Telling life as it is

Half alive?

2009-11-04T23:43:00.003+01:00

Hey dudes, this blog is far from being dead. Its just that I have a lot to talk about but things are getting pretty crazy, especially trying to juggle my wants and needs at the same time .....

Also, its sometimes a push for time and my timetables although being little stuff (lectures) but most of the timing on it is not that convenient.

Thats Nott it!

2009-11-03T21:40:00.008+01:00

Hey guys, its that time of the year again, where the most manly game alive( I think) is about to begin. As I tap into my arsenal, my fingers are ready to strike. Thumping down a tile and shouted those epic three words: TRIPLE WORD SCORE!

Nottingham games was around again and as usual, the cross country bus ride was needed. Woke up reluctantly at 2am, which was just 3 hours of sleep. Got there at 7 am. So there was a 4 hour bus ride, but it was pretty bumpy so I did not get a good rest at all. Fortunately, we were about to stop over to a gas station and I got a good dose of joe.

This year was pretty disoriented, as no one had a clue on what went on. But alas, all were congregated in the badminton court for a 'speech' by the sports Minister, whom I dunno his name and where his English is as horrible as my ignorance.

Well, next up was my duel. The venue changed last minute so there was some confusion, and a table suddenly abandoned ship so thus I was able to play earlier then expected.

I went through the Qualifiers and later the Robin eliminations. Which was pretty good considering I only scored 44 during my last outing. And of course there is no such thing as a Malaysian event without Malaysian food! Tons of it! ALthough its not as good as what I am used to, at least there were trinkets that remind me of home.

The first out of the three nasi lemaks!

WTF, onde-onde.....the best ever

Most of the time after the games was spent catching up with my friends that I have never seen in ages. Mostly were the ZICo bunch. It was a good event overall.

Some scenery!

We got on the bus back at 8 which means we arrived around 11 ish. Couldnt be bothered with the closing speech. Plus someone got his eye poked, and has internal injuries. The Manchester basketball team was pretty rough this year, plus actually made a Nott player to be stretchered out. Dire times indeed.

But in the end all is well. I was not able to look around Nottingham town as it was getting pretty late (and also lacking cash) but then you cannot put a price to pay on good experiences with friends.

I got to go soon. Although its just 9 pm, the sleep debt I got from Notts has not been paid. And it seems that it comes with interest as well.

Cheerio.

Chicken

2009-10-25T11:17:00.002+01:00

One of my friends, John asked me if I would wanna have dinner at his place, after watching some football. Thought it would be a good idea. Typical Malaysian, would just come by for food!

But alas, the chicken was still frozen, the stuffing was just being made and the vegs weren't washed yet. I was :'oh well, at least some one was cooking for me'. And indeed it was a good wait despite having it as supper and a dinner worth a banana,(Thanks Henry). Well, to be fair most English people call dinner supper, and a 12 am chowdown is not far from the truth.

The meat was pretty tender and I got some extras as John's girlfriend cannot finish her portion and so I helped her out and said she finished it all. But all just came into an abysmal failure when she blurted the truth. Well, the exaggeration is put forth because it is just hard to explain how funny that moment was.

The remainder if the night was later spent watching 'Road Wars' and TNA.

Oh and just so you know,daylight savings is now operational! Turn your watches and clocks back! Crap, if I knew it earlier I should have just spent more time in bed. lol

Around the bend once more

2009-10-07T08:19:00.002+02:00

Lecture are on the way and IP will be not too far along now. Its Intellectual Property in short. So far so good. My new neighbours in Wessex are great and it seems like John and Henry still does not want to leave the place, always coming by for their fix of Kopi O.

Being a new academic year, I'd thought to join more 'interesting societies'. I have Buddhist meditation society later this afternoon and breakdancing later in the coming days.

Well, from the keyboard to the kitchen soon. I really need to have my breakfast. =)

Jammed

2009-10-01T09:47:00.002+02:00

Hey people. I am in Reading at the moment, pretty busy with repacking stuff, taking things out of the warehouse and getting accommodation. Banking as well is a pain, but all is well. Pretty busy these couple of weeks. I will write a more decent blogpost when I have more time for myself.

Packed and reloaded?

2009-09-23T04:26:00.003+02:00

Been pretty busy these past few days. Been restocking my stuff and going back and forth. Malacca is the usual destination. Speaking of which, my grandpa is going on pretty well.

And although I am in the midst of packing. I am so not ready for the flight back...

Lets go

2009-09-16T04:07:00.001+02:00

Lets go away from this horrid place,
We shall leave for somewhere quieter.
Let me move away the tears from you face,
As we just lean close to each other.

When life gets dark and starts to fall apart,
Just stay patient for all won’t be in vain.
And although there are times that it breaks your heart,
Rainbows will only glow right after the rain.

There is always sense after every madness,
All we need is just time to think it through.
And despite being surrounded by darkness,
The answer to everything is within you.

And yet if you cannot see though it all,
It doesn’t matter if you life starts to feel cold,
I will be there and catch you if you ever fall.
You know I will reach out, just grab hold.

Yet even though I am not close nor near,
Let me assure you there is no need to grieve.
For you know I will always hold you dear,
In my heart I hope you know I will never leave.

RE: Stroked

2009-09-07T10:18:00.002+02:00

Heya people. I got back from Malacca few days ago and what a week it was. Well most of the time I would be in my granddad's place looking out for him. he can hardly stand without a cane and cannot move a half of his body so someone has to take care of him. Well, its awkward poetic reflection for looking out for some one when he used to look out for you when you were once very little.

It was a very eventful one week, and fortunately most of it was ok. His tube was replaced on a Monday instead as it was started to get infected pretty badly. He can walk with a stick now and after some therapy he can start swallowing without the aid of a tube, although it may take a while to consume solids.

Many people I met during therapy sessions and visiting relatives say he is very fortunate. Even my local GP says so. For a burst vein in the head, it means certain death but fortunately for him is just a limp arm and leg. Very fortunate indeed.

He is healing well and is taken care by my mum and my maternal 5th aunt. Yup, my mum has many sisters. She is still in Malacca taking up the responsibility as a filial child, while I am now in Subang once more taking care of my own father, or sort of. Well, some one needs to clean house while he is at work.

I might pop back to Malacca once more for a visit to keep his spirits up. And until then I guess thats all I have to say about him. After all, I am not the patient so my story can only go so far.

Cherioo.

Home

2009-08-31T06:24:00.002+02:00

No matter where you are , no matter what happens, you know that one thing is for sure. There is no place like home

Happy birthday Malaysia.

Although we still have a lot of problems, well take time to think. We are pretty ok being a very young democracy. And like fine wine, the older it is the better it gets. Work on strengths and counter weaknesses and eventually everything will be ok.

After all not matter creed relief or gender, all we want is happiness.

Stroked

2009-08-30T11:44:00.001+02:00

Hey guys, how is everybody doing? Having a good summer? Mine is pretty eventful. There are some highs and obviously some lows.

Well I just got back from a trip from the beach, or marshes to be politically correct. Well, its not about that and I will blog about that in a later date.

Last week, my grandpa from my maternal side got a stroke. Yes, he blew a nerve in his brain. He was unconscious for a few days and now is limp on the left side of his body. He needs to be fed via a tube but fortunately he will not need it next Wednesday. Having being ailment free for his entire life and leading a very active lifestyle, we find it very shocking. But ignorance is definitely not bliss as when it was revealed that he had suffered high blood pressure for years, according to the doctors stationed at the government hospital. No one knew as he never went for a medical check up.

My mum was hit very badly. She was pulling back tears since the day she heard the news and after the aforementioned trip she went to her parents' house almost immediately after that.

All is not lost as after the stroke hit, he was up within a few days and was able to talk like any normal person. It is a relief that he is able to do that so quickly. But his whole left side is limp and he could not even stand. At his rate of recovery, I think he would be much better in a few weeks. I just got back from his house not long ago and he can move his left hand with ease. All he lack is the strength to hold on.

As for me, I an trying to do my part. Being quite free for the time being, I guess taking up the title care taker is not such a bad idea.

Whoops!

2009-08-30T11:41:00.002+02:00

Error on the previous post. Well, kudos to 'Hughes' for pointing it out.

The actual CD is worth RM 119, not 199. these typos happen. ==

Hadouken

2009-08-26T15:08:00.008+02:00

in the beginning, there was this:

A phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions and not to mention their loose change as well. It contributed to small joint arthritis. But thats ok, after you knew you were much better than the noobface that was next to you whom just wasted his 20 sen.

Years have passed and later, the Alpha series was born. with that new characters and new fighting styles tagged along. A good breath of air but alas, it did not bring about the same degree of hype that its predecessor once had. With more focus on story telling and a good roster of characters, it was one of the better reincarnations.

So it later was brought into the future, where a whole new roster was introduced. But alas, due to the popularity of Ken, Ryu and Akuma, they were placed into the game as well. And the third strike says you are out (note: pun intended)

And finally everything has hit full circle and in the palm of my hand, or more correctly, the disc in my DVD drive lies :STREET FIGHTER 4!!!!

yes peeps, I have finally bought me a copy of SF4. RM 199 well spent if you ask me. I have already unlocked Fei Long, but in the cheap way. And indeed, I am having a good time. But one thing is for sure you really need a powerful system. My crazy ass gamer laptop can only handle minimum settings and it took me a great length of time for me to set everything up. But all is well. Moves a re fluid and the keyboard responded like how an arcade stick would have. Good character development and a great soundtrack for the whole game as well. Although I have to say Seth is the craziest boss I have every fought. Crazier that Yuri, Sanctus, Bison, Dural, Devil, Bowzer.....the list goes on.

I tried one of the new guys: Abel. He is a powerful character. But he is a chainer, a character that follows hit by hit of separate moves and chain into a combo. I am a striker so eventually, Sagat and Ken were my mainstays, and they became so once again.

Sorry to say that I have no screenshots on my fighting journeys, as the action was so intense, its hard to pull away to press the button. Now if you excuse me, I have to kick Seth in the face once more.

Needles

2009-08-18T12:15:00.003+02:00

My arm is acting up for the past week and it has really been bothering me for quite abit. I guess I overworked in the gym again. Oh dear.

Ah, so I guess maybe I can do something to ease the pain and one thing just struck: acupuncture!

I know for some people that stabbing yourself with needles is something ungodly and some would cringe with the sight of a syringe let alone four needles into your arm, and a solitary one in your shin.

But it was not as painful as it seems. I have done acupuncture in the past and I got to say it is a bizzare experience. When the needles make contact with your nerves underneath your skin, there seems to be like a surge of energy and I don't want to dramatise but the feeling of an electric surge comes into mind.

So there I was for 30 minutes with needles on my arm and I got to say, it brought some mobility back. Its no miracle cure and my shoulder hurts while I drive but it lets me stretch a little and I regain some strength on my left side.

Something you ought to try the next time you fall ill?

Mari Ya Hi

2009-08-10T07:52:00.002+02:00

Life is an interesting journey
you never know where it will take you
teach some values,
twists and turns
you would get surprised from your life

Sometimes no matter where you're going
You'd think this is the worst time of my life
But you know what
At the end of the road
Though all the adversity
If you get on who you want to be
You remember what that don't kill you makes you stronger

Now the the adversity is the worst of it
on the way to the top you'll do anything
But how you get your life back
You'd forget that

This is my dilemma

-T.I ft Rihanna,
Live your life Song intro

Awesome!!!

2009-08-05T13:05:00.002+02:00

I find this really amusing. Its some dudes on their own home made transformer's costumes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akNJ6S2UqsE

Downing Drinks

2009-08-05T12:49:00.002+02:00

Some people drown their worries with alcohol. Some smother it with lots of chocolate. Some suppress it with a good cup of java. I am no exception. Coffee is really something that I really enjoy.

Of course during the course of this blog, there were incidences when I became somewhat of a coffee addict. It wasn't fun, knowing your body is dependent on something that you used to think as just another beverage.

It has a taste that I find liberating. Yeah I sound like an addict but i know its not the caffeine, as if not I could just down a can of Relentless which just makes me hyper. Although I do admit berry Relentless is amazing. There goes that 'Red Bull gives you wings' campaign.All it does is just to make you ultra hyper. An interesting note. The blue and silver blend is banned in Malaysia and hence we have the low caffeinne gold one from Thailand.

Its rich flavour, velvety texture, tingling the soul and at the same time keeps me calm and focused. It doesn't matter where I get it. Starbucks, Costa or just plain Nescafe 3 in 1. As long its rich I like it.

When something keeps me down and I need a pick me up, coffee would be it. If the weather is cold and I need a hot drink, there is coffee again. If I need a drink to keep me company when I work or study. there is coffee again. Or when I am just chilling, coffee is there once more. Not just that I like it in food as well, desserts preferably. Mocha mousse? coffee cheesecake? Americano granita? Bliss!

Its something in it that makes me feel good. Caffeine? Anti-oxidants? Its bitter sweet flavour? I don't know, but one thing is for sure. I need a cup soon.

Cake time!

2009-08-03T05:46:00.003+02:00

It was Grandpa's 73rd birthday and naturally, going back to Malacca during the weekend was the norm. And despite his age, he is still the very cheery and outgoing person that he was several years back during his youth.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

More baby photos!

2009-07-30T11:07:00.002+02:00

Another shot of my latest cousin. This was some time back, being held by my uncle.

Ouch!

2009-07-28T13:23:00.002+02:00

As work is now out of the way, I thought maybe its time to hit the gym one more time. Its been a very long while since I was in Sunway gym. Man how unfit I was. I had not been working out much when I was in Reading and my stamina needs some serious tuning up.

Lesson learnt? Do not overdo anything!

Swerving

2009-07-27T05:02:00.003+02:00

Don't you just hate it when some one just dashes by your car with no warning at all????

I was driving to work one day and I put my signal light on. Getting ready to move to the next lane and I saw a car tailing from my back suddenly swerving to my side on where i was about to turn. He tried to over take me, but it was a bottleneck and almost hit me. He then changed to the next lane and was at the same level as my car. By the looks of it he looked pretty pissed.

I really don't know why he is angry about something that he got himself into. Firstly, I was already turning in and my signal is on. He is too far to even overtake even if he had to momentum of the world pushing his car. Road rage, Some drivers are born with it.

But it my mind, I was like 'Chill dude, whats the rush? Be more careful at where you are going.If people are more calm on the road and not just being speed demons, the amount of accidents would surely decrease, no?

Moved

2009-07-25T12:42:00.000+02:00

Its hard to fight but what can I do?
My heart has been moved by you.

You are that gentle whisper,
That song within the winds.
With every ounce of strength I muster,
Every ounce is caught within.

That day that you struck my heart,
It shook my sanity and my core.
Pain seems to slowly depart,
You easily left me wanting for more.

You became the strength that keeps me walking,
Without you my heart starts to bleed.
Strife after strife never know it was hard coping,
Finally realizing you are what that I need.

I really hope I can survive,
For everything is not what it seems.
In a fraction of a second-a blink of an eye,
You have become my everything.

Attachment detached

2009-07-25T06:14:00.011+02:00

After a month, or to be politically correct 3 weeks-ish, its finally over. And what a ride it was.

At first, I thought it would just be another stint in a office environment where you just work and gain some experience in the professional scene. But it was more than that. I had a blast in Zaid Ibrahim and made a lot of good friends and we had a fair share of funny and awkward moments.

Work (or the lack thereof) was pretty enjoyable. Everyone clicked well and we had fun, although it was a shame that two went away earlier due to reasons beyond their control. Esther and Isabel, you two will be missed.

Meeting Room 8, where the magic happens!

The whole program was great. We did alot of things and went places. Some of the highlights were going to the Federal Court and seeing a man being freed. Being there to see Anwar Ibrahim's trial was great as well. Lunches with the guys although sounds mundane is pretty enjoyable and getting to know what I am studying for is really and eye opening experience. It was also good to meet up with people who are involved in what you do or at least related to it. Maybe thats why we all got together so well. Paul , the partner who was in charged with this attachment program invited us to his place in SS14 for dinner the day before.

It will definitely be strange not to wake up every morning to drive to the city now. Your body is now so tuned up to this routine and when you are getting used to the life and people there, it just ends abruptly. Oh well, life must go on.

Yesterday was the last day and we had a farewell high tea of some sorts. And during the hi tea was pay day! Although it was somewhat small, at least is cash. Its ironic where you lose money while working, quoted from most of us then.

Thank you guys for a great time. Will hope to see you all soon in the near future.

Red River

2009-07-19T07:47:00.004+02:00

It was a great match between Man U and Malaysia. I really underestimated them and I thought it would be the sheer thrashing of 0-6 last time. But the Young Tigers held up and the Devils just scraped through with a 2-3 win.

Football is alive and well in Malaysia and strangely from me, I felt that the homeboys could have done way much better. It was a amazing sight (on TV that is, Astro ch 811). Although almost everyone was wearing man U gear, hence the red river, the crowd was equally divided. It was Owen's goal that shot in victory. Pretty good for a man whose career nowadays has been tugged back by several injuries as of late.

Although the Malaysian team lost, all is not as there would be a rematch soon enough on Monday due to the bombings in Indonesia.It was indeed a tragic event but a blessing in disguise for us!

Fallen

2009-07-13T14:00:00.005+02:00

Finally watched Revenge of The Fallen and I got to say one thing: AWESOME!

Good action, more focus on the Transformers and an ending that can bring about a possible sequel, I enjoyed it in a great deal. However, despite it being good, it is not perfect. Yeah I'm a critic.

I really like the new emphasis on the robots' personality. Starscream is the cowardly peon but mental chess player like what I see in the original cartoons. Optimus is more aggressive and the twins are given alot of highlight as well. Sideswipe is a good addition and Alice as a Pretender is just coolness.

Well, that aside I have some gripes too. First of all via a typical viewer's perspective. Some plot holes are there as some can only be filled if one has sufficient Transformer knowledge, like Sentinel Prime and what is energon. There are also very little in terms of intros to the new bots who are not main characters, except for Devastator.

Now here comes the heavy part, which is via the true blue eyes of a Transformer fan. Firstly, its blasphemous for Devastator to be destroyed by any human weapon. Its just not right! And there was not Constructicon focus and rather just construction vehicles slagging each other. And seeing Mix master several times in the desert while Devastator is still around baffles me. Even in modern movie tech there is animation errors.

There is actually 13 original Transformers in the original folklore and the Matrix of Leadership is called the Matrix of Leadership for a reason. Its suppose to belong to an Autobot leader. having it as a key of some sort really dumbfounds me. The lack of dialog for the Decepticons is to be considered as well. Other than Megatron, Starscream and the Fallen, there is nothing much. In addition, adding the Fallen here makes Megatron look more like an overgrown metallic lackey rather than a war mongering tyrant. Of course Soundwave sounded like the original G1 character but his story involvement gave me a sense of lacking.

The intervention of the humans too is one thing. It makes it as though the Autobots cannot win without human intervention. This is to be desired as even if you see from any Transformers incarnation, there is sufficient material in making a more compelling scene between the two robotic factions.

And Devastator has the biggest ballsack I have ever seen on a robot!

Well, its still a darn good movie and I would indeed watch it again despite its flaws. Great action and fluid storytelling makes it a fun movie although it should not be taken too seriously. Afterall its still from an 80s cartoon franchise. Michael Bay's ability to make it very dark and more appealing to the 'mature' audiences is something that should be applauded.

Attachments

2009-07-11T01:58:00.003+02:00

After some time I just realised that I am not in an internship but an attachment. Structured attachment to be precised, but I still do not get the difference. And also I just realised that I have a tyo n the title on my last post. Pardon me I am only human.

And speaking of which, it has been a good two weeks now. A little disappointed than one of us is leaving and that some times that illness called laziness hops on my back making me so uninspired to work. But of course I marched on or so I think, to get things done. Went to places and did loads of things. Met new people and potential employers as well I hope!

One of the attachees (is this proper English?)is leaving for Miri and will continue her program there. So naturally, we had a somewhat of a farewell lunch for her and we had a group photo just before she left. Its been nice knowing you Isabel.

Oh well, its just another day in the office. Good times.

Intership

2009-07-04T12:08:00.004+02:00

Hello all. Finally I got some time to write about my internship. Yea in the weekends, as most of the week I would be working in Zaid Ibrahim, or at least to look like I am working.

It is a great place to be. People there are laid back and yet very focused at the task at hand. The interns are pretty friendly, all 17 of them! And there are alot of the from various universities, to the point that there is a Swiss 'import' and an Australian one amongst us.

The people in charge are also very friendly as well. The firm's partners' are very open and the trainees too say it is a good place to work.

As it is being work, a lot of us got somewhat tight despite knowing each other for less than a week, as we need to trust each other on order to get the job done. Good co-worker relations too makes life a whole much more easier. Yeah, pardon my grammar.

One of the dudes that was pretty outstanding as William. He is a Cambridge guy and after knowing him for a short while, he made my so called exam routine like shredded paperwork! Was really eye opening to see how other people study. Well, here comes year 3 people!

Well as it was only a few days, its hard to explain more. But so far so good. And there is a court visit on Monday and hopefully, it won't bore me to mental instability.

I am intern

2009-06-30T14:33:00.003+02:00

Gonna start my internship tomorrow. Hopefully I can provide a good first impression and fortunately I am all clear for it. Being my first trip round the block, I am not expecting anything.

well, at least I won't be the only one there. A mate of mine will be in Zaid Ibrahim as well.

Man in the mirror

2009-06-28T11:20:00.006+02:00

The world had suffered a great loss not long ago. Michael Joseph Jackson passed away at the age of 50.

I got to admit, I do not know the guy but he did sure affected me like alot of people of my generation. He was the Elvis of my generation and not just a singer, not just a dancer. He was a musical revolutionist. Breaking racial barriers and being one of the people who covers so many genre's he is more than just the 'King of Pop'. He introduced rock riffs in R&B.

One of the early headliners of the MTV generation, I remember well the first music video that I have watched. Black or White was the song and I was a really small boy of four. It got me hooked and it was a great mix of choreography, action, rhythm and like the title says racial affairs. And I find it a great joy to watch all the time, even now. It was as though I had a journey around the world and Michael was my tour guide. And as the video ends, his shadows morphs in to a jaguar. Nothing is cooler than that!

Of course life was not easy on him. behind the plastic covered face was a man trying to have a second childhood. A genius misunderstood and at times, he is way too revolutionary for the times of today. Controversial tabloid headings do not help either. But all and all, no one can dispute his ability as a performer.

Even today many artists try to emulate him. Check out Chris Brown's dance moves and Justin Timberlake's songs. Fallout Boy's own version of 'Beat It'.Alien Antfarm and 'Smooth Criminal'. My Chemical Romance even tries to dress like him, with their sequined military jackets and white gloves.

All and all no words can describe the level of awesome that this man has.And seriously speaking, this blog post will definitely not do justice to the man, the icon, the legend that is Michael Jackson.

HE may have gone, but the legacy lives on.

How did we get here?

2009-06-24T11:01:00.001+02:00

Your grace has blurred my mind,
Marring my judgment on what is actually right.
My silent core start to beat quickly inside,
It seems that I am losing this fight.

Sometimes I wonder how it became like this,
Seems like something is out of line- amiss.
Without you my heart is a puzzle missing a piece,
Remembering the taste of your last tender kiss.

Looking back it seems that I have went too far,
There is no turning back from where we are.

Listening from the whispers hidden in the wind,
It comes from that timid voice that hides within.
Reflecting on the places my heart has been,
The violent torrent of emotions that I am in.

Lifting me I finally know now what that I fear.
I still wonder on how did we get here.

My life changed once I have looked at you,
You know yourself that this fact is true.
The way you smile and the little things you do,
The feelings for you began to grow anew

The glow of your eyes and the flow of your hair,
The way you move with such grace and such flair.
And when I close my eyes you’re everywhere,
Protecting me in each happy dream and each vivid nightmare.

Remembering the day we danced together that night,
The lights around us never shone so bright.

Yet as I clutched your fingers your hand pulls away,
Stoking my fragile heart with a gentle sway.
I screamed out hoping you heard what I have to say,
I still have that fire you started until this fateful day.

Your haunting beauty had clouded my mind,
Leaving my conscious sanity way behind.

Never have I seen beauty more sublime,
Now you are within reach I am not going to waste this chance,
Definitely not now and definitely not this time.

Time Crisis

2009-06-22T18:04:00.003+02:00

Crap I am too used to UK timing that is 7 hours back. Its 12am now in Malaysia now and I feel as though its time to prepare dinner. Here comes a long night.

And a good mug of hot chocolate, and being in Malaysia that would be Milo....seems to be in order.

Post procastination

2009-06-22T16:01:00.006+02:00

Summer ball...finally I got some time to post this.

Well on the 13th, which is like around almost 2 weeks ago, uni organized a Summer Ball for the students. Well, what is a better way to send off student with a whole nite of partying till the early morning. Well, lets just say from 8 pm till 6 am. Yes you got that right. Almost 10 hours of insanity, booze and ties.

Its not what I'd expect actually. I thought it would be a formal event where people will dress smartly and have a wine reception or some sort. I am so wrong but that doesn't mean I did not have fun.

A big portion of University grounds was set up as a mini theme park and the rest of the place became a big party venue. As as stated earlier, suits and ties were the norm that night. I left for the event with the girlies from my hall around 9 ish and was greeted with a decent drizzle.

It was alright as the rain was not heavy enough to ruin my suit. The night seems so good....well, for now.

There was some spinning ride thingy that was really going against the wind motion of the rain that ensured maximum dampness, but it was all good, as later bumper cars was the next thing in order. Other than that, it was generally burning the dance floor the only way that I know how.

1 am was Feeder. They are a British (or Welsh to be politically correct) band and although I have not heard of them as they are not too popular in Malaysia, they left me with melodic over tones of massive drumbeats and awesome crashings of guitar riffs. Pure awesome. Although that concert was only an hour, it doesn't mean that the party is.

Around this time, most of the people there were getting a little tipsy and others either super sober or really over the edge. And also around thins time we crept into the student union building for another insane bout of dance floor bashing. But I was pretty tired then so I went upstairs for a sit down with a cooler in hand. Not far off I see a familiar face and she was definitely a sight for sore eyes.

Stephanie and I had a good chat for a moment and later she went off to look for her roomies. Alas, they left for home early. In the end I kept her company for most of the night, and as she was a little cold I lent her my jacket for a moment. And before she left for home around 4.30 (!). We sat by the field watching the sun rise. Ahhh good times.

Well, after that most of the things went down hill. The last DJ was skipping too many songs, was overplaying tunes like a crazed maniac and swearing after every sentence. Clearly he seems pretty wasted. Little did he know, the people who wanted to stay on avoided intoxicants to stay up all night ...or if you want to be politically correct, all morning.

And in the end, the sun rose and was shining like no tomorrow. With tired feet we trod of back to our respective coves (more of hall rooms that is).

It was an enjoyable night non the less. And despite trashy DJs, C rated rappers and a cocktail accidentally splashed on my suit, Feeder's performance really outweighed the cos of the nite. And seeing the sunrise was a pretty decent experience too, as I should say.

Landed

2009-06-19T12:22:00.003+02:00

Hello people! I am now back in Malaysia. Nothing much has changed but underneath familiar faces may lie a different story. I got the flight from Heathrow at 10.00pm London time and arrived at KLIA aprox. 7-ish pm. Gate 36 was the door home and it was a 11 hour flight but the bad weather made it longer, at least I am still in one piece.

Loads of unpacking to do and I need to visit my grandparents later over the weekend, so I will post more stuff when I am done!

Terminal 3

2009-06-17T10:52:00.002+02:00

Going to fly home soon! Ready or not here I come!!!!!

ps: I have a backlag in terms of blogposting due the the insane amount of packing and other random things in preparation in going back. I will post something about the Summer Ball when i arrive home.

Cafe

2009-06-12T19:35:00.002+02:00

Last Wednesday was the last Small World cafe event of the year. And to some of them will be the last event of their Uni life. I had so much fun back there, every event included. It was also one of the few essential things in my time here that really allowed me to feel and assimilate with the local people and culture and I have made so many close friends.

Although funded by the Christian Union, I go for every meeting as it is meant for internationals. Some of the people there still find it strange that I am still strong to my faith and yet come to every meeting. But at least we got along, and that is what is most important.

Being one of the core members of this year and the only core member that is non- Christian, I am also given the chance to let people know how a non-Christian leads his life, and more importantly how a Buddhist leads his life. There was so much exchange of religious philosophy and ideas that it benefited my spiritual cultivation as well and it is also interesting to see what is on the other side of the religious coin.

Well, other than religion of course generally we have alot of fun hanging out and every event is special in its own special way. If weren't for them I would have celebrated Chinese New Year(click here) by myself and and may not even tried haggis. Who knew lamb insides were so amazing (click here to find out more)

And of course I would not have met Lawrence,Sze Chun, Dan, Cid, Elisabeth, the Daves , and the Johns and the Sarahs and the list goes on.

Its been a great pleasure going for every event and its a shame that some of them will never come to another cafe event again. Oh well, these things happen. Can't wait to go for next year's cafe events!

Foodie calls

2009-06-10T18:49:00.004+02:00

After a while I just realised the lack of food posts here.

As such, I feel its only appropriate for me to post a recipe

Ahem.....

Oriental mushroom tortellini
An Italian dish with a Chinese twist

Ingredients:

filling:
mushrooms- get brown and portobello
garlic- crushed
thyme
soy sauce
some mash potatoes

pasta:
all purpose flour
thick saffron water
salt and pepper

To make filling:
Chop mushrooms as fine as possible, but not till mushy and fry on a clean pan. No oil is needed. Stir occasionally. The mushrooms will release most of its moisture and while it re-absorbs it, add your soy sauce.Add your garlic and thyme to the mix as well. Stir occasionally until mushrooms have an oak like brownish tone.

Leave it to cool and later mix with the mash. Not too much, as it is just to bind the mushrooms together into a ball.

To make pasta:
Combine flour ,seasoning,and saffron water and knead through. Using a rolling pin or a pasta maker, make it as thin as possible. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the pasta sheets.

To assemble:

place a ball of filling onto a pasta disc. Gently make a semicircle and seal the filling with your fingers. Gently combine both tips of the semi circle together and you get a tortellini. Cook the tortellinis under boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pasta.

Chef's note: Be creative with the fillings, add parmesan cheese with the mash to give it a kick and instead of using saffron water, try diluted parsley juice. It gives it a shocking green colour and a zingy flavour at the same time.

If you want to store it for a while, powder the pasta with flour and it can hold for a couple of days in the fridge.

Thorpe Park

2009-06-10T10:21:00.009+02:00

Attention thrill hunters! For heart-stopping thrills, mind-bending chills and intense forces with a capital G, THORPE PARK is the ultimate theme park destination and day out!

Our thrilling rollercoaster rides are among the highest and fastest in the world. From crazy coasters to petrifying pendulums – THORPE PARK has extreme rides to satisfy thrill seekers everywhere!

Well, that's what the brochure said, and I couldn't agree more.

A couple of friends and I went to Thorpe Park two days ago and I should say that the journey there is extreme enough. When I just got changed, I received a call that my friend, Saima was not able to print out her E-coupon. SO after I changed, I straight away went and print it out and head to the station. NOt only that, I almost went to the wrong platform and just realised the E-coupon has just expired, like two months ago!

But fortunately we were able to get in and the ticket counter dudes were generous enough to allow us with our expired coupons.

And for kicks, we did not 'warm up' interms of rides. Instantaneously, we hit the big ones. Vortex was the first ride of the day and its hard to describe it really. Here is a picture to show you all. Cool, no?

The next was no less intense, which is Zodiac. It is a semi inverted ferris wheel which goes super fast and spins so many times you think your fusilli pasta has less turns than that. And there was an awkward conversation while I was on one of the rides with one of my mates.

Qainoor: Oh no Clarence! I am falling to my death!
Me :Don't worry. Anyway, if you are I am falling down with you.

LOL!

Colossus was next, and the line was as colossal as the ride itself. 10 loops of sheer awesome.

Oh the things you do when the line is too long......

After that , I felt pretty ill as I did not have breakfast earlier the day. There was too much acid in the gut, and naturally it has to come out. I am not going to cover the details. But I guess the most basic of human imagination can cover what is going on.

Lunch was at Burger King and soon enough No way Out was next. yes its a ride. Its more of a reversed coaster as the train goes backwards into a pit of blackness. It should rather be called 'One Way Trip' or something like that for there was a way out.

Of course, anyone who goes to Thorpe Park can miss any ride but......SAW!!!!
Straight from the movies, it is scattered with equipment of the Jigsaw and also has the eerie undertone of a voice whispering"....I want to play a game...."

The waiting went beyond an hour due to technical difficulties, but later on everything went on well. A 100 degree drop and two Immelmann loops later, my head spun so much that I thought the Sikh that was in front of me had his cap on, only to see that I was a bandanna. Dire times.

Samurai was next. Another spinning one with so many intervals that it makes the amount of spins you see while flushing down a toilet seem minuscule.

The last was Rush, and what a name it was considering the fact that the park was about to close less tha 10 minutes so we rushed to the spot. Lets just say its a sadistically mutated swing that goes more or less 100 feet in the air.

The park closed at 6 and we conquered most of the rides there. Although I came out with G force sickness, it was really a good experience. A must go for thrill seekers and for anyone that likes to live on the edge.

Reflections

2009-06-05T22:06:00.003+02:00

A mirror is a brutal thing.

It shows you who you are, no matter how much you try to cover it. It highlights your flaws, and your qualities as well.

What do I see in a mirror?

I see a person, who maybe not be what others might have seen. This person is covered with special traits, which some he may not be too proud of. I see a person, crying out for freedom, and yet refusing it as the same time. Awkward enough this person is very content with his position of helplessness for no one is truly free.
It is out limits that defines us, and this person is aware of it.

Being aware of his weakness, he knows that is just the first step in becoming something bigger, something more powerful. Something more than just human.

He tries his best to exceed the expectations on others, holding up to his responsibilities and fulfilling promises. No miracle is impossible. Alas, like all things in life everything takes time and everyone has his or her limits. And yet the higher you jump the deeper you plunge. And yet, it is better to die trying that to commit suicide.

He feels the harsh realities of life, and yet numbs them with friends ,family and religion. He mars pain with happy memories and hope for the future. Like all wounds everything will heal, but the scars will stay on forever. And like a battle-hardened warrior, he can see the scars within his heart as well. Each scar shows an emotional struggle, a life lesson learned the hard way.

Who is this that I see in the mirror?

Me

Growing up

2009-06-04T00:03:00.003+02:00

"Shut up and eat your fucking cheeseburger!"

I was quite shocked when a woman outside McDonalds was shouting to her son in such a manner, only because he did not have the toy he wanted in his Happy Meal. He looked very frightened and worried. No one can blame him to be honest.

I stood there and thought for a moment as well on my younger days when I was growing up. I lived a somewhat a pretty hard childhood. Back then when I was a little kid, I remembered staying with my grandma until when I started schooling as my parents were unable to buy a house for me to live in. Father was just a assistant manager and Mum was a low paying secretary.

I was able to move to Subang when I was about 6, and then Mum decided to give up work and become a full fledged house wife. Father fortunately was given a raise. It was not much but good enough for us to get by. I still remember the house we lived in. It was small but big enough for the four of us. Yeah, that includes my brother.

My parents were pretty hard on me. I do not understand then, but I do now. They went though life gamble after life gamble just to get by and things like toys and bikes were their last concern. I was only given a computer when I was 8 and had the same one until I was 20. Yeah that was one old desktop. To be fair, it broke when I was 14. SO it served me well for a good 6 years.

I remember the tantrum I threw when I was in a supermarket once because they did not buy me an Optimus Prime. I was 7 then, and then we were very poor.

My parents came from very humble families. My mum is a daughter of a hawker while my father is a son of a mechanic. Both had humble beginnings, and my father used to be a construction worker to pay for his tertiary education, as my grandparents were not very wealthy then. SO, they have learn a lot of hard lessons in life and they want to pass that wisdom to me, which at times I do admit I detest.They were pretty hard on me and at times, disciplinary measures were pretty physical. Well, I was a little child then and being a young adult now, I can see its values. Simplicity, honesty, hard work,thrift and the value of non monetary possessions.

When I got to high school, my father was paid a very decent sum compared when he started working. but he did not stop there. He did give me treats once in a while. But he made sure that he did not spoil me. While other kids have amazing handphones, I had to use my mum's one of a Nokia 2100. Yeah that is very old school. I only had my own phone when I was 17, and that was when my aunt did not want hers anymore and I shared the same number with my brother for a while. I was not one of the cool kids because I don't have fancy gadgets, trendy clothes and other means to be 'cool'. I hardly hang out as well. Not because I don't want to but its because I lack the fundings to go out. Buying a bowl of rice for recess can be hard at times. But strangely I was able to scrape enough money to play not one, but three trading card games . Looking back I feel that their actions are justified, as they don't want me to learn life's lessons the hard way.

But due to the lack of 'funding' to be cool, I look at other ideas as well. That's where breakdancing comes in. It doesn't need much money, its good exercise and you can be with the 'in' crowd. Three for a price of one.

Now I dare say that my parents are now very well off and we now have a very awesome house. Despite it all, I never bothered much on material stuff as I thought I would when my father got his big break in his career. Sure, he is technically one of the most important people in the Malaysian economy today. Its his job. But rather, I am pretty content in seeing him as a son of a mechanic who works and feeds his family the old fashion way, by working hard.

Some people will ask that why don't I do this or that as my father is now pretty 'rich'. but I feel that those things are unnecessary. Although I do admit that its a person's prerogative in spending on what they like. But I do not want to be over reliant towards my parents and definitely not leaching on them. Bringing me here to the UK is leaching enough. My father abandoned his dream of a BMW and instead opted to invest on me and my brother. Rather getting the latest 3G phone, a good glass of ice blended coffee at times seems to be the best luxury in the world.

I remember the day when I got my Game Boy Colour. It was the year 2000 and it was starting to grow obsolete but it made me a very very happy boy. My upbringing really made me appreciate the simple things life and yet enjoy a portion of the finer things in life has to offer as well. I do admit I really like a good blueberry fillet of duck in garlic jus. But at times, a good bowl of chicken noodles make me just as happy.

Reflecting back, it seems I had a very swell childhood. Seems like I am ranting like an old grandpa as well. And yet despite the lack of frills, thrills, and overseas trips its good to know that the family that I am in is not one that is fueled by material possessions. A few years of lacking seems like a good investment of what I have now and until this day I cannot measure the debt that I owe to my parents. Hopefully one that that debt will be paid.

And hopefully, that kid as well has grows up well and hopefully his mother really has a darn good excuse in shouting to him like that.

The Manchurian Experience pt 2

2009-05-27T19:15:00.005+02:00

Hey! Back with the second chapter of my short holiday in Manchester. Continuing from where we left off, Stephen and I then went to his favourite place and Manchester's culture hub, Affleck's Palace.

place of the eccentric and awe, its the hub of all things that screams alternative culture.It also has some cool retro gaming machines, ah bless my childhood.

For lunch we headed off to the Arndale World food court. Had a decent bowl of wan tan mee which was 4pds. Although I have tasted much better ones, at least it tasted authentic. And near to it is the indoor wet market which means more foodie awesomeness!

I then went to the Manchester Buddhist Centre. There aren't many fully established Buddhist temples in Reading and as I'm in Manchester, might as well give it a go. It has two prayer halls, one main one and a smaller one. It feels silent and still inside, compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. It seems slow ans serene. The people there are quite friendly and its been a while since I have talked about religion with fellow Buddhists.

Next stop is pretty cliche, but its a must see if you are in Manchester: OLD TRAFFORD!

The playground of the Devils is a must see, and this comes from an average footie fan. I used to watch alot when I was younger. But after the original squad that I used to watch in Man U changed I lost interest. The days of Nistelrooy , Barthez and Beckham....priceless.

I took the tram there, which is like an overground version of the London Tube. It was a shame that the exhibition wing was closed then we got there but that doesn't mean the whole stadium is!

You'll love this Chad.

It seems that they have everything Man United, including a Man U pig!!!!!

Dinner was in Chinatown and of course, Stephen and I had to go back to Piccadilly once more. While heading for it, we cam across the Manchester Wheel. Its sort of the Manchunian clone of the London Eye. I know some people say its amazing, but its more of a mutated ferris wheel if you ask me.

Chinatown is a true Chinatown for unlike the Chinatown in London, it truly felt very Chinese. Yea and awkward description. This is because not many non-Chinese actually are around the area unlike Leicester Square. When we popped into an Oriental shop, Stephen was the only non-Chinese there which make him feel very awkward, considering that we are still in England.

Dinner was at some buffet restaurant for 10pds per person. Decent spread and value for money its kind of ok when it comes to manchunian standards, although I have tasted better sweet n sour pork chops in Asia Cafe.

I wondered around Manchester City (not the club but the city itself) by my own. Had breakfast in somewhere significantly Manchy, Kro Bar. Yea what a pun. Coffee and cake breakfast for 2.50 pds. Awesome.

Most of the day was spent finding where my friend Mayura stays. She's a Manchester Uni student that I met during the Nottingham games and we've become good friends since. Being the tourist, it took me an hour to find the travel centre and took me another 1 hour on the bus to find out where she was.

We had lunch at a kebab and grill and did some catching up. She did not have much time to hang out as her exams were very close then.

Then I went to visit the Manchester Museum, which is located in the University itself.

And before I head of for the 6.27pm train, I hung around Withworth park for a while, which is also near the university campus. Man, the uni is humongous!

And as usual, another 9 stops 3 hours 30 minutes and two street fighter sessions later I am in Reading once more. Once I stepped out of the train, I had a strange though, where the back of my mind I said to myself: there is no place like home. Although Subang is a 13 hour flight away, Reading comes close.

The Manchurian Experience

2009-05-25T17:37:00.016+02:00

Holla people. Back from Manchester. Went there on Thursday and came back on Saturday at night.Was a great experience and it was pleasant and surprising at the same time.

The train ride was insanely long. As its a cross country ride , it will take some time and not to mention some money. 61.40 pounds people! But at least its better than having an 8 hr buss ride and the view outside does justify the price a little. The British countryside is just amazing.

After 3 hours and 30 minutes, 9 stops and two Street Fighter sessions later I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly. My buddy Stephen was kind enough to let me stay in his place.Manchester is freakishly big and it took us 30 minutes to get from the station to Denton, where he lived. However, it should be noted that its not as big as London. Here is a view of the station, feels more like an airport to me.

After putting my stuff at his place , we scurried about to have a good cuppa at Costa.

And later to a memorial park in Ashton.

It was pretty late so we did not cover much.

Dinner was at a Chinese take away near his place. I had a good conversation with the owners, which actually questions my heritage. I spoke Hokkien my whole life and she and the chef said that I speak a dialect of man-errr*something*.

View from outside his room

I had trouble sleeping that night, probably its because that I'm still in a new place and its hard to adjust. After a good bath, Stephen and I head off to the Ashton Market, both the indoor and outdoor ones. Full with awesome food and fresh produce, its the kinda of thing that I am very into. After all, to know the food is to know the people.

Scone! and for just 25p. Value for money breakfast!!!!

And after that, we went into the Manchester War memorial Museum. Gotta try this one because of its rich history and also talks alot about the Malayan history. Malaysia REPRESENT!!!!

In addition, there are even some stuff you can try on like pilot jackets and also air raid simulators.

A medieval armour!

I feel like a Brotherhood of Steel Paladin, or better Darth Vader!

My computer is heating up and I will turn it off for a while. Will post the remaining things sometime soon!

Mucking in Manch

2009-05-22T23:35:00.002+02:00

Hey y'all. On my second day in Manchester and I'm bunking in my friend's Stephen's house at the moment.Did some stuff and bought some things. But I guess I can only provide an actual blogpost when I am back in Reading.

See you guys then.

Stepping into the platform

2009-05-19T21:46:00.003+02:00

Off to Manchester people! On Thursday to be exact. Will post the happenings when I an there. A good change of pace really, considering the dullness factor in the holidays so far.

A new addition

2009-05-16T11:48:00.002+02:00

The wait is over and my aunt finally gave birth to a new baby boy. Actually, it was last month. But as last month was the exam season, it makes it difficult to keep track of things back home. As such, I can't say much really considering the fact that the family is miles away. but at least I am not being left out.

Q

2009-05-14T12:56:00.007+02:00

Heya guys.

Exams are over now and the party is starting to roll.

Well, hours after the European paper, the Law Society planned a party in Q Bar. Whats Q bar? Its just some party bar in town . Yes a party bar. Although many people call it a club, I'm still not too convinced. Although I can come close to one. Ironically, I have never been to Zouk yet.
Oh well

Here is a random fact. Since its inception the WWF European title; for despite its namesake only two actual Europeans ever held it: William Regal and the British Bulldog.

The place was quite empty, until we came it. Well I guess the guys planned it well, go on a time which there is no enough people so that there is more space for all of us! It was a pretty good nite where there were some awkward instances. But then most things are some what justified considering the booze that came along.

Thats the beginning of the holidays and hopefully everything goes well.Anything else in store? I've registered myself in doing some volunteer work for the Free Representation Unit in London and until now they haven't replied to me when they can give me a space to be there.Oh well, if I cannot get through, I can just apply for another Writing Credit, but that would just be plain boring.

And one more thing. Just so you know I am going to fly back in mid- June people!

Endgame

2009-05-12T11:14:00.002+02:00

The hiatus is over!

Exams are through and I gt so much time in my hands I don't even know what to do with them.lol

A Real LOL moment.

2009-04-20T11:55:00.001+02:00

Received this e mail not long ago.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RDWESSXI-08-9NR: Quiet Period in Wessex!‏
From: s.c.andrews@reading.ac.uk
Sent: Monday, 20 Apr, 2009 9: 52 AM

The 'Quiet Period' is now operational in Halls of Residence (and in Schools and Departments). This lasts from the revision period until the end of the exams (6.00 pm on Sunday 19 April until 6.00 pm on Friday 5th June).

This means that no event likely to cause excess noise is permitted in Hall at this time and that those causing excess noise will receive an automatic fine.

It is particularly important that you keep noise levels very low after 11 pm so that residents can be sure to get a good night's sleep prior to exams or revision the next day. The Hall library will be open during this time for those who wish to use it (quietly) for revision purposes.

Prof SC Andrews (Warden, Wessex Hall)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At least it will make the halls somewhat conducive to study for a moment .A real lol moment.

H is for

2009-04-09T15:38:00.003+02:00

...hiatus. Yeah its that time of the year again. And although I will not be popping random ramblings like I used to pre-exams, I will occasionally just update this pithole for old time sake. Speaking of which I just realised that I have been blogging for almost two years now.

Oh well, hope to catch you guys on the other side of the universe. Meantime, here comes the books!

Uncertain

2009-04-08T22:12:00.002+02:00

A brilliant jolt suddenly stimulates the mind. Muscles tensing, blood rushing ready for that nest action. Slowly, my fingers turned into gear. Knuckles twisting and wrists ready to roll.

As I reach out for the keyboard, I realized something. I just forgotten what I want to type out in this blog.

Uncertain on what I want to type out and the awkward sings in the air, as the mental flow is halted by the jagged fists of lost memories. As I reeled back I reconsider my thoughts.

In the end, I decided to write something about me about to write something but I forgot about that something just seconds on writing that something.

Short term memory loss, why must you exist?

On my way home.

2009-04-04T17:24:00.001+02:00

I guess I'm a dreamer
my heart is of gold
I had to run away high
So I wouldn't come home low
Just when things went right
Didn't mean they were always wrong
Just take this song and you'll never feel
Left all alone

Take me to your heart
Feel me in your bones
Just one more night
And I'm comin' off this
Long & winding road

I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Home sweet home

I guess that I've seem
To Make romantic dreams
Up in lights, fallin' off
The silver screen

My heart's like an open book
For the whole world to read
Sometimes nothing-keeps me together
At the seams

I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Home sweet home
I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Home

It's a bittersweet,symphony, this life
Just trying to make ends meet
You're a slave to the money then you die

Theres no change, I can't change
I can't change, I can't change
But I'm here in my mind
I am here in my mind , I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mind
No, no, no,

I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Home sweet home

This was the final single that Limp Bizkit made
Its a combo of bittersweet symphony and home sweet home.
Man I miss those days

Is this a joke?

2009-04-01T20:36:00.004+02:00

Like seriously. Youtube was like this for the whole afternoon. And saying in how to get used to the new layout, they will tell you to either turn your screen backwards or twist your neck in an awkward way.

So not funny April fool joke, dudes. Not saying I don't have a sense of humour but its just pretty sad. Oh well, humour is afterall pretty subjective.

Hope you guys had a better April fools than me. Its pretty dull at the moment, I must say.

Never knew

2009-03-31T22:30:00.000+02:00

Never knew I can feel this way,
That fateful day when you took my heart away.

You beauty keeps me company every lonely night,
The smile you shine and the sight of your face.
Like a glimmering sliver in every moon light.
The suddenly simply feels like a better place.

Never have I felt such a rush before,
Rattling my bones and shaking my core.
It frightens me but I just want more.
In a flash I knew what I am living for.

If the world betrays you and you need a place to hide,
Please just come in and I will promise to stay by your side.

I can still hear that song we used to sing,
The one we sing time and time again.
Each tune makes me forget every little thing.
When you came my life has never been the same.

I don’t believe anyone else feels what I feel right now,
The way you took my heart I still don’t know how.

Compromise

2009-03-30T23:17:00.002+02:00

I just realised that if everyone could just get along, then no one needs a mediator to help settle the problems the two parties have.

And when there is no need for a mediator, there is no need for a system of mediation.

And when there is no system for mediation, it means law is just redundant.

When law is redundant, there is no need of the people practicing it

And when there is no need for people practicing it, there is no need of people studying it.

Oh dear..............

Speed Demons

2009-03-29T19:35:00.003+02:00

I saw this store when I was roaming around London some time ago.

I so want it! If beauty can be carved into a machine, I don't think there is anything closer to this.

Fairytale fallacy

2009-03-29T12:17:00.004+02:00

Triple R (Really Random Rambling)moment once more.

I was reminiscing on the day when I was a kid and strangely lines from nursery rhymes and short stories come to mind.

And to my shock, I just realized how crazy those short stories can be. I mean yeah those stories that we grow up with can be very grotesque at times. Like Hanzel and Gretel. It illustrates gluttony (the kids eating the candy house), greed ( yeah the eating of the house again)and of course civil damage and trespass. The witch wanting to eat the kids later. So ,cannibalism?

Jack and the beanstalk too. Jack was seen as a hero when he chopped the beanstalk when he was chased by the giant. But then he stole his golden harp and his magic goose. Does this justifies theft and murder?

Snow White is no exception as well. Envy and jealousy is personified by the witch aka queen.Deception by the way she tried to poison Snow White. Slavery is to boot as well and the dwarfs illustrate hate and vengeance. Why is that, well if you seen how they killed the witch, well a merciless scene here.

The weird one is Gulliver's Travels. We are exposed to the stories of the Liliput and that Land of the Giants. little did we know that the story does not end there.

When he was tried for witchcraft he posed a very interesting question when a horse talked to him on the land of the Yahoos.

He asked the judge that why men wear clothes all the time. The judge replied that its for the sake of decency. Then Gulliver gave a very thought triggering response:

If that is so and every one is naked including you your Honour. Will that impair your judgement from being decent?

Its a line that seems to stem curiosity and till this day

Wakz!!!

2009-03-27T22:36:00.004+01:00

My mind now is in a clutter. So much to think, so much to do.

If only there is a 'defragment now' button in my brain.

CLICK!

Oh and one thing, try to listen to "stronger" by 30 Seconds to Mars. Its an unreleased track of awesome and for people who love Jared Leto's insane vocals, this songs display his abilities at his very best. But it will be hard to find it as its unreleased and is only performed once on BBC. Despite that do check it out its a great musical treat.

That swerve off the road.

2009-03-23T00:47:00.004+01:00

Its been a very long time since I have been very emotionally involved in a poetry as you guys might have already know ( or maybe not) poetry is sometimes my one solace in getting rid of the remnants of this world, into a dimension of my whims and fancies.

Well, there has been alot of swerving off to the beaten track lately. One of which is my hair. yeah to the people who have not seen me for a while, I had a haircut. The first since I got here. It was having a life of its own. And in the spur of the moment after my last Equity tutorial I decided to do something drastic.

Here with my dudes Chia Ern and Daniel. Yeah its pretty short but at least it will last long and if I don't like it hair grows. But my scalp never felt the breeze as good as that.

Speaking of the breeze, the weather has been awesome. Cool air, bright sun and birds chirping although I find it a little startling and annoying when they still chirp around midnight outside my window.

Back to the swerving thing. Gosh what irony, swerving on a post concerning swerving!

I guess like everyone in this world, we have like a road map on what what we want our life to lead. A blueprint on the journey that is our destiny. We get agitated when we go off course blaming ourselves of that grand design that we have in our head we call perfection. However, success is very relative and that fateful diversion can be a blessing. At times, going off course seems to be the best thing that has ever happened to me, and indeed it brought new meaning to my life.

If only she knew.....

When I found you I found myself

2009-03-22T00:35:00.004+01:00

Life is a winding road and everything seems awkward,
We go thru life so sure on where we are heading.
Yet you seem too bright and inspiring me to go forward,
Easily you changed my days and the road I am going.

Sometimes losing my way does not seem that bad,
Not being too sure where I am going into.
But it was the best decision I ever had,
As that different road has lead my heart to you.

Whenever I am with you I become someone else,
I remember the day you opened my soul’s door.
That day when I found you I found myself.
You are all that I need and so much more.

You were that voice from that far off place,
An echo that inspires me when there was no sound.
With that simple smile from your face,
The strength within is what I have found.

To the world you maybe just some one,
A simple person for the world to see.
Although I did my best to hide it and to run,
In a blink you have just mean the world to me.

You may just be the one I am waiting for,
You mean the world to me and so much more.

Cherry Blossom punches

2009-03-18T15:19:00.006+01:00

Some posts ago, I had a rant about Sakura and not everything turned out ok. But there is another Sakura that has taken my heart. Her spunk, her grace, her agility, her ability to kick ass in Street Fighter Challenge lobbies. Love at first strike, foe by foe just fall after one spectral shoyuken after another.

Fireball after fireball, noobs were crushed by this highschool girl who emulates Ryu's fighting style. And even beating semi-pro users of him in the process. Im not showing off my gaming skills. To be fair I had my fair share of losses as well and just lost to a guy using Gen.

And those three words always warm my heart

Ha....Dou....Ken!!!!!!
ps: although not often, but I beat Akuma with a perfect
pps:my Gametap ID is Neckbuster, check me out if you wanna play a round or two

Error!

2009-03-15T10:32:00.003+01:00

Referring to the post 'Cringe', exams are actually gonna start on the 29th instead of 26 April. But doesn't change the fact that I still need to study anyway. Here comes the books!

And as usual, here comes the caffeine!

Cherry Blossoms

2009-03-14T21:18:00.004+01:00

Thats what Sakura is translated from Japanese into English. Its also the name of one of the biggest club in Reading, or so I think.

Was there the other nite with my mates and although I did enjoyed myself, I find it more of a party lounge than a club. And its pretty small in my view, for it covers just the ground floor and 1st of a shop lot unit. But the decor is very nice, and the name is a no brainer on the oriental-themed decor inside.

There were few awkward moments that went down that night. A few fights almost happened in it and I was told off by the bounce for breakdancing in a club (?). Like serious, which club does not allow some breaking? But being the first time being there, I chucked away the grinds and handstands with a little reluctance, as the beats were really putting my feet into the mood.

Unfortunately, too many people and crappy lighting disabled me from taking any decent photos of the place. So I hope the sign would suffice.

But in the end, I had a good time. Made some new friends and was sober enough to walk home.

Cringe

2009-03-13T23:17:00.002+01:00

Just received the e mail that my first paper will be on 26 April.

Oh well, you can never ever really get everything in life rite?

Time to hit the books y'all!

Insomnia induced poetry

2009-03-09T02:01:00.000+01:00

The day you caught my eye,
My heart skipped a beat.
Never have I felt that alive,
You swept me off my feet.

Charmed with an angelic smile,
That adorned your beautiful face.
I felt like a little child,
Fading away and falling out of place.

Your simple yet undeniable beauty,
Too powerful that it hurts me inside.
The things that you have done to me,
These intense feelings- I try to hide.

When I see you my heart goes racing,
The amazing things that you do.
Never ever felt an emotion that amazing,
Bliss never ever felt so true.

This feeling this surge is so strong,
In the end I know this sign is not wrong.

When the lights starts to go out,
Let your passion inside set itself free.
Everyone else seems to disappear,
And hopefully all that you see is you and me.

Money talks

2009-03-08T18:30:00.003+01:00

Hey everyone. Here's a thought.

The global economy is goin through a recession right now and several governments are implementing bailout plans for big businesses in their respective countries.

Here's a thought: where did they get so much money? I would really wanna know.

Metal Gear!

2009-03-05T10:57:00.004+01:00

Watch this if you are a gamer

METAL GEAR AWESOME!!!

Bwahahahahahaha!

Air Razor- I am

2009-03-04T15:04:00.003+01:00

As the breeze flows from my face,
And I pounce from place to place.
The adrenaline is rushing and my heart starts to race,
As my footwork tuned up to another pace.

Flying through the air and splitting the sky,
A rush of excitement as I began to fly.
The birds start to sing and the angels cry,
People just become blurs as they pass me by.

I dash in a pace filled with power,
Time seem to stop-a minute feels like an hour.

My heart races as my sweat starts to pour,
And yes its been a while that I have parkour.

Phone crisis.

2009-02-27T17:14:00.002+01:00

I have been bogged down by random calls by random people at late nites.

Last night, there was this girl who called me and shouted my name. She sounded familiar, but as the number highlighted on my phone does not display a name, naturally I ask her for her name. The she went: How can you not know me? I feel so offended. And then she hung up.

I though oh well, these things happen. Then, another girl called. She sounded Japanese and started saying my name as well. This time I really have no idea who called, as I don't have any Japanese people in my contact list. I was bogged and as such, I just turned my phone off.

At least it wasn't as bad as two nights ago where a guy called me and asks if I worked for a male escort service!That was off the charts and it really freaked me out!

Leave me alone! *insert Chris Crocker desperate tone here*

Well on another note, the weather today has been pretty good and I have finished all my assignments for Year 2. All that is left is Writing credit. And I went for two pancake parties this week. One on Tuesday and another the day after. Good times.

Overall it was a good week but it would have been wonderful if random people would just stop all these prank calls.

Triple 2

2009-02-22T16:55:00.007+01:00

Hey guys, yeah its that time of the year again. My Birthday!

SO what did I do for my 21st? Nothing!

Haha, yeah I know it sounds a little strange. But since I've started uni I had very little time for myself. I seem to spend too much time on things like assignments, classes, and others to the point that I've neglected the person closest to me...me.

I'm not being antisocial or self induced ostracism. I love my family and I care for my friends. I just feel that the ultimate birthday gift that I feel that I can receive is finally some time for myself. Just to unwind and do everything by own pace. No schedules, no timetables, no expectations, no promises. Its been a very long while since I've been this carefree, and it has relieved a lot of weight on the good ol' shoulders.

All I've done is just watch TV, listen to some soothing music (Canon in D is like the whispering of angels), and having a warm drink by my side. Now that's a birthday.

Anyway, I would like to thank everyone for the wishes.I really really appreciate it.

Bang Bang Boom and pizza to boot

2009-02-21T20:17:00.004+01:00

SO much to do, so much to do.

And my computer is back!. Its 124 pds for the repairs. The hard disk was broken and a replacement was needed. Yeah its pricey, but if its worth my sanity then its worth my money.

On a serious note it is hard to imagine living life without technology really. Imagine a day in your life without your phone, or worse with no facebook!

On another note, we had a Malaysia Night afterparty.It was great and considering the amount of pizza that was there, awesomeness.;)

Hey dinesh, dont take it all!

Electronic enigma.

2009-02-14T18:35:00.005+01:00

Life is really a hurdle at a time. Well, my computer is busted and once again there are loads of things that cannot be done. This ironically shows how we humans are over dependant towards technology. Its with the repair dude now and if everything goes according to plan, I will get it back on Monday.

My computer just refuse to give and I thought reformatting it would be the solution. I was wrong, dude. When I was choosing the drive to install my stuff, it says that it cannot be read. Confirm hardware problem! SO I went to a tech shop and as said above it will be back on the earliest Monday. One tech problem after another. But fortunately my equity lecturer gave me the option to not pass up my essay that is due on Tuesday. Really nice of him, but then again its a non assessed question. I will try though.

On another note, malaysia night yesterday was a ballistic success. Food was alright, but could have been better when it comes to portions. The play was awesome and the dances were good too. Due to certain factors (being one of the backstage crew members and having no computer currently) I cannot place photos for you guys to look at.

Well thats all for now. I seriously need to get back to my non assessed essay.

Oh and its Valentines Day today. But being simple old me, and being the naive kid that I am, I feel that its just plain weird to just love people in just one day in the year don't you think?

Drop it all off!

2009-02-12T12:28:00.004+01:00

I feel a little burdened at the moment. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Its just one of those days I guess. feeling slightly bogged down, and I would just like to drop the load of my shoulders for a moment and just take life a second at a time.

All I want is pretty simple, just to lie on my bed with a cup of tea and some music. Maybe I'll do that...

I have been tagged on Facebook

2009-02-08T18:33:00.004+01:00

Its one of those again:

Rules:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 20 then click publish.

This is a blog thing, so I might as well post it on my blog rather than on facebook

Ahem....

1. I want to finish my House of Lords presentation as fast as possible

2.I want to go back to Malacca as my aunt will give birth to a new cousin soon

3.I have fallen in and out of love with the same girl thrice!

4.I find that British curry really is not curry

5.I have a sudden revival in interests regarding Street Fighter

6. I really like Street Fighter

7. I am elated that Street Fighter 4 will be on the PC. Did I tell you I like Street Fighter?

8. I hope that Transformers :Revenge of the Fallen won't be a flop.

9. I find some of the girls in my hall are hot.

10. Pepsi will always be better than Coke.

11. I find Starbucks overrated. Long live Coffee Republic!

12. Whetherspoon's ID policy sucks eggs

13. Although I like hangin out with my mates, I am not really a party animal.

14. The F word is the best cooking show ever period.

15. I used to be a caterer during my A levels break.

16. I am saving myself money to buy a blender.

17. John says my poker playing style is categorised as 'Erratic'

18. I think the Invasion story line is the best thing that happened in pro-wrestling

19. I grew up watching Transformers, and am still passionate about it.
Robots in disguise!

20 I used to have a Generation 2 Grimlock. I don't know where it is now

21 Although I live on punctuality, I am a procrastinator as well. trying to discipline myself, and the progress seems pretty good.

22. I once had Irish hotpot 4 days in a row.

23. I injured my back when I was 14 and had to limit my active lifestyle. However....

24. After some encouragement, I will sharpen my break dancing skills once more.

25. I am too lazy in thinking on who to tag. Anyone who reads this is obliged to be considered as TAGGED!!!!!

Trouble at the homefront

2009-02-05T12:32:00.004+01:00

Some things never change.

Recently, I have been updating myself with the news on whats happening back home, Malaysia. And it seems its still the same stuff. Politicking is always highlighted on the front page, and everything else seems to be sidelined. So much for democracy I guess.

There seems to be a big fuss in Perak where the Sultan states the Statesman Datuk Nizar seems to be unfit for the job. I don't know much about this but as always in malaysian politics, everything will eventually lead to party interest. Why can't people just brighten up for a while and think maturely?

And thats just one. In Selangor, Khir Toyo is slamming opposition leader Khalid Ibrahim in maintaining a car, stating that the money is from the people. But if you are a politician, all the money you own is from the people.Kinda dim witted don't you think?
Click here to know more.

Man, can't we all just get along?

Beyond my window

2009-02-03T21:33:00.000+01:00

As the snow falls on my window,
Reflecting the gap that is to follow.

How I wish that you are here right now,
Here with me feeling your breath.
And I will figure it out somehow,
Living with what I can and what I have left.

Do not falter if the world seems full of sorrow,
Do not fret when everyone seems hollow.
For rain must come before each rainbow,
Be strong so we can celebrate tomorrow.

Although it seems that you need me,
I feel that I need you more.
And although you said I set you free,
Another reality flashes in my core.

When I close my eyes all I see is your face,
I realise that there is nothing I won’t do.
I realise that nothing will take your place,
This pulsating pain that I feel for you.

As I look at the floating snow
I see your face filling what was once hollow
As I look out though my window.

Frosty rain

2009-02-02T21:23:00.003+01:00

Finally, there is some real snowfall in Reading. It was able to reach to my ankles and everything was white! Unfirtunately, the internet connection is still out of order and well, I cannot post any pictures at the moment.

Speaking of which, the IT people will come over tomorrow and see whats wrong with my internet connection. After over a week , lets hope it gets done once and for all.

Scramble!!!

2009-01-30T19:08:00.002+01:00

This is the post to top off all posts of the week. And due to the limited internet access that I have I cannot post any pictures at the moment.

Chinese new Year here is ok, although is not as happening if I were to be home. had a very good dinner not long ago in China Palace. Siew yok, lotus root soup, roast duck, noodies, yee sang, herbal salted chicken, sweet and sour prawns and stamed sea bass. Yeah thats a lot of food. And it was finished off with some red bean soup.

Speaking of red bean soup, I taught some of my mates how to do it, as Cafe was in need for some Chinese-ness for Chinese night. And it on CNY, how fitting. Heres the recipe:

red bean
yellow rock sugar
water (loads)
pandan essence (if you can, get extract)

First, boil you water and place beans inside. Put on low flame and leave it to simmer under a low heat. Make sure you keep an eye on it. If there is too little water left, just keep adding. Its done when the beans break down into mush. Add rock sugar and pandan (also known as screwpine in common English)
It took approx 5 hours for this but cooking time can be slashed by half if the beans are allowed to be soaked for at least 5 hours or better yet, over night.

For a fruity tone, add a clementine peel while boiling the beans and top with coconut milk before serving.

Ok, back to topic. The red bean dessert went down pretty well and the night was topped of with good winter melon candies. Just like home!

Ohter than that, the remainder of the week is just riddled with lectures and tutorials though I do admit yesterday's Land tutorial went much better than expected.

Well thats all for now, going to leave for a cafe Curry night event later.

Offline

2009-01-29T11:35:00.000+01:00

happy Chinese new year to everyone Chinese and Chinese at heart.

Sorry for the late greetings, for the internet in my room is outsince Saturday. The IT people will come over and check out whats going on. The its ack to almost daily blog posting >.<

Adrenalin rush!!!

2009-01-21T14:56:00.002+01:00

Things are starting to pick up!

Assignments are coming up, chapters are getting more complex and time is slowly but surely running out. No bull crap should be in my head, and I should really be more focused on my work.

Monumental it may be but I am determined to do all I can and not run away without a fight!

Yeah!

Note: Hopefully this spark of enthusiasm continues, as I get un-motivated easily when it comes to work.

Scottish Specialty

2009-01-18T19:37:00.005+01:00

Some love it. Others hate. Some are intrigued by its unique ingredients, others are appalled. Each bite may provide a smooth and savoury flavour, while others will call it just plain vile. Haggis it the highlight of the night, while some may call it the abomination of the blight.

Well, it cannot be denied that many have mixed feelings about having mushed up sheep's heart, lungs and liver which is stuffed into a sheep's gut. But of course thats not all. It is flavoured with caramelised onions, and is mixed with oats to provide texture and to hold all the moisture together and a good deal of herbs.

It has great history and is one of the few things in the world where people will straight away identify it with Scotland. Many years ago when Scotland was a poor country, farmers and butchers want to use their live stock to its maximum potential. As nobody would want to touch the internal parts of a pig, the haggis is born. The Scots take it in so high regard there is even a poem that is written about this parcel of organs.

To be frank, I was alittle excited when my friends told me there would be a Scottish night in campus and all I think about is haggis. Some people are out off by the standpoint of eating organs. The colour doesn't look that appetising either. But then again, sausages are made of intestines, there is kidney pie. And back in Malaysia, the infamous bak kut teh had loads of good stuff like pig's liver, intestines, tripe,tongue....you get the picture. Anyway, any part of an animal is edible right?

It has a hamburger-like texture, that breaks down in your mouth after you leave it there, even without chewing. The 'meaty intensity' is present, due to toe great deal of blood a liver stores. Despite having a robust flavour, it wasn't very powerful. Its kinda suttle and the spices flow with it nicely. In short its like one giant sheep banger. Its complemented with rutabaga and mash, and it fits well. Despite the fame of internal organs being over-flavourful, it was actually pretty ok. There was not powerful bursts of savoury-ness and the bloody taste you get in eating organs is non-existent.

Of course many people will not want to try this thing, but I gotta say its quite awesome. And no cuisine could replicate or even relate to the haggis. It sounds like I am exagerating but it is in a class of its own.

And what Scottish night be without a bagpipe player?

Woot!

2009-01-15T00:46:00.001+01:00

162 days left! *trembling with anticipation*

Don't lie

2009-01-14T17:48:00.006+01:00

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate

There's truth in your lies
Doubt in your faith
What you've built you laid to waste
There's truth in your lies
Doubt in your faith
All I've got's what you didn't take

So I, I won't be the one
Be the one to leave this
In pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets

Don't lie

You promise me the sky
Then toss me like a stone
You wrap me in your arms
And chill me to the bone

There's truth in your lies
Doubt in your faith
All I've got's what you didn't take

So I, I won't be the one
Be the one to leave this
In pieces

And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets

Don't lie

So I, I won't be the one
Be the one to leave this
In pieces

And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets

In pieces,
Track 11,
Minutes to Midnight,
Linkin Park

Another music related post once again. And I can shamelessly admit, that I have finally listened to Linkin Park's Minutes to Midnight not too long ago. Yeah it was out for some time, so I may be a little ashamed about it. But at least I have it in my music player, drumming in my ear before lectures.

Well, its pace and intensity is very different compared to all the other LP's albums. The riff-raff nature of their songs, notably in Hybrid Theory and a great portion of Meteora has little highlight in this. A pity though for its their signature style that makes them popular. When listening to the whole album, it got me thinking. This is one of the few albums so far I've listened where to totally enjoy the songs it must be heard according to the actual song listing.

Each song complemented the next, where there will be a hard hitting tune like Given Up, which will be followed by a softer one (Leave out All the Rest). This pattern dominate the whole album and not to follow the song list really spoils the experience. Its like a roller coaster, where there will be one adrenalin pumping song then a melodious one the next. This style was only utilised by the band in Meteora, but its perfected here.

The lyrics tend to be more meaningful here, and the tone seems to be more mature. One good example is Hands Held High, where Mike raps about the wars that happen not too long ago and the corruption in governments. Listenning to it properly, it will give a hint that the conflicts is somewhere Middle-east, but may not necessarily be just Iraq

Although I do like to point out some stuff that I dislike. One is the lack of Chester's signature screams. Sure there are some there, but not featured in most songs. He became a more melodious singer, which is not a bad thing but it deviates on what Linkin Park is popular for. Another is the usage of profanity. Linkin Park used to be the clean cut band, and I don't mind foul language in songs but again it deviated fro the band's well established identity. Another is the missing 'second last' track where its just non-lyrical like Cure for the Itch is Hybrid theory. Not having that to me is also another con that I would consider

Overall, I do enjoy the album and although its not as awesome as their other works. But still you can't go wrong listening to it.

A bowl of sunshine

2009-01-14T00:11:00.004+01:00

When I had a rough morning, you were there to cheer me up during breakfast. A smile is always there when you're around. And a slight hint of euphoria when you touch my lips. So sweet, so warm....indeed you are. You really are. The sun shines brighter, the air feels crisper. The birds sing.

Walking out and ready for the world! I braved the day with a new dash of enthusiasm. Each step feels lighter and each second feels like a fly-by. Of course none of it would be fun ,let alone bearable if you were not with me in the morning. And even though it was a long while, I can still pick up your fragrance from afar.

And when I was having a rough night, you were there for supper as well. And now I can go to sleep as a happy person. Even writing this now, I have a small grin sketched on my face.

Its no mistake that you make me happy. Cheers to you....golden syrup oatmeal.

Note: I know this is some corny advert for Quaker, but I swear to you its seriously good. I had never been more enthusiastic in my life on a bowl of grains until now.

M.Preg

2009-01-10T13:48:00.002+01:00

Well, I know I am jumping into this pool of ideas and controversies a little too late, but I cannot help but to express myself.

I got some time to kill, so I thought maybe I would watch a random documentary online via the Channel4 website. The pick of the month was Thomas Beatie, The Pregnant Man.

When I heard of the news some time ago, I was a little amazed where an actual case of male pregnancy is occurring. But as the story progresses, it seems that Thomas was a woman and kept his female reproductive organs. As such, all the mysticism has just melted away for me. After all, its not literally male pregnancy ain't it?

But when as the show develops, I never realised how big the stigma is. One dude say its not natural. But then again, what is? It startled me because its a human egg fertilised by a human sperm. And the embryo will embed into a human womb and will gestate for 9 months, the same as any normal human pregnancy. So for some people saying that Thomas Beatie to give birth to a three eye Ewok( That's a alien species in Star Wars) I find it a little absurd.

One of my reason's of saying this is bacause its just like surrogacy, an embryo is allowed to develop in another person's body. That body is nothing more than a vessel for it to grow and that vessel is completely human. So why the prejudice and stigma? I really wonder. And there was some dude that posted something on youtube, where a pregnant man can smoke for on the label says 'harmful to pregnant women'. Its sometimes bizzare to see that there are some people who are so dim-minded.

Of course by biological background, one may call him a 'mother'. But if I would stumble upon him, I would just think of him as a guy. That's what it is in his passport ain't it?

And although I still find it strange for a man to be pregnant, I don't support nor I am against it. Its because its like those things in life where although there are some differences, there is more to a person and his family than meets the eye.

Icing without the cake

2009-01-06T17:46:00.003+01:00

It snowed a gain yesterday, but not as intense as October's. The lake froze up showing how cold it really is.

The snow however, is like a solid drizzle. The rain is snow, and thats about it. But it did make some of the paths sorta white. Despite being just 2 degrees, it was pretty tolerable because the wind was not that intense. It does not go straight into your skin and bring chills down your spine. But nothing much can be said about the face, which is hard to find good stuff to protect it with.

Caffeine Comeback

2009-01-06T00:53:00.003+01:00

After 4 days of coffee free, I have now chugged that intoxicating fluid. Blood of angels, water of desire, epitome of liquid awesomeness. Well not exactly. After not being into contact with coffee for so long, my tolerance for it greatly fell. I had caffeine hangovers for a few hours but was able to walk back from the bus stop into my room.

I went to Starbucks for a cappuccino, and to be brutally honest it was saddening. The coffee is so little,most of the cup was foam. Taste wise, it was not rich enough and felt more of a latte than a cappuccino. Well, being exposed to much more varieties than back at home, its safe to say that I have found many better options for that good shock of java. Cafe Italia is decent, Pret A Manger works sometimes. The best is got to be Coffee Republic, although Dolce on campus grounds is pretty good itself.

But then again, I feel that I will give coffee and anything super caffienated a pass for a moment due to the fall in caffeine tolerance. At least it proves one thing, I'm not a caffeine crackhead as I thought I was.

Caffeine Crackhead

2009-01-03T22:50:00.002+01:00

After some time pondering, I wonder how I could run without coffee considering the fact the gallons I guzzled down daily. OK Im exaggerating but I do take a huge deal in recent weeks and I thought of giving it a go: coffee free. After all, its just a walk in the park, considering the fact that I was able to go on coffee free for 6 days straight last time (click here to know more)

I'm in my second day now, and I feel a little whacked out. At least I was not as crazy as yesterday where my eyes were dreary and dizzy spells once in a while. But at least I was able to study for a little while at night. That's a good thing right?

How do I feel right now? Well I find it a little hard to concentrate on studying and my mind feels sorta fluxed. This can't be happening, or can it? Trying to resist the temptations in preparing a good cuppa. And I feel kinda tired despite have enough sleep yesterday and a nap in the afternoon.

Gag! But I am determined in going as far as I can and no matter how tempting a frothy and smooth cappuccino is right now, I will strongly decline.

2008+1

2009-01-02T21:45:00.003+01:00

Well, I am not too fond of the concept of celebrating January 1 every year. Yeah it happens once a year but so is every other day. I find that this day is pretty overated just because the calender goes to 1.1 and there is another +1 at the year part.

But it cannot be denied that people find new hope in a new year, so I guess its not all bad

Innocence

2008-12-30T22:01:00.000+01:00

Yes I am young but I’m not naïve,
And I really hate it when you turn to leave.

But you left me with your little shadow,
An image I did gladly follow.
A reflection of you and what will tomorrow,
Filling up that space that was once so hollow.

To see you again-all I need is close my eyes,
And again I meet you during the next sunrise.
With tears of happiness we start to cry.
And we can truly see how time flies.

Part of me bleeds when you reach for disappearance
But another is grateful of your eternal presence
Gliding forward and touching horizons.
As we journey into sweet innocence.

When the minutes turn to days,
It all started with your enchanting gaze.

Post Christmas Post

2008-12-28T11:25:00.006+01:00

The Christmas week is finally over. SO what have you done for your holidays? I would like to know, please leave a comment or splat something on the c-box if you like.

I had Christmas dinner with the year 3 Law seniors on 25th itself. It was a good one and everyone chipped in a little. I was in charged with mash. The highlights were Samantha's lamb stew (its awesomeness redifined) and Max's Brittanian crepes. Just so you know Max is French. We had so much: lamb, antipasti, mash, salad, crepes, baked cinnamon apples.

But as the infamous Gordon Ramsay's wife Tana used to say: A great meal brings a great mess. Fortunately there is suffecient firepower for cleaning.

Boxing day can be described in two words: Tranquil shooping!!!!!

Eveyone from the previous night was afraid that the hordes of customers on the 26 will be too much to handle. I went there pretty late (10 am-for Boxing day standards) and yet the streets are clear! Don't believe me?

CHeck out the emptiness! Well, I guess the main reason for the slash down in priecs is for 1. To get rid of pre-Christmas stock and 2. to convince people to get out of the house despite a Christmas hangover.

I got myself a new pair of shoes, a new hoodie (all white!),and a few CDs. And here is the highlight of them all....

Its the last copy in the GAME shop in the Oracle. I cannot be happier!

Look! A Tree!

2008-12-25T11:33:00.004+01:00

Its that time of the year again. JUst here to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A CHristmas Tree at Borough Market

London Revisit and a horde of photos

2008-12-23T22:19:00.030+01:00

Hey all, How is the holiday season for everyone? I'm back from my London trip.

I was there for 5 days and stayed at a buddy of mine's house from Thursday till Monday. More specifically, his room mates place. As I have been to London before, I promise myself to cover as much as humanly possible what I have missed or have not discovered yet.

One of which was Hyde park, nearby Queensway station. Like most if not all royal parks, its vast and scenic. Its hard to explain through words. Once again, I let pictures do the talking.

and not far behind I saw a familiar figure

Harrod's was next. The last time I was there it was only a scan-thru. Now, as I got time all for myself I really went there and looked as much as I can. The food aisle is amazing and I promise myself that I would buy something from there. As such, I had the most amazing ice-cream I've ever tasted.

Gelato to be exact and I had a double scooper. Baileys and caramel. The Baileys flavour is like an alcoholic vanilla, but the caramel is a true gem. Powerful yet smooth flavours in it.

The lights are so imposing at night......

Dinner was whipped up by my mate Brian. He made black bean pork that was 'pirated' from his room mate and it was pretty good. Although we know each other for so long, its the first time I tasted his cooking. And here he is in action.

And here is the result.

I spent day two with Sze Chun, a Londoner friend. We went to Westfield which is said to be the biggest mall in Europe. Im not sure about that, but all I know that its ginormous!

Here is one of the many hallways in it

We went back to Queensway for lunch, which was 'Thai'. A big letdown, considering the green curry was just green sauce. But what was 'fun' was the way in getting there, we used the stairs from the Tube platforms to the station and it was 123 steps high. Don't believe me?

Me acting strange

We then meet up with Emily, a UCL arcitect student and head to Borough Market. This is where it got really good. Being a foodie, I was amazed by the array of goodies there. Cheese, wine, meat, pies, fish, and more cheese. I got myself a meringue. 2 pounds for this baby and although I had tasted better, i was slowly addicted to it. And its almost double the size of my fist! We later scrambled to the German sausage stall and got ourself one.

Me on the attack

Funny stuff. Oh and do you know the gong pears here is almost the same price as in Malaysia?

We then went back to Westfield for dinner and ordered coussolade( what the heck I forgot how its spelled).Its was 6.85 per plate. Pricey stuff. but it was described as duck and pork on some special bed of vegetables.

It was ok but I really expected more for the price I paid.

Saturday was spent with Brian and Lin. We went to the world reknowned toy store, Hamleys at Oxford St. Loads of toys and it let out the inner child in every one of us, to the extent that we talked about Pokemon! Well, I saw really good stuff like the Gryffindor sword, a really cool dollhouse and the Triwizard cup just to name a few.We later went to Canarby street, where its like Malaysia's Jonker Walk just that its outdoors and the deco was really intruiging. here's a peek.

Lunch was at O Niell's, its some Irish pub and we had good food there. I ordered a Chicken and Mushroom crock pot and it was pretty good, costing me 4.95 pds. Good bargain considering the high prices of eating out in London. And look who we saw on the road......Santa!

Day 4 was spent looking around the British Museum. It was big and the exhibits were awe-inspiring, it took me almost the whole afternoon for me. The exhibits were from ancient relics to religious figures to mummies to Scandinavian sami artefacts. It was huge and its good to learn more on the other side on what makes us human.

An Easter Island statue

Mayan artefacts

An extremely ancient mechanical clock.

some Buddhist artefacts

One of the museums amazing hall ways

The evening was spent on the German Market at Hyde Park Corner. Hyde Park is so big that it has 6 Tube stations surrounding it. There I got my second German sausage, where it was called 'Smoky Spicy'.

The grilling of the meats and sausages

the end result!

There were traces of chilli, but it was not hot at all. The place was like a fun fair and the lights were glittering and food stand were scattered across the park. It was full of people, clustering about the rides and waiting to be served.

Yesterday ,Brian brought Lin and I to Camden Market which is located somewhere near Euston Road.

It was like Petaling street in KL, and I guess that description covers alot. AFter that I took my leave and rode the 2.45 pm train back to Reading.

It was a good experience and I had great fun. I guess its back to the books now and hopefully the holidays would be more exciting like the past 5 days.

Where I am now

2008-12-18T14:31:00.004+01:00

Hey guys, I'm in London now, bunking a my friend Brian's place. Will update when back in Reading.

You've gotta be kidding me......

2008-12-18T01:35:00.005+01:00

Is this really gonna work out? Its true there will be a new Street Fighter movie called The Legend of Chun Li and that Kirsten Kruek will be Chun Li. But unfortunately Ryu and Ken will not be there. Its sad for Street Fighter will not be it if not for all three combined. There's Bison though.

For people who don't know I am a video game fanatic. Gaming is a passion I take seriously and being living in the 90s in my childhood, Street Fighter is a vital part of it although not be as strong as Transformers or Dragon Ball.

Lets hope this works, and there is even a Dragon Ball movie coming out. Hopefully my childhood heroes are given a fair treatment like how Micheal Bay did with Optimus.

A bleeding abomination

2008-12-17T01:34:00.003+01:00

In this world and What I left behind,
Loss is just another state of the mind.

Feeling the intensity of this rapture,
Recovering from this mental fracture.
Inside myself I begin to discover,
A demonic presence-a monster.

Yet this beat is tamed when you're near,
Blurry vision just breaks away and becomes clear.
You came into my life without fear,
But this ferocious aura doesn't seem to disappear.

So please go away,
For I'm not sure what this demon cannot do.
Please leave me-please make me a stray,
Because I don't want to hurt you.

I just can't contain the electricity,
The monster hidden in the human me.

End of term

2008-12-13T11:48:00.006+01:00

The first term is over. And I gotta admit, this is the most eventful three months of my life. Being by myself on foreign soil , I've re-discovered myself in more ways than one.

Out of my home, out from parental care (and control), out of my comfort zone, this is where I was tested. At first I was a little excited about all this. New experiences, new friends, a new environment. And although I may sound a little narcissistic, I feel that I have matured a great deal. Being more street wise, more independent, more prone in making mistakes( which gives me a opportunity to learn). I was also able to see the other side of people too who are also out of their comfort zones. Seeing raw emotions fly and other elements makes me aware of who my true friends are. Fortunately, very few people I know use emotions rather than being rational. Life is not all roses, where thorns are just below the bush, but then again there are still roses.

Unlike most of my uni friends from Malaysia, I was pretty much by myself. I did not have Malaysian neighbours, nor did I have a familiar face to bump into every 5 minutes. But it really allowed me to meet up new people, exploring new identities within myself where I don't even know existed.

One example is my 'Good English' switch in my brain. Whenever I speak to others, suddenly each sentence is grammatically correct, fluid and well versed. But when I am with my Malaysian friends, Manglish(Singlish for some) just explodes out of my mouth.

Lectures were good, and although I do have some issues with the lecturers' style of teaching overall its all good. Tutorial was fun although sometimes daunting. This is especially in Equity where Mr. David would often ask a question which would start with : 'I know its not in your tutorial module. However....' Yeah its make me go nuts a times because I am caught unprepared but it really make me think out of the box. It is also make tutorial more exciting, for you do not know what to expect.

Being here also makes me appreciative of the simple things in life. Like going to the pub to get fish and chips or supper, a drink with friends, going to Tesco and see the swans (check this post)or just the fact that I was fortunate enough to be in the UK to study. Simple things seem so special now. But then again I am a very simple person with simple dreams and simple desires.

Although not all things are as good as it seems though. I have been guzzling down so much coffee recently, I think I might be addicted. Trying to ween it off now and go back the the casual drinker that I was. And I seem to have lost weight despite eating so much more than back home! Must eat more........

Overall, I am pretty happy in the UK. And sometimes people ask if I miss home. Yeah I do at times, but I sometimes think to myself this: I am home.

Cup!

2008-12-09T21:25:00.003+01:00

Something what I got after buying the papers today. Pretty neat huh? Its just 30 p for paper and the cupcomes for free. Hey, I cannot get anything for 30p and this is pretty good. Don't you think?

Riverside Fauna

2008-12-08T11:58:00.004+01:00

As most of you might not know, I walk to Tesco's every weekend for my groceries. Yes, its a long walk around 30 minute-ish. There is a short-cut though, but it just shaves of 10 minutes of walking time. Still, I go there not because of the variety of stuff, I need the exercise so I don't mind. In addition, its actually really pleasant to there, especially at Thames Riverside which is the river by the path to Tesco. The swans gather under the bridge way and its a unique view, not to mention a little calming where people will stop and stare at the birds.

And I was one of them

Month no 3

2008-12-07T22:32:00.001+01:00

Its now the third month in the UK now. Third month out of home. Third month of doing my own laundry. Third month cooking for myself. Third month without my family. Third month without her. Sigh...

Face value

2008-12-05T01:14:00.002+01:00

Dude(or dudette, this guy is sexually confused):Have you seen that guy?, I think he is not married.....

Me:how can you just put out such a hypothesis?

D: Look at the way he walks, it has a step up. It shows immaturity.

Me: Stunned

Actually I have the desire to blog this but finally I have the incentive to do so. I am not sure about you but recently I have just realised how conceited and delusional certain people are. I admit I am not perfect and I am trying to be the best I can be. Like everyone, I am unique and so are my flaws. So what may seem to be flaws are just another trait that we have in ourselves.

What confuses me is the immaturity of certain individuals where they take on face-value. There is more to life than just his hair style or her skirt colour or jeans cutting. Everyone is unique and variety is the spice of life. I feel there is too much of an emphasis on the outer layer that the inside is neglected. I am pretty fortunate that a lot of people I know let their inside shine. Well, most people.

Some people live in a very conditional pattern where everyone must eat this and everyone must wear that or he or she is retarded or gay or whatever their conceited twisted mind can think of.

I know a guy (same sexually confused fellow above) who says that first impressions are important. Well, I cannot deny that. But like the saying goes: what we are is just the tip of the iceberg. But to the extent that you have a budget on clothes that can feed a family of six for a year may be a little too much. Of course, I do not have any say to how people spend their money. After all it’s their prerogative. But then again there is more to life than just Prada, Louis Vuitton , YSL and other fashionable financial machines. And to say that people are infertile because the way they speak or being extremely emotional because he has pretty long hair for a guy just proves one thing. This guy is extremely shallow. Of course, I cannot change or impose my mindset on others but this is how the universe works. There is more to a grape than just a fruit. You can eat it or make it into fine wine or vinegar or even a projectile to hit someone.

But one thing I would like to say is that there is more to the universe than just you. And to impose your own moral judgement and to say it is the only way that things should be done is just absurd. No man is an island. But one will if he or she shuns away everyone else because of their beliefs. Of course there is a fine line between conviction and stubbornness. It takes wisdom to see this line, but if that person has enough wisdom, he would not revolve his life around ‘skin-only’ appearances then.

I only wish that people would be aware that beauty is only skin deep and there is more to life than just mere appearances. For if one just judge someone by their looks, then it would be a real-life enactment of the wolf in sheep’s clothing story.

This year

2008-12-04T23:22:00.002+01:00

This could be the year,
Where everything changes.
Even all that you hold dear.

This could be the year,
This could be the moment.
I will stand and persevere,
Every day is a new testament.

Each day seems to bring new chances,
Even when the night is getting darker.
Light away as the demon dances,
Unleash that indesctructable inner power.

Could be this the chance that we've been waiting?

Step up and stride forth,
The world is our taking.
As pain start to pour,
Slowly, we wound be death defying.

Are we wating for this?
A chance for redemption.
An opportunity to find bliss.
A brand new powerful revolution.

Lets take this final shot.
And give it our all,
Give it all we got.
No regrets-even if we fall.

Let us dissappear from fear,
For indeed this could be the year.

20

2008-12-03T13:59:00.004+01:00

Yeah, we have known each other for so long. Thru thick and thin, you are always that person who will be there for me. Never knew that I have found someone that seems to be the door to heaven, if not at least close to it.

When I first met you you were this little girl. Small, demure and cheery. Now you are this elegant woman, poised and with a purpose. And for that and what we have together is something very special and I don't think I can repay in this lifetime.

Happy birthday 20th Shih Min. Although I may not be around for you back home, you know in heart I will always be.

To you, happy birthday.