Happy Malaysia Day!

My blog is indeed in a dire need for an update. Not that I'm too busy with anything. It's just that I can't find anything interesting in particular to update during this period of idyllic mid semester break. Life is certainly blissful and serene at home, and I'm taking it slow and easy. This will soon end, so I'd better accustom myself to another barrage of hectic schedule.

Although our country gained independance on 31 August, today marks the anniversary of Sarawak and Sabah joining forces and uniting with Malaya (Semenanjung) to become the country Malaysia that we know as today. Nevertheless, this date was never endorsed as a public holiday until today, which is the first to commerate this special day. I wonder what took so long to acknowledge our Eastern brothers? Oh well, better late than never.

Malaysia overall is still a peaceful country with a manageable standard of living despite being embroiled with many issues, a few common ones frequently making their appearance and being criticised in our local newspapers. Some of these problems stem from none other than the incompetencies of our own government and mishandling of public funds through corrupt practises. Minus these dirty politicking however, Malaysia as an entity deeply rooted within its rich multitude of cultures and diversity of people is still a unique country to behold and to be proud of. Admirably, politicians here can still settle their differences amicably through "brains" rather than "brawns", despite the fact that not all politicians say the brightest thing. Compared with many disaster-stricken and war-ridden countries, suffice to say I'm more than grateful to live in Malaysia. Of course, it has its fair share of skeletons in the closet and there is still a lot of room for improvements.

After beating around the bush, I'm still at a neutral viewpoint. That's not the point anyway, because I'm just here to say Happy Malaysia Day!

(Am I the only person doing a post on Malaysia Day without a post on Independance Day?)

The 'Sweet' Birthday

My birthday falls on August 18, which I celebrated a few days ago. It was the sweetest birthday experience I ever had, literally. My birthday cake was a custard made by my friends, which I'm really grateful and touched by their thoughtfulness, as they have took the time and effort to do it despite the midst of a busy week.

The first mouthful of the custard however, was enough to make my body shiver as my tastebuds were suddenly jolted with a dose of insane sweetness that I can't describe with words. One thing for sure, eating this will surely give any living mortal a diabetes overnight. Smiling sadistically at my expression, they next threathened to pour the gooey custard on me should I failed to finish it. Oh well, so much for their 'thoughtfulness'...

Of course, I didn't get to finish it. They commenced on another 'dirty' prank first before finishing the custard on me. I didn't surrender to this fate without a struggle though. In the end, everyone is no less 'yuckier' than me. As with any food fight, the cleaning up was not easy with patches of sticky custard sticking on the walls and other surfaces, plus the sweet smell gives me a feeling of being inside a gingerbread house.

Despite being the victim, I really had a blast! Thanks to all those who are involved. I really appreciate it. I had never expect such a grandiose celebration (making that custard surely had took the whole afternoon) when assignments and tests are nearing their peak. I too, had been caught up with my workload and only expecting the usual verbal well-wishing or by worst, being dragged outside and thrown an egg. Indeed, I was proven very wrong! And to my beloved cheme gang, thank you for the lovely birthday card and mug. It is a wonderful surprise. This is indeed a memorable birthday.

This aside, as I keep mentioning, life for me is mostly occupied with academic matters. I have 2 lab reports weekly, a very tight Monday schedule (full lectures from morning till afternoon, with only one hour break for lunch), weekly assignments, and not to mention the occasional pop quizzes. I had made the right decision to be less involved in events this semester. The only clubs that I'm affiliated currently with are IchemE@UTP (a student body mainly catering to those taking chemical engineering in UTP) and UTP Chinese Orchestra. UTPCO had just went through a successful IntroNight and recruited many promising new members. IchemE@UTP too is taking off nicely, with many events planned in phases and soon to be launched. Things are progressing smoothly for both of the clubs.

Another busy week will unfold itself tomorrow so that is all the updates from me now. All the best! For my Muslim friends, wishing you all Selamat Ramadhan in this fasting month.