My Blog's Ninth-Month Anniversary

I started this blog in October last year and its already the month of June now. Looking back, this blog has contained some of my most delirious, warped and delusional rantings and ravings (ok ok, maybe not some, maybe all >.<).

I must say that blogging for me was a good choice. It did allow me and my oliphant to keep in touch with each other's life, as well as with our other friends. It exposed me to the fascinating world of html tags. I also got to know interesting people such as Adrenaline, Green Ogre, Trisha, Mela, Akk, Nadnut and various others. Not too shabby a decision, like they say. :p

So now, its my blog's nineth month anniversary. Perhaps its time to take the cue from Akk and explain where my nick comes from (note that i won't be able to reproduce her 'cute' style of writing >.<). I wanted to do this on my blog's one year anniversary, but i guess i'll post something else instead. In any case, here is an explanation of my nick:

My nick actually comes from an anime called 'Flame of Recca', which i was fascinated in secondary school. The main characters in this anime utilise orbs that contain elemental powers, like wind, earth, water and flame. The anime character which i was most impressed with was Tokiya Mikagami. He uses an orb with the elemental power of water.


This orb is placed on a sword's hilt and compresses any liquid into a blade, provided the user has a 'strong' mind. It is also known as 'Dark Water' in english, or 'Ensui' in Japanese kanji (btw, japanese kanji is similar to the chinese language >.<). Yes yes, some of the bright ones out there would jump in and say, "Hey! 'Dark Water' is the name of that japanese horror movie!". Sorry to disappoint you, but that horror movie has no resemblence to the anime. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. :p


Now, why am i so fascinated by the anime character, Tokiya Mikagami and his elemental power of water, Ensui? First off, he is quietest and the most intelligent of the entire cast. While the others don't know how to fully utilise their powers, he knows exactly how and when to use his powers. For example, in one scene where he used up the compressed water in the blade, he uses his blood to compress into another blade, allowing him to continue fighting (yes, its a morbid example but its one i can think of right now >.<). I'm not saying that i'm as intelligent as him though, just that he impressed me. -.-

Secondly, he has a very cool personality. He analyses any situation coldly, calmly and emotionless-ly. He has few friends, and likes to keep it that way. Being a nerd in secondary school, he was the exact opposite of me and everything i wanted to become. Lastly, i was and still am, fascinated by the sea and hence, the power of water. Perhaps that fascination grew from me being in the National Cadet Corps (Sea) in secondary school. I loved and still love the sea activities that i participated: canoeing, rowing, sailing and motorboat-ing.

When i was out in the sea, i was greeted by that vast stretch of water which made me feel at ease, exhilarated and free.The sea soothed me, carrying away my fears and my worries. The lapping of waves against the boat, along with the sea breeze, made me feel alive. In the sea, i was just like anyone else and not that nerdy-bespectacled-pimply-childish-immature boy. In the sea, i was good at something, be it rowing, canoeing or sailing. I was not that befumbled-useless-mouth-gaping boy. I loved the sea. :)


So now, you know why i chose this name. Perhaps you didn't want to know. Perhaps you always wondered. But whether you like it or not, now you know. *grins*

Pain Pain Pain...

The exams were over last week. The feeling is kinda unreal, with the sudden stop in studying. I went jogging yesterday to whip my sorry-fat ass back into shape, in preparation for the expected reservist training when i return home. After being away for four years, the gah-men is sure to sink its claws into mi and drag me back to the army. Not that i mind, coz i'm actually looking forward to see if i can catch up with any of my army friends and get updated on the newest training.

Remember this?

Oh yes, it happen again, though to a slightly lesser degree. I'm in for a world of pain... *groan*

A cautionary note for all. The game 'Black and White 2' is highly addictive. I'm deadly serious. I played all night until 4am in the morning, got woke up by Justin and continued playing till 3pm. All this without my customary dose of coffee, a bath, breakfast or lunch (yarh yarh, i hear you guys going: eeww... >.<).

You have been warned. :D

Sometimes I Wish...

I wish i could fly,
High into the sky,
Like an hawk in flight,
Frozen in time.

Up and up,
Scream and Shout,
Pain to let out,
Despair to come out.

I wish i could fly,
High into the sky,
Like a eagle in flight,
Beyond the mountain's height.

Speed is all,
Twist and soar,
Rake the air with my claws,
Breaking every single law.

I wish i could fly,
High into the sky,
Like an raptor in flight,
Day or night.

Without care,
Fly with dare,
Even into a dragon's lair,
Hoping to end the sadness, where?

I wish i could fly,
High into the sky,
Like an osprey in flight,
Dip and glide.

Search for weeks,
What do I seek?
I know not, thee,
Perhaps a happy me.

"Nobody knows who i really am,
I never felt this empty before,
And if i ever need someone to come along,
Who's gonna comfort me and keep me strong?"

"We are all rowing the boat of fate
The waves keep on comin' and we can't escape
But if we ever get lost on our way
The waves would guide you thru another day"

"Nobody knows who I really am
Maybe they just don't give a damn
But if I ever need someone to come along
I know you would follow me, and keep me strong"

"And every time I see your face,
The oceans heave up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars,
And soon I can see the shore"

"I want you to know who I really am
I never thought I'd feel this way towards you
And if you ever need someone to come along
I will follow you, and keep you strong"

"And every time I see your face,
The oceans heave up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars,
And soon I can see the shore"
- First Ending song, 'Life is like a Boat' from Bleach

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed" - Michael Pritchard

"The enemy is one, you are one.
What is there to fear?
Cast off your fear!
Look forward!
Go forward!
Never stand still.
Retreat and you will age.
Hesitate and you will die."
- Zangetsu from Bleach Episode 20

I've just found out that i got 69.7% for my oral presentation, which makes up 20% in weightage for my thesis. I'm starting to feel a little stressed. This is below what i had expected. I also calculated my Weighted Average Mark (WAM), assuming my thesis got 60% and the rest of my subjects getting 70%. The result? My WAM got reduced to 60ish. This is definitely not good. Somehow, my aim of obtained second upper honours, which needs a WAM of 72.5%, seems a lot more distant now.

Right now, i have a WAM of 71.3%. Is getting that extra few percent that hard, you may ask. Apparently so. And even more so if my thesis doesn't do well. I honestly believe that if i can't achieve my aim, the disappointment will crush me. Like the saying goes, there is no harsher taskmaster than one's own self.

My first paper is tomorrow and my heart is gripped in fear. Its not that i'm not confident of this subject, but more fearful that i won't be able to obtain the marks necessary for second upper honours.

I am so screwed...

Update:
1. Verdict of first paper: Not sure if i'll get a good result. Didn't know how to do some of them, so i assumed certain values and did the best i could. Haiz... This is not a very good start. >.<

2. Verdict of thesis: Justin helped collect my bound thesis today coz i had to study for my next exam tomorrow. Pretty amazing
how a year's work is consolidated into that blue book. I dun think i wanna to see it any more coz i'll just find more mistakes in it. Gonna hand it in tomorrow. Still nervous on what kinda marks i'm gonna get. >.<

3. Verdict of second paper: Did ok with this one. Out of four questions, three were almost identical to the past-year paper. :D

4. Verdict of last paper: You know your feeling of being screwed for this exam is echoed by your peers when you see them shaking their heads after the exam. There wasn't enuff time and i did all of the questions half-way. There better be heaps of moderation. >.<

My Last Day in University

Its already Week 13 of my last session in uni. I really can't believe how fast time has passed. Its quite amazing how the four years here in wollongong is coming to an end. Somehow, i'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life: working and living a married life. You read and hear about it from books and friends, but i suppose there is nothing quite like experiencing it for yourself.

Having said that, i've just handed in my last three assignments for this session. I even worked till 6.30 in the morning. I was a bit surprised at myself on how late i stayed up, considering i'm more of a day-person, rather than a night one (like my oliphant >.<). In any case, i woke up this morning at 10ish and worked till 2ish in the arvo before handing all three in. Feels good, i must say, as i think i did a fairly good job for all three.

My reason for staying up so late? Out of the three assignments, two were group ones. I paired up with another singaporean and another aussie for either one. No prizes for guessing which group assignment i stayed up late modifying (and if you can't guess, continue reading >.<). (-.-)

I hate to say this, but my singaporean partner was simply atrocious. His citing for internet information in text? Just the website address. His reference list at the back? Just the website address and the date accessed (for some of you who have written essays before, you should know this is really really the wrong way >.<). And this is coming from a person who has finished his thesis and gotten 70%! He has the cheek to tell me that he uses the exact same method in his thesis! And this university is reportedly the best in teaching standards? His references weren't all that fantastic either. Some of them were second-hand information, of which he could have traced back to the original website.

Its such people who really make me wonder how they could have obtained their degree. And so, i stayed up all night correcting his references and english. (-.-)

After handing in all three assignments, i went back home to catch up on my sleep and only regained consciousness just before dinner. Even now, i'm starting to feel a little tired. Think i'll go back to sleep after this post.

This weekend, i'm gonna finish up my thesis. I'm only left with the conclusion chapter, as well as my supervisor's suggestions and corrections after his proof-reading. I must admit, i'm slightly apprehensive about it. Although it feels good to finish writing it, i'm doubtful as to whether i can get good mark. When asked, my supervisor said that i have certaintly done enuff work for a good mark. But still, i can't seem to shake off this nagging feeling of approaching doom. :p

After this weekend, i'm gonna start on exam revision. My exam dates are 3rd, 8th and 13th. All evenly spaced out, which is all good. Gives me ample time to prepare. Till then, i dun think i'll update much. To those who even bother checking this sorry excuse for a blog, this is to let you know that i'm still alive (though barely >.<). And to those who wish for my demise, sorry to disappoint you. :p

Now, if you'll excuse me, i'm off to become a hermit for the next few weeks.

The Obituary of a Keyboard

We are gathered here today to mourn the passing of a loved one. One who has been so dearly cherished by us all. One who have been with us through thick and thin, through happiness and depression. One who was so lovingly bequeath by my darling oling oliphant, along with her best wishes and firm instructions to take care of it.

It is through a virus attack that our loved one has left us and i'm sure that it has lived a fruitful life. It had serve its purpose willinginly and efficiently. Let us not hate the cause of our loved one's death, but rejoice that it has found its way to Keyboard Heaven (as opposed to Doggy/Puppy Heaven >.<).


Let us also rejoice that a new one has been borned. It is out of necessity and desperation that it has come to our aid. Let us greet it with open arms and loving care. It was borned in the country of 'Logitech' and the city of 'PS/2 Port' . Although this city is a little backward in technology, we shall not turn away one who has come forth so eagerly and cheaply to our cause.

It is thus, both a sad and happy day for us all. May we all look to the future and strive our best to fulfil our destinies. We will also accept any funeral money or donations for our departed one and incoming member.

Thank you and have a nice day.

May Heaven forbid...

"Bimbo: [Slang] A woman regarded as vacuous or as having an exaggerated interest in her sexual appeal."
- Dictionary.com on the definiton of 'Bimbo'

Does any one know what the male version of a bimbo is called?

i was blog-hopping and i think i actually found one. I'm not saying that i've very intellectual either, but some of his posts are really... ... empty-headed (for the lack of a better word >.<). As for his sex appeal, i won't know about it coz i haven't seen his real self. Not that i want to know.

That, of course, is my humble opinion. He might not actually be one. A empty-headed male, that is.

"Because it derives from Italian words of masculine gender, its first usage in English was for stupid men; it now is understood to mean a woman unless modified as male bimbo, himbo, or mimbo."
- Wikipedia on the definition of 'Bimbo'.

I learn something new everyday.

Do you know what is the feeling of fustration?

Fustration is what you feel when you were suppose to meet up with your friends to discuss an individual assignment, and in the end, they did their own stuff and not the assignment.

I thought we're suppose to discuss the assignment together? Why are you doing your other stuff? At least tell me beforehand that you guys are busy with other stuff mah.

You also feel fustrated when one of the said friends keeps asking for your guidance on a subject that you have done/cleared half a year ago.

Will you stop asking me about something i have done half a year ago? I don't remember most of it and it has no relation to what we're suppose to do now.

Fustration is also what you feel when your partner in a group assignment apologises for not pulling his weight, but doesn't do anything to rectify it.

You keep saying sorry, but why don't you do something about it?

It can also be felt when the said partner keeps whinging about how hard the subject is when discussing the assignment together.

If you really think the subject is hard, why don't you drop it then?

In all these situations, fustration can be felt. Not anger though. Just fustration. Maybe a feeling of irritation as well. But mostly fustration. 100 % fustration.

Did i say i was fustrated?

Update:
You guys absolutely have to see this. Its bloody hilarious! :D

Vrroomm Vrroomm Vrroomm...

I usually dun take online personality quizzes. But when i saw this one, i couldn't resist. :D

I'm a Mazda RX-8!

You're sporty, yet practical, and you have a style of your own. You like to have fun, and you like to bring friends along for the ride, but when it comes time for everyday chores, you're willing to do your part.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Jason and my thesis topic is..."

Thesis Presentation
Thursday, 4th May 2006.
9.00 am.
Time allocated = 15 mins.
Other lecturers will be present for grading.

Last Saturday and Sunday:
Preparation of thesis presentation on Powerpoint. Tried to email the file to my supervisor for him to look through, but it was too big (about 8 Mbs >.<). Total number of slides = 18

Monday:
Took a few photos to add into my presentation. The lab-assistant said that she'll come to watch my presentation, but i think she's just going to embarrass me. (-.-)
Met and asked my supervisor if he wanted to have a look at my Powerpoint slides. He asked if i could email it to him, and i told him it was too big. When i told him i had 18 slides, he told me to cut it down to 14 (approximately 1 slide per minute >.<). Darn... back to the drawing board. (-.-)

Tuesday:
Managed to chop my slides down from 18 to 13, but increased in size from 8 to 14 Mbs. Darn... Isn't it suppose to reduce in size when i delete slides?! (-.-)

Wednesday morning:
Went to see my supervisor and he went through my presentation. Told me to make some corrections here and there. Back to the drawing board again. (-.-)
In one class, my friend told me Justin (the good Malaysian buddy of mine) is coming to watch my presentation too. Dammit... More embarrassment. (-.-)

Wednesday afternoon:
In another class, one of my lecturer (who happens to be the Mechanial Engineering Coordinator and am on good terms with me) announced to the class that there will be a Mech Eng Thesis Presentation the next day. He also said that it would be a good idea to see what are the various thesis topics and see some friendly faces there. I can only assume he's talking about me. (-.-)
Judging by the grins of my aussie friends who heard that announcement, i can only fervently hope that they won't come.
One of my aussie friends, who is also my partner for group assignments, couldn't make it coz he had to work. Phew! One less embarrassment. >.<

Wedneday night:
Finish touching up the slides. Practiced three times, with timings of 13 minutes, 16 minutes and 14 minutes. Thought i should be ok. Just before i go to sleep, prepared the formal wear for the next day. Mutterings to myself went like this:
"Ok, lets see. I've got a long-sleeve shirt. *searches for it* There it is. Good. I'll wear that."
"Now then, I need my black pants. Hhmm... *searches for black pants* Where is it? Hmm... *searches somemore* Shit. Did i not bring it? *searches the luggage* Oohh ffaarrkk..." (-.-)
After running to Rosie and telling her of the predicament, she suggested that i try on a biege-coloured pants that i haven't wore in ages and prob won't fit. Sure enuff. After trying, it doesn't fit. Darn...
After all that preparation, i dun have black pants. WTF?! If i had known earlier, i would have just bought a pair from Tramps! But no... The yours truly champion, have to discover the missing pants on the night before the presentation! (-.-)
Started thinking of who is around my waist size. Big Banana? Dun think i can even fit into his. Anyway, i think he's asleep liaoz. There is only one other friend and he's way bigger than me. Tried calling him:
"Eh. I dun have pants for tomorrow presentation. You have a pair of black pants?"
"Hhmm... I dun have black pants leh. But i got pants lah. Grey colour ones."
"Hmm... K k. Think i'll come over and have a look. What is your waist size arh?"
"Waist arh? Wait arh, let me check. *hear him rummaging around for the pants to check* Waist size 40"
"Wah. Best liaoz. i only waist size 36 leh."
"Heh. I tell you first hor. Even for me, when i wear it, the pants is baggy leh."
*speechless* "Haiyah. Got no choice liaoz. i come over and get it from you."
Sure enuff. Its so baggy i can't even see the outline of my leg! No choice lah, no choice. (-.-)

Today, Thursday morning:
Went to Uni for the presentation. Was waiting for the rest of the lecturers to come in when i saw two of my other aussie friends coming in. Win liaoz. More embarassment. (-.-)
Since i'm the second person to present, i wasn't really concentrating on the first presenter but rather on attempting to calm myself. Halfway through the first person's presentation, i saw Justin coming in. Darn... Just how many people are coming to embarrass me?!
My presentation took close to 19 minutes. Think i over-elaborated. The lab-assistant also manuaged to turn up. (-.-)
During discussion time, there were heaps of questions. I think i managed to answer all of them well. The before-mentioned two aussie friends and Justin left after my presentation. They were really here to embarrass me.

Na Bei... (-.-)

Another mushy post...

"The Flower God's cries,
Disheveled in the Wind of Flowers.
Disheveled in the Heaven's Winds,
The Heavenly Demon laughs."
- Eighth Squad Captain, Shunsui Kyoraku in Bleach Episode 56

Just a particular verse that i really like. It holds no particular meaning and is probably just a random piece of japanese poetry. Or maybe its simply because i really like the anime Bleach. Or maybe its just me and my deluded opinion. So here is another post on my delusions. :D

"My life for your life.
My death for your life.
My life for your death.
My death for your death."
- Elven Star by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

Love. Its like a butterfly: The more you try and catch it, the more it eludes you. When you're not looking for it, it comes to you. How many of us have looked for it and failed? I had. How many of us have truly found it? I have.

"'My life for your life.' That means that while we live, we share the joy of living with each other.
'My death for your life.' I would be willing to lay down my life to save yours.
'My life for your death.' I will spend my life avenging your death, if i can't prevent it.
'My death for your death.' A part of me will die, when you do."
- Elven Star by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

Perhaps its me and my deluded opinion, but i think love can cure anything in a relationship. Anger. Depression. Frustration. With soothing words, love can drive such feelings away, as the sun drives the thunderclouds. I love my oliphant. She has always been there for me, sharing, encouraging and supporting. I can't wait for us to start our lives together. Is there any other feeling can be better? Yes. The knowledge that she loves me for who i am, and loves me for how much i love her.

"I used to think love would be enough, that it was some type of magical elixir we could sprinkle over the world and end all hatred. I know now, it's not true. Love's water is clear and pure and sweet, but it isn't magic. It won't change anything."
- Elven Star by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

So, call me naive. Call me innocent. Call me ignorant. Call me whatever you want. I will still continue to believe that love is paramount in a relationship and that it can cure anything.

But will it end all hatred in the world? Sorry, but i'm not that naive. Hatred is a bitter-tasting brew. Some people have drank it for so long that they have become a hollow shell, forgeting the sweet taste of life. Perhaps they need a new reason to live for. Perhaps they need love.

"He had held onto his hate for so long, his hands would feel empty without it. Perhaps it would be better to find something other than death to fill them."
- Elven Star by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

And then, there was silence...

Imagine a silence so palpable, so heavy and yet so comforting and so encompassing. In that silence, there is not a slightest hint of sound, nor whisper. You can only hear the sound of your breathing, but not the sound of the wind's breath.

You can see the vast earth that lay before you, the sprawl of buildings and the green blanket of flora. You look down and feel the slightest tinge of height-phobia, for you are standing on nothing more than the transparent air. But the view draws your eyes and your fear is banished away.

You see the fog teasing the lake, flitting, streaming and circling. As the sunlight pierces through the air, lines of fog trail off in an evaporating wake, weaving nature's own unique tapestry.

That, my friends, is how i felt, heard and saw when i sat in the hot-air balloon.


The trip, i daresay, was a success. I had good fun and was able to throw off, for a moment, the blanket of work, worry and weariness. It was a long drive, both to and from there. But the endless conversations, debates and questions with friends made it seem less so.

There is only one thing that i wished for in that trip. The one thing that would made my trip a lot happier and a lot more fun...

The presence of my oliphant.

Musings

(-.-) Things on my mind now:

• Winter is coming. There are cold nights and early mornings where one can smell the crisp fresh air. That sure brings back memories. Memories of love and my oliphant. Hee... :)
  
• We are off to Canberra on the Easter weekend for the hot-air balloon show. Got abt 7 of us (including Big Banana, Caffeine Addict and Rosie >.<) going, so its gonna be fun. At least, i hope it will be fun. Knowing how boring Canberra is, i'll give it a 50-50 chance of having fun mainly coz we have quite a group with us.
  
• The second point above was so not to make you guys jealous. heh.
  
• Thesis? What thesis? >.<
• Seriously though, i've got another two more tests to do and i can start typing my thesis out. I've got a thesis presentation in 3 weeks and a draft thesis due in 4 weeks. So why on earth am i going off to Canberra on Easter weekend? Pls refer to the fourth point above.
• Played soccer in a Mechanical Versus Mechatronics Society Shield (yes, seriously, they actually have such a thing which was started last year >.<). We lost 2-1. Darn... But it was still good fun though. :)
• The EPL is starting to heat up. I really hope Man Utd can overtake Chelsea's lead of 7 points. That will sure knock out some of Jose Mourinho's teeth and arrogance. :p

Oh yeah. A happy Easter weekend to all of you. Pls drink and drive responsibly. Its double demerit points over here. Lol... :D

Canberra, here we come!

Love is all around..

My oliphant sent me surprise gift! Yippee! She wrote a lovely poem to encourage my poor self and the surprise gift to cheer me on. My oliphant loves me! Hee... I is very the happy. :D

I was also told in the card that it needs a name.

0.o

Soft toys need a name, i understand. But bookmarks too? Hhmm... In any case, i have decided to name it Saru, or japanese for 'monkey'. There isn't a proper japanese name for 'gorilla', so the nearest would be 'monkey', i suppose. :p


Thank you so much, darling. *hugz* I will always love you and treasure you till the end of days. I love you. *muack!* Hee... :D

Decisions decisions decisions...

"A man makes his choices.
True, but what choices a man makes depends on what choices he is offered."
- "King of Foxes" by Raymond E. Feist

Decisions. Choices. Options.

They are always there in life: whether we want them or not, whether we notice them or not, whether we need them or not. Decisions can alter our life. Choices can change our path. Options can redo our fate. Sometimes its an easy one, "Where do we go for dinner?" Sometimes its a difficult one, "Shall i turn up for the outing with my colleagues?". And others... Well, others are life-changing decisions, which are sometimes made on the spur of the moment, "Shall i apply for a position in this company?" "Will you be my girlfriend?" "Shall I apply for a degree?"

"Its an Ogre Choice that you give us: die fast or die slow."
- From some book, i can't exactly remember. :p

There are times when an alternative exist, but we didn't see it. As the chinese saying goes, "Pang Guan Zhe Zhui Qing" - the by-stander always has the clearest view. There are times when we get too involved in a situation, too caught up in its process and forget our aims, our focus and our goals.

So what then is the right choice? Is there ever a correct decision? What is a good option? Only we know ourselves, the answers to these questions. What we choose is ultimately up to us. No one can force a decision on someone else. This is our life. Once we have chosen however, we alone face whatever consequences of the choice we have made. The responsiblity of the decision is on you, yourself and only you.

So can one do under such circumstances?

We choose.

And we hope we have chosen wisely, for sometimes its the smallest decisions that can change our lives forever...

-----
"So. Are you really going back to Singapore? Is there really nothing that can happen which will make you stay? Like maybe a company offers you a job?"
"Hhhmmm... Actually, if by some stroke of miracle or luck, a company offers me a job, i will seriously consider staying here."
"Ah ha! So if a company does offer you a job, you will seriously consider staying?"
"Erm... yeah."
"K k. I shall go see if i have any contacts that can offer you a job then. Hhhmm... Mechanical Engineer, right? Think i need to go make a few friends."
"But if you have those friends, you won't need me to stay here. You have them already. And i think its a pretty far-out measure to get me to stay, no?"
"Yarh. My friends say the same thing to me when i tell them i might be going home to find a job. And when i tell them its a pretty far-out measure, they say it isn't. So now i'm telling you it isn't a far-out measure. Anyway, if you stay, she can come over and play with me. Hee... "

-----
Although it was a light-hearted banter, it felt nice to be wanted for your friendship and company. I'm not sure if you will read this, but i really appreciate it. All i can offer as thanks are my poor company, inane bantering and my irritating laughing-at-you-teasing. I'm glad to have you as a good friend. Thank you so much. :)

Whinge whinge whinge whinge whinge...

1. I have a mid-session quiz on monday.
2. I have a half-way-done assignment due on tuesday.
3. I have another half-way-done assignment due on wednesday.
4. My 'off' days are thursdays and fridays, but now i use them to do my thesis experiments. So much for wanting to sleep in. >.<
5. I got another estimated 7 more thesis experiments to do, and i can only do them one per day, due to its draggy nature. That means that it will take me another 3 to 4 weeks to complete them.
   

I seriously need a machine that can stop time. Help, anyone? :p

Update:
1. The mid-session quiz (which was worth 25% in weightage, btw >.<) was a nightmare. I stayed up till 3.30am to do my other assignment and as a result, didn't study for the quiz at all. I'll be lucky if i pass. I am so dead.
2. The assignment which i stayed up late to do, as mentioned above, is also screwed up. I tallyed my answers with my friends and discover mistakes in most of them. All that late-night-work for nothing. I repeat: i am so farking dead.
3. A second night of staying up till 3.30 am to do the assignment. Just handed in one of my assignments. Left one last small section out coz i was too bloody tired and exasperated by the amount of effort spent in it. I hate matrices. I really hate them. Especially huge ones like 7 X 7 or 10 X 10. Try solving for them by hand. Have i mentioned that i hate matrices? >.<
4. One last assignment for the week due tomorrow. Luckily its a group one and my aussie teammate offered to do most of them. I really owe him one. :)
5. Finally handed in the last of this week's assignments on wed. i actually feel a tad good about it, so i think i'll get a decent mark. The worst is over, and i can finally relax a little. Had half a day off from my thesis yesterday and it felt really good. I'm almost done for today, so i foresee that i'll be going home by arvo 1ish. Life is sweet, once again. :)

A Sorry Attempt In Poem Dictation 2

In our house,

There is a mouse,
Who is no heavier than an ounce.

Bought a trap,
But it didn't snap,
While the bait was taken, oh crap.
Countless times,
We shall try,
While it escapes, in a blink of an eye.


Update:
Bravo! Bravo! All hail Rosie, the All-Powerful-Mouse-Catcher! *kowtows* Our mission have been successful! We have caught the mouse! But first, an explanation of the equipment of our All-Powerful-Mouse-Catcher, Rosie. She decided to use the simple-but-yet-effective instruments of a stick, rope and container to catch the offending mouse.

This method is like the hunters of old who will lay bait on the floor and a overhanging container, supported by the stick. A rope is then tied to the stick and pulled when the victim is eating the bait. Below is a picture of the Heavenly Rope and Hit-Dog-Stick (aka Da Gou Bang in Chinese >.<).
With such powerful tools in her hands, it is no wonder that she succeeded! And when the poor mouse was lured to the bait, All-Powerful-Mouse-Catcher Rosie swung into action!*Gasp!* With Reflexes-Like-Lightning and a Speed-As-Fast-As-Bullet, she pulled the rope and the mouse was captured! *Yay! Applause* Now, the offending mouse is placed into the Container-aka-Thousand-Storeys-High-Pagoda for her to reflect upon her past awful and hideous sins of scaring the All-Powerful-Mouse-Catcher Rosie, and eating our Food-aka-Heavenly-Peaches-and-Immortality-Pills.

Hah! Repent on your sins, you evil mouse! Prepare to endure Eternal-Torture-In-Hell and face the consequences of your horrendous actions!

Damn... I seriously need some sleep. >.<

My Virgin Meme :D

"Meme refers to any piece of information transferable from one mind to another. Examples might include thoughts, ideas, theories, practices, habits, songs, dances and moods. Different definitions of meme generally agree, very roughly, that a meme consists of some sort of a self-propagating unit of cultural evolution having a resemblance to the gene."
- "Meme" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Kena tagged by Adrienne, so this is my FIRST time doing a meme. :) In any case, here it goes:

7 Dreams Before Death:
1. Visit the Seven Wonders of the World.
I dun really care if they are Ancient Wonders, Natural Wonders or whatever. As long as it counts as one of the Wonders of the World, i'm happy. I've visited the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and the Seven Apostles. Three down, four more to go! :D

2. Marry my oliphant.
Going to fulfil this dream this year. :)

3. Able to see my grandchildren grow up with my oliphant.
I think that moment will be the absolute pinnacle in my life.

4. To earn a million dollars.
'Nuff said.

5. To knock someone off his/her bicycle when they cycle past.
I know, i sound very violent. I can't help but have this itchy feeling of putting my arm out when i hear/see someone skateboard/cycle past me. I wonder how it'll look like, seeing them fly off their skateboard/bicycle. Hhhmm...

6. To work/study in MIT.
For the ignorant out there, MIT stands for the Massachusetts Institude of Technology. This is where they invented the Internet, the art of hacking, and various other important technologies. This is where every engineer wants to go, including me. :D

7. To drive and learn in depth about every single battletank in the world.
Blame it on my NS lah. I want to learn more abt the new tank that the SAF has now. I want to learn about the M1A1 Abrams Supertank, which is used by the American soldiers. I want to learn how they work, take apart their engines, examine their suspension system and drive them.

7 Things I Can't Do At This Lifetime:
1. Witness the Time Machine.
I can say quite confidently that I won't be able to see the invention of the time machine. Technology today or in my lifetime simply cannot do so.

2. Relive my child life.
I really want to relive my younger days, and avoid the mistakes that i've made. I can't do that, simply becoz the time machine hasn't been invented yet (see Point 1, as above >.<).

3. Have sex with another woman.
I have my oliphant, and i love her very much. I will never betray her willingly.

4. To stand by and do nothing when someone needs help.
I live by this saying, "Do not do unto others, what you don't want others to do unto you". I help others, simply becoz i hope others will do the same for me when i'm in need of help. >.<

5. Witness the two World Wars.
See Point 1, as above. Yes, yes. I know, i know. I'm pushing it already, but really straining my pea-sized brain here leh! :p

6. Witness the birth of the Universe and Earth.
Yes, yes. See Point 1. Actually, even if i do get a chance, i might just fall asleep. >.<

7. See real live dinosaurs.
Again, see Point 1. And i really want to see this. I think the kid in every male would want to as well. :D

7 Things That Attract Me:
1. Tanks.
Tanks fascinate me. I even downloaded and still keep episodes of "Modern Marvels" (a TV series >.<) when they featured the Panzer Tank, the M1A1 Abrams Supertank, the A10 Tankbuster, the Sherman Tank and Tank Crews (can hear you guys muttering "weirdo..." under your breath liaoz >.<).

2. Soccer.
I like to play and watch soccer. As most of my friends have graduated, i sadly won't have a chance to do the former. As for watching, I like the free-flowing attacking play of Man Utd. :D

3. The sight of my oliphant sleeping.
There is a saying that a woman looks most blissful when she's asleep. I can't agree more. :)

4. Anime.
I'm currently watching Bleach and Initial D. The latter has just ended its fourth season (or called stage >.<). *sobz* Hope they will have another stage coming out soon. Bleach is really good as well: funny as well as a good storyline. :)

5. Shakespeare stories.
Perhaps its the old english dialect, or the speech structure. Whichever it is, i like to read (and sometimes watch >.<) shakespeare's stories. I've read/watch (the modern versions on both counts >.<) Taming Of A Shrew, Macbeth (Who would have thought the old man had so much blood in him?), Romeo And Juliet (Whats in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell just as sweet), Tempest, Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar (Et tu, Brutus? Then fall, Caesar!).

6. Fast cars.
Think its the influence from Initial D. :D

7. Books
I 'devour' books. Seriously. I can finish most books in 24 hours. I often re-read my favourite authors or books that i like. :)

7 Things I Say:
1. Na Bei.

2. KNN.

3. What the ...?

4. Erm...

5. Sorry.

6. Cheers/Thanks for that.

7. Eh/Oei/Aye!

7 Books I love:
What?! Seven only?! >.<
1. Books by David Eddings

2. Books by Raymond E. Feist

3. Books by Micheal Moorcock

4. Books by Anthony Piers

5. Books by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.

6. The "egyptian" novels by Wilbur Smith

7. The Dragons of Pern series by Anne McCaffery

7 Movies That I Love:
Erm... Like, can? Dun think there are any movies that i love. >.<
1. Face Off starring Nicholas Cage and John Travolta
2 scenes still remain in my mind to this day: one where Nicholas Cage exits the car and his cloak billows in the wind, and the other one where Nicholas Cage pulls out two guns from behind his back.

2. Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix
Fantastic soundtrack and acting

3. The Fifth Element, starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovoich
Absolute brilliant combination of humour and action.

4. Independence Day, starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum
Will Smith. What more can i say?

5. Con Air, starring Nicholas Cage and John Cusack
More good acting by Nicholas Cage.

6. Spiderman, starring Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire
I thought Marvel did a good job of transfering the comic to the movie.

7. The Scorpion King, starring Kelly Hu and The Rock
Kelly Hu is HOT!!!

7 Tags:
I not as evil as Adrenaline where i will curse those who dun do my meme. :D
1. Flowerger
Something to do while you slack in the office. :)

2. Pinkys
Now you have something to blog about!

3. Kinky Nomad
Will be interesting to see your meme.

4. Puppetress
Muhahaha! Got good thing must share.

5. Trisha
Hope you will read this and do the meme. :)

6. John Howard
*grins*

7. George Bush
lol... :D

Remarkable is it not, the nature of words?

"I keep silent, because words have power. Because in the act of speaking, i change the balance. What is seen changes because it has been seen, and if i speak of the change, it changes again. I see only what might be, and what might be might also be changed, even by so small a thing as a word."
- "Camelot's Honour" by Sarah Zettel.

Words have the strangest power.

They can hurt, such that the wound of the heart will never recover. They can destroy, such that the human's spirit will know only despair and hopelessness. They can create a war, such that between friends or lovers, peace will never be made.

But yet... They can heal, such that even the weak take heart and become lions. They can create paradise, such that the wounded momentarily forget their physical pain and are transported to a land of their dreams and imagination. They can create intelligence, such that a glimmer of understanding shines in the eyes. They can give birth to ideals, such that a man will fight for what he believes in.

Words are strange things.

They can mean much, and yet we are given the power to use them as we see fit. Will we become another Hitler, and lead people to glory but yet eventual destruction? Or will we become another Churchill, and inspire the human's spirit to persevere? Will we create a rift that is so huge, so as to forever not have a peace of mind? Or will we breach that rift with a single word, "sorry", and then can die in peace?

"Whats in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other name, will smell just as sweet."
- "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare.

"I should have known a man who understands silence so well would have to understand words as well"
- "Camelot's Honour" by Sarah Zettel.

But yet... Words can mean little, for its the understanding and actions that count. All the words count for nothing, if the actions do not follow. So what if people speak of others so hurtfully that we would have thought a plague has besought them? Or so blissfully that we would have thought they were in heaven? To understand the truth would cut across such words, and open your eyes to the truth, accepting it in your heart.

Words are truly strange.
-----

The point of this entire post? To remind us of the power we wield when we speak. To remind us to understand others. The Madi Gras parade is held today in Sydney and i truly hope that people would understand each other more. Does it really matter if one is gay? He/She is but a human, and has every right in this world as every one of us. As quoted above, "Whats in a name?" A name does not make a person any less human, nor any less of a man/woman.

"Body to Brain, Body to Brain. Do you read me? I repeat, do you read me?"

With my new PC ( and 19" LCD screen >.<) and the internet up, i'm all settled into my new home for the next six months. I very the happy. :D Only thing is that my brain seems to have turned to mush (just like my body, due to the lack of exercise >.<) during the summer holidays. I have to find some way to 'jump-start' my stagnant brain cells. Hhhmmm...

-----
Procedure For The Jump-Starting Of Brain Cells
Note: This process is not for the faint-hearted and is severly gross in nature. You have been warned. The author is not responsible for any deaths, damages nor accidents incurred during this process. :p

Aim:
To jump-start a person's brain, using any means necessary.

Equipment needed:
1. A very sharp knife
2. A battery pack with jumper cables
3. Lots of rags to clean up any mess/blood during the procedure.

Procedure:
1. Open the victim's head with the very sharp knife to gain access to the brain. As long as the jumper-starter is able to gain access, the method and direction of slicing is up to the him/her. Use the rags to mop up any mess if necessary.
2. Once access is gained, proceed to clamp the jumper cables from the battery pack onto the victim's brain. Ensure that the positive and negative clamps are opposite to each other.
3. Proceed to slap the victim around to 'jump-start' the brain. This would also lead to a slack-jaw expression of the victim, thus allowing additional intake of oxygen to the brain. Should the slack-jaw expression be unattainable, additional force is authorised until the said expression is achieved.
4. By now, the victim's brain should have been jump-started. To further confirm that the aim has been achieved, use an automobile to drag the victim for 5 hours. If the victim manages to escape during the dragging, he has passes the confirmation test. All other reactions by the victim means that he/her has failed the confirmation test. Should that happen, repeat Steps 2 to 4, until the victim has passed the confirmation test.
5. Congratulations! The victim's brain has been jump-started.
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P.S: Yes yes, i know i know. Mi very the gross. And no, i will not use this procedure on myself. I very the peaceful kind of person, so will not participate in such violent acts. lol... :D