Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Bleeding myself dry

This is not me going suicidal.

Now that I got your attention, you can put down the phone. Don't worry. In fact, you will find this post a very positive one. 

I am "bleeding myself dry" from the addictions I used to love. 

I am making a change to make myself more productive. 

I realized that there are things in my life that I do, which are just sapping my time away without contributing towards a better me in the future. 

I am evaluating them and removing them from my life.  

No regrets. It's been weeks and I felt great. I should have done it earlier. 

Now a greater challenge awaits. I am petrified by just thinking of it. Yet long time ago I've told myself this is what I want, to finally do something of value and meaning to myself. 

You know all those motivational quotes shared everywhere on social media? It's funny how easy it is to read and acknowledge them. Yet when confronted, no matter how many times you tell yourself those quotes, the mind just freeze and won't get into that motivated mindset.

Perhaps it's just me not getting used to it. I admit I've always lived in a gilded cage shielded and protected. Time to taste what a struggle is like.     

A flashback and farewell to 2014

It's time we bid farewell to 2014 and usher in the new year. At the dawn of a new year, most of us would surely reminisce briefly on 2014. 

What have I done for the whole year? 

What have I achieved so far? 

The best and the worst of 2014?  

Facebook has taken the initiative to do that if you noticed. Facebook-shy myself, this is where I best pen down my thoughts on 2014. 

2014 is a year without much fanfare for me. Looking back, it started out bleakly. Our family was still recovering from our loss, hence Chinese New Year celebration was a quiet one at home. That short one week, I did enjoy quality time with my family though. It' also the year my grandpa passed away suddenly, which is very devastating to my grandma who lose two of her loved ones in such short period. It's the year I learn that at the end of the day, what matters is how much time you get to spend with the people you truly care. Sometime I feel that I got so caught up with work and my own life, as if I'm working on something big, setting the stage for an eventual day when I find my happy ending. But when that day come, my family, my closest friends, those people that I truly cared about might not be around any more, and I have no one to go back to share and celebrate this happiness. In my attempt to pursue this happiness, I would have miss out moments of my life where I should be together with the people I love. My mom was an example, and I shall not repeat it any more.  

2014 is also the starting year of my career where I'm working in a new environment, learning the ropes, meeting new people, facing challenges that have never been before thrown at me as opposed to the idyllic life I had in my university days. It's also when I realised how our education system failed us because we were never equipped with life skills to help us face the real world out there. Moving out from your parents house and living on your own salary, those are indeed an unforgettable phase in anyone's life I guess. How to buy a house? How to apply a loan? How to renovate a house? How to file a tax? And many more. 

At the end of year, things start getting better. My final year review was quite surprisingly satisfactory, considering my mediocre performance and the many past stories I've heard on how the most junior engineer get the brunt of  low performance appraisal. My Australia trip was a memorable one, where we attended my sister's convocation ceremony. Congratz to her! 

In general, 2014 was such a roller coaster ride. It's the year when I'm finally breaking out my comfort zone, casted away my cocooned student-life self, and away from the warm nest of home, to a great big world so full of things to see. It's the year I learn the most. Albeit still grappling in the dark and on unsteady feet, I have a great feeling that 2015 is gonna be a great year. I'm so looking forward to it!  

Keys

I once read a quote that was stuck in my mind for quite some time. I don't remember the exact sentence, but it sounded like this:

"We can never be happy if we choose to put our keys to happiness in everyone else's pocket."

There is some truth to this quote, isn't it? To a certain extent, our value of self worth is contingent on how others reflect upon us. What everyone else think is so important that we will go the extra mile just to please and impress them. Our 'image', 'impression', 'popularity', 'charisma', 'people's skill', or call it whatever you like, it revolves around people, and such quality become even more important in the working life. Sure, each of us can just live alone is a deserted island, then all the 'keys to happiness' belong to us and we can do whatever we like without judgement. But until then, we live in a society, thus contact and communication with people is the norm. 

So what happen when you let others keep your 'keys to happiness? They have total control of your mood in general. When they shower you with attention, even if it's to curry some favor from you, you will feel great, awesome, happy that you are someone important in their life. But when they ignore you, don't appreciate everything you've done for them, you will feel frustrated, angry, and perhaps even betrayed. It can be your boss, a person you secretly admire, that group of clique you've been trying to join, basically someone you've been trying to seek approval and acknowledgement from.   

Sounds pathetic isn't it?
Sometimes I live my life thinking I've been doing exactly all that.

Some of Will Smith's quote:

"We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care."

"Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions."


Well said.
Time to take back my keys, and give them to those who really matters.

Melbourne and Adelaide (13th Dec 2013- 20th Dec 2013)

We visited 2 places in Australia

Melbourne: to catch the live Taylor Swift concert (my siblings are her biggest fans)

Adelaide: to visit the neighbourhood where my sister is staying. She is studying in UNISA.

Being the 2nd most populated city in Australia after Sydney, I find Melbourne to be a clean, organized, and well connected city. We joined a bus tour that took us around the major attractions of the city, with the bus driver slash tour guide giving us a short intro and trivia of each attractions. For families with children and elderly, this is an efficient and fuss-free way to cover many grounds in a short span of time, minus all the walking. Of course, the bus did pull over at each stop for tourists to snap some pictures.

    St Paul's Cathedral, known for its distinctive gothic architecture  

Fritzoy's Garden, breathtaking garden landscape and floras, perfect place to relax

 Queen Victoria's market. Bustling with activities, stalls brimming with fresh produce, clothes and souvenirs, this is a place not to be missed! 

The streets are decked with Christmas decorations in the blazing hot summer, very unconventional to the cold and snow we associate Christmas with, but nevertheless, still a refreshing experience. Here's Bourke Street, also dubbed by us as the 'our nearest main shopping street' because both sides of the streets are lined with shop outlets.    

Bourke Street

Of course, the highlight of the trip (for my siblings) is none other than Taylor's Swift Red Tour concert in Etihad's stadium. I'm not into Taylor Swift, but her concert is really impressive. Her style, body language, the way she speaks, the way she relates to her song, perfectly done. There is no one dull moment on stage. It makes me realize she is not there on top among the stardom just by having a good voice, but with plenty of sophistication and style too.

Swifties Siblings

The day before we depart to Adelaide, we joined a tour a Philip Island, an island southeast of Melbourne that is accessible by land after a bridge was built connecting it to the mainland, kinda like our Penang Bridge. We visited a vineyard, chocolate factory and koala park, and a beautiful coastline named Seal Rock inhabited by, as the name suggested, seals. At night, it's time for the Penguin Parade where hordes of penguins from the ocean march their way across the beach to build their nests, lay eggs and take care of their young. The adorable way the penguins "waddle" across the beach and to see the young fluffy baby penguins is worth the chilly night. 

Panny's chocolate factory. Many interactive carnival-like games that you can play for free. Your winnings will be chocolate ball tokens that you can redeem for real chocolate balls! Yummy!  

 Koala bears, or simply 'koala', because despite the name, koala bears are not a species of bears 

    Walkways to see seals resting on the rocks at Seal Rocks

In Adelaide, we visited the Cleland Wildlife Park, which boast a wide variety of rare-to-see animals such as dingoes, wombats, wallabies and even reptiles and large birds. What's notable about this park is that all the animals are free-roaming so visitors can go up close to the animals, with no unsightly cages or enclosures. Unfortunately, these rare-to-see animals are literally rare-to-see during our visit because many are seeking refuge from the summer heat by hiding in the shades. Nevertheless, there are still plenty enough to see. 

     Wallabies, it's easy to confuse them with kangaroos

The final big trip is to Kangaroo island on a cruise ship. There are not many wildlife on this island, but it more than make up for it with its beautiful coastlines, blue ocean, and sandy beaches. The sunset is also amazing!  

It has been one week of fun and relaxation. Australia is the perfect haven for nature lovers, and I do hope to explore it again someday. For now, back to home sweet home. The weather here is still the best after all! 

The Year of the Wooden Horse

Happy New Year!

Well, not exactly, since it's already one month into the new year.
It's the year of the Horse, my chinese zodiac, which means I've been through the cycle of 12 zodiacs twice, making me 24 years old this year!

As much as I find time to update my blog, it seems to be failing miserably. Work is one thing, but the lack of good internet accessibility once I'm home from work is a major factor. Hopefully, this year I can move into my new home and find a good internet service provider willing to set up service at that newly established area.

Can't wait for Chinese New Year! Taking a long break from work.

Should probably update my Australia trip soon.

 

Convocation ceremony

27th October, 2013. UTP's 13th Convocation Ceremony. I am one of the many proud graduates.

Foundation Year vs Convocation Day

Have been waiting 10 months for this moment. Tracing back the timeline: I finished my semester on January, got a job offer on May, and I am now more than 6 months into my career. Many things have changed. Give another year, and many years after that, how will we change again? Just like this photo, a beautiful piece of time capsule.

The past is for reminiscence. Those carefree moments. Those good old time. 

The future has many things to look forward to. Working life is nothing like the "good old time". But I firmly believe it has its own perks and surprises. I just have to persevere, and be patient. 

“I'm not telling you it's going to be easy - I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.” Art Williams

   

Dissonance

Dear Dad, your work requires you to travel all the time. I understand the need to, but I hope you can also think of settling down soon and enjoy the golden years of your life with the family.

Dear mom, sorry that I did not write to you on your birthday. It's ironic to call it a birthday. It's more like a date to remember you. Thought of dedicating a short post for you on that day but I just keep putting it off.

Dear Ah Ma, sorry that sometimes I seemed to take what you did for granted. It wasn't easy for you I know, to take care of our family, with Jolin being rebellious and the maid hating you.

Dear Jolin, Jason, and Joanne, sorry that I am too caught up with myself and my friends that I forgot to spend more time with you all, to at least catch up and keep in touch with what's happening in my siblings' lives.

I found that my life is at a dissonance. I always hold my family dearest and closest to me, but recently my actions belie me. Procrastination, my worst enemy. Better turn things around before I regret it.  

23rd Birthday: A new aspiration

Today is my birthday, on a Sunday! Nevertheless, I've decided to keep it low profile, especially on facebook. It's amazingly simple, just hide your date of birth and the only well-wishers are those who truly remember your special day. 

My birthday wish? I guess the person who can grant me this wish is no one else but myself. 

Please make me a wiser person, because I've seen myself blessed with many opportunities and resources, yet only to see them underutilized and pass right under my nose. There are many things in the past that I could have done better. I want the wisdom to manage what I have. 

Please make me a more outgoing person, a person with a more cheerful disposition, a person who can slide comfortably into parties, events, and gatherings. Grant me the gift of the gab, make me a social butterfly, because it is actually very lonely to be invisible, to be just an observer all the time.   

Please grant me more knowledge, because to know is to feel empowered, and the world is actually an interesting place that excites all the senses. Travelling, cooking, gardening, keeping a pet, football, cars, playing a musical instrument, money management, photography, oh these are just a few. How I wish for the time to learn about all these.  

I'm tired of living in a golden cage, I'm tried of living in my comfort zone, to toil away in a straight line defined by the society and expect life is just that. Only when time wears away will I realized how much about life I have missed. Am I living every moment my life to the fullest?

And so ends my moment of self-reflection and introspection.     

It's 3 month into my working life, and my 5th week since my handover to Area 2. I could not have been blessed with a more pleasant environment where the learning opportunity is rich and abundant. People here are nice and not selfish with their knowledge. Hmm..but I still need to learn how to fit in with them, to become part of the team that they can appreciate. Visibility, that's the word. 

Here comes the cheesy line: Wishing myself a Happy 23rd Birthday!

I wish for nothing more than to become a better person everyday. 

Material stuff on my birthday you said? Oh, I don't need to wait until my birthday to wish for those things. I do long for a DSLR camera though, preferably before my trip to Australia this December. Well, more research need to be done before I spent a chunk of money on that.    

That's wrap. Let's hope I will frequently update my blog after this.  

The start of something new

This is it! I’ve entered one of the compulsory phases of adulthood, the working life.  I’m with PETRONAS Refinery in Malacca. Melaka is a totally new environment, I have a new home to stay, new people, new workplace, everything is unfamiliar! 

It's been a roller coaster ride. Not long since my mom's passing, I got a call from HR to receive my offer letter. One thing led to another. There are many forms to fill, accommodation to look up, things to buy, and here I am finally. Just before that I have attended a 2 weeks induction program for new executives who will be joining PETRONAS. Good memories. It definitely helps that most people already know each other on the first day of work. Must thank PETRONAS for this initiative. 

Met so many new friends in PIPE108

Meanwhile, my first day at work is not so 'colorful', but there is so much information to absorb. Today is all about briefings, intro to the Refinery, the organization structure, HSE matters, employment benefits, things like that. The Refinery itself is a huge complex, the process area clearly visible from a distance with its rows of rigid towers and structures gleaming in the sun. I guess I am like a curious child during his first time at the zoo. I can't wait to explore and see what's in stall for me. Anyhow, I hope to maintain this zealous spirit of mine, the eagerness to know, because only with passion then work will cease to be a burden and become something enjoyable. Looking forward to learning something new everyday!        

  

PETRONAS Penapisan Melaka

Rest in Peace, Mom

13/03/2013 11.45am. 

Death took my mother. 

It has been 3 weeks since her death, but I still remember that morning vividly. Her last moments. The whole family was there. We told her how much we love her, and that she has nothing to worry about because we would take good care of each other. I held her hands that were deathly cold. And her sad eyes, staring at me. Maybe she wanted to say something, but just can't. She was inhaling sharply, struggling for every breath, the oxygen mask seemed to does little of help. Words just fail me. I just stood there and sobbed. Not long after that she coughed blood, before our very eyes she drew her last breath.The grief that I have been holding on to every day, like an opened floodgate, finally came crashing forward as I broke down, having to accept the fact that my mother was gone for good. It was after some time until there was no tears left, that I was numb, that I felt nothing but a vast emptiness.

A closure that we wish will not end this way, but still a closure nonetheless. At least she doesn't have to suffer anymore. For months I have seen her in agony and pain. Cancer is a cruel disease, and the side effects of the treatment process is crueler no less. I can only watch as it slowly sapped away my mother's strength, until she become so thin and fragile that she was just skin and bones. Soon she became totally bed-ridden. She was lying down all the time, and required me (or my dad) to prop her back up against some pillows so she can sit upright and went through her daily routines (drinking, eating, brushing teeth etc). Her life became confined to a bed and within those 4 walls that given long enough time can be claustrophobic-inducing. 

But it doesn't just stop there. To physically ravage is one thing, to cripple the soul is even deadlier. Soon she began to have serious memory lapses, started to speak incoherently, and at times unable to comprehend what we were saying and we have to repeat ourselves again, clearly and loudly. It's like her intelligence was reduced to that of a 1 year old child. At that stage, she was a remnant of the cheerful, talkative mom that we all used to know. Finally, she became too weak to even eat and drink. In her waking hours she would be screaming in pain, her eyes looking into mine, imploring me to make her pain go away. But what I can I do other than just be by her side? I can only clasped her hands gently and told her to be strong. And if the morphine, the most powerful pain-killer available, was strong enough, she would be sleeping. That's all left of her life, sleep or waking up to suffer. 

It's the same heart-wrenching routine everyday for me for the past few months. Sometimes I wondered if being stabbed by a knife will hurt less. Even more, I wondered all this while how my mother has the resolve and strength through all this. From the moment she knew that she was diagnosed with cancer, and how treatment means she would have to lose her hair and gradually her beauty, and while hospitalized how she can stand living in the same room, the same bed everyday away from home and the family, and finally the pain and suffering tormenting her that she described as "more painful than giving birth". The willpower to withstand all that. How can she be so strong? How can she be so patient? 

Part of me doesn't want to accept death as a finality. Sometimes I foolishly fantasizes that she would at any moment threw the front door wide open and walk right in to surprise us all, she being healthy and well, telling us it was a just a nasty prank. Or the very least, even if she is gone, we get to meet her in our dreams like our usual family outings, us ranting about our lives and she would in turn inform us how she has nicely settled down in the afterworld and how "life" over there was like. Is it peaceful up there? Did she have any friends? Does burning all those effigies really work? Did she receive all those gold ingots that we painstakingly fold from sheets of golden paper? Did she attain enlightenment? Well, one can keep dreaming. I just hope that she has moved on and found peace, she has suffered enough.

Dear Mom,

There are many regrets, but the one that left the most bitter taste is that I did not get to spend more time with you. For the past 5 years I have been away from home. Now that I have finally graduated and is back to spend my time with my family, it seems that I'm too late for you. The brief 2 months that I only get to be with you until your passing never seems to suffice. It sure reminds me of a Chinese proverb that I have learnt:

"树欲静而风不止, 子欲养而亲不在"

meaning the trees try to be still but the wind just won't stop blowing,a son wants to love his parents but they are no longer alive.

We all have suffered much.

Jolin and Jason, the youngest siblings who at their young age should be carefree and happy yet have to deal with mom's death.

My dad, who with my mom should be ideally living a retired life together, taking care of Jason and Jolin while me and Joanne started working. 

Joanne and my Ee Ee (aunt). Mom was their confidants and they share many time over the phone talking about many things and every things for hours. 

These are just the tip of the iceberg.

At the end of the day, life has to go on.
My father said: "Mother was the greatest person ever, planning everything for the children and family but less for herself."
I couldn't agree more. Mom, you are the embodiment of what a mother's love to her children is. I am lucky to have a mother like you, to know how love feels like. It may be brief, but that is how transient human life is meant to be, like a candle flame, fickle and brief, but brief enough to kindle other candles before its end of time.

Rest in peace, my dearest mother.

Dear Mom

I love you.

Get better soon ok?

Then we can all go home. Home is waiting. We all miss you.

The Mid-Autumn Update from UTP

Final year final semester is upon most of us Jan 08 intake students. This is the semester of reminiscence, the phase where I sometimes pause and think how far I've come and what I've become after 5 years. But not on this post. There will be plenty of opportunities to take a walk down memory lane some other time. 

Back to the present: Final year final sem, per week I would have 4 hours of simulation lab, 2 hours lecture, and 2 hours tutorial which can be on or off. All the hours are not fixed and most of the time we're let off earlier. Of course, we still have the ever-nagging FYP and FYDP, the double projects that loom over us since the previous semester. But overall, I have a very free timetable and it's down to time management to put those lecture-free days to good use. 

It's the ending of week 3, so far this semester has been packed with interesting outings and activities. I'll let those extra-large sized photos do the talking. XD

22th September: Bukit Bangkong hike. See if you can spot which of these tiny ant-sized people is me? 

A hiking trip to see the sunrise that we thought will take us 3 hours only took us 30 minutes instead. Needless to say, we reached the peak very early and had to wait. For me it was an unique experience. First, we were wondering around in pitch black darkness with our torch lights. When sunrise is near, everything were mere silhouettes and the surroundings a deep blue hue. It was a cloudy day, so we did not literally get to see the sun rising from the horizon. But when vibrant colors return to the world from the gloomy dark and blue, it's a sure indication it's daylight. We rewarded ourselves with a very delicious dim sum breakfast, all the more tastier after a physical workout. 

    Ipoh Dim Sum Foh San restaurant

Almost one week after that, I went for my first Paintball game! Having played Laser Tag first, Paintball was more realistic and physically taxing, which makes the game more thrilling and enjoyable. We played on a grassy terrain with plenty of tall grass, barrels, and fences. We paid RM50 per person (8 of us in total) for 400 bullets. Getting shot at and bearing bruises is the norm, and I did get a taste of my first battle scars.   

 Plenty of fun and action, but I'm more inclined to name it 'Pain'ball after this

Then, it's the end of September, which triggered a slew of posts on the online community asking Green Day to wake up. But 30th September was also special for the Chinese because it was the day of the much awaited Mooncake Festival. On that thankfully clear and cloudless night, the full moon hung bright and gorgeous, ready to mesmerize fellow moon-gazers. This year I did not manage to go home and celebrate, but I did have a great time with my friends here in utp, where we gathered and savored those delicious mooncakes while playing some board games. Mooncakes sold in the malls and supermarkets with elaborate packaging are often expensive, so living in this small Tronoh town does has its perk when it comes to buying cheap yet delicious home-made mooncakes from the town people. Knowing this news late, we almost did not get to buy the mooncakes, but the town people are kind enough to contact the 'tauke' to come out specially to sell those mooncakes to us. 

Helping aunty to promote those mooncakes! (as if she needs it, business is going great for her)

Besides that, I also spent a random night watching a play by students of Tronoh Theater Shop in UTP. The actors were impressive and portrayed their characters perfectly. The effects and stage props are also excellent and realistic. Too bad the many random side shows (some are good, some are absolutely horrible) and the story's abrupt ending ruined it a bit. But anyhow, all this reminded me of Drama in English I and II that I have took in Foundation. Good times. 

Sangkar Maut drama. TTS' talented actors and stage crew

That's all for the updates. I will be enjoying the rest of my weekend then. Week 4 is starting soon, let's hope that the new week shall be as interesting, or better, more interesting than the weeks before. 

Semester break

The September semester break is the last break of my uni life. With around 2 weeks of free time, I have had a few productive plans on my mind, but ended up not doing most of it, because enjoying my last semester break is more important. I REALLY need a break.

Most of the time I'm contended to be at home, spending time with my siblings, helping out my parents, and doing the things I love but can't seem to find time to do while I'm in UTP. Having no deadlines or stress weighing on shoulders is liberating indeed. Other times, there were a few interesting highlights on some of the days.

On 14th September, my younger brother and I had the chance to catch a glimpse of the beloved British royal couple Prince William and Princess Catherine who were having a walk-around in KLCC park on that day. I do not fancy standing and jostling with the crowd, but it's not everyday that I can see the royal couple up close (well, as close as I can get). Plus, it coincides with my sem-break, so it's fated. It was worth it though, all the standing and waiting, because the mood was simply electrifying when the royal couple appeared, and I did get some priceless photos and videos of the scenes.

Biritsh royal couple in KLCC park

After that, we hang around in KLCC until it's lunch time where Dad introduced us to Shogun, a Japanese buffet restaurant in Farenheit88 shopping mall. The price is a jaw-dropping RM50 per pax, but once inside you began to see the food is fit for a king, with almost every kind of palettes available and constantly replenished. I targeted all the expensive seafood dishes: salmon fillets, calamari squid, prawns, salmon sushi and sashimi, and shark fin soup. I'm pretty sure the countless helpings of shark fin soup alone had done enough to cover the RM50. Anyhow, it felt like I'd been to heaven and back.      

Shogun in Farenheit88 

A few days before I went back, I also went to Setia Walk with my family. The place is a new and developing commercial lot, with many walkways, open-air cafes. and idyllic fountain and pools where children can waddle or soak their feet in it. A very relaxing place and perfect for family hang-outs (with hyperactive children).

Starbucks at Setia Walk 

We had dinner in Wong Kok restaurant, and the ambience totally won my first impression of it. Glassed wall with skyscrapers landscapes in it that gently changes its hue, giving it a realistic effect. I ordered a cheese-baked fish fillet rice and it was delicious, but I found it too pricy for that small portion. But I guess everything's like that on the menu, or any other fanciful franchise restaurant in KL.

 Wong Kok restaurant at Setia Walk 

After dinner, the youngsters of Chua family felt like karaoking, so we went out again. Our night out set us back RM 60 per person at Neway (yup, very expensive), but to think: buffet, unlimited singing time until 4am, a large cozy room with its own washroom, one mike for every person, the rate charged was justified. Just don't do this too often then we'll be ok. Same goes for Shogun.    

Karaoke and buffet in one. Awesome!  

August update

How was August for me? Continuing from where I left off from the last post: 

I tried to fast while coming down with a fever,  not successful, just made the fever worse. Lots of water, Panadol, and a few days later, I'm recovered. Raya over at a friend's house was fantastic though. Despite my subdued appetite, I still enjoyed the time we had. We took A LOT of pictures for keep sake. Here's one:

Tidja, Shakila, Fareez, and me

And after that amazing night, it's back to my UTP life as usual. August has been a gruelling month, with 2 projects culminating to a closure, hence came the final presentations in which we have to present our whole semester worth of work. The preparation involved many hours of meetings and work, adding that with long pages of report writing, the result was me having many late-night sleeps and stress. I'm praying that I can get a decent grade. The seniors are right in saying these 2 final year projects are the toughest courses for us chemical engineers.

Luckily, there was a break in between for me to catch a breather, which is the Raya holiday that fell coincidentally with my birthday, thus I get to celebrate it at home. Nothing beats that! We celebrated with dinner at a restaurant that served us in a private room, which has its own karaoke set, so it's family dinner + karaoke night. 1st time hearing my siblings singing out loud. My parents used to have a karaoke set at our previous home and it reminded me fondly of the old times there.  Food and song was aplenty, one of the best nights I have with my family. I have had my birthday present the day earlier, and it was more than I can ask for. Thanks Dad!

 22nd years old!

 
 During that one week break, we also went to Pulau Langkawi for a 4 days 3 night vacation. We rented a car so we can move around at our own pace and time. It was a very memorable trip and we got most of the major attractions covered: aquariums, beaches, wildlife parks, mangrove swamps, cable cars, waterfalls, fruit orchard, Eagle Square, museum, and duty-free shopping places (yay chocolates!)

 Eagle Square

 

          Back in utp, my friends decided to have a birthday outing with me although my birthday was many days over. That was a pleasant surprise and very thoughtful of them, but soon I got an even more awesome surprise when they gave me a birthday present which I badly needed. It's like they can read my mind, they're the best pals!

A maroon colored iPhone cover with a sturdy look and grip. Loving it!

31st August was Malaysia's Independence Day and the day before was my Mom's birthday. I was not there to celebrate my Mom's birthday, but she had a great day nevertheless with some close friends and the rest of our family. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of roses. By the time I was back to take a snapshot of the bouquet, the roses have already wilted, but they're still pretty. My Mom was always working so hard and had gone through a lot, a tough character who can endure whatever hardship that comes her way but still carry on. I wish my Mom would be forever in good health, and be happy always.     

 Roses for Mom. Happy Birthday!

That's all the major highlights in August. It was a month of tough academic life, but at the same time I get to spend some memorable quality time with my family, which is important. There's a quote that says we are moving with such a fast pace in life, that we sometimes forgot our parents are getting older. That saying is very true, as always I fear and dread the chances I have left that I get to spend with my parents, because with each passing day that opportunity grows lesser.

The month of September began with final exams. It was soon over, which also means my Final Year 1st sem has come to an end. I am currently enjoying the remaining days of my sem-break. My final semester as a student starts very very soon, and it's a bittersweet feeling for me. But more on that later, bye for now.   

Ramadhan

The holy month of Ramadhan has begun for some time for my Muslims friends. Indeed, to fast the whole month is not easy. I admire their strength, because to go hungry is still bearable, but to ignore the clawing thirst at their throats everyday for the whole month, that requires pushing one's will to the limit.

Being invited to buka puasa at one my friends' house, I have thus challenge myself to a day of fasting too so that it will be more meaningful. I have thought the only real trial today would be sitting through the Heat Integration test with the aching thirst, but never would I expect myself to come down with a fever. For now it has not developed into a fever yet, but the tell-tale signs are there. The incessant coughing, which only worsen my need for water, the neck and forehead warming up while the fingers and toes are cold, i woke up for sahur today in a miserable mess. Of all the days to get sick, it has to be today?

So the odds are not in my favor, but never mind, I will try my best to tide through this. The feeling of achievement will be many times greater with the extra odds stacked against me. About me being sick, let's just say I have not been responsible with my health lately. Unhealthy meals, staying up late to finish my work, no fruits, and less exercises, it's not surprising I turned out like this. I just wish I have my Austrian lifestyle back, where I am in control of my life, my schedule and the places I can go.

Today will be a tough day ahead. Even when I'm done, sure I might deserve a pat on the back, but it's nothing to be too proud of. If I sincerely wish to fast, I would have done so without needing a reason to, and without glorifying it to the whole world so that they can heap praises onto me, which I'm trying to keep a minimum here. No, it would be silent, a challenge I embark on my own, where my temptations will be the contenders. In the end, it's just a battle with the devil inside of me. That's how it should be done.      

At this point of time

There has been such a huge gap since my mediocre update from Graz. Where am I and what am I doing now? What have I been through? 

Well, 7 months of internship in Graz, Austria has been the best 7 months of my life. To be independent, to be in charge of your own life, and of course the culture, the weather, the people, the food: to have the chance to experience them is indeed a privilege I never dream of. It is as if I was being transported to another reality of fantasy. I really missed my life there. 

Back from internship, I am currently facing my Final year 1st Semester in May. Study life seems tougher after internship for most of us, perhaps due to the allure of working life that we briefly experienced  in that window  of 7 months. I myself have enough of exams and lectures, but who knows? I have yet to face the real working environment. It should be even tougher. Even so, the current semester is already tough on me, and certain time I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders threatening to break me. But toughen up and face it I shall, because if I can't handle this, how am I going to handle the meaner ones in the future?

I guess studying or working life, both are challenging aspects of a student life. So, it is important to have plenty of fun. This semester has its equal share of ups too. Some pictures to share here: 

White water rafting with friends whom mostly have been interns in Austria 

Craving for durians after the rafting

Cameron trip with the Chindians Jan08

          Laser tag battle with my coursemates. Oh the fun! 

The bowling team for Chemical Engineering Department. We won the champion title!! 

These are the good times, and I'm sure more will be coming. Whenever I feel the stress biting into me, I just need to think of all the good times you have had, and remind myself bad and stressful times are just part and parcel of life. Eventually the rain clouds will clear and the sunshine and rainbow will appear. 

Happy mid-sem break to all UTP students! 

Near death experience?

It's an awkward transition really, from the merry "yay I am oversea!" to this morbid account of near death experience, but i guess it is only when death brushed past me ever so lightly that i feel i must get things off my mind in this post. Interestingly, it was someday this week during a blackout in utp, a few friends and I escaped to the mamak stall, and this near-death experience topic was brought up somewhere during our conversation. Who would have thought a few days later i really got a near-death experience to share!

It was Sunday, my team was announced the champion for this year's utp sports carnival for bowling, so we went on to celebrate till the wee hours of the morning. We were heading back, just about reaching Tronoh where the road is pitch dark with nary a street light, then it happened. 

I was in a drowsy state from sleepiness when the driver suddenly exclaimed "What's that?!" Before i knew it, our car slammed into something hard, followed by loud screeching, then our car hurtled forward violently and unsteadily, almost seems any moment it will swerve and crashed into the adjacent divider. Luckily, it finally came to a stop. Everyone's sleepiness instantly evaporated as we took in what had just happened. 

Our car had been ensnared by some thick wire that had been hung across the road.  The 1st instinct was this was a trap, and someone might be waiting to ambush us if we stepped right out of our disabled car. So we stay put in the car and called for help. Our friends in another car soon came. It is only then that we dared stepped out of the car. Closer inspection revealed that the wire was actually a cable that has gotten loose from the power grid and it hung across the whole length of the road. No one dared to touch the cable. The cable has cut deeply into the bumper of the car but luckily was not entangled in the wheel.  

Soon, the police was called over, then some men from the TNB also came to remove the cable. Then, we drove (yeah, amazingly only the bumper was damaged) to the batu gajah police station to file a report. The police's theory was that someone was halfway stealing the cable and was lowering it to the ground when we happened to drive past, therefore getting caught by it. That would explain why other cars before us were not affected. It was a bad-ass cable indeed. Strong, sturdy and used in cranes to lift heavy loads, which made it lucrative to steal i guess. The accident happened at 4am, and by the time we were done with the police report and finally get to go back, it was 7am. Needless to say, I took a really long and deep sleep. 

Thinking back, we were indeed very lucky to be alive and the car suffered only a minimal amount of damage. So many things could have gone wrong that we might end up in scenes akin to those in Final Destinations.We could have swerved and crashed violently into the divider, or the whole car could have flipped over. I shudder to think if it was a motorbike that was tripped by the cable instead of us. Kudos to my friend for gripping the steering tightly and keeping the car steady in that spur moment of accident. There is so much more: If the cable from the power grid was alive with current, we could have been electrocuted. Or if it was hung higher, it could have smashed right through the windshield and cut into our flesh. Or if there really was a cable thief, he might be violent and decided to robbed us instead. Indeed, we can count on our lucky stars neither one of worst-case scenarios actually happened. We escaped unscathed, traumatized maybe, but safe and sound in one piece. Pitting all this against the Ipoh Run that I'd missed, it seems minor. Of course, it was really a letdown for me because I had been looking forward to this run for a very long time. Nevertheless, here I am, still breathing and alive, so I am eternally grateful. 

Life is so fleeting wasn't it? We could lose it all in just that one moment, with all those unspoken words left hanging, all those things to do never accomplished. 

Greetings from Graz

I'm back! It's been a long while. A lot had happened. To get things started, right now I am doing my internship overseas in Graz, Austria. 

This was a late post, a very late one indeed considering my internship is two-third over. Time flies. A lot of patching up to do since my last entry in tumblr. I will take things slow. Consider this post a prelude. 

Good night. 

  

Moving to a new blog

http://wkchua07.tumblr.com/


I will be moving to tumblr. Blogger has been good, but I'm going to try my hands on tumblr and see how it's like. My China trip update (yeah i know it's long overdue) is on tumblr. Don't worry. I will always drop by here because this is where I have link everyone's blog.