Delayed

It's been a crazy semester, like... stupid crazy.  As you can see, I haven't touched this blog in a godawful long time.  Then again, having two jobs, 18 credit hours and work with the International Student Council plus AMSISU does take a toll on you.

This kinda has to be a review post, as the WiFi here in the Des Moines Airport (I'll get to that later) has a time limit of 45 minutes (I have about 39 as we speak).

So looking back at the semester, I made homemade wine.  The first attempt was really lousy, having about a quarter yield from what I started with.  The second attempt was more elaborate, having proper filtration and better proportions of yeast to juice.  Currently I have three bottles (two white, and one red) aging for my 21st birthday when I return.  Exciting stuff.  Now, I'm not an alcoholic or something, as this is purely for science, as I'm super happy to see concepts put to real-life scenarios.

This was my initial test yield, which was pretty sad, haha!

I've also had the luxury of having a new student make some kaya.  It was pretty close to the real deal so I'm extremely pleased.

Besides that, I've learned more and more about myself along the way, which is great, as I can be a heartless idiot at times.

I had also ran for presidency for the Malaysians.  Sadly, I botched both my speech and political correctness and lost out to the previous VP.  Still, it was a good experience, and I'll definitely bounce back stronger.

I also was left jobless after Career Fair, as there weren't many companies to start.  Oh well, I might just look other states where my friends can host me while I intern/ work.

This festive season I've also bought a lot of gifts for friends, as it's about damn time I give back.  And it was great to get hugs from everyone, that's all I ever wanted :]

Hmm... what else have I done?  Hosted my best friends from Texas and had a banging Christmas potluck. We had 2 v 2 FIFA 14 matches, and I'm really happy that I played really well.  It was great to see old friends again, eventhough some were even just acquaintances.

I'm also flying back home.  Because of some family issues, as well as the fact that everyone is finally free for the first time.  I didn't tell many people as I don't want others to feel bad.  But hey, ce's la vie.

I think that's mostly all for this sem.  I think my limit is about there.  So yeah, take care peeps!

Pot Kettle Black - Tilly & The Wall

Iced

Had the privilege of attending a Welcome Picnic organized by the Thai Student Association, as part of being a liaison between them and ISC.  They're super friendly people and their President, Randy, is a great guy.  Warm, friendly and funny, I can see how his exuberance makes him so likable, and a befitting President to their organization.

Can't talk much as I need to sleep soon, but FIFA 14 is just two days away from its release date.  I can't wait to get my hands on them!!  EXCITED!

Also, I've recently had my bouts of emotional "fit" (can't quite coin the term).  On one hand, I need to prove to myself that I'm deserving of a wonderful girl.  But at the back of my head, I wish that you would just barge in to my apartment right now, and prove me dead wrong.  I want to be refuted, not for the attention, but because we share an emotional bond, and that probably won't go away for a while.

I need to get this emo-ness in the "distractions" department.  Well, shit.

I Don't Know What To Do - Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

Help?

As weird as today's events had unfold, all the best to the random girl who dropped by my friend's place at Steinbeck to, allegedly, charge her iPhone 5.  Hope things are on the upside with Josh.  

This sem's uber cray cray, and I'm close to flipping out already!  I'd write more, but seeing that I'm procrastinating on exam studies, I shall keep it short.  

Sigh... the attractive girls have the darndest of problems...

Alive - Empire of The Sun

Cross

Life's been crazy.  Prospective, but darn bat-guano crazy.

Kelly has settled in quite well, which is great.  Her housemates are close to graduation, so she's well taken care of.   She's a really cool person, come to think of it.  Well then again she and her sister, Gaby, are very much alike.  I do apologize.  My brain's multitasking three different fronts while typing this, so it can be spastic talks.

It's been close to three weeks since I've moved in to my new apartment in Tripp Street.  Although rather new, here are some pics of the place in its early phase.

Living room, with my humongous bean bag

A partially-filled kitchen

My still-messy bedroom

Reverse side of my study desk

Dresser

The best part about my room was that I only spent money on my bed:  the dresser, study desk and chair were all free!  Sure, I allocated more funding to the TV and beanbag, but I feel that it is a fair trade-off.  Cooking has been rather fun, too, especially when you have proper cooking utensils to work with. 

Destination Iowa State was a mixed review.  I had the good/bad fortune of having a group of seven Freshman girls (yes they were mostly eye candy, but that's besides the point).  I was a little bummed to be picked for the Towers though, as we get sorted based on housing assignments; I really wanted to join the Transfer students group.  As my team members were all of the opposite sex, it was tough to relate with them, let alone strike a proper conversation.  Unsurprisingly, I was left with no team members showing up for the rest of orientation.

Now, that sucked a lot!  I've texted them, reminded them in-person, and even called them, but to no response from most of them.  It was saddening, as I felt like I wasn't doing my duties as a Team Leader.  So, I joined another group under the Towers and helped them out instead.  Things got better from there, as I had a proper group who I could teach, and learn from as well.  DIS ended with a hypnotist show by Michael C. Anthony, and it was phenomenal.  I ran out of tears to weep from all the laughter!

Classes had just started today, and I am terrified!  One on hand, I'm taking the hardest course in ISU (in the form of Organic Chemistry 2), and my hundreds-strong Genetics class has a lecturer who wants you to learn by creating your own notes, with him acting as a reviewer instead.  Now, that's daunting.

And no Fang Hao-esque story is complete without his emotional needs.  Well, I've been back to the whole idea of "is she, isn't she".  It's been almost eight months now, and I felt like I've pondered around too long without having a sniff of success, as she doesn't see me as something more.  But then I witnessed the luster of what had encapsulated me from the start, and I fell for her again.  I guess I find her extremely attractive, but I need to let the notion go, since she doesn't feel the same.  Bright side?  I'm still only 20, right?

Vienna - Billy Joel

Suffice

"You know when sometimes you meet someone so beautiful and then you actually talk to them and five minutes later they're as dull as a brick? Then there's other people, when you meet them you think, "Not bad. They're okay." And then you get to know them and... and their face just sort of becomes them. Like their personality's written all over it. And they just turn into something so beautiful."

- Amy Pond

Enough said.  This quote was taken from Doctor Who, via stumbleupon.com.  

Not much has happened in the past few days, besides watching the Dota 2 competition and work, with itty bitty stuff in between.  Team Orange from Malaysia made it to the Semi-finals of the Dota 2 competition and although I'm not a fan of the game, I must admit that they were pretty good, albeit unfortunate to not beat their opponents, Navi.

Plus, I'm starting to watch Dexter, which is a nice show to watch.  Currently at Season 3 out of 8.  It's dark, a bit bloody, but fun and thought-provoking.

The next day saw Yan Yao, Yen Fei and I on a day trip to Kansas City, which bridges the state of Missouri and Kansas.  We initially intended to go for Oklahoma Joe's (the "Original Gas Station" branch), with it's long list of merits, plus the experience of gracing Chef Anthony Bourdain.  The queue for the place however, was a big no-no.  So we opted for Smokehouse BBQ instead, which was super nice as well.

The line had stretched all the way to the back alley

With stuffed bellies, we drove about the city and took some shots:

College Basketball Experience

It was a fun trip, albeit a energy-sapping one, especially for Yan Yao.  Still, it was great to hang out with my two besties, evidently patching things up with Yen Fei.  We bought a Five Guys burger for dinner and that was amazing as well.  Well Kansas, you're another name to cross of my checklist.  That's 11 states out of 50.  I'm thrilled, but not so speculative *wink*.

I even tried out Taco Tuesdays at Es Tas, which were 89 cents per taco.  They were nice, but tiny.  So not knowing that, I under-ordered.  I need to make a mental note to get at least four tacos next time.  A pair of them were measly.  Nice, but short-lived.

Besides that, most nights spent here in Todd Drive involved Texas Hold 'Em poker with the seniors.  With a buy-in of two bucks, it was a really tempting offer.  I was rather rusty on the first night, as I almost forgot how the game ran.  But one thing of which I enjoyed the most that night was playing with loose hands, as being the newcomer made me unpredictable to the table of eight others.  Of course, that evidently led me to being ousted many, many times.  Since I was in the mood (plus having a job the following day which pays for my buy-ins), I bought in 4 times after going bust, which amounted to $8.  However, I had a good streak of cards and luck, and had managed to fish, bluff, and lucked my way to a $12 cash-out.  That felt pretty good, earning $4 on my first try.  The next two nights were uneventful, as we had four-man games, with not much pot moving around (that, and the fact that I lost a bit).  After the three-day rally, I left the place with a gain of 2 quarters.  Funny, but not that funny.

Moreover, I have taken a two-week break from work so that I have time to unwind before the semester recommences.  Upon turning in my time sheet, my boss had called me over for a discussion.  Ever-curious and obedient (it IS work, after all), I motioned over to his desk.  With a smile on his face, he slowly produced a 10 dollar note from his back pocket, and said:  "This is between you and me, but here you go.  You worked really hard this Summer and here's my token of thanks" - or somewhere along those lines.  Nevertheless, I was overjoyed.  Initially I thought of turning down the offer, but I think the refusal would  upset him, so I graciously accepted it.  With a large smile on our faces, I bade him goodbye.  That had made my day. 

Kelly just got here last night and we'll be heading out to run her errands soon.  In fact, we need to head out in about 5 minutes time.  Furthermore, Liverpool started the new season with a 1-0 win against Stoke, with our new keeper saving a penalty.  Good start indeed!

That's it for now.  Gotta gear up.  Ciao!

Dreaming - Smallpools

Bored

Sitting in Yan Yao's still-bare apartment on a Friday mid-night, I am bored mindless.

I've had enough of gaming (completed a DLC pack in Borderlands 2); I just got done with my TV show (this time it's Hell Kitchen, Season 11); I got bored watching a live DOTA 2 game commentary with friends (living next door); I kept floating between units to check on people, and am not in the mood (or clothing to do a workout).

So what else can I do but blog?!  *enthusiasm: activated* It's been quite a while since I've crammed my emotions and experiences and wrung them out dry.

Work is great, as usual.  My boss had a 2-week vacation to Florida to see his in-laws and left me, 2 undergrads and a grad student to watch over the lab.  The first few days were fine, but uneventful.  As we were in midst of a steak run project (which had a 20 steak test per week for four weeks), midweek was hectic as Brett, Alex and I have to excise a 5 x 10 cm portion for each steak (we had scalpels and templates), dilute them in peptone water and mush them up with a stomacher machine.  We then have to do ten-fold dilutions for each sample, from 10^-2 until 10^-7 on both Anaerobic Count Plates and Enterobacteriaceae Petrifilms (two per dilution).  Yes, it took the whole day to do (about 5 working hours) and it was rather tiresome.  Thankfully it was only a day in the week.

Run 2 was done smoothly with minimal deviations and anomalies.  However, we (or maybe I?) plotted INCORRECT data points to the spreadsheet, which was programmed to count the number of generations of bacteria per sample.  The deviation, was a log count of about 2, when it was originally supposed to be around 7.  That was a difference between 100 bacteria per area of exposure, to 10000000 bacteria.  That was boo bad, to say the least!  I felt like crap, and quickly emailed our supervisor about the mistake.  He noted it and made the necessary arranges to contact the company.  Sadly, this was only noticed in the following week, when we need Run 3.

Our boss got back shortly after Run 3 and told me that the steak project was cancelled and that "the company had pulled out".  I sincerely hoped it was because the company were satisfied with the results, and not the more apparent notion.

Besides that hiccough, I had my first experience boating with the Malaysian peeps.  It was a really great way to unwind (although I had a major ENGL 250 assignment to do, dislike that class...).  The tan was not fun at all, but kayaking and floating along the lake in Big Creek, Iowa was a great experience.  Here are some pictures (a tad gutted that the photo of me kayaking was deleted, life goes on!).

On a sourer note, Yen Fei and I got into a big argument.  It was terrible as I felt like I was treated like a kid, and the pent up anger made me snap at her.  It was solely my fault, and not approaching her in person like an grown-up only made matters worse.  If there's one thing I can take from that, it is to always be honest and straightforward to a person.  Speak your mind, and act like an adult.  Don't go talk cryptic messages and spout dribble behind that person's back with the notion of "avoiding conflict".  We eventually made up, thankfully.  It hurts to think about how I had wronged her, and myself too.  But a lesson learnt it was.

Last night was Mun Wai's birthday, so naturally alcohol was involved too.  Sadly, it was another off-day for me, as a can of Lime-a-rita (of 8% alcohol content) left me with rashes.  I beat a hasty retreat to Yan Yao's room, as I had work the next day.  I was not prepared to miss work due to social protocol.

I suppose that's it for now.  Sorry for not writing in a while.  Take care, peeps!

Royals - Lorde

Peering

It seems that as I age, I begin to act with less shame in mind.  Sure it may open new doors, but old ones close as well.  The good doors, sometimes.

In an effort to understand one's back-story, their pain, their sadness, their anger, I've peered too deep into their lives...  I didn't intend for this to happen, but the more I dug, the more I wanted to understand him/her.  Not knowing hurt more than hearing about their troubles, having to nod and listen but not having a clue of its origin, it was the itch I couldn't scratch.  And I needed to sooth the itch before I bleed.  Before I knew it, I was near the point of uncovering secrets.

Secrets are meant to be kept that way, a secret.

As a result, I violated our unspoken boundaries of friendship.  I violated his/her life. I violated our trust.  I invoked the anger I hoped to prevent.  I'm not proud to say this, but I broke rules.

Some rules aren't meant to be broken.

Here I sit, in my stool, as I unknowingly forge a throne of thorns.  I've severed a good, promising friendship and left it dangling by the threads.  And as every fiber slowly spins into its breaking point, I'm left with a losing dilemma: savor what's left and walk away, or try to reach the other end of the string and pray that it doesn't snap.

I am a violator.  I damn well deserved to be punished by my own hands, let alone someone else's tongue.  

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica

Harsh

I have harsh opinions,

because I strip away emotions,

like the flesh from bone,

left discarded until I need some patching up.

The pain's searing,

but lesser than that,

of disappointment and stabs,

down the chest,

below the left lung.

I then reclaim my heart,

and the emotions flood back,

like an engulfing mold,

creeping across the precipice.

Regret returns,

rage returns,

pain returns,

logic leaves,

the damage is done.

Person apologizes,

but personal philosophy,

refuses to take it back.

Thus a legacy remains,

of a crown of thorns,

a self-proclaimed king,

but their sheep leads his lions.

And his cubs,

he prays they stumble upon these,

and not mourn behind stone pallets,

but nod in silence instead.

Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. Pharrel

Chicago

The 4th of July represents the Independence Day for the United States.  Thus, Gordon grabbed Yen Fei and I along for a 6-man vacation to Chicago, Illinois to witness firsthand how it was celebrated there.

So the 6-hour roadtrip resulted in a overexposure of Gordon, Yen Fei, and my personal stories.  Hearing theirs, which were rather saddening and moving, filled with trials, makes me feel like I'm a sucky person.  I mean, I've always had it easy and I guess as much as they will not want my sympathy, I can't help but feel sad for the situation.  It was also rather therapeutic to just lay it all out for friends to listen to your story, sort of like a coming clean scenario.  

The drive back from Illinois was more personal though, as they talked about their intimate relationships and how they think their partner should be treated, touching on stuff mainly from second base.  Honestly, I felt extremely exposed and awkward during that time.  I guess I wasn't used to discussing about these issues, like how to kiss a lover and things along those lines.  But those two weren't flaunting or boasting; it was just a healthy discussion on personal matters.  Moreover, I guess I was a bit sad at that moment as I've yet to have those emotions, to experience that moment.  Sigh... the hopeless/ hopeful romantic in me.  I suppose that I'll need more time to get accustomed to that topic, but I respect whatever they said.

In fact, the talks made me feel more invigorated.  I've gotten more determined to find that special someone, and I have grown significantly wiser from the roadtrip.  Simply put:

"Epiphanies in contact.  This resolve is made from being broken!"

I'll upload some pictures once Leo gets them up, as he had good shots on his camera.  My phone, not so much.

Farewell, for now.

With a Little Help from My Friends - Jim Sturgess

Reform

Lately, I've had my first taste of a "bad day at the office".  I basically messed up so many things for the day, which had rather detrimental consequences if not for a good boss with a fallback plan.  Granted I wasn't the only one to work on the project (I had another friend), it did give us a better idea of how a Food Safety Research Lab is ran, albeit through the school of hard knocks.  I best keep my head down and dig deep!  That being said, work is still great and the experienced gained thus far has been much obliged.

The trio of Yen Fei, Yan Yao and I finally got together for dinner, after many months of delays and roadblocks.  Our initial plan was to gorge our faces in the awesomeness of which is Hickory Park, however the increasingly heavy rain got us a fifth of the way there (we had to travel there by foot from the bus stop).  With my head nearly drenched in rainwater, we opted for Texas Roadhouse instead.  Dinner with my two besties was great!  It's been only a few months, but the company was much appreciated and vaguely inexpressible.

As always, we had so many stories to share since our last get-together a few weeks back.  Yen Fei ranted, I ranted less, Yan Yao basically slobbed around with his Borderlands 2 addiction.  Of course, some of those stories were more personal.  And Yen Fei's account with her ex (the problematic douche) got me thinking about Joyce again.  So instinctively, I checked her Facebook wall (because how else can I not be a creep?  Yes, sarcasm aplenty).  Scrolling down her page, I felt a long forgotten sense of pain.  It honestly felt like my heart hurt, though only for a while.

But it wasn't out of spite or anger, or anything negative at all.  I think my heart hurts as of now because I miss her being my friend...

Silver lining, maybe?  I don't even know why I'm typing this as it sounds a little redundant...  Perhaps I just needed an outlet of expression.  

But I'm glad for feeling that.  Goes to show that I'm not a robot I still think about stuff outside of The States.  Awareness is a start.

Fading Listening - Shiny Toy Guns

Summer

I hope all is well!  I've been rather busy of late, having to work from 9 am until 4 pm during the weekdays.  It's tiring stuff, so I do apologize for not writing any sooner.  That, and blogging for ISC while working sporadically on the Insanity Workout while keeping track of my TV shows and manga, plus being hooked on Football Manager 2013...

At the moment, I'm working at the Meats Lab here in Iowa State as a lab assistant in the Food Science Research Lab, regarding food quality testing.  The majority of projects we work on are given by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is rather exciting.  Besides the professor in charge, I get to work with three other undergraduate students and a graduate student, so work isn't lonely at all.  

Granted the first week of work involved mere inventory checks and paperwork (which is a bore...), I'm beginning to get into the lab-part of things now.  Recently I've worked on testing food samples for presence of E.coli and Listeria monocytogenes, which are common foodborne pathogens.  Other notable organisms tested were Salmonella enteriditis and Yersinia entericoccus.  Although this job isn't related to my intended career path in the clinical field of Microbiology, the experience gained thus far has been very rewarding nevertheless.

Getting to use fancy equipment like selective growth media, and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machine, which splices and amplifies DNA, is a really rewarding experience.  I can't wait to see what other projects are in-store.  I'm super stoked!

On the other hand, I had recently bought a TV from a graduating friend of mine.  It's a super nice 42" full HD TV, and my prospective housemates are extremely happy too.  It is however, currently sitting at another friend's place as I have no space to store it.  So he gets to test it out and enjoy watching cable for a while!!

Also, I've asked Justin (who's in Malaysia at the moment) to get a full-sized Jalur Gemilang flag, with the intention of draping it over the living room in our apartment.  Hopefully we can spruce up the apartment more once he returns in the Fall.

That's it from me thus far.  Take good care, peeps!

Chocolate - The 1975

Risk

The ISC Grad Reception went great!  I'll admit that I was incredibly nervous while starting the speech, making some pronunciation errors here and there.  But as I went on with the speech, it got easier as the anxiety went away.  By the time I ended my speech, Dr. Hill was already shaking his head and pointing his finger, not in disbelief, but in gratefulness.  As he walked up to the podium, he shook my hand with a large smile on his face, saying that it was "the best introductory speech he's heard in years" and that I "should introduce him more often".  Coming from one of the most iconic members of ISU in recent years, not to mention being a former Olympic Gold Medalist in Hurdles, I was incredibly honored.  Even after the event, the Director of International Students and Scholars, James Dorsett came up to me to personally send his regards on the speech.  That was very touching for me, and I owe it to Onalie, Kanchana, and Latif for their encouragement and faith in me.

Also, I just got my babies in and broke them in yesterday.  They're the Nike CTR360 Trequartista III FG, the second-grade knockdown version of the Nike CTR360 III Series.

Hoping that after another couple of games that it'll be more comfortable on me.  I was surprised by how rigid the heel counter was, but then again this was my first pair of football boots since I was 11 years of age.  Moreover, my previous pair of boots had blades which were focused more on speed than traction.  This pair of boots had wide, rounded studs for better traction and turning rather than pace.  The synthetic leather (Kanga-Lite) feels great when controlling the ball, and the pass pads (which are more like grooves) makes instep trapping to be more effective, though only marginal.  It'll take some getting used to due to the structure of the instep.  That being said, the passing panels give an increased curve to the ball due to increased contact with the ball.  I seemed to be more comfortable in possession and my distribution was better, having the option to swerve the ball past the defense rather than lobbing it through.

It felt really different running on the pitch too, having an actual pair of boots which makes your legs feel a lot heavier compared to wearing indoor futsal shoes.  Even my playing style had to change, as I felt more inclined to pass the ball rather than to simply take on opponents with raw pace.  That was a positive change in playing style, as I can be selfish on the ball at times.  I believe that this boots are worth every buck of my paycheck although I've only used them once.

I'm super stoked to play more games this Summer!

Today I played touch football with some of the Malaysians and one thing's for certain: plays make all the difference.  My team lost by 2 touchdowns due to our inability to conjure an effective offensive play.  We were sound defensively, with me being the annoying guy whose sole purpose on the field is to rough the quarterback up.  That was fun, albeit my size, due to the 5 second rule before the quarterback can be tackled.  However, as a linebacker I got mauled instead!

It's 2.27 am now and I recently got back from Todd Drive after dinner at Hickory Park, and a almost-2-hour Risk game with 5 other players.  In the end, it was an army of 6 units holding off Indonesia against a 30-strong army from Siam.  Oh well, second place is much welcomed since I was struggling during early parts of the game.  It's my first time completing a game of Risk, so that was cool.  That's all from me today!  See ya.

Muscle Museum (Cover) - Vitamin String Quartet

Suspension

Two months of crazy stress and of recent news, crap grades.  I know I've acknowledge how hard is was to implement a part of my life into this blog, but as I grow older, it's get tougher to commit myself to this cause.  I am a bit under the weather today as well, so I apologize.

I've screwed up my grades, bombing 2 finals already and I'm still awaiting the results of the other 3 courses.  So far, my grades stand at a B and a C+.  The latter was what got to me as I've worked hard (but inconsistently) and although I felt good leaving the exam room, the results said otherwise.  That was a massive kick in the teeth.  I should know of my full disappointment by Friday.

On a happier note, I'm moving out of my dorm today.  It had been a crazy 7-8 months with the hallmates.  Some were great, most of them, not so great.  But I learned many valuable lessons along the way, as well as acclimating myself with the culture of the people here.  

In two weeks time, I'll start my first Summer life here in Ames, where I'll be working as a Teaching Assistant for Micro 302 Lab as well as being a lab assistant at the Meats Laboratory, conducting quality tests for food samples.  It's looking to be a crazy Summer already, plus I'll be taking a Summer course during the start of June (Summer's split into two sessions).  Many friends will be heading home, but there's still the awesome peeps who are staying back.  I'm already thinking of LAN parties galore and lots of cooking, definitely.

On a brighter note, I recently placed an order for a pair of football boots (or soccer cleats) for outdoor football.  They should be coming in a few hours from now.  I'll definitely be posting photos on my baby once I get them.  They're the Nike CTR360 Trequartista III FG, basically the second grade football boots, with the Citurs/Black color scheme.  So stoked for them, and I hope it will be the remedy for my finals depression.

Tracking back on the past two months, we had VEISHEA week at Iowa State.  It's the biggest event to happen in ISU and is the culmination of all things Iowa State-related.  I was the VEISHEA Parade Coordinator for ISC, having a parade entry with many different multicultural student organizations such as the Bollywood Dance Club, the Indian Students Association, the AMSISU (the Malaysians), Guang Hwa Lion Dance, etc.  I don't have much time to post photos, but the links below will have all the photos taken that day.  I also helped out for the VEISHEA International Food Fair, where the Malaysians had sold Onde-Onde and Egg Tarts.  Those were just divine...

Well, that's all from me for today.  I gotta head out soon to drop my stuff at Yan Yao's place as I'll be staying with him throughout Summer.  Will definitely have another blog post soon regarding tomorrow's ISC Grad Reception.  I'll be giving an introductory speech for the Vice President of Student Affairs and that will be interesting.  See you soon!

Get Free - Major Lazer ft. Amber of Dirty Projects

TJM

So I found some free time this week as I have another half an hour until my laundry is dried, and it's near midnight already.  Currently, I'm in the midst of ISC's World Soccer Tournament, so this weekend isn't that much of a relaxing period either.  In fact, bar next Sunday I'll be busy for every weekend until Finals are over.  Oh boy...

Flashback now, during Spring Break, AMSISU had sent about 50+ people for Temasyah Jaguh Malaya, an intramural session organized for the first time by the Malaysian Student Association at University of Wisconsin-Madison.  I remembered that both Heang-Lee and Anisa were studying there, and made some effort to rekindle our friendship as we haven't seen each other since graduation from high school.

I joined several seniors to participate in basketball, albeit my lousy skills.  The competition was intense, and we crashed out to our ISU Cyclone counterparts in the Semi-finals.  I didn't like that match one bit, but let's not go there.  So eventually we won Bronze and ISU in whole had a near clean-sweep, minus Dodgeball.

Here were some pictures of the events.  Only a teeny bit, though.

My terrible mal-coordinated lay-up

With the team, promptly named "Generation of Miracles".  Laugh now.

ISU also got Overall Champion for the event!  Woots

The following day saw us all parting ways to separate destinations.  Cassie, Yen Fei, Justin and I followed Kennard to Milwaukee, which is at the shoreline to Lake Michigan.  Here are some more pictures!

We had lunch at AJ Bombers, a restaurant which was featured many food shows.  Awesome burgers.

We then visited the Milwaukee Public Market

Before our trip home, we visited the Milwaukee Brewery!

On our way back from Milwaukee, we had a little incident.  It was extremely windy and the roads were slippery. At one point the car skidded until we went off road. Thankfully it was flatlands with powder snow so there was minimal impact.  We were all fine, just a little shaken by that.

And recently I went for the Blue Man Group performance at the Stephens Auditorium.  That was truly a great performance.

Adli and Uran with one of the three Blue Man

Alrighty!  I think my laundry is done.  Now, to grab them and snooze soon.  Gotta wake up early tomorrow!

Oblivion - M83 ft. Susanne Sundfoer

Passion Pit

As apparent as it seems, I'm getting less and less time for myself this semester.  My midterms are butchering me and outside school, I'm involved with ISC and am still working on my social life.  Much had came to be in the past month, which explains why I haven't had time to post something up.

Late February, AMSISU had a potluck at the SUV Community Center for the fifteen day of the Chinese New Year (Chap Goh Meh).  There was a good turnout, and great food like Nasi Lemak, Braised Chicken, Sushi, etc.  It was a nice get together and we had a snowball fight right after the meal.  It was chaos!

It was extremely fun, for my first time experiencing this.

A week after that, Dan and I attended the Passion Pit concert featuring Matt & Kim at the Hilton Coliseum in Iowa State University.  That night was an amazing night indeed.

Dan and I during the interval.

Matt & Kim were incredibly energetic, spewing profanities and hyping the crowd up.  They did a good job keeping the crowd wanting more, with their psychedelic beats and upbeat tunes.  After a 30 minute show, they had to bade goodbye, inviting the main act to the floor.

The band exited to the stage one by one, with the crowd cheering ahead.  And without uttering a word, they opened with the heavily drummed intro of "I'll Be Alright" from their latest album, Gossamer.  The crowd was pumped and singing along.  It was great.  And the lighting was beautiful, and really gave the stage a sophisticated, elegant feel to it.  Here are some lousy pictures taken in low light from the gig.

It was a great night, but a little short lived (the gig was only an hour and a half long).  With my disappointed roommate, we ended the night playing Zombies on Call of Duty: Black Ops until 1 in the morning.

So fast forwarding to this week, I had two interviews in store: a Destination Iowa State (DIS) Team Leader interview (which is an orientation program where Team Leaders show students around campus), and an interview session with International Student Council for the position of Events Coordinator for the 2013/2014 committee.  

Both interviews went well, in my opinion.  The former had me going into "Hyper mode", being super sociable and I think I was funny enough to be memorable.  If only I can be more like this, and not the shy quiet brooder sometimes.  The latter was weird to an extent, as I know a majority of the board.  Thus, the interview got more and more casual as it progressed.  That being said, I did pull off a good interview in my head.

Both results came out on Friday, and I got accepted for both positions, which was great.  Moreover, the dreaded Organic Chemistry exam (supposedly next Friday) had been postponed until the Friday after Spring break.  That virtually gives me two weeks to study, which is indefinitely a gift from heaven.  That Friday night was topped off with dinner at Texas Roadhouse with Yen Fei, Kevin and Yan Yao.  What a finish to the day.

Sadly, the next day wasn't so happy joy-joy...  Here's the Facebook message thread I had with *blank* (person's identity shouldn't be revealed) for a therapy session.  Ignore the ridiculous profile picture that I have.  

• 

  10:55pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Still online? I need to talk to somebody...

  Only if you don't mind
• 

  10:56pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Yeah, sure. What's up?
• 

  10:56pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I must warn you, it's gonna be soppy

  By the way, that Snickers bar is delish
• 

  10:58pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Lol.

  Alright, spill.
• 

  10:59pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Hold on. Still munching on it

  Okay I'm done

  So a few days earlier I had organized a Skype session between some friends so that we could have a chat. This session was to be held 9 pm Malaysian time on Saturday (this morning at 7 am earlier today)
• 

  11:02pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Right...
• 

  11:03pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  So, four out of the five of them said "okay", and will make it. Thus, we proceeded as scheduled. I took extra effort to get up this morning, with two of them notifying that they'll be late. I got that. But the other two didn't mention a thing

  It was only 40 minutes later did I get to talk to anyone, which were the two who told me they would be late. The other two came online about an hour into the conversation. Even then, they were preoccupied with other stuff
• 

  11:05pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I made a point that I wanted to talk to them as I missed home, that I was living halfway across the flipping world and that I wanted to find comfort in something familiar, something reassuring. Heck, I freaking made the timing super convenient for them, whereas I had to wake up ridiculously early. I didn't even have time to brush my teeth
• 

  11:06pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Maybe they don't get it. That the mean more to me than vice versa.

  *That they
• 

  11:06pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Hmmm
• 

  11:06pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  And these were my best friends in high school. They were my life

  And it's been too frequent where I waste my time waiting on others, only to get nothing in return

  So tell me: why do I still put too much faith in my friends. I'm even questioning the bonds between those I'm closest to.

  There should be a question mark somewhere in the previous sentence, my bad
• 

  11:08pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Maybe it's cause they don't know how important it was for you to talk to them.

  And that for them, they take it for granted that you're always there.

  Probably cause they're all still back at home.

  And don't experience what you feel.
• 

  11:09pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I mean, I've made it clear about that. How I missed home and all that jazz. But... sigh

  It's so damn frustrating. I can't even focus on anything for the entire day. Such a mental wreck now.

  And I do sincerely apologize if I messed up your night. Thank you for listening to me. I've been trying to talk to someone for the past two hours and no one was around.

  It's ironic to know that of all the friends I make, I'm bloody lonely

  I still hold that as my biggest fear. To be left alone, to live alone, to die alone.

  You know, if you need any more tears for lytic activity on bacteria, now's the golden opportunity
• 

  11:12pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Sighs, cheer up dude.
• 

  11:12pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Somedays, I just can't
• 

  11:12pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Maybe it's just cause it's hard for guys to understand all these emotional stuff. So they don't really get what's the big deal of missing home.

  And you've got plenty of friends.

  Don't worry about being alone. There's always me and Yan Yao. Unless...
• 

  11:13pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I'm pretty sure they know full well how it's like, since they've lived in dorms far from home at certain points in their life

  I mean, I can never divulge all these crap to Yan Yao. He doesn't have the emotional capacity for my concerns
• 

  11:14pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Nah, he may seem like that, but he still listens.
• 

  11:15pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Not just that, I'm starting to think that I want to get into a relationship so badly because I need to care for someone again. Maybe then, will I not be so overly concerned about my own well-being, with that certain someone sharing the good and the bad with me

  Heck, I'm doubting whatever I once stood for here
• 

  11:16pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Unless you get a jack ass girlfriend.
• 

  11:16pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Which I'm starting to think I did, as disgusting as that sounds
• 

  11:17pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  I'm not putting you down, just that there's no reason to rush into things. I mean there are plenty of selfish people in the world. So take the time to find the right one.

  Also, if it's the case of being lonely, get more involved around campus, get more involved with people here.
• 

  11:18pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Yes, it's been some four years now. But I starting to believe that Joyce had never cared for me, even as a friend. She didn't even bother talking to me. I was used. Period.
• 

  11:18pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  I'm not saying leave your friend in Malaysia behind, but your life isn't about just one group of friends.
• 

  11:18pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  How more !@#$%%^ involved do I need to get? (Substituting profanities here)
  I'm putting so much on the line right now
• 

  11:19pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Well...
• 

  11:20pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  In my defense, I'm in ISC, I'm the Sustainability Chair for my dorm, I'm a TA, I'm going to be a DIS Team Leader, I'm also the Events Coordinator for the upcoming semester, I'm still an active member in the Microbiology Club and in AMSISU,how much more do I need to get involved?
• 

  11:21pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  I don't know what to say.
• 

  11:22pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  It's okay. I didn't come here looking for answers. I just wanted to talk and let it out
• 

  11:22pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  In a sense, you can't expect everything to remain the same between everyone. Everyone changes along the way.
• 

  11:22pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  In the end, I'll just cry myself to bed, and soldier on.

  It's true. I think I just can't accept the fact that everyone is straying away from me, that I'm discarded like a used toy

  Not just one or two friends, everyone
• 

  11:24pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Hmmm, even people around ISU?

  I mean, that's kinda harsh, don't you think?
• 

  11:24pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  They don't know me, how would they?

  Perhaps I'm being harsh. But that's my perspective as of now
• 

  11:25pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Well, is it because you're not giving people a chance to know you better?

  That you'll so tied up to the fact that the only people you can open up to are your old ones, and never attempted making new friends that are worth keeping.
• 

  11:29pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I am trying, but who the hell is there to listen to me? You are, so is Lynn, and I am very thankful for that. But I've seen to many liars here, so many phonies, who is there to trust? I'm putting my faith out there in the open for all, and in the end I just get disappointed time after time
• 

  11:29pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  *too many
• 

  11:30pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Really?

  I mean, really? Liars and phonies? Whoa, what have I missed out on?
• 

  11:31pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  You've missed out on nothing.
• 

  11:31pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  I'm pretty sure the number of liars and phonies out here doesn't outnumber the amount of friends.

  There's plenty of people that will care and not disappoint.

  Cassie, Pamela, Kevin Yan.
• 

  11:32pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  But do they care ENOUGH?
• 

  11:32pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Well, maybe it's cause they always think you're the happy guy.

  Like, you've never opened up to them.
• 

  11:32pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I'm sure those few do care, but I can't neglect those friends from my past too
• 

  11:32pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  And aren't you close to a bunch of the Sunway peepes?

  You're not neglecting them, but you can't put your whole entire world around them.
• 

  11:33pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  My bunch of Sunway peeps weren't available for me to talk to earlier today

  They were my world. I'm not just casting them aside, if I do, I'll be casting my identify aside as well

  They defined me.
• 

  11:34pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Well maybe you should expand that world of yours, and include more people.
• 

  11:35pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Which goes back to how liars and phonies are about

  See the lovely impasse?
• 

  11:35pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  I still can't believe that ISU made an impression on you that it's filled with liars and phonies.
• 

  11:36pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I'm stuck in a social limbo where if I'm happy, I can never be seen to be sad, and that when I try to make new friends, only sadness is found

  ISU didn't give me that impression. My fellow countrymen did that.
• 

  11:37pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Malaysians?
• 

  11:37pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Nod
• 

  11:38pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Maybe you're hanging out with the wrong bunch. Hahaha
• 

  11:39pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Maybe the right bunch won't let me in

  You know what's the funny part? I'm trying so hard to be someone who can save the lives of others, to aid others in need, but I can barely help myself, that I leave myself to burn.

  I'm so sorry that you had to see this side of me. It's just that I've been keeping this inside for so long. And you're right, nobody would expect me to be sad because I present myself to be happy. But even the happiest people feel sadness too
• 

  11:44pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  That's why you should open up.

  I mean, nothing wrong with showing your down side.

  No one would have figured you had problems if you didn't tell them.
• 

  11:46pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I don't go around telling people I'm sad because they don't need another person or problem to think about.
• 

  11:47pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  That's because you assume so. People tend to share their problems and listen to others. So if you share yours, people will tend to share theirs. So you don't have to worry about burdening them.
• 

  11:47pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  You're right. I'm sorry

  Thank you, so much
• 

  11:50pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Why you apologizing to me? LOL! You didn't do anything wrong.

  Just cheer up.
• 

  11:50pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Sorry for putting you through all that drama la!

  And to be honest, I've been trying to cheer myself up for too long now.
• 

  11:51pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Nope, that's no drama at all.
• 

  11:51pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I'm such a girl, aren't I? Haha
• 

  11:53pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Nah.

  Don't think too much about it. You're over thinking. Over thinking tends to get to everyone.

  everyone*
• 

  11:56pm
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I know I overthink most of the time, but what I've said here has a degree of truth
• 

  11:57pm
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Pat pat
• 

  12:00am
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Yeah

  So how was your day?
• 

  12:03am
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Boring.
• 

  12:03am
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  I think I've gotten all the tears out already. There goes half my pillow

  Well, for once, I wished I had a boring day
• 

  12:05am
  

  Person
  

  
  

  There there.
• 

  12:06am
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Okay
• 

  12:13am
  

  Fang Hao Lim
  

  
  

  Well I'm gonna try and sleep now. Enjoy your studies/tv show/sleep. Hugs and goodnight
• 

  12:15am
  

  Person
  

  
  

  Nights.

So that summed up my Saturday night, never mind the impressive Russian Cultural Night earlier.

Now, to get done with homework and watch the Liverpool - Tottenham game.

My Body (Two Door Cinema Club Remix)

- Young The Giant