Semester 6

That's right! Semester 6 is just around the corner.

Sunday, that is today, I spent the morning cleaning my hostel room and bringing my stuffs back to my humble abode away from home. Not too long later today, I realised that the semester break is about to come to a close and Chinese New Year is not even close to being over. That certainly isn't a pleasant feeling but as always, good things don't always last forever and sometimes, we have to go through certain hardships in order to be able to savour the goodness of having a restful break. This is definitely true. Imagine someone being born with a silver spoon (or probably 24-karat gold) and has never had a taste of pain, suffering or despair in his or her palate of emotions, certainly he or she will never be able to feel the satisfaction that can be gained if one is finally free of these rather negative emotions. But of course, there are certain individuals who are kind and caring and yet, have never ever felt the more nasty side of the human emotions.

Back to the topic shall we? In two days (good for me, I am skipping the first day of class, WHEE!), these shall be a few things that I will be missing for a couple of months:

i. Sleeping on my favourite, comfortable pillow. I love the cotton pillow that is on my bed at home, plainly because it absorbs heat easily and dissipates heat well, so it doesn't feel as hot as using pillows that are made up of synthetic fibres, which makes me feel really uncomfortable. Couple that up with my skin problems, it will make my skin itch like a cat with a mange infection.

ii. Waking up as late as I want to. Yes, this is something we will ALL miss doing, especially when one has already got into the workforce. And perhaps this may even be the last semester break when I can actually wake up whenever I want to. I don't really sleep like a log, but being able to wake up at anytime of the day certainly is a privilege. To think that I have 8 a.m. classes this coming semester, I believe I will miss lazing in the bed in the morning a lot. Like a lot. *stretches hands out wide*

iii. Comfortable toilet! The toilets in the hostel are actually pretty fine and quite typical for any hostel that you may find. What isn't really fine is that the water gets accumulated gradually when there are many people using the shower cubicles at a go, as such, the drains get rid of wastewater rather slowly, thanks to smarty-pants who throw everything from shavers, empty shampoo bottles and even toothbrush down the drains. Sometimes, the poo-poo gets stuck on these objects that are considered rather odd to be found in a drainage pipe. At the same time, I cannot poo-poo and shower at the same time, poo-poo and shower are to be done in two separate cubicles. Sad! No warm shower in the morning too. Over the years, cold water is pretty much something I am used too already.

iv. Fridge, stove and washing machine! Well, as we all know, these inventions made our lives so much easier my helping us ease the petty stuffs. Needless to say, without these inventions, there are many things we can't do. I can't have frozen food, no cooking, handwashing my clothes. It's back to the medieval times, baby! Thank the Lord, there is a hot water dispenser just a about 25 metres away from my room. Else, I be burning down the whole building when I go into a rampage. Ram-page.

v. Transport. I hate to drive but I will definitely prefer to drive rather than take a bus that's full with people and one that is rarely on time. Meow?

Perhaps, this may look like something that borders on complaining? Hardships do make us stronger and through all these, I guess I learn to appreciate the petty and small things I have in life. Of course, there will be certain aspirations and goals to achieve this coming semester. Objectives keep all of us in the right path and direction, regardless of the route taken (a general statement of Hess' Law, applied to reactions that may take place through several and often, theoretical pathways). What might it be?

i. The prime goal of every semester is to remain first class. Hopefully, this semester goes on smoothly and all will fall into place. Thankfully, every semester has been great, thanks to my loving, helpful and also kind lecturers that are willing to help us out. Just another three more semesters to remain in first class! RAWR!

ii. Of course, the journey of discovery isn't over. I am gradually and also continuously learning new things about myself and also constantly trying to improve myself from the broken and weak person that I am. We are never perfect and that's why perfection seems so good to all of us. Not forgetting studies, too. This coming semester will be a little tough, especially taking on Principles of Economics, Organic Chemistry III and also Chemical Thermodynamics. Economics will be a new thing for me but hopefully, it won't be tough. Just like how I took the bull by the horns when I registered to take up basic level Korean two semesters ago, I will be doing the same for this. Organic Chemistry III will be an advanced course on organic chemistry, ranging from mechanisms, synthesis, organometallic compounds and also some topics of pericyclic reactions. Interesting but as always, organic chemistry is a hell lots of electrons jumping everywhere... And thermodynamics, the word itself sounds like a monster. I like monstrosities, bring on the challenge baby!

iii. This is totally out of my hands but I certainly hope that the selection panel will select me as a candidate for the Amgen Scholarships Programme to Japan. I am dying to go to Japan since the start of high school and my interest for Japan has never waned. My previous almost-going-to-Japan experiences were not so good and hopefully, this time, I will be able to travel to Japan, even if this is just a one-time experience. At the same time, the course coordinator for the industrial training course allows this programme to be counted as an industrial placement, should I be able to get through this. Definitely a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone. Crossing my fingers!

If you are going to start your new semester soon, tell me what you aspire to achieve! Or if you are going back to work, has the holiday done you any good, or has it changed your life in any way, big or small?

Love,
Wing

A little bit of this and a little bit of that?

My examination results for semester 5 were finally accessible to me on the 13th February, at night. And to my surprise (I am not sure whether if it a good surprise, or the polar opposite) that I scored such a grade in my previous semester. I was neither happy nor sad. I already learnt how to accept the life of student in university, in a way that sometimes, even with all the effort you put into your studies, somehow, Lady Luck tends to have some cruel sense of humour and makes you the joke. And hence, I missed scoring straight As in the previous semester. However, that wasn't much of a despair. On the other hand, I am more than thankful that I scored very well for my chemistry courses and indeed I felt that I deserved it. All the hard work throughout the semester, such as going to the library to look for answers when all I could do was ask the lecturers and finishing all my assignments on time, just to name a few. I am a firm believer that hard work always (almost!) produces good yield. Not to brag, but we all want to share our joys and successes sometimes, right? After all, sharing is in some way, caring.

Public oration, of all subjects. Seriously?

Thanks to public oration, I missed out on a perfect grade. The final examination paper was full of ambiguity and very subjective answer. I would have preferred a written exam than an examination with multiple-choice questions.

And Valentine's was a lonely again. When will I find love? Perhaps never? Or soon? I guess I will never find out 'til it happens.

Wing

Friday.

Thank goodness it is Friday but it doesn't make a lot of difference for a student that is on semester break like me.

Something random: People who don't reply others may think they look cool and are better off than others. I don't really think so. It just shows that one is rude, impolite and perhaps his or her parents did not do a proper job at inculcating something called MANNERS.

So, it is actually the big V-Day tomorrow and many singles will be thrown into the oblivion for one day. Looking back at the many rejections I faced before this, it just makes me want to laugh all the more, especially tomorrow. Singles, hang in there! It is only one day in the year!

Chinese New Year is less than a week away and boy, I am quite excited for Chinese New Year. Hope all will be good this year. I am very much afraid of the balik kampung exodus, though.


WING

Doraemon

Doraemon, there. The title of this post.

Those born before the year 2000 will definitely come across this blue robot cat from the future at least once. For some, this robot cat has become part and parcel of their life. And for some, this blue robot cat became an obsession, perhaps their friend!

In this case, Doraemon is something I hold dear. I grew up watching Doraemon and I have stacks of Doraemon comics still arranged nicely in my cupboard. This blue robot cat filled my time when digital stuffs like iPads, smart phones and even high-speed internet were virtually non-existent back then. Fujio. F. Fujiko is a legend among the kids of the 90's.

Today, I watched Doraemon: Stand By Me in the cinema. This movie brought back memories of my childhood. Prior to watching this movie, I felt a little upset. This movie is said to be the first 3D feature film of Doraemon. The downside is, this will be the last time this lovable blue robot cat will take the screens. When I read that this was to be Doraemon's last time to roll on the screens, it felt like part of my childhood has been taken away from me. It's business, I can understand. We all want profit and I guess the kids in the current generation no longer find any love for this cat, and perhaps profits are going on the low.

Putting all the hard feelings aside, I watched the movie with a child-like heart and enjoy this final show with Doraemon. There were many scenes that brought me to tears (I know, it sounds stupid that an animation can make one cry, but only a fan can relate). Words are hard to describe!

The scene that brought me to tears was when Doraemon finally realised he has to go back to the future. Sitting there by the river and watching Nobita flying around in happiness, Doraemon couldn't help it, bursting into tears, realising the fact that Nobita may not be able to fend for himself once he is gone. How much will a friend care for each other to the point it hurts, to cry? Such a tear-jerker!

The details of this movie is gorgeous, too. The animators made sure everything was tailored to look as realistic as possible, weaving comic-like designs and realism together, perfectly combining two contrasting perspectives into one fine artwork.

Doraemon, I will remember you and I will always love you. Muah.

Wing

Well, hello there!

Valentine's is at the end of this week. Do you have any date? Yes, no?

What are your plans? Is it going to be spent alone? Or with that special one? Do tell me!

Semester break is almost at its end and for almost two months now, I have been playing and relaxing everyday and it has never felt so therapeutic! Feels so different from having classes on the usual days. With Chinese New Year around the corner, it does feel quite fun too! As we grow, CNY becomes more and more of family and less of anything else. I do feel old now. Oh my.

Have a good week all my pals and sweeties.

Yours truly,
Wing

P.S: A song from a Korean drama series that I am currently following on television. Misaeng, a drama about work life in Korea, it's nice to watch simply because it is quite realistic. Enjoy. This song is called Romance by Rose Motel.

Blub, blub, blub.

I am a fish. A cute, adorable fish.

Blub, blub, blub.

I float to the top. Blub. I set my sights on the world above the ocean. Blub. Sink, into the ocean I go, again.

Blub. Blub. Blub.



Okay. I have to cut that crap. Felt like a fish after all that swim lesson today. Really calming and relaxing and to a certain extent, I really felt like I was almost sleeping, rocked into slumber by the gentle rolling ripples across the pool. This is my fifth lesson and along with the other practice sessions, I feel so good being able to swim again. I used to be able to swim when I was younger and I forgot how to swim after not using the skills for a decade (sounds so stupid, how can one forget?) but that was what happened.

Watched Naruto just yesterday with two of my close buddies back in Form 6. Quite a good movie but one has to actually read the manga beforehand to get a clue of what is happening. Sasuke appearing to shatter a meteor out of the blues seems pretty strange for someone watching the movie without prior knowledge of what happened to Sasuke. And I got to say, I loved Sai in the movie. Dorky but sexy. And certainly, the funniest of the bunch.

Valentine's is just around the corner and as usual, I have no dates! Any kind soul willing to date me? It doesn't have to be romantic, we can do dorky stuffs together like photobombing the pictures of other couples. ;) Or just a sweet dinner getting to know each other. (Despo giler)

Wing

Fires can burn themselves out.

Has anyone come up to your grille and have him or her tell you something that you are (insert an adjective that is used to describe someone negatively)? Or you overheard someone talking about you that you are so-and-so? Or you found out from some online social media site or forum that is bad-mouthing you?

In such cases, what do you do? Being a victim (I have things about me being said on social media that does not totally represent me, but alas, people do talk about others, right?) myself, I have learned a thing or two about how to handle such atrocities. (such powerful word, I cringe while I wrote that)

What should you do? The answer is simple. Let me give you an illustration. Now, close your eyes (okay, you can still take a peek because you have to know what the next steps are).

Picture a forest. A large, lush and green blanket of trees stretching far and wide across the ground. Got that? Good.

Now, imagine you were a horrible human, lighting a matchstick and dropping it onto the undergrowth (I SAID IMAGINE, I DIDN'T SAY YOU WERE REALLY HORRIBLE!).

If the undergrowth is dry (like Australian forests during summer), the fire quickly spreads across the forest, like a plague. Slowly, but surely, it creeps through. Every root, stem, branch and bud gets licked by flames, then engulfed by its voracious appetite.

Then, realising that you lack the resources to stop the onslaught of this disaster, you sit there and watch the whole forest turn to cinders and ashes, feeling sorry for not being able to do a shit about it (see, I told you that you weren't that horrible).

Eventually, the forest turns to nothing but a barren wasteland of ashes. But the flames are gone and the land is left scorched, parched by the ferocious flames.

What I am trying to explain from the rather lenghty illustration is: Let it be. Let the problem escalate. Let people hate all they want. Eventually, (yes, eventually), they will come to their senses that for them to hate you and for you to ignore their hatred, leads to nothingness. Leads to a total waste of energy. That you do not really give a shit of what people thinks of you. In the end, you still win without having to stick a finger into the fire and getting yourself burnt in the process. Smile and the fire will choke itself out. TADAH.

On why I do get haters. Personally, I am quite arrogant and may come off as bossy to those who don't really know me. Trust me, I have heard from various close friends of mine that they thought I was really arrogant, bossy and "in my own world" when they first came to know me. Thankfully, these are the bunch that took all the pain to know me and I do treasure them. Unfortunately for some, they choose to take me as what they perceive and voila, I am Mr. Arrogant-bitch-that-needs-to-get-titties-squeezed-dry-guy. So, to those who know me well, you know I love you guys a lot. I don't hide my opinions from you guys and yes, I am honest and blunt as hell with these guys.

Oh yes, I also don't mix well with several species of people. The list goes as follows:

1. Hypocrites
Oh yes. While most people are taught to be professional and treat everyone equal and as gentle as possible, even to hypocrites, I personally can't do it. With these people, I give them raw pounding of harsh words, sarcasm and cynicism, all mixed together to form a deadly concoction which I do not hesitate to use.

2. Big-(cock)talk-no-do
Ah this one. I used to have a friend (I am not sure I would want to continue considering him as a friend, though) back in my freshie year as an undergrad who keeps telling me of sweet promises, things we would do together. This isn't a homo thing, please. "Bro, I will bring you out when I bring my car into campus next year.", "Bro, we can always go yamcha to so-and-so place" and the list of sweet promises goes on and on and on. Yeah, I feel like your bro. The next year, all he does is bring girls around (girls are starting to approach him because of his car, though) and I was never brought out before. Don't be so foolish to fall for promises, people. It can hurt your ass more than a taekwondo kick in the groin when your beautiful imagination gets shattered into smithereens by the person you actually want to trust. *pauses to take a deep breath*

3. "On my way ah, you wait ah!"
Being a Malaysian, and also a student who took basic level quantum chemistry, we can quantize the outcomes into two: That person is either getting out of the house or is really already on his or her way. Indirect implication: That person is already late for having to cause you to make the call. People who are not punctual get on my nerves quite easily, especially serial "On-the-way"ers. Being punctual is not only a sign of courtesy but also on how much you actually treasure the time you want to spend with the person whom you are about to meet. Imagine being 6 hours late to a date, if you make it out alive, thank the heavens and go buy a lottery, you WILL strike jackpot. But chances are you'd be dead as a statue. Bottom line, punctuality = care = love = respect = sincerity. Being late brings the exact opposite of the given adjectives.

4. Fake "damsel-in-distress"
Ever heard of size-zero people who say they are fat, hoping that people will console them with beautiful words, or guys with herculean physique but claim that they are out of shape, just to have their emotions satiated when people feed positive comments and feedback into their ego. These people just have to get their asses straight and stop playing pity. If you need satisfaction from being rubbed in all the right places by praises and self-glorification, perhaps one should try self-servicing. Makes one feel good minus the trouble of having to be damsel-in-distress. "Oh, hear thee, hear thee, it is I, distress, am I in." LU JIAK SAI LA.

It's probably that I do not hide my contempt for these people is what gets me grilled from people all the time. One thing for sure, I don't fake myself to conform the the needs and wants of the society. After all, if we keep conforming, the will never be a change in status quo. No change in the status quo only equates to stagnancy and hence, never will there be improvements.

So yes, hate me, loathe me. No great leader was born without trials and hurdles.

Loves.

Wing