Tears

Having attended my last ISC event as an official member, was the most bidirectional feeling I have ever had thus far.  I am extremely grateful to be part of the beautiful diversity of culture for my two-year tenure, and will miss every part of it.  

I am not the best at expressing my feelings, but believe me when I say that you guys are family to me.  ISC was my home away from home; it was my safe place where I've always felt loved and cared for; and each and every one of you weirdos made it comfortable for me to be weird, too.  Despite our little squabbles every now and then, I know that at the end of the day, we still could rely on each other.

I will miss every single one of you wonderful people, and it brings tears to my eyes that I can't spend every crazy week with you guys in our regular meetings, filled with jovial minds and a splash of chaos.  Thank you all for everything that was done.  You may not know it, but you have all changed me to be a better, bolder, wiser person.  For that, you all have my eternal gratitude.

With much love, 

Fang.

Too Soon To End - Alain Clark and Diane Birch

Lunch

Some funny conversation happened last week.

During my TA sessions, I was in the prep room with my other TA colleagues, when one of them, Mia, stared at me, acting perplexed.

Now, she was an oddball, so her staring at me was much worth being concerned (then again, most people in the life sciences fall into this category).

So with curiosity written on her face, she asked: "Fang, do you have a girlfriend?"

Now, this took me by surprise, as I wasn't remotely close to any girls in the past month (remotely meaning that I haven't been seen public with a single person, I usually hang out with a group of people).

I immediately played down the prospect. "No, why would you ask that"?

"Because I saw you with a girl".

"That's very vague" *shrugging with a grin*

So that whole conversation was somewhat memorable, because of an epiphany I had: I seldom eat with a small group of friends.

Maybe because it's the racial segregation back home (I had lunch with Faziera in this scenario, mind). But I notice that living in the States has made me appreciate more intimate, or at least, a closer comfort of dining together with friends and acquaintances.

I'll consider this to be an interesting, albeit casual lunch!

Elevate - St. Lucia

Gift

Had the privilege of listening to opera singer Simon Estes, granting Diane Fru a special request.  He has performed for 6 US presidents, Nelson Mandela, and numerous kings and queens!  

Hearing him sing "God Bless America", with his powerful, yet spine-tingling voice, was an unforgettable experienced,  His voice left me frozen on the spot, shocked by his vocal prowess.

What a beautiful moment.

Voodoo People - Alvaro

Words

La Douleur Exquise.

Arguably my most relatable term thus far, as melodramatic as it would imply.  Interestingly, there is no direct translation for this saying.

We all fear being alone, I fear dying alone.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Red Lights - Tiesto

Darkness

I envy people that know love. That have someone who takes them as they are.

-Jess C. Scott-

I forgot that the quote above failed to be published two weeks back (I tried it on my phone that time).

I've also traveled to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for the Association of International Student Organization (AiSO) 2014 conference.  It was amazing, the people, the atmosphere, the culture; I've learned so much more, to add to what ISC had taught me.  I also learned that I can't dance.  At least, not dancing impromptu.

Anyway, to today's news.  My sister just got her SPM (major exam at the end of high school) results back.  She did remarkably, performing better than both her brothers.  I am super proud of her, and sincerely hopes that this result spurs her to do bigger things.

On another note, the ISC General Elections are being held next week, with the candidates' profiles released on the club's webpage today.  It still pains me to see that my name isn't included, as I've decided to face my last year in Iowa State outside of ISC.  Growing pains, eh?

La La La - Naughty Boy

Spatial

Now, for a positive post (like, FINALLY!). 

This season's been a joy to watch football.  As in, the Barclays Premier League.  It's not because bitter rivals Manchester United and rolling about in 7th place, it's not because the Malaysian-owned Cardiff City has a dingbat of an owner (sorry dude, but that's how I feel) and it's certainly not because Chelsea has the Special One back as gaffer.

No, no and *pause* no.  It's all about the Merseyside Redmen!  This seems to be the season for Liverpool.  I know there's still half a season to go, but sitting comfortably in 4th place with a 5-point cushion from 5th place Spurs, is a pretty good position to be in this point of the season.

Credit to Brendan Rogers for shaping the team to a "Pass and Move" based team.  The way the team have been playing is immense, combining high pressure with high tempo build up.  In fact, we're demolishing some teams for fun, bringing back memories of the 08/09 season, where we eventually finished runners-up in the league.  

We still have a few big fixtures ahead, like Spurs and Man U away, but with a rather thin squad, we're making it count.  To keep things realistic, a Top Four placing is a must, this season more than any other.  We'll keep believing, and I'll keep forcing myself to watch early game fixtures.  This is our season, and we will make it count.  YNWA!

On a separate note, my footballing "career" has kinda hit a stumbling block.  I know it's still rather early for a player to stop developing at my age, but I seem to find it hard to play well in small teams, like in futsal.  I've definitely improved my ball skills from previous years, as I heavily emphasized on first touch and dribbling.  However, the same cannot be said about my limited passing range, or my fitness.  Especially in congested areas, I still can't find that calmness on the ball to play out of danger, and my lack of proper physique does not help at all.  Well, at least I can still enjoy and appreciate the game.  Spring can't come soon enough, as it seems I'm more comfortable playing on firm ground rather than on artificial turf.  Somehow the latter screws around with my balance, and balance is key for any player.

I still have a few more years to develop, eh?

Ships in the Night - Mat Kearney

Crooked

So I pondered on my intentions for this space, this electronic Mind Palace of sorts, or so that's what I hoped of it to be.  Frankly, the tone's been rather negative and gloomy of late, and this does not help this blog one bit.  I'll work on that.  

This post is dedicated to a friend, albeit one of which I am not very close to.  Somehow, I feel that she has acknowledged my existence in the simplest way of support.  No, this isn't a confession.  In fact, it's a thank you note, because I lack the time and space to show everyone my gratitude.  

Yes, she's a reluctant guest I have to entertain as she's my best friend's girl.  I suppose the "Bro" figure can be suppressed for the time being.  But she's always had the intellect to match her quip.  Those are but the few reasons she deserves more accreditation.  I tip my hat to you, for making my best friend un-lonely, and for backing me every step of the way, although I wasn't reciprocating the gesture.

Thank you, friend.  I really mean it, with a crooked smile.

Africa - Toto