Hello there peeps,
How is life? Well, I’m for your information still missing you guys, sorry I can’t chat so much on msn or update that regularly…I’ve been busy with assignments and classes and “extra curricular” activities. Haha.
I’m enjoying my time here in U of O. Its really been an exciting, new found experience for me personally. Everytime I speak English to an ‘ang mor’ they look dumbfounded and shocked that my English is so fluent. -_- Come on! We don’t live in trees and speak on our native tounge. So, after that a lil awkward stage of realizing I speak English just like any other American, things are fine! Actually, years of watching American TV pays off. I learnt all I could learn from the accent from movies and tv shows like Gossip Girl,
Food in America include Fast Food = Pizza lunches
In almost every sentence they will somehow insert that word in…without any purpose or meaning to it. It is just like how Malaysians say, “Lah!”…for example, “I just went to like this event and I like saw a friend that like didn’t remember me, like really?!”
Haha…I can hear myself saying that more and more often now. It’s contagious.
As for my classes, Its pretty tough…Firstly, I was difficult for me to enter subjects I wanted because I signed up late, exactly a day before classes begun! (not my fault – bad orientation planning) Now, I have taken 4 subjects…Anthropology (with an eccentric lecturer who almost died a few months back due to an aneurism!), English Poetry (haha, this subject is so intimidating but I do enjoy poetry!), Psychology (mind and society with 500 students!) and Dance (African Dance classes) ;) - and I'm the only Asian girl in all my classes!! *talk about feeling like the minority, and getting stares constantly...But I'll try an make the Malaysian name proud*
The weather here is freezing cold and wet! I have to wear three layers of clothing each morning when I walk to my classes, and I tend to drink lots of Hot Chai Tea! (which I adore). But, I’m slowly getting used to the “gloomy” weather here…the building remind me of Hogwarts btw, so ancient and eerie but filled with knowledge. The grounds are amazingly beautiful, so sometimes I walk around campus to just enjoy the surroundings.
I already have assignments and exams coming up soon!! That’s the American system…always keeping you on your toes. I gotta start studying, been lazy and procrastinating these few days. Oh, I just went to a Drag Show yesterday night with mocktails etc…It was hilarious!!
The Divas for the night
Miss Fabulousia
Dancing on stage (note: Americans are very open and liberal!) XD
My first Drag Queen show in my new university…weekends here are relatively “wild”. With frats and sororities just a block away from my hall! You can here the party going on the other side. XD
Watched Mulan with my dorm mates and went to the biggest mall in
Till next time,
Love Adeline.
4 comments:
Hey Adeline - been catching up on your blog, great that you've finally moved on to blogspot (xanga sucks).
Can't remember if I wished you or not, but Happy Birthday Girl!! I've always thought 20 was more of a milestone than 21 ;)
Your recent posts remind me a lot of how I was when I first moved to NZ - we are more alike than you think!!
I just wanted to impart some "pearls of wisdom" (as they say), it don't happen that often so listen up!! Hehe.
Moving to NZ was also the hardest thing I've had to do yet. But I want to tell you that all this homesickness of missing family, friends, the awesome Malaysian food, fave hang out spots, etc etc - it will get easier. You will never stop missing your loved ones fully, nor will you never have cravings for char kuey teow or forget about 1 Utama, mamaks, etc...they will always be a significant part of the chapters in your life.
Humans are surprisingly very adaptable creatures, and you will discover this soon/in time (everyone settles in differently - it took me ages). Yes you have left a lot of good things behind (and I'm sure you know that you have led a VERY blessed and fulfilled life) but now you get to build some brand new memories in a fresh new place.
There are still so many more people you have yet to meet, new places you have yet to go and most importantly new experiences you have yet to live through.
And if you play your cards right (ie not mope around but try to see the silver lining in the clouds), your time in USA will be the best in your life and this massive move and change in your previously very contented and comfortable life will challenge you and mould you to be an even better person than you already are. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right?
I hated being here in NZ for the longest time. My first year I had a terrible bout of depression, almost gave up and wanted to return to KL. But I'm glad for the support of my family and although it was a dark time in my life, I pulled through.
Here's where I get a little mushy so brace yourself hehe. Initially I always questioned God and wondered what was His reason that we ended up moving to NZ. I just didn't understand why because I loved my life back in M'sia, I was contented. And then I met Eddie and it all makes sense now. I truly believe I am here because I was meant to meet him.
I also realized that while I was contented in M'sia my life back then was also awfully complacent. Moving and living in NZ I realized how strong I am, and how tough I can be. I am not the same person I was in KL and I thank God for that. I am the person I am today because of my big move to NZ. It was something I needed, it just took me awhile to realize it.
Yes I still miss all my friends in KL, I crave mamak and hawker food often (I will always be a true M'sian hehe), I still miss and reminisce fondly on my "happening" life back home. But home ain't going nowhere, and it will always be home.
Sadly though life does indeed move on, and so will you. I know it's totally hard to imagine right now but trust me, it will happen. And it won't be that bad, c'est la vie you know?! Your true friends in M'sia will be there til the end, but many others will fade away. They may write regularly in the beginning but then the letters/emails become less and far in between.
Don't be sad about it though!! Coz you will build a new life with a new circle friends and new hang out spots and you will feel good about it. It's sorta a strange feeling, having two homes as it were - you'll see what I mean eventually.
Remember though, this doesn't mean that you've forgotten all about M'sia. As I said you will still miss and crave, no doubt about that. You just learn to appreciate the many aspects of M'sia that make it home all the more - and always saving to fly back every so often ;)
Gosh hope all that rambling didn't bore you!! Oh and BTW, the thing about the locals being baffled when they realize you speak fluent English - totally a Western ang moh preconceived notion. VERY irritating. I get it all the time here, particularly coz I look very "Chinese" so people always assume I'm from China. GRRR!!!
While we're on the subject, another thing you will become which surprised me and I wasn't expecting. We both know that M'sia can be quite a screwed up and corrupt country with a myriad of issues (mainly political and racial) but I tell ya, you will never be so proud to be a M'sian until you are overseas!! Like seriously.
Anyway Eddie is here so I gotta run, but I hope my thesis here (LOL) has not bored you but will help you in some small way during this time. My being in NZ has impacted me greatly and since you are in a similar situation I just felt the need to share and advise.
I know it's incredibly hard right now, this adjusting settling in stage, but as I said, you WILL get through it. Humans adapt, remember. And in the future, I guarantee you will look back on your time in USA and not regret it.
Okay gotta run, but write me okay?! I'm always just an email away if you need a listening ear: faithashleigh.wong@gmail.com
Take care sister,
Faith
hey adie
i'm in the US now. i start classes on wednesday. my roomate is okay.. not very talkative though.
i'm trying hard to adjust. ppl here r really friendly but i haven't found any potentially good friends :(
how's things w getting along w ppl there?
hey jo,
I'm so glad that you are alright and having a fine time over there!! I miss you so much girl. Yup, classes have been on for a week for me...and I'm like the only asian girl in all my classes. haha. its very funny to be the minority...neways, my room mate is nice but a lil different from who I would normally mix with back home. as you said, quiet...hehe. Well, hope u will find a great bond with some girls over there. Must be difficult, but it will take time...I have met very friendly people here in Eugene. no besties or close frens yet.
But...I'm getting there. hopefully soon.
I get along fine with ppl here, but its a lil bit of a culture shock. liberal views etc...very open minded. it takes a lil getting used 2. XD but, i'm doing good. thanks for asking.
Hope you will find a good friend to rely on. will keep in touch okie?? Praying for you...
Hugs.
Love ya.
Hey faith,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful thesis for me. hehe. Appreciate all your words n pearls of wisdom. I'll definitely take some into use right now! :)
I feel like I have a big sister to talk to now. hehe.
Glad that you feel the same way, I am truly encouraged by what you wrote. Yes, it does take time...lots of it. But, God has a purpose for everything and i believe i will find mine soon.
Thanks for keeping in touch and writing as much as you can to me. Means a bunch to hear from ya...
I'll definitely keep in touch girl.
Hugs.
God bless.
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