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waichoong
I want to be 'better', and not be the 'best'. Because better shows improvements and motivates me to go further. By being better than the others, i can be as close as to being best. Nobody is perfect, and nothing is made perfect. And that includes me.
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Friday, November 6, 2009

Season 3, Episode 10: Boomerang

" I'm your angel. " - Celine Dion and R Kelly.

Boomerang. A weapon aborigines used in Australia is a weapon that returns after it's thrown, a recreational sport in the present time. I remember the good old times when i play boomerang with Jian and Jimi in the field near my house, and how challenging it was to make it come back to us. It's not just as simple as to throw them as you like and wished for it to return to you. It requires proper technique and practice. Boomerang. How ironic, i have thrown a boomerang. And now, it was the boomerang who had thrown me into a thrilling time.

I'm talking about the Boomerang ride in the Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark- personally the best ride in the wetland.

Before i dwell longer on the fun-tastic day trip to Bukit Merah Laketown, my final examinations are drawing near. Tension, and this is the sole reason why i had been off-blogging lately. Time constraint had let me to ignore blogging and focus on finishing my other vital assignments- Academic Writing and Peer Group Counseling, to name a few. So, i had to concentrate on them and some tests that sprung around the same time. Time is not like a boomerang; once its thrown, it's never coming back.

Sometimes, in uni, i feel down. I have this inner self that tells me what i put in as effort will produce its result, as the saying goes hard work pays off. And sometimes the 'other' self tells me that there is no use to study so hard, because when it comes, you cannot answer them either, although you have studied. So why put the unnecessary stress? You can never be satisfied with what you get and get discouraged when it turns the opposite way. Like a boomerang, it backfires. Despite so, i always believe in trying. Attempt my best and give it my all when the time comes. No matter the results, the thing that satisfies me is that i have tried my best, or die trying.

To escape from all these stress, the Octoberfest and English Carnival of English Language Club committees organized Appreciation Day in Bukit Merah Laketown and it was an ideal getaway personally. It was held on Sunday, 1st November- what a way to welcome November. Of 3 Kancils' and a MyVi, we drove an hour and a half to our desired destination.

There are many activities to do in Bukit Merah, namely, the Waterpark, Ecopark, Orang Utan Island and Hunted Valley. I had wanted to bid 'hello' to the Orang Utans in the island and pat animals on their back in the Ecopark, but instead, we entered the Waterpark. It was splendid.

The group...

... making waves.

Posing with the float and slides as backdrop.

Try not to compare the attractions here to Sunway Lagoon. To me, the Sunway Lagoon rides are more thrilling than those here, with the exception of the Boomerang.

What is it with the Boomerang?

It's my favourite ride in this wetland- i say it again. We climbed up the stairs to about three stories high, get on the float provided by the people-in-charge, and off we slid down. That's when we feel like our heart comes ripping off our body. We felt the sensation of the wind brushing through our skin as we move at almost 80 degrees vertical down! Boomerang, the one-ride you must try if you're there (unless you have a weak heart)!

Help! Titanic's sinking!

Don't mess with the croc!

The best photograph of the day. Sometimes, i feel like jumping in the water!

It was exhausting being in the Waterpark for nearly three hours. We had our lunch in Bubble- what an interesting name for a coffee house. While we were having our lunch, we pitied those who had just entered. It had begun to rain heavily and we were lucky to have such fine weather during our time in there.

Note to self: never to spend money on a ghost house- unless it is really, really, really well worth it. I had been to several paid ghost houses and they were rather disappointing. It is always the darkness and the fear of something will pop out that scares us. Full stop.

After much fun, we left the place and arrived uni around seven in the evening. It was announced that there will be a power electricity cut on Sunday but there wasn't any. What a relieve. Fun time over, return to hit the books.

Boomerang. It's more than just a weapon, it's an attraction. It's more than a noun, it's a verb. wc09, is spinning.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Season 3, Episode 9: Much ado about October and fest?

" Nobody wins when everyone's losing,
it's like one step forward and two steps back,
no matter what i do
you're always mad. " - Not Meant To Be, Theory of a Dead man


It is Wednesday. Busy as i am, i desire to complete this post of the previous week. Due to the events, my time was schedule-packed and it was a serious juggle between studying for the test and quizzes with the Octoberfest, a major ELC event this semester. Nonetheless, they were successful and i pray for the best is yet to come.

Opening Ceremony on Monday night followed by The Strongest Link competition. I should have joined the competition- the elimination rounds were simple. But as it went on, i saw myself falling short to the more difficult questions.

Octoberfest is actually an event comprising of 3 sub-events: the Strongest Link, the Max-X Chocolate and the Scribes Showcase. This figure consisting of all, greeted guests from the first night on.

An unfinished pyramid of golden balls waiting for completion.

Officiating the event was our beloved Rector who placed the peak of the pyramid.

I was the Assistant Project Manager for the Scribes Showcase and it was held on Wednesday night. All in all, it was a show to remember and the experience in these events were amazing.

Over the weekend, it was Deepavali, the festival of lights! I enjoy looking at the decors for the celebration.

In KDE...

Happy Diwali, everyone!

Deepavali equates to good food too. Oh, i love to eat!

Auntie M makes the best prawn sambal i have ever tasted. Mix them with the rice, my mouth are already salivating.

Thanks to my friends for the gift, this is me and my traditional Indian shirt- currently my wallpaper.

Even the host's pet was up to the celebration. Don't you think it looks adorable?

Visited Nara later and it was nice catching up. And continued to Mr M house for another Deepavali house visiting.

Pre-birthday celebration for my dad. It was great, previously known as Roadhouse Grill to the Marciano's. My main course was scrumptious.

Dad looking unprepared in front of his main course. The decor of the restaurant is amazing- so ranch-feel and the wild wild west!

Since my uni can access to YouTube, try listening to these:


Not Meant To Be


Love Story meets Viva La Vida

Rush rush... wc09 got to go for classes now! Enjoying listening, reading, eating, and living!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Season 3, Episode 8: Foundation DL, DICN & Field Trip to Cameron H

" Help the client to help themselves. " - the Concept of Helping

Back to being in the hectic life of a student. At the moment, i'm very busy with events, assignments, quizzes, projects and test. These, as usual, build up to stress. But what drives me is the knowledge i acquire from these little things, and the weekend i'm looking forward so much. Thus, this post, cliche as it sounds, but i will let the photographs do the talking.

Looking sharp is me, and my graduation certificate from the Foundation year.

While waiting for our turns...

... we took photographs to kill the time.

Graduated with CGPA 4.0. Surprised to see my picture in the front.

More and more photographs.

Taking picture with extra lighting effect.

Deepavali and Indian Cultural Night 09. Second time attending this. Grand!

A and I, after-ceremony.

Don't you think they look stunning in their saree?

Field trip. Listening attentively to Dr C for notes to note.

Got the 'feel'.



Objective was to study rocks. We did and it was interesting.

After the study part in the field trip, it was holidaying in Cameron Highlands that we looked forward to.

I had a lovely steamboat lunch, the best thing to eat up there.

Strolling along the lanes in Brinchang.

Interesting shot.

MARDI is a beautiful place to visit. Greeting us at the entrance is the British Garden!

The landscape is breath-taking.

Rich in colour.

Posing.

Zooming in...

... it is an apple tree. Now, who says that apples can't be grown in Malaysia.

The weather was cooperating too. Chilly, just the way i like.

Just admire the flowers in abundance!

Cool- grapes!

Support One Malaysia? Serene surrounding, it sure was.

A scenic view in the Garden. I'm impressed.

Me and the scenic view.

Mesmerized by the landscape.

Salute to the field trip. It was splendid. Looking forward for more...

... a Cameron trip always goes with strawberries!

What a beautiful lengthy post? wc09 is thrilled over the week and now comes the busy week. No time for sleep!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Intermission... of all sorts!

" May be you had to leave in order to really miss a place; may be you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was... "

" Parents aren't the people you come from. They're the people you want to be, when you grow up. "

" The outcome of this recipe is a work of art, if you can make it through the complicated preparation. Above all else, handle everything with care. "

Jodi Picoult, Handle With Care

Weeks of non-stop stress finally have come to a pause, allowing me a breathing space. It's the mid-semester break, which means i can do what i have wanted to do that i had put on hold. This ranges from eating (delicious) food to holidaying to reading! This Intermission will be different, though, as i will be rhapsodizing them in sections.

Mooncake Festival @ JKKK KA
This is the first time i'm attending this celebration in my 'kampung', because i'm not sure if this was even the first. If it was the first, then i hope in the coming years, there will still be one. I've always like attending this cultural celebration, what more i see the deterioration in the modern times. Hopefully, this celebration did spark the interest of the younger kids to continue living this legacy- because the mooncake legacy is a beautiful one, i have chosen. Neutral, i enjoyed the free 'makan' and the lantern design competition.

Arrival of the VIP with the lion dances.

Good response! Well done.

The release of fireworks.

'One Malaysia' lantern. Sadly, this one did not win the prize in the competition.

I knew the Petronas Twin Towers was unique. It won.

Display of lantern contestants. The one with the hearts was in the top too.

Time for Mooncakes now.

Raya & Melaka
It has always been my dream to do a food-logue, just like how you imagine a travelogue to be but it focuses on food instead. Yes, Malaysia is a food haven, no doubt, and it would be an understatement to say that the food is good. Starting with the Ramadan month itself, we have bazaars that stretched long with plenty of murtabaks, roti john, and kuih raya along the way.

In KLCC with Datuk Lat's.

Raya this year was on the 20th September 2009. If you would have noticed, it was 2009-2009. Get it? Like previous years, i visited my father's friend's house. I remember crediting her cakes last time. This year was no different. Apart from her moist chocolate cake, cheese cake, pineapple and apple cakes, we had chicken and mutton rendang with nasi empit and lemang. Oh-so-tasty!

Here onwards will make you salivate; if it don't, i know i will. A makan-makan trip back to Melaka on Raya. This coming years, Melaka has always been jam-packed with tourists during holidays- from KL, Johor and Singapore to name a few. This crowds the whole Melaka City, making it a challenge to drive from one place to another.

My sister having 'Wan Tan Mee' and Fried Oyster. The Fried Oyster, or O-Chian, is a must try food in Melaka. If you wonder what it is, it is actually fried egg with oyster, mixed with starch and some chili to perfection. We waited long for this one in Jalan Bunga Raya.

My brother devouring his 'Puree'. Usually, this will be our breakfast. Since we stay overnight near Merlimau, this shop is not very far away.

Highly recommended is the Fish Ball noodles. We call it Wo-Kiaw. Blend it with some chili sauce and off you go. This particular shop sells 'karipap' too, making it an appetizer, or a dessert after the noodles.

You MUST try this in Melaka- the Chicken Rice Ball! The rice are shaped into balls. I usually eat them clean, without dipping them into chili sauce and it still tastes amazing. This shop, we call 'Bawah Pokok' is hitting big waves as it just got promoted by Ho Chak. Hopefully, publicity and commercialisation does not affect its taste, sooner or later.

These are the places that i have eaten for many many times and that is why i am recommending them to you. There were others that we had, but i don't think it's time to give them a spot here. Still, the best are my aunties Nyonya meals!

September Babies
Amazing, i thought, that my mid-semester break coincides with my family's birthdays. Happy Birthday to Mummy, WH and Grandpa. Not forgetting- my friends who turn a year older, happy birthday to you too!

Introducing a makan spot to you, the Look Out Point. It has been there for a fairly long time and only recently have we discovered the place. It is the point that we could see the entire KL City, from a distance, that illuminates amazingly under the night sky.

After placing our orders...

Grandparents posing with the Petronas Twin Towers at the far left.

While waiting... I like the ambiance of the place. It was breezy with cottage-style decor.

Try this Baked Escargot there.

Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, this Special Sizzling Chicken is my main course.

Yummy!

A Second Chance
As i have promised, i have posted my second story in my story-blog. Entitled A Second Chance, have a read. Here are some excerpts of the story, and i bet it is better than the first.

"Have you ever wished that you could turn back the time and make amendments to the wrong things you have done? Or have you ever wondered what if time has been fast-forwarded for you, that you one day wake up a totally different person? My name is Kent Law, and my life had been a failure so far. I had only two things that I was proud of, and they were on the verge of slipping away."

"It was unusual for me to visit Kent in the hospital. The guilt I had carried repelled my desire to see my friend whom I had betrayed. I tried not to see him, especially in the hospital, but I tried my very best to meet with his family members as often as possible. Today was different. It was different because Mary had been the one that called me to come to the hospital. Could she had found out the truth and wanted me to confess it in front of Kent?"

"I now know what it felt like to feel something being stolen away from you, something so important in life that could go missing. What goes around comes around."

Read it, and give my your constructive criticisms.

Handle With Care


After being blown away by Jodi Picoult's Change of Heart, i decided that i should try reading her other books. Never have i regretted this decision. She is my favourite author to date and her latest, Handle With Care, is another true winner! I has the same effect when i read A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks, pulling every of my heart strings, every flipping pages.

I did not read My Sister's Keeper, and there are many claims that this is so closely related to it. Even if it had been, i will like this book nonetheless. It was a page turner, one that i tried to put down but immediately found myself picking it up to continue reading. Yes, i stayed until 2.30 am to read- this is the first time i'm doing so. May be it was her writing style that continues to grapple my attention. This book writes from five point of views: Charlotte, mother; Sean, father; Piper, friend; Amelia, sister; and Marin, lawyer.

This is a story about a girl, Willow, who is born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). In layman's term, it's a brittle bone disease. Any slightest fall could result in a bone broken. Soon, her medical expenses rise and Charlotte resorts to suing Piper, her OB who happens to be her best friend. Amelia is Willow's sister and at times, she compares herself to Willow and soon finds herself falling problematic. Sean, a supportive father, tries to awake Charlotte from the mistake she had started. Marin is the lawyer that Charlotte hires to sue. The characters are very well developed, with conflicts both internal and external being discussed. What if it was you, in Charlotte's shoe? Will you sue the OB even if it costs you to stand up to your best friend and most importantly, to your daughter to say that she is better off not born? Jodi again left me pondering upon the finish.

I could relate to Sean's character the most. This book brings forth the values of family and love too. While he may be supportive as a husband and a father, he could not utter those hurtful words to her daughter and this leads to a divorce on the line. He tries to help Charlotte in anyway he could, because he love them both. He knows he never wanted to get a divorce, and his love toward Charlotte was pure, real and touching. If i had 'Come Home' by One Republic by my side as i read, i would find tears rolling down my eyes. As for the other characters, i'll let you discover them yourself.

G-Force and the Cinderella Man
G-Force was alright. It did not mesmerize me with its stunning effects and at times, i find the movie ridiculous. The storyline was predictable. However, it was an entertaining watch. The story revolves around a group of guinea pigs, better known as G-Force and they are on the edge of saving the world upon a global destruction.

The Cinderella Man was, on the other hand, awesome! You have to watch it! Starring Russel Crowe and Renee Z, this story is dramatic and real at the same time. The way it was told was touching, better than the Million Dolar Baby. A washed up boxer returns again into the ring for the hope to bring a better life to the family. Cliche, you say? But i can assure you that it is one of the best movie i have ever watched! A++ rated!

A compilation o the intermission, i suppose, and it is not over yet (i hope to grow this post). I still have a few more days before returning to the series and i have to... start... doing my... assignments... wc09 is still enjoying the Intermission... of all sorts!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Season 3, Episode 7: 09/09/09...

" Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. " - Lao Tzu

I heard someone saying, "Why do we need to celebrate 09/09/09? If you say it is special, then what about other days? All days in our life is special already and everyday comes once in a lifetime." I agree to what he/she had said but only to a certain extent. It is true that every ticking time is special and a gift, and writes our life's story. But sometimes, it is the little thing, like the extraordinary 09/09/09 that could make life more interesting.

I recalled my experiences on the 07.07.07 and the 08.08.08. 07.07.07 was the date the New 7 Wonders of the World were announced- and i'm glad i had voted, while 08.08.08 was the official opening ceremony date for the Olympic Games which was held in Beijing, China. The show was spectacular, i remember.

09/09/09 was not any less interesting. My friends and i celebrated quietly, in our Differential Equations class, when the clock hit 09.09.09am. Childish, you may say, but it was comical yet fun- at least we were more awake that time, and we ushered in the amazing date.

Lunch with the group to celebrate!

After our Academic Writing class, my friends decided to head out to have lunch. Into the car, we drove to near Pusing.

I followed J's car.

While waiting for our lunch...

... and lunch is served.

The scrumptious dishes were eaten clean by us.

Great time!

And a contented me.

After the lunch, it was back to routine- assignments and projects. However, the day was memorable and amazing altogether. Like i said, sometimes, these little things will add spice to your life, making life worth living. 09/09/09 came and went.

It will only come once in a lifetime, and i'm truly happy that i enjoyed the day. wc09 wishes you Happy 09/09/09 and he hopes your day was, if not better, like his.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Season 3, Episode 6: Boooook Fair.

" Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. " - Dr Seuss

Dubbed as one of the busiest week i have ever encountered in my uni life, i'm glad it is finally over for now- it's not even close to the final exams yet! Already booked in my calendar are the 30 Hour Famine which took place in the past weekend (i'm so glad i went and i don't regret the decision) and the BookFair which lasted three days, beginning on Tuesday. Then, three tests, quizzes and assignments came to trouble my already busy week. I did my best, and now I hope for the best in return.

But this post will be on the BookFair, since this time i was behind-the-scene as a commitee member in the Games and Entertainment Department. The three-day long event was fun overall but it was exhausting. Still, it's the experience that's rich. Some photographs are taken from the Photographers of the BookFair, friends and by myself. I'll let the photographs do the talking this time.

BookFair '09 family!

An aerial view of the event.

The Popular Bookstore was again our major partner. I thought i would be buying a book but unfortunately, none of the books brought there interest me. So, i left buying nothing. The crowd was overwhelming, though.

Formal attire on the first day of the BookFair.

My booth with...

... Thanushya, my HOD.

Players digging for treasures!

Izatul, my other commitee member of the Department. Her preparations on the games were very well done- colourful and attractive.

Mirror write these.

After 3 days, it was time to clear up.

Enjoying ourselves with the balloons and banner.

Smiles masking our worn-out faces!

The BookFair promised to be bigger and better, and it surely was. It was done on a grander scale and the feedback was great. Thank you guys for coming to the BookFair to support me.

wc09 wipes his sweat, rests a little in the coming weekend break and again, another 3 tests coming up! Haiz...

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Season 3, Episode 5: Can or cannot- 30 hours?

" When tomorrow comes, we must have hope,
We must reach out to every single child.
When tomorrow comes, we spread our love,
And make it a better day." - Tomorrow, official 2009 30 Hour Famine theme song.


This event was first heard when my sister told me about her friend being involved in the 30 Hour Famine this year. I was thrilled by the fact of it's noble intentions and it initiated a desire within me to participate in this event. Having said that though, i thought i would never have the chance, even more as it would be during my lecture weeks, and so i did not put high hopes on it. Then the opportunity came one day, when i saw a paper written 'Famine Hour Facilitator Recruitment' on my notice board. This implies that there will be the event in my uni, and i would want to be a camper! Thankfully, i have friends who participated as well, and from that moment, i registered.


As a camper, we needed to collect a minimum donation of RM 80.00. I sincerely thank those who have donated to support me and altogether, support this event. As i go on in this post, you will notice that there will be numerous times that i will repeat this phrase- the power is in you. Yes, it is. Even the slightest RM 1.00 can and will make a difference, and so you have the power to make a change.

Some friends in the camp- the look of a hungry people?

The official famine weekend was on the 22nd August 2009, and coincidentally, it was also the first day my Muslim friends began to 'puasa' (fast). For us, we had to fast from 12 noon on the 22nd August until 6.00pm the 23rd August- that makes up 30 hours. Of course, one of the magnetic factor of this event was the countdown at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil for the final six hours where campers around Malaysia would gather to break fast together. Before i dwell onto that, allow me to express my excitement beginning the 22nd August afternoon.

I joined other campers at the Chancellor Hall at nearly 12 noon, after the brief opening ceremony and the reading of the rules of the camp. Later, we were divided into 7 smaller groups- mine was Mexico, and we had to be Mexican whenever the activities were played. Ice breaking session at first, and we played the first Challenge after that- protecting your fruits. It was alright, but i wished we could use harder materials to 'flock' away those 'birds'. This game actually tells us that life is always a challenge and you need to protect yourself in order to survive. Without food, you may die of starvation.

Accompanied me throughout the camp.

The second game was more significant. Imagine those underprivileged people who needs to walk for miles carrying heavy buckets of water over their shoulders, not wanting to spill even a single drop along their treacherous journey home because water is so precious. We tried to 'play' their life, and we felt how tiring it was. The game required us to carry a box of water using a blanket over a 'risky' trail. If we hit the 'rocks' along the way, we had to restart our journey- and we did over and over again. The third game was suffering-ly significant. Study materials in certain countries are limited, or rare, and so they have to use whatever within their resources, including short pencils. Again, we 'played' their life, and it was challenging to write with pencils shorter than your pinkie! In the end, we were 'punished' for making mistakes.

I didn't know this picture was taken.

Later, we had to make stars out of papers. We made for nearly two hours, sitting on the ground, folding and folding. As we folded, we complaint about how boring it was without realizing that this game also carries a significant message. In the end, i realized that people in certain countries have to work non-stop doing the same work to earn a living. All we did was folding stars in an air-con hall and complaint, and imagine those who needs to work under the blazing heat. Do they complain?

A presentation of an ideal basic village of my group with limited resources.

Spontaneous photography session. This is one where we were supposed to be drowning. I don't know how it turned out to be Titanic instead.

Before we call it a night, the final challenge was the 'Refugee Camp'. It was an interesting game that lasts nearly three hours. We 'played' the life of a refugee in a camp- like after an earthquake or flood. I was a family member of a Spanish family. Call me Fernando Gonzalez. The objective of this game is to survive in the camp. This means that we needed food, drink, shelter, and vaccination. Of course, these need money. We had to earn money, legally or illegally. Legally was troublesome and little, and so we opted for illegal works such as 'drug trafficking', 'gangsters', or 'sex workers' which offers more in return but risky. To live in these pressing situation, we sometimes cannot choose.

My Spanish family.

It's a camp!

Night time, it was freezing cold and i had only a blanket to cover me! Early morning, when i woke up, it felt like an iceberg and we were like penguins. I thought this meant hard life even to sleep, but it was not in the module. A group shot was taken before we left for the countdown at KL.

I'm at the second row from top, most left.

A line-up of star-studded artistes, both locally and internationally. Singers like Daniel Lee, Suki, Jaclyn, Yise, and familiar faces such as Belinda and Gary, and recognizable voices of Roshan and Nicholas entertained us for the remaining 6 hours. Michael Wong made an appearance too! An interactive game was played to fill in the time. The game was creative. The official theme song, Tomorrow was sung by Francessca Peter and Yise.

The approximately 7000 people crowd! Wow...

Entertaining ourselves.

Me, KD and YH outside the stadium, looking at the mini exhibitions.

The ideal village.

Accompanied me in the stadium.


But it was A-Mei that grabbed the spotlight. Save the best for last. The crowd cheered thunderously when A-Mei was called onto stage and every campers' low energy level suddenly sky-rocketed. She was amazing- though i don't understand what she sang or who she really was. The energy in the stadium was a force to be reckoned with (including the other performances)! And after singing a few songs, it was time. The time to count down. The crowd prepared for the count. The artistes and hosts too. My friends and i prepared ourselves.

video


The countdown! We made it! 30 hours!

The joy was unexplainable after completing 30 hours. Even though it was only me, a person; a person can make a difference. If every one thinks they are not important, then everyone will not come, and no one will support this event. So, i took my step and made a difference, and i am proud of myself.

In front of stadium!

Should i try the new prawn fritters in KFC?

After dinner!

After the countdown, we had another group shot in front of the stadium and left to have our dinner at KFC. Frankly, i was not extremely hungry when eating and i was at normal paced on my dinner. Another 3 hours of noisy ride back to uni before i could finally sleep and do some light revision. 3 tests were coming up!

wc09 encourages you to take part in this event next year. The power is in you, and you yourself is the force. You can make a difference! I did, and i'm happy i did.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Season 3, Episode 4: A Convo-ing weekend.

" Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'i will try again tomorrow'. - Mary Anne Radmacher

The first weekend that i spent in uni for this semester was rather fun. Convocation was the grand event- oh, i really can't wait for my turn to receive the scroll! But apart from the Convocation itself, there was the ConvoFair. I missed last year's ConvoFair and so i decided to give this time a try at it. At some point, i'm just so thrilled being a student in UTP.

The opening night was on Friday.

Best photograph of the night! I like this picture a lot, both the people and the fireworks! In fact, we captured this picture at the last release of the fireworks. How lucky...


Firing up the night!

There were many stalls in the fair- just like how you would imagine a nice 'pasar malam' (night market) to be. I had dinner there on the first night. The food wasn't spectacular, but it's good to eat something different than the usual meals i have in my uni.

PF, PW, ZY and Amy in the fair.

The crowd coming in as the night gets later.

My friends pretending to be the buyer and the seller of the stall.

In an air-cond booth, we were admiring...

... a house selling in Bandar Seri Iskandar. It has a swimming pool, a large garden, four bedrooms, and a nice living room. Not bad huh?

After much excitement we had on the first night, i went back to my room when all was said and done. The next day, i decided to donate my blood since there was a blood donation drive in my cafe foyer. I have always wanted to donate my blood- my blood might be useful to those in dire need. I was all ready and enthusiastic to go. I met my friend who was in charge and as a first time donor, we tend to ask 'sakit tak?'. Then a smile follows up.

Before donating, we need to answer some questionnaires and undergo tests at checkpoints. Unfortunately, i was not able to donate my blood yet.

What a disappointment.

The second night in the fair was another amazing night.

Some of my friends performing the Chinese Orchestra. The night opener! Well done.

The highlight of the night was the performance by Amy Search. I'm not a die-hard fan of him, but how many of you have actually seen him or heard him live?

Opening the night with 'Tiada lagi.'

video
Singing for us!

The crowd was overwhelming! It felt like a concert, for sure!

He ended the show with classic 'Isabella'. He can sing!

After the concert, the excitement lingered around for some time before it faded off, and i went back to my room.

Third night was Aizat- i'm not sure i spelt right. He was alright. Actually, apart from these guests artistes, there were international performances too, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa and Pakistan.

My say for ConvoFair is that, it is fun. The atmosphere is different and it allows you to forget all quizzes, assignments and tests ahead. Indeed, after this post, you might not be hearing from me anytime soon- with three tests coming up, more quizzes and assignments, Famine30 and BookFair, 24 hours may just feel like it's insufficient. wc09 enjoys the ConvoFair, and fears the busy life ahead!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Season 3, Episode 3: Gaining momentum...

" If the going is real easy, beware, you may be headed downhill. " - Anonymous

Thankfully, my 'going' isn't getting pretty easy at all- this means that i'm not going downhill, which is a good thing. After the sudden holidays due to the closure of the uni, as always, i needed time to readjust my biological clock to the times of Tronoh. Indeed, i have fairly set and abide by the schedule before.

Have i told you before that i dislike 8 am classes? Well, the more i hate, the more it comes. I have three days of 8 am classes, and the remaining 2 days are at 9 am. And very often when i come back to my room, it's a nap that i will need. The news have it that a meteor shower could be seen on early Thursday morning, and if you miss it, you can watch it on Friday morning too. Should i stay up to watch it, and may be fall asleep in my next day's 8 am class?

Just when i start to adapt to the times here, things began to come. I have just sat for my fourth Differential Equations quiz, and had recently did the Statics and Dynamics one. Statics and Dynamics assignment and Academic Writing homework are also here. Differential Equations, Introduction to Oil and Gas, and Fundamental of Petroleum Engineering tests are coming up real soon! Material Science is... i'm not sure what to expect yet after the assignment. Definitely, i'm gaining momentum hitherto.

I wonder if there is something with my room about animals- i'm not talking about ants, flies, and mosquitoes. I'm talking about something bigger. Remember in Season 2, when i posted about a family of cat living above my ceiling and disturbing my sleep? I have birds coming into my room this season. When i woke up this morning, i saw a bird next to my bed, on the floor. The bird flew from the floor to the window in front of it, slowly squeezing it's way out through the panels, and flew away when i took another step towards it. In the early part of this season, a bird (not the same one) came in at night while i was on the computer. We (my roommate and i) switched of the fan so that it doesn't get smacked by the blades when it flies above. Shoo-ing away the bird was challenging, but after some time, it made its way out, after a rest on my bed.

Little birdie... i wonder what's next.

Momentum? wc09 is gaining speed...

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Hidden Gem of American Idol 5!

"Like faith and joy, and peace and hope, and haaaarmooooony" - Believe, Elliot Yamin

How do i know, if the best is yet to come? Will i take this step alone? The singer i'm talking about, and it's high time for him to be heard, debuted with his 'Wait For You', but personally, that song was not my cup of tea and i didn't really like him there on. However, with his new album which came out this year, i'm taking it all back and he proved me wrong. I'm talking about Elliot Yamin of Season 5 the American Idol and he is superb!

I didn't know what made me want to listen to his songs when i was YouTube-ing. But my pointer heads to the play button and i was instantly caught by surprise to his voice. Listening to his songs today, i really question how Taylor Hicks could have won the title. And if i am to compare him to Chris Daughtry, i'm sorry Chris- i truly like your rock tunes, but i'll have to go with Elliot Yamin.

His latest album, 'Fight For Love' itself has so many of my favourites. His songs are more of a pop-jazz genre and you cannot help but to feel your feet taping to its rhythm. 'Believe' is a bonus track, 'How Do I Know' and 'This Step Alone' are my personal favourties and i would like to share them with you here.



Very inspiring! This would make it to being one of the best Idol winning song!






His other songs like 'Good Outweigh the Bad', 'Fight For Love', 'You', 'Someday', 'You Say', 'Don't Be Afraid' and 'Don't Change' are worth listening too. Like Shannon Noll last year, Elliot Yamin is currently in my playlist of music.

So, are you convinced yet? I don't get why the radio stations aren't playing his songs- because i would really like if this guy could get some air-time like Chris Daughtry. Elliot Yamin has come a long way and i'm a fan of him now. I would like to hear from you, so do vote in the poll. wc09 dances away with the tunes.

"Don't change."