RA

I've been neglecting this blog for quite sometime now. Too busy with life i.e. Zade, research work, travelling home etc. Anyway, today I just got an official offer to be a part time resident assistant from Taryn, the manager of University Mews. She offered me the position for a couple of months till I go away for the summer holiday. I've accepted the offer, as if I don't have enough on my plate right now. It would be intersting to see how that will go.

Werribee Zoo

Despite the gloomy skies, Aileen and I decided to take the kids to Werribee Open Zoo. It took us about half an hour to get there and by the time we arrived it was already 10.30 am. I bought an adult ticket which costs AUD 23.60 but I didn't have to buy one for Zade as admission is free for kids under 4. The ticket price was not too bad as it includes the safari tour which lasted for almost an hour. The zoo has a huge ground but not too many animals. Too bad we couldn't get to see them up close. However, Zade and Keanne had a wonderful time, and the adults did too.


Zade and Keanne having fun


Zade waiting for the bus


The safari bus


With the walking zebra


The real deal


Giraffes


Camel


Lazy hippo


Cheeky meerkat


Sleeping lions


Zade on the trail


In Africa, most human deaths by animals are caused by hippos!

The Pressure's On

This week my supervisor has suddenly shown interest on my research work. He decided that my design needs to be changed as he doesn't think that the model that is currently being fabricated will give good results. He wants me to use ABS i.e. a type of plastic for the wing skin which I have been proposing in my last two papers that he had failed to read obviously. Now I need to change my whole design as the new model which does not require ribs will be manufactured using a rapid prototyping machine which comes with its own set of limitations. On top of that, I just found out today that he wants the wind tunnel test to be carried out in August which is 2 months away. This is due to the fact that the reasearch grant that is funding my project will expire in November and a report of the experimental results will be due at that time.

I'm not complaining about all the extra work that I need to do, I just wish that I was given some warning. I have two months to finalize my design, draw it up using CATIA, manufacture the model, install the SMA wire - which have yet to be purchased by RMIT, make sure that the model works and set it up for the testing. However there is silver lining. Another postgraduate student will be paid to help me with the assembly and testing. Phew! Atleast I had a good lunch today. Nasi lemak that I made for the first time. It turned out better than expected. Yummy.

Caterpillar on Zade's Face

This afternoon when I went to pick up Zade at Numdaji Kwei, I burst out laughing upon seeing him. Rose had painted a colorful caterpillar on his face. However Zade was not very amused. He refused to look at his face in the mirror. He was actually afraid. No worries. As soon as I wash it off, he was happy to look at his own face again.

First Day of Winter

The weather today is a perfect reflection of my feelings. The dreaded winter is officially here. The days are cold and gloomy. Outside my apartment stands a tree with buds ready to bloom when the days are warm again

Life Continues in Melbourne

Zade and I have said goodbye to Danial numerous times, but last night was the first time Zade actually cried and called out for his Papa when he had to leave. It just broke my heart to see him that way and knowing that he's hurting but there's nothing that I could do about it. Sometimes I wonder if my decision to study far away from home is worth all the heartache.


Danial and Zade at the aiport


All together before departure

The journey back was quite uneventful which was fine by me. We were served nasi lemak which I thought was quite awful and roasted chicken which was surprisingly tasty. I would definitely suggest getting the international meal whenever flying Air Asia X. Zade and I both fell asleep after having our meal, with Zade only waking up about half an hour before landing. I was so relieved to finally get back to the apartment after the long journey, and I'm sure Zade was to as he took a five hours nap. Later that night Aileen and Keanne came over to say hi. Zade was jumping up and down when he heard their voices outside in the corridor. He was excited to see Keanne again and I was glad to see familiar faces.


Zade in the plane before take off


Zade slept all the way

This morning I dragged my feet out of bed and tried to get ready. I was sleepy and my body was aching. Zade also woke up quite late. Eventhough we're both still tired, I thought it would be best to get back to our routine here. I dropped Zade off at the Numdaji Kwei around 11 am, and to my surprise he didn't cry when I left. He must have missed all his friends and carers. Before I left Rose handed me an envelope with a big flower on it which was a Mother's Day gift for me. I felt really happy and a bit teary eyed when I looked inside the envelope. There was a bookmark with a poem entitled "What is a Mother?" and a little picture of Zade on it. It really made my day.


Mother's Day gift from Zade

I stopped by the market to get some groceries before making my way to the office. It was good to see all my friends and getting updates on the latest happennings. As I get back to running simulations and continue writing my paper which is due next week, I feel at ease. I love this part of life here. I get to do what I love without being distracted by paperwork, KPIs and office politics. And the friends that I have here are so mature, intelligent and always looking out for me eventhough they are much younger than I am. And I love having more time to take care of Zade and watching him grow. Being here with him far away from home has strengthen our bond. Maybe my life here isn't so bad after all.