Christmas 2008

Ahh... Quiet and relaxing white Christmas I had. Yes, I was alone. Of course, I did hang out with some friends who are around, which I truly appreciate their company. Shopping during Boxing Day wasn't as great as I expected. There weren't much sales, and there weren't much things to shop for, pretty dull and boring.

With so much time, I got myself to do some workout in the evenings. Even though I was at home, I still manage to get some serious workout done. =D Yes, muscle ache and sore shoulder, I still would like to get more workout in today. Six packs, here I come!! Or eight packs maybe? =p

What else I did? Hmm... I played foosball with Adrian, which is nice; I managed to clean up my house as well; watched the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which was a great movie; best of all, won some money playing poker! =p Hey hey, a straight beat pair 10s anytime, doesn't it? Won some cash and dignity, and I feel great! =D

Well, back to work tomorrow after the nice long weekend. I am invited to join a few good friends to Minnesota over the New Year, and I am seriously contemplating it. Money and work is the main factor; on the other hand, friendship and holiday. Hmm... What should I do? Go, don't go? Will see, making the decision tomorrow...

Sadness...

Gosh, I am bored and lonely. Really. =(

I thought I will be ok after sending you off, and I was, till I was all alone when you got on the plane to Japan. Calls from you before you board the plane helped me kill my loneliness a while, but once I realize that it will be at least till tomorrow that I hear from you, the lonely feeling creep up on me.

I guess not doing much at home and being alone really encourage sadness. Add in the fact that almost everyone will be gone for holiday, including my housemates, my loneliness and sadness really haunt me. Just a few hours and I am missing your voice and your presence beside me. I really can't wait till I hear your voice tomorrow!

I really hope working tomorrow will ease the pain, but I start to have doubt against that. Tomorrow is a crucial day at work, and hopefully that can take my mind off missing you for a while. Really, I don't want to screw up tomorrow. =\

I need someone to come accompany me to ease this feeling, I need a good friend who can cheer me up, anyone? Have I been a good friend lately? I do hope so and also hope that I have good friends out there who will be willing to do something with me.

Sigh... I wonder how can I sleep tonight... I miss you my dear... =(

Finals is OVER!! =p

Yahooooo!! Finals is over for this semester!! Whether or not I screwed up for finals is not a question for the time being. =p Time to enjoy and relax now!! =D

Where should I go? What should I do? Hmm... That's some challenging question I must say! Well, all I know now is that I will be free these few days, after that I will be working. So I must enjoy whatever holiday I have!! =p

Let's hope there will be some fun activity coming up for me!! I don't want to waste these few precious holiday!! =p And also hopefully I can get some pictures or posts up here... =D Ciaoz!

Zzzzz.....

Finals... Zzzzzz.... Sigh...

So bored. So much to study, so little mood to do it... Why why??

Someone give me some motivation please!! =(

Amazing weekend!

I had an amazing weekend. Amazing.

First up, we went out for dinner at a German restaurant and bar. Dinner was fine, everyone shared a huge platter, and we get to sample a bit of everything, including their famous pork shank, which was very good. A few sips of beer to wash down the food and we head over to the next location.

The next location, Iowa's very own local casino, Praire Meadows. Yeap, I am making full use of my legal age now!! I played a little poker at the poker room, which is a pleasant experience. No, I did not win any money, but at least I know what it feels like to play in the casino.

After that, we went to the Grand Piano Bistro. I got myself a bottle of beer, and we managed to get a table in the filled bistro. Just as we were chatting over a beer, two guys went up the stage to continue their piano duet. Playing songs requested from the audience, they were a blast. I must say, understanding between them is amazing. While one is entertaining the crowd, the other one is playing some background music; they even know when they want to stop and let the crowd sing along! Wonderful. I really enjoyed it, not because of the alcohol, which I only had one bottle of beer, but because of the live performance and the atmosphere.

The next day, I head over to my boss place. The best part, I got to learn how to shoot a gun!! Two gun as a matter of fact. First is a small calibre gun, easy to handle, easy to hit the target. It was a rifle, and it was quite fun. After a few rounds, we up the fire power. We shot a 9mm Glock, and it was amazing. Squeeze the trigger, hear the shot, hit the target, exhilarating!! And yes, the bullet shell is what I took for souvenier, something for me to remember my first time ever shooting a gun.

To sum out such an amazing weekend, we had some pho tai bo vien (vietnamese beef noodles) after some wrestling and MMA. It was wonderful, and by far the best weekend for this whole semester! =D

孤单，寂寞，勇气，伤害。。。 =(

好就没用话语写一篇“作文”了。。 不知如何，今天我有点想用华语来表达我的心情。

今天，一大清早就开始下雪，真的是令我感觉很孤单，寂寞。有时真的会觉得自己很傻: 明明知道是错，知道是会受伤害，但我还埋着头，继续错下去。。。 可能这是我盲目的一边吧，也许这是我骗自己的梦想，但我很清楚知道这条路将来是会让我自己感得很痛苦。

可能今早在巴士上听着悲伤的歌曲吧，所已我才想太多，或许应该说我想得比较仔细。。 无论如何，我已经是可以猜测到将来会发生什么事。。可能这样也好，至少可以给我一个心理准备。。

是不是太多时间和下雪的关系令我想这些我不想要面对的事情，我不太清楚。。。 但是昨天的谈话令我深深的想我是否应该这么做。。答案我还不太清楚，但是我可以对自己说这会是一个很难很难做的事情。。 一边的我不想放手，另一边就知道越早放手越好。。。唉，叫我应该如何呢？？

当我在想这一回事的时候，我还记得第一次见到她。当时我么不认识对方，不过后来有机会认识，不知不觉地我就傻傻的变到今天的地步。。

可能我应该学过路人，选美好的回忆，把伤心的一切从今抹掉。但是我有没有这一股勇气呢？我还不知道... anyone care to help?

Fall Break

Man, another long absence again! Seriously, I don't want this to happen, but sometimes I am too tired to blog, sometimes too busy, or sometimes just plain too bored. Well, there's nothing much to blog about when I am bored. But, here I am now, writing another post yet again.

Fall break is here, and today I went paintball, organized by International Student Association. We went to the same place as last time, and I had quite some fun. Yeap, two bruises only this time, but still bruises are bruises. Lol.

But then again, the bruises are just part of fun. Being able to relax and get myself away from school and work is the main thing to do today. Bored and tired, some activity which I don't get to do often is always welcome. =p

Man. Utd. won 4-0 this morning! Wonderful. Sadly I didn't get to watch it because I went for paintball, but it wasn't too bad after all.

As for now, I am ready to get some rest, chillax with some shows and dinner, and get back the sleep I lost! Lol. Adioz. =)

Craziness...

What a week I must say! First, I have three tests. Next, all three tests is on the same day!

That was really crazy. Having three tough test on the same day is really mind sapping. I think I did OK for the tests, but I can tell you that I definitely never score any one of it. Yes, very very sure that I did NOT score any one. =(

I went jogging after all the tests. Sadly, all the energy is gone. My usual 3 mile jog became 2 mile. Luckily the pace the did not drop. =D

Today is also Poker Night at Drake. Yes, I am in the Poker Club, and I am leading the score board. We play on a point basis system. Though I lead the score, I have yet to win one Night. =( Second and third seem to haunt me, prevent me from getting first. Tonight, I lose yet again, this time not even at the final table. =( I thought I had it, an Ace spade flush. My hand, Ace Queen spades. Man, how good can it get? Yet I lost. I lost to pocket Aces. There was an Ace on the table, and a pair of fives. Gosh, that's an Ace house! What a hand. =( Well, next week then, there's always next week. Next week, number 1 will be mine. ><

Alright, now time for some relaxation time. A bit of PS2 and then I will sleep tight before another day of work tomorrow. Adioz...

Rantings

Busy busy busy... How sad is that? I have three test on the same day, and one more the following week. There's one more I have yet to check. Quiz tomorrow, yet I have not finish studying for it. And to make things worse, there's a lot of work to do besides studies. =/ Sometimes I just forget about the workload and have some recreational time such as basketball and gym and jogging, of course, not forgetting PS2. Yes, a little outdated, but the games are still good, aren't they?

What am I doing here amidst all those crazy workload? Watching football. =D Heck, Man Utd is playing, and how can I not watch?! =p Yeah, it's just an excuse for me to temporarily escape my burden.

Well, that's about it for this post. I just want to at least get something on here instead of leaving it empty for such a long period. Lol. Yeah, let me rant a little, let me just relieve my stress a little. =p Adioz...

First week...

First week of classes came and gone, and it's the time again for my thoughts about this semester. Lol. I am still wondering why am I taking such a heavy load this semester. =/

First, I am taking Fin102, and the lecturer is Prof. Rozycki. After two classes with him, my impression for him is still good, and it has yet to evolve to the toughest professor everyone has been talking about. Well, I guess that will be tested again when the assignments and test starts to come. Till now, he is still a good lecturer, and he tries to make the class interesting with a couple of jokes or more.

Next, Fin150, and the lecturer is Prof. White. He is a new lecturer, and this is his first semester teaching here at Drake. With that said, there's not much history about him in Drake, except that his interview with DASS (Drake Actuarial Science Society) was conducted by the committee members of DASS, who happens to be students. I guess that's positive, since students know exactly what kind of lecturer is good for the subject. So far he still have a positive impression in my mind. =)

Acc165 is another subject I am taking, taught by Prof. Njoroge. She's from Africa, and she have an accent. Well, it is not a bad accent that I can't listen to, so it is fine with me. It seems that she have been teaching for quite some time at Drake, and I have not heard anything bad about her, so I will take it as she is a good lecturer. She teaches with PowerPoint slides and uses the textbook a lot, giving tons of homework, but I guess that's how we can learn accounting, which is through tedious practice and exercises.

I am taking Mgmt110 as well, and the lecturer is Prof. Reed. She isn't bad, and she can get quite comical at times. Cheerful and funny, and she keep stressing about how detailed this course is, which in terms translate to there's a lot of reading in this course! =( I have a hunch that this semester is extremely busy! Well, Monday is Labor day, and she have a conference on Wednesday, which means there's no Mgmt110 class for a week! =p Recharge and get ready before the work load starts coming down!

Last but not least, Acts151, taught by the funny and cute Prof. Judd. I had him last semester for Acts150, and I believe I have a little more experience dealing with him. No, don't get me wrong, he is a great lecturer, and he always tries to make his class funny, or at least his character makes the class funny. The material covered is just two chapters, which is bad, BAD! Two chapters for the whole semester (four months) does translate to this course is tough tough and tough. Since I got an extremely tough finals from him last semester, I will try my best to prepare more for finals this time around!

Well, there you go, 5 subjects, 15 credits this semester, and it seems like there's more work load as compared with last semester. I guess that's what happen when one climb up the course structure and starts taking higher level classes. It's the senior year for me this time around, and I have to balance work and study now. Fingers crossed, pray hard, and let's prepare for this semester! I want to at least get Dean's List once here at Drake, and let's make it this semester! =D

End of summer...

Another two hours and summer holiday will be over; and another 14 hours my first class for Fall 2008 semester will officially start. Time flies, doesn't it?

I have already been here for a year, and much has happened since my arrival here at the States. Well, I've met new friends, worked, learned how to be more independent, did mistakes, made dreams to reality, etc. Of course, I still miss home, miss my family and friends, miss the food, etc. But I must say getting an opportunity to study abroad is really something one should appreciate.

And my summer, spending an entire summer here in the States, I must say it isn't bad at all. Being able to get an opportunity to work allows me to learn more than just what is thought in class, and it also allowed me to earn some money, which I did splurge on a thing or two. Well, I must say those stuffs that I bought isn't something of a waste, though I can live without it. =p But then again, I earned it by working hard, so I truly think I deserve it. =D

Well, tomorrow is back to crunch time I guess, a whole new semester, and a whole new challenge in life. Let's get some rest and when my eyes open tomorrow it will be the first day of Fall 2008 semester here at Drake University. Good night folks!

Happy and crazy

I am happy now. I feel relaxed. =p Why you ask? The answer is simple: I have a vacation!! =D Yes, tomorrow I do not need to go to work, and on Sunday I will fly myself to the world reknown New York City again! =p I am paying NYC another visit, and this time it's going to last for 6 days. A much, much needed vacation after working for almost the entire summer. I said almost is because summer isn't officially over, though it will only last a few more weeks. =(

When I got off work today, it felt exactly like when I finished my finals. I know that I have to go back to work after the break, yet it is a great relief that my break have finally arrived. The same feeling as I finish finals: I know I have to get back to the books after the holidays, yet there is a period of time where I can just escape from it. =D Yeah, I know, I am just crapping a sh*t load here. Lol. Haven't done this for a long time I must say.

Anyway, I am really really going to enjoy myself for this vacation. Hopefully I won't get a call from my boss. Well, it's not that I will fly back to work during vacation, nor will I bring my laptop to NYC just for work, it's just that when he calls me I have to search through my memory and think of something to solve that problem, which will definitely waste my precious vacation time. Haha... I know I am lazy, I do admit that. Why not? =p

Anyway, I have quite a lot of jogging to do to catch up with my "mileage" target. Jogging made me do something crazy too! It was something which I very very seldom do I must say. What you say? I will tell you right here, right now. =p

I was jogging on Tuesday you see, from my place to Hyvee. On the way there, I happen to meet this girl who was walking the opposite direction. I know this may sound crazy, but I can't help to think that she is very, very pretty. People who live in Des Moines are generally friendly, so we smiled at each other when we passed by. She really do look so sweet and beautiful when she smile. How nice I thought. =p

And then came the crazy thing I did. It wasn't my schedule to jog again on Wednesday as I normally jog on alternative days, but I went ahead and jog the same route, just hoping that I will bump into her again. Ain't that crazy? Lol. But who cares? As long as I don't do anything illegal it will be fine, isn't it? Well, not much luck second time around I should say. Yeah, you guessed it, she didn't walk that day, or at least we didn't meet while I was jogging. =(

Well, the nice side of the story is, I did put in some jogging and I am a little closer to my target. I also get to explore another street, which is quite peaceful and nice for jogging -- Cottage Grove Av. itself! Yes, the very street I live on. It is a very nice street for jogging, and it is away from all the hassle of University Av.! I will be jogging on this very street more often I think. My 25 mile target is still a distance apart, and I will reach my target before school starts. =D

Alright, enough of crapping. I will have to excuse myself because I have a farewell partaaaaay of a friend to attend. Let's hope tomorrow's jogging will allow me to bump into her again. Wahahahahaa... Adioz!

Suprise!!

I promised something great, and now I deliver my promise.



On August 3rd, 2008, at 2015 hours, my hall looks like this:








And then on August 3rd 2008, at 2200 hours, my hall looks like this:

Can't see what is that? Need a closer look? Here you go:

How is that for a piece of furniture in my apartment? I finally got what I wanted! I guess staying in the States and getting a job for the summer isn't that bad! Or should I say it is amazingly wonderful? =p Yes, I am happy, very happy. Why shouldn't I be? After all, I have been wanting to have a foosball table in the place I live in. =D


Alright, that's all for now. Now I am gonna do some practice everyday if possible to prepare myself for an upcoming DYP right here in Des Moines! Let's hope Mr. Adrian will come along. =D Ciaoz...

Updates... Rantings... =p

Wow, I basically spend the whole day out today!! Amazing. I haven't been shopping for a while, and finally I got the chance to walk around the mall today at Jordan Creek. =p Yeah, I know. It does sound weird that a guy would like shopping and walking around in the mall, but I guess too much of routine makes one bored! =p But I seriously do enjoy shopping, not every single day though! =p

Suet dropped by Des Moines with her boyfriend to visit me! How nice of her. =p Finally met up with some old friends. She's still the same I should say, out going and funny... etc. Not much changes I should say. Haha... It was fun getting to meet her again here at the States. =) Thanks for visiting me Suet!! =)

Well, I watched another movie today!! Hahaha... This time I watched The Mummy 3. What do I think about it? Well, another mummy movie I should say, with the beginning a little draggy, and the story line is sort of the same as before. Not much suprise I should say. I would give it maybe a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

And now I would like to set a target for myself -- jog 25 miles in total before school starts. =p I have already made 6 miles in three days of jogging, and there will be this coming week and the week before school starts on the 25th of August for me to build up my "mileage". =p I am heading over to NYC on the 10th, so I guess that will stop me from jogging, or maybe not if I have the chance. =p

The three days of jogging allowed me to discover some pretty sights around Drake I must say. Well, not in Drake campus area I must say, but places around Drake like 42nd Street, Forest Avenue... Some houses there are just so nice and well shaded, which reminds me of my holiday in Australia way back then. =p And now I also know that University Avenue is an easier course than Forest Avenue (only apply from 25th Street to 42nd Street so far! =p). My next run will be 4 miles I hope, and most likely it will be more challenging because there is a big hill past 42nd Street! =p

Alright, that's pretty much about it for now. I will blog again on either tomorrow or Monday, because there will be something to blog about. Something nice, something fun. =p Adioz for now! =)

The Dark Knight

Guess what? I got to watch The Dark Knight yesterday! I watched it at an iMax theather in downtown Des Moines! Hey hey, some part of the film is specially filmed for iMax, so it's of course worth it watching at an iMax theather, don't think so? =p

Anyway, there won't be any spoiler here. It is a very good movie, and it surely lived up to its hype. Hey, the queue to enter the theather started building an hour before the show! Another thing, tickets are sold out in almost all cinema here! That's how many people watching it. Amazing. And I must say this iMax experience is way better than the first one I had in Omaha. Lol!!

I must say this movie deserve 4.5 stars, or maybe 4.8 stars, out of a 5 stars scale. Yes, it is truly a good movie, one worth watching. Heck, the whole theather clapped once the movie ended. Everyone was in awe how good the movie is!! Go watch it for yourself, don't wait till they stop screening it! Dig up your piggy banks and look under your couch for money if you have to, just make sure you watch it at the cinema, or a surround sound home theather system! =p

Truly a good movie. And now let us all remember the person who gave his all for this movie, Heath Ledger.

Ironman

I think I missed out a movie review on this show. I happened to watch Ironman on the day it was released. I guess too much of assignments and finals coming up, that's why I didn't write a review on this movie. Well, since it is so late, this post will contain spoiler. Don't read if you intent to watch the movie! =p

This movie set out by showing this successful guy making high-tech weapons for the US government. Then he went over to the Middle-East to showcase his latest and most powerful bomb, or superweapon I should say, the Jericho. It was broadcasted live on TV, and the whole world knew about it. It was a successful broadcast, and its main purpose is to cast fear to enemies.

While on his way back, his convoy was delibrately ambushed. Admist all the chaos, he found himself staring at his very own company's bomb before it served its purposed in front of him. Fortunately, he was saved by another specialist. But, due to the nature of that bomb, his body is contaminated with metal shrapnels. In order to save him, this specialist created a 'heart' for him, a 'heart' that will hold the metal shrapnels in place in order for him to survive.

When he woke up, the heart was already planted in him. After some explanation, he and the specialist became allies. Forced by the commander who bought his company's weapons, he agreed to make the Jericho. Yes, it is a disguise. He secretly made himself a suit of armor, armed with a flame thrower, and able to fly with booster on the armor's feet.

Sadly, to escape, the specialist sacrificed himself. With all the sound effects and screen effects, Ironman was born. He destroyed the whole hideout of the terrorist group, and started to fly out of the area. Well, it wasn't tested before, so I should say it didn't flew very well, which was quite a funny sight.

After he got back to US, he decided to stop making weapons. Of course, his company's board was not happy. He went on with his decision, and secretly in his underground lab, he continue to refine his suit, his Ironman.

Able to get whatever technology he needed, he successfully created Ironman. He flew back to the Middle East, destroyed the whole terrorist camp, and met two Raptors on his way back. Needless to say, he came home safely, and that is when Ironman is near perfection.

Well, guess who is selling the weapons to the terrorist? Yeap, definitely the company's partner. Profit. Which wide-eyed monster don't go after profit? After he found out this truth, he was angered and he continued to add power to Ironman. Meanwhile, the suit which he made during his escape was found by the terrorist leader and later made its way to the traitor. Making that junk more powerful, making it a more sophisticated weapon, and making it stand against Ironman was what the traitor did.

The fight was nice, though as usual, good guys win in the movies. Well, being overpowered, Ironman can only outwit his opponent. With a little help from his beloved secretary, evil is being destroyed by a burst of technology itself.

With all the fight going on in the city and a crescendo finale to the fight, it's to no suprise that the press, also known as paparazzi, was interested. Headlines of the fight came out, with the name Ironman splash over the newspapers. After reading the papers, he thought the name Ironman was perfect. Being told to hide the truth and given alibis, he stood facing the press. He was asked: "Can you tell me what happened in your power plant last night? Are you involved in the fight? Are you Ironman?" After a little thought, he said:

"As a matter of fact, I AM Ironman!"

What a way to end the show. A line to remember, a line which enables a sequel if they consider making one, and a line which I call killer line. =p I had say this movie is worth 4 stars out of 5 stars as well. Considering the fact that I just wrote another movie review about 45 minutes ago, these two movies stand out for itself, and certainly have its own moment. A great movie, and a movie worth watching another time.

Now, if only I have the chance to catch the next most anticipate movie... The Dark Knight anyone? =p

Wanted!

Time for some movie review again! Finally, after so long, I managed to get myself a chance to the cinema again. Sigh, the trouble of not having a car! Anyway, this time around I watched Wanted.

The movie tells about a guy, just like me and you and everyone else, pathetic (quoted from the movie!), who have a chance to change his life. A group of people who are born-to-be-assassins found this guy, whom his father happens to be one of them. This group of people call themselves the Fraternity. They go by a code of fate, killing whoever the code tells them to.

Well, I can't and won't tell the whole story here. It is well worth the money for you to head over to the cinema to watch this movie. But, as the trailer did show, people of the Fraternity do know how to curve a bullet and hit the bull's eye! That is just a simple imagination of the producer, yet it managed to produce a huge effect on screen.

This movie also have a lot of - what I call - killer line. And most definitely, they saved the best to the last! Haha... I give this movie 4 stars out of 5 stars, and trust my word, head over to the cinema near you and feast your eyes with this movie. Lol. Adioz! =)

Six weeks ago I was a normal guy, stupid and pathetic, just like you....... I have taken control of my life. So, what the fuck have you done lately?

Rantings...

Ever heard the phrase routine is boredom? Well, if you haven't, then I shall tell you now. Yes, routine is boredom. I am bored.

I have settled down quite nicely in my apartment, I enjoy cooking some nice food for myself, and my intern is treating me well. No, I have not get my pay for this month, very soon, very soon... Watching TVB drama have also been entered into my daily routine now.

Yes, every day is the same: wake up, wash up, eat up, dress up, catch up with the bus; then work, lunch, work, bus, workout on alternative days, drama while dinner, continue drama, sleep. And the cycle continue again.

How bored is that?! I can list out the whole day!! If there is a change, it will be groceries shopping and video games. How sad can it be? I want a change, a little change to my daily routine. I want a vacation! I want to do something I don't usually do!

Sometimes I do wish I am in Malaysia now with all my friends and family, yet sometimes I feel lucky to stay here for the summer. I have learnt a lot doing this intern, and it's not the end yet. Still, I don't want it to be a routine. I once have a lecturer who said people are afraid of change. I agree very much to that statement. Yet, I want a change in my daily routine now. How ironic.

Well, I am done ranting here. If you read through the whole thing and feel that it is rubbish, I am sorry. I don't have anyone to rant to, and I have time to rant, so it came out in words here. Well, the time have come for me to brush up and sleep. Time to restart the routine again. Adioz...

Ironic life?

I went to Walmart yesterday, to get my groceries and stuffs like that. Well, what made this post is because I met two persons yesterday which really made me wonder.

The first person, an Indian cashier. He have hearing difficulties. It didn't bother me much because all I need to do was just put the stuffs I bought on the conveyor belt, put it back into the cart, swipe my card, and off I can go. But then he started to chat with me. He wrote on a piece of paper:

"Do you go to school? Where?"
I looked at him, then wrote back: "Yes, Drake."
His eyes lit up. He then wrote: "What's your major?"
Interesting guy I thought. Well, I answered: "Actuarial Science and Finance."
Clearly he looked impressed. He went on and asked: "Where are you from?"
I swiped my card, then wrote: "Malaysia. You?"
He did what a cashier should do, then wrote: "India. I am going to ISU."

Now I am impressed. Really impressed. I looked at him, shook his hand and wished him luck. He must have a lot of courage and passion for study, must he not? These are the kind of people which is called successful and to be respected.

I walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Across the street was a man holding a card board which wrote: "Hungry. Need Food." And he showed that card to every car which stopped at the junction.

I thought to myself, how ironic. Inside in Walmart, I just met a person who strive very hard for a good life even thought he is handicapped; and not outside of Walmart, I met a person totally opposite. To me, he just gaved up on his life, and he is as perfect as a normal person could be. If he was to be wasting his time begging for food, why can't he get a job to support himself? I am sure Walmart can hire him, or maybe Hyvee or some other companies.

But then I saw something which he can be proud of. Someone offered to get him a beer instead of food. He answered: "No beer. I don't drink." Well, at least he held on to that principle of his.

Well, I guess I should treasure what I have and work harder for a better life! Study harder and work harder... =p

April shower; May sunflower

Yes, I know it's near the end of May already, and this post might be a little outdated, but who cares? =p Enjoy the pictures!! =D

And now for some random pictures:

Cooking 101

I am bored. I am in my new apartment now, but still no cable tv to watch till Saturday. The internet connection I am using also isn't mine. How sad. But then again, I spend some time cooking, and realized that it isn't too hard to cook. =p

My first self-made lunch special, chicken spaghetti. =p

Looks appetizing? It taste great, and I can tell you that my opinion is unbiased. =D

Then today I cooked this:

Chicken curry! I thought it was hard, but it turns out to be quite simple. Hehe. I think it is a little dry, maybe because I like more gravy. And also, I think I should make it spicier next time. =p

Hmm... What's cooking for tomorrow? I wonder... And ponder... =p

Updates...

Finally finals are over!! And finally I have moved out of dorm!! Yes, excuse me for the absence, I was busy with my finals and also busy moving my stuffs around. I thought I don't have much stuffs to move, but end up I do have quite a lot of belongings! =p

It is summer holiday already, and it started 4 days ago for me!! Some people have summer holiday earlier or later depending on their finals. Anyway, I have not done much yet for summer holiday, except went out with friends for one night, worked a few hours, and shift my stuffs to my temporary house.

I will be moving into my apartment, the one which I will permanently stay for at least a year, on Tuesday. Yes, more moving around, but I guess it is worth it. Still there are lots of stuffs I have not get. Sigh.

About 90% of my semester's friends have left for home, with 4 already back home as I am typing this. How I envy them!! I want to be home as well!! It has already been 9 months since I am at home!! And then some of them also envy me because I am doing an internship. What comes around goes around?

Well, I guess that's all for the update now. I am planning on getting my driving license soon!! =p And the weather, still lagging behind time. It is still chilly even though summer holiday has begun. Let's hope it turns warmer soon!! Till next time, bye! =)

Texas Road House

Well, no. I don't have the chance to go over to Texas yet. Texas Road House is a steak house right here in Des Moines. =p





Anyway, I finally got to taste the famed Texas Road House. It was said to have by far really great steaks, and someone was telling me that their bread that they served as appetizers are great too! Well, it sure did lived up to it's name!





I had prime rib, and how else should it be cooked other than medium-rare? I have had prime ribs at other outlets here in Des Moines, but this is by far the best! Yes, no kidding! It was so tender, well marinated, and well roasted to perfection! Simply amazing.






They even served buckets of peanuts, classic! Just that this time we are supposed to throw the shells into the empty bucket, instead of on the floor. But on my way out I happened to saw that we can actually throw the shells on the floor at the waiting area! Totally into the mood.

Outside Texas Road House. We couldn't find a better spot for a group picture. This was by the entrance. So please ignore the shiny 'disabled parking' sign! =p

Waiters and waitresses do some cheers if it is your birthday, and they happened to line dance to a music while we were enjoying our food. Really, it does get you into the cowboy mood. The place is well decorated also, with deer heads and stuffs like that. There was even a rattlesnake skin decoration!

If you were to ask me where to go for steak, I will tell you the answer, without hesitation. Yes, TEXAS ROAD HOUSE!!

Relays 2008

Finally, some time where I can let my writings loose! =p

As I have said in an earlier post, I join in the fun for the Drake Relays, one of the two biggest event to be held in Iowa annually. Where is it you say? It is held right here at Drake University! And Drake students can witness everything for free using their student ID! Well, we did pay for tuition fees, so I guess technically it's not entirely free? Lol.

Anyway, it was a big event, just like a scaled-down Olympic. Every track and field event was held, and participants from other states come and compete with each other for the championship. Really, talents and young athletes are abundant and it's a great pleasure having an opportunity to watch them showing their talents, knowing that some of them may be Olympic champion some day! The route to stardom!! =p

Everything was great, except for one incident where I happened to witness. It was the men's 4x100 relays. One of the first runner tripped while passing the baton, his team mate was about to continue running when the baton was recovered, but stopped when he saw the state of the first runner. He was on the floor, in pain. The only people there was his team mate, and an official who still hold up his flag stating that they didn't pass the baton legally.

Excuse me official? Don't you know how to get help? Where are the medics? After the whole race, and with the winners making their victory round, help finally arrived. From what I saw, it sure looks like a dislocated shoulder resulted from the fall. Luckily it's just a dislocated shoulder, and not a fracture which puncture his lungs or something of that magnitude. But still I believe Drake's emergency team should have reacted way better.

Anyway, due to the relays, bars and clubs around the area have parties for the whole weekend, and almost all of the places are packed with people. I joined in the fun as well, danced to some music and had a blast of a weekend, admist working in the mornings. =p

Now that relays are over, finals are coming. Yes, that means time for studying and studying and studying. Though I am lazy, I still have to put in effort, right? Lol. Group study for finals anyone? =p

DUNK!!

Here is the picture I promised to upload.

How nice. I get the feel of SLAM DUNK!!! =p

Updates

Yes, I know I haven't been here often enough recently, always with long absence in between posts. But, please don't blame me. I am just too busy, and (I must admit) sometimes just too lazy or nothing to post about. Anyway, just some updates in this post, and hopefully I have more time to write something here after that.

First up, Malaysian Night, themed M-Night, is this Saturday at 6.30pm. I am involved in two performances, which are taking up a lot of time recently. What performance you ask? Well, one of it is Chinese Traditional Flag Dance, and the other one is martial arts, or rather a fighting scene. It's the full rehearsel tonight, and hopefully everything turn out as planned.

Well, that is not all for this Saturday. Drake's annual Street Painting is on the afternoon of Saturday! The Malaysian Society actually got a spot on the street to proudly display their name this time around! Cheers to Tony Chang who came up with a brilliant sketch which won us a spot on the famous street. I can't wait to attend the event!

Another piece of update, I actually got an internship! It's a statistical analyst position, which sort of act as a consultant to the company. I am excited and delighted to get the offer, and I can't wait to start work! =p But the scary part, and also the best part of the job, is that decisions will be made based on my work alone, and the cost can run up till half a million! Gosh, I sense a heavy burden coming down on my shoulders, but then again it will be a great achievement for me to actually make decision for projects which involve so much money. Let's hope I do well and gain invaluable experience!

Besides getting an internship, I actually will be moving off campus as well! Yes, I have actually found a place, and I will be staying with my friend. We had a look at the place, and it was wonderful. Things should be settled after Malaysian Night I guess. =p

Alright, I guess that's all for now. I will post videos of my performances and pictures of Malaysian Night when it's over. =)

Movie time!! Gameplan anyone?

Finally there's something for me to blog about. It has been routine and a little mundane recently, besides the gradually improving weather. =p

I finally managed to get to watch the show 'Gameplan' yesterday, at my host family's house. Yeap, I was chilling out in their place yesterday, after being unable to meet them for quite some time. Anyway, time for my usual movie review. =p

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is the star of the movie. In the movie, he is a great football player, American football that is, and a very self centered person. The movie also show cases his well toned body, which surely will make the girls ooohh and aaahh. Out of the blue, his never known existed daughter showed up at his door step.

Unknowingly, the appearance of his daughter changed his life. From being the self centered superstar, he became a caring father. Things that his daughter does managed to open up his eyes and showed him that football isn't everything in this world. It sure looks funny when such a huge and muscular guy give in to an 8-year old girl. What's more, he even did ballet! Amazing.

Well, the usual plot of the story -- caretaker come find his daughter, take her away because his daughter thinks that herself is a distraction to his career, and then they reunite when he's feeling down during the football game. When they reunite they have a dramatic win, and both of them are happy together.

Yeap, that's about the whole story, just that I left out more details such as joke scenes and touching scenes and stuffs like that. I would say this movie score an 8 out of 10. Even though certain part of the story line is quite cliche, they managed to pull it off perfectly. =)

Alright, that's about all for now. Time to bury my head into assignments and studies again. I have yet to get the picture I took in my host parents' house, but I promise you I will upload it once I get it. It's just one picture, but it's one amazing picture. =p Adioz!!

Chicago -- the Windy City

It's spring break, and off I went to the windy city, Chicago. It's a 6 hours drive there from Des Moines, and it was a great relief when we reached Chicago. Stomachs were grumbling because of hunger, joints are sore due to lack of strecthing, and everyone are tired due to the long journey.

Finally, our first meal in Chicago. Comments about that restaurant was pretty convincing, but I must say that it did not live up to expectations. Even those who gave good review was disappointed. Anyway, we made our way to the hotel and recharged our batteries.

Rise early my fellows, our destination will be dim sum at Chinatown! Reluctantly we dragged ourselves up and made our way to the restaurant. The dim sum was quite okay, but if compared to those we get in New York City, it is a mile off from that standard. Anyhow, we head to our next destination -- downtown Chicago for St. Patrick's Parade.

People were everywhere when we reached the area. Every vantage point for a clear sight of the parade were taken. We compensated for it, and can only blame ourselves for not arriving earlier. Anyway, it wasn't all that important. I took pictures of the parade, but then started to get bored, and so we left.

We walked about nearby, visiting the reknown Chicago Bean (it is call some other name, but it is nicknamed Chicago Bean) and also downtown Chicago. We also managed to take some pictures of the river which was dyed green for St. Patrick's Celebration. Authorities claim that they use environmentally friendly dye, but I still can't help thinking what the fishes in the water think! Maybe something like, "Wow! Plenty of algae floating in the water today? Every fish, open your mouths and start eating!" =p

We went back to Chinatown after spending time downtown. Dinner time, which means we are hungry and food will be served soon! We filled up our grumbling stomachs at a seafood restaurant, again claimed to be very nice. It didn't live up to expectation again, and I didn't eat much. Maybe my expectation was to high, but I doubt it.

Karaoke was the next event, and the place for karaoke looks similar to red light area! They even use red lights to illuminate the area! It wasn't too bad, and the bartender aka technician aka 'one man show' was friendly and we did had some fun time there. Suprisingly, one of us was hungry after singing! So supper was up next. We had some food again and head back to the hotel, a journey where everyone except the driver started to doze off.

We slept till the sun was high up in the sky, then headed out in search for korean barbeque. We spent some time getting the address right and the name of the restaurant, but finally our GPS and friend in Des Moines got us to the place. Everyone was very hungry at that time, but there was only one waitress serving three tables! Patience is a virtue, and finally we were rewarded with food to treat our hunger. It was quite nice, but again, I like New York City's korean barbeque better.

We spend some time walking around the korean village, then head back to Chinatown for snooker and pool session. We cancelled the original plan of buffet steak for dinner due to the price and also the mood, and succumb to walking around Chinatown. We end up spliting into a few groups, and I walked with my dear brother. We had char siew and siew yok fan (barbeque pork and roast pork rice) for dinner. The serving was huge, and we had a satisfying meal. We headed back to the hotel, had just a little booze as we planned to play some games that night, but everyone was more interested with those hilarious commercial which the television was airing, and we called it a day after those commercials.

Korean food for brunch the next day, which was the best meal of the trip in my opinion. I spent quite a lot at the korean mart as well, but it was well worth it I must say. A last stop at Chinatown to get more char siew and siew yok and roast duck and also some pastry like egg tarts and buns, we head back to Des Moines. Rainy weather and long journey isn't pleasant, and napping during the journey was the main event.

Back in Des Moines finally, and dinner was great. Kimchi and korean snacks with siew yok and stuffs is a great match. After sleeping on the floor for a few days, my bed couldn't have felt better! =p All in all, I must say Chicago is a nice city. Definitely I will visit Chicago again one day. But to compare it with New York City, I prefer New York City. And for now, back to catching up with studies for the rest of my spring break! Adioz.

Five sites I must visit, tagged.

Since I was being tagged by Jennifer, I guess it would help me kill some time now. =p

The question was what are the five favorite sites that I must visit every day. Hmm... Let me see.

First up, www.gmail.com. Hahahaa... Well, it's the site where I must visit every day, to check my email of course!! In this era, communicating through email is very convenient and important. Don't you think so?

Next, www.facebook.com. Yes, facebook is getting more and more common, and our university's students organization also use facebook to post events and updates!! I also use it to know when are some friend's birthday and stuffs like that. Keeping in touch with friends all over the world through facebook is also easier now!! =p

Another site will be kennysia.com. Don't know what site is that? Look it up. It is arguably the most popular Malaysian blogger's site. His influence is so big that advertisers look for him to promote their stuffs on his blog! He even got all expenses paid trips to places like the Macao hotel which is like 7 stars! All in the name of advertisements. But don't get me wrong, though there are advertisements on his blog, he made it personal, which, I guess, is why people like his blog because we can relate to him. He's so big that he is now one of the judges for the malaysian dreamgirl search currently on going.

I also visit blueview.drake.edu. Yes, you guessed it. It's Drake University's portal, where I get all the information I need about Drake, and access to my Drake's email and stuffs like that. It's boring but a necessity I guess.

Last but not least, myp2p.eu and footytube.com. These two sites are where I get to watch football, where I get to watch Manchester United winning!! =p Yes, I am a football fan, a Manchester United Football Club fan. I just got myself a Christiano Ronaldo jersey!! =p

Alright, that should be the five sites. Though there are other sites I do visit, I guess these five are my highest hit. Anyone who reads this and feels like doing this tag can go ahead and do it. After you do it then let me know, via comments on this post or just a note on the chatterbox at the side of my page. I am interested in knowing what other sites on the Internet is interesting too! Thanks.

Exams and more exams!

Skip this post if you don't want to read about how crappy my exam was!

I just finish my Stats 142 exam today!! How was it you ask? Horrible!! Don't even ask what I wrote on the paper, because I don't even know what I wrote! Yes, it was that bad!

It was an open book and notes exam, yet it was tough enough to make me blank when I received the paper. Sigh!! Although I don't hope it happens, but looks like a C is coming my way again! C'mon, two semester in a row?! You've got to be kidding! =/

And then I received my Mktg 101 paper back from grading. As expected, I didn't do that well. The group work did help me out thankfully. Looks like I need to change my way of studying for this subject already!

Well, two down, two more to go. Acts 150 and Econs 105, I hope you two won't cause me trouble! I don't want to screw another test!! =( No weekend for me!! Studies studies and more studies!! Sigh... What a life!!

Long absence again?

It's been another while since I am here again, how pathetic. I must admit that I do want to always update my blog, but sadly enough there's nothing to update. Every day is just plain routine, every weekend is also mundane.

Yes, there was the Chinese New Year celebration, and it brought me lots of fun and laughter. Bridging the gap with a friend also became fun and routine, and I truly enjoyed it. =) Even though some complications exist in the process, it was eventually sorted out and everything is wonderful again.

What am I crapping now I am not sure also, just that I am clouded by some worries, or rather some thoughts of mine. And it couldn't come at a better time, when there are four test looming over the next two weeks. I couldn't concentrate on the assignment on hand, maybe it's because of what happened yesterday, even though it seems to be clouding my thoughts only.

Yes, I am feeling quite emotional now, and you may hate this post because after a month of absence again, there's an emotional post. I don't want this to happen, but I just can't help it. It's like I am falling into a trap which I know it was there all along. I was warned, yet the bait at the middle of the trap is too tempting for me to try.

What should I do? I don't know. Should I continue to go down this trap? Or should I back out? Will I seem to be a coward and hurt others if I back out suddenly? Why is there so many questions swirling in my head?! I need someone to talk to, yet I still don't know what to say if I face my friend. My friend, my dear friend, come to me! Come help me out of this mess! Sigh...

Spring 2008, new semester!

Heck, it's been a while since I updated here again. I have always been quite occupied with my dragon ball series with studies, so I guess that's the reason why I have not been here. =p

Alright, it's a new semester, and it's time for lecturer's evaluation once again. Lol. But remember, this is just my thoughts, no offence to anyone!

First, I get Prof. Parsa again, this time teaching me Stats 141. Well, same old Prof. Parsa I must say, great guy, nice to talk and joke with, but not a great teacher. I remember someone told me, a smart guy normally is not a great teacher. So my guess is, Prof. Parsa is SMART! =p

Next, Prof. Judd. He's teaching me ACTS 150. He is a good teacher so far. =p I like the way he teaches, try to put logic into those crazy formula. I have a friend who says that as well. Well, let's hope that stays true all semester. =p

My Econs 105 lecturer, Ms. Sunanda Roy, is an Indian, with a very heavy accent. Yes, very HEAVY accent, and I mean it. Well, it's not a bad thing, just that we do have to pay extra attention to catch her words. For example, the word direct, she pronounce it as DEE-RECT. Well, go figure how her class is then. =p

Mr. Hubbard, my Marketing 101 lecturer, is from Newcastle, England. Yes. the land of football, the land of the world famous EPL. He is a nice guy, but I find it amusing when he needs to change his glasses in between reading and looking at us. Besides, he repeats things to make it clear, which a friend of mine did make fun of while gossiping among us. (don't tell me you don't gossip about lecturers at all!) But then again, I think he's a good lecturer. =)

Lastly, my Management 120 lecturer, Mr. Meyer. (if I am not mistaken it is spelled like that!) I think he is a very patient guy, does his stuffs in an orderly manner, and tries very hard to make this night class interesting. It's a 3 hour class, and it's tough trying to keep student's attention throughout the class. To make the matter worse, we are using the computer lab, which means everyone of us have a computer in front of us throughout the class, which is a great temptation for distraction! Lol.

Alright, that's all for my lecturers so far. There's nothing much to do yet, but I am sure there will be loads of assignment coming my way soon! =(

Off topic, the weather is getting warmer now, which is wonderful! Like my friend commented, we finally get to see those grass, which were cover under a blanket of snow for 3 months! I am also in the midst of applying for internship this summer, but unfortunately I have yet to get an interview. =( Let's hope I get at least one soon! *fingers crossed*

My winter break 2007-08

There goes my winter break, four more days and it’s the start of the new semester. How am I feeling now? Well, looking forward for the start of my second semester in Drake, but also wish the holidays could be longer and I have more money to spend! =p

How was New York City? Well, let’s just say first impression does not always show the true side of life. Remember I said I didn’t like the way those yellow cabs fight for customers? Well, that’s my first impression of New York City, and my mind quickly summarized that I don’t like NYC because of the competitive lifestyle. Well, I was dead wrong about NYC!

Here, I met some wonderful people, expanded my friendship and also experience. We can practically get almost everything you want in NYC. Malaysian food? Of course. Asian food? Definitely. American food? Yeah, of course! Mexican? European? Everything is here! Tourist destinations? They have a bunch of it. Jobs? Why would they be shortage of jobs? Yes, it’s that good. No wonder there are ‘I love NY’ merchandise.

Going up to the observation deck of the Empire State Building at sunset was an eye opener; looking at the Manhattan skyline at Liberty Island was wonderful; blurry eyes at Times Square’s famous neon lights was amazing; riding the well layout subway was great. Really, NYC is a place worth visiting.

Food you ask? I finally have taste of Malaysian food! There are no shortages of Korean food, Japanese food, and even home cooked food! Well, I am lucky to have Rachel’s uncle and auntie to take care of our accommodation, and that’s where I got my home cooked food.

NYC is also a shopping heaven. If there’s not enough to shop in NYC, take a train to New Jersey, or better still, Woodbury Premium Outlet at New Jersey. I shopped quite a lot this trip I must say. I finally got my white jeans, which cost me a bomb. But I love it, so I guess it’s a reward for me. =p I even got myself a white beanie, but unfortunately I lost it before I even get back to Des Moines. Lesson learnt I guess. Don’t hold beanie in your hand; wear them on your head!

But I guess the most rewarding gift during this trip is being able to meet some wonderful people and call them my friends. A big thanks to Wesley who brought us around New Jersey and let us have a taste of great Malaysian food. Another thank you goes out to Kay Ying who introduced us to her wonderful friends, and also allows us to stay in the apartment next to Rachel’s uncle’s apartment. She also brought us lots of laughter, and it was quite sad when we sent her off at the airport to Hong Kong.

Of course, thank you to Randy, Fred, and Rachel is a must. Without them, I wouldn’t be visiting NYC. Thank you to other people I have met, which are Wai Yipp, Wendy, Ming Kuan, and Collin. The biggest thank you will be to our dear Paris. Lol. It wouldn’t be so enjoyable if we have not met her. She brought us around, let us bully, and provide loads of laughter and memorable moments. Really, thank you to everyone who made this trip so enjoyable.

If there’s a job offer in NYC in the near future, I will most probably be jumping on the opportunity to go back to NYC again. I love NY!

Ahh... Movies!

It's been a while since I write about movies I watched, so I am going to write about two movies I watched in the recent week. Be warned, spoiler ahead.

First up, Alien vs. Predator: Requim (AVPR). To say it is a totally kick*$$ show will be a lie; to say it is an ultimately lousy show will be a bluff. So, it totally depends on who watch the show. =p I didn't really like the show, but a friend of mine love it. If you are into plain fighting for no reason, this is the show for you; if not, I guess just grab the DVD and watch it at home. I mean, it is pointless to me that only one Predator come to Earth to battle a horde of reproducing ugly Alien just because the Alien infiltrated a Predator ship and crashed it to Earth. Yes, that's pretty much the story. I must say it is a 2 1/2 stars out of 5.

The next movie I watched, which was today, was Alvin and the Chipmunks. You think I watch cartoon? Well, not exactly. It's the same story about three chipmunks who can talk and sing. They happen to come into contact with humans, where the humans exploited their talents. They became rockstars under the care of money minded tycoon, but they quickly became exhausted and realized their first "owner" actually is the one who really treat them as part of the family. Well, this show let us see the up and down of life, as well as the ugly and pretty side of life, and it all ends with a happy ending. It was quite an enjoyable movie I must say, and it is definitely a family movie. Ah, ratings. I would give it a 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Well, so much for me watching movie in New York City. Enjoyable, memorable. Oh, did I tell you watching movie in US is free sitting? First come first serve, no come no serve! =p We walked to the cinema in some freezing wind today, and had a lady who talked to the screen, even at the commercials before the movie! Lol! Nice experience I guess! Adioz...