Okay, going to finish wrapping up my concept plan. I'm getting ready for rejection and some major screwing from TTTay, especially since he's so famous for it. Even more famous for giving a very, VERY late reply. Like the last time I emailed him, took him 2 months to give me a reply, which didn't even answer the question I was asking. Very helpful indeed.

Anyway, finished NFSU already. Again, life is meaningless. Been spending some time customizing all the other cars. Getting bored of that too. Maybe finally, I can get down and start some studying.

Speaking of studying, met up with my supervisor to talk about my FYP final report. Think I better start soon, or else I will definitely not have enough time. But with the stupid concept plan being a pain in the ass, I think the FYP report has to be postponed for a few days.

Also, my second LAN cable 4 years has failed me. For no reason. So 10 bucks wasted on a new one. Which I bought at Jurong Point after finally watching Return of the King. Yes, very late. And yes, I know that. Was a good movie, except for the last 10 minutes. After 3 hours of sitting in the same position and starting to feel my ass ache, I was already about to fall asleep. But overall, good movie.

Monday is a public holiday. Hooray.

I'm finally at race 111/111. The final race... at last. According to Jin Sheng, I won't be able to modify my car once I finish this race, so here's a look at my car. Nice nice?

I'm finally back in Singapore, and what a journey it had been back here. First of all, reached KL Sentral at 915PM. Met up with YC and Jenny, as well as Eric Choo, Chin Yoong, Heng Kai and his brother, Chang Chien and Martin. First problem: the train was delayed. Okay, so we waited until 1045 before we went down to the platform to board the train, a pitch-dark train. So we thought, ok, maybe they haven't turned on the electricity, saving electricity and all. Lo and behold, and there was light.... for 5 minutes. Darkness again. And, not surprisingly, we were delayed once more due to electrical problems. Fine, we had a few rounds of cards, before we finally left at 1140PM. Chit chatted until around 1230AM before I zonked out.

Reached Woodlands Interchange at about 815AM. Wayyyyy later than expected. As usual, long queues. YC decided to take a cab to work directly from Woodlands since he was already late. Jenny and I thought we would be able to make it to our 10AM class by train. However, Heng Kai said it is not possible. Oh ok, let's take a cab. Only problem was... the queue at the taxi stand was damn long. To cut a really long story short, we took the MRT back to hall, and I reached my room 15 minutes before my class started.

And to round up my day, Joo, Oliver and I had a McDonalds dinner (AGAIN!) after lectures at 9PM. Phew, what a day.

Oh yes... hockey... we FINALLY broke our duck with Tommy scoring 2 against Sheares. So, we came in 4th, with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses.

RH vs EH 0:0
RH vs TH 0:1
RH vs KE7 0:2
RH vs KR 0:0
RH vs SH 2:0

Surprised that we drew with EH 0-0, considering that we lost 4-0 to them last year, and 2-0 to them the previous year. Looks like my predictions on our hockey games were quite off target. So, Eric, can stop asking me about soccer predictions already. Hehe.

I HAVE TO START ON MY CONCEPT PLAN..... FAST!!!

I'm Enjolras!
A person with a cause, I charm everyone around me with my revolutionary ideas (not to mention my natural charisma). Unfortunately, I don't have very good social skills, and my impulsiveness is liable to get me in over my head. Which Les Miserables Character Are You?

Val and YC, try out this test...

This is my first, and final entry from KL. Reason being that, I hate dialup! But, not as bad as last time when I only had a lousy PII and a 33.6 kbps modem. Now, I have sort of upgraded to a PIII and a 56 kbps modem, which gives a relatively fast connection. Updates since I came back to KL....

Arrived at KL Sentral at about 630AM, whereby I took a PUTRA LRT line down to Kelana Jaya. Reached Kelana Jaya at 710AM, which could have been earlier if only YC didn't have a sudden stomachache, which resulted in much farting. In the end, for his sake, and mine, he decided to use the toilet at Sentral. Surprisingly, there were TOILET PAPERS in KL Sentral. Just the day before, Prem, Jenny, YC and I were discussing about how shocked we were when we came to Singapore to find clean toilets, toilet papers, automatic flushing system, and even perfume spray to provide an enjoyable shitting experience. Of course, can't say much about the same in RH.

While travelling on the LRT, I was able to watch the sunrise in PJ, something which I have not witnessed since I was in secondary school. While we were still at the Universiti station, it was still pitch black. After we passed Asia Jaya station, we managed to catch a bit of sunlight coming out from over the hills nearby. By the time I reached Kelana Jaya, it was bright already. Wow, it was quite nice actually. Furthermore, at the station, while I was waiting for my parents, the station was really quiet. A few people waiting for the bus to arrive, a few cars on the normally insanely packed LDP... it sure was peaceful. Of course, the peace is only there to see on CNY or Hari Raya. So, was a rare catch for me.

The past 4 days were packed with visiting, collecting ang pows, sleeping, entertaining guests... and we managed to pay IKEA a visit too. It was really big, and we ended up buying two chairs for our TV lounge. As usual, they decided to buy these stuff when I'm around, so that they can exploit free labour. Spent an hour on each chair, plus a lot of sweat. Looks sure are deceiving. I thought I would be able to finish the chairs in an hour total. And as usual, the normal clearing out the rubbish routine which I practise when I come back. Out went the old magazines, old newspapers. Cleared up all the books piling up on the tables for no particular reason. All these junk accumulated in only 3 weeks. I wonder what will the house be like in a few months...

I think IHG hockey just ended. Wonder how the guys did. Wonder if they survived...

Last night was my last hockey training in Raffles Hall, ever. Actually I wonder if I will ever play again, since I will be moving out next semester. I know of seniors who vowed that they will come back every Sunday to playhockey, but then, reality is when people move out, they will have other commitments which are of higher priorities. Therefore, instead of trying to be idealistic, I shall say that I might not be playing hockey again. Gotta return the hockey to Veron, and the hockey bag to Tai. And last night during training, all three Daniels have completed the sacred ritual... of getting hit in the toe by a hockey ball. This time it was Daniel Kwok. Quite unlucky, being hit by the ball during the last attack of the training. And it's the last training guys, try not to injure our own players.

After training, Shaun asked if I wanted to watch Last Samurai. Fine by me. Was a good movie, but I heard some reviews that said that the movie didn't really depict how Japan really was during that period. The samurais were portrayed as being noble and loyal, without a single evil bone in their body. However, in reality, from what I heard, samurais were often tempted by evil or succumbed easily to bribes. As for the final battle between the Samurais, and the "modern" Japanese army (relatively, of course, with manual-loading rifles, howitzers and machine guns of wheels), I don't have to say much about the outcome. Anyway, I'm sure you guys read your history.

Okay, last day of the Year of the Goat. Will be heading back to KL tonight by train from JB, with Yin Chuin, Jenny and Prem. Prem took over Chin Hooi's ticket at the last minute since Chin Hooi went back earlier with his aunt. Will be having our reunion dinners at ThaiExpress along Orchard Road. Thereafter, we shall head over to JB, where Jenny has not set her foot on for the past 6 years. Will go across at around 9PM, which will give us ample time to catch the train at 11PM. I don't think it will take us 2 hours to cross the causeway, but, just to make Jenny happy-lah. I mean, she wanted to cross over to JB at 630PM! Hehe. Sorry, but I just burst out laughing when I read that sms. But, forgiveable, given that she hasn't been to JB for ages.

This shall be my last entry. See you guys next year.

Music taken down... the law scares me...

Just spent the last 1 hour spicing up my blog a bit... my side bar is getting a bit crowded now. Not only do I now have a tag board, I also have a song-of-the-day column, thanks to Sze Lee. Haha. Anyway, enough tinkering with the blog. Time to get back to my readings...

Sunday was girl's hockey IHG, and as expected, RH came in last. Can't demand too much from a group of players who have never played before entering hall. So, literally got raped by other halls, especially Temasek and Eusoff. Was too tired to go for it, so I gave it a miss. Won't be around for the guys game also, since I'll be back in KL. Sigh, there goes my finaly year IHG. What a waste.

By the way, it's 11:12 now, with an empty stomach too. Almost died halfway because of that. I don't encourage running while you are hungry...

Nothing much to say now, will not be doing FYP until after Chinese New Year. The last two weeks of FYP have been fruitful, did a lot of stuff. It's kind of a mixed feeling, feeling happy that I am able to do my experiments, but at the same time, dreading to wake up at 9AM just to go to the lab. Really weird. Speaking of FYP, Joo had some serious run-ins with his supervisor. Really pity him. Hope everything gets settled soon.

I have this sudden craving for "goreng pisang"... shall search the entire PJ for some when I go back...

Hooray! 11:20 and counting...

Also, as a proof of my never-dying support for BOP, ahem, here is the link to the BOP website. Check it out for all the photos taken this year.

Sometimes, life is one fucked-up journey

Raffles x :: Temasek x+2

A match that could have easily gone either way, but in the end, Lady Luck must have been from Temasek Hall before. Okay, before I get some serious slamming, a la Man U vs Arsenal, please note that the following are my personal feelings. From someone who does not play handball, or even played in any IHG. So, here goes. The reasons why we lost are:

1. Poor mental strength. We definitely have the players with skill. Teamwork was alright, but the problem was mental strength. The moment we were trailing, we crumbled. Our defense became porous, like a knife through butter. Maybe it is because we are not used to trailing, so when we started trailing, we lost focus on the game, and could not play our game.

2. No luck. Many missed opportunities and a missed penalty. 'Nuff said.

3. Self-destruction. Too many sending offs. I really don't know what is the point of grabbing on someone. Maybe there is a tactical reason behind it. However, when Aaron got sent off early on, we should know what standards the referee is setting. And having known that, DO NOT BE THAT AGGRESSIVE. It's no point being too rough, getting sent off, and putting your team in a disadvantage. Three players were sent off in a period of 1 minute. What were we thinking?

Well, those are my few cents worth. I know some handball players are reading this. But don't take this personally. Just want to point out some mistakes in case you haven't yet. Having said that, I must say that it was a very exciting and fast-paced game, apart from the 5 minutes which Temasek spent tossing the ball around like girls playing with a beach ball.

Every player gave his best, and that is all the hall could ask for.

Guten Morgen...

Went for a run at the track just now, and I am now convinced that I am really unfit. Only managed to clock 11:50, which is REALLY slow. I wonder how did I do 10:30 last year... better get myself back on track, else my tummy is going to be more obvious. My only consolation is that Lord Long was slower than me. Not only was he slower than me, I managed to lap him during my final lap. Haha. Now everyone knows.

Looks like the hockey match has been postponed to an unknown date. Heard that the screw up was done by KE7, the convening hall. Apparently, somebody had a brilliant idea of postponing the game to the 17th. However, there was a not-so-brilliant idea of canceling the pitch on the 11th without booking the pitch on the 17th. And when they wanted to book the pitch for the 17th, they realized it is booked. And by that time, someone else had already booked the pitch on the 11th. Simply brilliant... Tommy said that the game may be on the 25th. Good, I won't be playing then, since I will be enjoying myself in KL. Chin Hooi will also be in KL too, which leaves RH good for raping. Since that is the case, I guess I won't be needing to go down for anymore trainings, if there are any.

To people like Sze Lee who still don't know, I'm attached! Okay, that done, no more blaming me for not knowing ok? Haha. That's for not reading my blog closely!

Wednesday's lab session was one long affair. Did a total of 6 PLD growths, with 3 failures, mainly due to the cranky rotator which constantly stopped rotating. And each session of PLD growth takes roughly 3 hours. Started at 9AM, ended at 1AM. Was totally wasted by the time I got back to my room. So, that was my Wednesday. Totally fun.

Thursday started with me waking up late for lab. So, oh well, never mind. Just continue with lab. At night, went for our tentatively last hockey training. This is assuming that the convening halls do not screw up our schedule, which some people say they might have already. After which, had to help Chi Anh unpack. Leave her for 3 hours while I went for training to unpack, and all she did was plug her speakers to listen to music. Sigh... But leave it to moi, and I settled everything in 1 hour.

Have a new player in our hockey team this year. Not very sure where he came from, but I heard that he is on exchange from either NTU or SMU. That's totally weird. The whole point of exchange programme is to experience new cultures and new people. NTU and NUS are not really that far apart. And, NUS?!?! C'mon... try another place please.

With the new player in, the entire hockey team is settled. Without me of course. For the third year running. But I'm not pissed. The captain has to decide what is best for the team, not to appease everyone. But when I see some people in the team, I feel insulted... Captain said "I will use you sparingly", which, from what I have learnt from the past two years, means "I will not be using you". But it is okay... I am used to it. I love the bench. I get to warm it, and that is important too. Also, if a player's stick is spoilt, he will need mine too. And why not take my shin pads too? My shoes are very clean (not used for 2 years see...), help yourself to those too. Anyway, we'll see how it goes during IHG. Won't make a difference anyway. Daniel's prediction for IHG Hockey: Raffles Hall - 6th position. 0 goals for, 4 against EH, 2 against KE7, 2 against TH, 1 against KR, and 0 against SH.

And with that, ends the first day of the last semester of university for me. Nothing special, except that the lecture theater was unusually freezing cold. Right from the moment I stepped into the LT, I knew I was in for it. And I was right. Three hours after entering, I left with my fingers and toes all numb. I shall remember my new motto: Wear shoes, long trousers and a jacket to lectures, always...

Went over to Joyce's house warming yesterday with the rest of the gang. Took quite a lot of pictures at the rooftop playground, and I'm sure we irritated more than a few neighbours. Never knew the horse springing thing could be fun. However, the trip to Punggol took about 1 1/2 hours. Apart from being at the other end of the world, Punggol is quite a nice place. Quiet, still not too developed, and everything is spanking new. However, traveling spoils everything. I would rather pay a bit more to stay at a more central position than to pay less to stay at some end-of-the-earth location, and pay for travel. Might cost the same in the end as well.

Time to make preparations to move out of hall...

Hello Blog... it's been a while eh?

Anyway, since I came back, quite a lot have happened. Had two trainings at NTU, which proved that I am damn unfit. However, didn't do much to improve that. Too lethargic to do any running at night. Especially when my bed is so comfy, and I just refuse to move my ass from my chair or bed. Went to Orchard Road on Sunday, which reminded me why I hate going to town on a weekend. The place was sure crowded. Had hardly any place to move. But then again, it's been a while. So, I enjoyed myself, because the next time I go downtown would be.... hmm... in a while.

But, the highlight would have to be New Year Eve, when the we had a guy's night out to Madam Wong's. Apart from being insanely crowded, Jin Sheng was picked up by a girl, which he had no interest in. It is times like this that I really wonder if he is gay. Haha. Just kidding. And then, Chin Long managed to pick up another girl. Wow, you would have never guessed. Now I know why he is Lord.

Okay, since I received a complaint that my blog is getting boring, I promise I shall neglect my blog anymore.

P.S. On my way back to hall after arriving in Singapore, I caught a glimpse of a van with the wordings "Rag and Bone" on the side. Surprising how the rag and bone business has suddenly become quite a big thing. Maybe the profit is big. And maybe I'll even go into it. Haha. Joking. But now contemplating applying for the cadet pilot job at SIA. Not very sure about my eyesight, but I think it is okay.

P.S.S. YC has decided to abandon his blog, after he realized that too many people were reading it. So much for having a blog. Might as well go back to the good ol' days of locking a diary inside a drawer.