Muses of a Wise-Cracking Donkey

Hope

2007-02-23T22:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, people!

Went to Salzburg for three days during UCL Reading Week and missed classes and one quiz T.T. Salzburg was kinda old for me. Would have preferred to go there when it is Spring when I can at least see the places of the Sound of Music in its true beauty. But at least the company made up for it. =D For those who do not know, Salzburg is in Austria. I know, I thought it was in Germany to begin with.

I want to plan a trip to Amsterdam, but my holidays are clashing with those from other unis. So hard to plan. Am already considering ditching the plan and just follow Khon to Germany for a few days. At least I have a local there to help me get along. Or to Isle of Skye with Bulat and ZhiXin. At least my summer hols are kinda set. A cruise to the Greek Isles anyone ? =)

Speaking of Bulat, I am so happy for her for getting what she wanted. She, of all people is the only person who I would like to see get an internship more than I do. And yes, I still think you have the rare ability to always get what you want, whether through hard work or sheer luck. Whatever works works. Now I know for a fact that she will accompany me during summer. =D And she will belanja me makan =D And that she will pray for me as well.. =D =D

The Year of the Boar/Pig is going to be a good one. Already I have won money gambling. And I played a successful game of Mafia where I killed of my two partners first before surviving to the end. Here's to a good year ahead, to my family, friends and me. =D

Just Maybe

2007-01-28T18:09:00.000+08:00

1 month since I last blogged. I don't know, but I think the blogging bug has left me. Or that I am currently so busy, which is not suprising, because I am constantly busy.

Well, here I am again, wondering where to start and just to please some of my blogviewers who have been stalking this very existence (you know who you are =P).

Its funny how much you notice how busy you are when you aren't actually, especially when you spend half the day just lazing away. I don't really know how to explain this, I just feel busy no matter what I do.

Maybe its the number of things lying ahead of me: an interview, clubbing event, a play, paintballing, two Malaysian nights, trip to Salzburg, and Chinese New Year in the next 3 weeks!!!

Maybe its because this term is getting tougher and not to mention, more boring. Seriously, I miss Linda Wolstenholme!

Maybe its just that everyone seems more relaxed relatively to me.

Maybe its just that I don't have the mood to do anything anymore.

And just maybe, I realised, that being busy can never prevent yourself from thinking of stuff that hurts you most.

Not That Bad

2006-12-08T04:04:00.000+08:00

You know what? I thoroughly enjoyed this term. The thing is: I have always been venting and venting endlessly on my blog because it was easier to let loose. So, in case you are wondering that this is not me, high on drugs or anything. This is just me, telling the other side of the story.

I enjoyed puking THREE times after drinking a whole lot. OK, maybe enjoyed is too strong a word. It wasn't exactly a good experience, but it beats cleaning up other people's puke anytime. Had 21 shots and looking forward for next year's 22.

I enjoyed this year's lectures. Probability and Statistics is excellent! Too bad we can't get Dr. Wolstenholme next year. And now I currently am enjoying Contingencies. Hopefully next year would be better with 4 new subjects!!!

I enjoyed being President of City University Malaysian Society. Watching CUMS win 3 gold medals in Nottingham games was the highlight. Cheering them on was even better. Meh to all the better universities with more people out there.

I enjoyed 4 musicals so far. Watching Lion King and Stomp again wasn't that great. But Mary Poppins and the best I've ever watched - Avenue Q balances it out. Am planning to watch Wicked in winter.

Am so going to enjoy my winter hols. Going skiing this coming Saturday. Then of to Nottingham for Christmas, and Edinburgh for Hogmanay! Then maybe to Warwick. And I was invited by some of my British mates to go to Hong Kong in January. So tempted, but my pockets are running dry. Was thinking of going somewhere closer. Paris, perhaps?

You see, it hasn't been all that bad.

Today

2006-11-28T17:59:00.000+08:00

The best way of not hurting yourself is by pushing away the pain. I had no choice.

Another Random Rambling

2006-11-07T16:32:00.000+08:00

My life's been rather crazy lately. 7 weeks of university already and I still don't feel like I've learnt anything. Most of the time, I just go to class and nothing gets absorbed. Probably its because I'm really pre-occupied recently, with my society and with personal issues.

Anyway, CUMS contingent to Nottingham Games was a great success. 20% of the gold belongs to us!!! =D No matter what, with our university size and all, I think 20% is an achievement I'm proud of. But was quite sad that I couldn't stay back with my KDU mates, who were having a huge gathering at Nottingham. Missed them, so much.

Also, I am going on a long ski trip on the French Alps in December. Which I can't wait. Have already started threatening to roll Sze Ing down the snow-covered hills just to see whether a huge snowball will form. This is because Adelynn isn't there to begin with.

There is a question I want to ask: Where is the line you have to draw between strongly advising your friend on what you think is right for him and minding your own goddamm business? The truth is: I have no idea. Sometimes I just wished my friends now were more like my old friends. I just do.

Busy Me

2006-10-05T23:48:00.000+08:00

Been so busy, I feel like I am suffocating in my responsibilities.

Somebody save me. Please.

Thorpe Park

2006-09-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

Its almost been one week since I touchdowned in London, and god, it feels like a month. Since I came back, there were just so many things to do, many friends to meet up and many issues cropping up. But you know what, I am so glad I am back.

Went to Thorpe Park with three of my mates. Excellent place! If you like zooming at extremely high speeds, spinning at high velocities and just feeling like you wished you never had lunch. Their main coaster: Stealth, accelerates from 0 to 80 km in 2.4 seconds. The rush was exhilirating. That was actually the first time I went UP in a roller coaster faster than I came down.

They have just some of the coolest coasters ever. Samurai gets you spinning up, down and everywhere, X gives you, get this, an indoor coaster going backwards, Tidal Wave gives you a wave which is as high as a 3 storey building which lands on you.

I'm glad I went there. Kudos to Anna for driving us there and back, to Sukaina for getting soaked on Tidal Wave with me and to Sandeep who was just tagging along.

You guys should have been there.

Random

2006-09-13T14:57:00.000+08:00

Random thoughts:

I can't wait to go back to London. That IS a bad sign i think. Just that I became so indifferent to everything back home. I need to venture out.
My gym experience lasted a world breaking record of 1 day!
I can't fit into my jeans now.
I currently look like an anime character with very very very bad hair day
Whats this new fad of couple blogs? I mean, everywhere I go, I just see them. And they are so mushy and awwwwwwww..... Don't mind me, I'm just jealous. Anyone want to share? (hint)
Why do people appear offline all the time? If you want to appear offline, you might as well just be "Away", right?
I am officially sick of seafood.
I want to go travelling! Just need to find the right people, who has enough money.
I miss London
I miss London
I miss London

Busiest Hols Ever

2006-09-11T09:53:00.000+08:00

Well, my hols is almost over. Its been a busy hols though. I've never kept myself so occupied before. The longest I have gone without anything I have to do (totally relaxed, in some sense) was a record-breaking 1 week!!! Yeap, out of 4 months, I only properly did NOTHING for one week.

Well, lets see, it started with a trip to Italy, then another to Warwick (two days after Italy), then off to work at Wimbledon Tennis Championships (1 day after Warwick) then flew back home and immediately start my internship at Uni.Asia Life (1 week of hols), all with side trips to Melaka, Johor, Port DIckson, Sitiawan and Penang.

The thing is: as I have repeatedly told many people, I get bored easily. I hate not doing anything. In that particular way, I am like Dr. Gregory House, my current idol. I don't know... I just feel like my life means more than just lazing around and doing nothing. Already I am back from a long trip and I am already bored. Sheesh.

And when I get back, I wanted to go to Amsterdam (not enough kaki), Cambodia (not enough kaki) and finally decided on Oxford.

Man, I really need to learn how to enjoy my hols!

I Went To A Gym and All I Got Was Lower Self-Esteem

2006-08-29T09:10:00.000+08:00

I just got a 7-day pass to Celebrity Fitness, (no) thanks to Dania. And me, being a lover of free stuff and all things free, went to give it a try. I am not really a gym person, I don't like the of feel the lack of adrenaline as compared to doing sports.

My first impression of that entire gym was that it was BLODDY HUGE. And all the machines that were there consists of the usual treadmills and bicycles and some unconventional ones: like a butt machine (which I promptly tried for a firmer and toner gluteous maximus). And they have receptionists, a sauna, a yoga and pilates room, and a group exercise room. Maybe its just me, but the only gym which I have been to was the Tropicana gym which I snuck into on certain occasions. I think I need more exposure.

And lets not get started on the dressing rooms. My God, how can Malaysians have those kinds of bodies? Bulging muscles and pecs and a six-packed abdomen, I was intimidated - like, seriously intimidated. Have they not even heard of Malaysian food? It is not physically possible in our country! So much for self-esteem.

Was hoping a cute chick trainer would come and teach me how to use the machines, but to no avail. The desperate look just doesn't work anymore. On a side not: I was glad they don't have the rather obscene iGallop there, or I would burst out laughing or smirking (depending on which gender was on it)

I went home with sore and aching muscles.

Celebrity Fitness ought to hire me as their marketing agent. Product placements, anyone?

Speaking about Coiincidences

2006-08-13T19:51:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday, I went out with my brothers to watch a movie at One Utama. We stopped at Pelita at SS2 to have nasi kandar, mainly because I haven't had nasi kandar yet since I got back. Anyway, I was just there and guess who I bump into just finishing his meal: Mr. Warren a.k.a fishtail. Didn't recognise him at first, but then again, I haven't seen him for ages. Glad you are still well, Mr. Warren.

And then, at 1U itself, while I was queueing up to purchase tickets for Lady in the Water. And Mr. Ananth, of all people, came up to meet me. He was, in fact, purchasing tickets for Click.

And in just one day, I met both of my favourite lecturers of all time. Mr. Ananth - jolly law lecturer who always reminds me to get a girlfriend and Mr. Warren - oyster-eating friendly Moral Educations lecturer cum blogger.

I believe in coiincidences: but this is just creepy.

P/S I am a sudden big fan of We Are Scientists, thanks to my bro.

I Just Heard the Funniest Thing

2006-08-06T21:46:00.000+08:00

Was watching One In A Million, another reality TV show on Malaysian TV making tonnes of money from fanatical people with too much cash to spend.

Anyway, Paul Moss (from Malaysian Idol fame) was making his usual snide comments, with one stating that one of the competitor's clothes look dowdy by saying: " You dress like 50% of the audience here"

And, as always, the audience start booing.

Then Paul Moss gave an excellent retort: "Why are you booing me for? I just complimented half of you."

And in an unusual way, he made my day.

One Question

2006-07-21T01:24:00.000+08:00

Is it incredibly stupid of me to wish I was going back early to resit my papers because I don't want to feel left out?

This question is asked with utmost sincerity and with no willingness to gloat.

Working is Overrated

2006-07-10T16:24:00.000+08:00

Working is so overrated.

After two weeks of manual labour (and I do mean manual LABOUR), i have finally come to the conclusion that hard work is not for me.I hate standing around and doing nothing, but opening doors for other people. I mean, now I really respect other security guys. I can never ever do your job. You guys are the best. I sincerely salute you for your patience.

After suffering quitely under the dictatorship of my ruthless corporation, I have to admit the best part of this entire thing was not the tennis (I got so sick of it after the first week) but the many colleagues I met here who suffered and survived the entire journey with me. Actually come to think of it, maybe they suffered more due to me and my idleness. =) And with that, I too, salute you guys!

I am so sick of tennis!

PS: I got some autographs, btw. =)

I like this poem

2006-06-17T02:55:00.000+08:00

Invictus
William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Warwick!

2006-06-15T05:36:00.000+08:00

Currently at Warwick, resting, relaxing and basically enjoying life exactly 1 month before I go back!!! =)

Actually. for a better account of what I did in Warwick, just visit Adelynn's blog. She has much better description skills than I will ever have.

The only thing I want to say is no matter how beautiful Warwick is, with all its ducks and geese and swans and worms and slugs and Adelynn Loo, I still like London more. Heh.

Maybe I'm just too used to it already. There was once I went to Coventry City Centre at 6pm on a Sunday and there were about 10 people there. Only.

I think I like crowds more. And cars. And pollution. I like nature, don't get me wrong, but only to a certain extent.

I guess the part of being in Warwick is having Adelynn's company for 9 days - which is excellent. And to eat enough food to feed a small family.

Actually, I should just list down the amount of food we ate:-
In the past four days, we sapu

Chicken curry (2 days worth)
Chilli prawns
Fish with Kunyit
Spring Onions Ginger Beef
Half a Duck
Nando's Chicken (Half per person)
Carbonara
Vegetables enough to feed a small country (think Vatican City)
Char siew and Roast Pork
Muller corner (My newest craving!)
Fruits (Grapes, strawberries and get this - MANGOSTEEN!)
Packets of Maggi Mee Assam Laksa flavour
Cadbury Chocolates

In the next few days, we shall sapu:

Fish curry
Tomyam
Assam fish
Tandoori Chicken
Porridge
Another bunch of vegetables enough to feed another small country

I AM enjoying myself.

Food and Only Food

2006-05-29T03:44:00.000+08:00

Things I want to eat when i go back:
1. Homecooked:

Porridge
Wild Boar Curry
Black-Eyed Beans Soup
Ginger Chilli Lala
Braised Pork
Drunken Chicken
Sea Coconut
Dumplings
Mooncake
Moist Chocolate Cake :D

2. The world outside:

Bak Kut Teh
Dim Sum
Nasi Lemak + Ayam Masak Merah + Sambal Kerang
Nasi Kandar + Rendang Daging
Rojak + Cendol
Laksa!!!!
Apom
Pisang Goreng
Garlic Cheese Naan
Indo Mee
Maggi Mee Goreng Double
Teh O Ais Limau
Char Keuy Teow
Satay Celup
Prawn Mee
TGIF's Mocha Mud Pie (for the saske of it)
ABC

Mum, I hope you are reading this! =D

One more month. I don't think I can last one more month.

(This article may be altered at any possible moment, when the author gets certain cravings)

Packing after Exams

2006-05-20T19:22:00.000+08:00

Exams are finally over! And the stupid uni system have to make it so that we have to move out 3 days after my exams end. No time to drink, party, and just have good ole fun.

Packing sucks.

Letter of Appointment

2006-05-08T09:50:00.000+08:00

Woohoo!!! I received a provisional offer of appointment as a steward for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships!!!!

And the first thing I did, was to google whether the position I was given: Relief Level 3 Millenium Building is near any of the main matches, or not. Problem is, google doesn't seem to know anything bout tennis matches.

The hours are bad(10:15 to 21:30), the pay rate rather low (5.15 an hour), but the thing is: I finally get to do something which I probably won't be able to do for a long long time.

But I do hope I get to keep the uniform I'm given. It looks really cool - on me.

So my summer holidays in London are pretty much packed with things to do.

And then, back home on the 15th July!

Life rocks - if only the exams would just end.

Inspired!

2006-05-02T08:19:00.000+08:00

Inspired by Adelynn's short-run goals, I would like to share a few of mine too:

-Blog more (Lazy bone - stop twitching)
- Go to a concert (hopefully Goo Goo Dolls, when they come to London again)
- Watch a football match
- Participate in a HOST programme
- Celebrate the New Year in Edinburgh
- PAINTBALL!!!!
- Go to Stonehenge, Loch Ness Lake and Thorpe Park
- Vow to study more
- Drink less (unless someone's paying)
- Work at Wimbledon!
- Travel to
- Germany to visit Khon
- Prague
- Egypt
- Moscow
- Athens
- Istanbul
- Puerto Rico
- US of A
- Japan
- Skiing in France
- Paragliding in Switzerland
- Bungee jumping in New Zealand (or Malaysia, if not enough money)
- Learn and mutilate another language
- Hopefully still have enough money after doing all that

Thats about it. Thanks, Adelynn Loo

Congrats, Ziyan!!!

2006-03-14T19:38:00.000+08:00

I am so proud of you.

I Am So Turning Into A Vampire

2006-03-09T19:59:00.000+08:00

I hate the sun. I despise the sun. I can't believe something so warm and lovely back in Malaysia can turn so cold, metaphorically speaking. The sun in the UK is all light and no heat. Everytime I stay under the sunlight, I always imagine myself swept away in the blazing heat of the Malaysian sun, sweat running all over my body. Here, all I get is the cold weather and hope that the stupid wind won't blow in my direction.

And the sun here is so bright, for some scientific reason I do not have the time to comprehend. So, every morning, I close my curtains, preventing and inch of sunlight from flooding my room, and switch the light on.

If you shoot me with a silver bullet, I'll probably die. Heck, if you shoot me with anything, chances are you will get the same result.

If There Was a Fire Going On, I Will Probably Be The First to Die

2006-03-04T19:41:00.000+08:00

Gone are the days where I will start every new blog entry with "Of..." I just realised how hard it is to add nouns after the word "Of". And to think I wanted to do something like TV series, i.e. Friends which start all their episodes with "The One With..."

So now I will start of all my blog entries with whatever comment I put on my MSN Messenger. =)

I was woken up by a bizzare alarm this morning. Eck. Stupid fire alarm went off. Funny thing was: this was the first time I was ever woken up by the fire alarm. The last time was when someone lit up the heat sensors in my hall, disrupting the entire circuit, and caused my entire floor to not hear any of the alarm. So you have to forgive me when I said I thought it was all a dream.

After I realised that it was the real deal, I hid under my sheets to feign ignorance. Didn't work. Dressed up and walked downstairs. Was met by the icy glare and the telling-off by a fireman outside my door. Best part was, while I was walking down the stairs, the alarm went off. Useless.
Made me dress up for nothing. I was greeted by cheers by the people downstairs.

It figures that the alarm was on for almost 1 hour. And I slept through almost all of it. Best part was, it was the kitchen on my floor which set off the alarm.

Damn. Ini memang "tidur mati".

If there was a fire going on, I will probably be the first to die.

Of CNY

2006-01-31T09:55:00.000+08:00

My first Chinese New Year abroad and it was awesome!!! ('awesome' sounds too American :P)

We made steamboat for reunion dinner. I thought we didn't have enough food but we actually had more than enough. Started cooking since 12 in the afternoon, and we ate from 7 at night to 12. Had two broths - chicken and tomyam. And our selection of food was chicken, salmon, quail's eggs, fu zhu, mushrooms and many many balls. Lol. =) We just talked and talked and laughed and laughed. Reminded me of mamaks back at home.

The next day, we went to Chinatown and Trafalgar Square to check out the crowds. Damn, it was so packed. And the prices were rip offs. I saw 1 stick of chicken satay costs 1 pounds. Had lunch/dinner at Pizza Hut. I missed the firecrackers though.

To all readers, Gong Xi Fa Cai! And as an afterthought, Hong Bao Na Lai.

Of Malaysia's Largest Export

2006-01-26T20:08:00.000+08:00

There was this once, when Darren, proudly showed us Malaysians his newly acquired pirated DVD from the good ole Britain. Without a doubt, it was in good quality - pirated wise. Then, one of my friends spotted right at the upper corner of the DVD cover, written in big letters, in a big glowing star - "RM 5!"

So much for the cracking down of piracy - they are Malaysia's largest export!

(P/s: thanks for all the support i have been receiving when I revived my blog. Its just too much, guys. sniff, sniff. Heh =))