New beginnings

Hello! (I don't know who is still keeping up with my blog since I stopped posting regularly months ago.)

Anyway, yes, I am now in the United States. I'm studying here (please, don't give me the lame "get an ang moh boyfriend" line... spare me). I've been here for 3 weeks now and just hadn't gotten around to posting a short update. I have some free time tonight (no classes tomorrow!), so I figured I should post. :)

The place I'm in is nice. It's called Ann Arbor. I walk to my classes. I eat home cooked food just about every day. So, if you're wondering, no, I am not a regular customer at Starbucks (honestly, I still don't know how to order a drink properly), I have not tried many different cuisines (I've tried Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Italian only - more to go: Mongolian, Mediterranean, Mexican, etc), and I have not seen very much of this place. I've been on the buses many times but I only know a few routes so far. I'm still learning my way around this place (I can get lost even locating a lecture hall - yes, my sense of direction is that bad even when I'm equipped with a map).

So far, I've met many nice people - from orientation, church picnic, etc. I got to know most of my Malaysian seniors. They're all very helpful. As for my housemates, they're pretty cool people and we get along well. :) Last week, when our Internet was down, we sat at the dining table and talked for a couple of hours and later at night, we had some fun with the PS2. :D We went to two events together, too, and even each got ourselves a key chain with a photo of all four of us with a tacky, winter background!

When I arrived here, it was still pretty warm because it was the end of summer. Now, the leaves have started changing colors and the trees are really pretty. The change is quite obvious because I notice more and more leaves turning orange and red every day now. It's really a pretty sight, especially with all the furry little squirrels scurrying around. :) It's getting chilly. The winds are pretty strong sometimes. They make my hair go crazy, but sometimes, I kinda like the extra volume they give my hair. :P

I'm now in my second week of classes. My classes are okay. I'm taking 12 credits this semester. I'm taking one core class (theory of interest), one elective class (intermediate microeconomics), one natural science class (animal behavior), and one mini course (dinosaurs and other failures). I know, what do the last two have to do with my major? Nothing. I'm just taking them out of interest and to fulfill my other requirements. Animal behavior class is pretty fun. We get to watch videos and discuss animals. (My discussion section meets in the museum! The classroom is a few steps away from fossils, etc!) The dinosaur class will only start mid-semester because it's a one credit course.

And, okaaaay, here's a photo of me standing in front of the Engineering Arch. The campus myth is that you will get married to the person who you kiss under this arch at midnight.

Yep, I went shopping just before this photo was taken. That there is my pair of black boots for fall. :)

Photos

Here are some waaaaay long overdue photos.

On the day before the mock trial. I was lethargic/stressed/excited, well, pretty much feeling everything at once.

During the short recess.

One of the defense's witnesses. This guy cracked everyone up with his twitches. (Gotta love team members who come up with the coolest ideas and who actually agree to carry them through!)

With Olivia and Wei Yiing, the prosecutor.

My defendant who was found not guilty!

Taking a breather while the jurors deliberated. (Someone went, "Hey, the opposing counsels shouldn't be talking to each other!" Our response, "Yeah, whatever!")

Supper with the girls after the mock trial. This was around 11 pm, I think. I was ready to crash on the bed right after filling up.

Next up: photos from Penang!

Being

So what have I been up to?

1. Mugging - My History mid-term is on Friday. The word mugging itself has just been fortified in my vocabulary, given the amount of grey matter contributing to this activity as the mid-term approaches.

2. Crafting and celebrating - We all contributed to making Sher Minn's birthday card. I enjoyed making the covers a lot. Here's the front cover:

Doesn't look like a 19-year-old's birthday card, I know, but the three animals just had to be there! As for the pastel colors... well, we had to make do with the color papers we had. :P

And this is my personal page:

We celebrated her birthday last night. The surprise plan was foiled, but we had a good time anyway! :D

3. Organizing and reorganizing - My list of priorities, that is. Suddenly all the work came rushing in like a dam just burst. And the deadlines are all looming one after another. It's sort of like taking a train ride into one of those spooky mansions. Alright, that might be an odd and inappropriate comparison, but do excuse me because I just reluctantly got up from a nap in the best weather possible to sleep in.

4. Planning - Our post-finals vacation! I'm excited about this. I have a new found respect for people in the PR field. Trying to keep even a few people completely happy is difficult, what more a big group of people. Let's just say that I can't wait to get all the logistics down to the last detail ticked off the list and just relax and have fun.

5. Reconnecting - The more time passes, the easier it is to lose touch with friends. Sometimes in the late of the night, before I go to sleep, I wonder how you're doing. All of you. And sometimes I kick myself for not making the effort to say hello and catch up. So now, I'm doing my best to do that. (And you, thank you for saying hello.)

Alrighty. I might as well get a bit more reading done before I head out for dinner. Hungryyyyyy. Okay, I probably should stop here.

Have a good week, everyone!

Some quiet and relaxation

I have so much free time to myself now that it feels kind of funny. The hostel block is almost deserted now because most people have gone back home. Me, I'm chilling by myself, spending my time the way I really want to. Except that I don't like meal times when I'm all alone. If you don't know, I hate eating by myself. I know some people enjoy the peace and solitude, but I'm all for laughter and camaraderie during lunch and dinner, no matter how short. But, oh well. It isn't too bad.

So far, it's been alright being alone here. I slept in, woke up to a good breakfast, spent time doing chores, and then finally got around to trying out my new nail polish. (It's a break away from my usual neutral light colors - I love it.) I like the fact that I can blast music loudly for as long as I want. I think it's best to spend some time getting my work done too because my public speaking midterm is on the day right after I come back here.

On another note, here are some photos I didn't post up earlier. These were taken on the night we gathered to have dinner with Eric who is leaving to Australia tomorrow.

All the best in Aussie, Eric! :)

Exploring Melaka

Hello!

To start off, I'd like to say that I had an awesome week! It really feels like I've been back here for more than just a short two weeks, because I feel like I've already done so much more. I have to say, realizing that this is our last semester together here has injected a new sense of adventure in us. Or maybe it is just me. Either way, I think it's quite enjoyable. ;)

Yesterday, Wei Yiing, Bee, Olivia, Shervin, Yat Sin, Poh Yee, Ei Leen, and I set out from here to Seremban at 6.10 am. That is really, really early because I can't even remember the last time I woke up at 5.00 am, took a hot shower, had a complete breakfast, and stayed awake and alert for the whole day after that. Despite the terribly early hour, I was psyched for our trip to Melaka. I initially expected to nod off in the train on the way to Seremban, but we occupied ourselves by playing charades. I think the train does not usually have so many laughing college kids in one carriage at any time before 6.30 am.

When we arrived in Melaka, we were rearing to go and explore the place and not to mention try the food! Our first stop was the Stadhuys where the bus stopped. After the obligatory touristy photo taking session, we headed to St Paul's Church where we looked at old tombstones and took more touristy photos. From there, we moved on to A Famosa, where we had fun with the neat looking floor and the cannons. More photo taking ensued.

After walking around the hilly area, we decided that it was time for lunch. We walked along flat land to get to the bridge heading to Jonker Walk. Our food quest was certainly the highlight of our trip. We stopped by a chicken rice stall that Karyn had recommended. The chicken rice balls were good. It's not that much different from normal chicken rice except that it has a denser texture and it is more sticky. The shape is really cute, too. :P The asam fish we had was awesome. I'm not one for asam dishes, but that one got me. I actually enjoyed eating fish! To top off our lunch, we crossed the road to a cendol stall and had some good ol' cold cendol. There is really nothing better than an icy dessert on a hot day! The guy operating the stall even took our photo and told us that he'd upload it on Facebook! (I've yet to look his page up.)

After our makan session, we did some window shopping. We entered almost all the souvenir shops along the rows where the chicken rice and cendol stores are. Jonker Gallery got us girls hooked. We entered all but one of the stores. :P We found some really good bargains on accessories, and, oh, how could we resist? Thankfully, we spent very little on souvenirs. The bulk of our expenses came from transportation and food.

After souvenir shopping, we took a time out by having more dessert - this time, at a really cool stall that offers durian-flavored ais kacang and cendol. I tried the durian ais kacang since I'd already had cendol earlier and I totally do not regret it. It tasted so good that I think I could've easily had another bowl of it! Once we'd decided that we'd had a long enough pit stop, it was on to the temples. Me, Ei Leen, and Yat Sin spent more time in another souvenir shop while the rest toured the oldest temple in the country and then another temple opposite the road. We sure made full use of our umbrellas yesterday as it was scorching hot.

More walking followed as we made our way to three museums. I don't remember all their names, but I do remember that one of them is the navy museum. The first one that we entered is the one housed in a replica of a ship. That time, I was already feeling worn out, so I took the time to unwind as we walked through the belly of the ship, looking at the exhibits. Two museums after that, it was time to whet our appetite again. (Don't we sound like complete gluttons now? Uh-oh.) After a quick call to a Melaka resident, we made our way back to Jonker Walk. We dined at Nancy's Kitchen following Sher Minn's recommendation, where we had authentic Baba Nyonya food. We had two chicken dishes, one vegetable dish, and a fish. It was a really scrumptious dinner that left me sated and really happy.

We were hoping to catch the 5.30 pm bus back to Seremban but by the time we piled into the uncle's car (he owns the restaurant; he offered us a lift - for a fee - to the bus station), it was already only 10 more minutes to 5.30 pm. We missed the bus by a few minutes, so we spent the next hour in McD where we split all the tabs and carried out all our monetary transactions. I couldn't resist getting myself a sundae (oh, I can hear Wei Yiing going you pig now). I guess my tired face must have lit up when I scanned the menu because Yat Sin said, oh, aren't you happy to see ice cream? I should've just stepped away from the counter! Meh.

The journey back to Seremban was filled with peals of laughter caused by weird and funny photos in both cameras that were brought along. Despite all the laughter, I could feel tiredness really getting to me, so I decided to take a nap. I did manage to doze off for a while, but when I woke up, there was a pain in my neck because of the position of the head rest. I was really thankful that the bus is comfortable and clean, though. Apparently, everyone felt a tad bit refreshed after cat napping on the bus because we were back to being noisy on the train on the way back to Nilai. This time, we did not play charades, though. :P

By the time we reached hostel grounds, it was already 10 pm. We grabbed some burgers for supper (strangely enough, we got hungry even after all the food we'd consumed) and then headed back about half an hour later (shortest supper session ever). I couldn't wait to jump into bed and sleep, but there was still some packing to do for school. My eyelids were heavy and my legs were tired. I searched high and low for my tube of Flanil but I couldn't find it (this morning, I found it in my bag), so I went to sleep with all the aches.

All in all, it was a really enjoyable trip, as I'd expected. Not only did I get to try authentic Melaka food, but more importantly, I got to spend some quality time with friends who made me laugh so much in just one day and who totally made my week. I think that's just awesome. :D

Ne-Yo in KL

The Ne-Yo concert last night was amazing. It was my first real concert and I must say that it was worth attending. Ji Ding and I had been wanting to go to a concert together, but somehow our plans failed to materialize, until the end of last year when she asked if I want edto see Ne-Yo live. Of course I jumped at the opportunity.

We stood in line at around 6 pm. We were only allowed to enter the concert venue at 8 pm. The 2 hours of standing in line was quite tiring. Not only were we sandwiched amongst sweaty bodies, we also had to endure cigarette smoke swirling around and also someone complaining loudly for a long time behind us. Oh, well. We entertained ourselves by people watching, talking, and taking a few photos. We instantly regretted not borrowing someone's camera when we realized that we could've brought one in. :( Ahh, what to do.

Anyway, the opening act started at about half past 8. The crowd was trickling in and getting hyped up. After five songs (if I remember correctly), the crowd was hyped up and ready to see the man himself. The hosts came out and entertained the audience for a while, getting everyone to chant Ne-Yo's name. Once the crowd was sufficiently geared up for what we had all gone to see, Ne-Yo walked onto the stage, causing a mad wave of screaming to ensue. It was then that I realized why it feels so great to be at a concert to watch an artiste that you really like perform. I was positively euphoric throughout the first song, Because of You.


Everyone was sweating buckets but no one seemed to care once the show got rolling. I do not remember the set listing, but I do know for a fact that his performance was really entertaining. He not only sang, but also got the crowd ooh-ing and aah-ing at the littlest things. In between songs, he interacted with the crowd and got everybody hanging on for more. The crowd was mad.

The concert ended around 11.15 pm after he performed Closer, which I think is a brilliantly fitting end to the night, what with the choreography and excitement level at the time. We left Sunway Lagoon, we were like ecstatic little girls who had been given a free lifetime supply of Barbie dolls. Walking out of the Purple Zone and turning back to look at the stage, all I could think was WOW.

I loved every single bit of the concert. And I am glad that we went to the concert, even if it meant sweating like I'd run 6 laps, worrying if waterproof make up really does its job well (it did - whoever invented waterproof make up, thank you so much), sleeping at 3.20 am (after supper and a period of a big adrenaline rush) and waking up at 6.00 am today to come back here. I walked into the hostel area feeling dog tired but still excited. And thank goodness for caffeine that gave me just the right boost that I needed to keep me going until 12 pm. Much to my own surprise, I only caved in and paid off my sleep debt at almost 3.00 pm.

Here's a big, big thank you to Ji Ding for the hospitality and awesome company. Also, not forgetting our patient driver, Kingston, who waited and waited as the crowd went by without signs of us anywhere. (Kings, we told you to go there later ma. Hmmmh.) As a treat, I let him listen to a minute or two of the concert through the phone. (I still think he should have just bought the ticket and came with us.. Hah!) And thank you to Jonathan for his softer hair which I loved and his same ol' sarcastic remarks (and should I say inability to pick up hints?). You all made my night!

It was one of the best nights I've ever had. :)

Burgers and pets

If you've ever caught me grinning at the computer screen, it's most likely to be caused by one of these two: 1) Someone said something that tickled my funny bone so much that I couldn't refrain from at least smiling, or 2) I was on this website. I love this website for all its adorable photos and hilarious captions. Corny or not, I can't help but love this site!

Looking at all those photos remind me of my own pets and their hilarious expressions at times. It makes my day, really. :)

<3

Jingling bells

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

For Che che

Some photos for you to enjoy:

She gobbles. Very quickly and noisily.

Look at my ears! Nom nom nom.. EARTH!

Whatcha lookin' at, human?

Our cat in her meditative pose. (She was actually watching the birds outside.)

New sleeping place.

Hi, Che che!

She does the roadkill pose so well. Such a drama queen!

Look into my hypnotic green eyes... and listen... DO AS I SAY, HUMAN!

And there it is, your (monthly?) dose of pet photos!

For the other human resident of our house :)

Oh, hello, Che che! Look what I can do!

I can squeeeeeeeze myself in here...

And grab the wire! HAH!

AAAAAAARRRRR AR AR ARRRRRF!

She's constantly moving, dashing from one person's feet to the nearest foot rug to another person's feet. It's hard to capture a photo of her that isn't blurred with all those motion lines.

Doesn't she look like a fat lil piglet? (She sounds like one sometimes too!)

And this playful pup loves nothing more than some good ol TLC. Though that might involve some foot-nibbling with some pretty sharp teeth...

Resident: Miss Hostile

MEOW MEOW MEOW (overload)

YOUR favorite spoilt brat

She gave me the pissy look when I switched on the light... like, seriously, cat, gimme a break. She ended up shielding her eyes like that. :P

One day, I shall reign over the humans... Watch me...

There's your dose of our house pets. :)