! Good memory, dude! As usual, we yakked, “GOSSIPED” and discussed over food and drinks. Good times….

I guess that’s goodbye to people who have enriched my high school education. Teachers, friends and perhaps enemies as well. Thanks for all the inputs and the experiences. It has made me what I am today. ARIGATOGOZAIMAS… Hope to see you in Brisbane!!!

Oh and, THANK GOD IT’S SHIRLEY! GUESS WHO PAID THE BILL?

Been at the local hardware store when I noticed a Nippon Paint advertisement hanging in mid air. Well, Chinese New Year is nearing. I can see that there is a lot of reds and vibrant colors. Thank God there isn’t any irritating Chinese New Year songs at that place! Come on! It is the same song over and over again! I have a feeling that the same song has been playing since the dinosaurs (figuratively)! Please use some creativity and pimp the song please! Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni YAA!!! Gong your head kao kao only you know!

Haven’t spotted the wardrobe malfunction on the Nippon mascot? Look closer

Time flies when you are having fun. I guess we really had a heck lot of fun over the past few years. Need I say? Everyone has been saying that time flew by extremely fast! I don’t think no one has coined this saying yet, so make sure to credit me if you use it! Not only time flies, but people too. If you have no idea what I’m trying to imply, I meant that people come and go too! But fear not, goodbyes do not last forever. Only funerals (sorry for my insensitivity if it in fact was). Paths do not cross only once but many times! (I’m being optimistic) hahaha

My legs look weird because I had to bend a little! If not, everyone will be dwarfed.. muhahaha… I’ll get dwarfed in Australia.. so I have to dwarf while I can!!!

Mr. Lee had his final event (for now) titled “A Final Dinner with Eu-Juin”. I actually posted a comment on the event but took it down quickly after.. hahaha If you are interested to know what it was, it was an adaptation of the Lord’s Supper. Not satisfied? Click the spoiler below Don’t say I didn’t warn you not to look if you might be offended. DON’T LOOK IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE OFFENDED!!!

Show spoiler!

Woops, I changed my mind. I think I better keep it to myself.. hahaha PSYCHE!

It was a fun night – a night of networking and also spending “final moments” with Mr. Lee Eu-Juin. See you in Melbourne! (I gotta save money for the trip.. hahaha ) Don’t grow fat over there too.. woot! I scared I grow fat lor..HAHAHA Cheers!

We got the nickname Musketeers from Mr. Nader Kamrani! Who says only a group of three can be called Musketeers?

It’s just barely the second week of February and Coffeestops has already celebrated two of its authors’ birthdays. It’ll not be long before another 2 authors celebrate their birthdays. The month of February is definitely an auspicious one! None of the authors’ birthdays fall during Chinese New Year though! We’ll still be collecting red packets from you anyway… hahahaha Don’t forget to call us for your open house event!

So this time around, it is Nicholas’ turn to become a “man”. He’s 21 now, legally an adult. Being an adult comes with perks and also disadvantages. You can now get married without your parents consent (I might be wrong on this!). I don’t think I want to discuss the disadvantages.. hahaha Don’t forget to register as a voter!!! Hope you had fun during your last moments as a kid Faster graduate, work and belanja me!! WOOT!!! Blessed birthday noob cakes!

I’m experimenting with 530 x 280 px pictures =)