A chapter in life

Hanging out in MBS and Petaling Street today brought on some nostalgic moments. Although it was just about a year and a half in the school, so many memories were created. Walking in the school, I can just visualize the days when were studying there. Hmmm...Miss all of you people!! It is a hub where my network of friends expanded so much and also the place where I met the love of my life =). We’ve grown, so much, and like us, the school is still undergoing some tremendous change. They tore down YC, took up space of the field and those huge, old shady trees were no longer there, to build a multi-purpose hall.

One of the most memorable parts of the school among the boys will be the stories about their high school days – where they bully their teachers, making fun of each other and all sorts of silly acts. It has always been a topic and no matter how many times it’s been told, until today, everyone burst into laughter.

I spent some time browsing through pictures, folders after folders and I just giggled to myself. The pictures and us at present, are so different. hahahaha.

Cameron 2005

Graduation Day 2006

Clancy photoshoot 2006

Cameron 2006

Redang 2007

Cheras Hike 2008

Broga Hike 2009

CS birthday 2009

SPY birthday 2009

Fraser outing 2010

Ledang 2010

Best photoshoot effect, goes to CS =P

...and because we look good too =)

Supper @ La Bodega

If you haven't seen Aravindh for a long time and wondering if he is enjoying in the kitchen, I would say, he is pretty successful and most importantly he loves his job.

A pint of Hoegarden with the tiny illy expresso

Went to La Bodega last week and managed to indulge our taste buds in his Alfredo Linguini [no pictures taken]. It was delicious especially when we have extra ham in it and extra fries in our French fries basket.. All thanx to Aravindh. =) Chee Wan loved the pasta so much while Jeffrey wants to learn it.hahaha..I'm not a big fan of pasta due to the excessive cheese in it, but that was fine. The amount of cheese was just right. Oh before I forget, its La Bodega Pavilion.

Ps: Anyway, I managed to escape Hoegarden that night. =)

English an essential tool

Last weekend I attended a Finishing School Program organized by the counselling department. On first thought, the program sounds funny. What could possibly be conveyed in the program? Puzzled and reluctant, we still attended it.

So what we learnt was ... English. The objective was English. Having the courage to speak in English, think in English and the whole 2 days was about English. The best part? we were exposed to the post studies environment - interviews, writing resumes and cover letters etc.

Its fine, I think the program is educational and I appreciate the fact that the university is aware of this issue. But exposing final year students to english now? Gosh, its a little too late. We don't master English overnight and given 6 months to brush up? Possible, if its put into practice every single day, and I think it'll only be good enough for communicating plus a good, simple writing.

They could have done better, if they want their students to master English. We could learn better if certain systems in the varsity is implemented with English and English only. A two day course like that is not sufficient, people will forget! Let alone when being forced. Learning language has got to be on constant basis.

Ps: It applies to all language and its sad to say that we, Malaysian students are still behind time.

Crisp breeze

Feeling the cold wind outside chills my spine and dampens my body but it never fail to activate my mind. And today, I'd like to share a lot of things. It could be a very random, long post. So, please, be patient with me.

I'm back on my own legs - living without a car at the moment. Its good that I can actually compensate all my missed work outs but it is a terrible thing that my freedom is restricted. No more lone-ranger outing at McDs whenever I want to =( Why isn't there a Starbucks in Uni? or a McD kiosk? or Subway Sandwiches? or....something that can kill my boredom and distract myself from being in my own world.

The most annoying. People begin to get addicted with Fb while I'm beginning to dislike it. I think its because of the recent events that I find it annoying. I think the objectives of Fb has been achieved beyond that it is starting to give all the negative effects. If guys like browsing pictures of pretty/sexy ladies and girls like posting pictures to attract attention, well, maybe it is still acceptable. But cheating behind your other half's back by sending sweet mails/messages through fb to other people? C'mon...Ever thought of how your other half will feel if he/she reads it?..Think about it. *I feel for you to those who been through that. Stay strong!*

Updates. Another 3 weeks to a 3 week study break! But before all the fun, I'll first have to go through many restless nights. I must say that juggling between time, studies & activities as well as my own life hasn't been easy, but the one thing I'm amazed is that I always go through it well. I hope I could make it too this time. I should be a juggler!hehe. With all the projects, assignments, presentations - all due soon, I'm most worried with my FYP 1 presentation next week. Having Dr. Kok as my panel is so alarming. Famous for asking lots of questions, I'm afraid I'll be standing there dumbfounded! while having Dr. Goh as my supervisor, I'd say, thumbs up! haha. By the way, they're both best friends. ;)

Dean list. finally..The one thing that I'm waiting for to achieve again. I'm back on the list last semester. Am contented =) and I'm so lucky to get a hamper today. ^^ Thanx to mum, dad and joon aun and of course, myself for the never-ending support. Pictures up soon.

I've got more to say, unfortunately, I've got to go now. Tedious maze set up tonight! I'll write again soon!

Besides work..

Honestly, we didn't get to loiter much or go for sightseeings..So don't ask me about Forbidden City or Great Wall and all the other famous tourist spots. However, I managed to see a wee bit of the Olympics City and lucky for me, its just a stone's throw away from the Hotel. About 5 minutes walk, minus the crazy road-crossing scenarios.

I'm glad that I get to see the Bird's Nest like I've expected but unfortunately, I didn't get a glimpse of the night scene as well. It seems the stadium is lighted in red in the night. But its alright, there's always a next time. =) To me, it is an amazing creation - the pillars, steel bars and so forth. It looks messy at close shot, but I can't imagine how its being built. Its just awesome. I like the fact that the area is not filled with stadiums after stadiums, instead it is beautify by a lot of greens and flowers of different colours. I feel very relaxed the moment I stepped into the Olympics Garden. =) Oh by the way, the Swimming Cube is awesome too. No pictures of it though.

Sitting in the middle of the Zebra crossing?

Looks like its Photoshop-ed but trust me, its not.

Besides working, what we do most is EAT! Like I've mention before, breakfast was scrumptious - imagine 7 days of delicious international buffet breakfast, while dinner was divine. Overall, their food was good but very oily. We had 4 times of Peking Duck (yes, it sounds crazy, I know..but mm..I missed it very much) and a lot of spicy food. We had a lot of 'Ma Lat' dishes and I mean a lot. It is indeed spicy and when the spiciness reaches a maximum level, your tongue just gives up and goes numb..hahaha That was the best ever!

I miss this. Really. 'Ma Lat Kang Wo'

The amount of chili in the end..its crazy.

Peking Duck Servings..Its finger lickin' good.

Bei Ping Lou, our favourite restaurant. =)

I guess thats all for now...All i remember was the lack of sleep, partly thanx to the weather. Since it is Summer, it brightens up at 4am, so, Serena and I often wake up thinking we're late but it was just 5 something. :S However, it was usually cooling throughout, with minimal sweat.

An inspiring trip

This is definitely one of my 2010 highlights. It is my second trip to Beijing but this is more than visiting.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work in Beijing for a week. Regardless of what my job scope was, I've learned a lot, feel inspired and definitely it was an eye opener.

I find it difficult to explain what my job scope was besides saying "err..write for the show daily" because most of us aren't from the media industry, therefore, many don't get what I say. It's alright. Since a picture speaks a thousand words, there you go(the pic below)..It consists of 8 pages circulated to visitors and delegates FOC for 3 days which features the activities, brief introduction of various company products and the feedback from people there.

ahh..short of 1 edition. Day 3.

Half day Korean. I don't know how it happened.

We were provided with a conference room,a laptop each..oh we also have a water dispenser and coffee machine and I think everyone was stressed out too because the machine was also working very hard alongside us. haha. George would sing " I need stories..i need storiess...",and in the end, he has got more than enough to fit in the show daily. Phew~~ Anyway, it was tough, because we didn't really have much time to think but it was a worth while experience.

Breakfast was scrumptious, dinner was divine but lunch was all packed food with dumplings and fried rice everyday. But then again, we didn't really have time for lunch alright.. We were racing with time, trying to finish everything by 6pm. Somehow or rather, we were fortunate enough to be provided with McD on the last day.. for lunch.. 2 burgers with french fries. Thanx to Stephanie, maybe. Oh by the way, its not pork. McD only serves pork in their breakfast set.

McD Chi-chi-chi-china.

Riding ma' horse..

Finally, everything's done. =)

I don't know what else to say except, a big thank you to Uncle Philip and Serena, for the opportunity and guidance all along *hugs*. I like the fact that it was an O&G event, I hope it helps especially on my resume. ;)

No more 'agendas', please.

Last semester was very much unexpected with all kinds of Agendas.

The term kicked off very badly, with myself being lost in my own world most of the time and barely paying attention to my lecturers. Oh, I still looked at them when they were teaching while my mind wandered elsewhere. =P Sorry teachers, I can’t help it. However, it ended pretty well when I least expected it.

…Probably I did the right thing. =) Thank God.

Anyway, the most exciting part would be the economics project – business for 2 days. My group sold Lok Lok and we managed to make some profit out of it too since no one else was selling it. Having to see people eat and eat and eat and eat…while money flows in. hehehe. It was a good experience. I bet everyone had a good time, though it was very hot. Well, I think I spent quite a lot in the stall next to mine too. They were selling some Sarawak dessert. Ish ish ish, lucky you people!!

Street Steamboat menu

What a name for a company to sell lok lok

Second best would of course be the Robot project. It was one of the projects that every other guy would want to take charge of – hold on to the robot and play with it. Yes, it was a success and an experience for those who are not Robocon members. We had a competition at the end of the day, it was quite exciting and funny, seeing all kinds of shapes of robot arms on the go. Well, I realized I'm not very into it after all, I'm just not good in programming but its a learning process. Even the exam question was about this robot! No chance of escaping it. haha.

Robot by Cytron technologies

Modified into Bumblebee!

As usual there were assignments and project datelines to rush for…Which we definitely, managed to hand in, in time. When there’s a will, there’s a way. Be optimistic!

Alright, enough of all the crap.

I’m excited actually. Looking forward to the following semester, not because of the new library… but because I’m A FINAL YEAR STUDENT, finally!! And the fact that I’m one step closer to my goal Hahaha. There’s just 2 more term to endure, I hope everything goes well , nothing bad pops up and please people, pray for me! =) Bless me!

Manukan Island

Manukan Island is one of the famous 5 islands in KK. Some people say this island is the best among them all - its beautiful and its clean. I have not been to the other 4, though, but if you're searching for lush green sceneries and sandy white beaches, this is it. Crystal clear water? hmm...maybe. Its a good place for relaxation too. This place belongs to Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, you'll have to pay RM3 for the entrance. Here, they also have quite a number of chalets but the charges is a little on the high side. Expected, as usual. The journey to Manukan Island takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Jesselton Point(KK's jetty) and its about RM16 per person plus some other charges.

bro and sis-in-law

Entrance to the island

I went there for a day's trip - a few hours actually as the weather does not permit me to stay there for long. haha. Anyway, its good enough to have actually stepped on the soft sands and feel the sea breeze. We had a pricey lunch for which we totally have got no other choices but at least the food was not too bad. Still, if there's a next time, I suggest to pack sandwiches and go there for a picnic.

Coupled Ice Lemon Tea

Its Fried Rice with big prawns

Mamak Mee...no other choice of food..

Single storey chalet

Double storey chalet

Manukan Jetty

There are various water sport activities such as banana boat and the like. What attracted me most was a machine-liked thing like a mini submarine which enables you to see the underwater creatures instead of snorkeling. It is invented by the locals themselves and the rent is about RM280 per person. Its a waste I did not snap a picture of it. Anyway, after lunch, we walked around awhile and went for a short swim. There were signs saying its "jellyfish season" but lucky for us we did not encounter any. Then the dark clouds came...and soon enough it began to rain.. So we head to the main area and waited for the boat...and there goes my visit in Manukan Island.

Dark clouds coming...

Rough boat ride...'syoking' though. hehe

It was still drizzling when we were heading back to KK town. The huge waves caused the rough boat ride, but it was exciting and fun! hehe. ;) So there goes, Manukan Island, part of my KK trip. I'm not sure about the other 4 islands but would love to go island hopping there someday and one of it is known as Mamutik island.

**The last post will be about KK itself.

More than words can say

It all ended with goodbyes, hugs and tears.It was unexpected, I never thought after so many years, the same thing repeats..So yeah, I guess "history repeats" is true. I know I won't be seeing you for at least six months to come, but its alright, somehow the last few days were awesome.

We had dinner at Aunt Betty's place on friday - on request she cooked my favourite green siamese curry, Oooh yummy and there were lots more delicous dishes ( she said she won't be cooking much but the table was full of food). Yeah, after dinner we hang out at her place awhile and she brought out her precious old country port ( its red dessert wine)..We were supposed to be in Genting after that but we ended up in Bar Celona in Sunway, the four of us. It was sort of a look-see-look-see thing and as conclusion, I don't really like the place because I stink from head to toe when I came out...

Woke up early on Saturday to send the Myvi off to Shah Alam.. There, it was cling wrapped and placed in a 20 foot container to be shipped off the KK.I don't have the picture with me though. We dine in at Souled Out, Sri Hart that night - well, now I know, we shouldn't name it as high class mamak. There was nothing much in the menu like mamak instead the food were delicious.Its fusion and the portion was big with reasonable prices. Well, bro called to reserve a place - near the screen perhaps due to MU's match at 7.40pm. So yeah, dinner + football match..and we ordered more drinks. haha. Below are some of the food we ordered :-

Super candid shot!! haha.. don't laugh please

Gotcha. Eat, Eat and Eat..hehe. sorry...

mutton with naan..I dunno whats it called.

The mutton is tender.. =)

Mutton topped with spinach served with naan.

 Forgotten its name..But its nice =)

I've got no idea whats this..

Chicken cordon "Blurrrrrr"

Fruit punch - A mixture of mango, oranges

and....xxxxx. Forgotten. LOL

On Sunday morning, I learned to clean the water feature - I'll be doing the job when bro's not around... Later in the noon, we sent bro and sis in law, the time I hated most. Anyway, its a good thing your career has taken you one step higher...all the best and we'll miss you =) BTW, dad has a surprise..I can't tell you what is it..but he got us a new "toy"..hehe You'll see when you're back (which is..God knows when haha) =P