Happy anniversary!

To be honest.... I don't think that I qualify to write about what I'm about to write so bear with me.

Marriage 

Definition: The formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

Worldly terms: Let's get married, see what it's like. If it doesn't work out then it's not meant to be.

Faith based: The union of a man and woman as one in flesh. One in unity, one in essence (as in family), one in purpose, and one in mind.

So what's your opinion on marriage? Everyone has their own opinion and definition of marriage. Here's mine.

Why do people get married? Why do some marriages work and some fail? It's a question you wouldn't find asking yourself often. But sometimes I do wonder about these questions. People date, they get married, have kids..yada yada. Seems so simple but the truth is. It's not. Personally, I think marriage is a scary thing. It's not something you should just jump right in to. 
I would like to think of marriage as something that you commit to for the rest of your life to that one significant one whom you love. Through thick and thin. It's a special moment when the woman is handed over to the man by her father as they begin a new life together. Their personal vows would be what binds their hearts as one. A promise of a life time to each other and to God.
Here's an analogy of marriage: 

“When two people get married, it’s for better or for worse, like joined salt and pepper. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. If you pull them apart, you’ll break either one or both of them. God made marriage to be for life.”

When I think of this analogy, I think of my parents. No marriage under the skies are perfect, I know this for a fact. Mum and dad, they've been through tough times I'm sure, but they stuck through it raising and providing for 3 children. Now that's one tough job to do. If we were to trade shoes and I be in my mums position, I'd be scared as hell. I think I'd have given up a long time ago. But no. My mum, she's an awesome mum. Not that I'm obligated to say such things because I'm her daughter but, honest to God she's the most kind and caring person I know. Credits to my grandmother who raised her into who she is today. My dad always tells me 'You are lucky to have such a great mother'. Sometimes I take that for granted, but when I look back at the sacrifices she made. I can see why.
As for my dad, he's the king of sarcasm. Witty and random. There's a young boy trapped in him, I guess he had to grow up way too soon. When it comes to family, he works hard. Sometimes too hard. But if he didn't I don't think I'd be sitting comfortably in this room writing this blog post now in the UK. So I'm forever grateful.
Mum and Dad are completely different people in character and background but they work as one and their main priority has always been family. So today, I'd like to dedicate this blog post to you two! And congratulate you both on another year and counting of marriage HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for loving each other and for your selfless love for us!

Here's something I wrote for you guys =) Hope you like it!

They soar above the heavenly skies,

With wings outstretched there she lies, 

May it be that when she cries,

Their bond be strengthen with loving ties.

The grey reminds of how he toils, 

Though the world may make him boil,

Where fingers and thoughts start to coil, 

She be there to give him joy.

Gracious God up above,

May your mercy fall with Love,

Bestow on them peace like a dove,

To them who provided a loving cove.

I Corinthians 13:7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

December 1st

This shall be one of my deep personal post: Therefore, it is warned that you may be bored.


Today started off with finding out that one of my favourite actors growing up passed away~Paul Walker

I remember the first movie I watched was 2 fast 2 furious. I still remember thinking how cool that movie was and how handsome he looked. Bearing in mind I was 10 when I first watched that movie. To the extent of printing his picture out and sticking them on my study desk back home which to this day still exists probably a bit faded out.
I was baffled by the news; it was just unreal; truly saddened. Reading up on his last moments it's scary how one minute that person you talked to could be gone the next. Makes you wonder when will it be your turn.

The day progressed and I went to church. 10 brothers and sisters in Christ got baptised. It was a joy to witness this day even being away from home. At least there's something to be happy about and remind you that life still carries on and there's always little things to celebrate on.

It was a beautiful Sunday, blue skies and sunshine ;after I got back to my room. I decided to go for a walk and stopped by at the charity book store. As I browsed through the shelves a book caught my eye 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. I've known about this book and seen it back home but never had the chance of getting it. So I got the book and it was only 2GBP. Decided to get some afternoon tea at the Cafe nearby where I sat down and got engrossed reading the book.

Few hours later, ie. Now. I just finished the book. One thing for sure that purchase was worth it.
Where should I start. The book was about death. Well to make it less depressing, lessons learnt from a dying man.

I'd love to write about what the book says and everything in it that is so relevant and hits you right in the face but I wont because you yourself have to experience reading the book and learn something valuable from it.
You might learn something that I might not have gotten. Each person will have a different perspective.

However, I shall leave you with a few quotes from the book by Morrie Schwartz.

 'We all have the same beginning-birth-

and we all have the same end-death. So how different can we be?

'Invest in the human family.Invest in people. Build a little community

of those you love and who love you.'    

'Everyone knows they're going to die', 'but nobody believes it.' If we did, 

we would do things differently.

'Death ends a life, not a relationship'

I guess the matter of fact is. Death is real. Like it or not. I've read so much about people close from home who passed, the things other people say and the impact they had on other people's lives. Those will be the the memories that will remain. Even when that person is not around.

Just like Paul Walker, before he passed he was at a charity event held by his own organisation Reach Out Worldwide which was raising funds for the Philippines victims. Although he may be gone but his service to others in need will be the memory of many. 

Lastly, at the end of the book. One paragraph caught my eye:

Have you ever really had a teacher? 

One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, 

a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine?

If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers,

you will always find your way back.

It's crazy how things happen in your daily life that jolts you back to your senses and how it reminds you of things that are relevant. 

I'm lucky and blessed to know of a teacher, a counsellor, a father figure of such who saw me as something so precious who devoted his love and time to shape me and till this day mould me so that one day I'll be a polished proud shine. To know that though I stray far and get lost in this worldly maze. I could always find my way back to Him. 

To those who have not found such a teacher. He is there if you have the desire to seek him. Always welcoming and always loving.

(To you who read this till the end; I hope I made sense. If I didn't I hope it'll make sense to you one day. But thank you anyway. XXXX )

In remembrance to those who left the earth and joined the angels in heaven

   

Life as a Uni student

Referring myself as a uni student *can't really get the hang of it yet*

Hey there, YOU kind soul who's reading this post rather than doing something more useful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3

Can't believe it has been 2 months since coming to Leeds and it's almost Christmas break! Which means cold chilly weather, warm winter jumpers, hot chocolate, extra weight *cries*, chocolates and more FOOD!

Anyway, It's time for............................. My journey as a University student! (Warning: This might be boring so you could just navigate to the red X button if you want to =D)

To start with I just got to say I'm super blessed with great flat mates! Couldn't ask for better people to live with especially for an international student. Living with locals is a great opportunity to learn about the British culture and just develop good friendship. However, it would be better if the accommodation was closer to the Uni because I'm starting to get fed up of bus rides and traffic jams.

There's so much things going on and happened in this 2 months alone. Friends from my home town came to Leeds for a visit and it was great to see their faces(I'm pretty sure they had a great time in Leeds)! I'm part of the committee of the Malaysian and Singaporean Society and it's been great so far. I've the privilege to join the Ultimate Frisbee team and played at Nottingham for the beginners tournament where I had a great time with the other team members. Besides that I've travelled to Edge Hill, Bradford and Chester for badminton tournaments. Recently I took part in the Nottingham Malaysian Games 2013 which was one of the craziest time; waking up at 4am for a 2 hour journey to Nottingham and freezing my ass off while playing Frisbee in an open frosty field. Despite the cold I was glad to be able to meet up with a few people from KK! Especially my high school friend Dylan who was awesome in frisbee!  

Moving on to a normal weekly schedule, I'm in Uni at 9am most of the days and have classes into the afternoon. Usually in the evening I'd be at Frisbee training, Badminton tournaments or Muay Thai. Besides that I'll occasionally hang out with my AWESOME friends and just have a great laugh over food or drinks and then dread going back. Note: I would just like to point out to those who would be entering Uni for their first year GO AND JOIN any clubs or societies that you're interested in or you've never tried before. You'd be able to meet with so many people and these clubs/ societies always have social activities that you could join. (If you like drinking that is) Self control is what you need and not give in to peer pressure if you'd like to survive your years here.

Basically life is pretty much overwhelming me; I'm pretty happy about coming to the University of Leeds. There's so many events and opportunities that are available for you to take part in and in doing so broaden your mind with so many issues and useful information. However, it really depends on how badly you want it and how serious you are in building a solid future. Everything is up to you and you alone can decide what's best for you. In a way it's pretty scary especially for those who are fickle minded and not sure of what their goals are. I guess it is important to have a mindset of what you want to achieve and set yourself priorities otherwise it is easy to get sidetracked. Easier said than done!

Rant time-
I SERIOUSLY WANT/NEED A CAMERA
Hence, the need of a job TT

iPhone quality pictures does not suffice to my standards anymore; I miss editing and snapping good quality photos!

Next rant-
I SERIOUSLY NEED TO GET BACK IN SHAPE
I refuse to be plump and chubby like the way I was in Australia. It took me 4 months of training and healthy eating to lose some of the weight I put on. It just can not happen! Keep saying I want to go to the gym. Thing is I just can't be bothered taking the bus in the cold. Either that or I just have lectures. I miss sweating! I miss seeing the sweat trickle down my body and my t-shirt soaked with sweat. I never sweat here no matter how long and hard I run. (RAGE)

I guess, that's all for now! Till the next time XXOO

Some pictures-

Nottingham Malaysian Games 2013

Halloween Party

Leeds Union

Leeds Town hall

Inside Trinity mall

Leeds 

Shopping area

Random Town hall shot

Leeds City Council

  

Another chapter in life~ Voyage to United Kingdom

Ah, It's been a while since I've written on my blog.
I know I said I'd write once every week but there hasn't been anything interesting to write about!
However! Now there is.

I'M IN THE UK NOW!! whaaat.....

If you were to tell me that I'd be studying my degree in the UK last year I'd be laughing hard. 

Because last year I was studying down undah!

Not the usual down undah Melbourne, Queensland or Sydney. 

But Tasmania! 

Yeap, betcha didn't know Tasmania existed. Or maybe you did.

Anyway, I was there for a year where I studied Foundations in Science.

My experience there was priceless. I left for Tassie at the age of 17 fresh out of high school not expecting much. I just knew I was so excited for this new journey. I was set on doing Architecture after foundations. Obviously that changed. 

Tasmania, first thought. Why so ulu(deserted) and kampung(village-y) one ? When I landed in Hobart, I thought I landed in Sandakan  (A city in Sabah) The airport was so small. One conveyor belt. 

I was literally dreading life there. Arriving in my student accommodation, everything changed.

I met a fellow KK-ian and another! Then slowly Malaysians started filling up the hostel. I was like, WHAT IS HAPPENING. All in all there were about 20 Malaysians living together. That amazing feeling of hearing Malaysian accents being spoken. It's like stepping back into Malaysia.

As the months progressed I met several other Malaysians and Singaporeans; developed a strong friendship with some. Epic. 

Then I decided that I wanted to do Engineering because the job prospects were better than Architecture. One thing led to another and with much confusion, doubt, frustration; I finally decided to study in the UK as it was cheaper and I could get into a good university.

The downside was I had to leave this place where somehow in the 9 or so months I grew attached to the place and the people I met.

So, after graduating. I returned back to Kota Kinabalu my amazing home town.

Was so happy when some of my Tassie mates visited KK. 

10 months passed by, literally almost a year spent relaxing and enjoying life back home and I'm suddenly 11251.5km from Home in the UK. 

 11

Yeah. Not what I expected. 

I won't lie the first few days were almost unbearable. Missing home so much couldn't eat, just wanted to 

go home. Even though I was staying with my brother; I guess after being home for so long. Suddenly it hit me, Reality check. This sh*t is about to get real. Time to stop whining.

Gotta thank my brother for putting up with me for 9 days couldn't have done it without him.

Having said that I'm also grateful for my parents who gave me this opportunity and no doubt in my mind. These 4 years of studying I dedicate to them. 

In this massive city surrounded by so many people. Doing everything on my own from bank accounts to registering and cooking. Juggling finances and meeting new people. 

There's only one thing that can keep me afloat and that's my faith. Christ my anchor.

So many people who once get hold of freedom often find themselves lost in this world. But I know for sure If there's one thing I hold on to. That's Christ. 

No I'm not being ridiculous nor am I being a wuss. Honestly, I'm not the holiest person. But I know I can't live without acknowledging God and the blessings He's given me.  

So, If you read this blog post till the end. Wow! Thank you. Massive thanks. 

XXXXXXXX

Let me leave this promise I hold dearest to my heart:

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Some pictures of Hobart, Tasmania.

Not sure of where this is

St Johns Catholic Church, Richmond

Port Arthur 

Friendly beaches

Wine glass bay

Richmond bridge (Oldest bridge in Australia)

Mount Wellington, Hobart

Yeehaw! Cowboys' Themed party ~

It all started...
When I was invited to join an event called the Ladies night back when I was in Australia organised by a local Chinese church. It was a fun time where the guys had to perform and prepare food as well as other activities for the ladies.
I had a blast and thought it was a great idea for the church back home to organize events like this as well.

So, February we had the Eve's night where all of us had to dress up formally. The guys prepared food and decorated the hall. They even had performances and other funny games to entertain the girls.

On the 27th of July, it was the gals turn to host the event. After 2 weeks of preparation we came up with the theme of Cowboys' Night. We spent a week decorating the place and we came up with a menu of 3 course food. It was a great experience considering the fact that we only had around 5-7 of gals working together.  Talk about girl power!

All in all I guess it was an enjoyable night, though at the end we were all exhausted but it's a priceless experience and we had fun doing it. I just hope this event continues through out the years =) A chance to test your creativity and team work skills.

These are a  few pictures taken.
Photo Credits to Soo Wen Yi
Edited by Alexis

Giddy up cowboys!

Group photo !

The gals who made this possible XXXX

Treasured Moments

What do you do on a Sunday afternoon?

Family time of course~

Dad the biker enthusiast decided to go on a bike ride at the beautiful Shangri-La Rasa Ria beach resort in Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. To be honest I reluctant because Sunday afternoon's is the time when I get really tired and crave an afternoon nap. However, I manned up (woman-ed up) and decided to go along with the family. I grabbed my camera and loaded up the bikes and of we went.

Along the way, the scenery was beautiful! We saw the majestic Mount Kinabalu showcasing its glamour on her throne enveloped in fluffy pearl dollops of clouds. Below the lowly hills bow in reverence as the pristine lake serves as a personal mirror to the beauty that never ceases to amaze villagers and tourists passing by.

My sister and I got to sit at the back of our Dad's pickup truck, the rushing wind on my face made me feel like I was soaring free like an eagle. 

Since we only had two bikes, Dad and my sister were the ones who cycled and I filmed the short journey whilst my mum drove the car.

It was a perfect day; breezy, not too humid as it always is on a Sunday afternoon and some brewing rain clouds.

So we came to a wide stretch of beach and the sight before me was spectacular. The sun was about to set and If you haven't yet know I'm obsessed with beaches and sunsets! We just looked on into the horizon as the sun began to set hiding behind an assembly of grey clouds. 

What I love about that place was that it wasn't crowded with tourist; there was only 2 families there including mine. It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing. You can't hear the chatters of people it's just your soul, the beach and the folding sound of waves. A great moment to have to yourself. 

After that, we had to rush back home. But before that we stopped by at a restaurant  further up the main road called the Oriental restaurant where they serve different types of Chinese cuisine (crocodile meat, bat, eels etc.) Pretty good food at a reasonable price. The owner was kind enough to offer us coconut drink out of the coconut itself that was grown just at their backyard. It was delicious! 

After the scrumptious meal we headed back home.

Here are pictures that I took. 

Mount Kinabalu
Isn't she a beauty 

Well I hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Note: family time is always important, cherish it =)

Let me know what your favorite family time is! 

XXXXX

Alexis 

Foodie | Simple Lobster Salad ♥

Hey guys! Hope you’re all doing well!

Today's post will be about a recipe I've discovered recently. 

Quick question! Have you guys ever find yourself with food in your fridge that you have no idea how to cook/ prepare?

Well, I have! It's weird because I don't normally have Lobsters. What more it's been sitting in my kitchen freezer doing absolutely nothing. Cause it's dead. Anyway! With the permission of my mum, I decided to embark on an expedition to find a recipe that's simple to do. And I found this recipe! 

          *Drum rolls * 

~ Lobster cucumber apple salad ~ 

First of all. The star of the dish! Lobster! as well as 

its supporting acts Apples and Cucumber. I used 

green apples and it works fine. I bought Taiwanese 

cucumber but the ordinary ones would do well too.

Before everything else, it is important to boil the lobster in a pot/wok of salt WATER!

Let it boil for about 15-20 minutes.

While the lobster is cooking away, it's time to prepare the salad!

All you have to do is thinly slice in this case I used a grater to get thin layers of

the cucumber.

Next, season with salt and sugar.

Add a couple table spoons of Apple cider vinegar. Mix well and 

leave it in the refrigerator.

Once the lobster is cooked, remove the meat from the shell!  

Leave it to cool before trying to remove the meat. Or else you'll end

up with sore fingers!

Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper.

Next add the yogurt just enough to coat, lemon juice and lemon zest.

Give it a little taste to ensure everything is right.

And Serve it up! With some sliced apples!

 That’s all for today, hope y’all enjoy this! Let me know if there’s anything I should improve on and try it out yourself!

Alexis <3 

XXXX

Perfect meal for a hazy/summery day =)

Hola!   
Hungry?
         Find yourself stuck at home due to the recent haze? 
         Or just too lazy to go out in the heat?

Well worry no more! Continue reading on and you shall be left with a grumbling tummy and watery mouth! 

Note: I'm not a professional cook. Hence, it may or may not be your kind of food. However I love this recipe and felt like sharing it! =) 

This is a simple recipe that can be prepared easily and it doesn't take long. It is not a fattening meal, you can change up the recipe according to your own liking's! 

~First you'll need the 3 main ingredients. 
  I.e. Pasta(of your choice), Courgette(current obsession), Garlic 
  And you're all set!

~Slice up the Courgette, Garlic, Tomato(for some color)

~Boil a pot of water and when it's bubbling away, place the pasta in with a generous amount     of salt

~In a separate pan, add in a small amount of olive oil. When the pan is hot enough add in the sliced up courgette. Throw in a pinch of salt to draw out the water. Season with black pepper.

~When the courgette is sizzling away, add in the chopped garlic. Do this to prevent the garlic from burning and ruining the taste of the Courgette. 

~The courgette is done when it almost turn translucent. You may want to cook it longer if you like it to be mushy(paste like)

~ By this time, the pasta may be cooked. Check by eating a strand of the spaghetti. After draining off the water, add some olive oil and Parmesan cheese. 

~ Next, pour the seasoned spaghetti into the pot of Garlic Courgette. Mix Well and plate! Sprinkle with diced fresh tomato and Parmesan cheese.

But wait! A simple drink to wash it down! 

All you need is- Sprite, Ribena and Ice cubes 

Refreshing drink for a hot sunny afternoon

With that! You'll be able to enjoy a lovely afternoon with great food and a lovely refreshing drink! Crank that music loud; sit back and relax!

Thank you for reading this! I hope you enjoy my little recipe inspired by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Let me know if you tried it out and loved it! Peace

Alexis

XXXX