When The Clock Strikes 12

Well, it's just another day isn't it?

Granted, it's a brand new start, a whole new beginning. It is after all, a transition into a new year.

But in my opinion, perhaps countdown parties are overrated. Unless of course you have a really good reason to celebrate. Do you?

In retrospect, have you achieved everything that you've set yourself to do at this very same time a year ago (i.e. new year's resolutions that nobody ever keeps to)? In all aspects of your life, are they even near complete? Or maybe it's not necessarily that you must achieve something to celebrate, is there something which happened this year that made you really happy? I see people celebrating for the sake of celebrating, just because everybody celebrates in unison during festive periods, it kinda defeats the purpose of it all. On the contrary, if you have good reasons to celebrate, by all means go ahead. Just know what you're celebrating.

Don't get me wrong, I love to share good times with close friends too, but not with crowds.

People will always come and go in your life. That's what they always say anyway. To me, there are 4 types of people.

1) those who should and will always be around your entire life.

2) those who would just make an appearance and leave.

3) those who shouldn't even appear.

4) those who appear for a reason.

And I know very clearly who belongs where for the people who have appeared in my life.

2010..well, what can I say?

It's definitely better than 2009 of course, which was a pretty bad year for me. Then again, I felt that life only truly started for me in June 2010. After you leave the army, only then would you realise and reflect on what the hell have you been doing (or not doing) for the past 2 years. Being in that regimental lifestyle, you're completely devoid of life. No matter how positive thinking you may be, that's the way it is when you're in that environment. And suddenly the world opens up after you ORD.

Then came Melbourne, a big transition in my life as well. And the world opens up even more. It's an ongoing experience and so far it's been good. Getting pretty much used to life there and you meet people whom you know you'd cherish for a long time.

Nobody knows what 2011 will hold in store. But sometimes you have just got to make the most out of the moments that come. That is probably something I'll have to learn as well.

And when the clock strikes 12 tonight, you'll be a second to none.

Almost 11

Finally met up with Zixuan today after like what, almost a month since I've been back. The dude was busy with exams and all and as always when exams come he'll hermit himself. So, I haven't had a chance to meet up with him until today. Well, considering the fact that Alvin, Junwei and I have been meeting up so often.

And we were just randomly talking about recent happenings in our lives and I commented that it is actually very easy to read me, or the things I do. To that he said, "That's because we know you what."

Haha, nice one there bro. Makes me feel that the brotherhood bond that the 5 of us share is really something irreplaceable. Can't wait for Marcus to be back from Sweden before we go for our short trip on 13th Jan tentatively.

I am feeling very fidgety tonight, probably more than just a tad restless. No particular reason for it but I think I might just know why.

0 Miles From Home

Just a note that I'm back, since last tuesday in fact.

Have been going out almost every day (and night) that I think I'm getting exhausted and falling sick. Then again I can always attribute it to the climate here, haha.

Took a day's rest today and I suppose I haven't slept so much in a very long time. Feels good in a sense, especially when you're not feeling well. Medication made me drowsy too, although I'm pretty sure it's non-drowsy medication that I took. Oh, and it's interesting how in that drowsy state of mind I can subconsciously control my dreams, considering how I'm one who doesn't remember dreams. So yea, I was actually manipulating my dreams to a certain extent this afternoon. Hard to explain so I'll just leave it as that.

It's funny how my friends and I miss Melbourne when we're back.

It's like our second home already.

And So It Is...

Have you ever heard of the hypothetical theory of the parallel universe?

It is in fact effected by the frequently asked question in life, "What if...?"

"What if we had made a different decision then?"

"What if we had taken a different route?"

What if, what if, what if...

How would our lives be different?

The question is, are there replicas of ourselves right now at this very moment living in parallel universes, due to the different decisions we might have made and the different routes we might have taken?

A friend once told me, there are a near 7 billion people in the world. How 2 people can meet, be friends, fall in love, share a life together, that in itself is quite amazing and magical altogether. Don't you think so?

Perhaps I do.

At the crossroads of our lives, we're only eligible to take one path and never look back. But often we do and we regret our decisions. I'd say don't. Pointless, really. It's not like you can change anything anyway. You've got to believe in this path that you've chosen for yourself and keep fighting for the things you want.

I've come across many crossroads in my life thus far, the latest being the choice of studying locally at NTU or overseas at UniMelb. Having made my choice, I believe that everything happens for a reason. And the people you meet at different points in your life are meant to be there for a reason, to shape your life to a certain extent.

In retrospect, I've made friends whom I'd cherish all my life. Friends who really mean a lot to me. They're like stars in my night sky of life, including my family as well of course. And maybe once in a while, just maybe, you'll chance upon a glowing star.

Embrace the moment,

even if it's just for a moment.

A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really. "Do the stars gaze back?" Now that's a question.

Great Ocean Road

A group shot at the 12 Apostles to mark our very first road trip!

Disclaimer for Char: She is not that short. Hahaha!

HAHA

Matt Cardle

Singing sensations are so awe-inspiring, to say the least.

p.s. Cheryl Cole (Tweedy) is damn hot!

All Done

Finally I'm done with all my essays and articles! And there's just one exam to go.

Intercultural Communication.

Multiple Choice Questions.

30% of final grade.

26th Nov.

The very last day of exam period.

'nuff said.

Feeling slightly more relaxed now, before I have to start studying for the exam. Gonna give myself a short break, I guess?

And this is what happens when I get too relaxed and start to disturb people.

Till next time.

The History Of Love

One day, I'll write a novel. :)

To Do List Update 2

3 Final Essays.

3 CultureBlog Entries.

1 Portfolio (3 more articles).

1 Exam.

3 more articles to write; a book review, a press release and a travel article.

All to be done by Sunday.

Well, it should be relatively easier to write compared to academic essays. But I've always been a perfectionist in my writings, spending time editing, re-editing again until I'm happy with what I write. Hopefully I don't spend too long on the articles, I haven't got much time anyway.

So here goes..

Brooklyn Bridge By Jess

I love this picture taken/edited by sis-in-law (bro's gf, haha). And in fact all the other pictures she has on her photo blog (www.jessthewayiloveit.blogspot.com). Jess, if you're reading this, I really think you're pretty good for someone who has just started on photography. Keep it up! I'm a fan. :)

Semester 1, Sophomore Year

What I'll be taking next semester.

Media & Communications

Net Communications

Writing Journalism

Sociology

Critical Analytical Skills

Sexual Politics

2410

It's been exactly a year, and I realized how far apart we've grown. Perhaps I could talk to you and ask you how you've been doing, and I really wish I could, out of genuine concern. But sometimes it just occurs to me that we're strangers now. You don't know me anymore, much less want to. It's okay that we've both moved on. I know that everything is different now, I've been staying strong.

To Do List Update

2 3 Final Essays.
1 3 CultureBlog Entries.
1 Portfolio (3 more articles).
1 Exam.

I realised my entry updates are all about my schoolwork. Oh well, can't help it when it's a busy period at the end of the semester. So, bear with me. :)

A Roundup

Time to get things done.

3 Final Essays.

3 CultureBlog Entries.

1 Portfolio (3 more articles).

1 Exam.

The Pencil & The Eraser

Pencil: I'm sorry.

Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.

Pencil: I'm sorry that you get hurt because of me. Whenever I make a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.

Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with what I've done for you. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

C'est La Vie

Y'know.. if I ran a school, much on the contrary of what the current system is, I'd give the average grades to the ones who gave me all the right answers, for being good parrots. And I'd give the top grades to those who made a lot of mistakes and told me about them, and then told me what they learned from them.

Life, it's more than just academics.

Plus 3

As of 3rd October 2010, Melbourne will be 3 hours ahead of Singapore due to daylight saving time. This will revert back to 2 hours on 3rd April 2011 (hoho, special day!).

I wanted to write about something thought-provoking, but I've lost the idea now. Talk about writer's block. Maybe my mind really does only work best in the wee hours of the morning.

Till next time.

The Truth Is

sometimes blurriness and surreality are just separated by a fine line.

Spring Break

So, today marks the start of the 2 weeks mid semester break.

One major assignment to complete, due on Friday.

Glad to have friends to talk to to put you back in your tracks, when things go haywire and you start to lose yourself in a sense.

But this is me, this is who I am. Before anything (or anybody) can get me down, I'm not going to let myself down.

4 days to deadline, head in assignment.

Will be back next week.

Till then.

Adios!

When You Really Have Nothing Better To Do

can only be done once though.

Once Upon A Time

cue background music: Tennessee - Hans Zimmer (Pearl Harbor OST)

Strange how a picture paints a thousand words, and tells a story in itself.

Nobody likes goodbyes, but maybe sometimes..

'Thank you' are words sadder than 'Goodbye'.

I'm Sorry, But You've Exceeded Your Limit

You know how at airport departures there's always a baggage weight limit? But they never ever tell you the limit to your emotional baggage. The truth is, it has no limits. How much you carry with you, whether you carry heavy or you carry light, it's absolutely up to you.

Unknowingly, it gets heavier. On the contrary, it might also get lighter. But you must learn how not to let it weigh you down through each and every passing day.

And if possible, release it. Start a new life with an empty baggage. And hopefully it never gets filled up.

Viva La Vida.

Live Life.

Busy Week 5

It's going to be a busy and stressful Week 5 ahead. 3 major assignments due on Week 6; the halfway point of the semester.

So, I shall disappear for now.

Till next time.

*POOF*

Many Stones' Throw Away

Chadstone Shopping Mall with Joyce today. It's quite a walk from Hughesdale Train Station. But well, first time taking train here in Melbourne. Nice scenery along the way though. And the suburbs are really quite different from the city. Quiet and peaceful but nothing much to see or do. I guess that's pretty much an understatement, huh?

The Interior of the Mall.

We saw kissing (dead) fishes.

And the discovery of Tau Huay!

Just another Lemon Tree.

Pretty House!

Mario Costumes! Wonder who buys them.

Till next time.

1408

Today, marks my first month in Melbourne.

Today, is the start of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Today, the new Barclays Premier League season kicks off.

Today, is Zixuan and Jessica's first year anniversary.

Today, in retrospect.

Busy Busy

Well, I haven't got much time to blog as I'm busy with readings and writings.

Anyhow, Happy National Day Singapore!

It feels really different watching the NDP from overseas. Gotta love the short segment on Singaporeans who gave their blessings from overseas.

Will update again in due time.

CultureBlogging

One of my assignments for Culture, Media and Everyday Life is to blog conscientiously on relevant topics in the school's blogging system throughout the whole semester.

I guess blogging has never been more stressful huh? But it's fun nonetheless.

So, we had a lecture this afternoon on what we are supposed to do and all. And nearing the end of the lecture at 4:04pm, Dr. Fran Martin logged in to show us the blogging system. The homepage showed a list of the latest blogs that were updated and their blog entry titles.

Right at the very top was this entry titled, '3:56pm on a lazy monday afternoon.' by XXX.

Someone in the lecture obviously seems to have a pretty good sense of humour. =D

Green, White, Red & The Golden Eagle

So, my Mexican roommate finally moved in on Thursday. His name is Noe (No-ay), I was half expecting a Javier Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos or Rafael Marquez or something. And no, no curly moustache, sombrero, colourful clothes or guitar. He's 32, and taking his Phd at a Medical Institute just behind The Royal Melbourne Hospital and he'll be in Melbourne for a year.

He's a pretty nice guy, very friendly and all. He can't speak English very well though, but still comprehensible in our communication. And every time he has difficulty finding the correct English word, he'll add in a sound effect 'te-de-de' prior to saying the word out. On Thursday after he moved in and settled down, he took out a picture of his girlfriend and showed it to me.

Noe: Hey Andy, do you have a girlfriend? This is my girlfriend.

Me: Oh, she's very pretty. Is she in Mexico?

Noe: Ya, she's working in another state in Mexico.

-after a brief pause-

Noe: She's waiting for me. (followed by a smile)

Me: Aww, so nice and sweet!

Noe: I hope you get one too, erm.. next week. (laughs)

Noe loves eating and food a lot. He went out today and came back filling up the whole of our refrigerator with food. And he offered me eggs, bread and all. He cooked steak just now and asked if I would like to try some. The steak that he made looked absolutely good and smelled just as great. I guess I could pick up some culinary skills from him in future. And I'm kind of suspecting Noe wants to make us some breakfast tomorrow morning because he was asking what time I'll be waking up.

On a side note, I offered him my extra blanket seeing how inadequate he was when he moved in. No pillows no blankets. You just can't help but to feel a sense of benevolence, especially when the person involved is your roommate and a friend. He was very thankful, laughing at how cold it is at night.

So anyway, Noe's steak inspired me to finally cook my own pasta. Yes, finally because Joyce and Charmaine both do not believe that I'll be cooking my pasta that's lying in my refrigerator anytime soon. Here's a picture.

Fusilli Carbonara with Chicken, Crabstick & Fish Tofu.

Proudly Presented by Chef Andy. :)

Noe and I had a nice chat over dinner. We talked about Singapore, Mexico, our countries' climate and food, soccer, gym, conscription in Singapore (he was so fascinated and to quote him, "In Mexico, you can say No, Thank You".), what we are studying, Asians he met, Asians in Melbourne, languages I speak, Spanish (he says that my basic Spanish is pretty good, and I would improve in the next few months with his guidance), etc.

Very nice light-hearted chat. And at the end of it he said, "Oh, I'm getting hungry again." Then he started bursting out in laughter.

Well I guess I'm quite glad that I can get along well with Noe. And we're both food lovers. That's a plus point, I suppose?

Till next time.

EDIT:

There's really breakfast this morning! Thank you Noe! Hahaha.

What Is The Everyday?

Paradox 1:

"The everyday immerses us completely, yet it's hard to grasp as an object of study."

Paradox 2:

"The everyday is excessively familiar, yet difficult to define precisely."

How do everyday practices, beliefs and ideas come to appear to us as 'natural' and unremarkable?

Through processes of socialization and acculturation, through which we are taught that certain behaviours and beliefs are 'normal' or 'true'.

Denaturalize yourself.

Sunny Sunday

The sun was out today, and I probably perspired for the first time since arriving in Melbourne because I was kind of rushing out of the house. Still, it's only 12 degrees odd when it's sunny. Loving it!

Went out with Charmaine to Melbourne Central to shop, well, window shop in my case. Apparently AX was having a sale. But somehow the collection here did not entice me as much as the ones back home in Singapore. And Charmaine felt bad about spending money after buying 3 t-shirts and a necklace, then the guilt lessened after learning that I had spent on a Fossil watch here.

Headed over to Collins Street after to have a look at the LVs, Guccis, Pradas and whatnot. Nice architecture they have on Collins Street, very different from Bourke Street, the shopping district, although they are only a street apart.

Met up with Yanting for dinner. It's been quite a while since I last saw her, perhaps half a year ago? We had Japanese food! She recommended the Gyu Tan Don, which is in fact Ox Tongue on rice. I was a bit apprehensive about it but it turned out great! Tasted like beef but with a different texture. And we had dessert at this Taiwan dessert place. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Ox Tongue!

Gyoza.

Honey Peach Snow Ice with Pearls.

And we're going to watch Inception this friday or so. Finally! The much talked about show.

Till next time.

Mee-Dee-Uh

What I'll be studying this semester.

Introduction to Media and Communications

Professional Writing

Culture, Media and Everyday Life

Intercultural Communication

I'm kind of glad that even though I don't have a choice to choose my modules this semester, the last two relates to Sociology, so when I take up Sociology as a second major next semester, I'm more prepared in a sense.

And the semester starts on Monday.

Full steam ahead!

Me@lbourne!

Well, I'm finally settled into my apartment. So I now have some time on my hands for a little update on the beginning of my life here in Melbourne.

First and foremost, and the most unfortunate thing ever. Clarence, my roommate, was diagnosed with Hepatitis A roughly a couple of days before our departure. As a result, he could not make the flight and had to defer to next semester. However, there are currently some issues with the deferment as well because the Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) degree that we're taking is having its last intake in 2010. So, Clarence is awaiting a new offer letter which might not be the same degree ultimately and in the worst case scenario, he may head over to ANU in Canberra instead. Of course, I would prefer him to come to UniMelb next semester be it for the same degree or a different one so that we can share the apartment as planned. But then again, I too understand that no matter what happens, it's all up to him now. So I can only hope for the best, for him and for the both of us. In any case, I'm going to have a Mexican roommate who's due to move in on Saturday. And I was making a light-hearted stereotypical joke about how he definitely has a curly moustache, and how he will be wearing a sombrero and colourful clothes and playing his guitar all the time. Let's hope we can get along well.

That aside, it's been a rather busy week so far, settling my accommodation, bank account, internet and mobile lines, getting orientated, etc. And when everything was more or less done, there was the Academic Advice Day which took place yesterday and it was just completely confusing and stressful to say the least. As typical Singaporeans, we want to get things done as soon as possible, so we expect all the administrative matters to be settled in a day, which was not the case at all. It took us quite a fair bit of running around, asking for help, that sort of thing. Even so, we could not complete everything as there were still doubts and technical glitches which prevented us from doing so. Hence, we went back to clarify and to 'settle' all our issues again today, yes the whole group of us Singaporean students; the new friends that I made, I can safely say that we were in full attendance at the University on a day where there were no official activities planned for us.

And Orientation starts tomorrow!

But for now, some pictures to show.

The University of Melbourne. Dream Large.

The Old Arts Building! Pseudo Hogwarts, haha!

My Cosy Little Crib.

Clothes, Shoes and all.

The Kitchen!

And the Bathroom!

With a bathtub!

And I have a balcony too!

It's rebuilt from the Old Melbourne Hotel so the room does look just like a hotel room isn't it?

I guess it's pretty amazing that someone like me who has such bad directional sense (those who know me well enough would know) is now fending for himself in a big foreign city. Sometimes I do take a step back and wonder where in the world did I get the courage from. Perhaps the tremendous emotional and financial support which I received from my family and the never-ending encouragement from my friends had played a big part. Or maybe it's just something as simple as me having a point to prove to myself.

Nonetheless, it's going to be great starting a new life here. I can feel it already.

Till next time.

p.s. It's freezing now at 7 degrees.

Viva España!

Shame on you, Netherlands!

Shame on you, your rough play and dirty tactics.

Shame on you Mark Van Bommel and shame on you Arjen Robben.

While it may be true that a couple of decisions went Spain's way unfairly, for a team that had almost every single player yellow-carded (that was some record, mind you), you don't deserve to speak. If there were to be less leniency shown by Howard Webb the referee, you would have more than just one player sent off. So shut up with your absurd comments, Arjen Robben. If Carles Puyol should get the red card, Mark Van Bommel would have showered, reached back to his hotel room and fallen asleep, all before the end of the first half.

You're truly and utterly disgraceful for a nation playing in a World Cup Final.

A kung-fu kick in the chest?! You're lucky you got away with it.

And quit whining like a pussy (are you even allowed to do that to the referee in the first place?!), even England didn't complain so much when they were denied a clear goal. And the replay clearly showed that the Spanish goal was not offside and totally legitimate, I seriously have no idea what The Netherlands was so unhappy about. Yes Dutch fans, there WAS a replay. What's this about having no replay when billions around the world actually saw it?

There you have it. ONSIDE. This was shown right after the goal was scored. Sorry Netherlands, nobody appreciates you guys being sore losers when you shamelessly confronted the referee at the final whistle. You're digusting. Not the mention the looks of dissatisfaction when you had to shake the hands of the Spaniards, unwillingly that is. I've lost all respect for you, what that's left of it anyway. You need a lesson in graciousness, make that ten.

Finally, the worthier team lifts the World Cup! This is justice prevailing over evil for you.

Official FIFA statistics have proven that The Netherlands is the dirtiest team in the World Cup this year, with the most number of yellow cards and the most number of fouls (126). Uruguay is not even at a close second with 99. And if you say that they played all 7 matches to arrive at this statistic while other teams played lesser as they were eliminated earlier, then let's compare them to the Spaniards who played 7 matches in total as well. Spain received the FIFA Fair Play Award for the least number of fouls committed and the least number of yellow cards received. A gentlemanly team indeed.

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has also heavily criticized the Dutch team for playing ugly, vulgar, hardly eye-catching anti-football and felt that The Netherlands should have been down to 9 men. Now that says a lot coming from the former Dutch captain himself.

At the end of the day, I'm happy that my favourite team won.

Viva España!

There's Nothing Like Australia

A new ad campaign launched by Tourism Australia in May this year.

Some say it's a rip-off of Discovery Channel's 'I Love The World'.

What do you think?

Pre-Departure Jitters

So, I've more or less settled everything that needs to be settled and I'm just waiting to fly. Now I'm left with packing my room and my luggage, which I haven't really gotten down to actually doing it. Such a procrastinator when it comes to packing. And somehow we're all experiencing this strange situation where we're eager to start a new lease of life in Melbourne, at the same time we're sad to leave our friends and family behind. On the other hand, we're just a tad apprehensive about the uncertainties we might face there. Okay, maybe it's a pretty normal situation after all, but it hits you hard nearing the date of departure.

In any case, I've met up with Clarence's friends for dinner the other day; Kenneth and Geraldine who are also heading over to Melbourne. Just learned of it not too long ago and they're great company to have. And I have mutual friends with both Kenneth and Geraldine, how small this world is. I guess it certainly helps having friends whom you actually know beforehand going over with you. Clarence and I are sure going to have quite an experience living with each other.

Agenda for Pre-Departure:

- Buy stationery.

- Set up iMac for Mom.

- Apply Exit Permit.

- Read up more on my intended subject combinations and orientation package.

- Plan timetable.

- Farewell Lunches/Dinners.

- Pack! (oh the horrors)

Post-Arrival:

- Set up bank account.

- Hunt for the best internet service provider & telco.

- Buy daily necessities.

- Set up apartment.

- City orientation.

- Ask for more credit exemptions at Academic Advice Day!

- UniMelb orientation.

- Meet up with Melbourne friends;

Job Hunting - Siokhui

UniMelb - Lynette

Monash - Lucien, Yu Mou, Yanting & Jessica

RMIT - Dale & Blessann

Wow. Now that's a hell lot of things to do.

Till next time.