Sunday, 9 June 2013

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

Saturday, 1 June 2013

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

Monday, 13 May 2013

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

Friday, 10 May 2013

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

Sunday, 31 March 2013

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


Monday, 11 March 2013

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.  

  • Fang Hao Lim

    Still online? I need to talk to somebody...
    Only if you don't mind
    • Person

      Yeah, sure. What's up?
      • Fang Hao Lim

        I must warn you, it's gonna be soppy
        By the way, that Snickers bar is delish
        • Person

          Lol.
          Alright, spill.
          • 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)
            • Person

              Right...
              • 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
                • 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
                  • Fang Hao Lim

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

                      Hmmm
                      • 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
                        • 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.
                          • 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
                            • Person

                              Sighs, cheer up dude.
                              • Fang Hao Lim

                                Somedays, I just can't
                                • 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...
                                  • 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
                                    • Person

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

                                          Unless you get a jack ass girlfriend.
                                          • Fang Hao Lim

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

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

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

                                                      Well...
                                                      • 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?
                                                        • Person

                                                          I don't know what to say.
                                                          • Fang Hao Lim

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

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

                                                                  Hmmm, even people around ISU?
                                                                  I mean, that's kinda harsh, don't you think?
                                                                  • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                    They don't know me, how would they?
                                                                    Perhaps I'm being harsh. But that's my perspective as of now
                                                                    • 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.
                                                                      • 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
                                                                        • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                          *too many
                                                                          • Person

                                                                            Really?
                                                                            I mean, really? Liars and phonies? Whoa, what have I missed out on?
                                                                            • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                              You've missed out on nothing.
                                                                              • 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.
                                                                                • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                                  But do they care ENOUGH?
                                                                                  • Person

                                                                                    Well, maybe it's cause they always think you're the happy guy.
                                                                                    Like, you've never opened up to them.
                                                                                    • Fang Hao Lim

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

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

                                                                                              Which goes back to how liars and phonies are about
                                                                                              See the lovely impasse?
                                                                                              • Person

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

                                                                                                    Malaysians?
                                                                                                    • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                                                      Nod
                                                                                                      • Person

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

                                                                                                                  You're right. I'm sorry
                                                                                                                  Thank you, so much
                                                                                                                  • Person

                                                                                                                    Why you apologizing to me? LOL! You didn't do anything wrong.
                                                                                                                    Just cheer up.
                                                                                                                    • 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.
                                                                                                                      • Person

                                                                                                                        Nope, that's no drama at all.
                                                                                                                        • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                                                                          I'm such a girl, aren't I? Haha
                                                                                                                          • Person

                                                                                                                            Nah.
                                                                                                                            Don't think too much about it. You're over thinking. Over thinking tends to get to everyone.
                                                                                                                            everyone*
                                                                                                                            • Fang Hao Lim

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

                                                                                                                                Pat pat
                                                                                                                                • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                                                                                  Yeah
                                                                                                                                  So how was your day?
                                                                                                                                  • Person

                                                                                                                                    Boring.
                                                                                                                                    • 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
                                                                                                                                      • Person

                                                                                                                                        There there.
                                                                                                                                        • Fang Hao Lim

                                                                                                                                          Okay
                                                                                                                                          • Fang Hao Lim

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