The Best of 2007

Yea, I know this list came a bit late since it is already 2nd Jan 2008 today. Nevertheless, I would like to make a list. Hmmm .... at first, I wanted to include the unpleasant things that happened to me but then again, why are they worth remembering at all, right? So here's a list of the best things in my 2007 life.

1. Graduating from Murdoch University.

Finally after two and a half years of sweats and tears, I can say I have successfully graduated and finished my university degree. I have to thank my Dad, Mom and Sister for all the supports they have given me, especially Dad because without his hard work throughout all these years, it would be impossible for me to even study overseas. Moreover, during my years in Perth, Dad had never asked me to work part-time (even though I was doing volunteering work for MMA and NLCWest). And he also allowed me to travel up north twice, and to Melbourne and Adelaide. Besides that, I want to thank all my friends that I had made while in Perth for their companionship, social support, and all the good times (eg. POTLUCKS!!!). Oh ... I will not forget when my sister shouted "Mei Theng! We are so proud of you!" when I was on stage to get my scroll. Thanks gal!

2. Participating in the 2007 JUNCAO Technology Course in Fuzhou, China.

As I had always said, if my boss did not sent me to this training course, I would have long resigned. Really! This course introduced me to many new things in the mushroom industry. But what made me happy here was the friends that I had made. In particularly, I want to highlight my new friend, whom I 'clicked' upon meeting her ... to the point most of the university staffs said we are like sisters. Her name is Li Jing and she is in her first year of masters.

Another memorable person is Wafaa from Iraq. I miss her so much. I can't really explain why I like her so much but she was like a mentor plus a mother to me. She actually gave me advices on how to pursue a romantic relationship which I hope I will follow. Now that I know her, I became very afraid when I read news about violence in Iraq because I don't want to lose her. When I sent her off at the airport, I really did not want to let her go. I wish I can bring her to Malaysia where it would be slightly safer.

I just have to mention Yan Ling, who is a doctor at the university at the age of 26. With her also, I immediately formed a bond with. Can't really explain all these friendship chemistry. That's her with Taqwei from Zimbabwe. She is really cute! She gave me a Xmas present which was a pendant similar to the ones she always wear. Makes it easier to remember her.

Other than these two persons, there are Mama Africa (Mtupili from Tanzania), Big Bro Tsepo, Yeboah, Taqwei, Nani, Jagadish and so on. So here's our group photo after a tissue culture practical.

Some good times together ....

3. Love

Yep, I am not kidding. I fell in love this year (last year, technically), very unexpectedly. It happened during this training course. I did not planned to be in love at all. It just happened. To this end, I do not know what possessed me to love this guy so much. I dare to say this is love because how else I can explain that I managed to be comfortable with him even though he is a smoker. My friends, you know me well, I have said on numerous times that I wouldn't fall for a smoker. Well, he wasn't a smoker until after a few weeks in Fuzhou though. Nevertheless, as y'all probably know my character, I went and confessed to him one night. I was prompted when he said he is too shy to approach girls even if he likes her (I asked if he minds girls making the first move). Initially, he said he likes me too but we are from 2 different countries. After much consideration, we decided to give ourselves a try. So we were like going out for all but 3-4 days when after that he told me that he likes me as a friend. Oh well, bummer for me of course. But I gotta respect his decision. However, I can't explain why I went and complicated the friendship between us by asking him to hold my hand when we are out together and he didn't mind (even though he don't enjoyed holding hands and things like that ... I asked him before). Ok la ... I really enjoyed holding his hand. I have held other guys' hands before but did not have the same feeling when I held his hand. How to explain that feeling of completeness when I was holding his hand? Anyway, that was how it was. Until the end, I just have to accept that he likes me as friend while I couldn't stop my growing feelings for him. The only thing I know was that I loved him and right now, since I returned home, I have been missing him a lot. Oh yea ... writing this much and I didn't even include his name. haha ... His name is Tom, from South Africa. Yea, most of my close friends thought I have fallen for a China guy. Anyway, Tom is caucasian but skin colors don't matter to me. He has green eyes ... my favourite colour. These two are my favourite pictures.

Oh yea ... I gave my first kiss to him which he accepted. He said I am the only friend that he hold hands with and kiss. Sometimes I wondered why did he kissed me when he only likes me as a friend. I am tempted to ask but I think I shouldn't pursue this matter anymore. The good times I had with him will be a sweet memory in my heart and mind. I called him on Xmas Eve, mostly because I miss him. By the way, to those friends who knew that I was previously 'in love with' my cousin for many years, I actually considered Tom as my first love because the feelings I had for my cousin happened when I was too young to know about love and all and now is when I am old enough to understand and know what I am experiencing although I am learning how to deal with these emotions.

So, maybe I miss other good things that happened to me in 2007 but these few things I mentioned here were the happiest I had ever been amidst the disappointments and sad things that happened to me in 2007.

Good-bye 2007!