When The Lights Went Off

'Contact (Full Names, Home Tel...), Qualifications..'. **POOF**. No, I did not dissappear. It was pitch black. I was listing down the stuff that I need to include in my resume before the lights went off totally. Luckilly, I haven't started to type it out. I used the handphone light to guide me down the stairs before i start to dig out all my tea light candle to light up the hall.

My parents and I just sat down in the living room. They were chatting away and I cant seem to sit still. I was fidgeting with the candles, walking in and out of the kitchen, went out to check on my dog and so on...I WAS BORED! Yes, I was really bored. A black out got me thinking that we are so dependent on all the electronic gadgets we have at home. We practically cant live without it. No TV. No Internet. No Music. No fan. Sighh...I just went out and sat with my dog.

The air was so cooling outside. SKy was beautiful and the view was breathtaking. At least its midnight blue and not purple, like the ones in Sunway. Thanks to the city lights. Nice to be back home with all the trees and fresh clean water. I could just drink from my tap because I can be sure that its not brown like those in the hostel. Sometimes i just wonder how i can bear with my filthy hostel. Sigh..Survival Skills Needed.

I went over to JOy's house for a night. My parents went to bed. It was too early to go to bed for me and its hot. So, JOy picked me up and i slept over her place. Well, she left to KL today. It was such a short meet up session. First day in Taiping, I let her spend time with Josie, dont wanna be the lamp post. Then, yesterday, we were just lethargic.

A Workaholic Reflection

“So do you have someone yet?” Rani asked.
“Single and happy”, I answered with a smile. A short pause.
“I’m too busy to fit a bf into my life right now”, I continued.

Its 2.30 am now. The conversation suddenly rang in my mind while I was watching ‘Returning Lily’ on Hallmark. I felt disgusted at myself for uttering the second line. I felt sick that I actually said that I am too busy to fit somebody into my life. Its just wrong.

The movie that revolves around a workaholic who got so busy that she neglected people around her, herself and her life. Finally, she found the meaning of living after a short trip back to Hawaii to bury her nanny’s ashes. It strucks me after a while.

Money. Full schedule. Endless traveling. Jobs. Internship. Future. The list runs on in my mind. I am turning into lil’ Ms. Scrooge. Well, I am not totally all that. I just got my own version of Christmas Carol re-run early :).

Human creates time. Human schedule their own time. There is no such thing as ‘no time’ for anything. Sometimes people get so busy with their new life, they forgot to contact their loved ones or old friends. Maybe their busy schedule has changed their perception towards that aspect of life. Its just not important anymore in their life.

I have been so busy this whole year. Juggling between my studies in uni and my piano diploma. Thurs to Sun in KL and Mon to Thurs in Subang for a whole year. To gain something, you lose something else. What I lost was my social life and free time. What I gain is wonderful dinner at uncle’s house, outing with cousin and music lessons.

An empty schedule scares me now. I think I have turned into a workaholic. Now I am exhausted physically and thirsty mentally.

I think I might just found the answer on what to do next month. Maybe I will still try out for the audition in January for a job. In the meantime, from 19th till New Year, I am taking a break. That’s what Christmas is for :). Prepare for 2006. Stay at home and reflect on 2005. Those sweet, bitter and sour memories. Resume my songwriting and writings online. Learn new skills, language and read. Rest.


MERRY X-MAS to everyone! Happy New Year 2006! Take some time off to rest. Even for a day.

Home Sweet Home

Home, Home by the lake...Finally back to Taiping. Came back with Joy and Josie. 4 hours, ahh..sucha long journey.

I know i should not be spending anymore, but i cant help it. ITs Lee Hom scorebook! I must get it! I am in KLCC. The only place i will be is Kinokuniya. Was there to get the scorebook. I did not know that i will end up getting another two more books. Then, Joy dropped me a surprise visit in KLCC while I was at the Cinnabon outlet.I was suppose to meet her in Nandos Pudu. She wanted 4 chocolate cinnabon but it will only be ready in 20 min. So, we left KLCC and went over to Nandos. Poor Josie, he waited half an hour for us.

I was pretty quiet at lunch. I was busy enjoying my hot peri-peri chicken with greek salad and fries, plus garlic and peri peri sauce. Looking forward to try their caesar salad, it looks good. Caesar salad is one of my favourite salad other than the Oriental salad in California Pizza Kitchen. Its salad with leafy lettuce, grilled chicken, bread pieces and parmesan cheese. Sounds good? :) I have only tried the one in Starbucks so far. The oriental salad taste very much like the 'Yee Sang', a must-have chinese cuisine during chinese new year. There are 28 ingredients in 'Yee Sang' and the act to mix it all up is call 'lou sang'. To signify prosperity and success in the upcoming year.

Okie...enough bout food already! I can go on and on..Maybe i should start a journal on cuisine one day since i enjoy eating so much :) MUahhaha!

Crab Feast!

My uncle made the most incredible feast today. Steamed crab in two variant = Fried with black pepper and steamed with egg. Oooooooooo! It was just so so delicious! Plus, fried vege and home maded fish paste cooked in soup!

Earlier, we were at Times Square, went to Neway with Sy Yun and Tyan! Ahh so funn...we havent sang together for quite some time. Neway black out that day. We got extra 15 min. The food that i ordered sucks. The unagi is just so so gross when its soaked in the soup, too fishy in taste. NOodle is fine. Should have ordered the Marmite Chicken, that tasted really awesome. Then, it was shopping spree for cousin. We had waffle with Belgian choc. Just awesome. There was not enough time to watch a movie, so we went back home instead. For da Crab Feast!!

Monash Open Day

I suck today. I have never been so stressed up in a performance before that i did not feel like playing for the second session. Being a classical piano accompanist is not that easy.

Firstly, my sight reading has gone really bad. I have not been playing much new pieces. That's why. Thanks to university life. Time to brush up. PLaying contemporary is so much freer, you can just play wahtever u want as long as its within the chords. Sorry Bei, u have to bear with my lousy sight reading. Hahahha.Thanks for being a great host while am at your place despite you are busy packing for you trip.

I was practising at her place from 12th Dec to 14th, and also on 16th night. She's the flutist and i'm the piano accompanist. 16th was a really tiring day. I got back from the audition, and both of us stil have to practise at night. I could feel my muscles and bones are like falling apart. I just crash when i touched the mattress.

We only made it for two half an hour session that day. She played really good and i screwed up quite a lot that day. Sighh...but it was fun jamming with ya bei! ehhehe..hopefully there will be more this kinda session :)

Monash gave us both a t shirt, cup and mouse pad. They gave me a XL size shirt when WIlson is only wearing size L. Aaaarrgghh..wondeer if they would allow me to change it. Andrew will give us a treat too! So sweet of him!

After the performance, i rushed to pack my back to go over to Cheras. Thank you Melissa for dropping me at Bangsar Lrt! Reached cousin's place, nobody was at home. SObs..i had to sit out there. Then i decided to get my lunch from the mamak nearby. Fried chicken, turmeric cabbage and curry with rice, with teh 'o ice. Just perfect. Sy Yun got back with Jia Hsien and i followed them to fetch Mimi. When i got back,i just crashed. Too tired liao and feeling a bit sick too. Over exhausted. That's all for the day.

Project Super Star

Woke up at 8.30 this morning. I have an important mission. I was there to test my guts. Today is the Project Super Star audition. Well, not many people knew i went for it, not even my parents. I just told a few friends and that's it.

So i got all dressed up, had a good breakfast and off I go. Reached Berjaya Times Square at 10 plus. There were already a trail of people lining up there. So there I was waiting at the line. I can see a variety of people there which includes, the ah beng, the ah lians, the cool dudes, the nervous one and then.....there is this guy that caught my attention. He looks like a mixture of Wu Ke Chuen and Dylan something (forgot the name of that actor). All dressed up in working attire. At least there is some eye candy to entertain me while i waited to register. Well, ya see, i went there myself without anybody. As usual, I will look for possible victim to talk to.

After registration, we have to sit down and wear the number given Mine was 1510. An hour or two to wait. Spoke to the girl next to me and her friends. Its good coz i could do with their help to look after my bag. Then, it was my turn, being called out with the other 9 participants including Mr. Cutie. I think i was half dead already, tired, slightly hungry and lack of spirit.

So, when it was my turn, I could feel my whole self shaking. I couldnt control it. The room was quiet and bright. The two judges just look at you without saying a word. A cameraman on my left and lights shining at my face. Then, I picked up the mic and sang a verse. MIssion failed of course. I could still remember seeing my hand shakes when i was singing. Voice sounded aweful. AHh...I pray hard that i do not see my face on TV. It would be such embarrassment.

I still have stage fright. Its proven. But this is not the same kind of stage fright. I am quite comfortable performing in front of a crowd if I am in a band. Not use to solo ones. When all the limelight is on me. My nerves just starts to shiver.

Well, it was a good experience and wont be my last :) More challenge ahead. I think its fun. Audition are places where you can meet people. As i was going down the escalator, i met JEssica Tham! My uni mate...waht a surprise! Then, i met this gal Echo Tan (who knows Jessica) and she's from Taiping as well. It was really fun to meet another Taiping-ians. We had lunch at 'Char TOng Kee' with Echo and another guy whom she just knew 2 hours ago. We exchange numbers and then i'm off.

Tadaa! My audition story.

Freaking Lazy

Freaking lazy freaking lazy, am freaking lazy..Too lazy to blog..so much that happened..I cant really keep track of my time..Busy, I would wish for one whole day, resting in my hostel room, With my pillow, Music in the background..as i daydream away....

LEt's see what i have completed so far:

28th-29th Nov: Finish testing my exam piano in Wan Utama

2nd Dec : Back to Taiping to help with the Charity Musical Concert

4th Dec: Played for the concert and coordinate stage work

6th Dec: Back to KL with mum

7th Dec: PIano exams in Sheraton Hotel. Hung out with mum and old friend
in Bukit Jalil. Its been long since i've last seen them.

8th Dec: Went Redbox with Von and Josie, Had PIzza Hut too and saw Narnia

9th Dec: Went to cousin's house for the weekend

10th Dec: Went Neway with cousin, Did a lil shopping, Saw Perhaps Love

11th Dec: Went to visit Mei Yee, had pizza hut again! Woo hoo!

That's for the week. Super packed with events!
Recap of da week

Girls Days Out

Its a off day for my cousin today. Its also the first time after my 5th semester we went to karaoke together so long. As long as 4 months! Wow! We we so happy actually, it has alwiz been our weekly routine before she started working. She was much free-ier then, we can go during the weekdays. She never managed to book the weekend usually because its always fully book. Finally, she found out that we can book a week earlier! YAyayy! Neway, the food there is still as good as ever. We had cheese baked crab and claw stick with penne. It was brilliant!

After that, we went shopping. I'm not suppose to be buying anything coz am on a tight budget. HOwever, heaven alwiz knows when you are broke and when to drop something that u wanted to buy for so long, and finally u manage to find it! I's the moss agate pendant! I have been looking for one for so long and finally i found it. The cutting is really pretty over here. Not the regular pendulum shape. its flat and thin. The moss is so beautifully spread that it resembles the mountains in China, some of the pendant has yellow tint. It looks like a sunset backdrop with green mountains. I picked the square one with no yellow tint. Price was reasonable but i had to use up my next week allowance for it..but its WORTH IT mauahaha :D

Cousin bought a few top, purse and a b-day present. I got a good bargain on a bag, It was 80% off! Only RM 14...so happy!

Then, her bf and SOphia came over for the 5.30 movie. We watched Perhaps Love (Ru Guo, Ai). Not a bad attempt for a chinese musical. HOwever, it does resembles moulin rouge in certain parts. The first song was sung horribly by the guy. Jacky cheung did a good job in his singing. Takashi Kaneshiro and ZHou Shun..they are ok..voices not too bad. But i love the song he sang for her. The script and lyrics has nice meaning in it. Overall..the show is ok. I still think I enjoyed Narnia more :D

After the movie, all four of us was freezin! We decided to eat chicken rice in Yulek, Cheras. It is a rainy day, nice day to have hot soup and chicken rice , along with blended ginger and chicken rice chilli. YUmmy yummy! Then, we food freaks could not resist the 'yao char koay' at the road side. We both got the regular one and another one with sesame and slightly sweet. You know what's cool about this shop? Its a chinese snack stall run by Indians. This is the best i have ever tasted so far as well. GOod job man! Next, was dessert and the row of shops below. My fav longan milk. The one i have been promoting non-stop. IT's actualy boiled longan (the brown ones) mixed with milk. The taste is awesome. Try it to know it.

Then, we went over to 'Lil Genting' (Xiao Yun Ding) to check out the city night view from above the hill. After that, back home. I just lay dead on the bed after a nice shower. Satisfied and happy as we check on the goods we bought for the day :)

Pasar Malam Story

I had my favourite waffle after dinner. Butter and honey. Not bad at all. Ooo, went to Pasar Malam in front of Leisure Mall at 9 something. The shoes were realy cheap and pretty. RM 10 per pair, got myself a pair too. We were the hero for that night. We had a hard time looking for parking. So we parked at one of the road side thinkin that cars should be able to pass it. Besides, everyone parked there as well. Kancil are perfect cars to squeeze into any corner. But who would have guessed a bus would bother to pass that lane? We did see a bus got stuck in front coz cars double parked at the road, we did not think that ours would too. Hahaha..it's a funny scenario. Scary too.

When we walk back, I saw a bunch of ppl crows near where we parked. I thought there was an accident. Then, i raise my head a lil, I saw a trail of busses, 5-6 of them, waiting to pass that road, blocked by our car. Ooopppsss! Big mistake to park there. Those bus drivers were all down, waiting for us to come back, so that they could drive through that lane to get to the bus terminal. Jia Hsien walked over and get the car. They were pissed indeed. But being a Singaporean, he could not understand a word spoken in BM. LUckilly, they did not try to beat him or something. PHew! So that's the pasar malam story. One Kancil that made 5 busses lined up in a trail.

I have never travelled so much in my entire life. This is my first year. It's been a very tiring year but i am happy with it. All effort was done for my music. I am still praying that i will pass my diploma exam. I just dunno what to comment on the recent exam i took. But, my piano exam is finaly over. Kinda sad. I miss having lesson with her. I think she will be really busy next year. Its great that she just got a part time job in Sedaya recently. Such gifted teacher should not be wasted.

My teacher forgot that i was suppose to meet up with her at 3pm. Travelled all the way to Sri Petaling for nothing.Luckilly, there was no heavy rain when i got back :) Went on to practise the performance pieces for Monash Open Day. -End-

Pulau Carey

This trip was something i stumbled upon..if its not for Sze Mun on Tuesday, I wouldn't have known about it. Some part of says don't go some part of me wanted to. In the end, I think it was a right choice to go. How often do i get a class trip..i often wonder. Sometimes, i think Monash should have more class trip to get the students to interact more with each other. Going for this trip does brings back lots of memories.

First memory that struck me was..well..school trips back in my secondary and primary school! Whole bunch of students..all whacky and cracked up in the bus. With exeption, we went over to PUlau carey by 3 cars. I was in Dr Yeoh's van with sze mun, yi shu, aaron and tmy. Aaron was the flight attendance (co pilot) with Daniel Guan on the Pilot seat. And we are the passengers...Sze Mun the camera woman the whole time. Firstly, PUlau Carey is located in Klang..and its an island. I think that's the stupidest question i've ever asked. " is pulau carey an island?" ..well how would i know Klang would have such island, anyway..its linked with a very short bridge, you won't really feel it, felt like u have just drove across a river.

The purpose of Pulau Carey is to pay a visit to the 'orang asli' village over there. I think Szen Ning has a message for them as well, regarding some meeting about orang asli in KL. The name of the village is Kampung Bumbun. When i first arrived..another nostalgic feeling flew past. We have to drive in a small lane, into the village..located inside the jungle. Felt like Taiping's nearest town such as Changkat Jering and Tronoh. Besides that, TReesss! I think have never been happier to see trees for the first time. Felt like Bukit Larut too, all those flora and fauna...sighh ..Except for the mosquito bit, hate that! and red ants!~

When we arive, they were weaving handicrafts out of nipah leaves. I learned a few tricks myself. The fish and the belangkas (sea animal)... It's just really adorable! After that, we took a walk around the community's centre then out again to the beach. That's the third nostalgic feeling..The BEach! HAvent seen one for quite some time..I think the last time was with Lor, Wendy and Wei Chern in Penang. This one has a very short shoreline, the sky was really clear then and the sea looks good too. The not so nice part is, we are there at 4pm..the blazing sun can kill!

Later, we moved over to TelurGong for seafood. It was good..2 tables. We had the Thai style fish (over fried a bit), the beggar chicken (need more herbs), tom yam prawns (darn fresh!), marmite crab (yummy! even though i was too lazy to eat it), fried lil' sotong, sambal vege, siu ye tauhu and kai lan i think. Then next, we head over to Lil India in Klang..feels liek Masjid India. Finally manage to get my fav dessert (palgua)..but then...too much sugar than milk..erkk...that was around 9 something at nite. I was actually half awake then.

At 10, we make a move. Dr. yeoh picked the orang asli back and then only me and yi shu. It was a fun fun trip..So much of nostalgic feeling. There was twelve of us there which is Dr. Yeoh, Szen Ning, Michael, WIlson, JOanna, Sze mun, Eva, Yasir, TMY, Aaron, Yi Shu and myself! Hope the video of this trip will be edited by someone, at least something to keep.

I'm suppose to finish my Bangkok trip post..ahh..i've been so lazy till now. Maybe in the holidays...Hope I could still remember it in DeTails

Dates are nearing

On the way back from Sri Petaling, i felt like i was going to faint as i was walking. I think stress is hitting me very soon...when i reached back my cousins place, I thought i just needed to cool down. I got my self Cornetto Cookies and cream...Ahh...sweet indulgence.

My teacher made me played all four pieces today for the first time, i think i was freaked out. I've never heard myself played so terribly before...not that it is excellent all the time. I have been having problems with Ravel's and Beethoven's piece. Sobss..My teacher looks worried too, worried that i wont make it for the exam. Oooooooooooooo...It just kills you when you see her face which sends you this fear on how you fair so far. Faintish..still can feel it.

So many things to do this few weeks..more practice needed...more efficient time management. Finals in two weeks time, radio assign due in two weeks time too...Piano, nobody knows yet. *screammss*** But the dates are out. I hate suspenses like that. I think its time to call Trinity to check out the piano and dates.

Encore

Yesterday was the first time i attended a local musical show. It was held in KL Performing Arts Centre. Pretty cool place, old railway it seems. Went there with Wannie, Eva, Dr. Yeoh,Neets and Meng Yu (not sure if that's how you spell it). Meng Yu drove us there and we were suppose to meet up with Dr. Yeoh over there. We bump into Patric Teoh at the cafe while having some refreshment before the show. Then, an old friend too, senior of ours..Li San. HAvent seen her in ages.

The tickets are RM 25 for students and Rm40 for adults. It was a brilliant and entertaining show. I cant really describe Encore..but i do hope for an encore at the end of the show. "Don't know Don't Talk" and "Cun Kan aku" are my fav! At least those phrases and performances sticks in your mind after you leave. Too bad, those tracks was not on sale at the booth. They have Above Full Moon, Shanon SHah's album (Dilanda Cinta) and the Reluctant Saints, the Musical. I kinda like some of the tracks from The Reluctants Saints. I was really amazed with their performances, great facial expression and voices.

Here are further details about other tracks that they performed, taken from Kakiseni.com :


Title:
Encore - An Evening of Songs From The Malaysian Musical Theatre

Venue:
KLPac - Pentas 2
Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh, Sentul West, 51100, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Date & Time:
Thurs 6 - Sun 16 Oct 2005 (Oct 6–7 & Oct 11–15: 8.30pm; Oct 9 & 16: 3pm) *No performance on Mon Oct 10*
Tickets:
RM40/ RM25 (Students)
Ticket Contact:
KL Pac: 03-4047 9000; TAS @ BSC: 03-2094 9400
Telephone:
03-7725 4858 (Five Arts Centre)
Synopsis:
Encore is a unique celebration of the music and talents of home-grown composers who have contributed to the Malaysian musical theatre in the past 15 years.

Directed by theatre practitioner and visual artist Chee Sek Thim, "Encore" will feature a cast of accomplished performers that includes Alex Koh, Ida Mariana, Sukania Venugopal and Tony Eusoff and Sek Thim himself. 2003 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards Most Promising Artist Shanon Shah has arranged the music, and will perform as the pianist for the show.

Showcasing the music of:

Gerald Toh: "The Reluctant Saint"
Hari 'Haze' Krish Menon: "Hip-Hopera"
Imee Ooi: "Above Full Moon" and "Siddharta"
Johan Othman: "Oh, Brickfields!" & "Reunion"
Saidah Rastam: "The Storyteller & M! The Opera (* special preview from the upcoming opera)
Sunetra Fernando & Adrian Lee: Opera Uda dan Dara

Director Chee Sek Thim has been around for over 15 years and has been involved in KL theatre for the past 15 years, working with the likes of Marion D'Cruz, Krishen Jit, Wong Hoy Cheong and Leow Puay Tin. His directorial credits include Leow Puay Tin's Ang Tau Mui, and the late Kuo Pao Kun's The Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral in 2000 and Reconstructing Medea in 2001.

Pianist Shanon Shah is a singer-songwriter, and he has just released his debut Malay-language album, Dilanda Cinta. Trained as a chemical engineer, Shanon has previously worked as a journalist and a credit risk analyst. He is also a passionate human rights activist.

Alex Koh is a relative newcomer to the Malaysian stage. In his first theatrical involvement, he played the role of 'The Lover Boy' in productions of The Fantasticks in 2000 and 2001.

Ida Mariana is excited to be back in the rehearsal room, after being away from the stage for some time. Among the theatre productions she has been involved in are "Pouring Out of Me", "Mergers and Accusations" and "The Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral". She is also on air on Red 104.9 FM on certain days during the week.

Sukania Venugopal has been involved in theatre for over 20 years and is one of the foremost actors in Malaysia. Her most notable appearances have been in "1984 – Here and Now", "Box of Delights", "A Streetcar Named Desire", and "Those Four Sisters Fernandez", amongst others. In recent years, she has done much work with the Temple Of Fine Arts in productions such as "Butterfly Lovers", "Ramayana" and "Shakuntala".

Tony Eusoff is originally from Kuching, and is a much sought-after model, actor and host. He has appeared in tv commercials, fashion journals and shows. He has appeared in lead and supporting roles in a number of popular programmes such as "Astana Idaman", "Mahligai Gading" and "Sutra". He has also appeared in numerous telemovies, including "Musuh Dalam Selimut" and "Kabus Merdeka" He was also in the feature films "Di Ambang Misteri" and "Gila Bola".
Join them all in this not-to-be-missed performance!

Do note, the performance scheduled for Sat Oct 8th is "Lessons for Life", a charity night in aid of Malaysian Care and Wings Melaka's Early Intervention Program for Disabled Children.

Another Semester Ends

I am in my fifth semester of my university. Its ending in 2 weeks time. In a blink of an eye. Too fast, too soon, the cards reshuffled again. It always does. It felt like the Jumanji board game. As you throw the dice, the black mist gives you a hint on what's coming up and your whole world turns topsy-turvy and then you start adjusting again. Sometimes i get weary over it, a bit nervous and sometimes i hope it would at least stay long enough for me to breathe.

I realize I havent written for almost 2 months or so. I cant remember. So many events i would like to update, i hope i could still remember it precisely. I was just at my off-peak moments. Thinking and rearranging my thoughts, perceptions and philosophies in life. Reading and capturing more to improve. Learning how to see and live in this world with ultimate joy and love. Things have quiet down now. No more assignments to worry about, it all zooms down to my finals and piano exam. I think its time to resume my blogging after my mind have settled for now. It has been restless since the beginnning of the semester. End is good in a way.

My recent screen theories subject has taught me that no matter how much you try to capture a moment in words, you will just end up creating more or altered version of the real moment. So, a moment past is a moment loss. Photographs and video will only provoke slight memory of it. As time goes by, it might eventually vanish, eaten up by the time, bits by bits. Another pathetiq view of it is photograph aren't actually something you could keep your memories, it reenacts the thought of loss. The loss of a moment.

Screen theories is one subject that keeps me going this whole semester. One movie every week, how fun can that be :D Besides that, its art film and non-mainstream stuff..thoughts provoking ones. It becomes boring when you do not understand the meaning behind those films. However, after each tutorial, you become enlighten and its just one film that you will appreciate. Except for Casablanca, i still can't see why is it the best film ever made. Hahaha..personal opinion.

Other subjects, radio, management and IR...hmmm...i have been missing a lot of lectures this semester as well. Its the draggy feeling. Not lazy, just bored...i wonder if my interest is wearing out. I think its just too political for IR and i don't fancy politics much, but glad that i was forced to understand some theory behind it. Its alwiz conflict and more conflict. I think politics has no definite solution and that troubles me sometimes. Management is ok, just taking it. Even though marketing is more exciting as a subject. Tutorial in management is fun for me. Short and compact. Radio, one subject where i could mess with audio programs. Too bad its only 5%..Bah! Video programs..yet to try filming something...

That's bout it, time to catch up on my management before tutorial in one hour time. Have not been attending lectures for weeks..oh dear..cant remember...I've been very bad this semester compared to my previous records. Haha..Nerdy me! :D

Lazinest

A404, Room 1, We just declared that it is a 'Holiday Room'.

When you step into the room, you will send yourself into a stress free mode, and drift into a 'yam cha' mode or just pure laziness. It's already the 5th week. Von and I felt as though we are in our 3 months summer break. I'm so lazy this semester. I don't know why. I felt that I have lost the energy, or perhaps just pure lethargic-ness.

I skipped the management lecture 2 weeks in a row. The thought of the lecture just sends me further into dream land, as I refuse to rise from my bed. Glued to my comfort pillow. I enjoy the tutorial though, it's like a summary of important points that i need to know. Screen theories is fun so far, movies every week. What kinda course would offer such joy and fun subject? So far we have watched Casablanca, Battleship of Potemkin, Un Chien Andalou and Double Indemnity. All four are in black and white, some are film noir, some are voiceless.LOL, i think the scary part haven't kicked in yet. The part where we have to critically analyze it using screen theories for our assignment. Hmmmm...Internatonal Relations, no comment, all about conflict and conflict. Sickening. Radio and Tv, Love the practical work, sound programmes and editing. Have been skipping lecture for that subject too.

Ahh, what have gotten into me? I never really miss my classes. Am I getting tired already? Am I too occupied? Am i spending too lil' time with myself? My piano is giving me worries as well, improving in slug mode.

Better rest now. May peace be with me. May sweet dreams too, i have been having rather strange and nightmarish dreams lately. For example, i dreamt taht 6 tooth fell off my jaw, being chased (nothing new), speaking to the death, hauntings....ah..can't remember. I should keep a dream journal soon since i have such gruesome and strange dream.

The Smokey Land Day!

Today is the haziest day. I don't understand why do we have to bear with the haze annually. Don’t these people have any self-conscience in their mind besides profit and easy work? Burn, Burn, Let it Burn…Cheap way of disposing agricultural trash bits and clearing up the forest. The scorching sun and hot weather definitely encourage such kind of act. Lately, Sunway have been hit by the haze, very bad indeed. Does the Indonesian government ever bother to take action or at least teach them some better way to clear the land? This is not a political post, the haze every year is just more than i can bear anymore. It's been nearly 7-8 years or even more. We just take it in silently as though it is some annual storm that hits Malaysia and we are suppose to get use to it.

I always thought haze was nothing much. Maybe the effect does not really kick in until you start getting side effects or immediate effects from the haze. I woke up every morning with smoke smell wherever I go. My towel, my bed sheet, my fresh laundry, hair..ah you name it..It’s like you cant escape it, trapped in the box like some insect being fogged. Everywhere you go, there is the smoke. Guess what? People could still fog the area during the haze season. Hahah... I remember reading one optimistic comment about the haze "It's good that there is haze, less mosquito breeding". There have been dengue over around KL before the haze hits. So,they have been fogging the area quite often.

I was the hero of the day. I seems to see haze as nothing except for the nausea feeling that it gave me everyday. I actually travelled to KL during the worst haze reading for that day. Maybe nearly 400 for Sunway that day. Well, the stupid hero got herself slight eye irritation that day. Then, the following day, the flu kicks in. Now i finally understand the danger of haze.

Besides that, i was so geared up to jog everyday around the hostel. It was record breaking because i actually continued my regime on the second day as well. Then, on the third day, the haze kicks in! DArn! Mission failed.

Went back to Taiping to escape the haze or at least somewhere i could finally smell fresh air again. Somehow, the haze followed me back.

Well, That's all for my haze story!

Poetry

"Poetry is not an expression of emotion, but an escape from emotion"

-T.S. Elliot-

Bankok Post: First Day

The taxi to the airport arrived at 9am in front of Suet's place. Yi Shu, Yaseer and I spent a night over her place. Her mum cooked us a wonderful dinner last night. It was the curried turmeric chicken! Totally delicious and must have!

We load our bags in the boot and started believing that the day that we have been waiting for is finally here. We were an hour early there we are suppose to fly at 2plus. The Air Asia flight got delayed again. As usual. So the 20 of us were there. They are Suet, Yi Shu, Sze Mun, Joanna, May Yee, Fikri, Meng Yoe, Kerry, Juliha, Shazanah, Aaron, Sasi, Dr. Yeoh, Yaseer, Aaron, Wani, Sze Ning, Malina, Sarah and I. Linora and Benji could not make it that day, and Eva too. I think i havent had a school trip since Form 5. It was great to be travelling with a bunch of friend. Good company, good laugh.

Well, how can be forget Yi Shu who got a panic attack for awhile when she could not find her passport when we were about to board. She realise that she left it in the toilet and we went searching for the wrong toilet as well. LOL..well..thank god its still there.

We reached at about 3 plus. Bangkok is such a hot place. Then, we took a cab to our inn. Its called Sawasdee Krungtep Inn, around Khao San area. I shared a cab with Sze Mun, Aaron and Kerry. The taxi man got a bit lost. We passed by the Soi Rambutri lane but we did not turn in. So, we kind of skidded off and had a mini joy ride around Khao San. In the end, we got the cheapest taxi fare after all the sight seeing and getting lost. I think the cab driver is till rather new or just nice or havent learnt the skill to con foreigners. Khao San is a nice place, with lots of tempting goods to buy along the street.

For the first time, i actually felt so strange not being to communicate properly with the locals. We went up to freshen up before dinner. Our Thai guides arrived around 6pm and they took us to this restaurant called Tom Yam Kung. They are Orn, Sharif, Can, Nutra and few more. We had a wonderful dinner. We ordered the Tom Yam Kung, tamarind soup with omellete and prawns, thai style tempura with sweet sauce, fried bread, steamed fish, Thai otak-otak, Thai salad (squid and salted egg), mixed vegetable and our staple food, rice.

Then, we were off to Khao San to walk around....Then we call the night off. The hotel (backpackers inn) is rather pleasant. It was not as bad as i expected. My mosquito repellent and coil was not needed at all there. Sighh..waste of money buying it.

Josie and Joy

Joy is finaly back! So good to meet up with old friends. Josie as well a.k.a. Joshua. We met up in KLCC. Life is filled with coincidence or perhaps fate. When Joy was on the way to the bus stop, she bumped into Wannie who happens to be there to buy her bus ticket back to Taiping. She was suppose to get back home, but then luckilly she managed to stay. Before she could call to ask her mum, the phone rang. It was her mum.

It was great to see her in front of Cinnabon with Joy. Hehehe..the more the merrier!

Oh yeah, was back early in KL for the performance on the 16th. Had such a great dinner on Sunday. We had our first rehearsal on Sunday with Terry, Kingsley, Tina and Steven. They brought me to a Brazilian restaurant to eat. I was expecting mamak that night and Tina was craving for 'Char Koay Teow'. Dinner was brilliant. It was buffet style. The salad and appetizer bar is at the corner. Then, the meat is served to you in a skewer. They have fish, chicken, different part beef, cooked pineapple, lamb, turkey ham and sausage. It was yummy~! They slice the meat straight onto your plate. You can always ask for more. Then, they joke about how you better not complain about your food in this place, cause the waiter holds a very sharp knife with them. For those who are interested...here is the address:

Carnaval Churrascaria

77, Jln. SS22/19, 47400, Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03-77252252

It's around RM 50 per head. It has a nice environment and air conditioned plus it serves wine as well. A definite place to go for meat lovers!

Not so Musical Afterall...

The title does not mean that i am giving up on my music dreams. It's just that i have been thinking for a while, the blog title does not really goes hand in hand on what i am posting all this while!

So, Today (3rd July 2005) ..i am launching a new name for this blog:

-------------THROUGH MY SPECTACLES------------

i haven't wrote much on my musical progress in this blog, its more to how i see the world and a journal as well...So there you go! :D

Through the Eyes

Some says that in life, we wear different masks when we interact with different types of people. The way we communicate with our parents, friends, boss and colleagues carries a different pattern in terms of manners and words we use. To me, i would say that we not only wear different masks but we also wear different eyes spectacles to view the world. However, not many owe a pair of good spectacles but it is not impossible. All you need is a just a bit of determination, faith and imagination.

Maybe then, you will find your own neverland.

I love Johnny Depp's charater James Barrie in 'Finding Neverland'. The movie was a bit dull in the beginning, but i like the way he view things. A simple scene about kids jumping around on the bed can be transformed into kids leaping and flying out of the window to neverland. Then he came up with the play Peter Pan. That's what interesting about movies and theatres. They draws you into landscape you might or could not imagine. It also transports you to worlds that you do not believe it exists at all, making you want to believe and reach it. It allows you to see the world with a different spectacles.

Besides that, the character Edward Bloom in Big Fish is very inspiring as well. Death, seems to be feared by most people. Gypsy predictions and fortune tellings can be disturbing. However, it is just a point of view. It is how you see it basically. The world can take a turn if you could see it in the other way round, the bright side. Check out these quotes from Big Fish :

"I was thinking about death and all. About seeing how you’re gonna die. I mean, on one hand, if dying was all you thought about, it could kind of screw you up. But it could kind of help you, couldn’t it? Because you’d know that everything else you can survive" .

"Did you ever think maybe you’re not too big? Maybe this town’s just too small".

"You think this town is too small for you, well, it’s too small for a man of my ambition".

Well, something to ponder upon for me. I think this post is getting too long. Will rest now and hopefully no more mosquito attack! I will end it this quote from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Ben's words to Luke.

"You're going to find that many truth that we cling on depend greatly on our own point of view".