My Survival in UK...

The End

2009-06-15T22:15:00.004+01:00

"From this moment, this has became a part of my life story - My bits of History. Reluctantly, I signed off 'My survival in UK' with a full stop. It might be 'dead' yet able to convey my life and thoughts as long as it survives in the technology world. In all these time, I would like to thank all for being a part of the journey of 570 days!"

Leaving Cardiff...

2009-06-15T14:00:00.004+01:00

I was on the coach leaving Cardiff...

Passing by the green fields, overlooking the horses, cows and sheep... that was it! When would I see the same scene again? It would probably be a few years later when I come back for holidays. Throughout the journey, sadness swept into me as images came into my mind. That's the end! That's the end!! I can't believe it!

Attachment could be so difficult to break...

Graduated

2009-06-12T23:09:00.001+01:00

My journey as a student has finally ended. I can't tell you how relieved I am to be released from hell after 20 months. The worst time of my life was the initial 4 months. For the first time in my life, I realised how incompetent I was in so many ways. Being a "handicapped", I struggled to catch up as much as I could to be in sync with my coursemates. It was very difficult.

I knew how genius my coursemates were from the beginning. More than 90% of them were graded at least 2:1 and above, which made me even more incompetent. Many times, I questioned myself about the choice I had made. I had inflicted unnecessary sufferings upon myself, which was puzzling.

Having geniuses resulted in my final exam marks being scaled down to my disadvantage. I was devastated. Being released from hell doesn't seem to be relieving after all.

The journey of being a student has ended and soon I will be heading back home. A new journey has begin... I knew it is going to be another challenging path...

Cambridge

2009-06-08T14:09:00.062+01:00

Mood: Excited Health:Good Weather: Cold

Sighs... it was raining heavily as we made our way to the bus stop for our 4am coach to London. At London, the weather was not optimistic at all and it was cold at 8 deg. What was the matter with UK in the summer?? We filled our hungry stomachs with early breakfast before our next coach to Cambridge.

After arrival, Woon picked us up and drove us to the venue where Ling had her meeting. It was great to see her after so long. Shortly, the three of us parted for 'dim sum' lunch at 'Charlie Chan' :)

One prawn dumpling missing (Jeff was the thief)

As a 'siew mai' critics, I was glad that it tasted better than the previous ones I had in other restaurants.

After such a great lunch, Yan Qin, a Taiwanese postgraduate in Cambridge University (Ling's friend) brought us around the school. The highlights of Cambridge were the prestigious Cambridge university and its 30 over colleges!!

The bridge of Mathematics

The colleges are also hostels to the student there. Wow... I would love to stay in such antique centuries old buildings!! The following features some of the beautiful colleges there.

A clock with a bug that strikes many controversies

Ooo... seemed like a butcher stall!!

In most of the colleges, there were signboards to inform visitors to keep their volume down due to exam in progress. Hmm... even on a Sunday?? And also signboards to ask people to keep their feet off the neat 'carpet- like' grass except the birds.

Continuous stream of lake and boats rowing is evident in many areas of the colleges.

An engraved stone dedicated to a China scholar.

The significant of the poem and information about this poet were quite puzzling as there was no signboard for explanation. Guess I have to do a 'google' search then.

Antique clock

Standing on the wrong side of the sun!

Jeff acting cool on a sunny weather... hmm...

Flying hair...

This man was always mentioned in my course - Newton's law

Sculpture of famous scholars

One of the chapels (name can't remember :X )

Flowers blooming beautifully in Summer.

Notice anything about these flowers? The petals seemed to be the other way round!

The bridge of Science in the background

Yan Qi and Woon told us that this bridge is also nicknamed 'the depressing bridge or stressful bridge' as all students need to pass this bridge in order to get to the examination hall.

Boat rides are common around the university.

Nice town

Anyone fancy Peking duck or roasted duck? I was joking about if the students can be so poor that they captured the white ducks and slaughtered them for food!

With more than three hours of walking, Woon brought us to have tea and some rest at the orchard tea garden in Grantchester, which was around 10 minutes of car ride from the Uni. It also has a small museum dedicated to a good looking WWI hero - Rupert Brooke. He was a graduate of Cambridge University and was a famous poet, who stayed around the orchard. He died of food poisoning at a young age of 27 years old during the WWI while traveling to war site.

The tea garden was started by chance when a group of Cambridge students asked if they could be served tea beneath the blooming fruits trees instead of the front lawn of the house, which eventually became a popular spot for many famous people and scholars including Brooke.

Grantchester tea garden where drinks and cakes were served

The tea garden was over a century year old and its originality was maintained. Woon treated us afternoon tea and after that, we met up with Ling, Yan qi and Song Hee for dinner at a korean restaurant. Dinner was a complimentary from Woon. Thank you.

We had their chilli and sweet chicken wings and seafood pancakes for appetizers. For main, we had rice, hotplates of beef, ginger pork, fried chilli rice cakes, dolsot bibimbap, and tofu and kimchi. The outcome of our dinner ... empty dishes...

Finally, it was dessert time! We had tofu ice- cream!! Special right?

Tofu ice- cream which doesn't taste like tofu to me

Then we had complimentary mint ice- cream from the boss :)

The day was almost gone. We ended our dinner after 8pm and travelled back to Cardiff at 9.15pm. We have to thank a few people for making our Cambridge trip so pleasant; Yan Qi for being our colleges guide, Woon for driving us around and bringing us to places and food, Ling's for her hospitality and snacks on our way home. Also, thanks to the weather for stopped raining once we stepped our feet in Cambridge.

Farewell present from coursemates

2009-06-06T23:25:00.007+01:00

Mood: Surprise Health: Good Weather: Raining

Oh... Kate and Hayley are so sweet! They got me a farewell gift!!

Talking about horseshoe, I think I really need a lot of them. Few weeks ago, I accidentally washed down one of my earrings which I brought from U.S. in the sink. I couldn't retrieve it as there was no access to the pipe. Sighs... the earrings was made from my birthstone and in gold. The moral of the story = never buy expensive earrings unless they are huge that they can't be washed down the sink :)

So I went to look for a decent pair of earrings on the last day of my exam and I spotted horsehoe design! I was delighted!

Ok, got to have some rest! My coach to Cambridge is at 4am, got to have some rest. Hope that the weather will turn out good eventually! The weather was forecasted to be raining in Cambridge later :(

Happy Gathering

2009-06-05T15:56:00.006+01:00

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Great

It is always like that... Before you leave for good, you are bound to put on weight with all these farewell meals. This afternoon, I met up with two of my asian schoolmates for 'dim sum' at 'Happy Gathering'!

Sighs... I guess I have to put the 'lose a kg' plan behind.

My favourite dim sum is 'siew mai' and I am so disappointed when it doesn't taste good. However, at least some other dishes are good especially the fried carrot cake. Others include the stream prawn dumpling, the egg tarts and 'phoenix claws'. 'Dim Sum' at home is still the best! However, I am so not looking forward to go home...

One of them is going back home to Japan and the other will be staying for her 'M.Eng'. I hope she will have an enjoyable course in the next academic year. Dr. M. J. already warned those who are continuing M. Eng about what to expect from him. Phew, I am glad that I have finished my course. Dr. M. J is a very harsh and strict lecturer. Many times, he had been rather sacastic to me which really got off my nerves.

What's next? Hayley's birthday and a trip to Cambridge on Sun... So busy even after school term...

2009-06-02T23:05:00.000+01:00

Went to the university career service this afternoon to seek guidance...

I felt extremely negative with the whole thing. And I kind of predicted my outcome without even trying and seeking. Unlike me, the consultant was positive and he drew a beautiful picture of me, which questioned my doubts. I was thinking if he was truthful or like most of them, who prefer to act politely in the most adverse situation...

2009-06-01T23:29:00.003+01:00

Mood:Lost Health:Good Weather:Great

It is all coming back to me now...

Once again, I experienced the same kind of 'longing' from everyone in SGI- Wales. It was probably the same type of attachment as compared to Aug '07 when I decided to leave home for my UK studies. This made me ponder about being a stray cat one day.

As the days get closer, I found myself walking deeper in the forest and increasing lost. I realised how much I hate about adjusting my life all over again. And then, it all comes with fears as well. What should I expect?

I haven't been giving much strategy about what is coming next, all I know is that, I would be in the biggest catastrophe if opportunity comes slow. Halfway through my course, I have already feel the burning fuel, which resulted in a 360 degrees change of my perspective and tonnes of disbelief and disappointment. It was probably the most ugly scenes I have ever seen.

With current unfavourable condition, I foreseen that the ugly will become deform. I felt so sick thinking about it...

Farewell lunch!

2009-06-01T23:10:00.005+01:00

Mood:Great Health:Good Weather:Great

It was ladies afternoon! I have gathered a few of my closest WD & YWD for my farewell lunch! Alisha made a good choice for the venue - a Japanese restaurant 'Wagamama' at the Cardiff central library. It was sleek, clean and has good service! I like the generous portion of the vegetables on everyone plates!

My yaki soba... if only I have chilli sauce...

OK gorgeous! Ready for a shoot?

I should have been in front...

I really appreciate how much they try to make it for my lunch on a monday afternoon! It was a wonderful meal. Thank you for your turn up and also the beautiful cards and gifts!

Kate's Birthday

2009-05-30T23:57:00.002+01:00

Mood: OK Health:Good Weather:Great

It was Kate's birthday celebration. Gloria and I came over to her place for awhile to wish her and also gave her a present. The theme was "neon".

Ooo... everyone was in striking colours which really caught lots of attention at night... I didn't want to dress up elaborately but I did wear bright colours to be 'in the place'.

Birthday girl (in the centre)

Me and my other coursemate, Hayley.

Hope they had a great fun at the club!

Uni is over!

2009-05-29T02:13:00.002+01:00

"Yeah! 2 presentations plus 2 reports are over! I AM A FREE WOMAN in uni life!!!"

On the friday of the final week, my coursemate had organised a summer dinner. It was my last dinner with them... With hugs and best wishes, I said good bye. I will never forget hugging Paul, he is so huge at 6ft5. Take care everybody and all the best!

Me and some of the ladies in a bar after dinner!

Tan

2009-05-21T21:10:00.006+01:00

Mood:Depressed Health:Damn good Weather:Cool

I am finally done with my last paper in the morning but I wished this happens tomorrow. Just give me one more day and I will do it perfectly. I only got new revision notes a day before the exam. With such a short time, I didn't manage to memorise all of them vividly. And they came out in the exam. As a result... sighs... sighs...

Yet I really want to thank Tan, a wonderful and helpful person who has helped me in this module. If it is not for her, I think I would have done very badly. She managed to nick "first class" notes from her senior and a friend a day before the exam. I was quite surprised when she offered them to me. Not many people would generously share their 'priceless' materials to someone whom they only knew this semester and not very close to.

I planned to have a good meal with her before she leaves tomorrow. Wow, she is leaving so soon yet I am struck in the university because I have 2 presentations and 2 reports. This is so ridiculous! Still working after exam!

So after the depressing exam (how I wished it is tomorrow), we went to M&P cafe, which was such a disappointment with their choices of food, then we headed to Harry's cafe and bar much later.

My peach smoothies and her summertime smoothies

Seafood mezzer for two

I planned to give Tan a treat since this was our last meal in UK and also to show my gratitude to her, but in the end, she insisted to pay for our meals in both places. As for my part... I have promised to bring her around in Singapore when she comes :)

In the jungle...

2009-05-14T09:56:00.003+01:00

Haven't been updating my blog for some time. I have been rather busy with assignments and now, coming exam. Tomorrow is my first paper and I am feeling nervous today. The reason why I am so panicking about it, is because there are no lecture notes for this module and no past year exam papers to base on.

I felt a little insecure because I am not sure of the boundary, not sure if I have read enough for some topics, not entirely sure what the questions would be. As far as science is concern, topics are huge. Human organs comprise of electrical, mechanism, anatomy & physiology and chemistry. Besides knowing the nature body, the engineering aspects have to be considered for extracorporeal organs or implanted artificial organs. I could only based on my instincts in selecting topics to learn and of course chanting that I would be in sync with the examiner.

I would imagine my shocking face if the questions came out alien to me...

Good luck to me!

All Wales & Borders Course

2009-05-10T22:01:00.003+01:00

Mood: Tired & Panic Health:Good Weather: Sunny & Cool

What does the below picture tells you?

The Wales border bridge

Ya, going out of Wales... I was traveling out of Wales to England. I have signed up for a three days 'All Wales SGI- UK course and was on my way to my destination on a friday afternoon.

Remember this place? This is Taplow Court - our SGI- UK HQ centre. I came here a year ago to attend the student division day. I am glad that I am able to come here for the last time before I finished my degree.

Not only that! I was able to stay in this century old mansion, owed by countless of rich earls in the past! Hahaha... a taste of their lifestyle!

The dungeon door to my checked in room...

Ok, I was just kidding. My room was actually at the 'used to be' servant's quarter. The space was amazing. The servant quarter was a later extension to the main building in the 18th Century. Can really tell how many servants they have and how rich they must be.

I have a shared room with six other women. Ooo... wonder if I will have ghostly encounter in this century old building...

Out of the window in the room

After checking in, I decided to tour around for a short time to see if anything has changed.

Everything seemed to be the same even the horses. Yes! I saw Mr. Brownie again! Unfortunately, there was an additional border and I couldn't have close contact with them like I used to! Ok, time to go for my course...

Exhibition of Sensei's visit in Taplow Court many years ago...

Theme for this course

Very attentive audiences :)

On friday, we got an opening ceremony & experience, followed by group meeting and lecture by Sanda McWilliam. Jonathan was our group leader and he shared his experience on the last day of the course. Sanda McWilliam's lecture evolved with 'the heart'. Hmm... remind me of my heart project...

Breakfast in the morning! I love English breakfast!

A good breakfast means a lot of energy to sustain the whole day. But I ended up with no lunch or dinner because I was too full for breakfast...

Beside the normal schedule, other highlights of the meeting included a tour of the mentor and disciple room. It was also the first time I entered the main building, which is the taplow court. OMB! (Oh my buddha!! A term more suitable for Buddhist than OMG) The interior design was awesome!! I don't want why, everytime I entered a building like that, I feel like writing a story. Unfortunately, as I was also a lilac (on duty), I didn't have time to snap a few pictures. Sighs... I hope one day, I will have the chance to visit the room again!

The lecture that I enjoyed most was by Kazuo Fuji. I loved the many analogies he used. It just made people remember them! On the 3rd day, I suffered from fatigue. I was so tired that I couldn't focus in the experiences and lecture by Robert Samuels,who was also my favourite lecturer. It was because I didn't have enough sleep. On the first night, I was quite weary and my mind was on the radar for something interesting if you know what I mean. It turned out that the servant's quarter was 'clean'. However, on the second night, I thought I was doomed...

I went to another shower as the one closest to my room was occupied. This shower was an underground type. I went to the shower, shut the door then close the shower door. Five minutes before I was done, ghost and spirit came to my mind... a lady figure dressed in 18th century, which I quickly brushed it away. Ooo... As I tried to open the shower door after I had finished, I realised it was struck!

"OMB! I can't be that lucky!"

If the door was shut, it wasn't that bad since I could knock and shout at the door. But being struck in the shower is not a good idea. Not only I was a few steps away from the door, I didn't have towel with me. Worse! It seemed that I was alone in the underground. OMB! Maybe I have to wait for hours before they realised I was missing... I was panic!!

What happened then? I am not telling here. It is a mystery! Hahaha...

At the end of our course, we got a surprise! The special choir group in our organisation, came to our hall and presented a beautiful song! So many of us were so touched and tears were flowing down. It was not surprising how people got so emotional at the end of the wonderful course. I guessed everyone just wished that the 'encouraging, inspiring and learning' were not coming to an end. Hopefully they will maintain high spirits once they got home and in the 'reality' world!

My reality world is to revise for my coming exam. I am so glad that I have made it to my last course in Wales. Cheers!

Revision Starts!

2009-05-01T22:01:00.004+01:00

Mood:Hungry Health:Good Weather:Cool

Finally, I am able to sit down for revision! One week ago, I planned to start my late revision for my coming exam but it didn't happen because of a group report. We targeted to finish all our bits on Tuesday and compile them into a group report but it didn't happen.

I finished my part before that day and I was very relieved thinking that I could concentrate on my revision. Who knew. One of my group member told me that what I have done, was not what they wanted. Apparently, I was being allocated to the control system of the pacemaker to the total artificial heart. I was absolutely clear about this!

With less than three days from the submission date, I was told that they wanted the control system within the artificial heart! Infact, I only have a day to do a 12 weeks work because we needed at least a day to put all the messes together properly. Can you imagine the look on my face? Yet, I felt thankful that this happened now rather than later. So I didn't sleep that night, working on the research and report.

The next day...

I shown my draft to some of my group members. Imagine if someone told me "this is not what I want" again... I feel like slapping that person! Thanks goodness, it didn't happen. I felt really appreciated when I was told "Yes! This is what we want! Good work! This is great!"

Just when I thought we could compile them already...

Sighs... that the problems of working in a group... Wasted so much time waiting for people to come, waiting for one another to finalise their report. It would be acceptable if it was me since I was doing a last minute job :P Sighs... my people, do you know that you are jeopardising everyone time for revision?

This time round, my exam is much harder than before. We don't have lecture notes to depend on and have to do abundant of reading on ourselves in order to prepare for our exam. Also, you never know what the examiners have in mind about the questions. These examiners... sighs...

New Snacks!

2009-04-27T15:52:00.002+01:00

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

I wasn't interested when Jeff shown me a pack of crackers until he said "maybe you won't like it!" and that remark caught my attention! I took the pack from him and opened it... I see... it was pork lards! Can't believe that I would find pork lards here and more surprising, as snacks like potato chips!

I was even more amused that it was double the price of potato chips! Who would eat this thing especially the British? Hmm... Weird... Let see how long this product can last on the shelves here!

So Jeff was wrong! He thought I would be disgusted about eating pork lards but I like it! In Singapore, I go for the fried kway tiao and dry needles with pork lards rather than vegetable oil as it tastes better. Now with this product, I could have pork lards with noodles here! Haha :)

Wales Leaders Meeting

2009-04-25T20:22:00.001+01:00

Mood:Excited Health:Good Weather:Good

I was so excited this morning!! We went to Brecon for all leaders meeting. Today was the first time where all the leaders in Wales gathered for this meeting. Woon was our 'chauffeur' and Lizzie was our road directory. The rest of us, Jeff, Alisha and myself spent most of our time, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Brecon. But I was more hard working! I was counting the numerous sheep on the fields as our car passed by.

Lizzie said that there are more sheep than humans in Wales. Hmm...

Our venue was an interesting place - a committee centre in the Llangors village. Cool!! Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera and Jeff forgot to take more pictures!! Also, we didn't have enough time :(

The start of the meeting was a song sang by some of the leaders singing. Their voices were so amazing given the fact that they are not professional or in the choir group. This is what it should be! Either give a good show or no show!

I know... I have said this many many time. I love meetings in UK so much. I don't remember attending a leader meeting in Singapore where I felt relaxed. Oops...

Yeah!! Lunch break! From right: Junichi and Alisha.

Then with Jeff...

Seems like Jeff and myself were wearing school uniform right? He was a prefect and I was a secondary school girl! Hahaha... just kidding! We were dressed for duty that why!

Ryo gave me his Japanese rice balls after the meeting. This was the first time I had rice balls. It was a mixture of kidney beans and Japanese rice. The Japanese seems to have very simple meals some time, just plain rice balls with one ingredients unlike the Chinese, where we have more appetising dish or dishes to go with our rice.

SGI-UK Student Division Meeting in London

2009-04-17T15:50:00.007+01:00

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Good

From Cardiff university, Junichi and myself board the coach to London, Victoria at 6.30am. As the whole railway stations from Victoria to Brixton were closed due to engineering works, there was no tube to Brixton this weekend. However, the authorities devised a solution for the commuters - 'railway replacement' buses!

Junichi and myself hopped on the free of charge bus at Victoria and set off to Brixton.

Brixton underground closed

Unlike Cardiff, there were less whites in Brixton. The streets were crowded with performers, who sang or rapped and also passers-by. The SGI- UK centre was located within a short distance from the Brixton underground. Many members did not make it to this meeting due to the coming exam. Nevertheless, we made many friends.

I always enjoyed meetings in UK whether it is held locally (cardiff) or nationally. The pace, the topic, the way study are presented, the agenda makes the whole meeting refreshing from the start to the end. I remembered how my mind would drift when I attended meetings in Singapore. Junichi also has the same experiences with me - too dragging, too heavy at home!

I realised how lucky we were when some people shared about their difficulties in arriving the centre. Unlike them, Junichi and myself got to know about the railway engineering works and the alternative bus services the night before. So we were well- prepared for the trip and arrived here without any problems.

There was a lot of sharing and I was very encouraged throughout the meeting. It was a pity to those who missed this meeting, they have missed the encouragements which would help them deeper in their revision. Robert Samuel gave us a short lecture that day. He is a popular lecturer in the organisation. His lectures were well- understood as he explained very clearly using analogies. The meeting ended after his lecture and soon we headed home.

The returning coach was more than three hours so we brought dinner and have it on the coach. Hee... see what I had...

Yeah! Sushi!I tell you.. the last time I had them was 8 month ago when I was in Singapore. I got really annoyed when my Singapore friends at home said "I didn't have Japanese food for a long time." It turned up to be just 1-2 months ago! Hello! Don't compare with me! Japanese food in Singapore is affordable and common (you can have it anytime you want). Whereas eating out in UK is generally more expensive.

If Junichi didn't mention about the sushi stall at the Victoria tube station, I won't even buy it.

Junichi was enjoying his dinner very much. Like me, he misses food from home. Sighs... his next trip home would be a long time after his PHD finishes next year...

Sighs... my Easter holiday will be over in a couple of hours and my class would resume again next week...

SGI-UK Student Division Meeting

2009-04-17T15:19:00.003+01:00

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Great

Tomorrow, I have to get up at 5am for a trip to London. We will be having our SGI-UK Student Division Meeting in Brixton.

If you remembered, last year I went to Taplow Court for this event. This time, we will be going to another centre at the south of London as shown below.

It maybe a challenging trip since Junichi and myself will be going there on our own by coach and tube. I am going to pack my stuffs and sleep early tonight. Watch out for more updates tomorrow!

Souvenir from Egypt

2009-04-13T13:50:00.003+01:00

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Cool

Ning came back from her long holiday in Egypt two days ago. She was so sweet. She brought me an Egyptian painting in paper scroll. Wow... still I can't stop my envious over her Egypt trip!! I also want to go...

Just to show my appreciation to her, I will cook her something these days.

2009-04-12T16:31:00.002+01:00

"A successful author is someone who produces a mutual understanding in his readers."

Except for story telling, which might allow its readers to create their imagination, facts should be presented in the most apprehensive manner. It would be very useful to have diagrams, tables, flow charts etc... Sighs... these people just gave me headaches as I have to flip the pages to and fro, to link the concepts!

Eat eat eat...

2009-04-12T14:01:00.005+01:00

Mood:Good Health:Good Weather:Sunny

This is the first time I made braised pork belly and eggs. Two days ago, I have a graving for fatty bacon. Ooo...

The sauce is black but the stream arising affected the camera lens, hence the colour of the sauce.

Ok, after all the meaty meals I have for the past two weeks, I decided to go for healthier diet - "witch soup". It is said that I could lose weight by taking the "witch soup" for seven days. Hmm...
I have a strong taste and I found the soup really blend. Felt a bit torturing to have them even for a day. Ok, I shouldn't complain because at least I have food compare to the poorer people. I am going to keep the best shape before I go back to Singapore to kill all the local delights. Fried Kway tiao, black carrot cake, xin zhou vermicelli, chicken rice, nasi lemark, mee goreng etc...

I won!

2009-04-10T21:30:00.003+01:00

I couldn't believe what I saw when I opened my email. I was elated at first, then fell into suspicious state. I was told that I have won $100 pounds in a lucky draw :) Hmm... I can't be that lucky!! Maybe it is a fraud... maybe they would only give me the money if I met certain criteria.

I was told to call the person to give my details but I was afraid. I even thought of giving up the money even if it is for real. After analysing the weightage of the truth and falsehood by the content of the email, I decided to call the person the next day.

The truth is... I really won $100 pounds and I am going to get a cheque soon :) How am I going to spend the money? I am going to pay for my 'All Wales Training Course' fees which I have signed up recently and also the transportation.

Hahaha...

2009-04-01T17:26:00.002+01:00

This is so funny!!! A funny episode of family guy and a funny dog expression. It seemed that the dog was like "U got me on candid camera!" at the ending.

2009-03-30T20:00:00.002+01:00

"I hope I have not lost my mind. I remembered I still have two tabs of yohurt but I found none in my fridge compartment. And I wondered if I have misplaced them on my flatmate's shelves while I was tidying up my shelf. And they thought it was theirs and ended up in their stomach... Hmmm..."

Boring Easter Holiday

2009-03-30T11:59:00.000+01:00

Mood:Bored Health:Good Weather:Cool

Ooo... The Easter holiday started as soon as I submitted my dissertation last friday. I caught up with my sleep and slept for about 16 hours that day. And it took me 2 days to recover from pressure sores on my posterior. Now I could understand the kind of discomfort that the elderly has to suffer when they are being confined on their bed the whole day. For those who are living with their immobile grandparents, please try to change their static position every 2 hours. This helps to increase the blood flow and oxygen on the pressure site.

I spent my weekends resting and walking (so funny isn't it?). All I wanted was, to walk as far as possible after being confined on my seat for quite a period. And now, after the rest and walk, I am ready to prepare for two more reports this holiday, one of them was 10, 000 words. Ooo... What a holiday! What a boring holiday I will be having!! Ning is spending her holiday in Holland and Eqygt. Wow... Egypt... so envy! And most of my coursemates have gone home... only left one lonely Sam in Cardiff... Sighs...

Nightmare finally over!

2009-03-27T16:46:00.006Z

Mood: Relieved Health:Good Weather:Cool

2 days ago, after the discovering of the erroneous data, I have a strong feeling that my supervisor is not going to reply my enquires. By thursday morning, I gave up the hope of having the correct data to support my modelling. I was cool about it eventually. All I could do was to 'bullshit' a little bit about my concept which was not my kind of dish really.

6 hours ago, I was in the university, waiting to bind my dissertation and submitting it. Finally... finally... this 5 months project has ended. For the past few weeks especially the last week, were nightmares! You may be thinking 'Sam must be doing last minute work'. Well, I started writing bits of my dissertation very early during the Christmas recession. After being involved in finite element modelling, my time spent in writing became less. This modelling thing really got my nerves and eye sight. My eye power has increased due to the prolonged period of facing the computer screen.

So why the nightmares if I have done some of it? It was "bad habit"! I have a bad habit of editing bits and pieces here and there again and again, never stopping even until this morning. For the first time in my life, in the midst of my work, I felt giddy and wanted to throw up in front of my laptop. I felt sick and I guessed I have pushed myself too much especially for the past few days. My whole body was aching, my eyes were burning and I could feel the pressure sores accumulated on my bum. I was so afraid that I would get sick, and I gorged myself with more water, vitamins and herbs. I have been working for at least 16-22 hours constantly for the past few days!

Imagining, the next day, Singapore newspaper featured 'Singaporean student found dead in UK hostel'. I have a feeling that this continuity is going to kill me, if I do not take a break. So I slept from 3am to 5am in the morning and continued with my work again. Then I firmly told myself that I must stop my work by 7am in the morning, got it print out and submit them to the teaching office. I am glad that this was over. I can't wait to have a good meal and good rest.

Talking about today... my goodness... I was so embarrassed with myself. There was no staff to help us with the binding so we have to figure out how to use the equipment. After some time, we manage to get our book binding done. At this instant, a new guy came in and was having some problems so I offered to teach him how to use the binding equipment. OMG!!! I wished I didn't help him at all. I screwed up his 10 pages because I didn't align the papers properly. OMG!! What a fool I was!

Surprising he was so cool. I realised that the Caucasian tends to take things lightly. I felt so bad, I kept on apologising to him and he was so cool about it. Anyway, I gave him some money so that he could print them again in the computer lab. I hope he won't remember me... Sighs... a helping hand turned into disaster! Sam... Sam!!!

Why playing tricks on me?

2009-03-25T18:08:00.004Z

I can't describe how I feel now...

One moment I was shocked, one moment I was panic, one moment I was angry, one moment I felt like crying. And now, I felt like laughing.

My dissertation is due on Friday 12pm, less than 2 days later. It was only this morning that I observed that the graph provided by my project supervisor was incorrect. The two curves in 3D were being swapped around. Because it was not obvious, no one has observed the mistake except me, during this critical period while I was looking through my dissertation.

This verification of graph led me to the checking of the data and more was discovered. After comparing the results with another file, I realised that all along, I was being "cheated". The formula used to calculate the displacement was incorrect and there was a missing calculation for the force. My goodness! I quickly emailed my senior, a PhD student who is also working on microneedle, and asked if she could verify the data. In the end, she couldn't help me much. And I couldn't seek help directly from my supervisor as he was not around in his room for the whole afternoon.

If the data was wrong, that could explain why I was struggling so hard in achieving a comparable result in my modelling. All I could hope for, is that my supervisor would reply me as soon as possible, providing me with the correct data ...

I hope I will have enough time to edit my results and discussions.

BIG flood!

2009-03-18T11:11:00.005Z

Went to do my laundry this evening and it reminded me of an incident happened 2- 3 weeks ago...

I was hesitating that afternoon "to go or do it tomorrow?" I was busy but I have almost nothing to wear. By the time I decided to do my laundry, it was already 10.30pm. So I carried my BIG basket of clothes to the laundry site. When I got there, I noticed a stream of water parallel to the row of washers and dryers. Nevertheless, I popped in my clothes into the washer, inserted $2 then left. 38 minutes later, I was back to the site, transferring my washed clothes to the dryer, inserted some pennies then left.

As I walked to pick up my clothes 1 hr later, I was surprised to see that the site was locked and a note was pasted on the door "Closed due to flood until further notice."

"Shit!! My clothes are inside!" I knew it must be the brainless security guard! I saw him earlier, investigating on the pool of water, so I went to see him...

I was mad but I kept cool "Hi! I left my clothes in the laundry site and it was locked. Is it possible that I could go in and get my clothes?"

"Sorry lovely! There is a BIG flood inside. You can't go in until further notice."

(BIG flood? How could that be? I was there an hour ago and all I saw, was a pool of water, nothing serious. Beside, it was very late and no one did their washing. So how could there be more water? I started to doubt on that silly ang moh.)

"So when can I get my clothes out?"

"Come back tomorrow morning. The maintenance staffs will be in to repair the machines."

Silly old sheep! How could he just shut the site like that! So angry!!

The next morning, I woke up early. I was worried about the maintenance staffs dumping my cleaned clothes somewhere else. I went to see the guard again, hopefully somehow, he would let me pick up my clothes. This time, it was another guard on shift.

I explained to him about my flight and I was annoyed when he said,

"Sorry, it was locked because there is a BIG flood. I can't let you in, you have to wait until the maintenance staff have repaired the machines. Come back at 9am and talk to them in allowing you to go in."

Then he talked to me about the need of a staff to go in with me for safety issues etc. Since last night, my mind was revolving on "BIG flood"! I wondered how BIG it was to create such an overwhelming concern!!

Finally, I was permitted to enter the site to collect my clothes after talking to the management and maintenance team. I was cursing all the silly people when I saw the state of the site. It looked exactly the same state as last night. Bloody hell! Where was the BIG flood? Infact, the pool of water had become much shallow compared to last night, most probably dried up. I was even imaging that the site must have became a swimming pool based on what everyone has been telling me - "BIG flood".

You know what annoyed me the most? All my clothes in the dryer were as wet as they were just taken out from the washer. That brainless twit must have shut off all the power supply just after I left my clothes inside. And "best", they smelled because they have been left wet overnight. Arrrgghhh....

Why people can be so brainless? Sighs... Damn... my pennies just gone for nothing. And I have to wear stinking clothes for the past weeks!

Can't really stand some people some time...

Saturday Dinner

2009-03-14T23:29:00.011Z

Mood:Very busy Health:Good Weather:Cool

A few days ago, when Ning suggested that the whole flat has dinner together on Saturday evening and I was like "huh"!! We just had dinner 2 days ago! OMG!!! Still eat again!! It is not just the eating part but also spending time. I am so busy already, plus my lecturers gave us 2 extra coursework yesterday... Sighs... But how could I say "no" when all of them were so enthusiastic!

Guess what did I cook? I made fried rice noodles which was a totally disappointment!! It seemed pretty but it was tasteless and a bit hard. All I could say... this brand of rice noodles not good!! I have never cooked such bad rice noodles before!!

Jeff made aubergines with dried prawns and chilli. Ning made braised mushrooms with minced pork. Have you ever try chicken cooked in Coca- Cola?? This was Delonia's dish. Sounds weird? Indeed but it tasted nice.

Coca Cola Chicken (3 C's)

Mika made sago melon dessert. Like me, she was not happy with her product. But we all like it.

Then we had a second surprise for Ning. It was an easter egg made of white chocolate.

We all are so sweet isn't it?

Walked for silly 2 hours...

2009-03-13T23:28:00.001Z

Mood:Bad luck Health:Good Weather: Cool

Didn't know it is friday, the 13th until bad things happened...

On thursday, I did some dissertation in the school library. Then the next day, I met up with Sam and I told him that I will be sending my draft to him in the afternoon. So I went home after class, transferred my new version of my dissertation from my thumb drive to my laptop, edited some parts to make it more "presentable" then I realised something was wrong...

The dissertation was old version! Apparently, I forgot to save them to my thumb drive the other day at the library! So I went back to school in the evening. OMG, I was so late in sending my draft already! So I re-edited the parts and then send to my supervisor but the email bounced back with error stating "mail sending rate exceeded". Hmm... maybe the file was too big I thought, so I decided to print it to pdf. Can't believe it! There was no adobe writer in the school PCs!!!

So I went home, print it to pdf then I realised my software did not compressed the file, therefore the size was still the same. But I decided to try again, sending it to my supervisor... And U know what? It seems that the email was sent successfully. Can anyone tell me why?

I tell you why, my birth elements must have clashes with fri, the 13th. HAAAAA!!!

Buffet, Steamboat & Surprise!

2009-03-13T17:58:00.015Z

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Cool

Ning asked us (flatmates) and two of her close friends out for advanced birthday dinner on Thursday evening. She brought us to a chinese restaurant in Pontypridd which is a 20 minutes train ride away.

The food was so much better than China China. Ning said we could get some buffet before the steamboat arrived. Frankly speaking, I don't expect much from the chinese restaurants here but this place served quality food! The prawns were so BIG! I grabbed a few of them, and the BBQ prok ribs was so good too!!

Hee... steamboat arrived shortly... there was more choices here and the raw prawns were very sweet :)

The end of our ridiculous food order

We had too much food. Someone has ordered everything from the menu each. We were ridiculous but not as ridiculous as one of my friend who ordered 90 plates of beef for a table of 17, even the boss was shocked! Later in the night, we had a surprise for Ning. At midnight, we knocked at her door with a birthday cake...

Alamak Mr Jeff! Your birthday song very out of tune... Sighs!

And of course, we ended up eating again. Luckily, the cake was small...

Unicef Charity Concert

2009-03-08T13:57:00.011Z

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Cool

Despite my hectic work, I decided to contribute some time on last friday for a good cause. After meeting with Sam, I rushed off to help out in the Unicef charity concert held in our music school! I was in charge of ticketing and raffle tickets.

Some of the ladies. Rachel is super tall!

Our President, Alex hosting the concert Some sales going on...

Wow!! Pretty cookies and cakes!!

While waiting for the concert to end... we had fun with pictures!

Sighs... Sam never stop playing!

UPdates

2009-03-07T10:22:00.007Z

Mood:Nostalgic Health:Good Weather:Cool

It has been quite a while since I last updated my blog. The reason? As usual - BUSY! I need to submit my dissertation in a week time to my project supervisor. Talking about Sam, I have such enormous gratitude towards him. He never failed to praise me when I got so little to show him, this made me so embarrassed! I realised that finite element modelling is a tricky one, and I keep getting stuck, my process was slow... very slow. Sam understood my unavoidable delay. I have spent so much time, doing everything I could possibly think of, to achieve the results comparable to the experiment. It was tricky... very tricky. As the days passed, the demon battling inside me, warned me " YOU would never finish your project successful :( "

Yesterday, I met Sam and was stunned by his outfit. He was wearing suit. The last time I saw him in suit was last year in one of his lecture and the students (guys) whistled as he walked down to the stage. Hahaha. Normally, he dressed in T-shirt and jeans. He must be meeting someone important today. Recently, we have auditors in our school. Two days ago, he changed our meeting because he had a TV interview. Hmmm... Hee...

Back to yesterday, Sam sat with me for over an hour, looking at the models and trying to make sense of everything. I felt touched and dumbed at the same time. He was explaining to me about some mechanical concepts, my goodness... I DON'T UNDERSTAND AT ALL! I hope that somehow, a miracle would happen and I would get my expected modelling results. Sam said, if I could get it works properly, I might be the one person to achieve this! WOW!!! I have a feeling that Sam is looking forward to my dissertation!

All right, project aside. What have I been doing lately? Well, I got this book from a hospital library 'Knife to the Heart'. A broken love story? No, I was trying to get some books for the heart transplant and artificial heart. As I picked up this book, I was thinking 'it is going to be another dry topic'. However, this is the most amazing science book I have ever read! It is about the history of transplants and the stories of surgeons and patients. It features some pictures, some were great because they lived, some were upsetting because they died. The pictures of cute little babies who died after heart transplants pierced into my heart especially the one with the eyes that tell you his story. Then, I felt insane when I learnt that baboon hearts were transplanted into babies and when the brain of a monkey is taken out and placed into another. Insane! REALLY INSANE!

Unfortunately, I only manage to finish the second chapter (due to time constraints) before I had to return it :( I would recommend this book to anyone, it is so easy to read and understand.

OK, what is next? This time round, I missed food from home. The feeling was much stronger than when I first came to UK. Check out what I had.

Glutinous rice balls - sesame (my favourite flavour)

Squid dumplings smell nice but taste was disappointing. I missed dumplings from Crystal Jade!

Substitute beef balls noodles with Swedish meat balls and pasta. So pathetic!

Birthday Girl

2009-02-24T01:41:00.003Z

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Cold

It is Delonia birthday tomorrow and the rest of us prepared dinner for a small celebration. I made sweet and sour pork balls and a dish of vegetables. Ning made fried rice cakes and sweet potato. Jeff made fried squid and milk butter chicken. Mika helped with frying, cleaning and washing.

Later after midnight, their friends came over and had a surprise for Delonia - birthday cakes and gifts.

When I thought I got the POWER!

2009-02-19T16:57:00.012Z

When you have enough... it is enough.

My tolerance had reached the maximum peak... I can't stand it anymore and told one of my flatmate this afternoon that...

"Hello. I am sorry that I have to tell you this. But I have enough! It seems to me that I have been changing the trash most of the time. And I am very tired that I have to do it almost constantly. The trash is full and obvious, and no one cares, piling it up, making it more difficult to change the trash. I am not always the one who is free. I would appreciate if everyone helps a bit here and there..."

I was in rage! So rage that I ate sandwiches for days so that I don't cook, don't use the kitchen and don't bother with the trash. I went to town after class and brought some cleaning cloth, intending to clean the kitchen on weekend. Surprising, I saw two of my flatmates cleaning the kitchen when I got home. I was thinking...

"I only mentioned about trash, I don't expect you all to clean the kitchen!"

Then I start to think about how effective my flare was in helping to keep the shared premises clean, and awakened everyone's sense in hygiene, being responsible and considerate. Wow!

However, one of them told me something after the cleaning that changes my preception 20 minutes ago...

What is it?

The pushing force in cleaning up the kitchen was not from me, but a letter from the management saying about the state of our kitchen and they will come for checking tomorrow. So that is the reason for everyone awakening! What a coincidence! Sighs... I thought I have the power! Then I was thinking, would they think that I was the one who complain to the management which I didn't? Oops :X !!!

But you know what? I don't give a damn! If I need to be portrayed as a villain then let it be, as long as I get things done and lessons learnt for these people. Sounds familiar? Yes, very familiar... my bosses and my parents... Shhh...

Finally Up and Running

2009-02-18T18:55:00.003Z

"For weeks, I have been stuck in my finite element modelling. It was ridiculous about how much time was spent on it. Finally, I got it worked this morning. All thanks to the forum and the developer who solved my problems. It was a big step in moving on. I only got less than a month to complete my project and my report (got to submit to my supervisor 2 weeks before the deadline for checking). Really worrying. I have written some but I know that I still have more to write because I am also doing a technology review which means I have to read 'EVERYTHING' and summarises them. Summarising is also a problem when my vocabulary is not as wide as the locals, and I have to be very careful about plagiarism."

It is going to be me, cleaning up their mess!

2009-02-16T15:41:00.002Z

I am getting more and more annoyed with my flatmates. I have been changing the fulled trash bags in the kitchen most of the time. No one seems to care. They just keep piling up even if their messes fell off and littered the floor and obviously, didn't bother to pick them up.

We got onions skins, fruit skin, packaging from instant noodles, papers, fork, strips from carrot and celery, broccoli bits ... on the floor. "The floor must be very hungry!"

Not only the floor is hungry, the table top is also full of rubbish. And one idiot left a takeaway box with chicken bones for days at the sink where it should be in the bin. I have a huge urge to clean up the kitchen today but I have no time. I guess I will do the dirty job on weekend.

Friday, the 13th

2009-02-14T02:59:00.004Z

Mood:Tired Health:Good Weather:Cold

I was practically doing nothing at all after I came back from school in the evening. I had my dinner and watched a 90 min documentary. Today had been quite overwhelming. I was tired and headed for bed after that around 10pm and woke up at 1am by my dry throat quenching for thirst. I knew that I won't be able to get back to sleep again... as the day still haunts my mind.

So here I am, writing a post at 3am...

I had a group discussion in the afternoon and it turned out to be quite nasty. 'U know who no.2' mocked at me and was very sarcastic during the discussion. Reflecting few months ago, I was kind enough to send her our group work though she had done nothing. If I were to be mean, I couldn't have done it for the fact that she had not contributed. She had no idea that she had bitten the hands that fed her. Despite that I don't like her that much after that coursework, I still try to treat her with the best humanism I can.

Later during lecture, we sort of having a debate because each group had different views on a topic. When the lecturer asked for my view, I had to say something which supported my group. What came out from my mouth sparked the most engaging controversy which I had never expected. I was speaking on the reality side, and I know how harsh it could be. Trust me, I would never want to say something like that, like most of them, I do wish everyday is beautiful.

Perhaps, it wasn't that bad to be on the evil side until the lecturer kind of twisted my views and the atmosphere blew up. There was opposition and some acknowledged that what I have said was facts. I was not wrong or right, so were the rest. Everything wasn't that horrible until 'u know who no.2' who was in my group and supposed to support me, betrayed me by siding with the opposition. I was stunned.

I was in total silent and I prefer to keep it this way. Some time, silent seems to be the best solution. Over the years, I learned that some things are best never mentioned. I am not sure how many times she is going to 'stab' me further and I am not sure if I could maintain that sense of serenity and calm composure for long.

At the end of the day, I realised it was Friday, the 13th...

Untitled

2009-02-10T07:57:00.000Z

What is result? What is victory?

Most people tend to categorise them into different levels. In most eyes, victory is always the extreme. The higher it goes, the better it is. I am not sure, but I wondered how people thinks of this quiet girl who seems to have no victory at all.

In fact, her earlier existence among her peers, have brought her to their stages before. Her untold experiences in life are vast and unimaginable. Her stories were more exciting than the drama on the black box. Who could imagine that? Only a few "lucky" ones who witness it. Even the ones, only manage to get bits and pieces of it except may be one or two.

Whether it was almost a full puzzle or bits of it, they had to slap themselves a few times to prove that the picture they seen was not a dream. Eventually, they knew all was true, for her eyes revealed it all.

The worst might seem to be over, the progress might seem to be slow. To her, she knew it was victory. She knew that she is great... if you looked into her past... though it is not the greatest.

Half a century down the road, her legacy might be brought to light, not in papers and ink but in the most popular technology. Probably by then, you would never know her...

Life is beautiful...

2009-02-09T16:27:00.003Z

Mood:Busy Health:Good Weather:Raining

This final year has been quite a crazy one. Everyday, I am dealing with finishing my coursework in time. However, this final year was quite interesting as well. I am involved with more biology, a subject that I always wanted to do but never had the chance.

Who could believe that after so many years, and where it seems impossible, that I am able to pursue something which I had missed earlier...

This spring semester, I am involved in neonatal, artificial heart and orthopaedic. There are LOADS of reading to do but very interesting! As I go deeper into biology, my appreciation in the human body system grew. Human body is such a wonder! The system is working so hard in maintaining every aspects of our well- being. How could one let them down? This probes me to take care of my body as long as I live.

Hmm... less fat, less sugar, less salt, more vegetables and fruits, less meat... Sighs... Let me think about it...

Snow Over, Creativity Lives...

2009-02-09T09:15:00.005Z

Mood:Pity Health:Good Weather:Cold

Snowing was over... How I wished I could enjoy more of it! Yet somehow, I am looking forward to summer. I longed for lighter clothing and less winter hassle. Although the snow had caused traffic congestion and lost of money plus weakening the bad economic, it also brought lots of creativity and fun to most people in the UK.

How creative and fun it is? Look at the following pictures sent by some British from all parts of the UK to the BBC:

Even the animals looked extra- cute...

Cub seeing snow for the first time

Advanced Lunar 15 lunch!

2009-02-08T15:10:00.007Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

My flatmates and I went to Riverside Cantonese restaurant for lunch today. It was a last minute decision made by Jeff at 3am in the morning...
We ordered around 13 dishes, we had dim sim, side dishes and noodles. After that, we went to the Chinese supermarket around the restaurant and I got glutinous rice balls!! I have not had rice balls (tang yuen) for 2 years already. Since tomorrow is the last day of Chinese new year, I am going to cook rice balls for dessert :) Haha... What is your plan for lunar day 15?

Heavier Snow *

2009-02-05T08:38:00.004Z

Mood:Nice Health:Good Weather:Snowing

In the early wee of the morning, snowing started again. It seems to be even heavier than the one on Monday...

Yeah... can have second round of SNOW WARS later!!

Feels like boycotting lesson today... if only tomorrow sch is cancelled... that will be NICE! Then I can escape from 2 presentations. I love my surname but I always ended up being the first one to present based on alphabetic order :(

Cold but I am all right!

2009-02-04T20:32:00.003Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

I was surprised why everyone was asking me about the cold weather here at the same time...

A few friends from home have sent their concern to me, after being informed about the cold snowy weather in UK from the news. Thank you all! I didn't know that the weather in UK caught so many attention until I went to check out the news online.

I have no clue that hundreds of school were closed in Wales because of the snow. It doesn't affect me as I don't have to go to university for 3 days? Why so special? Our lecturers let us off for our own research. Hahaha!

South African Owl

2009-02-04T19:38:00.004Z

Check this out! It is so funny!

Playing with SNOW!

2009-02-02T22:10:00.015Z

Mood:Excited Health:Good Weather:Snowing

It has been snowing for a few hours after evening. Later in the night, some residents went out to play in the show.

So how could I miss out the fun?

Wow! So beautiful right?

Camera captured the snow flake & it's shadow falling down my cheek!

This is me and Ning, my best flatmate!

My nose is red from the cold. What a clown looking Sam! And my fingers were freezing cold!!

Ning made two mini snow women, the smaller one is me of course!

Ning asked why did I poise as a monkey? So we decided to make the funny additional video below! Haha!

First experience :)

2009-02-02T16:04:00.007Z

Mood:Cool Health:Good Weather:Snowing!

I was stepping out of my flat for groceries shopping... and I saw "rain".

"(sighs)... raining again!"

Then I realised it was not rain but billion of white tiny flies buzzing around.

"Goodness! Is there a rotting corpse around here to attract these irritating flies?"

Then with a closer look, I realised it was...

SNOW!

Ok, I know! I am over- excited but you can't blame me for seeing REAL snow for the first time in my life. Snowing is particularly rare in Cardiff, the city area compared to mountainous areas in Wales. Beside, snowing happens when there is right temperature and right humidity.

I was disappointed when the snowing stopped when I left the supermarket for home. However, heaven must be kind to me! Shortly after I reached home and staring outside my window while boiling a cup of English tea, I saw what I wanted to see...

And this time, I got my camera and video ready. Hahaha...

Snowing outside Sam's window

The adventure of Pankun and James

2009-01-31T12:12:00.004Z

Totally impressed with Pankun...

Pankun and James have shot a series of shows where Pankun has demonstrated wisdom, kindness and emotion in real life situations. Unfortunately, Pankun who used to live with her human family, was forced to go to the zoo after the series were screened. It was said that the chimpanzee has been too 'human'. If you saw the last episode where Pankun bid farewell to his "grandpa", you would be touched by this creature who shown her humanity, even greater than human himself sometimes.

I felt in between about Pankun being sent to the zoo and being separated from her "family"...

So Funny! HAHAHA...

2009-01-29T20:29:00.000Z

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2009-01-28T16:54:00.003Z

Found something familiar with Chinese New Year...

It is clementine, which comes from the mandarin orange family. Oh, it is so small and so cute. Like an orange for a baby...

Ah yo! So cute right? I don't even want to eat it...

Spring semester sucks...

2009-01-27T15:07:00.004Z

Mood:Sighs Health:Good Weather:Cool

This spring semester, the way the modules were taught, caught most of us. What happened?

1. went for class
2. given a topic
3. work in groups for brainstorming for 10-15 mins
4. briefing from lecturers
5. dispersed for own research
6. submit report the following week or do a presentation

We have this sort of format before but they exist in one module per semester. This time, the lecturers do this for all our modules except one.

You know what it means? Lots of coursework again... (Sighs... my senior told me this semester should be more relaxing... Maybe the format has changed.)

The worst thing was having 'u know who no. 2' in our group. She is the one who does nothing. Bad luck! I have a bad feeling that she is going to trash us 3 times because she is in our group for 3 modules. Her 'no contribution' in group work or even her own work has given her a reputation in our class!

The rest of the groups must have felt "phew" when she came to my group. Some even consoled and wished us "good luck"! Damn!

Best wishes from someone who is not celebrating...

2009-01-26T00:00:00.002Z

Wishing all "HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!"

(I always find celebrating Chinese New Year a hassle. I am glad that I was able to break the tradition since last year! No reunion dinner with my family, no cleaning up list from my mum, and many other fuss. Yeah!)

Chinese New Year = 1st day of my spring semester!

WOW!

2009-01-24T23:57:00.005Z

Ning made us spring onion snack today!!

She made the paste using flour (bread) and water. Then she added sliced spring onions and dried small prawn. Like making pancakes, she put a scoop of the mixture into a pan with some oil and pan-fried them. Ning made it very well by not making the snack too thick so that it turned out very crispy and delicious!

My first sesame ginger chicken after 11 years...

2009-01-24T16:46:00.005Z

Mood:Nostalgic Health:Good Weather:Good

Hmm... this afternoon... for the first time, I cooked ginger sesame oil chicken. It was 11 years ago when I last had it! Wow... such a long time? Yes, it was cooked by my mum for my sister-in-law after she gave birth to my little nephew!

So long ago, but I think I still remembered how it was done...

This is Sam's ginger sesame oil chicken but in darker version :)

UPDATES

2009-01-21T17:35:00.007Z

Mood:Tired Health:Good Weather:Cool

If you have been reading my blog, you would know that I have finished my exam (applause) today. And probably, it is self- explanatory that I used to be super busy since I am digging up pictures taken 3 weeks ago to be put up here now.

Exam has been... hmm... Well, I have lost quite a lot of energy for the first three papers, and taking things really slow for my last two papers. Exam was really straining especially when the dates were so close to one another. Perhaps, getting old is another factor.

Three weeks ago, the kitchen became my room. In order to motivate myself for the exam, I devised a plan - revising with Ning and keeping an eye on each other. The plan worked very well. We would arrange to meet in the kitchen in the morning and revise until after midnight.

Some times, we would cook a dish each and share. The feeling of motivating, encouraging and looking after each other was great especially when I was sick again before exam.

Luckily Ning, she had less papers than me and finished them a week earlier. Now she is on short trip enjoying before the spring semester starts :( while I still have to do my FYP and dissertation after exam!! (Waah...)

Time flies... just one more exam to go before I graduate... Sighs... I got to face the same thing again in about 4 months time :(

Anyway, as I have promised...

NEW YEAR EVE

On the eve before the New Year, Rob and I went to Liquids for count down. There were a couple of popular DJs playing in the club. That night was -5 degrees, super cold yet I don't understand how the local ladies could wear skimpy dresses and walk on the street without coats on. Even their shoes were sandals. My feet already slightly numbed with two layers of socks in knee length boots!

Counting down screen

Liquids was too packed, music was not my type... it was pretty boring. Yet there were not many places to go for countdown. How's New Year in Singapore??

2009-01-21T16:46:00.012Z

THE MORNING OF NEW YEAR!

I was still half- awaken on the morning of New Year day. Didn't get much sleep on the bed after counting down and partying in town until 3am+! My devilish functions told me to abandon Jeff for the New Year prayer and continued sleeping, but my conscience didn't allow me to do that for a good reason...

Jeff doesn't know the way to Ling's house :( And I have promised him that we will walk there together and I will be his guide.

The long walk and the cool air by the park was refreshing. The weather was still very cold with minus degrees. After a long walk, we finally reached Ling's house and was greeted by her and Woon's warmness. So cold that I requested for a hot cup of tea which was ... HEAVEN!

Despite being so exhausted, I was glad to be there to do my first hour of chanting on this significant day. A strong prayer to lead the rest of the year...

After that, Woon and Ling served us snacks (which turned out to be lunch) and beverages. I believed Ling got my all time favourite 'smoked salmon' dip on purpose that day. Wow... so good :)

Smoked salmon dip on crackers with cucumbers. Hmm... yum yum!!

Vegetarian pizza which tasted unbelievable good! Two thumbs up!!

Cute mini pizza taste lost out to vegetarian pizza. Sighs...

WOW!!! Chocolates from Thorton!!

Later in the afternoon, Woon and Ling brought us to Thompson park near their house. It was so cold that the water in the lake has turned to ice...

Magic show: Pigeons walking on "water"

(No joking! One wrong step... the ice cracks and you will be buried in the freezing water :X)

Ice forming down from the status legs

The guys were so cold that they ran to the car for warmth while Ling and I were observing the icy lake. Sighs... Woman is still the stronger one!!

2009-01-21T16:13:00.014Z

NEW YEAR DINNER WITH FLATMATES

On the 3rd Jan, I had a belated New Year dinner with my flatmates as some of us were not available on New Year eve or New Year day!

Hey, we are 'steady' ok! We got a professional steamboat unlike some of you using rice cooker! Hahaha!!

We got vegetables, beef, fish and beef balls, seafood, rice cakes, lotus, mushrooms, sausages and noodles!

Sorry ladies, the vapour has ruined your faces! Just pretend you are 'angels rising from heaven' like those ancient chinese drama. Oops :X

Happy people from left: Jin, Ning, Delonia and Jeff. Jin was our guest and also supplier for the chinese food that evening like rice cakes, herbal tea, lotus, fish balls and chilli sauce :)

Jeff munching happily

After a heavy meal, we had Swedish almond tarta cake with chocolate coating. No space for dessert also must eat!

Hmm... the next steamboat... for the coming Chinese New Year??

The mood before the last paper...

2009-01-20T21:36:00.003Z

Tomorrow is my last paper... I have lost some of my fighting spirit since the electronics exam. The lecturer had dropped us a note to apologise for the mistake and re-assured that those who did that questions will be credited necessarily.

For the past 20 days, I have been working my brain so hard in memorising loads of information. And I wondered, if I will die of 'brain dead' one day at the examination hall. The brain is too exhausted to function again...

Since the day I had my first university exam, I felt that exam is a gambling test. What a foolish thought I had in the past, thinking that my coursemates were a group of geniuses, who could grasp everything and I was a dumb one with limited memory space. Then I realised, all of us were actually playing the same game - gambling by studying some parts of the module and hoping it would come up. Good news is that my gambling skills has improved gradually since day one of exam. Still, I must agreed that my coursemates were a group of smarties for a few reasons.

All right, I am going back to revise for my last paper with ever going reminder to push myself to the limits which is a little tricky at this moment...

The New President

2009-01-20T21:35:00.003Z

It was through this video that I knew about Obama (before he was elected as the president). Like most of the viewers, we thought "this man was so cool!" On this day, a major event had happened in U.S. and worldwide - Barack Obama is the 44th Presidenct.

Breaking out

2009-01-18T21:48:00.007Z

It is me again... I know I shouldn't be online until my last paper is over but I felt so raged now. I felt that exam is going to murder me soon.

I haven't get over my previous exam incident yet then yesterday, as I was looking through another module past year exam questions, which I am going to be examine on coming Wednesday, my blood pressure went up. The notes given by the lecturer were very scattered, with information here and there. Reading them had already made me sick. Also, some of the answers to the questions were not given in the lecture notes. I was so raged.

So raged that I turned in early, I couldn't revise anymore, not even looking at other module which is more 'calming'. This afternoon, I went to the library, hoping to solve the puzzles. I spent 3 hours, only manage to find 1.5 answer, the rest remained a mystery. I was so raged. Why?

Because, the answers to the mysteries were not from books recommended. I felt so headache in the library, picking up books and flapping pages and pages for something familiar to the exam. My blood pressure went up again... I was hungry and angry.

I felt like pushing down all the book shelves, and seeing them collapsing one after another like poker cards. If only I could scream like I was possessed too...

So rage... so rage...

SHITTY!!

2009-01-16T11:46:00.003Z

Planned to update my blog after my exams but today was such a bad day that I felt that I need to release all my foul moods here...

I had my electronic engineering exam about 3 hours ago. It was HORRIBLE! It was so difficult to do. The first digital question had already made me so confused! The solution did not telly with the stated answer. Then we realised after the exam... the lecturer who wrote the question made a mistake -_-'''

The mistake really spoiled my mood during the exam. I did another question and I felt that my solutions seem strange again... (Another mistake by the same lecturer?) So my depressing level went up gradually throughout the two hours. At some point, I was so fed up that I don't want to try to write something - which I regretted later because I realised I could answer one 2 marks question. (2 marks can make a difference between a pass or a fail.)

Ok, it is my fault. But you can't blame me when I was so over- whelmed with confusion and in the state of being trapped.

The analog part was more (sighs....). I slept at 12am and woke up at 2.30am to revise my notes again. At 7am, I started to re-do 16 analog examples question before I headed to the examination hall yet nothing similar came out in the paper. The questions were unlike the past year. Feeling heartache? YES I am! Can you imagine how foul I am now?

It is going to be really amazing when the lecturers start marking the papers. Most of us are going to get "amazing" marks.

This was my third paper and I got two more to go...

2009-01-04T00:17:00.003Z

HEY ALL,

"I am going to be MIA for awhile as I will be very busy in the coming weeks. Please come back after that for my updates on New Year day and New Year dinner with my flatmates and more..."

2008-12-26T20:41:00.003Z

"Before I forget, I want to thank those who sent me Christmas card and wishes. Thank you so much!"

Boxing Day at Sanctuary!

2008-12-26T18:01:00.039Z

Mood:Tired Health:Good Weather:Freezing

Our first agenda for Boxing Day was to meet at Rabab's place for breakfast at 10am. I was so tired, I didn't sleep until 3.30am. Reason - I forgot that I am sensitive to caffeine and should have avoided taking them last night during the cheese and crackers course.

Half- awaken Sam

Our main - pancakes and bacon! I LOVE BACON!

We also have cakes, mince pies and Rabab's sweets. Rabab was such a wonderful host! She took care of us and was the last person to sit down and had her food even on Christmas.

If you don't believe how amusing Gary is... see below...

He is so funny when he speaks, moves, smiles and laughs. Hahaha... I think I will die of laughter if I am with him for too long!

Soon, we set off to Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary in Upper Swansea Valley...

Today I learnt that Rabab drives. She normally cycled around Cardiff. Her reasons - don't see the need to have a car by herself and be environmental friendly :)

Our final destination after a long drive:

My feedback to Sanctuary - don't place the bin with the signboard please!

" My name is Thunder"

The first animal to greet us is Thunder. Thunder looked like a huge siberian husky but in fact, he is a wolf. His companion is a white beautiful wolf named Lightning.

It was a sunny day but freezing. Some of my pictures were blurred because I have to remove my gloves and take the pictures really fast and keep my hands in gloves again. It was so cold!

It was a pity that there were many cute and beautiful monkeys around but I couldn't take good pictures of them as they were kept indoors with dirty see through panels. I saw monkeys with the coolest hair- do, beautiful eyes and furs!

Also some of them were too far from the fence for a closer look

Except myself. Haha... (see carefully! I am no longer having dark eyes!)

From front: Junichi, James, Ceclia & Gary

One of my favourite - the Capuchin

Found my another friend - the red Fox!

Showing off their beautiful furs and grace!

I was not lying when I said it was cold. Poor chimpanzee!

No offends but I was glad that Halloween was over!

" I liked red pepper!!"

As I was walking around, I caught a pair of eyes staring at me... monitoring my every moves...

Haha... just joking!!

The BIGGEST & FATTEST PIG I ever seen!

Noticed anything about my hoodies? It was my new hoodies from Engineering school!

With my name on it :)

It was so cold! I can't wait to get inside the cottage at the Sanctuary. My hands were freezing even with gloves on!

What a cosy and warm place!!

At first I thought there was this toy cat on the table because it was motionless. But at closer look, I realised it was a real cat! This mimi was enjoyable the warmth from the fireplace. It kept staring at it and I wondered what it was thinking... magic?? Hmm...

"Let me introduce you to my friend behind me in the cage!"

"This is smarty - the smallest monkey here!"

Looking red from the cold and warming myself up

The staff was kind to let us use the table and chairs in the cafe even though we were not ordering food from her and had our packed lunch. However, we did order a few cups of hot tea to warm our bodies.

Even the house cat from the Sanctuary joined us

This was an amazing day but tiring! I dozed off in the car twice. Don't forget, I only slept for a couple of hours! I need to go back to my work now. I only have a week left for all my tasks! Sighs... Terrible terrible!!

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-26T00:44:00.026Z

Mood:Great Health:Good Weather:Cold

I arrived at Rabab's place in the afternoon. Like the rest, we all helped with washing, chopping, peeling etc. Junichi impressed me with his peeling skills! He done the potato and carrot very well!

On the left was Rabab who has been busying with all our dinner. On the right was Renee from US.She was a terrific helper to Rabab!

The aroma of food soon filled up the kitchen... I was getting hungry... I can't wait for the table to be cleared and set --> can't wait to tuck in!! Haha...

Table setting. Junichi sat on the right

Red and wine wines are common! How about Sake for Christmas?

The first course is pumpkin soup. Isn't it professionally done?

This was my favourite side dish. It was baked potato and carrot. However, it looked like baked crab meat or prawn. Oooo... don't you agreed?

Renee brought special rice! It was from US. The flavour and texture was totally different from the normal rice we have. This was chewy and tasty.

I was hungry but not greed. I had a little of everything! Roasted chicken and potato, red cabbage, US rice and baked potato and carrot! Renee's roasted chicken was great! This was the best roasted chicken I ever had! Have you ever tasted dried and blend chicken. Renee's one was tasty and juicy and the skin was crispy. Wow...

Renee was such a fantastic chief! Don't think that her red cabbage is just normal steamed red cabbage! It was slow cooked for hours with real apple juice, herbs and other ingredients!

Enjoying not just good food but dialogue as well!

From clockwise: Bridget, Jocie, Nick, Rabab, Renee, (Junichi & Sam missing) and Gary. Gary was sitting beside me. He was a tall and tough man. I would never expect humour coming from this ruffian- looking guy! (Shhh... please don't tell him that I said that) He was so funny!! I was laughing so much! Hahaha!!!

The last course... DESSERTS!

You would never imagine. We had 5 different desserts tonight! This was the longest dessert serving I ever had...

Christmas pudding is a must! Rabab steamed it for more than 3 hours, warmed brandy was poured over it. Then she tried to light up the pudding but it was unsuccessful. What a pity!

Never mind...just eat. It was served with Rabab's special brandy cream sauce... Ooo...

Next is Renee's baked clementine cake.

Then different cheese. Guess which is my favourite?

My favourite was this creamy garlic cheesy with herbs on it. Hmm... looked like swiss roll though!

Cheese, crackers and grapes... (suddenly I felt like a mouse)

Mince pie

I thought the mince pie was made of mince meat. A bit to my disappointment, it was sweetened fruits inside.

The last dessert - Rabab's home made sweets

I don't know what they are called exactly. It has some sort of peanuts fillings and crispy skin on top! It was a traditional sweet from Arab or Iraq I think...

Ate so much today... luckily Rabab in advanced, planned to go to the sanctuary tomorrow. This will help us to burn some energy from our food. Good night! I am going to have good rest for tomorrow! Finger-crossed that the weather will be great!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000Z

WISHING ALL A MERRY X'MAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Last Christmas...

2008-12-24T11:50:00.002Z

Mood:Excited Health:Good Weather:Cool

The days still remained vividly in my mind...

It was Christmas and I was all alone in the flat. Even in the whole hall, there seems to be hardly any soul. Everyone has went home for Christmas. It was quiet... very quiet. I felt like I am the only surviving soul...

//Felt myself linked to the movie 'I am legend'. Will Smith is the only surviving human. The only exception is that, he got a dog for company whose name is Samantha. //

Ice- cream was my consolation, sweet yet cold...

BUT THIS TIME

I am going to have a different Christmas!! I was invited to Rabab's place for Christmas dinner! I knew that I am going to have great time with Rabab, our friends and some new friends! A thoughtful Rabab also have planned to go to Swansea Valley to see my friends - the monkeys on Boxing day!!

IT IS GOING TO BE EXCITING!

Looking forward to a reunion...

2008-12-23T21:47:00.003Z

Mood:Thoughtful Health:Good Weather:Cool

A few hours before Christmas eve, I dropped a last minute emails to all my ex-colleagues to wish them merry Christmas. It was upsetting as I was keying in the recipients addresses... the list has become shorter and it will be even shorter on the last day of 2008.

Some have left, and more will be leaving. A warmth and fun- loving big 'family' in my working life has become smaller and scattered even since I embarked on a challenging journey. Since this summer, I have been wondering if there is a possibility of a reunion one day. I longed for that kind of nonsense and fun, that kind of trust and warmth, that kind of care and concern...

It has been a difficult year. And I hoped that the new year would bring tremendous good fortune and happiness to everyone!

Love Yourself the Way You Are...

2008-12-22T22:17:00.004Z

Mood: Tired Health: Good Weather:Cool

In my fridge compartment, you would never fail to see a 2L Coka Cola or Pepsi or desserts of any kind. In the past, I don't fancy sweets. However, early this semester, my tastebuds seems to turn upside down. I graved for a glass of pop frequently... Dessert at the end of the day becomes a daily routine...

Comparing is never ending. Infact, it makes blood boil and eyes green. Love yourself more. Beauty is the way how a woman carry herself.

(Sam is just lucky to inherit her dad's genes :) Yeah!! )

Who turned on her lights?

2008-12-22T11:33:00.004Z

Mood:Panic Health:Good Weather:Cold

The mystery has been solved...

As what I have expected, Ning realised that the light in her room was the reflection from a diagonal room. It was not a paranormal experience. Sighs... That was what I have observed much earlier on before she shared her experience with me. It was difficult to convince her when she was in a disoriented state.

The Chinese has this saying about human can frighten human but not ghost. Hmm... Translation correct? A clear mind certainly make a great deal of sense!

Eat...Eat...and Eat...

2008-12-18T16:07:00.008Z

Mood:Nostalgic Health:Good Weather:Cold

It is never a good idea to stay at home...

Half of the time, I was doing my work, and half of the time, I was looking for food...

The egg custard tarts here have less egg flavour and it is served cold instead of hot. But I like it!

Fresh cream scorns are easier to make! Scorns are cheap here! Just get a pack, a jar of strawberry jam and a bottle of fresh cream from the supermarket. Cut the scores into half, spread some jam on one and spray cream on it. Cover it with the other half and you get STRAWBERRY FRESH CREAM SCONE! Served it cold and it tasted great!

Wizard Fairy Cakes are cute and sweet! Great for an afternoon tea :)

I better start going to the library to avoid eating...eating... and eating non- stop at home!

First day of Holiday, First day in Hell.

2008-12-13T10:41:00.004Z

Many people might be thinking "It is holiday! Time to enjoy!"

For me, it is going to be another dreadful period. I have to study for my five coming exam papers in January, finished two coursework, write my FYP report, generate my FYP finite element modelling and prepare FYP presentation. Frankly speaking , three weeks of holiday is not enough for all these tasks.

No wonder, my senior who is now a PhD student told me that was the most dreadful Christmas she ever had... Sighs. And now it is my turn :(

End of Summer Term

2008-12-12T19:11:00.010Z

Mood:Tired Health:Good Weather:Cold

Today is the last day of my summer term. It is a day that I wished it wouldn't come...

It was hell, rushing to complete my last coursework in the summer term. I spent quite a lot of time analysing the mechanics of a fracture fixation plate. The mechanical calculation got more complicated each time and I felt really sick! Three days ago, I realised I need to re- calculate most of my mathematical equations after hearing what the rest were doing... I felt like crying.

Three days! I don't know how am I supposed to get it done. I need the mathematical solution which is quite complicated, generate the finite element modelling, analyse the results then finish my report. A moment like this made me want to give up and submit nothing. It was so easy to do that than just hanging on. After all, it won't be good work in such a limited time. So what the point?

//XX came into my mind at this stage. He didn't submit a coursework last year because it was a difficult one and he gave up. I remembered that I spent 3 weeks struggling with the solution and all I could squeeze out from my tiny brain was half the task, and not completed correct. I was surprised to get 55% for it, it was not equivalence to what I have produced.

"Just write something, don't just submit nothing!! At least you got some marks!" I told him.//

Ok...the point is, I don't want to be like him. I managed to get half of my new mathematical solution done, run my finite element and completed half of the report (full format with no depth because of limited time). It was not the kind of work I would like to submit really - this is what I called 'trash'. But no submission is even worse!

I wished I will not go through another roller coaster like this again! The tension, panic and the rush was mad! Half an hour before the office closed, I went in to submit this coursework. Hmm... I guessed I am the last person to do that.

As I was walking back home, I saw many pulling their luggages and carrying big bags. They were going home for christmas.

//What's the hurry? You all just finished classes today! If I were you, I would take a few days off before heading home. I guessed the adrenaline still lingered inside me. I need a break. I am so tired and hungry... //

All I had for the day was one cookie and two small carrot cakes. There was no time to have a decent meal. I must have a better dinner then! What for dinner? It is sam's chicken curry.

Going to Zzz after dinner...

It is going to be X'mas soon, not halloween or the 7th month!

2008-12-08T20:00:00.010Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

Few minutes ago, Ning shared her troubles with me. She was puzzled...

Twice, she saw the light in her room were lit as she was walking into our building. However, the light was off as she entered into her room. What was going on? She was very sure that when it happened the second time, it was not her eyes that were playing tricks on her.

She tried to console herself by giving lots of reason on why this happened. Light faulty? The management staff did a room check? There were so many reasons that I felt it wasn't so straight forward. First, the light shouldn't be only faulty when she went out, she has no problem with the lights whenever she is in her room. Secondly, there is no reason why the staff came into her room. My concrete reasons: she didn't call to report any fault or whatsoever. The second time when this phenomena happened, it was on a saturday evening. There was no management staff around except security guard and maintenance staffs. Even if a staff came into her room, I could have heard something like knocking. (I am staying right next to her and I was around the whole day.)

Maybe the staff did not knock? Come on, don't be ridiculous! It is intruding for staff to enter into our private premises like that! What if I am in the toilet and come out naked to see a staff in my room!! They surely knock. This was what the staff did EVERYTIME in the hall I stayed last term. And if they came into our room when we were absence, they would leave a note on the table.

Since we are living on the first level (in SGP, it is regarded as the 2nd level), it takes less than 2 minutes to enter the building and into our flat. The staff can't be leaving at such a good timing isn't it? Besides, Ning didn't bump into anyone as she was on the way.

Ning was absolutely sure about
1. none of her stuffs were touched or stolen
2. she locks her room everytime she leaves
3.she switches off the lights when she goes out
4.her eyes were not playing tricks particularly on the 2nd time

"There was no mistake! I was returning with a friend on saturday evening and I was standing right below my room! It was lit! And since it was already dark, I could tell the obvious difference between whether it was lit or not!"

So Who has turned on and off her lights? I can't find a scientific explanation either and I shivered when she told me this. Gosh, I am staying right beside her!! The worst thing was, I have been watching series about haunted UK :X for the past few nights!! OMG!!

Like Ning, I have the habit of looking into my room as I walked into the building. So far (finger-crossed), I have never witnessed any strange encounter. I guessed I better stop doing that now...

I still remembered when I experienced such incidents, my dad would brush me off and he is a firm believer that ghost doesn't exist. I am not sure if he really is, maybe he doesn't want to frighten me. For my mum, she would advise me to place my prayer beads and book beside my bed. And I felt so much better. I gave Ning my extra beads so that she can put it in her room too.

Do you guys still remembered my experience around last Christmas?? It was an unexplained phenomenon too.... Click on my archives to read about it!

I better sleep with the lights on...

Medical X'mas Dinner!

2008-12-07T23:29:00.010Z

Mood:Good Health:Stomachache Weather:Very cold

Like last year, the Medical Engineering went for a Christmas dinner today but it seemed to be quieter... a few were not around due to work. And unlike last year, Christmas hats, crackers and surprises were not given, the mood for Christmas was missing...

However, food was much cheaper. We got good student bargain! One for one main by printing the voucher online!!

A few of my ex- coursemates who went for placement this year and some current ones

I think the most important thing was seeing everyone and catching up especially those who went for placements this year. They are actually the smarter ones... hahaha... that means I have less competition this year!!

My pasta 'pollo pesto'

My Vanilla ice- cream (Find myself looking like a wax figure)

My girls tempted me with desserts! On the other hand, a good meal must always end with a dessert to be complete! I was astonished that my ice- cream came in big servings for a small amount of money! Hee...hee...

2008-12-03T21:30:00.003Z

Jeff was laughing at my food in the kitchen. Do you know why?

See below!

Nothing wrong?

It was absolutely nothing wrong but it was funny because I was having breakfast for dinner! Hahaha...

Best sausages

2008-12-01T11:15:00.007Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

I have been eyeing the expensive sausages with herbs for a very long time ever since I was here. Since, I am making some pounds these days, I decided to "pacify" my cravings. How could you give up the best things in life when it is so short...

Sausages with herbs

Now I realised why the sausages are so expensive. First, it is not the conventional type of sausages most of us have eaten. It is made of real meat - mince meat without flour or artificial flavourings. It was like eating patties.

Also, the sausages are very juicy due to some fats which melted inside when it is cooked. The juice spurted out when I cut the sausages. Some of you might be questioning about the taste... Well, most people would agree that the pork stinks here, but these sausages doesn't have a slightest awful taste (perhaps the herbs have covered it)!!

Juicy mince sausages

This is the best sausages I have even eaten. I believed that this type of sausages are not sold in Singapore even those corners in the supermarkets where they sell better sausages by weight! (Correct me if I am wrong)

Anyone wants to fly here for good sausages??

Annoying Group Member!

2008-11-25T17:51:00.006Z

Mood:Annoyed Health:Good Weather:Cold

She is our new coursemate and I realised how annoying she is!!

We were supposed to work in pairs for our electronics coursework. Since our class has odd number of students, one group might be working alone or in group of three. Gloria and I planned to work together once the coursework information was conveyed to us.

During our first lab session, we were seated in pairs when the girl 'u know who no.2' asked if she could join our group.

"I am not sure. You have to ask the lecturer."

The lecturer gave his consent and that was how things turned out after that...

We were given some hints on the procedure and I was thinking how to do the first step, and 'you know who no.2' was playing with the software. She doesn't even bother to know what we were supposed to do!

For the subsequent lab sessions, I really wished she wasn't there. While Gloria and myself were cracking our brains, she was staring at us and doing absolutely nothing except asking some stupid questions and giving stupid remarks! Then everytime we have some answers, she would question "are you sure this is correct?". And if she was convinced, she started to copy all our solutions.

Both of us were so annoyed with her attitude!

In the last stage, Gloria and I were in the lab, discussing and drawing out our design and doing stimulation. Where was she? She doesn't even bother and I was thinking why did I bother to send her the stimulation results?

If I were nasty, I would send her the wrong results... Some time I wished I could be really mean to some people who deserved it even though it means making more enemies in my life!

Dinner for Today!

2008-11-24T18:47:00.007Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

Weather has been rather cold... a hot pot of curry would warm me up... So I made my version of vege and seafood curry :)

A big bowl of serving!!

It was a pity that the paste wasn't spicy enough or else it would have tasted even better. For a more healthy diet, I used evaporated milk instead of coconut milk. To end my dinner, I had chocolate sundae from Tesco at a special price of 2 for GBP$2! (where has the "healthy diet" gone to?)

Don't drool...

I said "don't drool!!!"

Kaylie's Birthday Party!

2008-11-21T23:58:00.003Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

It was Kaylie's 21st birthday party at her house on friday night. It seemed that none of our coursemates have turned up :( It is not because she is unpopular but she have a theme for that night. Girls must dressed up as pimp and guys as sexy ladies. And also, some of our coursemates went home for the weekend.

The dressing up was not too bad for the girls but I can understand why the guys were relunctant to dress up and gave excurses for not going. I guessed my presence was a kind of assurance though there were so many of her friends attended.

The birthday girl - Kaylie with the stripped hat
Gangster Sam and Jas

Kaylie said I looked like a gangster... Well, that was what I wanted to be... Cool and ruthless! And it seemed that no one dared to look at me on the streets! Hahaha...

Sam's Laska!!

2008-11-18T19:05:00.007Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

Yesterday, I graved very much for home food. I missed Nasi Lemark and Laska! If only someone would send me a hot plate of good nasi lemark with fried fish, fried chicken wing, fried egg, ikan bilis and good chilli... Sighs...

As I was scouring for some home food in my parcel, I came upon Laska paste given to me by Kim Yan! A ha ha... Yes! I can have a taste of home! So I went to get some ingredients from Tesco today to make Laska!

Ning was the lucky girl this evening - my Laska companion!

The final outcome of my Laska sent the both of us drooling...

Hmmm... yummy! Big pot for myself, small pot for Ning. Hee...
Can't wait to eat!!

I burnt my tongue from eating too fast from the boiling soup but it was satisfactory! Ning enjoyed the Laska very much for the first time. Hmmm... what comes next?

2008-11-15T19:40:00.002Z

Today, I have the pleasure of tasting Ning's roast chicken drumstick! She marinated it for a day. Yum Yum!! And I prepared some healthy salad to go with it.

2008-11-15T09:50:00.003Z

Have you ever felt so incompetence in so many ways? Time and time again, I gave my upmost efforts but only to find a tiny sprout and not the fruit... This is so depressing...

Dessert Time!

2008-11-09T13:10:00.004Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cold

One of my favourite dessert- Tiramisu.

I was hesitated to buy tiramisu from Lidl simply because it was cheap. Most of the time, cheaper food tasted awful (from my experience). However, I decided to give this tiramisu from a 'unfamiliar' brand a try. And it turned up to be...

looks good but not sure of the taste
soft and creamy

comparable to the ones sold in Tesco! Phew! Fortunately, I was not throwing money down the bin :) Enjoy!

Sam... you better watch your weight with those sweets :X

1st job in Cardiff

2008-11-08T20:25:00.003Z

This Saturday was a special one...

I was earning pounds$$$! YES! Finally, I got called in for a job. I have been looking for one since early this year. Jobs come in easier when you get recommended. Hmm...curious what I was working as? I was working at the bar in the millennium stadium.

That gone my Saturday and my finger still stinks of beer...

Another One Gone...

2008-11-07T19:07:00.008Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

Finally, I am done with my biomechanics report! It took me ages to complete it and some people already questioned about my inefficiency "you have been doing it for quite some time and you are not done?"

I spent a week on it. The last day before my deadline, I only slept for 3 hours just to finish off. This report was the hardest one I ever done so far. Most of my coursemates that I talked to, thought they were submitting craps too.

Why was it so difficult? It is because we have limitation + complication in writing a rigid topic. I was not surprised when I don't see some of my coursemates for days - skipping lectures to write this report.

During the fussy period, I was feeding myself with desserts to keep my spirits up...

Chocolate mousse from Tesco is good and only 68 pence for six of them!

Soft and creamy

See what I told you? Soft and creamy! It melts in your mouth. Hmmm...

Anyway, I am glad that it was over! Huh? Not the dessert dear, it is the coursework! Another gone but more coming in soon... Sighs... More desserts please!!

What can you buy with 50 pence?

2008-11-06T14:36:00.004Z

Got myself something handy today... it is a

MINI SEWING KIT!

And it costs only 49 pence! Hahaha... So cheap! Anyone buttons or hook come off? Sam could do a really good job in sewing ;)

Annoying Residence

2008-11-05T11:12:00.004Z

Mood:OK Health:Good Weather:Cool

I am getting more and more discontented with my hostel management. Nice flat, nice room, good facilties but their management is so inefficient. Letters from the management were mixed up, information in their letters were wronged, faulty gates were not working for months and no repairs were done. And the worst part was when I was almost charged for the summer lettings which I was not responsible for! Could you see how chaotic this small management was?

Terrible Terrible Terrible!

The only thing that I would consider "efficient" was the security system. It was way too tight! Having visitors over was a hassle under the vigilant eyes of the security guard. Visitors have to sign in and out. Furthermore, all the front gates are inactivated after 8pm for security reason and that means I have to walk one big circle from or to the back gate.

I am starting to get really annoyed...

2008-11-04T20:53:00.004Z

Made myself a delicious mussel oyster soup today! The soup base used was actually oyster. And I got cheap mussels as oysters substitution from Tesco at 98 pence per box :) I missed fried oyster from home and oyster bisque from Jack Place...

25th Anniversary of Kosen Rufu in Wales

2008-11-02T23:09:00.007Z

Mood:Tired Health:Better Weather:Cold

I woke up at 5.45am on a Sunday! It was our 25th Kosen Rufu Anniversary in Wales! I had to perform duty as a lilac on this significant day. Our venue was in Swansea. I had to prepare my packed lunch and report at Swansea at 8am. That explained why I need to wake up so early!

Rachie in her red car and red attire

I was lucky to get a lift from Rachie at such an early morning! As you can see, Rachie's favourite colour is red!

Ready to go!!
One word to describe Swansea - Mountainous!
Vast Sea along the road in Swansea
Our Venue - Brangwyn Hall.

Around 600 members attended the event!

Interior of the hall

Posing while on duty? Terrible Sam!

Alisha and myself on duty

Enjoying my cup of English tea! (Jess, Alisha and me)

Some of the highlights - Cultural performances: It was about conflict between two groups of people and how peace was restored eventually.

Saw the red dragon on the right? That is Wales icon!

The grand finale! Today, I heard the best version of 'haha' by a group of children! It was lovely!

Some of the lilacs after the event!Can see me? Not a good idea to stand behind when I am so small!!

Brangwyn Hall in the evening

It had been a long day and I was exhausted. But something thrilled me up when I walked back to my hostel - fire works :)

Difficult to get a good shot though!

School tomorrow - that is sickening!!

Work + Dessert

2008-10-31T20:44:00.006Z

Mood:Tired Health:Itchy Cough Weather:Freezing

I have been flipping through my lab notes, my lecturer notes and two reference books a number of times yet I am still very struck in writing my biomechanics report! Sighs...

It is really too much work this semester and I feel kind of depressed when new courseworks keep coming in while we were still tackling our current ones.

Ning came in just in time when I was feeling low. She offered me dessert - a bowl of sweet potato. It was yummy! I haven't had sweet potato for such a long time! The sweetness did cheer me up a bit.

Guess I need to buy lots of dessert from Supermarket to keep my mood up. No wonder some people put on weight when they are stressed... Sighs... Back to work now :(...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

Cold Cold Cold...

2008-10-30T12:13:00.004Z

Mood:OK Health:Recovering Weather:Freezing

Weather has been very cold! Some parts of UK have already start snowing... Can't believe it! This is only October! Luckily, I got my pair of fur lined boots yesterday :) Some of my skin on my feet had broken and bleed because I wasn't wearing socks and walking around in the terrible cold :S

Better have my hat with me all the time in case my ears fell off!Hahaha...

Weather + Shopping

2008-10-28T21:15:00.007Z

Mood:Busy Health:Recovering Weather:Freezing

Chilly has came earlier than what I have expected. It wasn't so cold around this time last year. So freaking cold... Got to get a pair of fur lined boots to warm my feet. I could feel my feet freezing while walking to school and back to hostel.

Going to be full- geared soon with hat and gloves...

It is going to be my last year in university and I thought I should get a Cardiff University merchandise for memories so...

I brought a hoodies from the student union shop today :) Phew! Luckily I didn't buy hoodies last year because they got better designs and more appealing colours this year! I love my new brilliant pink hoodies! The material is good for the cold weather!

Then I got a free recycled sack bag with my purchase!

Hmm... I could use it for shopping! Very useful and environmental friendly! Not sure about the messages printed on it though... I like Cardiff but I don't love it!

New Porridge Flavour

2008-10-27T20:29:00.004Z

Mood:Busy Health:Recovering Weather:Cold

Been sick for quite some time and have been taking porridge most of the time. Went to the supermarket near my hostel to get some ingredient and they didn't have minced pork, chicken beasts or fresh fish (sighs)!

So I decided to make a new recipe this evening...

SALMON PORRIDGE!

First Future Division Meeting

2008-10-25T19:10:00.008+01:00

Mood:OK Health:Recovering Weather:Chilly

This afternoon, we had a Future Division (FD) Meeting at Liz's house. Some of you might be thinking what was I doing there since I was no longer in the FD group (my age far exceeds the requirement! Haha)

Well, I was a lilac and a photographer for this meeting :)

The Meeting

Today was also one of the member's birthday and we secretly threw a simple celebration for her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!! (Little boy helped big sister to blow the candles!)

Pizza and some snacks

A group picture

I really enjoyed the meeting here. The main reason is because people are so forward with their feelings and experiences whilst in asia, people tend to be conservative (different culture). And there are many reasons why asian are like that. No one would like to share unpleasant experiences especially those regretful ones at their own foolishness.

Yet this sort of story takes a great deal of courage, could determine if your listener would change his opinions on you and make a judgement, then realise he would hang up with better ones, or accept your flaw, never change his good opinion on you and constantly encourage, support and be your best friend.

Dumb Medical System

2008-10-23T12:51:00.004+01:00

So pissed off with the medical system here!

The clinic operates 4.3 hours on 4 days, 1.75 hours on Thursday and totally closed on weekend. How am I suppose to see the doctor while not missing my lessons?

Dumb ass!

2008-10-19T12:33:00.005+01:00

"I realised that university is more of pressurised time management, able to complete the avalanche of courseworks on deadlines than any other things."

Cardiff Uni UNICEF

2008-10-15T00:16:00.004+01:00

Mood:Good Health:Cold Weather:Chilly

Recently I have joined Cardiff University UNICEF Society through Gloria. We had our first social night at Koko Gorillaz a couple of hours ago. Estelle and I were so fated! We met outside the pub and realised that we were going to the same event!

It was great meeting so many people!! And we had fun playing 'Passing Message' games. I am looking forward to some interesting fundraising events like ice skating! Hee... It has certainly brought back some memories... Hmm...

Luckily Sam! Chris, a new acquaintance that I have met earlier on, sent me home later! Woo... I don't have to walk too much in the late cold night :) and got home really fast!

(Why didn't I bring my camera? Sighs!)

Deformed Head

2008-10-10T16:30:00.001+01:00

To my astonishment, I found a dent on my head...