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 :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Almost done but not quite there
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.
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.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tragedy of the Commons
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:
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 :)
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."
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 :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Crunch Time Yet Again
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Final exams soon!
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
on S5 gathering & US Open
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 >.<
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 >.<
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Boy it's getting dusty
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! :)
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! :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
It's Tough!!
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!!!
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!!!
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