New school horse

For the past three lessons, I have been riding a different horse. Joker is a 14.2-14.3hh palomino gelding. He is absolutely gorgeous, and great to ride too, although his trot is even more bouncy than Bart's!

One thing Joker does a fair bit is head-tossing. But it is my fault, because my hands are not steady enough, resulting in me catching him in the mouth sometimes. However this teaches me to be more conscious of my hands, and I have been working hard to keep them still.

I haven't rode in over three weeks due to exams, and I am already itching to get back into the saddle. Oh well, it could be my motivation! ^^

Joker and I having a canter

Don't you just love his shiny golden coat? ^^

Joker showing off his blaze

Honey and the Bee

This is one of my favourite songs from Owl City's latest album, All Things Bright and Beautiful. It's a duet featuring Adam Young and Breanne Duren. Enjoy folks! ^^

Don't remind me
That some days I'm the windshield
And other days I'm just a lucky bug
As cold iron rail leave old mossy trails through the countryside

The crow and bean field
Are my best friends, but boy I need a hug
'Cause my heart stops without you
There's something about you that makes me feel alive

If the green left the grass on the other side
I would make like a tree and leave
But if I reached for your hand, would your eyes get wide
Who knew the other side could be so green

Don't remind me
I'm a chickadee in love with the sky
But that's clearly not a lot to crow about
'Cause when the stars silhouette me
I'm scared they'll forget me, and flicker out

I taste honey but I haven't seen the hive
Yeah, I didn't look, I didn't even try
But still my heart stops without you
'Cause there's something about you that makes me feel alive

If the green left the grass on the other side
I would make like a tree and leave
But if I reached for your hand, would your eyes get wide
Who knew the other side could be so green

We are honey and the bee

Backyard of butterflies surrounded me
I fell in love with you, like bees to honey
So let's up and leave the weeping to the willow tree
And pour our tears in the sea

I swear! There's a lot of vegetables out there, that crop up for air
And yet I never thought we were two peas in a pod
To be suddenly bloomed, I knew
That I'd always love you
Oh I'll always love you too

If the green left the grass on the other side
I would make like a tree and leave
But if I reached for your hand, would your eyes get wide
Who knew the other side could be so green

If the green left the grass on the other side
I would make like a tree and leave
But if I reached for your hand, would your eyes get wide
Who knew the other side could be so green

And if I reached for your hand for the rest of my life
Who knew the other side could be so green

Owl City

Just recently I have discovered this band, or more like a one-man band, called Owl City. The person behind it is a man of great talent, Adam Young. You see, I was sorting through my favourited videos on YouTube and came across a clip from the movie, The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. The song featured in the clip was called 'To the Sky'. While I was listening to it, I thought, 'Wow who is this guy singing? His voice is amazing!' And I immediately Googled to find out. Turns out he became extremely popular when his song 'Fireflies' hit the top of the charts around two years ago.

It's not surprising that at the time, I never went out of my way to buy CDs or watch music videos online. I may have heard 'Fireflies' on the radio before but of course, I never bothered to follow up on it. But anyway, this belongs to the past.

After learning some more about this talented musician, I looked up some of his songs on YouTube. I am amazed myself that I liked nearly all his songs. The reason I've never had a favourite band or singer was because usually I only like say, a few songs from a single band/singer. Adam composes and programs (his genre is electro-pop) everything himself, from the melodies to the lyrics.

I promptly logged onto iTunes and purchased all his albums available in the Australian iTunes store. They included All Things Bright and Beautiful, Ocean Eyes, Maybe I'm Dreaming, Sky Sailing and Of June. There were also a couple of singles, Alligator Sky and Strawberry Avalanche, which I also bought. =P

There are quite a few reasons why I find his songs wonderful. First of all, the lyrics paint a picture in your mind as you are listening to the songs. They are simple and sophisticated at the same time, just utterly brilliant. Secondly, Adam sings his songs with clear articulation. I just hate it when you listen to a song and half the time you have no idea what the words are. Well this doesn't happen with Owl City! Finally, his songs never fail to cheer me up after a bad day, there's just something about them that makes warm and fuzzy inside. Adam Young's imagination is what makes his music outstanding and unique.

See for yourself, have a listen to some of his most popular songs, for example, Vanilla Twilight, The Saltwater Room, The Real World and Galaxies.

Oh and he is handsomely cute. ^^

Almost Time!

There is only two and a half weeks to go until semester one starts! I have mixed feelings about this. I sort of want to get into a routine again, yet I know I will miss the blissful holidays when I'm back at uni. This year will be my final year as an undergraduate, after that is either employment or postgrad study. I haven't decided which way to go yet. It is one of the several things I must sort out before the year ends.

I will be taking the following subjects this semester:
- Advanced Food Analysis
- Food Processing and Preservation
- Biotechnology in Practice
- Techniques in Molecular Science

It has been a busy February so far. For one there was the Chinese New Year celebrations, it's the year of the rabbit for those who don't know. We had a delicious family dinner at a new restaurant that opened in the city, called Shanghai Dynasty. The interior decor was spectacular! Full of golds and fancy furniture. There was dragon dance too, to entertain and bless the patrons dining that evening.

In other news, I have been kept on as a casual at David Jones! =D However we got a new manager and all that, so hopefully things will still look up. I gave in my uni availabilities in on Monday, so I am hoping to get consistent hours each week. Fingers crossed!

2011 - The beginning of a new decade

The passing of 2010 has been a milestone for me. It's been over ten years since my family and I immigrated to Australia. Although we arrived here in May 1999, if I subtract the months spent visiting relatives back in my hometown, it would make exactly ten years in Australia, give or take a week or so.

These ten extraordinary years will always be etched in my memory. So many amazing events and experiences have happened that would not have if I have remained in China. My outlook on life and the society would have been wildly different. So for this I am eternally grateful to my parents for bringing me over here.

Over the years I have made many life-long friends, and all of them have helped me to become the person I am today. Especially with my high school friends, the memories we shared are unforgettable; from the crazy times at school camps, to the joy of lunchtimes at school and activities such as team sports and orchestra. Even though most of us have gone to different universities, we have never lost contact and never hesitate to catch-up over a cup of coffee or a movie.

Growing up in Australia has helped me to put things in perspective. If I had stayed in China, my teenage years would have been nothing but years of endless study, competing with hundreds of thousands of hopeful students to get into the best universities. But my parents have given me a chance to grow and develop while balancing between work and play. A good education is paramount yes, but the difference is that I was still allowed to have fun. Our time on Earth are to be lived, meaning doing the things we love before it's to late.

The year 2010 has been amazing itself. I have started horse riding lessons, something I have dreamed about for years. Even though I only do so occasionally, I feel that I'm on the road to realizing this dream. 2010 is the year that I started volunteering, the importance of which I have overlooked before. The only regret is that I did not start earlier. I have also become more outgoing over the past year. By that I mean spending less time holed up at home in front of the computer, and instead enjoying the great outdoors with all my friends.

My wish, my resolution for the new year is to continue doing all these things mentioned above, as well as getting out there and discover new adventures.

2011 - I can feel dawning of the best year of my life.

Riding Video

Thought I'd share a few clips from my most recent riding lesson on Monday. It was definitely better than the last lesson, no falling off! xD
I had my lesson at 10am this time, as to avoid the heat of the day.

The summer break is in full swing! Can't wait until Christmas! =D

10th Riding Lesson

Because of uni exams, Christmas jobs and the bad weather over the past month, I just didn't have time to book a riding lesson. But today I finally had some spare time to do what I love most - horse riding! =D

It was a lovely sunny day up at Wandin Riding Academy, and Bart, the school horse I ride, was already there waiting for me. He has got his summer coat and was all shiny! I gave him a carrot to munch on while I groomed him and picked out his hooves. Bart is a 15.2hh (approx 154cm at the withers) gelding. I love him to bits. =D

Did the usual stuff for my lesson. Lots of trotting, both rising and sitting, and also worked on trot to canter transitions, which I find quite difficult. I get tense and the start to bounce all over the place, losing my stirrups and all. LOL! However today I managed to fall off while trying to canter! Landed on my back and had all the breadth knocked out of my body. Was a bit light-headed for a while too, but I was back to normal in an hour or so. Anyhow, it was a great lesson overall.

Now for some photos! Credit to Janey!

I love this pony! ^_^

Sorry about the pic overload! Hope you like them! =D

Quick Pre-exam Update

Taking a short break between my studies to type up a short blog piece. My first exam, Ecology, is tomorrow afternoon! I am trying not to get overly stressed about it, but it should be okay as the exam is worth 40%.

Weather has been crazy lately. One moment it would be freezing cold with heavy rain, then sunshine the next. It makes planning activities outdoors quite frustrating.

I got my first Christmas casual job at David Jones! I will be working in the manchester department (bed linen, towels etc.) at the Bourke Street store in the city. I am excited and a bit nervous - my first shift will be this coming Saturday! =]

Hmm...what else is there? Ooh right, season three of my favourite TV show, Fringe, will premiere this Wednesday night! I've been waiting for ages, as it started two months ago in the US. Grr...so much for fast-tracked! To celebrate, I shall share one of my favourite videos I found on Youtube of the two main characters of the show, Peter and Olivia. I love the song as well!

{Fringe} Peter/Olivia - Boats and Birds

Mid-Semester Break...at last!

Okay okay, even though it is already almost a week into the two-week break, there is still enough time to enjoy it. :)

For the past week, I didn't do much besides catching up on lectures, doing a bit of homework, catching up on sleep and working. But next week, things will get more eventful.

On Monday I am going trail riding with a friend from uni. I can't wait! =D I haven't been on horseback for nearly three weeks and really miss it. We are going on a three hour ride through forests and open plains. Woohoo!

Then on Tuesday afternoon, I have a group interview for David Jones Christmas Casuals. I still need to buy a pair of business pants, as we are required to dress in formal business attire. At night I want to go see 'Despicable Me', so hopefully I can do that too.

I wouldn't be doing anything on Wednesday and Thursday due to work, so the rest of those two days would be used to write up reports and assignments. Oh joy...

That leaves the rest of the week open for anything! =D

Where to draw the line.

Yesterday morning, my Human-Animal Interactions lecture was about using animals for research and scientific purposes. During one part, our lecturer said to picture a line or scale, where you have humans on one end, and bacteria on the other. Starting from the human end, you then would have common mammals (dogs, cats, rabbits etc.), then birds of the class Aves, followed by rats and mice (which are also mammals but grouped separately for this purpose), next is amphibians and reptiles (lizards and frogs etc.), then fish, followed by cephalopods (for example, octopuses and squids) and finally bacteria.

The class was asked to draw the line based on where you would stop feeling empathy and care about the welfare of the animal subject to scientific testing. Obviously, everyone cared about the humans as well as for common mammals. But when it came to rats and mice,about half of the class said they wouldn't be too worried regarding the suffering of these rodents. The number of people raising their hands to show that they will have empathy decreased as we moved along the scale. By the time the end of the scale was reached, no one put up their hands.

As for myself, I drew the line after amphibians. However I am against animal testing unless it is for important medical purposes, and that the animal's suffering is minimized.

Over the centuries, the line have moved further down the scale. As we continue to learn about the physiology of animals and how they behave, I believe the line will keep moving.

What about you? Where on the scale do you think you will draw the line?

A Healthy Meal

Bloggin' while eating my lunch, a toasted foccacia with chicken schnitzel, pineapple and lettuce. Only recently have I 'discovered', well more of got into, as I have known this for ages, creating your own sandwich for lunch.

There is a few places at uni where you can 'make' your own sandwich by choosing the type of bread (normal sliced bread, rolls, baguettes or foccacias), main base (schnitzel, beef, roast chicken, turkey or simply ham etc.), dressing and spreads (mayonnaise, avocado, butter or pesto etc.) and a range of other delicious extras such as cheese, cucumber, lettuce and tomato, salad, sliced eggs, olives, pineapple, beetroot and much more. In winter, a toasted sandwich makes all the difference.

I think this is a much healthier alternative to several other options I normally get, which was muffins, pies and pizzas. Although this custom-made lunch is usually more expensive, it's worth it. For me, no sandwich is complete without a slice of juicy pineapple or two. =P

Daffodil Day 2010

I went volunteering for the first time yesterday for Daffodil Day, even though the official day is today. It's held by the Cancer Council each year, raising money for cancer research, education and support services.

I signed up for an eight hour shift at Doncaster Westfield, where a table had been set up, and it was crammed with a large range of merchandise for sale, I counted at least 20 different varieties! I remember years ago, there was only a few items to choose from. Well this year there was Dougal the plushie bear, soft soccer balls, fresh daffodils, shopping lists, pens, keychains, photo frames, about ten different brooches and even an USB stick!

Time passed fairly quickly. From 1 to 5pm, I was with two other volunteers. During that time, we raised over $700! When there was not many people around, we share stories and blew up yellow and blue balloons for little kids passing by. Everyone we met was extremely nice and kind, some even stayed to chat for a while.

It was a great feeling doing my bit for the community and for a good cause. I will definitely volunteer again next year. Bring on Pink Ribbon Day!

At the end of the day, I also purchased a key-chain, a brooch and a Dougal bear.

崇拜 {Worship}

I think I've found my favourite Chinese song to date! It's called 崇拜, meaning 'worship'. It's performed by 梁静茹 (Fish Leong).
I love the melody of this song, it's beautiful. =)

你的姿态 你的青睐
我存在 在 你的存在
你以为爱，就是被爱
你挥霍了我的崇拜

我活了 我爱了
我都不管了
心爱到疯了 恨到算了
就好了
可能的 可以的
真的可惜了
幸福好不容易
怎么你却不敢了呢

我还以为我们能
不同于别人
我还以为不可能的
不会不可能
你的姿态 你的青睐
我存在 在 你的存在
你以为爱就是被爱
你挥霍了我的崇拜

我活了 我爱了
我都不管了
心爱到疯了 恨到算了
就好了
可能的可以的
真的可惜了
幸福好不容易
怎么你却不敢了呢

我还以为我们能
不同于别人
我还以为不可能的
不会不可能
你的姿态 你的青睐
我存在 在 你的存在
你以为爱就是被爱
你挥霍了我的崇拜

风筝有风
海豚有海
我存在 在 我的存在
所以明白
所以离开
所以不再为爱而爱
自己存在 在你 之外

Thoughts of August

Hello readers!

Haven't blogged in a while. Even though I arrived back in Melbourne exactly two weeks ago, I haven't got around to updating my blog.

Anyway the weather is pretty dreadful lately, have been raining heaps. I couldn't remember that last time we had a winter as wet as this year's. But even though it's cold, wet and windy, there is one good thing: Melbourne's water storage is up slightly this year. I still miss sunny days...can't wait until Spring!

This semester I am doing four subjects: Food Microbiology and Safety, Comparative Animal Physiology, Ecology and Human-Animal Interactions for breadth. These are all prac subjects, which means a pretty packed timetable. This reminds me, I still have to write a 1500 word essay for breadth, so I really shouldn't be blogging. Heehee!

In the spirit of philanthropy, I have signed up for several volunteering events, both at uni and in the community. This month I shall be promoting a student-run financial aid charity for students, called Student Appeal, which starts next week. I've also signed up for Daffodil Day, which is on the 27th of this month.

I am also going mad trying desperately to look for a new job. I think I've spent more time writing resumes and cover letters than on my homework, haha.

Last weekend I went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D with my sister and a very good friend. It was amazing, the last ten years have been so worth the wait! The storyline was superb, the voice acting was brilliant, and all the new characters are very memorable. If you haven't already, go and see it...NOW!

But I am pretty happy with the way things are going right now. However I do miss riding quite a lot. Hopefully the weather will clear up soon!

Winter Holidays!

So glad the exams are finally over! Now I've got about one month of holidays before semester two starts.

However it's been so cold lately! Not to mention wet and windy. This year, I am going back to my hometown in China, haven't been in two and half years. It's going to be really hot and humid there, I'd take winter any day. Oh well...xD

I don't think I will be able to access Blogger while in China, and Facebook and Youtube are blocked as well. Gah...=(

See you all in a month! Off to the airport soon!

Riding Lesson no.7

Today I rode Bart, a horse I've only ridden once before. And from previous experience, I know that he is a much more forward-moving horse than Whisky and his trot is much more bouncy too, making it difficult to sit to. Bart is also very naughty, tries to follow me whenever I move away to get the hoof pick or his saddle, but nevertheless, he is really cute! =D

Pic overload coming up! ^_^
I realize there are heaps of things I need to work on. My position is terrible, and I definitely need to bend my elbows a lot more, keep my hands steady and shoulders back.

Picking out his hooves

All tacked up and ready to go!

Aww isn't Bart cute? =P

Warming up

Rising trot

Wow the arena looks huge from here!

Pigrooting!!! O_O This is what happens when I first used the whip.

And canter! It's so much better than trotting, and really fun!

I love this pic. Bart is being cheeky hehee. Notice his tongue is sticking out?

 Letting Bart stretch and cool off

And the end!

I won't have another lesson for another couple of months as I am going away overseas. I hope you enjoyed the pics! Comments and critique welcome! ^_^

It's that time of the semester once more.

The time has come that most students dread - exam period!!! *gasp* *shock horror* *nausea* Well, you get the picture. xD

At least this semester, my exams are fairly spread out over the three weeks. My first exam, which would be Biochemistry and molecular biology, is held this Thursday. After that is Australian wildlife biology on Tuesday 15th of June, followed by Food chemistry, biology and nutrition on Wednesday the 23rd of June. So yeah, pretty good schedule. This means I can still work during the exam period. I really hate revising and studying for exams. I don't mind doing them, as it means it would be all over after that, but studying for them is not only boring but is tedious as well. My brain can't handle all the information overload haha.

In other news, I had my sixth riding lesson today. It was quite chilly at the start, but after grooming and tacking up Whisky, I was quite warmed up! All we worked on today was rising and sitting trot, canter and transitions on the lunge. I also did some riding without stirrups. It was difficult and quite painful lol, and I almost fell off on several occasions. But Whisky was a good horse, whenever I was slipping or losing my balance, he would slow down. I love cantering, it's so much fun! =D

Here is the only picture for the day. The quality is not very good due to the gloomy weather and small camera. xD

Argh...sick

Sitting here at home on a lovely sunny day, with a blocked nose and dry throat. I think I may have caught a common cold. *sniff* I really hate them, makes you feel horrible even with minor symptoms.

On Thursday, I had my first riding lesson in two months. It took me a while to get the hang of things like balance and position, not to mention how to put on the bridle and halter on a naughty school horse I ride, Whiskey! He is also really fluffy with his winter coat, grooming him took twice as long.

Basically just worked on walking and trotting, and with a lazy horse like Whiskey it was difficult getting him moving for a stretch of time. So I was quite happy when we went around the arena twice without him slowing down or stopping! It was also the first time I used a whip. My instructor (not my usual one) said he needs it. Hmm... =/

No pics or videos this time though, I will try to remember next time so I can see what I need to improve on.

Picnik Photo Editing

I've discovered a wonderful website that allows you to edit ordinary photos and pictures into beautiful works of art! You can add stickers, frames, and special effects, and all for free! But of course, there is premium if you want to access all the features. However, I am doing okay without them.

Visit picnik.com to take a look for yourself and get started!

I was bored one night so I fiddled with it a bit. I don't have much photos on my laptop, so yeah.

Hope you like them! ^^

Unfit

During the past week I have been jogging almost every evening, as I am trying to build up my fitness level and endurance. However I am beyond frustrated. I can't even run more than 300 metres at a time without having to stop and catch my breadth. Having thalassemia intermedia definitely does not help. Being quite anemic, it means my red blood cells cannot transport oxygen as effectively, that's why I run out of breadth so quickly.

However I am slowly improving at other exercises that I do at home. Things like squats, wall-sits and sit-ups. It just bugs me so much about running, yesterday I got a headache as well after jogging and walking for only twenty minutes!

I really hope that pushing myself would improve, but I am a bit doubtful whether it would work.