There are certain things in this world that really cannot afford to be praised.
Take Natural Phenomena for example.
I remembered in one of the previous entries I was describing the clear azure sky with bright teeth white clouds floating in the air (in der Luft schweben... haha some private jokes from my German tutorial :P). And now? Before I could even sit down in the morning and enjoy the breeze, our dear Haze makes a comeback.
A stubborn comeback indeed. Thanks to the winds and continual raging fires devouring the tropical natural heritage in the neighbouring country.
Rain seems to be the best solution now. But when will it next rain? 3 weeks later?
Or this does not need to work only for natural phenomena. Human-induced events also apply for that matter. In any case, the Haze is rather more human induced than it is natural. Triggered by the Greed and Irresponsiblity of us Humans and enhanced by natural phenomena, bringing a better good to the greater population across the region.
How nice could it be, if this were not carbon soot or particles of sulphur dioxide or nitrous oxide, but of affluence and prosperity?
Everyone complains about the fire. The Haze. Governments say have to put fire down. The media talks about their plans to put off the fire.
But is anyone doing anything at all?
Thats the Fe-y of Humans.
(In case you will wonder that Fe-y is, here's a clue: Fe is the chemical symbol for...? :))
Such a wonderful numberth (222nd) of post should be dedicated to something so wonderful. it is worth while to be recorded in this blog.
Thanks to a few days of showers that washed away all the smoke and dust particles that have haunted us for the past few weeks. It feels really great to see the azure blue sky coming back to sight and it is just so soothening and therapeutic. The dark green cranes at the Pasir Panjang Wharves (Container port) is finally back in clear sight. And the long "disappeared" horizon of factories (believed to be Jurong Island. Didn't really bother to find out what it really is. Haha..). The temperature was kept rather cool, at below 30°C. To readers of temperate countries, yes unfortunately, people who lives in the tropicals do not have the luxury of experiencing any temperature below 25°C (except for this very rare occasion at the end of 2005 when there was a week of non-stop rain after Christmas, causing room temperature to drop to 23°C at one time.) or above 35°C (except for this very rare occasion slightly more than 9 years ago when the temperature in Petaling Jaya was at one point 38°C thanks to the Haze.
Ah too bad I dont have a camera at the moment to capture the wonderful scenic combinations of the Mother Nature and human civilization.
Anyway, the site meter is really good. It tracked the readers of the blog all the way to the US, Germany, Australia and India. Hmm I know who is in the US and Australia who would possibly read my blog, but I wonder who reads my blog from India. And having readers from Germany is not that surprising anymore since my link was pasted in the Wise Guys Fansite Forum (still wonder how that person found my blog. haha... maybe cos i posted one of their videos and they happen to google it.) but this link has been continuously from the same source. Hmmmm........ and this person always linked to my site from Dingying's.... This means this person knows both of us and well there's only two persons that i know, who are currently at that place.
Have been rather out of touch with Cantonese Pop for years since I came to this Island Republic to study. Hmm maybe don't really know about the latest developments, e.g. who are the new singers and their songs. But there have been quite a few outstanding ones. One of them was introduced to me when my friends sang his song in Redbox. I realized his songs are very well written and he certainly has the potential to rival Jay Chou. More of a HK counterpart of his I guess, and he writes a variety of genre of songs tho. I always admire those who writes his own songs and can deliver the feel perfectly.
Embedded is one of his songs, called 好人. It is sung by Justin Lo (侧田) --> Read it in Cantonese, it is a more-or-less translation of his English name. The lyrics was written by none other than the King of Lyricists --> 林夕. He really can write lyrics of almost any theme. Somehow the way the song is delivered tend to lead me into the feeling of the meaning. Muahaha.... maybe it expressed exactly what is my current state of mind, subconsciously.
Well, did not do as well as expected during song presentation in Resonance today.
I thought, we sounded much better during our practice on Monday.
What went wrong? I think we were either too nervous so underperformed under stress and pressure, or we were too tired that day. The tempo was off. But nevermind. Good try tho. And all our members have tried our best. Will of course learn from the mistakes and constructively improve ourselves.
And I must say once again, I did not regret at all joining Resonance despite piling up workload in the Third Year. Things are packed, and overwhelming, but at least I am enjoying life. That is the least thing I could do to treat myself better, isn't it?
So, the title actually has no relevance to Resonance, but towards my work now.
But no point wasting time complaining about how overwhelmed I feel now. I guess this applies generally across the whole campus. So everyone is almost equally overwhelmed.
To all those out there who feel the same, believe in yourself what you can do. Persevere and be determined!
On a second thought, I think the word "broken" in the title is too strong a word.
"Unfulfilled" sounds like a better word here.
If you actually scroll down and click on my 1st of October post, I have promised myself to be happier, at least for this month. It turned out that other than on 15 October, I slipped into mild depression and developed a certain kind of inferiority complex for the large part of the rest of the month. Maybe I tend to think a lot when the level and intensity of stress builds up.
Has the time really come? Is this the right time? Sigh, I really want to know, at the same time I am confused and do not want to know.
Just want to have some peace in mind now.
And a precious Public Holiday which falls on a weekday and would be rare to take place in this island republic would be gone within minutes. Sometimes I am just amazed at my ability in procrastination.
Whatever it is, let bygones be bygones. I will try to be happier over the next few days. On Saturday especially cos it'll be another special day. But it would not make a difference to the world I guess. No one cares. (Thanks to those who really do. I know who you are :) )
Recollecting what I have been thinking so far, suddenly these things came onto my mind.
Ever wonder what are the things that can cheer me up?
1. Fresh Durian 2. Eggs 3. A Cappella 4. Reading some inspirational text
Lately have been getting more obssessed with German language, which I have been learning for the last 28 months. Combining my obsession to the stuffs above, I have finally found a perfect combination that blends almost flawlessly.
German language + A Cappella = Wise Guys
Just love their songs. Too bad their albums aren't sold in this pathetic place whose large proportion of the population does not really care and appreciate much about the beauty, science and artistry of A Cappella.
Why do I always love something that tends to be the contemporary trend of majority of the population? That's called Special, I guess. I remembered I once perceived myself as an oddball for liking some peculiar and things considered by many others as "weird". To me they are all special in their own ways. Nothing in this world is "weird", and the word itself is just a tool used by some people who fear and choose to be ignorant towards knowing more about the stuffs they labelled "weird".
Lucky for me, and thanks to my seniors, I have found myself something which I really love to do. Although the discovery was made not too long ago in 2002, I do hope I can learn a lot over these few years and strive to be a better singer. Much to learn from Resonance seniors and to enjoy singing with them and also long way to go to instill an appreciative culture in Hall. Above all, upbringing the quality of Hall A Cappella group.
Mid Uni-Life Crisis : Episode 2 - Far-beyond-extremely-and-absolutedly the Very Bored
Yes, I am very very very bored now. Rotting at Science CBLC wiriting this post dunno for what purpose. Wasted a few hours tryin to get a book which is out of stock. Now wasting more time waiting for Project Group meeting. I win liao. Lab Report haven't start to do. Iodocynanide Night tonight and going to sing 4 songs. What else is in my brain now?
Oh yeah, somehow the aftertaste of the D24 durian cake and the Warsteiner Bier is still in my head. Just can't forget the taste.
Oh yeah, I want to sleep.
Today's PSI stands at 75 as of 12.30pm. But the visibility is way below 1 km. What is the correlation?
When you are on your way obtaining something, would you sometimes slow down ormake a quick stop just to reassess whether you are doing the right thing?
When you jog, would you slow down half way and reconsider if you are running on the supposed route?
Of course, jogging is easier. You set your own route, you set your own pace, and you can expect what to see along the way. You also know where and roughly when you will end up at your destination.
But it seems, life itself isn't just as simple as that. No one knows how life comes about, no one knows how one's life would evolve over time, no one knows what will happen in the future. So how would one know if he is doing the right thing?
And what is right anyway? Half way into University life is really interesting. As homeworks pile up and timetables start to clash with one another, in the midst of all these hustle and bustle, I sometimes do slow down or stop in the middle and rethink.
And think and think.
Is this really what I want? Am I really doing what I am interested in? What if I've discovered other interests that I wish to pursue? Am I doing the right thing? "Right" as perceived, perhaps by the society, and not by myself? Who am I really? Have I known myself well enough, now that I have stepped into the 22nd year of my life?
Tonnes of questions to be answered. But while contemplating, time to get back to reality. Lecture time.
Thanks to everyone who were involved in the birthday celebration for Wei Sheng and I this midnight!!! It was very very nice of you all and I really appreciate it! Thanks, CC, YJ, TN, TL, FC, LC,HC, SM, KY, XH and the rest of you who were there!!!
Guess what I had as a Birthday cake??? hehehe... actually it is the first time i had such a cake also
Its a Durian D24 cake!!!!!!
It is indeed the first time in my life to eat a Durian cake! It is somewhat like a sponge cake, in between laid 2 layers of durian flesh (still containing the fibres). Really lecker! Imagine the cake is covered with pure white cream, underneath lies 3 layers of soft and puffy sponge cake. In alternating layers in between the 3 layers lies 2 layers of sweet, fresh, succulent, creamy and ever mouth-filling slushy mesh of durian flesh!!! And the moment the durian flesh enters and fills your mouth it is just superb - bringing you into the highest energy level and high in the air (almost reaching mesosphere)!!! And I only till then discovered that there exists such a place selling Durian cakes... ah just can't forget the taste!
Oh then CC, TN, and TL also cooked Chicken Herb Soup! It was really really very good. The chicken was well cooked not to the extent that it starts to soften and "dissolve", and the salt content was just nice! A trillion thanks meine Brüder!
YJ also prepared a soup. Hehe... the Kimball Mushroom soup! It was pretty good actually... (haha... did i mention that I actually love mushrooms too?) just that I personally find it slightly too salty, but everything else is good!! Nevertheless, a big thanks!!!!!!!!!!
In the meantime, I received a call all the way from the other side of the globe! My Mama a.k.a SW!!! Really surprised to receive her call cos its very expensive i guess. Must have costed her a bomb to do that but really touched. And she ended up talking to the rest of the gang (CC, HC, YJ, KY for the rest of... hmm 30 minutes? Hope you did not spend too much tho..) Thanks for the well wishes and you also must take care k? Must enjoy the Winter and see you again in 2007!
After sending SH back to Old KR, then went over to CC place at EH, initially wanted to bunk over and stay up till sunrise, but SM and YJ ended up snoring at 4.30am. Well u know, sleeping is highly contagious. The effect just self-aggravates and amplifies exponentially with increasing depth of night. So you can imagine how much they affected CC and I. So we ended up sleeping on a sofa outside in E4. Then woke up at 9.00 am and went back to KE to change.
Oh hasnt ended here. Hahaha.... so A called me the previously actually to ask if i wanna have lunch somewhere this afternoon. took me quite some time but finally decided to go to Wiener Kaffeehaus (Viennese Coffee House). It is an Austrian restaurant at Neil Road, near the Outram Park MRT. There was some hesitation over the prices before we decided to go, but when I showed them the website A was like "The website looks so cool lets go there!" haha... wanted to call HW and her friends along but they have deadlines to meet. So will go with them 2 weeks later to once again devour the Austrian food there.
(Oh by the way, if you have noticed why is it "Kaffeehaus" when I mentioned Austrian restaurant, yes, Austria is a German speaking country.)
So what did we eat there??? hehe.... we were partly attracted by the Oktoberfest Promotion:
A main course containing a roasted pork knuckle, a ring sausage, a Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, a bread dumpling, a slice of smoked meat (pork I think) and a salad garnish. The serving is for 2 persons, so u can imagine especially how BIG the pork knuckle is.
[photos will be uploaded here]
We also ordered 2 side main dishes, one Schweineschnitzel and one Zwiebeln Rost Braten for A, with one Warsteiner Bier (German beer).
[more photos will be uploaded here, stay tuned!]
I must say first of all, that Warsteiner Bier is superb!!! Just like the German beer (cant remember the name) I took at Stefan's place back at Baden-Baden while in Germany. Really, Tiger beer is nothing! Oh and then the Zwiebeln Rost Braten (Roasted Sirloin steak with fried Onions) is also one of the best beef I have ever tasted! The juicy, tender and meaty beef.... without the foul smell... and it is well cooked and so gentle... You simply just cannot resist it!
The pork (roasted knuckle and Schweineschnitzel) is nice too! But I don't find it as fantantic as the beef tho. coz the beef is really tender! haha.... the skin was so crispy it feel like u r eating the 烧猪 everytime after Qing Ming. Hahaa.... but nevertheless I guess it was worth the price.
Then we had Apple Strudel and Sachertorte for dessert. Sachertorte is a slice of thick and dark chocolate cake. Just simply awesome!. Then the Apfelstrudel was sour, but very juicy and the pastry skin was so well made (Haha I have no idea which adjectives to use already. Sorry England no powderful.) I just fell in love with it. It's a definite must try at Wiener Kaffeehaus!
Wow I just realized 80% of the content of this entry is on food. Perhaps higher at 90%. Haha.. Hope my descriptive power is not high enough to make u all drool~~~~ keke
And today was the only day in semester I did not touch school work AT ALL! Let them pile up I dont care. This is my Birthday and I shall do what I want. Be pampered. haha... I'm sure I have given my taste bud cells and my stomach cells all that they deserved for today!
Really want to thank all those who were around with me today. I really had a wonderful day and probably one of the happiest day in my life! And also thanks to all those who did remember my birthday and your well wishes! Really appreciate your effort and time!
Endlich kommt es wieder zurück Die Augen jücken Die Nase läuft Die Hals schmerzt Wieder getrocknet fühlt es Nach nur fünf Minuten
Endlich kommt es wieder zurück Der Wald wird verbrannt Und stirbt es auch Verschmutzt ist die Luft Durch die Straße von Malakka Weht der Wind
Endlich kommt es wieder zurück Nebel heißt es Schmutz und Gift bringt sie mit Schwieriger ist der Atem Durch den Atemzug In die Lungen Kommen Köhlen und Schwefeln an
Endlich kommt es wieder zurück Selbst verschwinden wird es nicht Um den Wald zu verbrennen Stoppt man nicht Um den verbrennenden Wald abzulöschen Versuchen die Regierungen auch nicht
Endlich kommt es wieder zurück Was bedeutet das eigentlich? Der Nebel bleibt Immer noch
Here's a commonly used Chinese saying: As long as you feel calm and tranquil, you will naturally feel the breeze of cool air. However, even though I am very calm and in great emotional tranquility, I could not feel even the slightest tinge of the cool breeze. And my senses are telling me that the long disappeared haze is back Is it not the greatest culprit of all?
So wird eine chinesische Redewendung gesagt: Wenn man in Ruhe und in Gelassenheit bleiben, fühlt man sich angeboren frische, kühlte Brise. Ich bin jetzt in ganzer Ruhe, und auch in einer guten Gelassenheit. Trotzdem kann ich mich überhaupt keine Brise fühlen. Und alle meiner Sinnesorgane zeige ich jetzt an, dass der giftige Nebel noch zurückkommt. Ist der nicht der größte Schuldiger aller Zeiten?
Finally the long awaited month comes. Why do I long for October? That's something I am not going to tell. The gist of it is, it is the month in which I should be happy. For what? Don't wanna tell you. For those who bother reading this I guess you would know. For those who are reading this and don't know what the banana I am talking about, haha, its okay. Doesn't matter. Nothing important anyway.
Hmmm have been thinking of changing the blog template but don't really have a solid idea on how and what to change. Think just leave it in status quo. Find it quite the nice actually. Some people actually complained that my blog is boring and that I should add more pictures to make it more interesting. U know what I think?
This is my personal space and I am free to do whatever I like. If you find it boring, then dun read. I cant help it. My life is kind of boring to the others but somehow I enjoy it anyway. Haha.... sorry ah that sounds a bit cocky but I think I am going cuckoo already. Haha... who cares man? Just another ordinary person going cuckoo in this world. Send me to either Tanjung Rambutan or Woodbridge.
Anyone wondered what am I talking about? Actually, I don't know. Sorry to have wasted your time. Haha...
Anyways, have been thinking lots about life recently. Maybe it's October, u know. Sometimes when I started thinking about all this, my mood would tend to sink to a trough and feel slightly depressed. Doesn't matter anyway. Will recover in due time, when the cycle of lab reports and tutorials and lectures start again.
Ever pondered about such questions along the way?
1. Have I made a right decision studying whatever I am studying now?
2. Is this what I really want in my life?
3. What if I discovered something new and with great interest ever since I entered the uni? Would it be bizarre to do something radically different in postgraduate? Or should I just continue with whatever I am doing, all the way?
Searching for the answer of these questions. What should be the priority in life, i guess, would be an important guide to answer these questions.
Sigh. If only life is simpler. But then again, too plain a simplicity is boring.
