what's next?

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-01T23:30:00.002+08:00

Yes, 3 exclamation marks are needed to express the excitement of welcoming the new year.

The change of year is always refreshing because it gives the impression of starting over with a clean slate. A brand new you. Yes it's so damn cliched, but that's how I feel haha! :P

A bit of reflection is in order.
2011 has been really good to me, health wise, studies wise, travel wise, etc. I actually checked my 2011 resolutions (which I totally forgot) a couple of days ago and was pleasantly surprised that I managed to fulfill all of them!!

Hahaha the key is to NOT set goals that are too specific. Being a little vague when setting them makes it so much more achievable! And in turn that makes me a happier person LOL :)

So far I'm still not completely used to the idea of having to work in December.. which traditionally has always been a month of holidaying and celebration for me. But I'm definitely getting the hang of working in the industry.
It takes time to understand the office hierarchy and politics and relationships between employees in the same department, and between departments... and see how it all comes together in a function. Interesting, but people relations has never and will never be my cup of tea.
I've learned that sometimes drama is inevitable. I just try my best to stay far far away from it >.<

6 weeks in, another 8 weeks to go before I can call it a wrap.

I want 2012 to be even better than last year, and it can only be achieved with a positive state of mind... I will not let any negativity bring me down.

HAPPY NEW YEAR guys!! :)

Oohhh and lately I've been exposed to the music of Malaysian born artist Yuna. She is awesome.. Listen to her to kick start your 2012 ;)

Internship & Kylie

2011-11-28T14:38:00.003+08:00

Hey everyone!!!

Wow it has been more than 3 months since I updated! Lost the blogging mojo I guess.

Hmmmm since my birthday in August I've just been finishing my semester of never ending assignments, then came the exams which ended on 17 Nov. Routine lah.

Barely a week later my internship started! To be honest I wasn't too enthusiastic because I didn't had any time to rest and unwind after the exams. And the internship period spans 14 weeks going all the way till my final sem at Monash starts. In other words I'm working the entire summer break. Bummer rite :/

Holiday deprivation aside, the work is actually a good learning experience. Just 1 week in, and I've already picked up a lot of practical knowledge, including understanding the manufacturing process hands on, and how things flow from raw materials to finished goods to distribution. It involves a lot of people and work.

Still not entirely used to the working life. The long hours and socializing bit isn't really my forte. But a plus point is that once you get home from work, you can chill the rest of the night and also during weekends becoz there's no homework hahaha :)

Another thing which made me want to blog is that this week Kylie has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, which is a really really big deal for any musician in Australia. I'm as proud of Kylie as she is proud to be Australian!

If you have time, listen to her acceptance speech after being presented the award by Aussie PM Julia Gillard.

21

2011-08-11T22:57:00.002+08:00

Wow updates have really been infrequent.

Final year of studies has commenced, currently in week 3.
Work piling up BIG TIME, I'm trying to get myself up and running but the productivity is still low at the moment. Things will change as the due dates draw closer. Fighting!!!

The biggest thing that has happened is me turning 21! :)
Birthdays come every year, but you only turn 21 once. It's supposed to be the year of recognition of adulthood and maturity and stuff. Stuff, haha!

For the first time in my life, I actually feel old... as in I feel like there's some clock ticking away rapidly, and that I need to start making things happen before my life slips away.

It's quite terrifying knowing that my youth is fading, starting from now. No more taking things for granted, esp health. Propelled into adulthood. It's the beginning of some life changing decisions.

In retrospect the first 20 years of my life has been great. So much to be thankful for and many fond memories from primary and high school. Recently reconnected with some Standard 5&6 classmates thanks to Facebook. Again, seeing how everyone has grew and evolved after having no contact for 9 years, makes me feel aged (not in a good way haha).

But growing up and getting older is inevitable. One year, or 365 days doesn't feel long at all... but when you multiply that by twenty..... you can really see how much you have changed!

Which makes me wonder.... how will my life be like when I'm 40? That is if the world doesn't end by then due to climate changes and natural disasters......

Something to ponder about...
cheers!

Going North & South

2011-07-18T22:11:00.001+08:00

Hello (if anyone still reads this)! Time sure flies. Lots has happened since my previous update.

Exam results came out a week ago, and I'm happy, thankful and satisfied. Now I just need to gear up for Year 3 which starts next week *gulp* Amazing that I will graduate in just 1 more year! :)

Currently in the 4th and final week of my mid year break, trying to savor every moment of it.

Went to Singapore in the 1st week for a short vacation, but the main objective was to see Kylie's Aphrodite Live 2011 tour!! It was even better than the last time I saw her. She doesn't seem to age. Also checked out the stunning architecture of Marina Bay Sands. Overall saw lots of beautiful things at Singapore!

And I just came home from Bangkok yesterday! :)
A 4D3N trip with my sis and bro-in-law. Bangkok is almost like the opposite of Singapore which I'm more familiar with. Language is quite a problem there with some head scratching moments. Where Singapore is orderly, Bangkok is hectic and messy, but not in a awful way. Bangkok has its perks, namely the food is yummy, and I like how the ppl I have encountered there were mostly friendly and it's endearing when they put their hands together and say Sawadeeka!

Highlights of the trip include visiting the Grand Palace, riding on a Tuk-Tuk, roaming through the endless streets of the massive Chatuchak market. The 'Siam Niramit' show is also a must see when at Bangkok. You will be impressed.

I didn't just go North and South of Malaysia, also had a nice mini road trip to Tanjong Sepat and Sepang Gold Coast with high school mates. It's increasingly harder to plan trips together as our schedules diverge more over the years, so this was some quality time I really relished.

Pics of all trips on fb.

Now that I have done sufficient holidaying, it's time to spend the remainder of my break more quietly before school starts. Not gonna lie, I wish this break would last forever! It will be my only period to chill this year because of the internship during November.

So yeah, gonna enjoy my days while it lasts!! cheers :)

Nearing the end, but...

2011-06-20T22:22:00.002+08:00

... but I'm just so sick of everything. It's becoming an even more uphill struggle as the last 2 papers approach. The holidays are just too near, I can smell the freedom but can't quite reach out to it, no matter how long and hard I try to stretch my hands. I close my eyes and picture the things I would do once the break is here, only to open them and see the present. Reality is the biggest slap in the face one can receive.

So near yet so far.

It's been more than 3 weeks.
I used to appreciate it when the papers were spread out, so I can put in more time for last minute revision. But this time it just feels like mental torture. Like my body is dragged around on the ground, driven by a chariot of raging horses with my hands bound by rope.

Alright, I think I've reached Crazy Town.

Sidetracked.

Reality check.

Notes. 2 more days. Then it's over.

Come on now.

Bluebird.

maxE

2011-06-06T21:54:00.002+08:00

Read the title backwards XD

Hahaha that is kind of lame I know, just trying to relax a little before my first paper tomorrow. The hardest paper comes first: Biochemistry. My least favourite subject of this semester. Didn't perform as well for Biochem internal than the other units, so I have to work double hard to score well, but that also means double pressure.

Oh before that, sorry for the lack of updates, as prior to my study break it was just busy busy busy with assignments and lab reports! You all know how hectic the student life is. I think I said this before, that I actually enjoy the exam period more than the regular teaching period... because I get more stressed out about meeting deadlines for assignments and reports than doing revision.

In fact, I have been unusually relaxed over the past week. Maybe it's becoz I'm only doing 3 units this semester, so I feel like there's more than enough time to study for all my papers haha! I have been watching a lot of the French Open on TV, Nadal wins AGAIN hahahaha!!!

But this laid back attitude is also dangerous, becoz I'm not used to it and I think part of me is relaxing a little too much and I can feel the intensity to fight getting dampened a little. The revision hasn't been too successful in the sense that a lot of the facts weren't sticking in my head, so today I did a final push all round revision, it seemed to work becoz I can feel the fire burning inside, the desire to nail that paper haha. Probably arised from last minute panic after I saw how insanely tough the past year papers were.

OK I'm done talking about my boring student life. Thanks for dropping by :)

Let's hope things get off to an awesome start tomorrow!!! *fingers crossed*
I wanna kick exam butt!!!!!!!!

Change Change Change

2011-04-28T00:08:00.000+08:00

Yeah, if you have been visiting regularly you would notice that my blog header changes more frequently than erm.... Baskin Robins has 31% discount on their ice cream? Hahaha :P

But this is life. Change happens all the time. You could sulk over what's gone and get left behind. But I would like to think that I can stay ahead and embrace what's new. So much for loyalty haha. Well it depends on the thing or type of situation. In the case of a blog header, if you get bored with what you see, then it's bye bye and good riddance! It's always exciting to see what's new and WHAT'S NEXT! Didn't I give my blog a good name hehe ;)

OK this post is a little random. I guess when you're on a week long break with too much time on your hands, you get a little fidgety and start doing random nonsense. At risk of sounding like a babbling nut job, I think it's time for me to sign off.

Good night everyone! :)

Mid Sem Break Woohoo

2011-04-23T11:50:00.000+08:00

Finally the much anticipated mid sem break is here! Muahahahahahahahaha

Just the thought of sleeping long hours everyday for the next 9 days puts a smile to my face. My initial plan was to curl into a ball, hide under the sheets and hibernate for the entire week in cold, dark conditions. Just kidding... as much as I want that to happen, I know I'm no furry animal bracing harsh weather. Plus, I forgot to gather a pile of fruits and nuts prior. Heck, maybe I will go into hibernation if it starts snowing tomorrow. You know what are the odds. ;)

OK I'm done trying to be funny. Sue me, it's the holidays, my humour bone is ticking.

Realistically this short break ain't all fun and laughter. Due dates are always lurking, and this week would be the ideal time to catch up or should I say, pull ahead of schedule. Hard work never goes to waste, so I should be doing something productive with the time on my hands. I just went from light and fun to serious and boring in as many sentences. Such is life.

Maybe I'll go somewhere this week... like a day trip or something. And definitely will spend more time exercising! Am itching to play tennis... problem is, there's no 'kaki' to play with. :(

Do you like my new blog header? It's back to basics really, I'm over with the outrageous in-your-face colours and bold styling. That was like an experimental phase to go more organic. But not really feeling it now. Let's go dark again haha.

:)

I survived

2011-04-17T22:36:00.000+08:00

This past week has been really tiring... the amount of sleep I got was minimal (broke my personal record), combined with the stress equals pimples and dark eye circles. But I wasn't alone. All my course mates were having long nights too, so I tried my best to suck it up and focus on the work and not waste time because TIME was indeed the limiting factor.

I have never been more glad to be on the other side of adversity. It feels like I have been released from physical and mental torture... Picture an abused bird finally flying out from a cage and zooming around the sky freely like crazy. The most important thing was to clock in on some sleep. Felt awesome not being rudely awoken in the morning by the familiar sound of the alarm. It's like you're suddenly jolted and your eyes pop open and you rush to put an end to that loud, in-your-face noise. Never realized how getting sufficient sleep really puts one in a much better mood.

Spent much of the weekend dining out with family. It's therapy for me. Good food with good company. :)

And for those of you who don't already know, my internship application has been approved!!! Was really surprised how quickly the company responded. The HR department was efficient and friendly. That strengthened my liking and faith towards the company. I think I'm really going to learn a lot working for 3 months in the food industry. And since it's quite a big and established company, I would expect a professional work setting and up to standard laboratories.

I have been assigned to the Quality Assurance department, which is one of the major career paths for a Food Science graduate. The other options include R&D, product development, technical sales, government regulatory, etc.

But the industrial training doesn't start until I finish my exam in November... so it's a long time to go. I'm definitely looking forward to it, but the long work hours are slightly intimidating... Hope I don't get burned out by the hours!!

Writing way too much already, I have a feeling you're about to close this window. So BYE for now, and BE HAPPY!! If you're going through a tough time now with assignments, work or just life, stay strong alright, because every time you pull through a rough patch, you become that much stronger and wiser. Very true.
:)

Working it out

2011-04-10T15:22:00.002+08:00

The best way to eliminate fear and stress related to studies is just to force yourself to sit in front of your desk and WORK. There's no shortcut. I know I have the habit of worrying and whining prior to the actual working, but once I got started I realized it's not all dark clouds after all.

Been working extra hours yesterday and today.. now I feel so much better (though at the expense of my weekend)!!

Finally caught up to where I'm supposed to be. Already went through two thirds of what I need to study for my Microbiology mid sem test. Finished one assignment. Now I just need to start working on a much dreaded lab report that's gonna be due on Thursday. If I start now, I just need to work on it part by part each day, so I won't have to torture myself on Wednesday night like the previous weeks.

The key is to be consistent. Cannot afford to slack off anymore. Need to keep the momentum going!!

Gosh, I feel like such a nerd for writing an entire post about assignments and time management. You guys probably don't wanna read about this anyway rite :P

Going to have some FUN later, but right now it's report time!
Just want tomorrow to be better than today :)

AHHHHH

2011-04-06T21:05:00.003+08:00

Screaming. That's what I feel like doing now.

This week and the next is going to be the busiest and toughest fortnight of this semester. It's that week where you have a major assignment and a double lab report due, and top that off with a mid semester test. It's scary when you don't completely understand some of the content being taught.

Honestly I'm completely overwhelmed.
There's just too much going on, to the point that I don't know what I should do first. It's like fire coming at me in all directions. Which do I put out first???

Yes, isn't life dramatic? Or at least I am.

Pardon me.
Life is stressful now.

Then again it's Monash. This happens every semester. It's THAT week.

I hope I don't end up submitting a half ass job. Becoz that isn't what I want to represent.
I have standards. Anything that has my name on it needs to pull through.

Bahhhhhh....
I should stop blogging and get on with work.

Balance

2011-04-02T16:14:00.002+08:00

I think I've finally found some balance in life.

Went to consult another Gastroenterologist in February who was recommended by another physician. I think this time the diagnosis + treatment plan was finally right. Well at least it feels much better now after one month of medication.

Turned out to be 3 words: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irregular bowel contractions result in food not being properly moved as it should be, trapping air in the bowel resulting in bloating. Subsequently the bloating makes me feel full all the time, resulting in poor appetite and weight loss. Bloating also forces the stomach acid up the esophagus, causing acid reflux and the discomfort that I'm so terrified of.

The downside is that there is NO CURE for IBS. Just prescriptions for symptomatic relief. Well, it's better than nothing. If it means feeling better and being able to eat, then I don't mind taking meds long term. Some people get better on their own after taking the course of medication, but for most the chance of relapse is high. It's been a week since I finished my meds, and so far I'm still feeling OK, so fingers crossed that it stays that way!!

Apparently some ppl are just born with this condition. For others, it is triggered by lifestyle, namely stress. That explains a lot. But anyway, physically I feel good now, even gained a little bit of weight which is a seriously welcoming sign! I was afraid that eventually I would be nothing but skin and bones.

Being physically fuller means being able to play sports better! I feel fitter than usual. Can go for jogging and do sit ups without feeling tired as quickly as before. More energy. Stamina is getting better, just need to maintain it now by exercising regularly.

And that gives me the opportunity to really rebuild my tennis game. I know what needs to be done tactically, with the technical and mental skills to back it up, and now I will be able to execute my game physically which was always the aspect that was hindering my progress.

Feeling healthier also means being able to deal with assignments and late nights better! Or maybe it's the fact that I'm in week 5 now, so the body naturally adjusted to the student lifestyle again.

Whatever it is, I'm glad the good times are here.
Pray that they stay.

Happy B'day Sis

2011-03-26T23:05:00.002+08:00

Well hasn't it been a while since I updated this blog.
Just like previous semesters, things really get hectic from Week 3 onwards. Now Week 4 has ended, and the feeling of being overwhelmed has set in as expected.

Sometimes I wonder why we need to do all these lab reports and assignments because I don't really see the point in how torturing myself will actually help me in my career in Food Science in the future. The amount of research that I have to bust my ass to do now, most of it just doesn't seem really relevant in the long run.

And it's my sister's birthday today... well at least it's already the 27th over in Australia where she is now. I think this is her first birthday away at home. When she left for Brisbane last month it really didn't seem that much of a change. All of us took it quite well, even my sis didn't appear to be home sick or teary. That's just the way my family is, we don't weep over something that is supposed to be positive haha.

But I think the reality has finally set in now. The home just feels so quiet during regular weeks where my other sisters are also away from home. On days that are rough, I come home from class feeling defeated only to feel more alone. Not that I don't talk to my parents, but you know it's just different from having a sibling to confide to.

I miss the times where we would go for supper.. such as McD or Kayu whenever we felt like it. Probably the only person who would go satisfy my random cravings with me at all the oddest times. Miss the times we watched horror movies together since no one else in the family likes this genre, miss the times where we watched dvds in the TV room with potato chips and alcohol. And the times we went for tennis together, which hardly happens now becoz it's just not fun playing with Mr. Ong on my own. Since mum and dad usually have different activities going on, so most days it's just me. Just feels so dull now, you were always the exciting one that was brave and creative enough to try new activities and stuff. Come to think of it, if it were not for you I probably wouldn't have discovered my passion for tennis.

Just wanted you to know how much of an influence you were and still are to me.
Though I have never said this out loud, but yeah I definitely miss you!!

Hope all is well in Brisbane and have a great 25th birthday!!! :)

Coping

2011-03-10T20:49:00.002+08:00

Firstly I feel terribly sorry that I didn't fulfill my promise of writing about my trip last month to Brisbane. Not that I expect anyone to eagerly want to read it, but it's just something I already set out to do but failed to accomplish... so it's more like a personal letdown. Since returning from Aussie I was just consistently occupied with one thing or another, and before you know it the new semester had started.

Just reached the end of week 2.. and I already feel defeated. Having difficulty adjusting to the insane timetable, having classes as early as 8am and only finishing at either 5 or 6pm where the traffic along the Sunway road and LDP is torturous. Even though I'm only doing 3 units this sem (thanks to my summer effort :P), the overall time I spend in Uni is actually longer than previous sems. Really sapping. My energy levels are at a all time low, body feels like it's been ran over by a bus (several times) even though I haven't done anything really physical.

Despite the fatigue and grumbling, I find the units this sem to be quite interesting. BioprocessTechnology is like an introduction to the processing done at the industrial level, while Microbiology is fun... fun as in the labs are fun, playing with bacteria and all. But the lecture content is killeriffic. Lots to remember. And then there's Biochem, I haven't been attending many lectures because they all happen to fall at 8am, so sometimes I don't get out of bed in time... :(
I realized i'm not a morning person after all.

The only thing that has been getting me through rough mornings and traffic jams is great music, particularly tracks from Aphrodite (once again promoting Kylie!), which are so uplifting and it really helps brighten my day. :)

I'm sure my system will get used to this new schedule eventually, I hope it does so before the assignments and reports come in full force some time next month!! *gulp*

Till then, stay positive everyone! I know I need to :)

Aphrodite Les Folies 2011

2011-02-23T18:14:00.002+08:00

Illusion - one my favourite tracks from the album.

Kylie's 2011 tour has begun! Opening night was in Denmark and since then videos taken by fans hav been appearing on YouTube! Thank god :D

This uploader has one of the best quality videos I've seen of the Les Folies show. The show is amazing with a Grecian theme, obviously in line with the whole Aphrodite - Greek goddess concept. The opening of the show sees Kylie ascending from the "ocean" in front of a giant golden shell. The show features plenty of outfit changes, a flying angel, acrobats spinning around in air, a rotating circular piece on the centre stage, multiple fountains that shoot jets of water high up into the air while being illuminated in an array of coloured lights, leaving fans in the special 'Splash zone' WET!

This production has been reported to be the most expensive concert show ever created.. so savour the greatness of Aphrodite Kylie, a true dignified goddess of pop. :)

Back from the sunshine state of Aus

2011-02-17T16:24:00.002+08:00

Greetings! I had an awesome weeek in Brisbane (+ a Gold Coast day trip).

Seen so much, experienced so much, so much to talk about now. Currently in the process of editing pics, which will be uploaded on fb when it's ready! Also I will be posting some journal entries here so stay tuned folks! :)

The weather in Brisbane was HOT, HOT, HOT! Parts of my body are darker now LOL. There's a reason why they call Queensland the Sunshine state ;)
NO sign of the recent flood though, they did a fantastic job cleaning the city!

Ppl there were generally friendly, drivers ALWAYS let pedestrians walk first, the public toilets were much cleaner than the ones here, really LOVED the hypermarkets there becoz of the wide range of products they carry, public transport was expensive, in fact almost everything was expensive! @_@

Overall it was really fun experiencing Australian culture.. I tried to absorb as much as I could like a sponge, while trying to adapt at the same time! The thing I missed most about Malaysia was the food hahaha. More details in posts to come.

Need some rest now! :)

1 down, 1 to go, and then it's G'day mate!

2011-02-07T19:32:00.002+08:00

Hahaha the title summarizes what I want to say. Marketing paper today was decent, questions weren't tough, but just too much to write... practically raced against time till the very last minute. Never wrote so fast before. Ugly handwriting. REAL ugly.

Tomorrow's the accounting/finance paper. Kinda read everything twice already... so feeling lazy-ish now. This happens every exam. I get all pumped up for the first paper, then the momentum and intensity just declines. Will force myself to go through some key points and formulas tonite.

After that, I will be heading to Aussie for a week long holiday before the next sem starts!! :D
Excited coz it's been more than 10 years since I been there... in fact it's been a long time since I stepped into a plane. Hope I don't get air sick >.<
Slightly nervous about travelling so far, partly becoz my gastric / acid reflux problems are still troubling me recently, and I haven't had time to really go through my list of things to pack. Would suck if I forget anything important... Having OCD means I like doing things at my own pace, but I guess it's good to step out of your comfort zone sometimes.

By this time tomorrow, I will be at KLIA.. Gosh, that's less than 24 hours peeps! Till my return in mid Feb, take care everyone! OHHhh and Happy Valentines in advance to all u love birds out there, otherwise it's Singles Awareness Day again for us independies! ;)

cheers

Delayed '11 Resolutions

2011-01-30T19:28:00.002+08:00

Well at least it's still January, still not too late to set some resolutions for the 11 months ahead...

1. Get healthy
Main goal this year. Will try to overcome the pain & discomfort, hopefully I will be able to seek treatment that helps rid the suffering. I have had enough of it.

2. Enjoy my studies
Will try to make the most of my time remaining at Monash. 3 sems to go. Will try to soak in as much as I can, and not to be stressed at late nights rushing for reports and assignments, which I'm sure will happen >.<

3. Travel more, see more!
Despite the decline in health, will try to get well a.s.a.p.
Have not been out of the country (besides S'pore) since 2005, so I'm lucky to have trips scheduled for Brisbane and Bangkok this year. Hopefully even more destinations to come! I love goin on holiday :)

4. Exercise regularly
Now that my sis has gone overseas to study, I no longer have a 'sports kaki' to play tennis with. But in an effort to maintain what's left of my fitness, I will try to have a workout at least.... erm say once a week? I will try to keep the fading passion for tennis alive. Somehow.

Also my resolutions are subject to change, becoz ppl change! Also if I come out with new goals in the near future, I can add them in! :)

Won't be blogging as much this year, so here's to a great Chinese New Year guys!! The year of the rabbit has caused those furry little creatures to feature in ads everywhere! I particularly like the bright coloured hyper looking rabbits from Carrefour! :)

till my next post,
cheers.

Declining Health

2011-01-12T21:18:00.002+08:00

The title says it all. Something is wrong with me, but I'm not sure what's the root of it.
The problems seem to be stomach/digestive system related, but it's been so many years and I still don't know if these problems are an effect of an underlying problem or if it is the source of it....

I have had to deal with health issues for as long as I can remember. But lately it seems to be getting worse. Last year I thought it was bad enough with all the bloating, but now in 2011 I think my stomach is killing me, little by little.

I have had trouble just sitting in class due to nausea. It doesn't happen all the time, and when it comes, it comes without warning. I used to have better prediction of it, but nowadays it seems like the sick feeling comes more frequently beyond my control. And then there's the hyper-acidity, where my stomach is constantly releasing acid at all the wrong times.... so when you don't find food quickly, the prolong effect is again... nausea and just an uneasiness that prevents me from living a normal life.

What scares me the most is that my weight has dropped a little again... a downward trend for the past few years... as if I weren't thin enough. It's becoz I can't eat much. I feel sick if I don't eat, but I also feel sick after I eat. So what am I supposed to do? In general I feel weaker you know, like these days I tend to get motion sickness so I worry whenever we go for long distance traveling. I never had this problem before. Last year, I just felt tired all the time, the dark eye circles on my face says it all.... no matter how much I sleep I will still feel drained.

I don't know what to do anymore, aside from praying. I have seen doctors, specialists, and even Chinese medicine practitioners. Nothing seems to offer a solution. No one really knows what's my problem.

I seriously hope I make it through 2011.

it's 2011

2011-01-02T19:07:00.002+08:00

Holy cow the last week of 2010 flew by just like that. And my blog header is sooo 2010, I need to change it haha!

Christmas wasn't really celebrated, and the annual gift exchange was postponed to last night, on New Year's Day instead. The year before I welcomed 2010 with pbsm friends on a beach in P.D., this year I welcomed 2011 with the same ppl but at my home instead! Glad I managed to get them excited about 'Cluedo', which was what we were busy doing when the clock struck twelve. I wonder where or what we will be doing on 31-12-2011? ;)

Oh I forgot to mention that we also went to Broga hill on new year's eve. Pics in fb. Woke up super early at 3.15am, which explains why I was exhausted by the time 2011 came. Spent most of yesterday charging my batteries, am good to go now :)
Unfortunately assignments and a presentation are scheduled in January, and the exam happens to be during CNY. Ridiculous right!

I'm looking at my 2010 resolutions, you can see them here. Interesting becoz I wasn't able to fulfill most of them. Health seemed to decline, my weight decreased a little instead of going up >.<. The first quarter of 2010 I was able to steer away from tennis, but now I'm actually quite enjoying it. I think I'm playing the best I have ever played.. period. It happened becoz I put less pressure on myself. So I don't see a need to stop now.
I didn't do anything creative LOL, my Yhart project came to a halt, I would say it's history now. At least I did kind of fulfill item 5 and 6 hahaha.

Resolutions don't really get achieved, but I will still make a 2011 list for tradition sake. Also it's nice to have some goals, or at least a direction to look at. Will start thinking about it now. :)
Ohhh last but not least, have an awesome 2011 everyone! Hope whatever dreams you have come true this year ;)

Summer Bummer

2010-12-17T16:10:00.003+08:00

Well actually it ain't a bummer, saying it just coz it rhymes! :P
OK maybe I'm a lil jealous that some of you are on holiday while I'm stuck with classes.

Summer school has been going on for a while. So far still alrite, and I appreciate how peaceful the campus is now. Minimal ppl, plenty of carpark, the computer labs are like for private use, not another soul in sight! Yes I enjoy solitude haha.

Till now my brain can still handle the accounting and marketing concepts. I prefer accounting class, 60 peeps only, whereas marketing is about 160. Interesting becoz class consists of students from various schools, esp marketing where we have science, engineering, arts, computer science and of course business students. I think the diverse backgrounds would come useful in discussions and assignments. It's all about having an open mind.

*credits to my 2nd sis for the pic above

The main event this month is NOT Christmas, but my big sis' wedding! Last Sunday was the PJ dinner and it was crazy (in a good way)! A massive gathering of relatives, most of which I didn't know how to address but looked familiar. Best part was how we all dressed up for the occasion. I must say we looked pretty darn good! Pictures still processing. My sisters, the groom and I also performed a song on stage! I quite enjoyed the adrenaline rush.

Round 1 was a success, now next Monday will be the "chut moon" ceremony and then the Ipoh dinner. It's like a month long celebration haha. Everyone is busy but particularly excited because all of this is a first for us.

As I said Christmas seems downplayed this year. The entire family won't be around for Christmas dinner and gift exchange like previous years, a tradition that I cherish. So it's true when they say the only constant in life is change. But I will find ways to have a happy Christmas :)

Unfortunately irregular eating times lately has brought Mr.Gastric back, possibly to spend Christmas with me :( My stomach is still hurting now as I type this @_@ My stomach woes never seem to end. I miss the days where I could eat freely without fear of the consequences. But I'm aware of those who suffer far worse conditions and illnesses to deal with, so I'm thankful for all the other health problems that I don't have!

All about positive thinking rite! Stay jolly peeps, and in case I don't blog again soon, here's to a very Merry Christmas to friends, family and all readers of my lil blog :)

cheers!

Yippee

2010-12-02T22:56:00.002+08:00

Results (exam) were out today! Once again I wouldn't have known the exact time of release had it not been for Facebook. Sometimes I wonder how they find out... do they refresh the web page every other minute just to see if it's out? I wouldn't. Too stressful.

Well results are better than my expectations, probably because I lowered them after last semester's decline in overall grade. If you don't expect, then you won't be disappointed rite! I'm psyching myself here. But really I'm super happy, definitely the best I have achieved in quite a while! Now that the bar is set high, I know I'm going to be disappointed next year because I doubt I can score any better than this. I know my limits :/

How you spend the study period before and between papers is crucial. I mean this applies to last minute study goers like me :P If you have been studying consistently all year long (who does that?) then screw you, go ahead and bask in glory now you freak!

For this sem, I made a study timetable just like the previous sem and stuck to it faithfully. I honestly don't know how I managed to stay disciplined and abide by the schedule, but I'm so thankful I did. The thing about studying last minute is that FEAR of failing/screwing things up becomes a motivation. It's the ultimate driving force. Do or die kind of scenario. If you don't sense the fear, it means you don't care about it enough. I get the same nerves whenever I play a tennis match. There's just too much to lose, and a hell lot worth fighting for! :)

As I have mentioned, group study was never my thing. I always study alone, it's tradition haha! I gotta admit those 3 weeks before the first paper was quite lonely. Too quiet at times. Everyday I would just sit in my room and stare at the notes. When you're alone, the mind starts playing tricks. I always wonder how the others are doing, what's their progress and all. Sometimes it's just too stressful to hear about how much they have done revising (PEER PRESSURE!) so I normally don't ask! I work alone and focus on my own progress. I comfort myself by thinking repeatedly that as long as I follow my schedule, it will be fine. Typical OCD behaviour. Kind of hermit like, but it gets the job done.

I know I'm saying all these things now that you probably don't care for, but it's just kind of emotional. Getting the results today, it's rewarding to know that the sacrifices I made this sem have paid off. So many times I have been frustrated and felt so agitated at all things Monash. I remember the insecurities I felt dealing with the possibility of doing badly. But at the end of the day, I know I gotta have faith in myself, because every obstacle that has come my way in the past, I have dealt with it and moved on even though at times there wasn't a clean victory.

No one is gonna look after you better than yourself. Always believe in your abilities and mental strength because it only gets stronger and stronger each time you succeed in overcoming a challenge. Gosh I know this all sounds stupid and it seems like I'm giving an inspirational speech to children, but I really mean it when I say you gotta believe in yourself.

Truly self belief is the most powerful force in life. Cheers yall :)

sweet sweet freedom

2010-11-18T01:43:00.000+08:00

WOOOHOOOO!!!
OH YEAH I'm super relieved that sem 2 of 2010 has come to an end! As expected the last paper didn't go so well. I could have studied harder and grind my over worked brain even more, but who cares now! I'm officially on HOLIDAY! :D

But unlike last year, there will be NO three month long summer break this time round :(
All I get is 3 weeks LOL. Talk about reduction. Yeah summer school starts in the 2nd week of December and extends to late Jan, followed by exams which will probably be around early Feb. I may have mentioned before that summer school comprises of business units, so I have signed up for Marketing and Principles of Accounting. Interesting huh? Accounting is something I have always wanted to learn, a good skill to have I guess. As for marketing, I heard some of my friends say the unit was easy and fun. I like EASY, hence the choice :P

I intend to have maximum fun throughout this 3 weeks. It was typical of me to make a list of things 'to do', being obsessive compulsive haha I HAD to plan ahead. I'm looking at the list now which so far has 10 items, some of which I kind of dread but know I gotta do... for instance cleaning up the furniture in my room (dust is my greatest enemy!) and backing up all the files in my laptop as well as renewing the anti-virus software. Am also looking at planning a trip, and rehearsing for an upcoming wedding performance hahaha. Interesting rite :P

Another goal I have is to improve my culinary skills! Lately I have become intrigued with shows like 'Top Chef' and 'Masterchef US', which has really inspired me to become a better cook. So far I have made French toast and a ham and egg sandwich this week, but I'm really looking to raise the stakes and come up with something more spectacular. Maybe making a full course meal for my family. And who better to learn from than my mum who has been cooking like... FOREVER! I want to start from scratch, learning all components including prepping ingredients before they actually go into a pan or pot. Unfortunately cooking leads to a pile of utensils that can be quite tedious to wash :/

Let's hope I don't burn down the kitchen!

I also plan to throw in tennis, computer games, movies and LOTS of sleep in the mix. Hope I make the most of this short break! :)

Will update you on my cooking progress. cheers :)

Almost done but not quite there

2010-11-13T23:28:00.003+08:00

What a frustrating time. My final paper is on Monday, but the build up to it is just killing me. This is the toughest unit to study for since I joined Monash. Instrumental Analysis.

Just too much info to digest, with lots of details and requirements for operation of the various analytical techniques. The frustration of being unable to stick these facts into my brain is stressing me out. It's like touch and go. After reading I forget most things. I could potentially screw this up. For the first time I could actually score horribly. I'll be damned to see a flaw in my result slip, since I think the other papers went pretty well.

Arghhhhhh wish I wasn't such a kiasu perfectionist.
Under self inflicted pressure. Feel like eating a tub of ice cream and then die from a horrible tummy ache.

OK I'm done procrastinating. Back to notes.

Tragedy of the Commons

2010-11-07T21:42:00.002+08:00

Hello! Had my first paper (food chem) on 29th Oct and it went well! :)
As I have mentioned previously there is a 10 day gap between the 1st & 2nd paper, so I have been spending my time evenly to revise on the remaining subjects. The coming week will be tough, with papers on Tuesday, Thursday then the following Monday. But after that I'm free!!!

Anyway I wanted to share with you an interesting concept called the 'Tragedy of the Commons' I learned for my ENV2726 paper. Basically it's a term conservation biologists use to describe how a publicly own biological resource may be exploited by some at the expense of all who utilize those resources.

An example which describes the scenario perfectly is as follows:

"Suppose 5 farmers share a land which can support 100 sheep in a sustainable manner. More than 100 sheep will degrade the land in the long term and will mean less grass for each individual sheep, and therefore a lower growth rate for all.
If each farmer keeps 20 sheep, all will be well. But if 1 farmer decides to increase his flock, all of the other farmers suffer as a consequence. Their sheep will have less to eat, and the commons (land) will be degraded.
The farmer who had increased his flock would however reap some short term benefits, which the other farmers may envy. So they too may decide to increase their own flocks. Eventually, the land will become terribly overgrazed and incapable of supporting any sheep at all."

Interesting story rite!
Conclusion: Don't be greedy. Even though a public resource is there for the taking, it doesn't mean that we should over exploit, even if others are doing it because eventually it will come back to kick our own ass.

Have a nice day everyone :)

Crunch Time Yet Again

2010-10-24T22:35:00.002+08:00

Greetings!

My first paper is coming on Friday and I'm getting nervous.
Not worried about failing because the internal assessment marks are already there, so I'm quite safe in that sense. But this also becomes a problem because it takes away the pressure and motivation to really study hard. I have already given up on aiming for the Monash scholarship because the score requirement is too high. So when u think about it, does scoring a 60 make a difference from a 70 or at most 78-ish?

Well I do want to give the best that I can. I hate that I still can't find the mood to study consistently and effectively. Where's the fire when you need it?
Ugh enough about that.

Yesterday my family went to Melaka to visit my sis who was moving in to her new crib. The house has a clean and calm look, with most furniture in white or dark wood to give it a classy feel. I love the living area which has this really awesome and comfy sofa set coupled with a huge furry rug on the floor that is just so nice to laze on :)

We were setting up a fire to light up the charcoal for the "Yup For" (enter fire) ceremony, and at one point it got so smoky at the lift area the fire alarm actually went off! Luckily there were no sprinklers or else it would have been a funny scene :P

After all the moving, we went for lunch at Bei Zhan which was packed! The restaurant had relocated to a bigger and more well decorated place since my last visit. We then adjourned to Jonker street for some jalan-jalan. Of course we had chendol and bought pineapple tarts haha :) Being in Melaka never fails to give me that touristy feel, no matter how many times I have been there. And it's also nice to see tourists from various countries, feels so international! :P

Melaka really is becoming more modern and sophisticated, with big malls like Dataran Pahlawan and the new Jusco (it's called Aeon Shopping Centre i think) that has vendors similar to those in PJ and KL.

So I had a good time there. But it sucks having to come back to reality and a pile of notes waiting to be read. ARGHHH I guess I should stop complaining and get moving! Time to fight again!!!

Final exams soon!

2010-10-14T01:00:00.000+08:00

Wow it's been exactly 1 month since my last post. Don't think I have ever left such a huge gap in updating my blog. Apologies if anyone is still reading this!

During this month I have been working feverishly to complete all the remaining assignments, and minutes ago I just finished typing the very last lab report of this semester, and also 2010! Felt instant relief. Looking back now, I have come a long way battling through some really long nights to finish reports and essays. But coming out on the other side now, to know that I made it through is just awesome :)

But then comes the not so awesome part of exams. But honestly, I don't feel as stressed studying compared to rushing for assignments even though the weightage for finals are high. I know there's a lot on the line, but somehow I just don't feel as much pressure... maybe it's because there's no deadline. And I love study breaks. Don't have to wake up early and avoid the horrible traffic outside. But by the time when I really have to start studying, you won't hear me being as cheerful as I am now.

There really isn't much else going on in my life now. I'm just waiting for the exams to be over, then I will think of ways to thoroughly enjoy and spend my 3 week break before the summer semester starts in December. I'm really itching to go on holiday, preferably somewhere with a beach. Miss the feeling of having sand under my feet and between the toes :) I like those relaxing holidays where you can just laze around and not do anything... ohh and enjoy yummy food hahaha. I love hotel breakfast, seeing the sausages, bakon and harsh browns served buffet style is so fun!! :D

OK I'm getting ahead of myself. Should focus on exams first!

on S5 gathering & US Open

2010-09-14T21:56:00.003+08:00

Wow it's been a week since my last update, though I don't remember doing much.

The 3 day long Raya weekend was a great time to catch up on some sleep, and also to meet up with the S5 gang! A farewell gathering for Jing Xin, Shien Yin and Wen Zhen who are headed to UK. It always feels good to meet up with high school friends. I think all of us are even closer than during our time at CHS. Perhaps absence does make the heart grow fonder. So it's nice to meet up once in a while, just to see what everyone has been up to :)

This gathering was a chance to break the boring, dull routine life of a student. Some joy was much needed. I don't know why but I seem to be getting bored of Uni stuff really quickly this semester. Nothing about Uni really interests me anymore. And the thought of the exams coming soon scares me. I am really unprepared. *gulp*

Ohh and today was the men's singles final of the US Open and Nadal has won there for the first time! I saw a little bit of the final against Djokovic, it was quality tennis. The rallies I saw were long. Happy that Rafa toughed it out, and finally completed the Career Slam! Right now he has won 3 consecutive grand slams (French, Wimbledon, US). If he wins the Australian Open next Jan, then he would make it a Calendar Slam i think... meaning winning the four different Slams in a row. Either way this man is already in the history book.

As for the women, Kim Clijsters has successfully defended her title to extend her winning record at the US Open. Really impressive.

I'm so glad this Thursday (16th Sept a.k.a. Malaysia Day) is a public holiday. I could really use the extra time to work on assignments and really get a grip on things! I've been working on low efficiency for so long and it's not amusing at all >.<

Boy it's getting dusty

2010-09-07T23:10:00.002+08:00

hahaha sorry for the absence if you're still reading this blog!

Well you know the drill. I said this so many times.
Been rushing for one assignment after another.
It never stops, seriously. Just when I think I can relax, more stuff approaches the dead line.

I admit to lazing around like a sloth again.
It's hard to push myself and finish the work early. There's no motivation.
Last minute pressure IS my motivation now.
I'm losing interest in it all.
Science has never been this dull.
I wonder how I'm going to get through 3 more semesters.

I already have a prediction that results this sem will not be good.
I have skipped a handful of lectures and tutorials.
Plus there's hardly any time for revision.
Even if there was, I wouldn't have the motivation.

You get the drill.

I have been missing tennis again.
It's all I wanna do.
And listen to music, watch Grey's Anatomy and sleep regular hours!
Last night I slept at 3.30am and woke up at about 7.20am. New record haha.
Nothing to be proud of though.

I need a holiday. Luckily a long weekend for Raya is approaching.
I miss the high school days. The gang, the class, the club, the light work load compared to now haha. University life seems so vague. I don't even know what I mean. It's just...... vague.

Bahhhh i'm just complaining for the sake of taking time off from working on a lab report.
Take care everyone, and stay strong no matter what you're going through now! :)

It's Tough!!

2010-08-26T20:55:00.002+08:00

Boy today was ridiculous. Never had to do such last minute work before.

I skipped many lectures and tutorials this week to finish the assignment.
The killer essay was due about 4.30pm today... After so many days of struggling with it becoz I couldn't concentrate due to some personal issues. Yeah today was a close race against time.

When I woke up this morning, I seriously didn't think I could finish it on time.
Somehow I did... But it was torture. I didn't eat lunch. Went to uni and worked from 10am to 4pm with only 1 toilet break in between. Piles of journals and some books in front of the computer.

In a way I'm glad I finished it. But not too happy about the quality. When you're writing under pressure, the language doesn't come over as well. I tot it was a mess. Parts of it was plain confusing.

And you know what's the worst thing??
I have 2 MORE BLOODY ESSAYS to write T_T
Yeah, one is due on Monday, the other on Wednesday.

Seriously... seriously? seriously!!!

Explosion in the Lab

2010-08-17T19:17:00.002+08:00

I don't know if this counts as an explosion, but it's the very first time I ever witnessed something like this.

During Food Chem lab today we were doing some distillation experiment to study the nitrogen content in red snapper fish using the Kjeldahl method..... Whatever I don't think you care about the procedure anyway haha.

So you know when doing distillation, we heat one flask containing liqud and the vapour goes up through a U-tube and passes through a condenser so that the vapour will be condensed back to liquid again and drip into a receiving flask containing acid. Wow I'm good at stringing together long sentences XD.

OK so all of this was assembled in the fume hood (like a cupboard covered with a sliding glass door). Thankfully there was the glass panel, becoz the U-tube from my apparatus just exploded! OK technically it didn't explode, but I think the pressure from the gas or maybe it was over heated.. somehow the U tube just shot up so forcefully into the air that it hit the ceiling of the hume food and burst! No kidding!! Needless to say there was a super loud bursting sound and the solution in the flask erupted everywhere... like a mini volcano hahaha.

I was talking with a friend when it happened, but my poor lab partner was standing right in front of the hume food. Must have been so scary. Like I said, thankfully there was a glass panel separating her from the tube, otherwise it would have been super dangerous!

I really don't know why stuff like this keeps on happening to me in Food Chem. Everyone else seems to be getting better experimental results than me ALL the time @_@. Like today no one else's flask exploded, so is that a sign that I shouldn't be doing science? LOL.

Maybe I should just go sell mixed rice in a coffee shop. Or work in McD and eat Oreo McFlurry EVERYDAY.... yum yum :P

Evolution... complete

2010-08-15T11:07:00.003+08:00

(This is a super wordy post)

I have evolved recently... nope didn't change form like a Digimon, but in terms of... I don't know what you call it... erm lifestyle?

You know when you learn about evolution of species in Biology, Darwin's concept was that variation naturally occurs in every population, so individuals who had characteristics that enabled them to adapt to their environments more readily would be 'naturally selected' for survival, and subsequently go on to reproduce and define their species.

Well yeah, mine is not as drastic (no propagation involved LOL), more like personal evolution. Long story short: my body is adapting to the hectic work schedule by requiring less and less sleep. It may not sound significant, but I definitely noticed the change.

Usually I would need at least 7 hours of sleep a day to function normally, but now I can do with 4. This week, I slept for only 5 hours/day for 3 consecutive days and was still able to attend class in the morning. At first it sucked, felt like a walking zombie, but once you get past that initial sense of fatigue, your body sort of resets and you feel normal again even though you didn't replenish the sleep!

Last Wednesday I worked till 3am to finish a lab report that was due at 9. Amazing new threshold for me. The old me would have been super exhausted and whined through the whole way. Haaah but the new me just kept my mouth shut and focused on finishing the work. So it's also a change in behaviour. According to my mum, if you stop thinking you're tired, then you won't feel tired. Some sort of self applied reverse psychology?

I know this isn't healthy and I'm getting super panda eyes so I do try to sleep regular hours during the weekends. Refilling the tank coz you'll never know how much gas you need for the next 5 days.

Let's talk about something else... tennis! Played last Thursday after a month of virtually no exercise. It's demoralizing when you realize your stamina has declined and simply hitting the ball seems to be taking up more energy and effort than I remembered. I still love tennis but I don't think I can ever be good at it anymore considering my poor physical state and yes.. stomach/eating problems.

OH well.. guess I should just sit on the couch and watch the pros. The US open is coming up, as usual I will be supporting Nadal and Maria. Haven't heard much about Nadal or even Roger since Wimbledon, but I know Maria has been playing better lately.

Alrite time to get back to work!

I'm 20!

2010-08-10T18:58:00.003+08:00

Hey how's everyone?

Thanks for the wishes y'all, it does mean a lot to me :)

OK I'm 20! Hahaha nothing much to say. Doesn't feel different than what I was 12 months ago. Alright maybe I have learned how to deal with the pressures of uni life better after 2 semesters.
I think I'm also less anti social compared to my first sem in Monash. So yeah slight changes here and there, but essentially I'm still ME, wholesome and nutritious (speaking like a food scientist) LOL :)

Actually I'm a little worried. Turning 20 is a sign that I should be really independent and strong and successful by now. But I'm NOT! Still rely on others a lot, esp family for many things. Does feel fantastic to have so much love and support from them, but becoming tougher and doing things for myself is definitely something I need to work on more.

Birthdays make you feel good. It's like no matter what happens, nothing's gonna bring you down. But this year is different. Drowning in assignments and reports as always, so it's hard to be in celebration mode when you're tired and sick of working. But I do understand that ALL the work will still be there whether I'm happy or sad, so I might as well "enjoy" the process! >.<

Yes, trying to smile and lighten up even though I know something's gonna be due the next day. Laughing through the pain. It may be hysterical laughther but still, it's better than not laughing at all rite hahahahahaha. hahaha. haha. ha....

Will try to stay sane till the end of the semester! :)
Take care everyone, and hope you're all smiling and upbeat about life lol!

AHHHHHHHHHH

2010-08-04T19:14:00.002+08:00

Here we go again. Every semester piles of assignments get thrown in our faces and they all have to be due around the same time. Seriously this sem is worse than the previous two.

The next 3 weeks are going to be SUPER challenging. 3 Major essays due, 1 interview followed by presentation, and the usual 2 lab reports and tutorial questions per week! It's making my head spin.

Crazy stressed. Insane. Head banging against wall repeatedly.

I don't understand why it has to be this packed. Maybe 4 units per semester really is too much for me. I think I should go for the coming summer semester. That will take some pressure off the following 2 long semesters.

OK I better get back to work.

I will end the post the way I started it: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Alright

2010-07-31T13:35:00.002+08:00

Been a while since the last update, it doesn't feel that long huh.
Guess when you have stuff to do, time goes by much faster.

Week 2 has been good. Getting to know some a little better, meeting new people also!
Assignments and reports are starting to pile up. Scary! Next week onwards will be tricky. If I continue to work like a sloth I could be in for some serious panda eyes! T_T

I still haven't watched Inception! Heard everyone say it's awesome. I watched Shutter Island not too long ago and I thought the plot was genius. Really didn't expect it to end that way. The twist towards the end reminded me of the movie 'Orphan', yes the one with the scary Estonian girl Esther hahaha! You guys should watch it if you haven't, definitely wouldn't see it coming!

Things are going kind of slow (Yeah I know I said time flies, how ironic huh). I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the routine student life. Suddenly I can't wait for the summer break to come. But right now I'm also considering doing a summer semester. Some of my course mates plan to do it.

During the summer break, you can opt for a short semester (jan to feb) doing only Business electives so that during the regular semesters next year, you will only need to do 3 units in one sem instead of 4.

In other words, it lightens the load. But the catch is obviously having to sacrifice the summer break. Not sure if I want to do that. But it would be really neat to only do 3 units during the normal semesters, esp next year when the subjects get tougher! Pros and cons lah.

Will think about that for a while. Till the next update, take care y'all :)

Problems... look at it differently

2010-07-20T22:49:00.003+08:00

Hello.
Not sure how I feel bout this sem yet. I see pros and cons. Guess it all has to do with adjusting.
I'm going through the whole stressed-scared-lazy roller coaster again.

An interesting feature I read in The Star recently left a deep impression in my mind. Did you guys read about the homeless people living on the streets of KL? It was sad ya know... to think that there are ppl sleeping on streets not too far away from home, the ones you and I have walked on. With no bed, no blanket when it gets cold, what happens if it starts raining? Doubt any of us can imagine what they go through.

Compared to that, the problems that we have to deal with seem so petty. Stuff that is stressing me out lately really is NOTHING compared to the real shit some ppl have to go through. I mean no matter how bad my day goes at least I still have a bed to go to at the end of it.

SO I guess this is my way of saying I'm thankful for all things and people I have around me. Also, the problems I face are not really problems.
And I should stop worrying about trying to change myself just so others will think better of me. There's always a part of me that worries about how others see me, which when I think about it now seems pathetic. I think it's so much cooler to be yourself, stay original ;)

Conclusion:
We should focus on helping people with real problems! I promise I will try.

Bring on #3

2010-07-18T14:17:00.002+08:00

Ahhhh 3rd sem starts tomorrow! Boohoo :(
Will be doing Year 2 units, doesn't take a genius to figure that it's gonna be tougher than Year 1.

A couple of things happened since my previous update. To combat the boredom I went to Melaka! Chilled at my sis' place for 2 days. Had some nice food, visited some tourist sites lol. Something about small towns that is relaxing :)

Last sem's results came out on Friday. Erm I guess the grades were expected, but deep down I was wishing for something a lil better. Slight decline from sem1. Oh well it's still good IMO.
And I'm quite proud to say that I studied quite consistently for this exam, NO last minute rushing for once!

Something even better to cheer about is that I managed to change that 1 little annoyance in my timetable. In other words, my timetable is now allocated to exactly the way I want! I consider this a victory :)

So another fresh start tomorrow.
Hope I can wake up in time.
Have a tendency to oversleep on first days hahaha :p

B-O-R-E-D

2010-07-14T00:30:00.000+08:00

You know when someone spells it out in capital letters separated by dashes they mean what they say. BIG TIME :P

For once I'm blogging out of boredom. Maybe I have done so subconsciously before, but this time it's O-B-V-I-O-U-S hahaha.

This boredom couldn't be more timely (btw I say 'timely' quite often). My 3rd sem in Monash kicks off next Monday (here I say 'kick' as a reference to the recently concluded World Cup). (Wow now I'm just saying everything out L-O-U-D).

Now might be the time for you to close this window but wait I actually have stuff to say...

Erm like today the allocation system for our timetable opened and I see everyone talking bout it on facebook. I don't enjoy this process that happens every semester. Basically it's stressful when you can't get into the class of your preference, and ppl start fighting for it since it's first come first serve. Yeah thankfully my timetable is decent. Just one thing which I would L-O-V-E to change, so I'll keep an eye out, like an eagle. (OK I know the eagle part was unnecessary).

(Hmmmm as I'm typing this I can feel some insect nibbling my legs but I can't seem to find it. Ahhhhh itchy!)

OK back to post.

The holidays have gone by way too fast. 3 weeks seem like 1. Basically I did nothing other than spend money & play games & watch TV. But it's good to relax like this once in a while, especially when you know the months to come will be extremely tiring.

OH I have really been enjoying Kylie's 'Aphrodite' album, thanks to my sis who bought me the CD from UK! Apparently Aphrodite is not available in M'sia yet. (Sucks rite).
Aphrodite is awesome. Many fans call it her best album yet, I have to agree. After listening to all 12 tracks, you will automatically press play again. It makes you want more. I can't say it was the same case for all her previous albums.

Alrite time to call it a night.
Thanks for helping me kill time. Hope I didn't pass on the BOREDOM to you as you read this :P

Good nite! (If you're reading this during the day then Good Morning / Good Afternoon!) LOL

Introducing......

2010-07-07T19:12:00.003+08:00

Hey you guys know how I'm always working on something particularly when I'm on holiday?
Well I'm at it again.

Last year I came up with Yhart Sale, now I'm here with something less ambitious, but still exciting (for me at least)! Okay I know some of you might see my personal projects as self indulgent crap, but really I find satisfaction in it hahaha so I'm just gonna keep on doing my thing :p

I really enjoy music, I depend on it to get through all kinds of situations. I like to keep an eye out for the latest, and I would like to think I have a good ear.
And then there's also the side of me that enjoys writing. Blogging, used to write poems, stories just to get a kick out of it. Generally I think people who don't talk much are way better at expressing themselves through art. And since I suck at painting, writing is considered my art form.

So you take MUSIC + WRITING = MUSIC BLOG!
Right! Right? Rightttt? Anyone else feeling the vibe?

OK Well please just check out my new blog Boombox.
http://yhboombox.blogspot.com/

From now on, anything I have to say about music will end up there and not here. It's fun isn't it?
I feel like a brand you know, first Yhart Sale and now Boombox, I have other ideas like maybe a food blog or something. To feed my ego LOL.
NO, it's me branching out. Yeah that's what I'm doing.

Cheers :)

It Happens Eventually

2010-07-01T23:54:00.003+08:00

Just back from a farewell dinner.

SERIOUSLY full.
'All you can eat' promotion at a Chinese restaurant in Puchong. We ordered so many dishes it's scary and amazing at the same time. As good as a buffet.

Kinda sad though.
We have had plenty of farewells before but somehow this time it's different. The gang is getting much more apart. And in completely different directions... Sabah, Kedah and Singapore. And more will go off early next year. I foresee there will be minimal chances to meet :(

But I bet distance won't change the quality of our bond. There's just too much awesome memories from the old days that I'll never forget, I hope it's the same for all of them too.

It's actually super cool to see how all of us have grown, furthering our education in different directions, venturing into different industries.

I can picture us all meeting together like tonight in N years. Most of us would be working, some might be doing their masters... We would have changed but we'll still be the same. Laughing about the funny/lame stuff that I can only see myself comfortably crapping with this gang. There's just an easiness I feel with this bunch.

Like the kind you feel with family. There I said it.

Take care y'all! Till our next gathering :)

Oh Yeah

2010-06-29T12:58:00.002+08:00

WOW the semester is finally over!

Feels awesome to be on holiday right after an exam, liberation is the word that comes to mind.

Finally can watch TV without guilt, but the best part is SLEEPING! Yes, trying to get rid of the horrible dark circles that make me look like a zombie.
Unfortunately my stomach problems have come back to haunt me yet AGAIN so it's kind of like a bittersweet moment.

A few things I need to get done....
Renew my driving licence, no longer require the P stickers!
Buy new earphones for my mp3
Repair car CD player (or rather SEND it for repair LOL)
Clean my desk that is filled with notes and junk
Buy Aphrodite album
Go sight seeing (suddenly feel like being outdoors and stare at animals and stuff)

And of course have lots of FUN! hehehehehe :D

Just 1 To Go!

2010-06-25T18:37:00.002+08:00

I survived one of the toughest weeks of the semester!

3 papers have come and gone. Satisfied. Things turned out alrite :)
I could have studied harder, but ya know the outcome could also have been a lot worse. So I'm thankful.

Glad I never gave up though it was so tempting to just put down the notes and watch TV. I know I won't fail, but I want MUCH more than settle for a pass. Call me greedy, I just like HDs. Who doesn't rite?

What I'm about to say is extremely corny so brace yourself...
Everytime I come through a tough time, I feel so much more in touch with myself. It makes you strong. I've always felt that the rough and tough moments in life is what defines our character the most.

Just one more paper on Monday. Fundamentals of Biotechnology.
Seems easier than Chemistry or Food Science but I have been taught to never underestimate anything.

After that, the celebration of freedom will begin hehehehe :)

Realization

2010-06-23T19:59:00.002+08:00

OK so Chemistry paper is just 12 hours away... Frankly I feel overwhelmed!

I did finish reading all the notes and tutorial questions, but I don't think it helps much.
Was looking at past year papers today. The nature of the paper is just meant to kill us off.

The questions are tricky and designed to deduct marks at every mistake we make.. such as unit conversion and stuff. And there's just TOO MUCH to remember. It will be like 20 over questions making up 180 marks. The entire paper is about 30 pages!!

Thankfully I don't need a lot to pass, since the internal marks are very decent.

But I don't just want to pass, I want to do well...

Can't help but feel hopeless...

Better get back to the past year papers

Suddenly I miss freedom :(

Cleopatra's Wheel

2010-06-20T23:55:00.003+08:00

I'm back... AGAIN!

Yes feeling normal today.

Do you know I'm quite a sucker for superstitions and rituals?
I have plenty of beliefs, some are ridiculous yet I still follow it in fear that something bad will happen if I don't.

Especially during exams I have unusual 'rituals'. Maybe I mentioned it before. Things like not cutting my hair and not eating out the night before a paper. Very likely related to my obsessive nature haha.

I also believe in good luck charms. Sure you heard of the common ones like rabbit's foot, horseshoe, leprechaun's pot of gold, etc.
I find this one particularly interesting: Cleopatra's Wheel.

It was worn by Cleopatra (duh) and supposed to grant 24 types of happiness. It's too long to list here, so check it out at:
http://www.calastrology.com/cleopatras-wheel.html

Don't know how effective it was, but it sure looks stunning doesn't it. When you stare at it, it almost has a hypnotizing effect...

Hope looking at it brings me lots of happiness (and luck) I need starting tomorrow! :)

Just A Moment

2010-06-19T23:16:00.002+08:00

I shouldn't be blogging now but hey I'm here haha! Shoot me.

Totally digging the new look, I like the green water colour effect and topping it with stars in the night sky is just soothing to stare at. Makes me want to blow up the roof, I mean blog more often, at least for now (classic "hot hot chicken shit" moment).

My mind is a little off right now so don't take anything I say too seriously.

Not going to talk about exams becoz I have been on about it like a broken record, sure you're sick of it too. "Just do it" ala Nike style.

Speaking of Nike I'm sure you know how fond I am of the brand. Super cool and sexy. Especially them sneakers. I dream about being part of the Nike design team. Everyone has that crazy dream which they know is never gonna happen, so collaborating with Nike is one of mine.

How cool would it be to design your own Nike sneakers and see them displayed on shelves worldwide? Or I would love to focus on tennis wear. Tennis is such a trendy sport, Nike always ensures their players look great on court.

Wow I feel partially drunk even though I haven't been drinking. It's that light headed feeling. Woooooo let's see what else I have to say.....

Ohh Wimbledon is starting on Monday, I love grass yay! Unfortunately I think I'm gonna miss the first week's action due to my 3 papers >.< Well the second week is more exciting anyway. Once again I'm rooting for Nadal and Sharapova. If they both win the singles titles respectively, maybe I will shave my head in honour of them...

Got 2 weeks off in July. No plans so far. Feel like going somewhere. It's been way too long since I went on vacation. OK maybe not THAT long, but 3 months of craziness in Monash can feel like you've been through a year of hell.

Also I have been making some Yhart lately. Just loose pieces here and there, nothing cohesive to form a collection. Maybe I will post it up during the break on my deserted Yhart Sale if you guys still remember what that is hahaha. I don't give up that easily.

OK I think that's enough. If I continue writing you're probably gonna give it a miss. You know when you're typing a blog post, it's totally like talking to yourself. Anyway I monologue to myself quite often. Or maybe it's thinking out loud. Hope no one sees me doing it and thinks I'm a freak.

OK I SHOULD STOP. Clearly I'm not very sane tonight.

Thanks for reading though. Appreciate it. Till my next random neurotic post :)

First Days

2010-06-18T13:09:00.002+08:00

First days make me nervous.

Not necessarily first times, it could be something I have done a hundred times before, but doing it for the first day since a long time somehow unsettles me.

First day of a semester after a holiday.
First day driving to uni after not dealing with morning traffic in a while.
AND of course...
First day of an exam.

It's not about how difficult the paper is, and it doesn't matter how prepared you are. It's the process. Maybe it's because I have forgotten what it's like, so the uncertainty scares me a bit.

BUT it's amazing how fast the nerves go away. I like the moment right after you do it and think "Gee that wasn't so bad after all" and then everything goes back to normal.

SO yeah, I just need to get myself through Day One. The clock is ticking.

One Week

2010-06-14T12:45:00.003+08:00

Exactly one week till my first paper. At times it feels like an eternity, like I've been revising forever. One week has passed since my last update. Nothing much happened really, just reading day after day. Not sure how much will stay in my head though.

It's weird. When you're on study break, it's like you are wrapped in your own bubble. Not going to Uni makes me feel isolated, like how a Kung Fu master would hide in a cave to train for weeks before emerging at the dawn of the martial arts competition (if that makes any sense LOL). Was never a fan of group study, it's tradition for me to prepare alone.

When studying at home, I can't help but wonder what my course mates are up to. What's their progress? I like to put myself in the middle. There's always someone behind me (which is comforting in a twisted way) but there is also a handful that's much much more diligent than me. So I only compare myself with them. The feeling of not being good enough can be a strong driving force. It's quite inspiring when you have peers that are so determined to succeed, it makes me think it's possible to work even harder than what I'm doing now.

OK enough of that, I'm not working that hard actually. Not the type of person that can stay up all night to read. I still get plenty of sleep, and I sandwich in plenty of breaks between study sessions. Love to take snack breaks, listen to music, still watch quite a lot of TV.

I believe in self rewarding. If you finish what you're supposed to read for the day, then heck you deserve a damn break! I don't understand why some get so uptight about exams. I care about it immensely, but still it's no reason to get edgy. It's harder to remember facts when you're stressed out!

SO listen to some music and have a good week everyone!

Turning Point

2010-06-07T20:48:00.002+08:00

Hehehe I'm happy to report that my revision plans have had smooth progress since my last post! Yes the momentum finally came, so now I have to be careful not to lose it by working consistently to "keep the flow going" so to speak.

It's due to a huge motivational boost I received a few days ago. Some of you already know as I excitedly announced it on Facebook haha. Wasn't bragging, I was just too overjoyed I had to share it. Got a cert from Monash that says I "received the highest academic mark" in one of my units SCI1020 (that's statistics!) for last sem. I really wasn't aware of it, so to suddenly discover something so pleasant out of the blue is like WOWWWWW!

And it couldn't be more timely. I have been struggling to study for this sem's final exam. This gift immediately inspired me to get going. ON the same day I saw the cert, I was able to concentrate and finished some notes :)

And I'm also happy because today I got a taste of some tracks from Kylie's upcoming album! Yeah a megamix of 6 tracks on Aphrodite was leaked on YouTube. My favourtie is Get Outta My Way... such a happy tune!

Not sure how long before the officials remove the video, so have a listen while it's available! :)

Uh oh

2010-06-03T22:44:00.002+08:00

Gee I'm finding it awfully difficult to stick with my daily study schedule.

In all my previous exams there has been sufficient time between papers to revise, but this sem all papers are packed closely together towards the end of the exam month... forcing me to cover everything before the first paper on the 21st.

This is dangerous for someone who's so used to last minute studying! Right now the intensity isn't here becoz my mind is not feeling the pressure or fear yet. The exam seems miles away even though I know it's not (LOL). I just can't get rolling, it's frustrating as I can neither study nor relax now.

And it's also hard to study notes on the computer. Sure the slides are coloured and the pictures are much clearer, but I don't seem to concentrate as well compared to print out notes, where you can highlight and conteng on important points. Also looking at the computer screen all day is BAD for the eyes! No good printing all the notes now though, I feel it would be a waste of resources.

Haih... sorry I just felt the need to voice my dilemmas. I know it's minor, I mean it's not like I'm being swallowed by a phython or kidnapped and held hostage by a bunch of hypnotized pigeons. OK I think I watch too much TV.

In need of healing. Music will do the trick.

Low to No Motivation

2010-06-01T22:31:00.002+08:00

After celebrating my freedom from assignments for several days, it hit me that I really shouldn't be chilling yet. The exam is 3 weeks away and the days are slipping by ridiculously fast. I wake up, eat, go online, play some games, eat, watch TV, sleep and the day is over.

Today I saw some past year papers and it nearly gave me a heart attack. Sigh now I realize just how far I am from being ready. I immediately devised a study plan that is actually bearable, but it requires consistent daily effort from ermm today onwards! Unfortunately I didn't meet today's requirement. So tomorrow I have to work double hard, or else the day after will be triple effort and then it just goes on and on and on till I die of overload from the mounting pressure.

Currently the motivation level is virtually zero because I have been resting for so many days. I'm back to being a lazybug. I actually had much more momentum working on assignments and reports. So now I need to rediscover that erm..... "passion".

Then again if I wait long enough, when the FEAR kicks in I'll naturally get moving. But that process is like self torture so let's try to avoid it this time LOL.

Once again I'm back to being my lazy, neurotic, obsessive self. Hello June! :p

Finally

2010-05-19T18:43:00.003+08:00

The whole track was released last Friday but I have been busy completing the last assignments and reports before the semester ends... so here it is:

I thought the chorus was a little slow but after several listens it's really growing on me. Then again I'm a fan so I'm naturally biased to like anything Kylie :P

No worries there should be faster tracks on Aphrodite... it is a DANCE album after all. I'm not sure if I'm more excited to see the music video for All The Lovers or listen to the rest of the album.
Surely it's gonna be mind blowing!

At the mean time I still have 2 lab reports and 1 poster to make. Yes, the poster assignment scares me a little. Uncertainty. But somehow it's gonna get done...

I realized American Idol hasn't been exciting enough to keep me watching. Haven't been following for 3 weeks. Instead I find myself watching Glee. It's amazing that Star World is showing the new episodes just weeks after the American premiere. Oh yeah Star World is also showing the new season of 30 Rock right after Glee, think I have mentioned b4 how much I like the show and Tina Fey who is simply a genius in comedy.

Also the French Open is starting soon! Haven't watched much tennis lately, but I know Nadal is in superior form. He won all three major clay tournaments this year, even defeating Federer in the Madrid final. I would be betting all my money on the king of clay to regain the French Open title this year after a bitter 2009.

Alrite time to get back to work. By next Thursday I will be FREE!!!!!!! From assignments at least. Then the exams come but I'll worry about that after I celebrate my temporary freedom muahahahahahahaha.

Till then :)

May 14th

2010-05-08T15:37:00.001+08:00

Official radio date for 'All The Lovers' is released!

14th May is way earlier than expected :)

Free =)

2010-05-06T13:43:00.003+08:00

Hey guys I feel good lately, becoz it's one of the free-est weeks of the semester! :)

Technically I should be working on things that are due next week, but heck I usually work best last minute anyway hahaha.. Will get on to it eventually :P

Since I'm happy, here are some (random) things I would like to say:

Uncle Lim nasi lemak is possibly the best in town. Even though it's RM9.50 (yes I know your eyes are huge now), I feel it's worth it, coz you are paying for the quality and flavour. Generous amount of fragrant rice, unique tasting rendang that is not spicy with a hint of lemongrass, sambal that comes with boiled sotong, fresh looking hard boiled egg and lots of crunchy ikan bilis and peanuts. I always feel blessed and super stuffed after eating it :)

About Yhart, I have gained new inspiration lately. But I'm over using Paint, I feel like it's limiting my creativity and progression. I plan to explore "real" art, as in pencil or brush in hand kind of thing... Will let you know how it goes hehehe

I have not played tennis in so long, truth be told I miss it. I stopped because I was tired, the desire was fading. But lately the hunger is back. Perhaps a break was all I needed. I have always liked to play competitively, there's just so much joy in winning a match, in fact winning one point is enough to feel darn good. Not sure what the plans are, might take baby steps back, but ultimately it depends on my study schedule.

Music wise, I'm still eagerly anticipating Aphrodite, I realized the first single will be released on the day I finish my last exam paper! So I can have a superb celebration and a 2 week break filled with Kylie's sweet music.

Speaking of sweet, I made candy in food science lab this week. Quite a cool experiment, we made 3 different types of candy using just sugar and water as the base ingredient. Depending on the rate of cooling and stirring, the outcome of the final product will change. Of course colouring and flavour needs to be added. Interesting :)

In my previous post I was talking about not being myself. Well this post reflects the real me, or at least the person that I want to be. It's the enthusiasm that was gone for so long, the creativity, enjoyment of the finer things, the constant need to look for and do things that make me happy. I want to stay like this all the time! :)

Updating

2010-05-02T22:16:00.002+08:00

I'm updating for the sake of updating, so look away if you're busy.

It's May already, 2 months of uni life have gone by just like that. Well actually it's been hectic, I'm sure you know based on my posts for the past 2 months :P

When you're two thirds through a semester, usually you're at peak condition by now. I have battled through some tough weeks, still a couple of bumps coming, but I feel hardened already. When you have survived the worst of weeks, it seems like you can go through anything that comes after that.

You get the picture.

Been behaving a little strange lately. Not that I was ever normal hehehe but I just don't feel like myself. Maybe it's fatigue... feels like I'm someone else. There is this constant rush, everything is going quickly I have no control of it.

OK maybe I should just sleep. Nites everyone :)
Hope tomorrow doesn't crush me like a bug..

The Fever is back

2010-04-24T22:35:00.004+08:00

Finally a post unrelated to studies :P

It's been a long time coming, but Kylie fans around the world went berserk this week when the release date for her new single and album was announced!

Non-fans might not be aware, but the hype has been building on for months and months. Finally when the news together with a snippet of her new single "All The Lovers" was posted, her website actually crashed due to the incoming traffic!

SEE, I'm not the ONLY crazy obsessed fan out there!

This album is touted to be MASSIVE. Watch out for Aphrodite in July!
All The Lovers will be released in June :)

Rush Like Hell fortnight

2010-04-18T22:34:00.003+08:00

If you have been reading my blog, remember the "super duper rush like hell" week i mentioned?
WELL now it became a fortnight of hell. And it's finally HERE.

YES, my greatest fear this semester.

Tons to do, not sure what I'm doing here....

ANYWAY i made this.... I know I said I wouldn't be making Yhart, but heck I like to contradict myself anyway.......

I have always been inspired by Graffiti. Genuinely do. I know this doesn't look like Grafitti, but it's my interpretation of Marina's awesome song "I Am Not A Robot". I have been yapping about this track on facebook and twitter.

Really connected to it. Hence the tribute to Marina.

Hmmmmm

2010-04-13T23:20:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone, how's this week going for you?

I'm just taking a moment from work (as usual... ugh.......)

Still feeling sluggish after the break, assignments and endless lab reports are piling up again and I have yet to get my butt kicking.

I'm sorry if you're sick of listening to me talk about study related things. I'm sick of it too. But it's all I can talk about right now. There is nothing else in my mind. Can't even come up with a blog post title. Monash has brain washed me. I feel like all the creativity has been sucked out of me :(

Certainly won't be making any Yhart soon.

There's hardly any motivation. Studies I mean. Recently got back fst lab reports and it just dampens my spirit even more. Crappy marks. The marking criteria makes me sick. It's just different than the Bio and Chem reports. Too much is expected of us. We are supposed to know everything. But I just don't have the damn time to do it.

Gosh... see I just talked about studies AGAIN. Sigh what happened to my life?

I want to go on vacation. I want to see another Kylie concert. I want to feel sand in my feet. I want to be free again and let my creativity take over. I want to watch Grey's Anatomy again. I want to go on road trips with my friends. I want to sleep without having to set the alarm clock.

I want to be far away from what my life is right now.

Refresh

2010-04-08T11:02:00.002+08:00

Hello, it's April already!

Sorry for the lack of updates.
I realized when a person is busy, he/she tends to forgo a lot of the 'little' things. For example reading the newspaper in full, exercising, cleaning my room, cutting my nails, watching TV.

When you're caught up with WORK, rushing for deadlines is all you think about, out of fear that you won't make it, you get sucked into this other world. One filled with negativity and sorrow.

I guess at times like this you just need to STOP whatever the hell you're doing and just BREATHE. Yes just reevaluate the situation. Clearly it's NOT the end.

I always gain strength in looking back at the past, at all the challenges that I have successfully conquered. So many times I thought I wasn't going to pull it off, but in the end things always work out somehow.

"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going"

OK this is such a cliche, but in the face of doom, we will always rise above because we have the will to survive. It's basic instinct.

OK I'm done being a philosopher. I think you're rolling your eyes already. :)

BTW I became a fan of Marina & The Diamonds.. She's just awesome. Check out her latest single I AM NOT A ROBOT!

Can't think of a suitable title...

2010-03-29T21:45:00.003+08:00

I think my brain has melted partially after 2 hectic weeks.

It's much better now, and I have a mid sem break next week!!! Yeah just a short one week break, BUT it's a WELL NEEDED one.

So anyone free to go yumcha/movie/tennis/karaoke/do anything with me, please call ok? I need to do something fun to counter the stressful times. I have not watched a movie since February, not played tennis in a few weeks, and yumcha and karaoke with friends seem like a distant memory.

Can't go out everyday though, kononnya cuti satu minggu tapi masih banyak assignment kena kejar ni. :(

I wanna eat a lot of nice happy food, and laugh until my stomach hurts. Come join me!!! :)

It goes on

2010-03-24T16:33:00.002+08:00

Been a while since last update.

Last week was INSANE. Spent the entire weekend doing reports. The only time I took a break was for meals and watched a bit of TV. No more life. Almost felt like crying hahahaha (why am I laughing, it's not funny at all). actually I did a little.

Yes it's another one of my infamous weak moments... How many times has it been already LOL (now I'm laughing).

This few days seem calmer. Appears to have less work.
But just like a horror movie, there's always a moment of peace before hell breaks lose... So I'm anticipating disaster.

Been listening to British music lately.
Florence and the machine. Marina and the diamonds.

Stressed

2010-03-16T23:52:00.003+08:00

Stress... my least favourite word of all time.

Last week was still bearable. But from this week onwards it's HELL all the way.

Every week I have 3 lab reports to submit.
Every alternate week I have to hand in a 1000 word essay that includes research and referencing.
Every week I have online quizzes and Chem tutorial questions to do.
I have 2 major assignments due end of April. I predict that week to be Super Duper Rush Like HELL week.

None of these assignments are overly challenging. BUT when they all lump together it becomes a serious problem. Where do I find the TIME to do it all?

Don't the ppl at Monash know that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'?

I predict panda eyes and cranky mood for many weeks to come... :(

Chopped x 2

2010-03-13T18:43:00.003+08:00

Two things I want to talk about today.

Chopped, the TV show on the Asian Food Channel (Astro Channel 703) is interesting! Every episode starts with four chefs battling it out to make a three course meal. Each round one chef is eliminated, the last one standing wins $10,000!

It's like Iron Chef, there's a short time limit to prepare each dish, and every chef must also use compulsory mystery ingredients.

Something else got chopped today. My hair! Usually when it reaches a certain length I'll get annoyed and go for a hair cut automatically. But this time I'm surprised how loooong I let it go.

The longer your hair, the harder it is to keep it neat.
Solution? snip snip snip :)

Right now my hair is REALLY short. Like post-NS times. I call it durian spikey.

I wasn't paying attention during the hair cut. I just looked into the mirror and was stunned to see what was left on my head.
I guess I'm so used to longer hair. OH WELL... hair grows back faster than you think anyway.

There's a plus side. My head feels so light now, I can feel the breeze pass my scalp. Also I won't need to worry about styling my hair in the morning! :P

_______________
Gosh there's something wrong with me today. I noticed the sentences aren't coherent. I'm tired. Been working on Chem report most of the day. Assignments piling in. Don't you just "love" Monash.......

Axolotl

2010-03-10T10:22:00.002+08:00

Was doing Bio assignment and saw a really cute animal in the textbook! Google image of "axolotl" gives you this:

Has anyone seen this before? Isn't it the best damn thing! :)

Gravity :)

2010-03-07T14:05:00.002+08:00

Gravity by Sara Bareilles has been on my playlist forever. Still love it tremendously.

Some songs are only good in the studio version, when you listen to the artist perform it 'live' it just isn't that great.... BUT not in this case, Gravity live is just angelic!!!

That voice is by no means little, even though her debut album was called 'Little Voice'. Her sophomore album will be out this summer. Definitely getting it.

She's amazing. Just her and the piano. Nothing else needed.

Changes

2010-03-06T11:11:00.003+08:00

Time to talk about Uni life... yes I know I'm predictable.
My 2nd semester at Monash, noticed some changes since November.

All computers have been upgraded to Windows 7, operating much faster! :)
Study area outside comp labs refurbished with better desks, installed more fans to combat the ridiculous heat!

The library has a new look. Improved work area, more comfortable seats, and now they have an area with bean bags! Yes lots of it for people to chill/sleep. Also there is a new entrance/exit on the 3rd floor, which makes travelling around the buildings more convenient.

This sem I see more familiar faces. Some high school and college mates have just joined Monash. But some course mates from last sem have disappeared. I don't know where they went... A few have left, some are doing different units so I don't see them, perhaps the rest have transferred to the Australian campuses.

A lot of new faces too. One of my units this sem is FST1800, a food science unit and as the lecturer said we have a good mix of newbies, 2nd sem goers like me, and even 3rd year students taking this unit as an elective.

Don't really like this sem's timetable. Most days lectures drag on to the evening. On Friday there is a 3 hour break between lectures. What am I supposed to do... Lay eggs?

So the first week is about being exposed to changes.
Now comes the more challenging part: Adapting.

Releasing Steam

2010-03-02T18:33:00.002+08:00

Hey do you ever get that feeling like when you're mad or super frustrated you just want to scream out loud or vandalize something, but you know you aren't allowed to do it?

Well I have found a great solution for it.

Not that I'm angry or stressed out right now, but when I do feel that way, I will watch this:

Can't scream as it scares the entire neighbourhood?
Then watch 2 of the noisiest women in the WTA tour scream their lungs out.

Can't afford to destroy property?
Then watch these 2 tear each other apart with relentless, vicious hitting. I pity the tennis ball.

This is one heck of a match. Maria comes from 2-5 down in the 3rd set to win.. what a fight!

Gear Up

2010-02-26T11:37:00.002+08:00

I said on twitter that all good things come to an end.

The past 3 months has just been amazing. I find holidays therapeutic. A time to indulge in your creativity, doing things you normally wouldn't have the time for.
Had my first office job, launched Yhart Sale, catching up with high school mates, celebrating CNY.... There wasn't a dull moment.

Ironically I'm starting to feel bored now. Just quietly soaking up the last moments of what seems to be a dream. I guess the boredom is timely considering my semester begins next Monday.

I'm ready for "reality". In a strange way I look forward to it. I know that sounds insane and is unlike me, but deep down there's something about education that excites me. Don't you agree? Just to move on to the next chapter, and experience some sort of progress.

Holidays are indulgent, but for the same reason they also feel floaty, like being suspended in your own bubble and unable to push ahead. It's a joyful period but you don't want to be stuck there forever.

To sum up everything in one sentence: I'm ready to move on from my holiday.
(yeah I know I say way too much)

P.S. I like this song. Odd but interesting collaboration between Timbaland and Katy Perry. The music video is about a jewelry thief who falls for an art thief. Go figure.

House Hopping

2010-02-20T12:03:00.002+08:00

I like the term, reminds me of rabbits. Cute ones of course.

My first time doing this, along with the usual suspects we made 6 stops in total. First time visiting Lok Mun, Yee Thong, Ding Sheng & Shengyi's place. The other 2 homes we invaded was Chai Yee's and mine.

12 hours of eating, talking, laughing, mahjong. Tiring but exciting as well!
Chai Yee is going to Australia soon, if you are reading this take care Chai Yee!

There's another one going on today, with S5 mates but can't attend :(
Went to the hospital this morning for appointment... same stomach problem that has no end. I also feel a sore throat and flu coming along, the crazily hot CNY weather is finally getting to me.

I realized my 3 month break is ending REALLY soon. Just another week before reality kicks in. I feel bad, after such a long lay off I'm sure my brain is full of rust. Gonna be a real struggle next month :(

Alexander McQueen (1969 - 2010)

2010-02-17T12:43:00.006+08:00

A great loss in the fashion industry. I became a fan some time last year.

If you have seen Lady Gaga's Bad Romance video, then you have seen his creations. All the killer heels that Gaga wore in that video and the golden symmetrical shaped dress were McQueen's amazing design. Some of Kylie's tour outfits were also crafted by the late British designer.

Just as Gaga incorporates art into music, McQueen truly was an innovator at incorporating art into fashion. His creations were unreal, unimaginable... until you see it on a figure, then it just comes together as a literal WORK OF ART.

Here are some pics (from Style.com) of his Spring 2010 "Plato's Atlantis" collection.

He may be gone, but his legacy remains.

Post Valentine

2010-02-15T18:25:00.002+08:00

It's refreshing that Valentine's days is overshadowed by Chinese New Year. Didn't even see a single Valentine related thing yesterday. All single Chinese ppl must be grinning cheekily :p

If anyone of you saw my Valentine's playlist on Channel [V], it was cool wasn't it? I even have some friend requests on fb from ppl who saw my name on TV. Hope you liked my song selections.

But honestly those songs don't reflect me. Sure they are great tracks I love, but I only chose them to suit the theme for the contest.

Actually this Valentine's I'm feeling more like this:

We should celebrate singlehood like Rihanna! So so hard! :)

last day last minute cleaning

2010-02-13T16:44:00.002+08:00

Everyone knows the "no sweeping on the first day of CNY" rule. It doesn't make sense. I suspect it started years ago when ppl were lazy to do housework so they made this up as an excuse to slack off.

We spent much of today cleaning the house, with the help of the part-time maid of course.
The cleaning wasn't about tradition. For me it's just nice to be in a clean state. Also it would be super embarrassing if relatives & friends came over next week and saw how filthy the house is.

I like the smell of detergent, the touch of new sheets, dust free furniture and shiny, reflective surface of the mopped floors.

OK maybe not reflective.

Almost got into an accident while picking up the maid this morning. If I hadn't stepped on the breaks hard enough, my car would have been crushed.... and my mum and I would probably be in a hospital now.

Talk about a narrow escape.

SO YEAH... I'm glad I'm alive to celebrate CNY tomorrow.
Have a good one guys! :)

home made CNY deco

2010-02-11T15:33:00.004+08:00

The Yhartist strikes again!

Was bored today so I decided to get creative and made CNY decorations.

If you saw my 'Sweet Valentines' collection in Yhart Sale, you will notice that's where I first got the circular flower idea from. Only this time I made red versions to suit the CNY theme.

Also made 'figures of 8', since it's such a favoured number with the Chinese.

The designing-printing-cutting process took just about an hour. Really simple, you can try it too! Basically you create a crescent shape and then copy, paste and resize/rotate it multiple times to create all kinds of prints!

Stacking two of the '8's gives a whole new look!

So many ways to play with it, here are some different arrangements...

Hope you like it!

I'm Gonna Be On TV!!!

2010-02-08T22:24:00.003+08:00

I'm truly excited to share this moment!

The last time Roger Federer came to KL, my sis and I managed to get on the front page of The Star. Really small pic among a sea of ppl, but still it counts!

This time to be on TV is just way cool. OK...... I'm not going to physically appear on your screen, but my name is, and for half an hour I get control over what videos are aired on Channel [V]!

Here's the deal. I took part in a Valentine's edition of a show called 'The Playlist', and my submission was one of the 5 selected entries! Each weekday Channel [V] will air the 5 chosen Valentines playlist, and one lucky finalist will win a Technomarine watch worth RM1000!

The winner will be announced later, but just to have my playlist aired throughout Asia is cool enough, whether I get the watch or not doesn't really matter.

SO you can check out my playlist and dedication at:

Channel [V], Astro Channel 714
Premieres Tuesday, 9 Feb at 9.30pm
Repeats on Wednesday, 10 Feb at 3.30am / 7.30am / 11.30am

Thank you! And have a great Valentines everyone ;)

H' warming & B' day gathering

2010-02-07T18:10:00.003+08:00

A fun weekend indeed :)

Attended a high school mate's house warming.
Let's just say I have never been more impressed by a residence than this in my life.
I admit I'm easily impressed, but this blew me away by huge proportions.

For some interesting facts check out a friend's description:
http://melodyorange.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-huge-enormous-warmth.html
hope you don't mind Melody ;)

I also hope the home owner doesn't mind me talking about her crib, for I speak of it with genuine admiration & sincerity!

Today... went to Wong Kok to celebrate Yee Thong, Yew Fai & Don's birthday! You can never get sick of the gigantic Birthday Milk Tea even though I've seen it just about a hundred times :P

Happy to see some of them after such a long time! It's always nice and warm to hang out with you guys ;)
I'm sure pics will surface on fb soon :)

Been attending a handful of gatherings and trips these 2 months, partly becoz some are going overseas soon. I'm glad we are still hanging out! It's strange coz I feel we are closer now than before, even though we don't see each other so often anymore. I'm really getting to know some of you guys.

I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder... Am I using this saying correctly hehe?

Making The Egg Stand

2010-02-05T22:42:00.003+08:00

Today I can be a mythbuster!

Myth:
Some Chinese folks believe that it is possible for an egg to stand upright during "Lap Chun" (first day of spring) which happened to be yesterday, 4th February 2010.

Experiment:
An egg was placed upright on the ground repeatedly until it could stand still on 4th Feb.
Observation:
After many tries, it worked! Even my mum had success making the egg stand.

Experiment 2:
Same experiment was carried out today (5th Feb, NOT "Lap Chun" anymore).
Observation:
My sis was able to make it stand!

CONCLUSION:
Yes it is possible to make an egg stand upright if you try hard enough, and it can be achieved ANY time of the year!

MYTH BUSTED!!!

Helping Haiti - Everybody Hurts

2010-02-04T12:21:00.003+08:00

Simon Cowell's charity single

Lyrics
Leona Lewis: When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone
Rod Stewart: When you're sure you had enough of this life, well hang on

Mariah Carey: Don't let yourself go, coz everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes
Cheryl Cole: Sometimes everything is wrong
Mika: Now it's time to sing along

Michael Buble: When your day is night alone
Joe McElderry: (Hold on, hold on)
Miley Cyrus: If you feel like letting go
James Blunt: If you think you had too much of this life, well hang on

Gary Barlow(Take That) : Coz everybody hurts
Mark Owen(Take That) : Take comfort in your friends
Gary Barlow: Everybody hurts

Jon Bon Jovi: Don't throw your hand, oh no
James Morrison: Don't throw your hand
James Morrison & Alexandra Burke: If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you're not alone

Susan Boyle: If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long
Aston Merrygold(JLS) : When you think you've had too much of this life
Marvin Humes(JLS) : To hang on

Shane Filan(Westlife) : Everybody hurts, sometimes
Mark Feehily(Westlife) : Everybody cries
Kylie Minogue: And everybody hurts, sometimes
Robbie Williams: And everybody hurts, sometimes, so hold on, hold on

Everyone: hold on (everybody), hold on, hold on, (everybody), hold on, hold on

On Aussie and Grammys

2010-02-03T12:42:00.003+08:00

I know I'm late, but still gonna say it :)

Going for the trip made me missed the live telecast of the men's and women's singles final of the Aussie Open. Watching the repeat wasn't as fun because I already knew who won, but the quality of the 2 matches were still impressive.

When Serena is serving like a man, no woman can beat her (this is a compliment!). I still wished Justine won though. And Roger Federer continues to make history, when I saw him trash Tsonga in the semis I already knew he would win the title. Sure enough he outclassed Murray. Murray didn't play poorly, yes he made some nervous mistakes here and there, but it was really Roger being TOO classy! His serve was so effective, the pace of the ground strokes.... just so KENCANG! Beautiful backhand whipping Murray from start to finish.

It seems the only player worthy of contending with Roger in Grand Slams is Nadal! My fav player will be back for sure!

Now on to the Grammys, Beyonce was the big winner taking home 6 trophies. Lady Gaga wore bizarre outfits once again. The best part of the show was the spectacular performances. My favourite was Pink. She performed a high risk act, it looked like she could fall off the air and break her bones any moment.

A must watch!

About the Animal Trip :)

2010-02-01T16:25:00.003+08:00

Back from Sekinchan! Interesting trip, I experienced various 'first times' throughout the weekend, mostly related to creatures of the animal kingdom!

Saturday
The ride wasn't long. Reached Sekinchan- first thing noticed was vast paddy field. Was less than appealing. Jit Teng explained harvest season just passed in December, so there wasn't much of a view besides dry mud and little green patches.

Seafood dinner. Cheap & decent! Haven't had fried sotong in AGES! yum yum.. Also had 'Chow Bak Goh', when they ordered it I thought it was "fried white fruit" as in the white ginkgo fruit found in barley tong sui. Turned out to be a flour dish, something like Pan Mee.

Nite. Went to Firefly Park Resort @ Kuala Selangor to see.... obviously fireflies! Pretty cool, I expected the glow to be fiery yellow, but it was actually fluorescent white, like mini artificial lights on a Christmas tree. The boat ride was relaxing, supposed to be quiet to not spook the fireflies, but heck we were the noisiest bunch hehehe. The moon was gorgeous.

Sunday
After breakfast, we went eel fishing! Actually I think 'eel' isn't the right term, in Cantonese they call it "Wong Xin", some snake/eel like creature that dwells in the muddy waters of the field. This was by far the highlight of the trip! Our fishing rod was just fishing line & hook tied to a PVC pipe, the bait was chicken intestines that Jit Teng got F.O.C. from the market. Simple home made contraption but it WORKS! Basically you put the bait at the opening of their mud burrows and wait for some action!

The 9 of us had no luck initially, it was getting boring and the sun was seriously scorching. Suddenly someone spotted one and we rushed there. Boy oh boy, this eel was a smart one. It managed to eat the liver while avoiding the hook. We were hell bent on catching it, so we kept trying, I'm surprised that greedy eel kept entertaining us by going for the bait over and over again without getting hooked. We could only see the head coming out, it was snake like! The scariest part was the loud sound it made everytime it charged out and chewed off the chicken intestine in lightning speed. Damn aggressive. We were scared like crazy, especially the person holding the rod. Needless to say there was plenty of screams. We took turns, finally our senior Teng Chun struck gold when he felt a jerk on the rod. Within seconds, he calmly pulled back on the rod and out comes the eel! OMG I was stunned when I saw the length of that thing! About 15 inches I would say.

After a while Ding Sheng caught another one. Lunch time we headed to a restaurant with our catch of the day. Yup, that's right we ate the eels. I'm sure you heard of Kung Po Chicken, but what about Kung Po Eel? The chef did a good job. I thought I would throw up at first, but it was actually OK. Texture sort of like fish.

Left Sekinchan late afternoon. On the way home, we stopped by Bukit Malawati to see (I quote from Jit Teng) "silver monkeys". Actually they were just black bodied monkeys with grayish white fur. Nevertheless I was still fascinated. A tram ride brought us to the top of the hill. These monkeys were tame and friendly, unlike the typical brown monkeys you see in PJ & KL. We also saw fishes, peacocks and porcupines up close.

By the time we were done it was late so we skipped our plan to the beach. Reached PJ, had dinner and said our goodbyes.. Although the trip was short, I had so much fun coz the activities were exciting and there was no shortage in laughter!

Thanks guys for this experience, especially tour guide Jit Teng.
If Sekinchan is next on your travelling list, then Jit Teng is the go to person for some tips!

pics on fb!
cheers :)

About Packing Habits

2010-01-29T21:41:00.003+08:00

Off to a mini trip tomorrow with the gang. Going to Sekinchan. Not really sure what to expect other than errrmmm paddy field and seafood? The unpredictability is slightly worrying, but kinda exciting as well. Perhaps an opportunity to spice things up.

I wonder if it's common practice to make a list of things before packing. For OCD freaks like me, it's a must. I do it religiously before I go on any kind of trip. I can't imagine packing without some kind of system or organisation. I would just go nuts.

When it comes to packing, I have this constant worry that I might forget something. I know it's no big deal to forget, you can just pick it up at a store or just live a few days without it BUT again it's a mentality that is permanently wired to my brain. I WANT to be able to have everything I might need in my bag.

Back to the list. It's so important. Usually I split the paper into 2 main sections. The left is for clothing and toiletries, and the rest of the stuff goes to the right. All items are listed in some sort of sequence. AND once I have placed the item in my bag, I will cross out the item repeatedly. It gives me peace when I see the items being crossed out. Like a confirmation that I have packed it. Yes, I KNOW I'm neurotic.

And that's not the end. Sometimes even though I know I have crossed out an item, I will still check my bag to make sure it's there. I double, triple, quadruple check things even though I already know for SURE it's there. Strange isn't it? I can't help it. WELL, actually I can. I can force myself to NOT check, but then I know my mind won't be at ease.

This problem used to be more severe... nowadays I consider myself to be much more laid back. If in the past I need to check something 10 times, now I only do it 5 times. Still not 'Normal' in comparison to public standards, but it's an improvement.
Besides I don't mind. I don't see it as an issue I need to address. It's just how I have been all along. Just so you know, in MY standards, most of you non-OCD guys are 'abnormal' for being so carefree hahahahaha.

Will be back Sunday nite. Bye :)

Departure

2010-01-28T16:49:00.002+08:00

Yesterday marked the end of my weekly tennis session with the coach, or I should say the beginning of my promise to move on.

It's hard to let go. There is still some part of me that wants to chase that dream. But then the logic kicks in. I really enjoy the challenge and the fight, but deep down I know I'm not good enough. I wish I could explain how I feel in a way that you'll understand better.

Maybe someday I'll be back for more, I don't know when BUT definitely not in the near future. I'm still available for social tennis though. Perhaps now I will learn to enjoy the game more.

I have officially departed from Tennisland.
Next stop? No idea. I'll see where the plane takes me. :)

Tale as Old as Time

2010-01-26T22:18:00.002+08:00

Saw this video last night, I hope you will watch it too. Won't take too much of your time, such a heart warming story.
I feel strongly about this, we all have not-so-good moments, but I guess the moral of this tale is that we are not alone no matter how gloomy things seem.

Enjoy :)

What's Glee?

2010-01-22T14:17:00.003+08:00

I looked it up.

Glee
-hilarity: great merriment
-gloat: malicious satisfaction
-Joy; merriment; mirth; gayety; particularly, the mirth enjoyed at a feast; Music; minstrelsy; entertainment; An unaccompanied part song for three or more solo voices. It is not necessarily gleesome

More importantly, I'm referring to this definition:
Glee is a musical comedy television series that airs on Fox. It focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a glee club, set within the fictional McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio.

Never seen anything like this on TV. The response is great in the U.S.

Even Kylie loves it. That's a good enough reason for me to watch it. Yes, I'll do whatever she says is good.

The musical arrangements are amazing on Glee. Check out 'Don't Stop Believin' and 'Rehab' on my playlist on the right. Both songs featured on the first episode and I heard many more are coming!

For Malaysians, Glee is on StarWorld, Wednesdays 9pm after American Idol.

Time to cheer for the underdogs! :)

Off My Chest

2010-01-20T12:15:00.002+08:00

Just some things I would like to say...

1. Maria crashing out of the Australian Open. She played well in exhibition matches earlier this year, but then this happens. What a pity.
Tennis can promise so much, but at any moment it can also be taken away from you. But I guess this is why the players keep coming back for more. The possibility of achieving greatness, small as it may be, is a good enough driving force for most to keep trying. Maria will bounce back for sure.

2. Kim Clijsters is playing fantastic. Saw her match against Tamarine Tanasugarn today. Not only can Kim hit winners from all corners, her strength lies in her mobility on court. She is an excellent mover, gliding around the court chasing down ball after ball without signs of fatigue. She is my prediction for the women's singles champion.

3. Just found out that Kylie is working with RedOne!! RedOne is the producer responsible for Lady Gaga's Just Dance. This time round Kylie is collaborating with many producers, including Stuart Price who worked on Madonna's Confession on a Dancefloor album. Kylie is taking time on her 11th album, and many already say it's going to be her best yet. Can't wait!!!

Nike 2010 Lookbook

2010-01-16T11:51:00.004+08:00

If you're into sports and fashion, the Nike lookbook application will make you drool.

It's interactive and gives you a peek at what Roger, Rafa, Serena & Maria will be wearing exclusively at the 2010 Australian Open which starts on Monday!
Check it out at:
http://ozlookbook.nikemedia.com/#

This year Maria is working with Nike to launch the Maria Sharapova Collection, a line of high performance tennis dresses and 2 piece outfits that will be available for all women.

I have always been a supporter of Nike. It's not just the brand, Nike sportswear truly is a pioneer at incorporating style & technology. Their products support performance while looking absolutely cool.

My personal experience is with tennis shoes. Other brands (ahem) tend to be tight around the mid section, but Nike has come out with a perfect cut to give a good, comfortable fit. Not to mention Nike is way ahead in trends and design. And somehow all my favourite athletes are sponsored by Nike.

I have mentioned 'Nike' so many times here. I think you get the picture ;)

I Ate Smiley

2010-01-15T16:40:00.003+08:00

Bought this from LaBoheme at 1U and didn't realize how much it resembled a smiley until I was about to eat it.

If memory serves me correctly, it's called Blueberry Crumble

And instead of giving it a kiss on the cheek, I bit it off :)

Then...

And the rest is history.

Do I feel bad for eating smiley? Muahahahaha not at all coz it was yummy!

And yes this is how I spend my excessively looooooooooong holiday.

The Break Up

2010-01-08T21:15:00.002+08:00

*beware: EMO post*

Every relationship has its time, as much as I hate to admit it, mine has.

I have decided to break up with Tennis. You might think it's funny, but it's truly a low moment for me.

The Reason?
Well, I think it's time to move on. If you love something (or someone) enough you will know when it's time to let go. You just know. This relationship is heading to a dead end so I don't want to cling on any longer to see things go sour.

Tennis was my first love. I don't think I have cared about anything so whole heartedly. Throughout the 4 years we spent together, tennis has given me more hope and ambition than any men on Earth possibly could. Tennis has helped me develop my character, taught me about self belief, how to walk with my head held high.

Unfortunately I can no longer commit to Tennis. I apologize.
Tennis deserves better. I believe Tennis will continue to touch the hearts of many others.

I always have and always will LOVE tennis, only a little differently from now on....... as a friend.

* * * * *
I hope you get the metaphor. I have always wanted something more in playing tennis, not just for social/fun purposes... But now I realized that dream is just a dream. From now on, I'm just a "social player".

Perhaps it's time to look for a new love......

My resolutions

2010-01-05T23:47:00.003+08:00

After much thought, here is the list for 2010.

1. Stay Healthy
Last year this was item no.3, now it's top priority. I'll try hard to prevent a GERD relapse, even if that means NO tea and chocolate. And hopefully it's bye bye to H.pylori

2. Gain Weight
This was also on last year's list, but instead of gaining I lost weight. If I stay healthy, then I can eat normally. This is tough. My target is 5 kilos.

3. Reduce Priority on Playing Tennis
I think it's time to move on. The reason is long, so I'll save it for another post.

4. Expand Creativity
I need something that's artistically challenging. Maybe more Yhart, or even get into writing. Anything that pushes my boundaries.

5. Focus on Independence
With the maid gone, there's a lot that a 20 year old like me SHOULD know how to do.
Also, I don't want to think about relationships. Steer away from romance in 2010. Don't ask why.

6. Be More Outgoing, Less Anti-Social
Something that I failed to do in 2009. It's just hard for me to open up to the ppl in Uni.

That's about it. If anything else comes up, I'll add it in.
This year I just want to use my energy on repairing myself, slow down for a change. I no longer have big ambitions like playing in tournaments. Surprisingly, acquiring great academic results is also NOT on my mind.

I really have changed in some ways...

So Hard

2010-01-04T13:30:00.003+08:00

I'm absolutely loving the new Rihanna. Totally digging the new sound and style.
Military edge.
Her outfits in this video seem to be inspired by Gaga :)

Back Home :)

2010-01-03T13:37:00.004+08:00

Arrived exhausted late last night, but it's been an awesome 3 days, spanned across 2 years hehe ;)

First time counting down to a new year at the beach, even got to see fireworks display up close!

A trip is really fun when driving on our own, it's more adventurous & there is freedom to go anywhere anytime. Of course it wouldn't be possible without the gallant effort from our 2 dedicated drivers! They did a fantastic job in keeping all of us in one piece :)

It's funny we didn't do any beach-sea related activities going to P.D... This was more like an eating-talking-card game playing- bonding relaxing trip. Yeah, that about sums it up! Even though the planning was last minute, we still pulled it off quite well.

I'm glad 2010 is here.
The beginning of a year marks the start of another tennis season. With the Australian Open just 2 weeks away, I'm anticipating great matches. This season I predict the great comeback of Nadal, and the women's game should be more competitive with the full force return of Henin, Clijsters and Maria.

I'm still thinking of resolutions for the year. I know some don't believe in this whole making a list thing, but it's essential to me. Kinda like setting a direction for the next 360 days.

Time to put my thinking cap on...

Let's Roll

2009-12-29T20:49:00.004+08:00

This is a phrase I constantly say when I'm about to go somewhere. If it sounds just a little familiar, you have probably heard it from a certain cartoon ;)

Didn't plan to talk about the new year so soon, but I won't be around on the 30th onwards. Going for trip to P.D. & Melaka with high school mates! It's been a while since I went for one, and the fact that I get to countdown to 2010 with them makes this trip even more meaningful :)

Year 2000 - 2009

This decade has been amazing. From finishing UPSR to all the years I spent at CHS then moving on to college and now university, just cool to see how much we have learned in 10 years!

I think it's safe to say all of us achieved substantial growth, not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, spiritually. (gosh this sounds like a moral essay)

This decade has taught me to appreciate so many things.
Sure, there were bumps along the way, but I wouldn't change most of it.

I know this sounds so corny, but I believe the hardships in life define who we are. The good things in life doesn't change us, YES we enjoy it, but we take it for granted for the most part.
Conversely, it's the bad stuff, the shit that we have to put up with over and over again, THAT is what makes us grow, what makes us want to be better. In a way, it gives purpose to live.

OK I should stop with the philosophy....

Year 2010 & beyond

I'm excited for the future, nervous, but more excited. So many possibilities. The only thing that scares me is how quickly time passes, and how little I have achieved in 19 years. How many years do I have left, just what exactly do I want to do with my life? This is the big question I'm still seeking to answer.

On a lighter note, I hope everyone has a blessed 2010!!! I like new years becoz it's the perfect time to reflect on the past before given a chance to start over. Like hitting the refresh button and being presented with a new blank page!

I will be back on the 2th... As usual, my list of new year's resolution will follow.

Love :)

Jingle Jingle

2009-12-25T16:24:00.004+08:00

1. A time to gather with loved ones.

2. The malls are packed, everywhere I turn I see green, red, white & hear familiar tunes.

3. It may just be me, but I feel people are nicer this time of year (generally that is).

4. And not forgetting the presents! :)

These are signs that tell me Christmas is here.
There's just something warm & fuzzy about this holiday.

Hope you have a splendid one!

Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby
Uploaded by JFr62. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

The Year In Music

2009-12-21T13:21:00.005+08:00

2009!!!
Lots of happy, party upbeat tracks.
Conquered by Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas.
Rise of Taylor Swift, Pixie Lott & Little Boots. They are the ones to watch.

Let's relive some of the year's best...

I Gotta Feeling, monster feel good anthem, even my mum recognizes the beat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFYivgUjB1A

P-p-p-oker Face! Doesn't get catchier than this. The scene where GaGa emerges from the pool gives me goose bumps... cool as hell!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkmllIoRySY

Single Ladies, put a ring on it... I knew this was BIG when I saw an African student singing and strutting it like Beyonce while I was doing Mufy at Sunway. I think the video made it such a hit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1nixzYHDus

You Belong With Me.. Slightly corny, but I like music videos that tell a story. Not a fan of Taylor but many adore her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xj8RrIpiiQ

Hot N Cold... A song that fits right in the history of Pop, one of the gems of this decade, much like Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head. Not to be forgotten anytime soon!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X75mry1LcFg

Heartless, a word some ppl use to describe Kanye. But this track deserves recognition, I especially like Kris Allen's rendition during American Idol. Kris made it cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGJGTdhbGEM

Gravity by Sara Bareilles, not a big hit like the rest but one of my personal favourites!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBiGrHc0Xy4

I really look forward to 2010, especially Kylie's 11th album!
Let's hope that our favourite artists will raise their games and be inspired to make sweet music :)

About Fast Food

2009-12-19T22:26:00.002+08:00

The desire to blog is waning. Less to say these days.

I feel better I think. It varies actually. Sometimes after a meal I expect to feel sick, but nothing happens. Other times it's torture. Luckily it doesn't last long. Maybe 5 minutes?

Had fast food this morning. I know it's not an ideal breakfast, but I was forced into it. Not by anyone, but by the circumstances. There was nothing else there so it was either fried food or hunger.

Obviously fast food is popular, I understand the appeal. Anything fried tastes better rite? But I don't get why people go for it (including myself) even though they know it's UNHEALTHY especially when they have a CHOICE. You can go to a cafe or restaurant for better food.

Besides fast food isn't cheap these days... consider a set meal that comes with a tiny burger, over fried french fries with a little bit too much salt, and gosh soft drinks that's just filled with gas. You may as well pay a lil more somewhere else for a decent meal.

The only plus point I see about fast food is the convenience, the speed. After all it's FAST food. But once I waited in an A&W outlet for 20 minutes to get my onion rings.

Malaysians should eat healthier. Kids love their regular dose of McD & KFC. Perhaps the fast food culture should be revised. Implementing alternative choices to the menu would be nice, after all not everyone who walks into McDonalds wants to drink Pepsi. I think soft drinks should be minimized. Offer juices into value meals. I know currently you can pay an additional RM1 to change the drink, so why not offer something healthier in the first place! If ppl want soft drinks, make THEM pay an additional RM1 to deter the public from spoiling themselves.

And what's with fries nowadays? Almost always over fried, and too much salt! An over sensation for the tounge. Wouldn't it be nice if they offered mash or potato salad instead?

OK I know healthier choices require additional costs, but like I said, fast food is no longer cheap anyway.

Think about it. Wouldn't you like to see some changes?

That's It?

2009-12-16T20:11:00.003+08:00

First time... getting admitted into a hospital.
First time... getting my hand poked by a painful needle multiple times into the veins.
First time... doing a procedure that required sedation.

Was freaking nervous moments before the endoscope. I knew it was a safe procedure, but it was the uncertainty that worried me. I'm a control freak, I panic when I'm unaware of the situation or when things go beyond my control. Felt helpless. My heart was thumping so hard and fast, couldn't calm down.

I always didn't get why some patients freak out before doing a procedure/surgery. Now I know. You have to experience it yourself to understand that sense of helplessness as you lie in bed waiting, not knowing what's to come.

By the time I was sedated... poof!!! I fell asleep and don't remember anything after that. When I woke up, it was over. No pain. Didn't feel anything at all.

OK.. so the endoscope confirmed what was wrong with my stomach. Erm I have GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to the weaken muscle that controls the opening of the stomach.

The scope found an ulcer at the opening of the stomach. Also, inside the stomach was red and had spots and this basically indicates infection. Guess what, my old friend H.pylori is still there! Once again tested positive for the bacteria. I almost can't believe that a bacteria can cause so much discomfort. I swear I thought it was something more severe or fatal like a tumour.

The doc convinced me that whatever I have is treatable. But there are certain things I cannot do. Can't drink coffee or tea, eat chocolate, lie down within 3 hours after eating, cannot bend over or lift heavy stuff after eating, basically cannot do anything that strains the abdomen physically, and that unfortunately includes heavy sports like tennis. No running and jumping around for me.

I'll work it out. Somehow.
Will take it easy for now.

P.S. I like the new Rihanna. Darker, stronger, edgier. Solid album, heavy beats.

Answers

2009-12-15T12:45:00.002+08:00

Going to the medical centre today.

Not sure what to expect, not sure what to say.

I'm not sure if I'm sick, but I can definitely tell you I'm not healthy.

If something is killing me slowly, at least I want to know what IT is.
Even if it's bad, at least I deserve to know.

I need a physician who can tell me.
I'll do tests that can tell me.

All I want is answers.

Exclusive

2009-12-12T13:00:00.002+08:00

Kylie's launching a digital download only live album of her show in New York and she is giving fans a free listen of the first half of the album on YouTube exclusively for 1 day only!

There's no way I'm missing this, listen to it while it's still available!!!

And check out this awesome new remix of 'Speakerphone' which is a bonus track in this new live album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl2MTCUDzmE

Long live Kylie!

Office Life & Results

2009-12-05T18:30:00.003+08:00

Life as an employee is interesting.

I always hear how being a student is better than working. But I think I prefer working. Sure, the hours are long and tiring, you can't play or joke as much, but I just like it.

Maybe it's the initial excitement of venturing unfamiliar territory, or the fact that I'm a plain workaholic.

I like the office environment, I like having my own desk. I like dressing for work. I like sneaking to the pantry for a break and munching on the supply of biscuits and chocolate. I like going for lunch breaks with colleagues. I like the fact that I'm contributing.

I feel more mature. I feel more professional.
And this is only data entry.
I can't wait to experience real work related to food science and tech when I graduate!

I just like work. Sounds insane but it makes me feel good about myself. Tired body, dry eyes to the point of tearing, but satisfying.

I got so worked up about work I totally forgot that exam results were out! Yeah, since the last paper I never thought about results even once until I saw some Monash mates blog about it.

Was a little nervous to log in to see it, but hey I guess I always knew there was nothing to worry about. Not to sound snobby, but I mean you know how hard you studied and how you answered the paper, so the results shouldn't come as a big shock to you right?

The only flaw is with Bio. 1 mark away from HD. Just 1. Why didn't they just give it to me?
But I'm still happy and thankful, truly. Things could have gone a whole lot nastier.

OK, so life goes on...
1 more week of work, then I will chill for a while, celebrate Christmas and then we'll all be saying goodbye to 2009. Ah December........

Delayed

2009-11-30T19:54:00.002+08:00

Today is supposed to be my first day of work, but I got another day off. Turns out it's tomorrow.

No matter, I had a decent day. Watched 2012, was actually nice! Several gripping moments, can't believe the lead character's family always narrowly escape death. Talk about luck.

I spent the remainder of the day at home watching dvd... Grey's Anatomy- season 5. There's just nothing else on TV that's as good as this. It's so good I actually believe the characters are real. Their lives are so compelling, the writers of the show did a fantastic job! I love every minute of it.

Yeah, I had a good time.

OK. Work starts tomorrow. For real.

Introducing 'Yhart Sale'

2009-11-26T18:44:00.002+08:00

From now on, you can have a piece of me.
Nope, didn't enlist myself as an organ donor. Think again.

I have been working hard to make this happen, but now that the moment of revealing it is here, I'm tongue tied. Gee I wish I could come up with a more creative way to say it, but I'm too happy/excited/nervous/tired to construct witty sentences.

SO I'LL JUST GET TO THE POINT...

I'm starting a mini business. Yup, I'm selling my own art work, Yhart.
The profit from this project goes to charity.

THE REST you can read at my Yhart Sale blog:
http://yhartplace.blogspot.com/
THIS is where the magic happens.

I'm keeping a very open mind about this venture. So I won't blame you for thinking I've completely lost my mind.
Oh wait... come to think of it, I've always been crazy, and I'm sure you guys already know hahahaha.

So I hope you will support me.

I would like to thank every single person who has contributed to this project. Those who have inspired me to make art, those who I have invited to preview the Yhart Sale blog. I value your comments and suggestions. I made some changes, and I have a feeling more will come.
As stated in this blog's header, change is inevitable. I'm staying true to myself.

Thanks and love to you all. :)

Work Shoe Virgin

2009-11-25T17:59:00.002+08:00

Today's my day off. Putting project aside for now.

Went to Jaya Jusco at 1U, it's their member day! Lots of stuff 70% off, totally worth it.
Seriously packed, everyone wants some. Was a bit taken back by the crowd, but i felt right at home minutes later.

Oh did I mention I'm working part time at an office for 2 weeks, beginning next Monday?
Yeah, I realized I have no work clothes, aside from the 1 formal shirt I wear for presentations.

SO today I covered myself from head to toe. Shirts, pants, shoes.

AND I have to say, I'm a total virgin when it comes to buying formal shoes. They all look the same to me- ugly! The front looks like the snout of a duck. In the end, I asked my mum to pick one coz I was lost in the sea of leather and skin. This almost never happens, me turning to my mum for fashion advice!!! What next, pigs flying in the air?

My style is more of casual, I have pretty much mastered the craft in the sense that I can tell what looks good and what doesn't. BUT formal wear is a totally different pond. I'm like a fish out of water.

And I wish I was thicker in the thighs and arms and chest. I realized I'm like a walking stick, the shirts and pants look baggy in me, even in the smallest size. So many DIRT CHEAP branded shirts, but not available in my size. I'm already trying my best to grow sideways, but it's just not happening. :(

At least this day is productive. Tomorrow the curtains will be pulled on my work, and on Friday the Wong siblings are off to Genting! Apparently there is new stuff to check out. Anyone wanna go meet me there? I'll buy McDonalds! :)

Life's Good.