Panang curry

I'm thrilled today!!! I got my passport back, the jewellery I auctioned online and Elain's handmade scarf in the post today!!!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!! Will book air tix with PF tonight and firm up travel plans!! I'm really glad it took much faster than expected!! Total about 3 weeks instead of 4-12 weeks! I knew God was watching over me!

Anyway for SG Day, queues were vvv long..gave up after queuing for Hokkien Prawn Mee and Chwee Kueh. The chilli crab sauce didn't look fantastic so gave it a miss. Got v tired of queuing so just sat with my friends to enjoy the show with PCK and Barbarella...it was v funny!! And a few times they kept mentioning about getting married, having kids...propaganda? HAHAA! Anyway hv uploaded the photos on photobucket already!

Hokkien Prawn Mee!

Queue for 50cents - comment from a girl queuing behind

Harrods bear

 Went Aldi to buy some vege and groceries for this week..also bought potatoes. I bought a new bottle of peanut butter. I buay tahan not being able to bite onto peanuts when I have my peanut butter..so will prob use the Morrisons one L got to return me for baking or something. Anyway, here's a pic of my basil plant..it seems to be growing into a different species...and I realised there's a flower!!

Will be cooking Panang Curry tonight. Yday L told me it seems tt C has his own rented place for 6 mths..so L's initial worry about asking him to move out without him having a place to stay was uncalled for...so she told me he shld be moving in a few weeks.

back

Just to say I'm back in Bham. Singapore Day was fun but didn't like the queuing up for food. Will update more my tomorrow...

Ice cream again!!

Today marks the last day of Uni!!!

Did group presentation today and was v happy talking cos it's my area..on RTW..hahaha! We didn't have class lunch in the end..but our dear fairy godmother of the class (the Dr from UAE) gave each of us a card with a seal with "M" (the first letter of her first name) with a keychain of our names in arabic...and then just as I was leaving and tidied my bag, H suddenly shoved a gift into my bag saying it's a book from Singapore! Oh my..was vv surprised!! It's a Christian book written by Joseph Prince who's from New Creation..

After class, had planned to go Bearwood and thought I'll walk to the other side of the QE hosp since I missed 48 from opp my uni..then it started raining v heavily so waited at QE hosp stop and ended up taking the next bus 48. Anyway this is the other path to the QE Hosp.

I managed to get this too!! And another lemoncello one for L. It was only £1 at Heron Foods!! Damn cheap stuff they sell but they only accept cash and limited stocks..their place is so tiny!

Heading to London early tomorrow morning so prob will only get to blog on Sun night when I'm back! Just a reminder, clocks are turned forward an hr starting Sun...so I'll be 7 hrs behind SG!

Such an exciting day!!

It was an activity-filled day! Can feel my adrenaline still rushing..hahaha!

Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO 姨姨!!!! (SG time)

Today first started with worksite visit to a metal part manufacturing factory that produces metal parts for Jaguar Landrover cars here. Btw, Jaguar LandRover is pretty BIG here. It was quite an eye opener. Anyway our assignment is based on this...what Occ Health services we want to sell to the management. We couldn't really ask qns cos it was just too noisy...practically had to go near one another and speak louder!
One section was quite cool where they have robotics to do the riveting!!

After that we were given lunch break cum group discussion to prepare for our presentation about 2h later. It was quite an intense discussion and A., O. and I were lost..and at some points, the Msian classmate and UAE one too..hahaha! A. was fed up cos he was trying to put the slides together and kinda caught no ball..haha! So I had to guide him along while listening to their discussion. Thankfully, our lecturer commented our ppt (compared to the other grp who presented) was in a logical sequence! Phew! Was happy cos class ended before 4pm..and we were heading for sushi! But guess what? We waited for an hour for the taxi!!! We thought it'll be easier to go in 2 taxis (I mean private hires, not the black taxis) since there were 8 of us going..so cheaper too (it costs about £7 a trip so it's cheaper than taking the train). They had said they arrange for a minivan to come but they likely couldn't get it that's why they took so long. In the end we went in 2 taxis.

Anyway, we finally reached the place ard 5pm. It's called Shogun in The Cube which is part of The Mailbox...and we took a group pic at this HUGE lamp display outside the Mailbox (it's a mall).

And these are some of the sushis and food on the conveyor belt!! It's buffet!! According to the UAE classmate, M., it's about £12/pax. I said according to her cos she initially didn't want us to pay but A. and I insisted and so she just took £10 from us. The others will get her something nice..hahaa..then we were discussing why we will offer to split the cost..cos to M., they just take turns to pay back home. Well, similar to us as well but only if we are really good friends I suppose..or know that we'll meet again.

We only left ard 8pm..it was really great company!! Had an enjoyable evening! And it was quite funny and they were quite amazed how I knew what was going on in class (not the lectures but human relations stuff gg on..haahah!) We are now looking forward to our next gathering next Sat at N's place! Anyway, one of the Msian girls is getting married in Oct and invited us over..told her I need to check if I can get leave..and she said it's Deepavali..and I joked then there's no reason to say no? She said she's having it in KL..but later said it's Rawang but the other girl offered to pick us from KLIA cos she stays near there. Checked and it's a thur..so if I could get Fri off it will be great...but unfair to ask for long weekend..esp when I just gg back...so we shall see. Anyway I'm not particularly close to her..hehe!

Oh, earlier in the afternoon, got C's whatsapp saying he signed a mail for me and slipped under my door in case Poppy gets it. And I was wondering if it was my supporting documents (including passport!) and thought maybe not tt slim to put it under the gap of my room door. But anyway, I came home and ta-da!!! It's my Biometric Residence Permit, allowing me to stay till (only) 31/10/14! So strange they only extend for that period despite the amt I paid..cos they are supposed to give 4 months after end of programme. So my classmates all got VISA valid till Jan 2015. But to me it's ok since I will only be here till latest Sept.

it's so funny that I also got another letter from Home Office saying my case will be handed to Casework unit and they will inform me next steps on application and not to make any travel plans before I get my passport back. So I read it twice and the BRP letter too. Cos the letter that came with the BRP said that I should have heard of application status from Home Office or will hear from them soon and also about getting back my supporting documents. Then I realised that the Home Office letter was dated 13/3/14!!! I had sent my supporting documents on 11/3/14..then I understood why 2 letters didn't link! I was wondering when I sent my documents why I didn't get anything to tell me they had received it...but I got invitation to do the biometric thingy. Anyway, I look so ugly in the BRP!!! Not allowed to smile or open my mouth when my pic was taken. Now I'm thinking why did they ask for 2 passport photos in my list of supporting documents then?!?! But I'm VVV happy cos I most likely will be able to attend P's wedding!!!!!! And possibly join PF and R with PF's classmate to Spain too! But will wait for my passport to be returned first!

Reached home ard 8.40pm and L was in the living room so chatted with her a bit. Told her tmr's my last day of Uni and after that will be doing research...then talked about how diff my experience has been compared to my classmates who stay in student hostels or apartments on their own...and she said I've been lovely and it'll be sad to see me go. Awwwww..said I didn't cause any trouble and v consistent (not moody)..hahah..of course, I thanked her for this beautiful place and being so nice as a landlady.

Tmr classes start at 9.30am and I'll be presenting our grp presentation with one of the Msian girls...I almost forgot about it..hahahaa! But it should be alright. It doesn't have to be perfect and if H makes noise, will just throw it to her to do the talking since she's the one who wasn't keen to present and kept asking who's gg to present...it's always everyone else but herself. Then after class maybe can head to Aldi or somewhere to get some stuff..thinking of getting some easter chocs for the others in London when we meet on Sat. It's like sharing the Easter message (if the non-Christians ask) and give a little blessing!

I just realised some words I've typed are hyperlinked to ads!!! Not sure if it's my laptop or something to do with blogger! I hope it's not virus on my laptop!!!

White/yellow daffodils

Phew! Survived another full day lecture..great that lecturer shifted the lectures a bit so we ended ard 4pm instead of 5.15pm!! It wasn't just me but some of the class was so boring I tried hard to keep awake!! Lecturers do make a difference!!

Anyway, here are some of my fave daffodils along my way to uni..I love the white and yellow ones more than the yellow and orange ones. They're really lovely! Anyway, the grass patches were tend to have flowers planted now but they look better from afar..haha!

Looking forward to tomorrow cos we'll be having worksite visit outside..in a metal factory! It'll be cool!! And our assignment is based on OH services to be proposed to that company. Then we finally decided to go out for sushi tomorrow after class. That's a small group of us instead of the proposed class gathering since people don't like sushi. I suggested to order pizza or something in for fri lunch also as a thank you for the IOEM staff since it's our last day of uni. After that everyone will prob have their own plans to go back to their home country to do dissertation or other towns. But we'll see there's a class gathering. But anyway, looking for tomorrow's..supposedly is conveyor belt buffet..and reviews have been good..my UAE classmate also said the sushi there was good and she's super rich so I think she should be into good food!!

Seems like C didn't go to work today..didn't hear him leave the hse and when I came back, ingredients were on the table like preparing to cook.

The weather seems to be so erratic these days! It hailed a bit today..and now when I look at my toilet and attic window, ice seemed to be on it..looked out of the window and saw cars parked outside are ice capped! Checked weather for London this weekend. It'll be about 14 on Sat and 17 on Sun!!! Arghs..but then on Sat in B'ham, it'll be like 7deg (feels like 5deg). It makes it hard to decide what to wear. Had planned to wear my knitted top and bring my greenish kaki jacket and wear boots..but a bit kua zhang if I wear boots when it's like 17 deg!!! And prob I'll just bring my jacket along cos we'll be out till night on Sat (catching Billy Elliot). Btw, London tends to be warmer than here. Shall check again on Fri.

I did extremely well?

Had a short chat with my module lead/programme director before class today. Only another classmate was there too. Anyway my programme director was asking how I find the course and commented that "based on your background, you've done extremely well!". I was v happy to hear that..then he said cos the others are like experienced people in this field..and I added yes, a room of doctors right! Then I also added not for Toxicology..and he could understand also cos it's not my area of work. Oh well, just blessed to do well according to their standard. Just got the feedback for my most recent assignment which I scored 66%. As expected, my qns 1 on return to work plan scored much better than the occupational asthma one 77 and 55!!! Grrrr..how I wish there was only qns 1.

Anyway today at lunch supposed to have grp discussion..end up only spent like 5min..cos most of us kinda did a little of research and I offered to compile since I started on the ppt already. Again, H (the older lady in our class who doesn't look her age and treats us like her girls) was anxious about who's presenting so told her she won't be the one cos she presented yday. Aiyoh..so gan cheong! Anyway, I'm ok to present..I think I'm getting used to it and also familiar with the topic..so I'm confident enough to present. I encouraged the other teammate (who's a fresh grad frm Msia) to present too..told her she should overcome her stage fright by presenting more also. My thoughts are once u're working, u'll bound to give presentations...so should use studying time to gain more exposure.

Oh yes, Shoe Zone shop just opened along Harborne High St..quite funny cos they closed the one at Bearwood. Anyway they sell shoes quite cheap but not sure if lasting or not. Ohh...and my dear kaki, E, has sent a registered mail of a scarf she made! So I'll be expecting it next week!! Also expecting another mail from my friend who sent P's wedding gift for me to bring over when I go and visit her.

Shall cook cabbage, ham pasta or soba tonight..something simple. As for our gathering at the end of this week, seems like it's going to be a class affair.

Read about the MH370...RIP...

*Added: In the end I cooked some sort of spaghetti with cheese sauce

daffodils

Today is the first day of my last taught module! Classes started later today cos module lead can't make it for the lecture planned at 9.30am...and we managed to leave earlier too..so it's all good!! Anyway, went in Uni earlier today to get a letter from Academic Services meant to show as a proof that I'm a student in UoB. It's more for immigration purposes in case the officer asks more. Then the person asked if I want my address on it. I told him what it was meant for then he asked the same qns again so I asked him back if I need to. Guess what was his ans...he said I don't know!! Grr...anyway, just told him to put it la. Then when I got it, it's similar to the one I got when I started the course..except now it's MSc and not PGDip.

Anyway, on the way to the library, these daffodils greeted me! Too bad for the 2nd pic, I took the pic against the sun. Maybe find one day can go in Uni to take some photos.

Got to do group presentation on Fri but I think I'm too efficient. I offered to do ppt slides and I put in my notes. Will be discussing over lunch tmr..so bringing my laptop in. U'll be surprised how my ppt skills is deemed as AWESOME and INCREDIBLE here..hahaha!

Bought muesli on my way home in preparation for next week. I really hope we have a nice meal at Ming Moon on Fri..haha..but one of my UAE classmates just posted that she's having sushi buffet in town..and she suggested gg there after class one of these days..I think will be fri..we shall see how.

Sunday roast!

Woke up at 6.30am but managed to go back to sleep after sniffing some lavender oil..haha..so woke up ard 9am. When I went to the kitchen, saw the box of biscottis only had a few slices left! Then L told me they almost finished it last nite..said it's 10/10...haha..glad they liked it! Hehe..and heng I kept some bits for myself.after tt hard work..hehehe!

Went to the nearby church today. Had asked L if she needed anything from Aldi cos I might be going there after church and she said she thought of going there too..so she said we could go together. So after church came back and we left tog. She wanted to go to the usual Aldi then I asked why she didn't want to go to the one in Bearwood and she said she didn't know there was one there. And she never thought of going to Bearwood though it's just up the road. So I was telling her where to get stuff..haha..she said I know more places and stuff than her..hahaa!

Came back and prepared Sunday "lunch"..she got loads!!! £54+! While I got my necessities to stock up..rice, milk, juice and toothpaste. So for "lunch", we got roast beef, roast parsnips, onions and potatoes, mashed potatoes and boiled seasoned carrots, yorkshire pudding, stuffing and marmalade bread and butter pudding. Had "lunch" ard 3+pm

This doesn't look a lot but I'm sooo full after all that!!! Maybe there's too much butter in it. I've yet to eat dessert..prob later at dinner time.

Asked A. if he could msg in grp chat to confirm with N if we're meeting for bfast tmr then he suggested going out on Fri instead cos he needs to read some research tonight. And suggested Ming Moon..so it'll be O and him and me..cos Ming Moon is a chinese restaurant..A. told me about it before..lunch only £6.99 on weekdays and he said there's a wide variety of food. Just checked, lunch is till 5pm! So if we can leave straightaway and have late lunch/early dinner and finish by 5pm, we'll still get it at lunch price!

chocolate almond biscotti

Hmm..nothing much to update today cos I stayed home...but it was a R&R day since I've no uni stuff to do at this moment. Made choc almond biscotti today and saved a portion for SK, another for L and C and ends for me..then since there was another portion, I saved another to bring for my classmates! Tried this recipe instead of my usual and it's easier to handle (not as sticky!)...only think was I couldn't find a suitable knife to slice it so most are broken. My mum used to help me slice them thinly when I bake them at home..haha! Another reason why can't slice a nice shape also cos of the melted chocolate...messy!! L came home and tried and said it's lovely!

Was deciding if to cook chicken curry or chicken kiev today. In the end took our 4 pieces of chicken to defrost. Probably will be curry but won't have potatoes. Wanted to cook panang curry but then I'll have to keep the leftover coconut milk. L said she'll make roast tmr and said I can have some if I want..so I'll probably offer them some tonight and freeze the remainder (if any) for next week instead of keep for tmr.

*Added: In the end, I cooked some sort of korean stew.

Watched The Voice quarter finals and voted..2 performers I voted (out of my 4 votes) got through. There's something about this performer cos she has amazingly come this far though she tends to sing only one genre of songs. Watch her performances here: Sally singing Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, Walk On By. Here's another performer to watch: Christina Marie Vision of Love. This girl is only 17: Rachel singing New York. As for the guys, here are two of my faves still in the competition: Jermain singing A House is not a Home and Chris singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow

passed another module!

Went out today and brought my cam along to take photos of flowers along the way! First stop was Queens Park which is opp my place or rather opp the bus stop I usually wait for the bus.

2nd stop is on my way to bus 11C/48 bus stop to take to Bearwood/West Bromwich! Sakura!

Then headed to Merry Hill. The last time I went there was cos there was a direct bus from opp my place but cos now my bus pass is only for national express west midlands buses and not entitled to free trip on all buses, I have to try to stick to national express buses..so the journey took longer than the last time and I had to change at Bearwood too. Merry Hill is a huge Westfield shopping mall with almost all the shops you can find in the city. It wasn't that crowded today so it was good. Didn't get anything except stuff from ASDA..haha..anyway, Burger King was giving free fries today and I thought it'll be crowded or had some catch..but didn't seem so. But I bought a cheeseburger. Think if in SG, sure long queue lor!

It rained in the afternoon as forecasted but thankfully, it stopped when I reached the bus stop at Bearwood. Decided to buy chicken to stock up and also some snacks to bring for SK. I'm v happy when I got home cos I managed to win the bid for a necklace and bracelet I saw online!! I didn't win yesterday's but bid again since it was out for bidding again. Will probably keep one for myself and give others as gifts. It's quite fun and easy cos can set automatic bidding!

Oh ya, then in our grp chat, N told us our results for the previous module is out and he did v badly but pass. Was fearful when I checked and so happen loading was slow. But thank God, I passed. 66..this is the 20-credit module that was over CNY. Anyway the highest was 78, mean 66.6 and lowest 53. I guess it's ok. Now left results for 2 completed modules and I'm left with 1 more taught module!

A and I are discussing if to have bfast on Mon with N since it's his bday and we are starting late..but hard to find places that are halal. Another way if N is not free (cos he has a colleague coming over from Manchester), then prob just buy him a cake or something. Think our informal class social comm rep doesn't know.

Tonight had my leftover soup with pan toasted bread. Tmr prob gg to bake biscotti..then watch shows..forecast supposed to be heavy rain.

onion soup

I just submitted my Legal Aspects assignment! Actually I finished this afternoon but thought I'll wait to submit tomorrow. Then I'm thinking, what the heck, should just submit it since I've finished. 1582 words..word limit is 1500 but there's only a deduction of 5% of marks only if it exceeds 10% of the word limit (ie. 1650) so I'm okay! haha

Anyway, this morning cos L was off, I asked if it was ok if I discussed about where to go when my parents come. Then end up she recommended many places..and I had to replan..not sure if it'll be too hectic though...shall show to my parents and see what they think. I think v likely I'll travel to London to meet them then we can start our road trip straightaway. Strangely, train tickets are ex during that time!! So I might take coach instead though it takes about 1/2h to 1h longer..but my own time. Washed my sheets today after waiting for L's load of washing to be done..she was on a washing marathon..hahaha!

Look what "present" I got when she came back. She went to Primark and Zara..and she got this laundry bin for herself and me from Primark! Haha..brilliant!! So mum don't have to find already. Cos I had told my mum to look out for those netting bin but in all white cos don't seem to see it here. Anyway the problem with this bin is that the top is covered..so it's more difficult to put and take clothes in and out. Then she told me that the footlets I got her didn't fit her..so she got herself a pair and passed the ones I bought to me. She thought I had tried them on..actually I didn't..I just bought according to her shoe size. But good that it can fit me. Actually, if I had known, I wouldn't have bought lor! But then my blue pair that I bought in Adelaide..one side is torn at the base..so good to replace them also. The design not v me la..but heck! They are more spongy than the other one I got from Primark.

Cooked onion soup with chicken tonight. Added cabbage, carrots, corn too. Wah..the cabbage I got really v worth lor..eat v long and only 55p..haaha! Oh ya, think L went Aldi and told me things are cheap there..I told her ya but it depends on stock availability and certain things they only sell their own brand so not a good variety. Anyway the soup..I had defrosted my chicken then L said she's cooking chilli (con care) tonight and said I could have some..but told her I defrosted my chicken already la..so cooked for myself. End up have leftover tmr and froze another portion up!

Spent the afternoon replanning the road trip and more or less done. Shall send it to my parents to have a look then can start booking accommodation. At least London accommodation has been settled!

Next week mostly long days except fri but Mon cos our programme director (who's the module lead for this coming module) cannot make it on Mon, his lecture will be shifted. So Mon only starting at 11.30am but longer days.

biometric done! A step closer!

Got a letter to do biometric this morning so decided to head out to get it done! That's one step closer to getting my Visa extension done! Now is to wait for decision (which they say takes 8weeks) and my documents to be sent back. Since the nearest post office that does it was the one in town, I went to Primark there to get L her footlets. I must say, their stuff changed drastically according to the season!! It was difficult finding the footlets unlike when it was in winter! Managed to get a pair with leopard prints...cos they are the only ones with elastic so will fit the foot nicely! Now they are selling flip flops, sandals, sportswear etc. I managed to find the souvenir that I wanted to send to my friend too so bought it. Popped into the only Christian bookshop here in B'ham and was tempted to buy some for my niece...but I shall wait till my parents are here then they can also choose and bring it home for her.

Oh, I was thrilled when I saw how the ICC/Library area has changed with spring blooms! My bus stops there and I've to walk into town.

Peach blossoms

Came home and made baked kale chips. Can't quite tell from photo. But I quite like the taste...it has natural sweetness! Might buy it again when I next see it and it's on offer. I haven't been buying vege from tesco for v long cos they're usually more ex.

Ate my leftover beef stew again for dinner but cooked pasta to go with it. Froze half of the portion for next week. Next week's timetable is out..most days end at 5pm again..so good to stock up on ready meals..haha!

Anyway, after dinner L took a knitwear off the heater and asked if I'll like this...I told her it looks so small! And checked the size but didn't see it..Then she told me she put it into the washing machine yesterday and it shrunk..it can't get back to her size. So I just take lor...and tried on, it fits..just a bit tight at the sleeve cos of the cutting. Showed her after I tried it on and she said she knew it'll fit me cos I'm tiny. Of course, I thanked her for it! Haha..though not my ideal colour, I gained a top and I'm glad cos I have more long sleeved tops than short sleeves so will be great in summer. Btw, it's from The White Company...never heard of it but I googled. A simple T-shirt costs £35 and cami £28?!?!?! Oh my!

assignment...

Hmm..my day has been skyping with my niece then assignments then dinner and R&R. I must say my niece is soooo cute..and have character already lor...complain while crying in her gibberish language. Awwwww...maybe when I go back she can speak English properly already! Hehee..

Assignment-wise I was trying to find suitable cases to back my stand...dislike legal terms they use! Grrr..so cheem! Anyway, i need to relook at it again tomorrow to see if it makes any sense! Glad the lecture notes and our presentations were uploaded so can refer to them.

Heard that it finally has been raining in SG! Good for the plants and people cos then not so hot and hazy. It rained today too..and forecast for tmr to fri too. Thu is heavy rain shower though so maybe I'll head out on Fri instead.

beef casserole...kale..tidbits!

Wifi was cut off today cos C didn't pay the bill! This morning was first woken up by C who went to work..then later by L who was talking v loudly to C over hp...arguing la. Grrr...anyway, I thought and had planned to go in Uni today since there wasn't any internet at home. Then after tt L called to say she has paid the bill so internet will resume within an hr. Since there wasn't any internet and I had planned to go out to buy some tidbits from Tesco, I decided to head out earlier. Was surprised when I saw flowers blooming at the roadside..cos I seldom go that direction (only when I go Tesco!).

Daffodils...taken from the bus so not clear

Spring flowers at a roundabout

Managed to get some mixed nuts, haribo gummies and potato chips..then saw this curly kale on offer so bought to try. Also bought bay leaves for my casserole (though I'm not sure what role it plays or taste it gives).

Checked recipes for kale..can be cooked like spinach..and can bake into kale chips! So might try tomorrow. Cooked sweet potato and ginger dessert as lunch today..and leftover for tmr.

And yes, cooked beef casserole (somewhat) for dinner tonight. The frozen beef cubes for casserole are really convenient..and cheaper than fresh ones..haha..not bad! But I think the cooking needs to be longer. Anyway, end up with about 4 leftover portions cos L and C left to buy some meat after L came home.

Anyway Wifi resumed when I came home form Tesco..which is great! But I really don't have the inspiration for my assignment!! I think I'm not making much sense. But I pray that I have the inspiration and wisdom to finish it by Wed/Thur!!!! This time, the marking scheme stated that assignment is to be essay form..no subheadings..so I have to try and link everything together. Grr...legal issues...ARGHS! I thought it was tough then thought doable..now I'm not sure what module lead wants also..haha! I don't even know what or how to ask her via email. Shall pray hard I get the motivation again tomorrow.